Gloryland~

Dear DEVO readers,

On August 18, 2017 my dear sweet friend, TLV, sent me a text that her battle with cancer was effectively  over.  No more treatment, no more struggling, no more fighting.  Finally, after more than 20 years of surgeries, hair loss, remission then recurrence, remission then recurrence... it looked as though God was saying, "Enough! It's time to come home!" And yesterday, September 20, 2017, TLV went to Heaven.

In my mind, earth could have used her presence more so than glory. 

She was incredibly kind, sweet, selfless, and uncomplaining.  I first met her more than 25 years ago when our sons played Little League Baseball together, and I recall telling my husband that she was impossibly nice - that no one could be that loving all the time.  I WAS WRONG! In fact, over the years TLV's life has been a source of constant conversation in our household. 

"Can you believe she would take the time to write me a card for my birthday while she is in the hospital?"

"How is it possible that she found time to send me a beautiful book of prayers while she is preparing for yet another surgery?"

"Look at this encouraging email TLV sent. Isn't she in the middle of chemo right now?

Thoughtful gesture after thoughtful gesture is what defined her life, and I imagine that living before the throne of God in constant prayer has something to do with that.  She was the very definition of what a PRAYER WARRIOR is, and I owe a great deal to her.  She, more than anyone else on this planet, is responsible for teaching me the importance of prayer, and this is why I focus so much on this topic when I write these DEVOs. 

TLV gave me my first-ever copy of The Power of a Praying Parent over 16 years ago, and it changed my life! The impact has been so profound that those of you who know me know I regularly give copies of this book away myself knowing it will bring so many blessings to families. 

In closing, I want to share the last text she sent me:

"I appreciate your prayers and love and friendship, and I just wanted to let you know that Jesus is always on the throne, and I have total peace.  The Lord's timing is always perfect, and I am ready. I want to go to Gloryland."

What a beautiful testimony! Notice how she doesn't claim to have any answers, nor does she ask, "Why?"  She simply expresses an unshakeable trust in the Lord.  Amen~

Let us pray today the inscription she wrote in one of the books she gave me.