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I don’t like needing glasses. When I hit my 30’s I needed them occasionally but only to read. Then in my 40’s I needed them absolutely to read. And now, at age 51, it’s apparent that not only do I need them to read but if I want to see anything clearly and accurately, I better have them on or learn to be content with seeing less than the whole picture.
Just to be clear as to what I’m talking about, let me give you an example. Often times I use the shower rod in my guest bathroom to hang jeans on after I pull them out of the washer. Long ago I realized that drying certain things was sure to decrease them in size, which of course would be beneficial if, in fact, I too were decreasing in size. But, no, that’s not the case here.
Well, recently as I was looking upward to hang my clothes I noticed cob webs in the corner of my shower. As I followed their path it unfortunately did not just stay in the corners but did instead travel the perimeter of the bathroom. Observing this, I felt a quick kick in the gut as I wondered just how long those webs have been there, especially seeing how full and thick they were as they stretched around the room. And dang it, if that wasn’t bad enough it had only been a couple of weeks since I had company using this bathroom.
On top of it all, I just kept thinking “How did I miss it while I was preparing and cleaning for their stay, because surely I would have noticed,” wouldn’t I. And then it hit me, I wasn’t wearing my glasses the day I cleaned in there. And then it really hit me, “I wonder what my company thought?” Oh, well. Nothing I can do about that now.
You see, this kind of thing happens fairly regularly when I don’t wear my glasses. I miss things. Granted, at times it makes things easier for a little while, kind of like delaying bad news. Like when I look in the mirror without my glasses I’m much happier because I don’t see all the wrinkles that have started to invade my face. Therefore, at that moment it seems like looking at things without glasses can be a good thing. But though I may not see them clearly, the truth is, the wrinkles are still there.
Life is a lot like that. Just because we don’t see something, it doesn’t mean it’s not there or happening all around us. Going through life choosing not to see things clearly is like looking through rose-colored lenses, if we’ve remembered to wear our glasses at all. How we navigate through life often depends on our willingness to see things truthfully and how clearly we see the direction we want to take.
There have been many times in my life where I have chosen to look at circumstances with blinders on. Usually, those were the times I only wanted to see what I wanted to see, not willing to accept the truth about certain situations. Sometimes no matter how long we wish something to be so, it just isn’t and no amount of wishing in the world will make it so.
It is only when we see clearly that we can change our direction to the better path. And when we take off the blinders, we can deal with the issues that come our way head on, instead of waiting to pick up whatever pieces are left after a crash and then to try and start all over again.
Have there been times in my life when I was content with not seeing things as they truly were? Yes, it was easier that way in the beginning. But as time went by and reality hit me square in the face, the truth was far harder to deal after living in denial for so long, just as with the cob web layers that had multiplied, growing full and thick and into an ugly mess.
The truth is that just as I needed to be wearing my glasses to give my best effort in cleaning my bathroom and clearly seeing the task at hand, so should I go through life choosing to see clearly. Regardless of what comes my way, I need to journey through with eyes wide open and focused whether dealing with circumstances, emotions or relationships. To do so, I must take off the blinders so I can squarely see and promptly deal with any oncoming obstacle or distraction trying to prevent me from living a more excellent way. Though there may be times that ignorance seems blissful, in the end, it’s the truth you know that sets you free!
I hear much talk of people searching for things that might make life after 50 good or at least good enough. Not better mind you, just good. It’s amazing that so many folks look at our life over 50 as almost over instead of possibly being the beginning of the greatest adventure that could continue for yet another 50 years. I mean seriously, we’re not just over the hill, we are heading for the mountain top and things sure look a lot better when you have a broader view of the world below. And while looking down from where we’ve walked, maybe climbed, we see the paths that led to success and possibly, some that led into harm’s way. But throught it all, we’ve earned a knowledge and acquired the wisdom that can help to make our next 50 years much happier and fulfilling, without having to go through the school of hard knocks once again.
