Today, we lost our grandmother Coffey.

Roller and coaster are the only two words I have to try to describe the last year. God has blessed us over and abundantly, and yet we have taken a few substantial blows this year... I understand that life doesn’t always make sense and some days are going to be bad days and others good, but at this point it is simply time for a new season. Ecclesiastes 3:1 says that “To everything there is a season, a time to every purpose under the heaven: a time to be born,  a time to die, a time  to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted; A time to kill, and a time to heal, a time to break down, and a time to build up; A time to weep, and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance” As a family, we have no choice but to stand and believe that this time will prove to be a testament of our faith. Yes, I can hope that all of this is leading to a really big blessing somewhere along the way; however, the reality for us is that we now have a mother who lost her mother less than a year ago and a father who just lost the mother he adored.

For anyone sorting through the emotions of losing a loved one, cling to God and your faith and allow Him be your support system. He is bigger than even the greatest pain, and His love is more than we could ever imagine.

Verses to carry you through:

Psalms 31:9 Oh Lord have mercy on me in my anguish. My eyes are red from weeping; my health is broken from sorrow.

Proverbs 3:6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.

Psalm 46:1 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in times of trouble.

Psalms 147:3 He heals the broken heartened, binding up their wounds.

Jeremiah 31:13 I will turn their mourning into gladness. I will give them comfort and joy instead of sorrow.

John 14:27 I am leaving you with a gift-peace of mind and heart! And the peace I give is not fragile like the peace the world gives. So don't be troubled or afraid.

My humble advice is to take the time you need to mourn and then channel that energy into something positive. Claim control over your emotions and your circumstances and do something incredible! Volunteer in your community, create a charity, open the bakery you always wanted, start saving, set goals and take that trip to Greece. Life is precious and God is good, so go! You can do it.

Standing and believing,

Chelsea

In loving memory of Emma Jean Coffey: July 20, 1933 - April 12, 2012