Entering a new season....

Yesterday at Doug and Susie's it was pretty clear that Grace has entered into a new season of life...walking!  She is finding it quite difficult to carry items from one place to the other while crawling and therefore, she is forced to walk.  This is a slow and unsteady process for her, but still she has to resort to this mode of movement if she wants to bring an important item with her on her journey. 

She wanted to show me this special book, but I was sitting way across the room.  After several attempts at crawling and not being able to hold on to the book (she even tried putting it in her mouth without much success) she finally stood up and walked the 7 or steps over to me.  She was very pleased with  herself when she finally delivered the book onto my lap. 

This special book holds pictures of our family that she can page through .  You can see that she has found her mommy and daddy, as well as our family picture.  **Side note - special thanks to Aunt Gwen and family for this great 1st birthday present!  She loves this book so much.  It is soft and "chewable" and also as a handle which makes it much easier to carry! 

I also noted yesterday, that all of a sudden she is using so many "baby signs"!  We have all been using these signs for many months - things like milk, more, all done, water, bye-bye, please and thank you - and now Grace is actually making her wishes known through sign.  She has grown into a toddler and left baby behind.  Yes, it is a new season for her and for all of us!

Today is also the beginning of another season - Lent.  With my Lutheran background, Lent was an important observed time for me.  I would usually being a Lenten Journey devotional and also considered "giving something up" for the 40 days of Lent.  We would be encouraged to spend extra time considering the life of Jesus each day as we contemplated His sacrifice on the cross.  Honestly, today I was thinking about how incredibly meaningful Lent has been for me over the years.  I loved helping kids understand this connecting season between the birth and the death of Jesus. During those years of bringing the message to kids, I encountered Jesus in such a deep and meaningful way.  Isn't it interesting just how many times teachers learn and grow just as much as the students?  

One of my very favorite Lenten memories is a very special time with two amazing ladies that happened to work with me - one as a parish nurse and one as a youth director.  I was the church secretary.  We had our own sort of "small group" and often prayed together and encouraged one another.  We were all reading the same devotional that Lent and one particular day, the message was on worship.  We were alone in the church and decided to go into the sanctuary and worship together.  It was a blessing that the youth director was also an amazing worship leader and singer.  There we were, just the three of us in a large room, an unlikely trio, singing our praises to Jesus.  For me that was a game changing moment.  Lent became a time of offering more worship and praise to Jesus.  It became a time of a deepening understanding of fellowship and friendship.  Instead of "giving something up" for Lent, each Lent that followed that experience became a time of growing closer to Jesus and to those most precious to me.  

It was fitting that today, Ash Wednesday, was also my small group meeting.  As I sat there and looked around at those women, I was reminded of that long ago worship time with Lynn and Jade.  And my heart was very full.  What a blessing to be moving into this new season - here in 2018 - growing closer to Jesus and being surround by my shield-sharing prayer warriors.  I believe that this new season we are all called to give out rather than give up during Lent.  Give out your love to those near and dear to you.  Give out your praise and thanksgiving to Jesus. Give out a smile to the clerk at the store.  Give out a kind word to a neighbor.  You get the idea.  It is really easy.  

I am challenging you and I am challenging myself to this 40 days of giving out.  My small group today was such a blessing, leaving me feeling filled up with warmth and love.  I can't wait to see what Jesus has in store for the next 39 days.  Won't you join me?

Jesus, you are the author and creator of seasons.  You have given us rhythms and changes in the natural to guide us through our lives.  Holy Spirit, draw us ever closer to Jesus during this season of Lent.  Remind us when we have a moment or two that we can spend it in worship and thanksgiving rather than on Facebook.  Thank you Jesus for friends who impact us so powerfully.  Amen 

Celebrating Mother's Day.....at my small group!

We had a special Mother's Day brunch at my small group.  Today was a good day for me to be thinking about and celebrating Mother's Day.  It was the 37th Anniversary of the day that I became a mom!  Gwen's birthday!  This is a kind of fuzzy and a bit outdated (2014) picture of Gwen and I that was actually taken by one of the kids at a family gathering.  Usually Gwen and I are the ones that have the cameras in our hands and do the picture taking.  So we don't get many pictures of us together!   Happy Birthday to my wonderful, sweet Gwen.

