i googled 'death quotations', thinking that i shd find a profound saying by some famous dude to begin this post. but instead, look at what i found-

For everything there is a season,
And a time for every matter under heaven:
A time to be born, and a time to die;
A time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted;
A time to kill, and a time to heal;
A time to break down, and a time to build up;
A time to weep, and a time to laugh;
A time to mourn, and a time to dance;
A time to throw away stones, and a time to gather stones together;
A time to embrace, And a time to refrain from embracing;
A time to seek, and a time to lose;
A time to keep, and a time to throw away;
A time to tear, and a time to sew;
A time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
A time to love, and a time to hate,
A time for war, and a time for peace.

- Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

its funny how i forgot to turn to the most obvious source of wisdom - God's Word.

Aunty Nelly passed away today. as i sit and let the reality of this sink in, there is a tinge of sadness in my heart, but it hasnt overwhelmed me, and i dont think it will. she was so lovely. she always smiled, gave us hugs and encouragement. she was faithful and diligent in seeking knowledge of the Word of God. when the cancer spread and she was suffering, getting weaker by the minute, she held on tight to faith, to prayer, to the Lord.

i came before the Lord tonight to say thank You for bringing her back to His side. to a place where there is no heartache, no pain, no suffering.

i havent been entirely diligent in my reading of the Lord's Word these past couple of days. thank God for the people He brought into my life to encourage me and support me. Matthew 16:24 was on my mind tonight -

Jesus said "if anyone desires to come after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross and follow Me."

following is a daily process. Aunty Nelly exemplified that with her perseverance and her love. her gentleness and diligence. her humility and grace. so as i learn these lessons for myself, i thank God for bringing her into our lives (everyone at Bethany - all who agree say AYE!). thank You Lord for the blessing of this wonderful woman of Yours and we know You're taking good care of her right now. (: