I am always saddened to learn of the death of people who have touched my life. Today I read in the online newspaper nearest to my hometown in central PA, of the passing of a former resident of the nursing home where I was employed for 3 years.

A daughter and son-in-law of this lovely resident contributed greatly through their volunteer efforts to the activity department of this nursing home where I served as the Activity Director. I will be eternally grateful for the support and assistance that this couple offered while their mother was a resident in this facility and I will be praying for this couple during the next few difficult days. My life was deeply touched by the sweet and gentle spirit of this dear woman who recently passed away. While a resident of the long term care facility where I worked, this dear woman became ever more effected by symptoms of dementia, thus often displaying a childlike and simple joy of life and often delighting in response to issues, fears and concerns that caused others to stress! There were times when I recall this resident simply smiling from ear to ear as she giggled with sheer joy. I was blessed many times over by her sweet presence.

As the end of this life comes to yet another soul to whom I had opportunity to share God's love and Truth with, I am profoundly reminded of the urgent and dire need for all Christians to truly LIVE OUT Christ's love. My pastor just mentioned within the last few weeks of the need for Christians to not just TALK THE TALK, but to WALK THE WALK!

There are so many opportunities to share Christ that I miss on a daily basis; either by stubbornly and selfishly refusing to set my own life aside, or by being too busy to hear and recognize the nudges of the Holy Spirit. No matter the reason, the blame is upon ME and I will need to answer someday as I stand before the throne of God.

I am THANKFUL that every day in Christ is NEW and full of HOPE. God graciously forgives our confessed and repented sin and gives us every new day for renewed comittment and dedication... to love Christ and to love others as He loved, and to serve others with a sacrificial heart.

I pray for a deeper level of commitment in my life so that I will be unashamed of the Gospel of Christ and unhindered as I boldly demonstrate Christ's love to others!