My friend had a great idea for this morning's meeting. We  each got to pick a pretty tea cup and then we all filled up these cups with affirmations and blessings for each other!

We had spent some time thinking about and praying about our own mothers.  It was interesting to hear others talk about ways that they felt they had not appreciated their moms. The exact thing I was thinking about on my way to the meeting this morning.  It was a so good to forgive our mothers and to forgive ourselves for all of those times we failed as mothers.   We prayed for our children (31 plus 14 spouses of our kids) and grandchildren  (23 grandchildren). When you list these numbers it suddenly doesn't seem like a "SMALL" group!   As I have said before, this group is really a life line for me and I am so thankful for all of them!  What a meaningful and powerful time to stand together as mothers and bring our generations to Jesus!  And then we each got to fill up our friends cups with thoughts and prayers and blessings.   

I spent some time this afternoon meditating on each of those little pink pieces of paper in my cup.  Words have great power and even a few words on a little card can really have a big impact.  I also thought about the words that I had put on each of those papers in my friends cups.  Why is it that we don't take a moment to affirm each other more often?  If I learned one thing today it was how important it is to encourage and bless each other.  I am so thankful for these friends and I am thankful for my friend Jesus.......

What a Friend We Have In Jesus

What a friend we have in Jesus,

All our sins and griefs to bear!

What a privilege to carry

Everything to God in prayer!

Oh, what peace we often forfeit,

Oh, what needless pain we bear,

All because we do not carry

Everything to God in prayer!

Have we trials and temptations?

Is there trouble anywhere?

We should never be discouraged—

Take it to the Lord in prayer.

Can we find a friend so faithful,

Who will all our sorrows share?

Jesus knows our every weakness;

Take it to the Lord in prayer.

Are we weak and heavy-laden,

Cumbered with a load of care?

Precious Savior, still our refuge—

Take it to the Lord in prayer.

Do thy friends despise, forsake thee?

Take it to the Lord in prayer!

In His arms He’ll take and shield thee,

Thou wilt find a solace there.

Blessed Savior, Thou hast promised

Thou wilt all our burdens bear;

May we ever, Lord, be bringing

All to Thee in earnest prayer.

Soon in glory bright, unclouded,

There will be no need for prayer—

Rapture, praise, and endless worship

Will be our sweet portion there.

This old hymn is one of my very favorites from my childhood and was also one of my mom's favorites.  Recently I encouraged Gwen to teach this to her kids.  On Monday when I was helping Ellie with her school work, we got to sing this song together.  It brought back so many great memories of my mom and was a good start to my mother's day celebrations.   I especially like the last few lines of this song..... and I think of my mom and so many others who are in that bright and glorious place of endless worship with Jesus.  What a great comfort and peace that brings.  

So be encouraged today in the love of Jesus.  Celebrate your mother and affirm her with your words of thanks and praise even if she is no longer alive.  And take a few moments and affirm your family, your friends and your neighbors.  

Jesus, thank you for today.  What a blessing it is to share your love with others.  Holy Spirit remind us all to affirm those around us.  Give us words of grace and power and blessing to share.  Thank you for songs that touch our spirits.  And Jesus, thank you for Gwen!  Amen

.  

Breakfast in honor of my mom.......

I woke up this morning and all I could think about was this breakfast.  It may not look like much, but peanut butter toast and hot cocoa was my breakfast for YEARS when I was growing up.  And it was one of my mom's favorite things.  We often had this "snack" late at night (while we were up playing cards or Yahtzee).  I am not sure if it is the "September" thing and back to school, or the cooler weather (although it has actually been HOT this week) that brought this into my mind.  Whatever the reason, I made my hot cocoa and toast and sat down at the table, all the while thinking about my mom.  Yes, it was one of those times when I was so missing her!  It would have been so nice to be able to pick up the phone and give her a call.  I don't think you ever stop missing your mom.  On Monday, while I was at Gwen's, I was talking with Ellie.  Somehow we got around to talking about Great Grandma Nona.  She was telling me that she remembered her and that she thought she was having a good time in heaven with Baby Lucas.  Then she said that she missed her.  I said I missed her also since she was my mommy!  I wish I could have taken a picture of Ellie's face.  She was stunned.  She said, "Great Grandma Nona was your MOMMY???"  She had never made that connection.  I suppose that this conversation with Ellie may be part of the reason I was thinking about this breakfast.

