But God gives healing and joy!

Malachi 3:16-4:2 Then those who feared the Lord spoke with each other, and the Lord listened to what they said. In his presence, a scroll of remembrance was written to record the names of those who feared him and always thought about the honor of his name. “They will be my people,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. “On the day when I act in judgment, they will be my own special treasure. . . The day of judgment is coming. But for you who fear my name, the Sun of Righteousness will rise with healing in his wings. And you will go free, leaping with joy like calves let out to pasture.”

Joy.

When Karis was born on this day, May 5, 37 years ago, we chose “Joy” for her middle name with no idea how much joy she would pour into our lives and the world around her. She had a gift for finding and sharing joy.

Since a picture is worth a thousand words, I invite you to celebrate her birthday with us through this slide show, which Valerie put together for her memorial service in 2014.

For the joy of the Lord is your strength (Nehemiah 8:10).

But those who die in the Lord will live; their bodies will rise again! Those who sleep in the earth will rise up and sing for joy! For your life-giving light will fall like dew on your people in the place of the dead! (Isaiah 26:19).

Be glad and rejoice with all your heart . . . For the Lord your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs (Zephaniah 3:14, 17).