A Joyful Thanksgiving to you!

Hands down, Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. No strings attached, few expectations, it’s a win-win holiday for every thankful heart.

My dear brother, Roger, is enjoying his first Thanksgiving in heaven, where I expect every day is Thanksgiving. In fact, he was born on Thanksgiving Day in 1940. How perfect!

I rejoice that he is now with our Heavenly Father and enjoying the fellowship of a host of family members.

Life is full of surprises, both welcome and unwelcome. Some, like brain cancer, are 100% unwelcome, and others, like falling in love, bring joy. But each life event comes from the same loving hand of God for those who know Him as Lord and Savior. When I first learned of Roger’s brain cancer a little over a year ago, instantly the Lord reminded me that He doesn’t willingly bring us pain. If He allows it, we can count on his good purpose in it somewhere. I banked on that and it proved true when Roger came to faith in Christ not long before his death.

When you face a crisis, and who doesn’t? Keep in mind your Heavenly Father loves you. You can thank Him now for the outcome even when you can’t see it. I am more convinced than ever of the loving purposes of our Father God, especially this Thanksgiving.

So celebrate with me! Celebrate the mess you are in because it’s temporary. God is leading you through it, as you trust Him. And in every messy story is a joyful one in the making.

This Thanksgiving we are welcoming family and friends with a simple turkey dinner, deep thanks, and high hopes for God’s best will in days to come. I hope you will do the same.

Virelle

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I LOVE Halloween!!!

Not because…of all the kids in their costumes,

Not because…of all the candy which I love,

BUT because…it’s my husband, Steve’s spiritual birthday!

Yes, folks, in 1972 this prayer project finally gave in and received Jesus Christ into his heart. Thanks to a host of praying friends and our amazing pastor, Jan Senneker, whose persistent but gentle questions brought Steve to the entrance to a whole new life. And nothing has ever been the same since!

Do you have a prayer project in your house? Write me and let me know. I’d love to pray for yours, too!

Virelle Kidder

If you are enjoying this blog, won’t you pass it on? Thanks!

Living Again After Loss

Many of my readers have suffered great loss. From you, I hope to receive wise words of encouragement and hope. For all the rest, may you find what you need here as I process the profound loss this summer of my dear brother, Roger, who entered Heaven July 5th after a ten month battle with brain cancer.

When I thought my world would begin to heal, it caved in with grief and depression. I needed medication to help me over the worst. God, in His extreme goodness, gave me months without deadlines and only one speaking engagement, wise and loving prayer partners, and patient friends. Best of all, God gave me a husband who loved my brother also and grieved his absence with me. Together, we are healing. After several years of loss, including all our parents, another precious sister-in-law, aunts and uncles and cousins, our hearts have been broken on this long walk through sorrow. And yet, Jesus accompanies us and teaches us about His comfort and truth along the way. 

For today, I am learning that each day is an experiment in love and trust. Before I even throw my legs over the edge of the bed, I pray, "Here I am, Lord, to live for You today. Show me how to do that well. Help me not dishonor You in any way. Bring glory to Yourself any way you can in my life."

He gives me rest. Almost too much rest. I feel guilty taking naps every day, relaxing with my husband in the evening, cooking as little as I do. And yet, this is the rest He has provided for me. I take it in big gulps every day. It's OK. And I remember with deep thanks the years and memories we shared.

Dr. Roger B. Fransecky

November 22, 1940 - July 5, 2013