By: Crystal Jones | Alva Church of God
Sometimes, we need to be reminded just how much He loves us and is with us during the most difficult times in our lives. When the unexpected phone call occurs, the negative medical report, when the rug has been yanked out from under our feet when our foundation is shaken to the core… God will never leave us! He is always our foundational support. The past few weeks and months have brought the loss of childhood friends, the loss of cherished loved ones, several of my husband’s college friends, and former co-workers who were more like family. Loss is never easy, whether it is expected or unexpected. We may think we are prepared for “that time,” yet we are never fully prepared. There is one certainty—when life on earth has ended we can be prepared for the future in the presence of Christ, truly. May our life journey be concentrated on preparing for that blessed Heavenly journey. May you wrap your arms around the ones you love, look them in the eyes, and tell them how much you treasure them. May you look around, take notice, and give thanks for all the blessings you’d miss if they went away tomorrow. When you’re tempted to indulge in melancholy or discontentment, may you instead look up, raise your head, lift your hands, and thank God for His daily and divine intervention in your life. May you be humble in gratitude. May that gratitude give you unprecedented spiritual insight into who He really is. Don’t lose focus. Don’t lose hope. Always remember, your STORY is still being written.
I had a passion for sharing the goodness of God, which began my writing devotionals many years ago. I began sharing daily devotionals and words of encouragement on social media platforms. This led to a good friend sharing with her publisher, and the rest is history. I have always believed, and even shared, that our footsteps are always ordered by our Lord. I am a blessed wife, mama, and Nana. My husband and I have the distinct privilege and honor of currently pastoring the Alva Church of God in Alva, FL. We have pastored in Kentucky, Virginia, and Florida. My book, “Always Remember, Your Story is Still Being Written”, can be purchased from Amazon.com, Barnes&Noble.com, and Bookstore.com. If you would like a personalized, signed copy, please email me at gilpingirl1203@gmail.com or follow me on Facebook and Instagram as Crystal Gilpin Jones.
Alva Church of God service times: Sundays at 10:30 am, with Sunday School at 9:30 am, and Wednesdays at 7 pm. Facebook: Alva Church of God Alva, FL