Isn't it interesting how two things just "go together?"  Some people would never think that peanut butter toast would taste good when dunked into a cup of hot cocoa.  But let me tell you, it is a real treat.  The peanut butter gets warm and gooey and the combo of chocolate with peanut butter is always good (think Reese's Peanut Butter Cups).  If you haven't ever tried this, I suggest that you do.  It is really good.  There are lots of other things that make good "partners".  French fries and ketchup, mashed potatoes and gravy, biscuits and gravy, the list could go on and on.  But it is those times that you find two things that should NOT go together.....but they do....that is so interesting.  My very favorite of these unlikely pairs is potato chips and ice cream!  

I've been thinking about my very special small group.  This group of ladies have been so important to me over the last year.  And we are really an "unlikely" group.  We have been assembled through some very unusual connections.   We are different ages, have different backgrounds, different jobs, our children are different ages.  Some of our kids are still very young and some of us have grandchildren.  Even our church backgrounds are very different.  But when this group of women prays, things happen.  We have seen answers to prayer, been supported and loved and learned and grown through each other in ways that are just amazing.  The presence of Jesus is so strong during our meetings and usually we just follow the leading of the Holy Spirit.   I didn't know most of these ladies just a year ago, yet today, I can say they are my closest friends.  They know my hopes, my dreams, and my heart.  I can count on these gals to pray when I send out a text to the group.   It is wonderful how Jesus can mold us and change us to become one cohesive group.  A mish-mash of different people that Jesus has assembled together.  And it is the BEST!

My wandering thoughts today have brought me to this point.  Never dismiss something because it doesn't seem to "go together".  Whether it is a food pair or people in a group.  Don't be quick to decide that it won't work.  I can assure you that peanut butter toast and hot cocoa is great...and a unlikely group of people can turn into a great support system and prayer warrior friends.

Jesus, thank you for knowing exactly what we need and when we need it.  Thank you for memories and reminders of loved ones who are now with you.  Holy Spirit, help us to stay open when you present us with new and different situations and combinations.  Thank you for great food and great friends.  And Jesus, thank you for my mom.  Amen

Don't worry, it really is a dog's life!

Have you heard the old saying, "It's a dog's life"?  Well, this week I have been observing exactly what a dog's life is like!  We are "dog sitting" for Doug and Susie who are away on a much needed vacation......without Sammy and Kylie!  We are sharing the doggie duty with Susie's mom and dad, but so far, this is what I have learned about the dog's life.....

Sammy and Kylie spend most of their time doing exactly what they are doing in this picture.  Sleeping in their plush little beds.  They eat exactly what is put in front of them (twice a day) and go for a few walks outside.  But for about 23 of the 24 hours in a day, they are curled up in their comfy, safe place.  And I can assure you that those two dogs are not worried about anything!  (Except possibly when the next food truck arrives with the kibble).  They are really wonderful house guests.  I really barely knew they were in the house today!  

I was thinking about what a worry free life that dogs lead, and then remembering the very clear directive that Jesus left us about worry..........first He reminded us that birds are fed by the Father.  Then Jesus spoke about the flowers who don't need to worry about their clothes.  Then Jesus ended this passage saying....."Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.  Each day has enough trouble of its own." Matthew 6:34  

Yes, in spite of this very clear teaching, I know that I do worry.  But truthfully, I know that I am doing a better job of not worrying so much.  I am daily asking for guidance and help from Jesus on this!  At any rate, today at my small group, we were talking about all of the "stuff" going on around us in the world, in our country, and in our families.  And it was clear that worry and fear were trying to bombard our little group.  We started to just worship and soak in the presence of Jesus.  Calm and peace just filled the room and we all began to relax.  I had a little picture pop into my head of this very large hand holding the planet earth!  And the song "He's got the whole world in His hands" just came into my mind. I also thought "He has his eye on us!"  Psalm 33.  So I looked up Psalm 33.  

Psalm 33

¹ Sing joyfully to the Lord, you righteous;

    it is fitting for the upright to praise him.

² Praise the Lord with the harp;

    make music to him on the ten-stringed lyre.

³ Sing to him a new song;

    play skillfully, and shout for joy.

⁴ For the word of the Lord is right and true;

    he is faithful in all he does.

