Pastor's Note - December 9 
Thanks to all who have been praying for us. Miscarriages are difficult, but not uncommon, and we have had much opportunity to talk to a number of you who have had similar experiences. I’ve been reminded once again what a privilege it is to be a part of the church, and to belong to a church that walks with one another with love and care. God is good in equipping us to help one another. In that spirt, I wanted to pass along some helpful words I stumbled upon. Dave Harvey, who has long served as a pastor, author, and ministry leader, recently and tragically lost his daughter. Obviously he is in great pain and grief, but is walking through that with faith given by the grace of God. As he’s been grieving he shared a couple thoughts, that I think may be helpful to others who are grieving. These are simply things he wants to do, and thoughts and attitudes he wants to maintain, in his season of grieving. I don’t share these as a command of what others must do in their pain. I simply share them in case you find yourself grieving in some way and these thoughts are helpful. That said, here are some personal thoughts on Dave Harvey in his grief over his daughter:
- I want to suspend judgement on why God took our beloved daughter until the day I can ask him face to face. (Psalm 131; Prov. 3: 5; 1 Cor 13: 12)
- I want to talk honestly about how I feel with trusted people who I know can help me. (Psalm 142; 2 Cor. 1: 3-5; Gal. 6: 2)
- I want to seek comfort in God and his Word more than I seek the distraction of screen-time, social media or sleep. (Psalm 1: 1-3; Heb. 4:12)
- I want to resist self-pity (the black hole of loss) and grieve in view of God’s goodness. (Psalm 23; 46; 103; Matt. 11: 29-30; Rom. 8:28)
- I want to ask God to give me the resilience and renewal I need to care for my family well. (Joshua 1: 1-9; Is. 40: 27-31; Gal. 6:9)
- I want to use this season as an opportunity to freshly examine what kind of life and witness I want to leave behind. (Psalm 90: 1-12; Psalm 139: 23-24; Phil. 3: 7-15)