A letter from dad

 

I have an old email account (it's actually the first email account I ever had. My dad made it for me when we first got dial up AOL when I was in high school). I have saved a few old emails there that I couldn't bear to delete. I recently went through them and found this incredible letter my dad sent out to his congregation the month before he passed away. I was so encouraged by it and I love that seven years later my dad is still the example I look up to. 

"I enjoyed the privilege in recent days of the company of my parents and my sister and brother-in-law.  My sister, Janice, is an anointed musician and worship leader.  Together, we reminisced about the great songs that have blessed and inspired us over the years.  We both agreed that one of the most outstanding was written and performed by Andre Crouch.  The name of the song is, "Through It All."  As I have now entered home based Hospice Care, this song has once again resounded strongly in my spirit.  You may well appreciate and remember it.  But, no matter what you are going through in your life right now, may you know Christ's amazing grace as you go through the trials of life.  Every trial brings a lesson in Faith that instills new spiritual growth.  God is teaching me much in this season of my life and I know that the lessons have eternal significance.  I intend to stay focused on my calling and purpose for living no matter what.  Below, are the words of the song.  May they bless you anew this day.

 

Thank you once again for your prayers on our behalf.

 

Pastor Dennis Kingsland

 

 Through It All

 Verse 1          I've had many tears and sorrows;

                        I've had questions for tomorrow;

                        There've been times I didn't know right from wrong.

                        But in every situation

                        God gave blessed consolation

                        That my trials come to only make me strong.

Chorus          Through it all, through it all,

                        (Oh,) I've learned to trust in Jesus;

                        I've learned to trust in God.

                        Through it all, through it all,

                        I've learned to depend upon His Word.

Verse 2          I thank God for the mountains

                        And I thank Him for the valleys;

                        I thank Him for the storms He brought me through;

                        For if I'd never had a problem,

                        I wouldn't know that He could solve them;

                        I'd never know what faith in God could do."