“Grammy, I did it!”

“Wow! Great job!” I replied with enthusiasm.

Our granddaughter and grandson are here today and we were doing some preschool projects when Faye announced with pride she’d finished her page.

Of course Bubba was quick to finish and show his off as well.

“Watch! Grammy! Watch!” Was heard frequently.

Which caused me to pause and think about this tendency to show others our abilities or to share what our children or grandchildren have accomplished.

Is this desire simply the flesh nature which wants to be praised, in other words is this simply about pride?

Although, I think it could be, but at the ages of 2 and 3, my heart is inclined to believe that their desires arise from a different desire.

God created people to be in a relationship with Him and with one another.

My grandchildren’s words were an effort to share their accomplishments, their experiences with me.

And all this made me think of my Heavenly Father and my relationship with Him.

As it blesses my heart to have our grandchildren calling my name, eager to share things with me.

I can’t imagine that it doesn’t bless my Heavenly Father when I come before Him in prayer, enthusiastic about sharing my day, my experiences, and my heart.

Of course it’s a bit different.

I’m learning to say, “Father, what do You want me to do?” rather than, “Watch this!”.

I’m growing in patient, waiting with, “Lord, lead me,” and less often saying, “I do’d it!

My heart has been blessed by both the love of these precious little ones and by the love of God Almighty, my Heavenly Father through the gift of Jesus Christ.

1 John 4:9-10 NKJV — In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him. In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins.

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank You for Your salvation. Thank You for walking with me and giving me so many blessings, teaching me through the little and the big. Lord, please call to grow me up in You and Your Word. Please help me get walk with You, waiting upon Your guidance and direction rather than walking in my own ways. Lord, please help me to have self-discipline, that I might not sin against You or anyone else. Lord, thank You for Your gift today, an opportunity to share in our grandchildren’s lives is such a blessing. Lord, thank You for loving me even more than I can imagine. Thank You for sacrificing Yourself for me. Please use my life to reflect Your light. I love You, Jesus. Amen.

Train up a child

The enthusiasm of our grandchildren having preschool at our house is such a joy.

When Bubba found something green in the kitchen he gladly pointed it out multiple times stating proudly, “Green one!”.

When Faye discovered my socks were the color she was searching for (blue) she excitedly pointed, shouted the color, jumped up and down while clapping her hands.

Scripture is clear that we as parents and grandparents are to train our children.

They are not always excited about that training, but our responsibility is equal whether teaching something they enjoy or not.

God never intended us to “guess” what was the best things to teach, He gave us a guide.

We should revere God and teach our children to do so.

Proverbs 1:7 NKJV — The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, But fools despise wisdom and instruction.

We should be reading, studying, memorizing, and applying God’s Word to our lives as well as using it for the foundation of all we train our children in.

Proverbs 30:5 KJV — Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him.

Hebrews 4:12 NKJV — For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

As parents, we should avoid using anger as our motivation for obedience, for even young children resent being bullied into action.

Ephesians 6:4 NKJV — And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord.

Rather, we should train them to honor God and the authority God has placed over them, steeping our attitudes and actions in the reality of the value each person has before God, every single one so precious that He died for them.

Romans 5:8 KJV — But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

There are more instructions for parents within the scriptures and it’s both our pleasure and responsibility to seek God’s guidance as we train up the children He has placed in our families.

Proverbs 22:6 NKJV — Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it.

Clearly, the way we should go and train our children to follow is the one Jesus opened to us through His sacrifice and resurrection.

Matthew 7:14 KJV — Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank You for Your gift of Your Word. Thank You for children. Lord, please help each one of us to apply Your Word and Your truth daily. Thank You for how You have given us all we need in scripture, especially the instruction to train our children in Your ways. Lord, You are the One who not only created us, You understand us completely, You died to save us from our rebellion against You. Lord, thank You for Your gift of salvation. What an awesome God You are! Thank You for the opportunity to raise up others in the training and admonition of the Lord. I love You, Jesus. Amen.

The gift of love

Our daughter and son-in-law allowed their oldest girl to spend the night with us Saturday.

The next morning Papa and Faye came out to see the animals while I was doing chores.

I was surprised by our male rabbit, he rarely lets anyone pet him, but as you can see, he sat quietly and let her.

She helped feed both bunnies, pet the sheep, and said “Hi” to the chickens before returning inside so we could prepare for church.

She was a little shy as people greeted her and sat between Auntie and myself during worship.

She wanted me to hold her for one song, tucking her head under my chin and grasping my arms with her tiny ones.

Once service began, Auntie (Anne) took her to the nursery.