And as well, we know that the lessons we have learned along the way should be passed down to others in the hope that they too will gain insight into things of value without having to first spend time in the pig sty as did the Prodigal Son. And hopefully, to learn to offer grace and love as did his Father, instead of acting like the brother so filled with resentment, jealously and anger, choosing not to celebrate the return of his long, lost brother. Such and amazing accomplishment will be achieved if we can teach by our actions to those who follow us that grace, love and forgiveness change lives for the better. It matters not whether we are the giver of such things or the receiver, the blessing is for all who choose to share in this experience.
We’ve also learned throughout all these years what things really matter in life; that the choices we make in the moment and that we think are temporal, may impact us forever. We’ve learned to invest more of our time and money into people instead of earthly pleasures that fade away with the passing of each year. And because of this, we’ve helped to give hope to the poor through food, water, clothing, money and supplies, and to encourage and comfort those in despair, each situation covered in prayer.
How many times as each of us prayed for someone to come and help us through a difficult time? Were you not filled, as I have been, with thanksgiving that your prayers were heard and answered? As the years go by and as I choose more and more to try and live like Jesus, I have no doubt but that He wants us to be His hands and feet on this earth, to be an answer to someone’s prayer. He has such a great love for us and time and again, His Word tells us to love one another.
I get it now. It may have taken me a long time to learn to think of others more than myself but this truth has gotten hold of me in a way that there is now no turning back. I can’t help but want to share what I’ve learned because I know for certain, that choosing to love and bless others is the best way to live. I have many regrets over the opportunities I’ve missed during my lifetime, but I will never regret any kind word or deed I’ve given another. And for the rest of my life, I pray God uses me in a way that not only blesses others but honors and glorifies Him. It will be quite the adventure, indeed!
Sometimes I have to hold back on things I want to write. Often times, my life experience accounts are from what I’ve witnessed and though they include me and impact my life, are not about me and I must remember that the story is for others to tell, not me. But I do want to share with you, even if ever so briefly, a treasured moment I was blessed to be a part of before my youngest daughter went in for surgery. She had torn her ACL with other damage to her knee as well and it was to be repaired this early Thursday morning. As we talked with her surgeon, Dr. John Dorizas, he spoke of procedures and answered all our questions. Then he said that although he will be using his skills to repair her knee, it is God who heals and asked if he could pray for my girl. Though we’ve never before had a doctor ask to pray for any of us, we quickly agreed. Hearing such a loving, humble and tender prayer over my sweet girl moved me to soft tears and instilled such peace within me. Just knowing that the doctor with whose life I had entrusted my daughter, trusts completely in Almightly God to guide his hand and bring healing, was so comforting. I had no fear, actually I had a strong sense that all would be well. In fact, not long after the surgery began it was over, her knee had incredibly less damage than prior test reported. Her ACL is now repaired and with much thanksgiving to the ligament donor, she is on her way to complete recovery. I am thankful for so many things, for Dr. John Dorizas and his willingness to share his faith and skill with my daughter, for the donor who gave from love, and for my God who is the great Healer. I witnessed a great thing that early morning and am very thankful!
Oh, how I do love my ice cream. It’s a family tradition really. I was raised on ice cream, as was my mother and her mother before her. Whether for celebrations, comfort, or in the case of my grandmother, breakfast with bananas, ice cream is a necessary and treasured part of life. A heritage I have shared with and passed on to my daughters.
And as much as I love ice cream, often times, it’s not the kind of friend I need. The immediate feeling of pleasure it gives, though quite wonderful and soothing, is rarely worth the long lasting effect that ever so clings to me. And then, there’s the guilt, who is quite the bully!
Now I realize that in moderation the indulgence of my ice cream pleasure is ok, but I do believe my view of moderation and that of any healthy food guide would differ. Ice cream in and of itself is not a food group, yet, it is in fact, my favorite food and possibly one I could survive totally on.
Recently, after a night of participating in a more than moderation ice cream event, the Lord spoke to me in His ever so gentle way. He showed me that it really isn’t about the mass consumption at all but the purpose for the occasion itself. He told me that though I have prayed sincerely for a solution to whatever trouble has gotten my attention, and have honestly confessed that I believe He will take care of all my concerns, I then chose to seek comfort in my biggest bowl of chocolate mint ice cream. He then said that my indulgence was opposite of my confession of faith. Wow…I had never thought of it that way. All these years I have allowed myself to indulge just because for whatever reason I thought I’d earned it. Really, for my lifetime I have given myself a license to over eat or dive deep into a bowl just because it made me feel better. I’ve been self medicating and never realized it. And I’ve been settling for second best.
