Diane Mill’s Celebration of Life

Faith over Fear

1. Welcome: My name is Pastor Jason

On behalf of the family, I would like to welcome and thank you for coming here today,

to celebrate the life of Diane Mills, to grieve her loss but to celebrate his life

Psalm 23

The Lord is Dian’e shepherd, she shall not want. He makes her lie down in green pastures:

He leads her beside the still waters, He restores her soul

He leads Diane in the path of righteousness for His name sake

Yea, though she walks through the valley of the shadow of death, she will fear no evil; For You are with her, Your rod and Your staff, They comfort her

You prepare a table before Diane in the presence of her enemies: You anoint her head with oil; Her cup runs over.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow her all the days of her life; And Diane will dwell in the house of the Lord forever

Prayer: Thank you for your promises, your grace, and mercy. We ask that you would pour out your blessing upon this celebration of Diane’s life

2. Eulogy

I would like to invite Renee up, to read the Eulogy

3. Music Video

Hallelujah

4. Sharing-

Ken Harrison & Vyn Goodman

5. Video

Slide show

6. Devotional:

I had the privilege of sitting down with Brian and Kara the other day and listening to stories about Diane

I learned she was famous for her cheesecake and she loved chocolate, she wasn’t a huge fan of fishing, but she would go with Brian and read a book

Diane was always up for an adventure, whether it was ridding three wheelers in the desert

Trips to Israel and riding the hot air balloons in Egypt, despite her fear of heights

But one thing that stood out to me, was how much she loved her family

Diane was a wonderful wife, mother, and grandmother, but before all of that, she was a faithful follower of Jesus Christ

1. Diane ran her race well…

1 Corinthians 9:24–25 “Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it.

a) Paul compares the Christian life to a race—it’s not about speed, but faithfulness to Christ

The starting line is when we’re born into the world

Just like a race, our life is full of many ups and downs

In our race, we face many unique challenges, victories and defeats, joy and sorrow

Just like a race, there may be moments we get winded, we’re tired and feel like quitting

My encouragement is there is a finish line – when God calls us home.

Be faithful to Christ and run with purpose that you may obtain the prize of eternal life

Diane was faithful and she ran her race well, she obtained the prize

b) This is a time to celebrate because Diane ran her race so well

Bryan shared with me , as newly weds, forty plus years ago, Diane was the first to rededicated her life to Christ

Her commitment helped to begin the godly legacy that has been laid for the Mill’s family

Diane was active part of our church family, here at Calvary Chapel Sonora

She was involved in Bible studies and a regular on Sunday mornings

Diane loved VBS and she faithfully served for many years at arts and craft table, which is where my wife, Molly had the pleasure to get to know Diane

Diane also worked at Jennese Park Christian Camp for over 20 years

Pause…

2 Timothy 4:7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”

Paul wrote 2 Timothy while awaiting his execution

As he pondered his life, he said I have fought well and I have finished strong

2. Diane fought the good fight and fished strong…

a) I was encouraged to walk alongside Bryan and Diane during this time because of how strong they were.

They had a saying, when things became difficult…

Faith over fear

They chose to commit the fear to the Lord and to pick up their shield of faith

b) They remained positive and faithful during their darkest hour

They were a witness in the hospital

The nurses could sense the presence of God in the hospital

People could sense a strange peace, which we know is the peace of God that surpasses all understanding

c) Death is not the end, but the finish line where Christ welcomes them.

The Bible is clear, to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord

Diane is in peace because she is in the presence of Christ.

No more pain, no more suffering, she is in heaven with Jesus

To the grandkids, Grandma is having fun

c) This promise is for those who have placed their faith in Jesus Christ

When someone passes, we’re faced with the reality that we all die at some point

Life is but a vapor, its here today and gone tomorrow

For those who can say, yes I have put my faith and trust in Christ…

I would like to encourage you to run with endurance and finish strong, like Diane

I would like to remind everyone, you have victory in Christ

He has overcame death and death has lost its sting because of the promise of eternal life with Him forever

But maybe you here today and you have not settled your eternal destiny

In the memory of Diane I would to share with you a few verses

3. Gospel Message

Romans 3:23 “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,”

Everyone of us has fallen short of His glory

We have all told a lie, taken something that doesn’t belong to us

All have sinned

Romans 6:23 “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Death speaks of eternal death, a life separated from God forever apart from Christ

John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”

God doesn’t desire anyone should perish

Ephesians 2:8–9 “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.”

Salvation comes through grace by faith

You cannot do good deeds to earn it

It’s a gift

When you are faced with an overwhelming situation, remember the words of Diane, Faith over fear

Closing prayer:

Prayer of thanksgiving for the life lived.

Prayer for comfort and strength for the family.