Month: October 2026

Be Encouraged

It’s been almost a month since my husband moved to heaven. People often ask how I am doing, to which I say, okay. I do have moments of tears, but when unsettling thoughts come, I choose to sing. Holy Spirit is leading me to do this, because in singing, my heart is turned to God and those thoughts have no place to land. I am reminded that just because a bird (thought) flies over, doesn’t mean you have to let it build a nest (find a home) on you.

In addition, a very dear friend of mine has been texting me love and encouragement in word and pictures daily.

Today, I want to encourage you. God loves you, He sees you, He cares for you.

“But let all those who take refuge and put their trust in You rejoice; let them ever sing and shout for joy, because You make a covering over them and defend them; let those also who love Your name be joyful in You and be in high spirits. For You, Lord, will bless the [uncompromisingly] righteous [him who is upright and in right standing with You]; as with a shield You will surround him with goodwill (pleasure and favor).”
‭‭Psalm‬ ‭5‬:‭11‬-‭12‬ ‭AMPC‬‬

“The Lord also will be a refuge and a high tower for the oppressed, a refuge and a stronghold in times of trouble (high cost, destitution, and desperation). And they who know Your name [who have experience and acquaintance with Your mercy] will lean on and confidently put their trust in You, for You, Lord, have not forsaken those who seek (inquire of and for) You [on the authority of God’s Word and the right of their necessity]. [Ps. 42:1.]”
‭‭Psalm‬ ‭9‬:‭9‬-‭10‬ AMPC

“Casting the whole of your care [all your anxieties, all your worries, all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares for you affectionately and cares about you watchfully. [Ps. 55:22.]”
‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭5‬:‭7‬ ‭AMPC‬‬

You may also want to read how the great psalmist King David encouraged himself in the Lord. It’s found in 1st Samuel 29-30.

In Honor of My Husband

My precious husband transitioned from earth to heaven on Tuesday, September 22. We were married just 5 days short of 52 years, and I knew him for 55 years.

Below is what I wrote and asked the Chaplain of our American Legion to share at the celebration of Life we had for him on October 2nd. I wanted to share it here as well.

Ed Aten is someone who loved people of all ages and easily made friends. He especially connected with small children. Even our three children seemed to prefer daddy’s arms when they were small. He also led a Youth Group years ago, and how he loved those teens! 

Ed loved his family deeply and worked very hard to make sure our needs were met – even when it meant long work hours, long commutes, or working night shifts. He loved me (Cindy) and always encouraged me to do whatever was in my heart to do, including traveling to Israel twice.

For the last seven years Ed’s body was under attack by Central Nervous System Vasculitis. It attacked his brain and other parts of his body as well. He was truly amazing, undergoing many infusions, difficult surgeries and taking all meds prescribed by his doctors. He kept a positive attitude and never complained, not once. 

Ed was a man of faith. Many times we would catch hands and pray together — that the medicines he took would only do him good and no harm, that God would lead his doctors and others providing medical care, that it would be done in excellence. Our prayers for Ed often focused on Psalm 103, praying for healing. I am grateful that he experienced many victories during these years.

Psalm 103: 1-4

BLESS (AFFECTIONATELY, gratefully praise) the Lord, O my soul; and all that is [deepest] within me, bless His holy name! Bless (affectionately, gratefully praise) the Lord, O my soul, and forget not [one of] all His benefits. Who forgives [every one of] all your iniquities, Who heals [each one of] all your diseases, Who redeems your life from the pit and corruption, Who beautifies, dignifies, and crowns you with loving-kindness and tender mercy.