Skip to main content

A Young Life Lived Well


This past Sunday evening, the world lost a beautiful life.



In just 18 short years of life, Clari de la Cruz did more and served more than most people ever do. She loved with a passion. She was full of joy and encouragement. She could welcome and engage anyone. And she served her Lord with all of her heart.

She served others constantly -- whether here, in Kentucky, in Honduras -- without asking or expected to be served. She loved her family deeply and had a sweet relationship with her mom.

I pray that my children grow up to be as loving, serving, caring, and welcoming as Clari. I pray that my children would hold on strong to their faith and their values, just as Clari always did. I pray that my children would put their faith into action they way Clari ministered to those less fortunate. Clari was an amazing young woman, gone all too soon, and we miss her greatly.

I'm so thankful that Clari knew and loved her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I'm thankful that she is no longer hurting or suffering, but that she is in heaven dancing with Jesus. I'm thankful that, as Christians, we have the assurance that this life is not all there is. "But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God." (John 1:12). I'm thankful that I will see you again my friend.

I imagine that as soon as Clari passed from this life to the next, she ran with utter abandon toward Jesus, threw herself into his arms, and as he hugged and twirled her around, he whispered in her ear, "Well done, my good and faithful servant!"

Comments

Craig Gunty said…
Very well written, thank you for those comforting words.
11:21 PM
Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

We Have a Date!

The wedding date is set: Friday, March 2. I've already booked our church, our pastor, and the reception hall. Whew. I've been busy. Luckily, I already knew where I wanted the reception to be held and since I'm doing a Friday evening, it was easier to book the reception hall. My mom, Kara (my sister and matron-of-honor), and I are looking at dresses this Saturday. How fun! I already found one that I REALLY like online at David's Bridal. So, we are heading there first on Saturday. Jess bought me a wedding planning book -- wow! I had no idea that there were so many things to do! Plus, most people start almost a year in advance and I'm doing it in six months. Oh well. The work is well worth the short wait. So, how am I doing with posting so far? Look, Amanda, two blogs in one week! You must be proud of me. Still no pictures as Walter has been out of town and I don't have a camera. Hopefully, I will have some for you soon.
5 comments
Read more

Lessons I've Learned in Marriage

Yesterday my husband and I celebrated our 14th wedding anniversary! I'm so thankful for my wonderful husband and God's faithfulness throughout our marriage. To find someone to love and loves you back is truly an amazing thing -- especially when he chooses to love you even at your worst. As in all marriages, there are highs and lows. I wouldn't change a single second of it for I have grown as a person and in my faith through our relationship. However, I wanted to share with you two lessons that I have learned in my marriage: 1. He shouldn't be my everything . Walter is my best friend, my confidant, and I love just being in the same room as him. It's romantic to say that "he's my everything" (which in many ways he is), however, I don't expect him to be my everything. It's an unfair pressure to put on him. My husband needs to be able to hang with his friends and talk with them without constantly worrying about me. And I need to have people that I...
Post a Comment
Read more

Honestly...

I've been thinking a lot about honesty lately, specifically in relationships. For the most part, I consider myself an honest person. When I worked in retail, my customers appreciated that I would give them honest feedback and let them know if something worked for them, instead of just trying to make a sale. I joke around that if you give me a just a little alcohol, you will be sure to know my opinions about any and everything. ;) However, when it comes to people who are close to me, I have a harder time being honest. I can be honest when it doesn't matter -- even when it is with people I consider my friends. I think because there isn't as much at stake -- if they judge me, get mad, or walk away, it doesn't really matter. I know that I was honest and I can move on in my life.  However, with those closest to me, I'm careful to keep things close to me and compartmentalize instead to sharing how I honestly feel. There's way more at stake. Yes, I know that the people...
Post a Comment
Read more