Psalm 23

The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want.

He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside still waters,

he restores my soul.
He guides me in paths of righteousness
for his name's sake.

Even though I walk
through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.

You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.

Surely goodness and love will follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the LORD
forever.

Romans 6:21-23

What fruit did you have then in the things of which you are now ashamed? For the end of those things is death. But now having been set free from sin, and having become slaves of God, you have your fruit to holiness, and the end, everlasting life. For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Ephesians 3:20-21

Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

Joshua 1:9

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.

Isaiah 61:1-3

The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me,
because the LORD has anointed me
to preach good news to the poor.
He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
to proclaim freedom for the captives
and release from darkness for the prisoners,

to proclaim the year of the LORD's favor
and the day of vengeance of our God,
to comfort all who mourn,

and provide for those who grieve in Zion—
to bestow on them a crown of beauty
instead of ashes,
the oil of gladness
instead of mourning,
and a garment of praise
instead of a spirit of despair.
They will be called oaks of righteousness,
a planting of the LORD
for the display of his splendor.

Deuteronomy 7:9

Know therefore that the LORD your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commands.

Elizabeth

by Lucy Larcom 1883

A white stone glimmers through the firs,
The dry grass on her grave-mound stirs;
The sunshine scarcely warms the skies;
Pale cloudlets fleck the chilly blue;
The dawn brings frost instead of dew
To the bleak hillside where she lies.

'T is something to be near the place
Where earth conceals her dear, dead face;~
But thou, true heart, thou art not there!
Where now thou art beloved and known,
Love makes a climate of its own;
Perpetual summer in the air.

The language of that neighboring land
Already thou didst understand,
Already breathe its healthful breath,
Before thy feet its shores had pressed;
There wert thou an awaited guest,
At home in heaven, Elizabeth!

I try to guess what radiance now
Is resting on that gentle brow,
Lovelier than shone upon it here;
What heavenly work thou hast begun,
What new, immortal friendships won,
That make the life unseen so dear.

I cannot think that any change
Could ever thy sweet soul estrange
From the familiar human ties,
Thou art the same, though inmost heaven
Its wisdom to thy thought has given,
Its beauty kindled in thine eyes.

The same to us, as warm, as true,
Whatever beautiful or new
With thy unhindered growth may blend;
Here, as life broadens, love expands;
How must it bloom in those free lands
Where thou dost walk, beloved friend!

I do not know what death may mean;
No gates can ever shut between
True heart, and heart, Elizabeth
'T is but to step from time's rude strife
A little farther into life,
And there thou art, Elizabeth!