The Lord is not against ice cream mind you, after all, it’s one of His finest creations. But He does know that if I look to anything or anyone else for peace and comfort, I will not be receiving the best He has to offer. Only He is the Comforter, the great Healer, the Abba Father. Everything I seek comfort in will greatly pale in comparison to the One who knows all things and holds the future in His hands. The One who loves me unconditionally and even loves me the way He does Jesus. No really, it’s true. God loves me and you the same as He does Jesus. I realize that’s a pretty big thing to say much less wrap our brain around, but it’s still true none the less. Jesus himself says in John 17:23 “May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that You sent me and have loved them even as You have loved me.” Could that possibly be any more awesome!
So what I have learned through all of this is that when I’m in the midst of the storm, I will stay strong and wait on the Lord to deliver me from my troubles. And when He does and I know He will, I will celebrate with ice cream, but of course, in moderation. And in the future, instead of seeing evidence of my self-medicating attached to my body (from that there is no hiding) those who see me will see a person who fully knows that she is loved unconditionally by the Lover of her soul, her greatest need met completely.
Beautiful things. As I’ve gotten older I’ve gained a greater appreciation for beautiful things. I’m not talking so much about jewelry, although I’ve been given some beautiful jewelry in my lifetime. Nor clothes, they tend to look far prettier on anyone else rather than me.
I’m talking about the beautiful things I have gathered over the years. I keep them close because having them brings more than pleasure, but a joy that never tires to bring smiles or a sense of warmth and comfort when gazed upon or wrapped within its borders.
Beautiful things are truly more than beauty to the eye. The bed designed and lovingly made piece by piece by a great-great grandfather for his daughter then passed down from one generation to another, or the rocking chair bestowed to my husband because his grandmother who spent many an hour rocking her first born grandson was so much more than just the arms that cradled, but a heart that loved unconditionally. These too, are beautiful things.
Handmade crafts or precious purchases often times made decades ago by family now home in heaven but whose blood runs through my veins, have a home now with me. I’ve heard a lot of stories about many of these family members during my lifetime. Some of which may be more legend and folklore than true history, but they belong to my family all the same. Someday I will have the opportunity to tell them how much I have valued their handiwork that was made for one of their loved ones and ended up with me, one their descendents. Or the china they loved when setting the table for a family dinner, or a beloved trinket that cost little but meant the world to them. Those things mean much to me too. When we finally meet, I think we will love each other, or as my oldest daughter likes to say, “We’re going to be best friends, I just know it.” We already have much in common, having loved many of the same people, places and things.
I love my photographs for they are beautiful to me too, both those given and those I’ve taken. Anyone who has ever been in my home would know this within seconds. Everywhere you look, whether on walls, shelves, or tables of every kind, is displayed moments captured through photography. Whether still shots or action, each a moment in time, a memory worth reliving over and over again.
And my books, of which there are hundreds that line my shelves as well as stacked here and there throughout my house, are greatly loved too. Fiction or non-fiction, new or old, or really ancient, I love them all. I’ve spent many an hour with them, especially my treasured Holy Scriptures whose very Words sustain me. In my home are also Bibles left to us by loved ones since passed, and it moves me to hold and read the very books they too, held so dear.
Whether a book, painting or photograph that tells a treasured story, speaking to me every time my eyes linger, and a hand-me-down or handcrafted work of art that lends its love through the ages, these to me are beautiful things.
King Solomon says in Proverbs 24:3-4, “By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established; through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures.” May it be so in my home and yours.
The Homegoing of a Christian is a beautiful occassion. It allows us to celebrate the lives of loved ones who’ve gone home to Jesus, reflecting on cherished moments and time spent together. Though often many tears are shed, its because we know that a void has been created in our lives that can only be filled by that loved one.