⁵ The Lord loves righteousness and justice;

    the earth is full of his unfailing love.

⁶ By the word of the Lord the heavens were made,

    their starry host by the breath of his mouth.

⁷ He gathers the waters of the sea into jars^[a];

    he puts the deep into storehouses.

⁸ Let all the earth fear the Lord;

    let all the people of the world revere him.

⁹ For he spoke, and it came to be;

    he commanded, and it stood firm.

¹⁰ The Lord foils the plans of the nations;

    he thwarts the purposes of the peoples.

¹¹ But the plans of the Lord stand firm forever,

    the purposes of his heart through all generations.

¹² Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord,

    the people he chose for his inheritance.

¹³ From heaven the Lord looks down

    and sees all mankind;

¹⁴ from his dwelling place he watches

    all who live on earth—

¹⁵ he who forms the hearts of all,

    who considers everything they do.

¹⁶ No king is saved by the size of his army;

    no warrior escapes by his great strength.

¹⁷ A horse is a vain hope for deliverance;

    despite all its great strength it cannot save.

¹⁸ But the eyes of the Lord are on those who fear him,

    on those whose hope is in his unfailing love,

¹⁹ to deliver them from death

    and keep them alive in famine.

²⁰ We wait in hope for the Lord;

    he is our help and our shield.

²¹ In him our hearts rejoice,

    for we trust in his holy name.

²² May your unfailing love be with us, Lord,

    even as we put our hope in you.

Yes, there it was.....the eyes of the Lord are on us!  Why would we worry?  He has it all in control.  He is not worried or bothered.  The plans of the Lord stand firm forever!  Yep, it really is a dog's life for us.  We can just let go and not worry about anything!  Yes, I think that I will be spending some time parked in Psalm 33.  It seems like a really good place to put my focus.  I will remember that just like verse 13 says, "From heaven the Lord looks down and sees all mankind!"  His eyes are on us!

So after breathing that thought deep into my spirit, I will go and take these two sweet doggies on a long walk about the neighborhood!  And I will remember that Jesus has everything under control!

Jesus, thank you so much for this great lesson today!  Holy Spirit, help us all to keep our focus on the heavens and help us to remember that Jesus has it all taken care of!  Thank you for lessons learned through our pets and reminders through songs and visions.  And thank you Lord for making sure we had your Word to keep these lessons in our hearts and minds.  Amen

When you get exactly what you need from a little boy....

"Music is a higher revelation than all wisdom and philosophy.  

Music is the soil in which the Spirit lives,thinks and invents." 

 Ludwig van Beethoven

I was treated to a long "concert" on Tuesday when Zeke sat at the piano and "played" and sang for me for over 30 minutes.  He even used the pedals (which he is quite fascinated with).  He sang some brand new, never heard songs and he sang some songs that he knows from school and learned at home.  It was the most healing and freeing 30 minutes for me.  When I saw the quote above, I realized the truth it contained.  In the last couple of weeks, I have been searching for revelation.  And anyone who has SEARCHED for revelation will tell you, when you search, you do not find.   Revelation COMES to you.  And on Tuesday, it came to me as Zeke sat at that piano and sang.  

This search for direction, an almost frantic feeling thing, had taken on a life of its own.  Sitting on the couch and listening to Zeke sing words of life, well, it just set something free in my spirit.  All of the wondering and concern and uncertainty seemed to go.  Suddenly I felt light and free.

Today during my small group prayer time, I saw a tunnel.  But it was not a scary, dark place.  It felt safe and calm.  I knew that I could not get off track - I could not go right or left - I could only go forward.  All of the thoughts I had been entertaining about being in the wrong place, just vanished.  I saw that the tunnel was taking me through the mountain.  And It was clear that this was a much easier path than climbing up and over that high, looming peak.  I was going through the mountain in a tunnel of protection and safety, with a predetermined destination.  Not one that I had chosen, but one that was certainly my destiny.  How peaceful and calm I felt at that moment.  And it started while listening to Zeke, sing "Jesus Loves Me". 

