Celebrating Life and a Spirit of Gratitiude

This past weekend we traveled to Dayton to celebrate the life of Maria's grandpa, Bill Wynn.   He lived an amazing life of 88 years, enjoyed 63 years of marriage, had 2 daughters, 16 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, with two more on the way.   And while there was grieving, tears, and a sense of loss, there was throughout the family a sense of thankfulness.   Whether it was memories from long ago or more recent, there was so much to be thankful for.

Overwhelmingly everyone was so appreciative of the opportunity to go to the Outer Banks (33 of us total) this past June.   It was one last time for all of Maria's family to celebrate a week together with Grandpa.   In fact it was amazing that God blessed us with this last opportunity.   Grandpa had a mild heart attack earlier in the spring and was able to recover enough to join us.

Grandpa and Grandma Wynn surrounded by 31 family members including great-grandchildren.

We are thankful that we had the opportunity to travel to be with family and to celebrate Grandpa's life.  Had he passed six months from now, we probably would have been out of the country.  We were blessed to see family that we hadn't seen in years.

When FMC sent us our acceptance letter, they included a document titled "Have a Missionary Heart."   Their first recommendation comes from 1 Thessalonians 5:18, "In all things give thanks."   This is not easy.   But as people of faith, we recognize that God and His grace is always present.   In all things and in all situations.   That whatever comes... loss, tragedy, frustrations, hardships, suffering, God is there.   He is present, with His arm wrapped around us, in the agony of the gardens in our lives.   As it says in Psalm 138, "Lord, on the day I called for help, you answered me."   Again in Romans 8:28, "We know that all things work for good for those who love God."   God loves us enough to be with us, by our side, even in the darkest hours of our lives.

For those who are in WNY, we want to invite you to come and celebrate God's love for us, for the blessings He has poured out upon us, and for His companionship with us even in our struggles.  On Wednesday, August 10 from 7pm- 8pm there will be a Night of Praise and Worship sponsored by the 4:30 Worship Team at St. Gregory the Great Parish.   It is an evening to worship our God for all the blessings He has given us.   We will take some time to share some of the amazing ways we have seen God working our lives as well as others.   God is so good!   There will be a reception afterwards in Gathering Room 2.   There will be a free will offering available in the back of the church.   But a donation is not required to join us.