Recently, my husband David’s grandfather Daddy Hugh passed away. At 95 years of age he was still vibrant, mentally sharp and an exercise enthusiast. But more than anything, he loved Jesus. For most of his life, Daddy Hugh served as a Home Missionary, showing the love of Christ to those who landed on America’s shores. During the 27 years I was blessed to be a part of his life, I never heard him say a negative word about another, complain, or be anything other than kind, compassionate and loving to all who came his way. He was such an amazing man. Any time spent with him was a blessing.
While traveling the long road home after the memorial service, David and I had several hours to talk about the many testimonies and people who shared the day with the family. If ever there was one that deserved to hear Jesus say “Well done good and faithful servant”, it was Daddy Hugh. But he was so much more than just obedient, he was all about the love. He knew without doubt that he was loved by Jesus and thanked Him in every prayer. Just like the apostle John, Daddy Hugh knew that he was beloved. Perfect love cast out fear and knowing this perfect love from his Savior enabled him to reach out in love to people of all walks of life. It is no wonder that many came to know Christ because they first saw His love in Daddy Hugh.
As the day became evening and weariness came over us, reality began to set in that the life we had known was forever changed. We have big shoes to fill as we endeavor to follow in the footsteps of Daddy Hugh in our Christian walk, but we have had an extraordinary example to follow. David had a lifetime with his grandfather and we are so thankful that for over twenty years our daughters knew well and were loved by their treasured great-grandfather. And we are also so very thankful for the blessings he spoke over us and the constant prayers he lifted up to the Father on our behalf. I have no doubt that we are better people for spending our lives with Daddy Hugh. It is my prayer that his legacy continues through all generations.
How amazing life would be now if I had learned and practiced a disciplined life from childhood. I see other 50 somethings that I’ve known for years and they look great! They are healthy and fit and living life to the fullest. They’ve managed their money well and have planned for the unexpected rainy days. They live in peace.
Of course, when I was a child I didn’t realize what a positive impact being self-disciplined would have made on my every day life in the now and forever. When it came to eating, I was always one of those kids who would have failed the delayed gratification test. Remember the one where you offer a kid a cookie but if they wait for a certain amount of minutes without eating the cookie, they would have gotten two more as a reward. Not me. I want it and I want it now was pretty much how I lived.
My generation thought it was cool to live in the moment instead of learning to live for our future. You know, eat, drink and be merry for tomorrow you may die. When really by living this way when tomorrow came, the poor choices from the day before sometimes left a forever kind of lasting effect. If not forever, certainly a really long time. There is a scripture in Proverbs that says, “Like a city whose walls are broken down is a man who lacks self-control.” This is so true, because without self-control, one’s mind, body and soul comes under attack in a way that mere mortals can’t defeat on their own.
I am thankful that God designed us to where we can and are expected to renew our minds, which will also renew our bodies, relationships, finances, every aspect of our lives. And not only that, but He shows us the way through His Word and guides us with His Holy Spirit. God is so awesome!
Of course, with that free will thing, just knowing what choice to make isn’t enough, I will have to actually make it. Which does then, in fact, bring me full circle to the self-discipline thing. But the good news is, and this fact seemed to escape me for way too long, especially since there is that Fruit of the Spirit song, as Christians we have self-discipline, self-control within us. We just need to pray it forth and rely on it. In other words, I have self-discipline already I just need to choose to operate in it.
Someday in my future, hopefully my near future, I am going to be awesome when I live fully by the Spirit. I will tame this flesh of mine, and most importantly, I will guard my heart and mind in Christ Jesus daily.
I feel better already.
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.” Galatians 5:22-25.
Well, it seems that I will be going around that mountain of mine again this coming year. Although I am disappointed in some of my failures, I like that I’m looking at them more like learning experiences, so really, they are not failures as much as they are lessons. And throughout the year, I had some successes too, accomplishing things I’ve never done before, they just seem small compared to the “lessons learned”.
Maybe as I mature, I will see that my successes were actually a bigger trimuph than I had first realized. Sometimes it takes time and reflection to truly see what really happened and why, and the blessing that came through it all.
This year, I want to be like the Old Testament heros Caleb and Joseph, who eagerly wanted to face their giants, knowing by faith that the Lord would win the battle for them. After all, no battle is too big for God.
