Lynna Clark

By Lynna Clark

Funny story. When we were making arrangements at the funeral home after David’s passing, the person helping us, who is also our nephew went over each cost. When it came to the obituary, he paused a bit. “You did a great job writing it Mrs. Lynna. I wouldn’t change anything. Typically the cost to run it in the local paper is $175. But this one is going to be a little more since… it’s a bit longer.” I laughed as I asked, ” So you’re saying I got a little wordy.” Kyler smiled. “But it’s very good,” he said. “This one will run $325.” I couldn’t help it. I burst out laughing. “Sounds about right. David always called me a ‘wordsmith.’ What he actually meant was VERBOSE!” It helped to laugh and remember his teasing.

Today is his birthday. He would have turned 70 today. Together we had a running joke that in February, when I had my birthday five months before him, we BOTH turned a year older. That started way back in the eighties when we visited a church with some friends down in South Carolina. They handed out visitor cards with a place to mark age categories. Since I had already had my birthday, I landed in a higher age bracket than my beloved. He elbowed me just to point out that he was indeed in the category with college and career people while I might as well have been listed with the cougars. He and his buddy Barry laughed so hard the pew was shaking. We had a little Come to Jesus meeting when we got home and you know… that situation never repeated itself. Until now.

My sweet David had been saying, “We’re seventy,” since February… just because he knew it made me happy. Then the Salisbury Post had to go and tell the truth. He was only 69. But as I said in the obituary. Praise God our prayers were answered and he did not suffer another 12 days so he could turn an earthly 70 today. Thankfully, he was too busy catching up with his mom, and mine as he made his way to Jesus. I picture a little jog as he hurried to meet the Lord he loves. And yes, I got a bit wordy with his obit. But oh the things I could still tell. It reminds me of the last verse in the book of John where he says the whole world couldn’t contain the books if he were to write down all his stories of Jesus.

That’s how I feel. David was a funny, gentle, hard-headed man who took sweet care of me for fifty one years. All the words in the world cannot describe how much I miss him.

Happy Birthday my love.

By Lynna Clark

It’s been a week since David’s passing. And it’s starting to feel real. Yesterday, Sunday, our regular routine of breakfast, church online, time on the deck with our coffee, or lately a tall glass of cold water, was not to be. I’ve never been a television person and don’t understand all the remotes. I now know one of them turns on the overhead fan and lights. Plus thanks to my son-in-law Jeff, I somewhat know how to turn on the TV. But to find Elevation Worship on YouTube? It was pretty much a crapshoot.

That’s where I was Sunday morning. Using words like crapshoot and crapstorm and stinkin’ dadblame stupid remotes. TRYIN’ TO WORSHIP HERE PEOPLE! Where’s the YOUTUBE?!! Then there it was… I don’t know why. I certainly wasn’t praying.

But somebody was.

So I listened to the very good message which seemed tailor made for me and found myself worshiping. As I thought on the things that were said, I fixed a bowl of Cheerios with an overripe banana and headed to the deck. That was mine and David’s Sunday morning thing… sitting on the deck and talking about the good things from the message. But it was quiet. Too quiet. And it hit me. David’s not going to join me here… ever again.

By bedtime, the reality of his passing was full blown. A while later, the Lord whispered a verse from 2 Timothy. “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” I needed that so much. It dawned on me that as long as I live in fear, I will not have peace. Instead I need the power and love and especially the sound mind that He so gently offers. It seems that as long as I walk in fear, those good things can’t come. As I write this, another verse came to mind.

2 Corinthians 10:5 reminds us to “bring every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ.” I pray that He will do this for me. May the Lord gently keep us who know Him from fear as we bring our thoughts into submission to Him. Sometimes that’s the first and greatest step towards a sound mind.

O Lord, how I need the peace that only You can give.

About ten years ago, on a road trip to see our children in Texas.

By Lynna Clark

Editor’s Note: Lynna Clark’s husband David passed away on June 29th. Pray for her and her family as they miss him. We know that he is at home with the Lord, but we are left here with a hole in our hearts.

