“Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.” (Psalm 30:5b)

And joy has come for our sweet sister. Some of you may remember my posts describing my remarkable friend, Colleen Moeller, and her long trial with cancer. In His wisdom, the Lord chose to take Colleen home this afternoon to live with Him in Glory forever. No more pain. No more suffering. Only indescribable bliss.

Emotions are high in the McDonald family tonight as we absorb the truth that Colleen, while gone from us for a time, is rejoicing in the presence of the Most High. Please join us in praying for her faithful family. She will be sorely missed by all.

Here is a portion of a post I wrote about her sometime back. Please visit her blog for more information regarding the funeral.

From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I. Psalm 61:2.

The grace of God rested conspicuously upon my friend, Colleen Moeller, the morning we spoke on the phone; her voice was humble and soft and there was no hint of fear or bitterness. The sound of her peaceful smile convicted my soul as she described with determined thankfulness some of the painful trials she has endured.

A life is truly being used for God’s glory when He allows His strength to be clearly manifested in the midst of human frailty. Just as there is nothing so repulsive as a sinful man full of pride and arrogance shaking his pitiful fist at God, there are few things more precious than a broken and contrite soul completely surrendered to the Lord in grateful devotion. This is my friend.

Inspiring Faith

Physically, this is the greatest moment of dependence and rest in my life. But, my heart rests in the tranquil sweetness of God’s comfort and strength in multiplied peace. What a matchless place to be. – Colleen

Colleen Moeller’s intimate journey of faith began on September 28, 2005 when she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. While enduring surgery, chemo, and rehabilitation she enjoyed the steadfast love and care of her Heavenly Father and the beautiful fruit of a committed and loving family. Friends and family from around the country joined in prayer and loving support as she embarked upon her painful journey. If you take a moment to read this precious sister’s blog, written by her and her faithful daughter, Amber, you will find inspiration and hope for you and your family.

During our conversation, the only time I heard Colleen’s voice shake with emotion was when she shared of her daughter’s words of thankfulness for God’s providence in keeping her single up to this point. As ready as Amber is to begin the life God may have for her as a wife and mother one day, this true maiden of virtue is grateful for the chance to serve her family and care for her precious mama during this trial.

If you have a daughter who is entering (or has entered) young womanhood and are looking for ways to inspire and strengthen her, encourage her to visit Amber’s website, http://www.beingvirtuouswomen.com/. You will be inspired too!

Colleen was quick to remind me that as difficult as this trial has been, she wouldn’t wish a moment of it away. Rather than a time of dread and despair, she described an intimate and precious encounter with God that she viewed as something to be cherished. Upon entering the cancer center she describes it this way:

There was no fear. The Lord hems us in and has His hand of mercy upon us. It truly is hard to comprehend. Instead of fear and dread, we felt the Lord holding us and the smiles on our faces went clear to our hearts. – Colleen

She told me, “God has been enough; He has been faithful to carry us, and for that we are so grateful.” God is always enough, is He not? When we think we need more than what He is or has for us, we fall into fear and deception.When we finally realize that God is all-powerful and fully able to supply our every need, and that the depth of His love for us is far beyond our comprehension, only then will we stop gasping and sputtering for breath, sinking in life’s storms. He is surely enough.

His power and grace out pace our need. He pours out of His abundant riches and mercy and we are unable to contain it—our cups runneth over. Colleen

A New Chapter Begins

On April 2, 2007 Colleen’s cancer returned. A few months earlier, she noticed increased fatigue—her strength was waning. When she discovered the cancer had returned and now rested upon her spleen and liver, she was not surprised.

On April 26, 2007 Colleen underwent surgery to remove her spleen, a portion of her liver and the tumors around it, and two portions of her colon. The following Monday she received a blood transfusion. When I spoke to her at the end of last week, she was just one day out of the hospital—weak in body and strong in spirit—as usual.

Her simple confidence in God’s sovereignty is contagious, knowing that If He has more for her to accomplish or suffer on this earth, then nothing can thwart His purpose. And if He chooses to take her to glory to live in eternal bliss sooner, rather than later, then there is nothing in the universe that can stay His hand.

If He has anything more for us to do or suffer, though life be holden by a rotten thread, that thread is more than cable; we are immortal till our change comes. William Jay

It Is Finished

Posted by Amber Moeller (Colleen’s daughter) at 3:00 PM on Aug. 2, 2008

“Around 1:30 this afternoon the Lord saw fit to call my mother Home. “The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away. Blessed be the name of the Lord.” We will be sure to post information about visitation and funeral arrangements (we should know more tomorrow afternoon). Thank you again for all of the love, prayers, and support you’ve shown our family over the past nearly three years as we have walked this journey with our precious Colleen.” ~ Amber for all the Moellers