2012 has been a year of many challenges, many unforeseen. But through it all, I’ve come to know my God so much better and it’s made me thirst to have full knowledge of Him. I am diving into His Word and hope to get lost in Him. It is my desire, that I truly know, that I know, that I know, how much God loves me. I believe that my life will drastically change when I get my mind wrapped around the fact that “Perfect love cast out fear”. Our perfect God who loves us perfectly, really wants us to know that.
As God becomes so very real to me, I see Him everywhere. I want to rid myself of me and instead be filled with more of Him. I believe my friends will be quite shocked if I become a quiet person for a while and maybe, thankful – I often hear that I talk alot. This year, maybe I will be still and listen more. Maybe…
One thing I do know is that I want everything the Lord wants to give me, every Spiritual gift, the Fruits of the Spirit fully manifested and operating in my life and that I may be filled to the measure of the fullness of God.
I think most of all, I want to be someone who always walks in love. I want to do something, anything, that will help someone else live better or feel better about themself. I also want to love myself like Christ loves me. I wish I had the God given ability of forgetting everytime I’ve missed the mark, as far as the east is to the west. But since I don’t have that, it sure is great to know that Christ loves me because of who He is and not for who I am.
This year, I will ponder in my heart what Christ says about me. After all, it’s a long trip around that mountain of mine and my Jesus, well, He is no doubt the very best traveling companion. With Him there will be peace through the storms and no burden too heavy. With Him there is an endless supply of living water, my God who fills the hungry with good things. He promises I will never be in want and He never lies. He will surround me with favor as with a shield and will bless the work of my hands.
Whatever happens this year, I know I won’t be the same. My prayer from Ephesians is, “I pray that out of His glorious riches, He strengthens me with power through His Spirit in my inner being, so that Christ my dwell in my heart through faith. And I pray that being rooted and established in love, may have the power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge – that I may be filled to the measure of the fullness of God.”
I am thankful to serve the Living God who is able to do immeasurably more than all I ask or imagine. May I glorify Him in 2013 and forever. And to you, my friends, may you see this prayer be fullfilled in your lives as well and may love and peace fill your hearts.
I’ve always had some trouble guarding my tongue, even when it was truth I was speaking. But as I’ve matured I’ve come to understand what is meant in the Proverbs that says, “From the overflow of the heart, the mouth speaks.” That means that actually, it’s a motive of my heart that causes my mouth to get in gear. Sometimes that’s a good thing, sometimes it’s not. So in my quest to be everything God wants me to be, I’ve been educating myself in ways to live an excellent life and to be better to those around me.
In my quest I’ve been reading books by John Maxwell over the past couple of months. He is an excellent author, speaker, and I’m guessing friend. If he practices what he teaches I think he could be anyone’s best friend. I am also convinced that his success is due to the fact that his ideas are based on biblical principles.
Currently, I’m reading on how to be a good leader and how to help others achieve their dreams. In the mean time, as I’m learning on how to better treat others, I’m learning alot about myself and things I need to improve on. The list is way to long to speak of here but oddly enough, I’m not discouraged but encouraged because Maxwell’s insights and advice have given me hope and inspiration. I truly understand why he is one of our country’s best motivational speakers – he certainly has motivated me.
In just one example of many, Maxwell teaches the benefits of finding something kind to say to a person in the first 30 seconds you come into contact with them in his book, “25 Ways to Win with People.” These kind words are to be sincere. The outcome for those who receive your words are uplifting as well as esteeming. But I have found it also gives me great joy to speak these words of kindness and causes me to be more observant of those around me. Actually, it is quite freeing to spend more time thinking about others than myself. Thinking of myself all the time can be rather exhausting and often times, disappointing. So the good thing is, while I’m working on bettering myself, others get to be blessed by my efforts. I truly believe that one of life’s greatest gifts is to find a way to be a blessing to another….even if it is just a smile or a kind word. And I also truly believe, that one way or another, we are all meant to be a blessing to each other.