My beloved husband David is finally home. Like a wounded soldier after a long hard fight, his battle with pain is over. Born on July 11, 1955 to Jim and Nina Clark, he left this earth on June 29, 2025. One might say, “If he had only lived 12 more days he would have been seventy!” But actually the Lord answered our fervent prayers that David would be relieved of his suffering before that. It was a sweet picture of grace. As you know, cancer is a terrible foe. And though David and all his doctors fought well, it was not the Lord’s plan to extend this good man’s life on earth. Instead He provided the ultimate healing in His perfect timing. So today as we reflect on his passing, we give thanks and praise to our merciful Lord for taking him home. “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints.” -Psalm 116:15. What a beautiful time it was as we surrounded his bed at home and sang Precious Lord. Knowing that my beloved had trusted Christ as a teen, then took me to a place where I trusted Jesus too, confident assurance of heaven came easy.

David was born in Rowan County to James Morrison Clark and Nina Peele Clark. He grew up on Rowan Mills Road and nearly 70 years later passed away in his home across the street from where he grew up. Married to Lynna Pittman Clark for 51 years, they experienced a lot of really good life. Together they became proud parents of three beautiful Godly daughters. David leaves a legacy through them: Stephanie Clark Shouse [Jeff] of Ramsey, Illinois; Amanda Clark Huneycutt [Shane] of Concord, NC; and Hannah Clark Basinger [Brandon] of Salisbury, NC. Grandchildren include Mykaela Shouse, Kianna Shouse, Able Huneycutt, Jesse Basinger, and Marie Basinger, all of whom he loved dearly.

David graduated from South Rowan High School with his sweetheart [me] in 1973, then attended Florida Bible College. After working in the Food Lion warehouse for ten years, he completed his college degree. From there he began teaching at Sheets Memorial Christian School in Lexington, NC. The crazy man loved his Middle School students so much that each summer he would comment on how much he missed them. He also coached Women’s Softball winning two state championships, plus Women’s Basketball. David also taught Culinary Arts to a select few High Schoolers. He commented often on the insanity of trusting them with hot oil and sharp knives. But he truly loved his job/ministry. While he taught at SMCS for twenty years, he also wrote an entire Bible curriculum, taking his 6th – 8th graders completely through the Scriptures in three years. After his teaching career, David became a Care Pastor for High Rock Church and Life Group Bible Study leader in our home. Some of our best friendships were formed through those final years. After retiring he worked part time for our son-in-law Brandon as a dispatcher for Spencer Plumbing. As much as David hated talking on the phone, he learned to enjoy doing that job as well. He had a wonderful dry sense of humor which got us through numerous hard situations. When things were especially difficult he’d take a long ride on his motorcycle and call it therapy. Mostly he was praying with his knees in the breeze.

In addition to his wife, children, and grands, David is survived by his two sisters who loved him dearly: Jo Eagle and Gail Lambert [Jeff]. He was also loved by my two sisters Janice Mull [Milton] and Tamra Lesley [John] and father-in-law, Seabert Pittman. So many nieces and nephews loved and respected David. Several asked him to perform their weddings. Special thanks to all of you who have reached out to take care of us during our time of need. Our neighbor Vickie who held me while the ambulance took David to the hospital after an especially difficult night; Neighbor Terry who mows our grass just because he’s kind; Chris and Leslie who let us borrow their car when ours bit the dust; Dennis and Barry who took David to chemo; Ann and Randy who loved us through it all. Your compassion is what the Lord loves best of all.

A casual reception will be held at Grace Bible Church fellowship hall on Wednesday, July 2 from 6-8pm. Feel free to drop by, but due to my limited strength, we ask for brief visits with whichever family members you know personally. Instead of flowers, feel free to express your well wishes in a card c/o PO Box 602, Spencer, NC 28159 , or make a donation in David’s honor to Grace Bible Church, 6725 Hwy. 152 E, Rockwell, NC 28138.

David truly was a beautiful man of God. I will miss him with all my heart. He truly loved me well. To God be the glory!

By Lynna Clark

“And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose for them.” -Romans 8:28

When we think of work, it typically involves labor of some kind, maybe even something we don’t look forward to. But I LIKE this version of work; the one where the Lord is doing the hard part. Only He can orchestrate the many details of our lives to give a beautiful, positive outcome. When everything comes undone, it is so good to know that He is in charge and I am not.

Bonus verse: Jeremiah 29:11-” For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.”

Currently these two verses have become almost cliche-ish. I don’t love how they’re tossed into our storms like little fix-all life preservers. However, when we take them to heart, fully trusting that the Lord has a plan, everything changes. All the work, all the plans, all the future is in His very capable hands.

