I dedicate this letter to my father-in-law who passed away on January 19, 2026.

On January 19, while in South Carolina, Cherie received a phone call from her sister-in-law Merrilee that her dad had had a heart attack and was being taken to the hospital. He had collapsed at Home Depot after picking up some things for a home project.

Immediately our focus became getting Cherie back to Pennsylvania as quickly as possible. She looked online for flights and could see some that were leaving in a few hours, but technical difficulties made it impossible for her to book her flight online. She packed as quickly as she could in faith that she would be able to get on an airplane that night. We jumped in the car and drove to the airport, and finally, just as we were pulling up to the drop-off zone, the website allowed her to book her ticket. As I stopped the car to let her out, I heard God speak to me clearly within my spirit, “He’s OK.” We said our good-byes and Cherie was on her way.

A short time later, she called me to tell me the sad news that Dad had passed away. I felt like the wind was knocked out of me. I went before the Lord. “I know I heard You clearly. You said, ‘He’s OK.’” I didn’t understand. I called my spiritual parents, Kenneth and Phillis, for counsel. When I hung up the phone, my heart understood. “He’s OK. Your father-in-law is in heaven.”

Let me tell you a little bit about how I experienced Dad. He never said no to anyone who needed help. He was very supportive. He was secure with who he was and had a strong character. His brain was like a computer. His knowledge and understanding were far beyond average – so much so that I didn’t understand how he could relate to me. But he did. He always found a way to have a conversation with me, and at times they would be lengthy. In our conversations, depending on the topic at hand, he would be either a friend or a father to me.

In our last house, Dad helped with electrical work and A LOT of painting, and in working together, we shared a lot of laughs. He joked with me once, “If you could paint better, I wouldn’t have to work so hard!” And I joked right back, “I’m going to start wearing a back brace because you’re getting too heavy to carry!” I can still remember how Dad’s laughter echoed through the house.

In the time we spent together, through our conversations and laughter, doors were opened with each other. We could be ourselves and just enjoy each other with no fear of judgment. We were two very different people, but somehow we found tremendous common ground. I could go on with more good times we shared, and I’m sure after this letter goes out, I will wish I would have written about other fond memories with him.

Dad left this earth quickly. Too quickly. Yes, he had been dealing with some heart issues, but no one expected this. Even that day, Mom has told us how good and healthy he looked. Things like this remind us just how short life is and how quickly it can be taken from us.

With that in mind, indulge me as I speak what the Lord has laid on my heart.

To those of you with unsaved loved ones, do not give up on their salvation. There are some who judge their unsaved loved ones instead of praying and loving them into the Kingdom. God’s heart is for us all and ours should be, too. If you find you speak negative words against an unsaved person (“They’ll always be like that,” or “They’ll never change,”), STOP (Proverbs 18:2). Our words have power (James 3:4-5). Start speaking life into their salvation (Romans 4:17b). You don’t know how God may be dealing with that loved one. And nothing – NOTHING – is impossible with God (Luke 1:37).

And to all of us – are you ready for heaven if today is your last day on earth? Dad did not expect to die when he made his trip to Home Depot. We never know when our life may be required of us. Does your life belong to God? Believing in God is not enough. Even the demons believe… and shudder! (James 2:19). We need to submit to Jesus as our Lord AND Savior (Romans 10:9-10). I urge you to get yourself right with God today.

God is alive and well and moving in the earth. Get on board and be a part of it. There’s no better place to be. Receive a heavenly peace knowing where you are going. Be confident in knowing where your home is in eternity.

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Fools find no pleasure in understanding but delight in airing their own opinions.

Proverbs 18:2 NIV

Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark.

James 3:4-5 NIV

… the God who gives life to the dead and calls into being things that were not.

Romans 4:17b NKJV

For with God nothing will be impossible.

Luke 1:37 NKJV

You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that- and shudder.

James 2:19 NIV

If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.

Romans 10:9-10 NIV