2 jewels in His crown!...

There are many dear and precious loved ones I've known who are already in heaven, people who were 'saints' for sure. 

There are others still among us, and I want to honor 2 of them today. Dr.Harold Sala and his wife Darlene. I am giving you a link to their site: http://www.guidelines.org/about_salas.asp
http://www.guidelines.org/what_is_gl.asp

This couple has spent their lives together, faithfully serving God, first on the mission field, later with their own ministry, Guidelines International in Southern California. They still travel all over the world, preaching, teaching, training, writing books, encouraging and ministering. Dr.Sala has 5 minute radio broadcasts in more than 1000 cities around the world, called Guidelines.

 Here's why I choose to honor them today.

My dad had an office in Harold's building in Laguna Niguel, California, for many years. Mostly, dad's office was vacant, as he traveled constantly, but it held some of his dearest possessions, his books. It also was up the stairs from Guidelines, and the Sala's. My parents spoke of their love for the Sala's so many times, that we (my sister, brother and I, all felt like they were family... and they were, to us. They still are!

The love between the Sala's and my parents was a gift to our family.

When my dad had the stroke that several days later took his life, Harold and Darlene Sala were the first to join us at the hospital. Darlene didn't say a word, just put her arm around me and laid her head on my shoulder. If she knew how many times that gesture comforted me when I relived those days. It was the exact thing I needed.

Harold simply,quietly, and in the background, arranged everything. I mean everything. He took us to the funeral home, arranged the church, the 13 ministers who had been a big part of dad's life, and would speak for 5 minutes each at dad's memorial service, and all the background work the service involved. And then he lead the service.

 In looking back, I simply don't know what the 3 of us and our mother would have done without them. They were the hands of God to our family.

Both Harold and Darlene have written and published many books. I can wholeheartedly recommend them. I have both read, and given as gifts many of the  books they have written. Harold writes with clarity, depth and insight, he is a fountain of knowledge, and all of it reflects his deep love for the Lord. Darlene writes for women, to encourage and edify. Her writing does both, and so much more. She is gentle,wise and always relevant. They speak and write the same way they live their lives.

They are 'the real deal'... their lives ring true, their ministry and how they honor God in all they do, makes me want to share them with you today. When God's people have walked with Him for a lifetime, there is something so strong and shining about their lives, a testimony that we need to see more of, especially in today's world. These are 2 of  them.

Harold and Darlene, I love you both, you already know that. Thank you, for being a faithful example to me, to our family, and to all those you minister to. 

It's like someone said... 'when I grow up, I want to be just like you'... it's how I feel about the Sala's... a lofty goal, to be sure!