I’ve been able to work on my observation and speaking skills while I’ve been substitute teaching at our local high school. I discovered quickly that often times when students act out the real reason is hidden deep within them, the behavior is just the outward mask of the inward emotion. I always ask the Holy Spirit to guide me in what to say and who to speak to because after all, He knows things that I don’t. Sometimes He leads me to say something I think is an odd thing to say, or an odd time to say it, but I’ve learned to be obedient and follow His leading. Often times, I’m rewarded with the prettiest smile or even sweet laughter. Sometimes, though, I do get a confused look but I know that the student realizes that though I may be a bit different, I was speaking kindly and respectfully. I’ve really enjoyed subbing at the school and have been treated with respect by the students. I hope it is because they can see that I truly care about them and that my words may be few, but genuine.
I’ve got many things to learn on this journey to live a more excellent way. Thankfully, I have the Holy Spirit as my guide and when I mess up, He’s my Comforter too. And through it all I will be very aware that words are so very powerful. The old school yard quote that says “Sticks and stones may break your bones but words can never hurt you,” is one of the biggest lies straight from satan. But God says through the Proverbs, “The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” Father God may the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my Strength and my Redeemer!
Is it really so hard to find something we can do to make someone else’s life just a little better, if only for a moment? In a world filled with hunger and poverty, sorrow and helplessness, surely we are all called to do what we can to ease the suffering of others.
Last year on advice from my oldest daughter Allison, I read the Irresistible Revolution by Shane Claiborne. It was eye opening to see how individuals could combine what little they have and change their community. It was about showing the love of Jesus. So as I pondered the Irresistible Revolution I wondered what difference I could make in my own community. I’m not rolling in dough but we have been blessed with enough that we lack for nothing we need. We never go hungry, we have clothes to wear and we can pay our utility bills every month. Our cars have over 200 thousand miles on them, but they run and get us where we need to go. We are blessed.
So, one winter morning as we sat in Sunday School class, one of our members told how his wife came home from teaching one day, saddened after hearing a student talk about how he didn’t sleep well because his whole family shared the only heated room. As I listened, I thought of Shane Claiborne and his thoughts on community and I spoke up with an idea. What if we as a class started a benevolence fund and contributed to it each week? What if we each did without a special coffee or fast food meal and instead, put that money into our benevolence fund. It seemed a pretty small sacrifice to make once a week and it wasn’t like any of us were going hungry. So we put a box on the piano in the back of the class, marked it Benevolence Fund, and wrote on it our mission statement, “To ease the suffering of others.” At the end of class, the money would be counted and deposited into our class fund where the church financial officer could keep account. Each week we would discuss what to do with the money, continuing to be surprised as to how much we had to spend or donate in best meeting the needs of others. We prayed over each offering, asking that the Lord multiply it as He did with the loaves and fishes.
Throughout the year we looked for ways to help and the search never took long. We partnered with the local schools by providing shoes, socks, toiletries, clothing, and winter coats for students in need. We contributed to school weekend and summer backpack food programs so students would not go hungry when not in school. We paid a student’s college application fee. In addition to helping with the schools, we paid for a family to have their house resided and windows replaced. We helped pay medical expenses for a young boy who lost his foot in a lawn mowing accident. We gave sleeping bags to a family living in their car and provided bunk beds to a family whose children had no beds. We supplied youth clothing of all sizes to a local hospital for when kids are brought in after being removed from meth houses so they have something to wear. We gave the Sheriff’s department hundreds of stuffed animals to be given to kids when they are part of an emergency event. And during the holiday season we filled food boxes and bought Christmas gifts for children.
When the year ended, my husband tallied all the money and supplies collected and compiled a report to give the class. We were astounded when we realized that together we had been able to donate nearly $6,000 in money and supplies, reaching throughout our community, and all of this accomplished by each of us making a small weekly sacrifice. It has been amazing to see how the Lord has taken our small offering and multiplied it to stretch and meet the needs at hand. It has also been such a joy to come in community together, reaching out to meet the needs of one another, being the hands and feet of Jesus. And this year is no different, and hopefully we will continue forever. Thank you to Shane Claiborne for living and writing the Irresistible Revolution, to Allison for encouraging me to read it, and thank you God for blessing us so we can help ease the suffering of others.
“Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of God’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, men will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else. And in their prayers for you their hearts will go out to you, because of the surpassing grace God has given you. Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!” 2 Corinthians 9:10-15
rebekahhurst 