Last night my parent's received a call from the Russman family that Mary was in her final hours here on earth. She is soon to be with her Creator! A bittersweet moment for sure, but those that know Mary... you know she is a fighter. Over the last two years she has battled a few different types of leukemia. She has remained full of faith, positive, strong, AMAZING in the midst of it all. I have learned so much from her as she stood strong on God's word throughout it all.

Sundays were always a treasure for me. Mary would come to second service and sit in her chair in the back. Every week I watched her worship our creator with all of the strength her physical body had. In the midst of the pain, she had the brightest smile that would immediately change your day! It was the type of smile that was contagious... Her entire face would radiate with joy and her eyes had a sparkle that never faded.

I may not know Mary on the deep level that some in the church do, but I do know she is incredible and I will miss her! Mary lived her life according to Philippians 3:14... I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus... So she could claim 2 Timothy 4:7 in the end... I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith... Her fight taught me so many valuable lessons that I will never forget.

Today - I am choosing to press toward the goal. Fight the fight of faith. God has called me to greater things than what the ways of the world can offer. I have been abundantly blessed in my life with WAY more than what I deserve. I am going to embrace it and appreciate all that He has given me!