The Candles

As we gathered around the dinner table Christmas Eve, we lit a candle in rememberance of family and friends that God had chosen to be with Him this year. There was a candle for John's dad, David Neal Hurst who passed away on May 9th; a candle for Rod's father - James Earl Laughlin...who went quickly on May 14th; a candle for our 17 year old friend Erin Sullivan who on May 31st spent her last day on earth; and a candle for my sweet, sweet Grandma Edgcombe who went to heaven on June 20th just weeks before her 97th birthday.
The flames from the candles flickered and we drew comfort from the light as we remembered the lives and memories they represented. We rejoiced knowing that each one of our loved ones had been given the gift of eternal life based on their belief in Jesus Chirst as their savior.
After we finished our meal and the leftovers were put away, I made a point to tell Kregg that we did not want to light a candle for him next year. With much conviction he said, "Don't worry. I'll be here." His emphatic response surprised me a bit, but then I remembered Psalm 23:4 - " Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; and your rod and your staff, they comfort me."  Kregg demonstrates hope, courage, peace and faith through his journey with cancer...his shadow of death. Psalm 23:4 abounds with assurance of God's guidance and protection... not only for Kregg but for all of us.

Christmas Eve 2009, Kris Miller, Sue Hurst, Kelly Laughlin, and Kregg Miller