Even when life hurts, God is good

This month's newsletter was delayed due to the preparation of my beloved father Leland Jacobs' memorial service. It was a wonderful celebration of a life well lived. I was so very fortunate to live close to my parents which allowed us to spend time together during my Dad's physical challenges. Through it all, I had some amazing encounters with the Holy Spirit that I feel very compelled to share. 

On two occasions in the early morning just as I was waking up, I encountered such a beautiful aroma that only lasted a few seconds. It was a sweet combination of orange, honey and vanilla. Initially, I thought it was random, but it happened a third time when my Dad and I were having a sweet moment while we were laughing at my Mom. The aroma of honey was so strong, I just knew it was the Holy Spirit. 

I truly believe it was the Holy Spirit reminding me that he is with us. We faced some very hard decisions as a family, but through it all, we walked in such supernatural peace and strength. I can look back now with such clarity and I know that Jesus was reminding me that he will never leave our side.

When life gets hard and you grow weary, God is still good.  When a loved one goes home to be with the Lord and your heart is breaking, God is still good. Jesus told us "don't let your hearts be trouble", he has overcome the world and so can we.

Here are some scriptures to remind you the goodness of God:

Psalm 13:6
I will sing the Lord’s praise, for he has been good to me.

Micah 6:82
And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.

Psalm 23:6
Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

Psalm 86:5
You, Lord, are forgiving and good, abounding in love to all who call to you.

Corinthians 9:8
He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.

Psalm 145:9
The Lord is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made.

One more amazing blessing happened at my father's memorial service. My Mom had requested two songs that she wanted in the slide presentation that we were putting together. The two songs were One Moment In Time and Wind Beneath My Wings.  As much as I like those songs, they are heavy and emotional.  I really wanted to create a joyful mood and celebrate my Dad's life. I chose not to use those songs against my mother's wishes. Then God had a dear friend come up and share a few memories of my Dad and before she finished she began to sing the final chorus to Wind Beneath My Wings. God is so amazing! Leave it up to God, he'll make sure every detail is handled.

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