“Acknowledge that the LORD is God! He made us, and we are His.” -Psalm 100:3

By Lynna Clark

“Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life.” -John 6:47

“Verily” is one of those old fashioned words we don’t use very often… well, maybe never. But it does start with V and works in this context. Back in the 70’s when I first met the Lord, this verse became very special to me. It was explained that “verily” means “truly.” When said back to back it is even more emphatic. The Lord was speaking to me so gently, but with such assurance. “Truly, truly!” Believe this child! Trust Me and become a part of My family.

So I did. And He saved me.

Here’s a picture of me and David a few years later. He is the one who took me to a place where I could hear the Word of God and understand that salvation came “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to God’s mercy.” Fifty years later, we are still skipping through life together. Except for the skipping part. That would not be wise as one of us could fall and break a hip.

Verily, verily I say unto you, trust the God of the universe. He loves you and has covered your sins with the blood of His own dear Son.

Truly!

The rule of thumb is, “The bigger the corsage, the more you are loved.” Apparently I was very very loved. Still am.

By Lynna Clark

“Let me hear of your unfailing love each morning, for I am trusting you. Show me where to walk, for I give myself to you.”-Psalm 143:8

The older I get, the less I know. However this one thing always proves wise. Take one thing at a time. One day, one step, one problem and don’t overlook the joy that the Lord sends each morning. Listen for His Unfailing Love as you trust Him for the next step. Give yourself to Him and ask Him where to walk.

“Let the heavens be glad, and earth rejoice! Let the sea and everything in it shout His praise! Let the fields and their crops burst out with joy! Let the trees of the forest rustle with praise before the LORD, for He is coming!” ” -Psalm 96:11-13b

By Lynna Clark

“You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in Your bottle.” -Psalm 56:8

What an amazing thought; that the God of all Creation would care enough about me to collect and keep track of my tears. When I consider my life, lots of stubbornness comes to mind. Like LOTS. In fact I think that was one of the largest traits mentioned on a recent DNA profile. So embarrassing. But instead of keeping my sinfulness and shortcomings close to His heart, He considers those covered by His Son. All because I’ve trusted the sinless spotless lamb of God. No collection in a bottle there. Instead, Psalm 103:12 says, “He has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west.”

Tears collected and kept close. Sins cast far away. Oh how He loves us!

I have never been a strong self-confident woman. I can tuck myself into a corner at home and be fine for days… just so I don’t have to engage with anyone much. My doormat does not say “Welcome!”. I don’t want to add LIAR to my list of sins. But I like this verse about confidence.

“My heart is confident in You O God! No wonder I can sing Your praises with all my heart!” -Psalm 108:1

Don’t worry. It’s a metaphorical singing. And even if the joy comes out, you won’t have to hear it anyway since I’m tucked away in a corner of the house. But yay! Though I am not a strong confident individual, I do have confidence in this. God is faithful. He can be trusted. Philip Yancey said this. “Confidence in what the Lord will do springs from knowledge of what He has done.”

YES! I will rehearse His faithfulness until I am confident too.

Snow at Lake Norman; photo credit Seabert Pittman, my daddy

By Lynna Clark

“The Lord is my Shepherd. I shall not want.” -Psalm 23:1

Psalm 95:7 reminds us that “He is our God. We are the people He watches over, the flock under His care.” Don’t you love that? As you may know, David and I are going through some… stuff. A few difficult challenges. I’ve certainly whined about it enough. Yesterday he visited his oncologist and got some very encouraging news. The chemo is working! His cancer is shrinking! She was honest with him and admitted that she was just hoping to keep it from growing. But to have it shrink? Oh what a blessing. Our beloved Shepherd gently leads us along. I thought you might like to hear it as worded in the New Living Translation. As you read, celebrate with me and David.

“The Lord is my Shepheard. I have all that I need. He lets me rest in green meadows; He leads me besides peaceful streams. He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths bringing honor to His Name. Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for You are close beside me. Your rod and Your staff protect and comfort me. You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. You honor me by anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings. Surely Your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the Lord forever.”

The Lord truly is my Shepherd. I will rest in His care today.

