Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 ESV
Rejoicing, praying, and giving thanks put the circumstances of our lives, both good and bad into God’s hands and help us see them through His eyes. Last night our beloved daughter-in-law Melinda slipped from this world into the presence of Jesus. And while we are overwhelmed with grief and shock, these words are promises to which we cling. Melinda has finished her race. Her battle with cancer is finished. And while that pernicious disease claimed her physical life, it could not touch her soul. That remained fully and exclusively in the hands of Jesus with whom she now lives. Nancy and I didn’t know how to process the news that came in three words. “She is gone.” Yet as sadness rolls over my heart I sense the message echo back from Heaven, ” She has arrived!”
praise2worshipdotnet 
Oh Pete and Nancy, I am so sad to hear this news. We sorrow with you and all your family at this time. I had felt impressed that something was going on and so I have been praying often when Melinda would cross my mind. I will continue those prayers for each of you.
>
Thank you Patty. We appreciate all the many who have prayed and supported our family through this. I pray for special blessings to you all.
What a wonderful perspective! Wonderful Jesus!
I am so sorry for your loss. I read your devotions often and find inspiration in your words. I hope you find peace and comfort at this time.
Thank you,
Reid
Thank you so much Reid. God bless
I too am so sorry your family must cope with this painful loss of your daughter-in-law. I pray God’s peace, strength, and comfort upon you all.
Thank you so much Nancy. We appreciate all the prayers.
I am so sorry for your loss. May the Lord comfort you and your family.
Thank you Cindy
I am so deeply sorry, my precious brother. I mourn with you and your family. May Jesus hold you so close in His bosom and manifest Himself to you as the Gd of all comfort. May He strengthen you with His love and bring healing to Your hearts by His supernatural peace.
Thank you so much Jennifer. We appreciate your blessing and prayers.
She has indeed arrived, and a wonderful heavenly reunion for many “down here” who love her awaits a greater day!
I am truly sorry for your loss. My foster daughter is struggling w/ cancer. Your daughter-in-law is now beyond pain and tears. And, as a Christian, you have the great consolation that you will see her again.
Thank you Anna. Someone shared with me last week those verses from Thessalonians and I noticed something else. Jesus is bringing them with Him to meet us! What a comfort to see Him holding there hands and leading them to us.
Dear Pastor Pete,
My heart breaks for you and your family’s loss and you are in my prayers. I love that the joy of what your precious daughter-in-law is experiencing continually, communion with Jesus Christ, is what is bringing you all comfort in letting her go. May the Lord Jesus Christ carry you all in His arms.
Blessings,
Hope
PS. I’ve tried to leave a comment 3xs now. If you receive multiple please just delete the extra ones. Thanks.
O thank you Hope. It has now been just over a year since Melinda went to be with Jesus. Last week would have been their anniversary, but our son is holding up well, trusting the Lord that He has a plan. Communicating over WordPress can be glitchy. Thank you for you concern.
Since I’m doing this on my phone over the app, it’s probably user error! Thank you for letting me know this isn’t a fresh loss, but I know the hearts who loved her will continue to miss her. Blessings to you, Pastor Pete.
I’d like to extend my condolences. I know that I found the first anniversary of the passing of a loved one difficult.
Thanl you Sheryl. I appreciate your thoughts and have been constantly amazed at the longevity of this post from over a year ago. I guess that facing such unexpected loss along with the changing all our hopes and dreams is something so many of us share. How grateful I am that each time tears fight to come to the surface, God reminds me that He knows, cares more than any of us and remains at the wheel of our ship of life.