It is really funny, when looking back at the last few weeks, I can see that it was getting harder and harder to put words on a page - harder to write this blog.  It was harder to tell myself the truth.  I felt as if I was never going to figure out why I wasn't finding what I was seeking!  And then the truth blasted into my spirit through a 3 year old, singing "Jesus loves me, this I know.  For the Bible tells me so.  Little ones to him belong, they are weak, but He is strong.  Yes, Jesus loves me.  Yes, Jesus loves me.  Yes, Jesus loves me.  The Bible tells me so."  Nothing else mattered.  Jesus loves me and that is simply enough.  And then the revelation comes after I simply rest in the TRUTH that JESUS LOVES ME! 

Today is Ash Wednesday.  That very holy day of remembering the sacrifice of Jesus for us.  As we took Communion together in my small group, I felt the freshness and power of the Spirit just rolling over me.  For the first time in many weeks, I knew that I was on the right track, heading toward the destiny that is mine alone.   There is something so powerful about being in a small group of friends and drawing near to Jesus.  It is indeed flowing into Jesus' life.  Again, a reminder of the power of the PRESENCE!  

On Tuesday morning I captured this shot of Anna and Zeke enjoying a snack together.  Anna is just mastering the snack cup.  I  loved that they wanted to sit together and share those goldfish and animal crackers.  I was thinking about this scene today during my communion time.  Yes, it is good to share with those closest to us.  I am so thankful for my small group.  These women hold me accountable.  They pray for me and with me.  The remind me of the truth when I forget.  And they celebrate the breakthroughs when they come.  

I am walking into the Lenten Season in a much different place. For me it will be a time of moving on, in that tunnel, with assurance and most of all, HOPE.  Yes, the return of HOPE!  And, even now, I am walking in new revelation and a new level of joy and peace.  Expect to hear much more of the revelations I am receiving!  More than that, expect to hear and see more of Jesus for yourself.  Take in those words of that simple song, Jesus loves me this I know, for the Bible tells me so!  If you don't have a small group, I encourage you to find one!  Ask at your church.  Call a friend or two.  There is power and HOPE in being together and sharing Jesus.  Lent is a great time to consider this.  For some reading this blog, you may feel alone.  Jesus loves you, this I know!  For the Bible tells me so!

Jesus, thank you for your great care and love for us.  Thank you for revelations that bring us into places of peace and calm.  Thank you for children who know and share the truth with us, even in simple songs.  Holy Spirit, thank you for leading us and bringing us exactly what we need.  Jesus, thank you for Communion and the power of the PRESENCE that we receive.  Draw us together in you, Jesus.  Amen

Day 18 - TODAY'S answer to prayer

So most of the last few weeks have been testimonies from years ago.  Not today!  This is not the best picture of my sweet little ones (I lifted it off of Instagram - sorry Gwen), but I needed to share this!

Gwen and Tim took their 4 children on an airplane to visit my 94 year old father-in-law whose health is failing.  Now, this kind of a trip is not for the faint of heart!  Just the sheer amount of "stuff" that they had to bring would scare anyone!  Think car seats for all the kids, a playpen for Anna, not to mention, clothes, cups, bottles - you get the idea.  And four little ones on an airplane -  well, lets just say that Gwen and Tim are a hearty lot.  But still, I figured that they could use prayer coverage for this trip.  So I put out a request on my small group "text prayer chain". 

Now let me tell you that this texting thing is really amazing when it comes to sharing prayer needs.  I was just telling a couple of people how much I feel the very real presence of the Holy Spirit each time I get one of those text prayer requests from a member of our group.  I have no doubt that this use of cell phones and texting is just one thing that Jesus is using today.  Recently I saw a sign on a church near my house that said  "Prayer - the ultimate wireless connection".  And I think that the combination of using texting to pass prayer requests is just taking this one step further. 

So on to the story of today.  Well, everyone prayed for Gwen and Tim's airplane travel and it was a very good trip.  So, yes, an answer to prayer.  Let's face it.  A good three hour trip with four children is a miracle! 

However, I neglected to ask for prayer for some other details of this trip.  Like a rental car big enough to hold 4 car seats and 6 people and all the stuff - even though there was a prepaid, confirmed reservation for one! (I know, anyone who knows the show Seinfeld is now saying "They know how to TAKE the reservation, they just don't know how to HOLD the reservation!"  Ken and I were saying the same thing).  Thankfully, although NOT quickly, a different company found a suitable vehicle for them.  They were 3 hours later getting to their hotel than they expected.  You would think a good nights sleep was all they needed.