The sermon was from 1 John and our pastor began with describing the love and trust his granddaughter has when her dad tosses her in the air.

That same love and trust I see in our grandchildren for their father.

It’s the same love we experienced while Faye was staying with us.

Like her joy and hugs when we got up in the morning.

Her smiles and cuddles when she came in from seeing the animals.

The kisses and hugs she gave each of us before she returned home with her parents.

These beautiful moments will be added to the string of cherished memories I have of our precious little girl.

One of my favorite memories, during her infancy, is when I’d walk her to sleep, then sit in the rocker and enjoy holding her while she slept.

I feel so blessed to have these times with her, and am inspired by her.

Her gift of love is a blessing and she loves, because we first loved her.

And in turn, I love because Jesus first loved me.

1 John 4:19 KJV — We love him, because he first loved us.

This gift of love from God is meant to be shared.

And I’m taking the example of our granddaughter in how to love.

I want to love God with perfect trust in Him.

1 John 4:18 NKJV — There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love.

Because I am safe in the salvation of my Lord Jesus, I can lavishly love without restraint.

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank You for Your love. Thank You for our grandchildren and how much I learn from them. Lord, thank You for our children and the things I’m still learning from them. Lord, thank You for Your love and how far You went to bestow Your love upon us. Today, I want to love You as my granddaughter loves, without restraint, without worry. Lord, I want to learn to trust You as a little child. For I know You are worthy of my trust! You are worthy of all my praise. Your Word is truth and Your salvation is eternal life. What do I have to fear when my soul is safe in You? Nothing but You do I want to revere. Lord Jesus, thank You for showing me the gift of love. I’m unworthy of it, but I’m so thankful for it! I love You, Jesus. Amen.

Precious little blessings

“That would make a great picture,” she turned and smiled at me.

I hadn’t seen what she was looking at, out the window, so I asked her what she meant.

“Oh, the guys in the garden with their cowboy hats on.”

I looked and agreed with her.

Our oldest granddaughter looked too and announced, “I put my shoes on!”

I asked her momma if she could go with me to the garden.

As we stepped off the deck stairs her little voice surprised me with a giggle, then she told me why she was laughing.

“Oh! The cowboys!”

I laughed too.

“Yes! Let’s go see them.”

We found Papa setting Bubba down on the metal bench to eat the fistful of green beans he had.

He gladly chopped away while Faye pointed with concern at a grasshopper.

I agreed they are not welcome in the garden, but it would probably leave soon.

She turned to smell a sunflower.

I asked her to do it again so I could get a picture.

When Bubba had finished his green beans, they each found a strawberry to enjoy.

Then my husband walked them to where the carrots are.

He pulled one and the children’s surprise at the carrot popping out of the ground brought smiles to our faces.

Of course our grandson needed to pull his own. (He only had a little help from Papa.)

His was covered in dirt, so I got the hose and began washing it off.

Soon both children and Papa were enjoying fresh carrots.

We decided the tops would be a nice treat for the bunnies and headed over to their cages.

Faye pointed to our female, “The Mommy one! Where’s the Daddy one?”

“He’s hiding right now, but wait, he’ll come out when I put the carrot tops in.”

Of course he did and she giggled.

Next, we went to feed some undersized corn to the sheep and goat.

As Faye petted the sheep she commented, “Soft.”

Papa fed the chickens in the run so the kids could watch them.

Faye pointed to our rooster, “The Daddy chicken!”

“Yes, that’s right. He’s the Daddy, the rest are the Mommy chickens. The Daddy is called a rooster.”

Her attention soon turned to the neighbor’s beautiful gelding.

He’s a pinto and very friendly, but today he didn’t come close.

He’s not used to little children.

She waved at him and told him “Hi!”.

Our grandson had lost interest and they’d already returned to the house, but Faye wanted to check the nesting boxes.

Our son is very good at keeping the eggs picked up, but I told her we could look.

To my surprise, there was an egg.

Faye was glad and as I held it, the warmth against my palm told me it was fresh.

I told Faye, “We will put this one in the carton and you can take it home.”

As we reached the deck and Faye proudly lined her clogs next to our rubber boots, I smiled.

My heart thanked God for His blessings which I’m able to share with our grandchildren.

My husband’s expression told me his heart was also thankful; equally blessed by our time with our grandchildren.

Our daughter related what occurred when she told the children they were going to Grammy’s.

“Their little eyes got huge and they ran to get their shoes on. They were so excited! Then, Faye proceeded to list everyone who lives at Grammy’s house, including the sheep, goat, chickens, and two rabbits!”

I had to chuckle.

Children are such incredible blessings from God.

They have such a unique perspective.

Their joy is contagious.

