DEAR GOD: Thank You For Jennifer – A Light That Still Shines~

member profile

🌟 In Loving Memory of Jennifer Woodley


A Woman of the Word, A Light to the World

Jennifer Woodley was more than a wife, mother, grandmother, chaplain, daughter, sibling, and friend—she was a Godly woman, radiant with the love of the Lord. Her life was a living testimony to the power of scripture, not merely studied but embodied in every breath, every word, every act of compassion.

Across oceans and time zones, her presence was felt—warm, wise, and unwavering. She was a spiritual mentor whose encouragement reached far beyond her physical reach. Her charm, wit, grace, and vibrance were unmistakable, yet it was her gentle strength and deep faith that made her unforgettable.


📖 A Heart Anchored in the Word

Jennifer’s love for God was the heartbeat of her life. She delighted in the Word—not just reading it, but diving deep, mining its truths, and allowing it to shape her every thought and action. Scripture was her compass, her comfort, and her joy. She often said that the Bible was not just a book—it was her lifeline, her daily bread, her source of wisdom and peace.

She didn’t keep this treasure to herself. As a school chaplain, Jennifer poured out her love for God into the hearts of children. She taught them not only Bible stories, but how to walk with Jesus, how to pray, how to listen for His voice. Her classroom was a sanctuary, her presence a reflection of Christ’s gentleness and joy. Children gravitated toward her because they sensed something holy, something safe, something real.


🤝 A Life of Fellowship and Humility

Jennifer loved fellowshipping about God every chance she got. Whether in church, over tea, or through messages across the ocean, she was always ready to speak of His goodness. Her conversations were rich with scripture, layered with grace, and filled with encouragement. She never sought attention or accolades—she simply wanted to glorify the Lord and uplift others.

Her humility was striking. Though she was wise, articulate, and spiritually mature, she carried herself with a pristine gentleness. She never boasted, never demanded, never judged. She lived with quiet dignity, always pointing others to Jesus rather than herself. Her life was a sermon—unspoken but unmistakable.


🌈 A Crown Well Earned

Even as she faced medical challenges, Jennifer never complained. She bore her suffering with grace, always giving glory to God.

She clung to the promise of Romans 8:18: –“I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.”

And she lived by the hope of 2 Corinthians 4:17: –“For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.”

Now, Jennifer has received her crown of righteousness, as promised in 2 Timothy 4:7–8: I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness…”


🙏 A Prayer of Thanks

“LORD, we thank You for the life of Jennifer Woodley—a woman whose heart- beat in rhythm with Yours. Thank You for the wisdom she shared, the comfort she gave, and the light she carried. We are grateful for her friendship, her mentorship, and her unwavering faith.

Thank You for the children she nurtured, the friends she encouraged, and the Word she lived so beautifully. May her legacy continue to inspire us to live boldly for You. May her crown shine as a testimony to a race well run. And may we, one day, rejoice with her in eternal glory.

Until we meet again, dear Jennifer—rest in the arms of the Savior you loved so deeply. You are missed, cherished, and celebrated, always.

Enjoy the feast with the Lamb – you earned your crown my dear friend – and humble servant of the LORD.

In Jesus name, Amen.

On a personal note –
Jennifer, I know you are in the Presence of the One you loved so deeply, reaping the eternal rewards of a life well lived. I am happy and celebrate you going home in glory, but I miss you already.
I will miss our weekly emails that made me laugh and smile so wide. I will miss your wisdom and unparalleled wisdom in the LORD and scripture.
I will miss your encouragement, your compassion and your valued input and insight. Sunday’s will never quite be the same without your email from Australia sitting in my mailbox. But I am so grateful that God gave me such a gift as your friendship for 15 years. I was blessed and honored to have known you. Losing a loved one is hard, and losing such a close friend hurts to the core, but brings me joy, again knowing where you are, and out of pain and in peace. Thank you for being my friend, colleague, and spiritual sister. You were the best of the best.
And now – I bid you a loving and heartfelt adieu my kind sweet friend.
I will never forget you – and WILL see you again.
Lots of love,
Me~

 

 

 

DEAR GOD: I Love To Serve You Daily~

God Is Love

God’s Righteous Anger & His Unfailing Love

Introduction

The concept of God’s righteous anger is deeply embedded in Christian theology, reflecting His perfect justice and holiness. Unlike human anger, which is often tainted by selfishness and sin, God’s anger is always justified, pure, and directed towards evil and injustice.

And Yet His Love is the other side of the coin – and it is a LOVE above all the rest!

The Boundless Love of God

God’s love for us is an unending ocean, a boundless sky that stretches beyond the horizons of our understanding. It is a love that is deep, wide, and all-encompassing, a love that embraces us in our entirety—flaws and all.

Scriptural Foundations

  • Eternal Love: “I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have continued my faithfulness to you” (Jeremiah 31:3). God’s love is not transient or conditional; it is eternal and unwavering.
  • Sacrificial Love: “But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). The ultimate expression of God’s love was the sacrifice of His only Son for our redemption.
  • Victorious Love: “No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us” (Romans 8:37-39). In God’s love, we find the victory over every trial and tribulation.
  • Adoptive Love: “See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are” (1 John 3:1). We are not just creations or subjects, but children of the Most High, adopted into His family through love.
  • Abiding Love: “So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him” (1 John 4:16). To dwell in love is to dwell in God Himself, for He is the very essence of love.

Reflective Thoughts

  • How does the knowledge of God’s eternal love shape our identity and purpose?
  • What does it mean to live as conquerors through God’s love in our daily lives?
  • How can we reflect God’s adoptive love in our relationships with others?

 The Nature of God’s Anger

In the Scriptures, God’s anger is not a capricious or irrational burst of emotion, but a consistent response to sin and rebellion. For instance, in Romans 1:18, it is written, “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth.”

Reflective Questions

  • How does understanding God’s righteous anger change our view of sin?
  • In what ways can we align our own sense of justice with God’s?

God’s Anger in Action Throughout the Bible, there are numerous instances where God’s anger leads to action. The flood in the time of Noah (Genesis 6-8), the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 19), and the plagues of Egypt (Exodus 7-11) are all examples of God’s righteous judgment against sin.

Supportive Scripture

  • Nahum 1:2: “The Lord is a jealous and avenging God; the Lord is avenging and wrathful; the Lord takes vengeance on His adversaries and keeps wrath for His enemies.”

 Thoughts to Take Away About His Anger

God’s anger reminds us of the seriousness of sin and the importance of living righteously. It also assures us that God is just and will ultimately right all wrongs.

Takeaway About His Love

The love of God is not just a theological concept; it is a living, breathing reality that sustains, empowers, and transforms us. It is the foundation upon which we stand and the force that propels us forward. Let us rest in the assurance of His love and extend that love to the world around us.

Conclusion

God’s righteous anger is not something to be feared by those who are in Christ, for “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1). Instead, it is a reminder of God’s perfect holiness and the ultimate victory over sin and death.

And His Love is a balm for our souls, and an umbrella that deflects all evil and harm from those who follow Him. For those who trust in Him, for those who love Him, and for those who accept Him as LORD and Savior over their lives.

A United Prayer

“Dear Heavenly Father, we acknowledge Your holy and righteous anger towards sin. Teach us to hate evil as You do and to seek Your righteousness in our lives. May we be instruments of Your justice and love in this world, today and all the days of our lives, may we be humble servants in Your righteous army, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

 


The Bible offers us a glimpse into the complex yet perfect nature of God’s righteous anger, and His uncompromised love encouraging believers to reflect on their own lives and align with God’s will. May it serve as a guide to understanding the depth of God’s justice and love.