But early this morning I got a text from Gwen that Ellie was very sick and throwing up.  Now this is really no fun in a hotel.  And really not good when you need to go visit an elderly person who should not be exposed to anything!  I immediately put out an URGENT prayer request via text to my group.  And they all assured me that they were praying.  It was not looking good after 3 hours of Ellie getting sick every 30 minutes like clockwork.  Gwen and Tim were trying to decide what to do and then I got a text from the leader of my small group.  It said "been praying and feeling that a break thru is happening".   And I am not kidding you, within 2 minutes I had a text from Gwen saying Ellie was up and out of bed getting dressed.  And then they were on their way to see Great Grandpa.  Within another hour Ellie was swimming in the pool at my sister-in-law's house. 

By this evening, they were on the beach.  As you can see in this picture, they are all doing well - including Ellie.   And I am convinced that Ellie's quick bounce back was due to this wonderful group of prayer warriors who stood with me and prayed! 

My encouragement to you is to find yourself a group of people who are willing to form a "text" prayer chain.  You will be blessed.

Jesus, thank you for your protection and covering over Gwen, Tim, Lia, Ellie, Zeke and Anna.  Holy Spirit, bless their time visiting with Great Grandpa and the rest of the family.  Thank you for my friends and their willingness to pray when the need arises.  Holy Spirit nudge us all to pray for those close to us even when there is not an urgent need.  It is a miracle that we can connect through cell phones to connect TOGETHER to you.   Thank you for the quick healing for Ellie!  Amen

When you get what you need!

Today was a really great day.  I got exactly what I needed after a bunch of tough days.  At lunchtime Ken and I were out running some errands and he suggested that we go to A & W.  Does anything taste as good as that good, frosty mug of the real A & W?  It just gives me a warm feeling, thinking about all the memories I have of that wonderful treat in a glass.  My mom loved A & W.  And there was an A & W near our "Lake".  So many times, a trip to town for groceries or laundry included a stop for a frosty mug.  Yes, this was a great treat for me today, just what I needed. 

Then this afternoon my small group met to bid farewell to one precious couple who are retiring and moving to Florida.  The down side to this is that they are moving without a place to live permanently.  (They are staying with family while they find a home) There is another couple who are currently looking for a new house since their home is sold and they need to be out by August 1.  There are issues with adult children, relatives that have serious illnesses who are near death, another person who is in transition in their living situation, several with job stresses and health issues.  So my "little" problem with my lack of employment seemed, well, SMALL!  But this wonderful, dear group of friends, reminded me that no issue is small when it is yours.  They prayed for and encouraged me.  It was exactly what I needed.  How great is a few hours spent in food, fellowship and prayer!  Just as the group was breaking up, the couple moving to Florida, brought in a box of books to share with the group.  When the box was opened, this book was on the top.

And I knew it was there for me.  Gwen has been reading this book for her small group Bible Study and she has been encouraging me to read this!  As one man said, "Wow, you really want THAT? It is sure not light reading!"  The book is a good 2" thick!  But, it was again exactly what I needed!

Don't you just love when Jesus gives you exactly what you need? I sure do.  Today was an amazing day of seemingly small (and sometimes hefty - the book) surprises.  While we were sharing about our needs and concerns, I got a text from Gwen.  There were tornado warnings in her area and she was asking for prayer.  So we stopped and prayed for protection for their area and their family.  About 15 minutes later, I got a reply text that they were safe and in the clear.  There was a tornado touch down very near them.  Just as we were celebrating that answer to prayer, the storm hit our meeting place.  It was really very strong and lots and lots of rain.  We were not under any tornado warnings, but it was a bad storm.  I texted Gwen to pray for us!  Soon the storm passed and we were also in the clear. Prayers cell phone to cell phone.  Exactly what we needed. 

I just love this picture of how Jesus provides for us, amidst the storms in our life.  He provides friends and family to stand with us in prayer.  He provides the love and support that we all so desperately need that assures us that we are not alone in all that we are going through.  We are reminded that there are many others who are worse off than we are.  And He stands with us in the storms. 

Yes,  tonight I can say with great assurance, I got exactly what I needed!

Jesus, thank you so much for your great love, your protection and your covering.  Thank you for friends that open their home for meetings and shower us with your love.  Holy Spirit, encourage us all to remember who we are in you.  Thank you for giving me exactly what I needed!  Amen