All saints day celebrated

"and provide for those who grieve in Zion--to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair."  Isaiah 61:3a

Today is the day a lot of churches will be celebrating All Saints Day, which was actually Friday, so we can remember our loved ones who are now with the Saints.  Many churches celebrate the members who have died in the last year.  Some remember the recent (last year) AND those loved who have been gone longer.  ALL of us can remember the members of our families who have "gone before us."  It is a good time to celebrate, usually with Communion, their lives and that they are no longer in pain, sick or any of the other things that might have been happening when they died.

​It is a special day to celebrate as we think of God being with us through the changes and challenges.  It is a time we can remember "those who grieve" and help them (an us) to have the "oil of joy" God gives.  It is a time to remember our loved ones ARE with God.

Dad, "my" person I was primary caregiver for, died 11 years ago Thursday (Oct. 31st).  He was with the "Saints" for All Saints Day and no longer in pain.  Today I can remember, and celebrate, but I can also feel God's "oil of joy" and "garment of praise."  I can laugh.....instead of screaming or crying.  My prayer is you are also able to feel God's joy AND peace.  Something to think about......