Nutshell #4 is found in Ephesians 4:1. It says “...Lead a life worthy of your calling.” If you’re like me, you may ask if you’re really called; and also who called you. What does that even mean? The answer comes next. “For you are called by God.” This is spoken to a big group of people and includes all kinds… Even those of us who feel unworthy. The ‘how to’ is next.

“Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love.” -Eph.4:2

As usual, when we recognize the Lord’s calling on our life, we tend to focus on others first. Let’s try His order of business today. It might take a while for this to become the norm, but He is calling. Let’s recognize His call, and walk worthy.

By Lynna Clark

“Rest in the Lord and wait patiently for Him.” -Psalm 37:7

It’s hard to wait. And it’s REALLY hard to rest while waiting. Like the “Q” verse from yesterday, the Lord reminds us it is a choice to rest in Him. “In returning and rest you shall be saved; In quietness and confidence shall be your strength. But you would not.” -Isaiah 30:15

I plan to undo the end of that verse by choosing to trust. Psalm 46:10 tells us to “Be still and know that I am God.”

Rest; Be Still; Practice Quiet confidence; Lord help me. I believe. Help Thou my unbelief.

There are a lot of great truths in Psalm 119. But holy cow. Talk about wordy. 176 verses. Don’t worry. I’ll pick out five of the best. Today our verse is Psalm 119:105. “Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.” Someone wiser than me pointed out that a lamp, especially in those days, only lit one step at a time. I don’t love that. I want to see the whole path. Apparently that is not God’s way. So! I need to slow my roll. Sorry. I can’t sound cool even when I repeat what cool people say. Annyyywayyy…

One step at a time Lord? I don’t much like the idea of that. But I do feel better when I forget my worries about what comes next. My prayer for today repeats an old hymn. I ask Lord, for “strength for today, and bright hope for tomorrow.” Illuminate each step. Light my path by Your wisdom. Guide me with Your truth. Hold my hand and walk with me. It’s good to be in Your care.

Thank You Lord. In fact, thank You that I DON’T know the future. It would probably scare me to death.

photo credit: Seabert Pittman, my daddy

By Lynna Clark

I bet you’ve been wondering what would land here on Q day. Here ya go:

“Only in returning to me and resting in me will you be saved. In quietness and confidence is your strength.” -Isaiah 30:15

The sad part is that the verse continues with the Lord adding, “But you would have none of it.”

May we choose to return to Him, resting in quietness and confidence. When we are weak, He is strong. As we draw near to Him, He promises to draw closer to us as well. -James 4:8

A couple of friends talked over the events of the last few days as they walked along. Sadness was written across their faces as they admitted, “We had hoped…”

Hoped, past tense.

As in, we used to hope, but not anymore.

Have you been there? Have you gone through something so hard that your soul is crushed beyond repair? Someone you love has suddenly been taken… and way too soon. The spouse you trusted tossed you aside like an old shoe. Something you planned and even dared to dream about died, leaving you…

Hopeless.

That’s the feeling of the friends who traveled down the road together. Having witnessed the horrible death of the Person they had closely followed, their hopes were just as dead.

Where do we go from here? How will we ever recover? Is all we’ve believed in been wrong?

A few miles later, they realized they were in the very presence of the risen Lord!

That first Easter morning changed everything.

The powerful Son of God stepped from the grave to prove the hopeless wrong. Since death cannot defeat Him, how could anything else? What could separate us from the love of God?

Our fears?

Our loss?

Our worries?

Things changed in an instant! The moment He was raised from the dead, hope was forever restored! Do we dare to trust Him?

“O death where is thy victory?! O grave where is thy sting?”

Thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ!

All creation shouts with joy on Easter Sunday morning! Our Creator lives, and reigns with power over any circumstance that brings suffering to His beloved ones. With the strong arms of a Shepherd, He reaches out to pull us close to His heart as He gently leads us home. Not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love as we walk in the presence of the risen Lord!

Praise His sweet holy Name! Our conquering King lives!

And there is hope!

You can read about the friends traveling to Emmaus when Jesus suddenly appeared and walked with them in Luke 24:13-34. Romans 8:1 helps us understand that we are no longer condemned by God when we trust His Son as our sacrifice for sin. There’s more about His great love for you personally in Romans 8:23-39.

Call out to Him. He’s waiting for the time when you and He can walk the broken road of life together. This wonderful God of all creation longs to adopt you as His very own. What a “Blessed Hope!”