They are greatly valued by God.

Matthew 18:10 NKJV — “Take heed that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that in heaven their angels always see the face of My Father who is in heaven.”

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank You for the gift of children. You have blessed us with children and now grandchildren. We are so thankful to You for each one. Lord Jesus, please continue to teach us through these precious people. It is in Your Word that we realize just how blessed we are and how each one is a priceless treasure. Lord, only through Your Word and Holy Spirit can we find truth and understanding. Only through Your salvation can we be saved. Only in the security of Your redemption can we find peace. Lord, please help each of us to be an encouragement to the children around us. Please teach us how to value others, how to train and exhort, how to love unconditionally, and how to share You with each one. Lord, I lift up these precious people. Please speak to their hearts, train them up in Your truth, and give them the true understanding of Yourself. Thank You. Amen.

“Not if, when…”

It suddenly became real.

While working through all of this, I’d been holding it lightly.

Just in case the door closed.

I’d even corrected our son’s words, “Don’t say ‘when’. We don’t know if this is going to happen, say ‘if’.”

And it was during his interview he said, “If we get kids-“

Our adoption agent interrupted him.

“It’s when, not if. When you get kids, please continue.”

I was startled by her calm assurance and looked over at her.

She was smiling and seemed to know she was giving us the information we’ve been working at hearing.

Our family is going to adopt from the foster care system.

Just reading it in print is incredible.

We’ve been working on the process of getting approved for months.

But it’s moved out of the maybe into the actual.

It will probably be another 7-8 months before we have children placed in our home, but I’m certain God has a purpose for that time.

As we embrace this new blessing from the Lord, I expect to have plenty of ups and downs.

We are praying for our future children as well as the challenges and blessings this will bring to all of us.

We’d appreciate your prayers as well.

James 5:16 KJV — Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank You for faithfulness throughout this process. Lord, You know I have really struggled with fear during this and been able to find so much truth and comfort in Your Word. Thank You for continuing to use life’s circumstances to show me my errors and to convict me of sin. Lord, I don’t want to try to control circumstances nor to do things in my own strength. Lord, I don’t want to be puffed up with pride, thinking we know what is best. Please help us to guard our hearts and minds, placing ourselves before You with joy and humility. Lord, please continue to teach us how to walk with integrity through each day, choosing what is right and walking in Your truth. Lord, I know Your ways are perfect and I want to be filled with wisdom, which only comes from You. Please continue to teach me how to live as a reflection of You each day. Thank You, Lord for this new adventure. Thank You for Your faithfulness. I love You, Jesus. Amen.

Birthday Party!

I can hardly believe it’s already been two years since the birth of our grandson.

Since we had plans (great grandma’s birthday party) for that day, we had a party yesterday.

He seemed to enjoy it and we did too.

Even though we’d been working all morning to set up, our first guests found us still trying to get things finished.

Wonderful people that they are, they jumped in and helped!

There were the usual things which come with trying to have a party.

The wading pool had to be dumped and refilled.

We had to find a lid for the pulled pork to keep the yellow jackets out of it.

The heat kept causing the balloons to burst at random, startling anyone nearby.

The bubble guns stopped working after floating in the pool for a while.

But the children played, splashed, ate, ran around, drank a lot of juice and water, squealed, laughed, and pretty much enjoyed themselves.

Upon retrospect, I again am impressed how God works in the little things.

Like the moment when I realized I failed to get a bag for our gift and the only wrapping paper we have is Christmas paper.

God, gave me an idea.

Use another bag to cover the printing on the large bag I had on hand.

(If you want to see that project it’s posted here: https://hopestreasurechest.wordpress.com/2022/08/15/another-craft-moment/)

It then became a “teachable moment” in the car this morning as I talked about how God is constantly giving me ways to supply my needs and sometimes my wants, especially when I least expect it.

I had just shared with our teens last week about using what God gives you, and then the Lord gave me another opportunity to walk in that.

Life is not about having, it’s about serving and relationship.

First and foremost, serving God and walking in a daily relationship with Him.

Then our relationship with others is a natural opportunity to live out the relationship you enjoy with Jesus.

1 John 1:7 NKJV — But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.

Whatever things God places in our lives, we need to be asking Him how He would have us use those and thankful for the opportunity.

Whether it’s a family party or a unseen moment of unexpected provision God supplies through our stewardship, it is both a pleasure and privilege to serve the Lord Jesus, for He first served us.

John 13:14 KJV — If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another’s feet.

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank You for Your service to us. Thank You for not only creating us, teaching us, healing us, You died to save us! Lord Jesus, thank You for reminding me of the privilege and joy of serving others. Thank You for the provision which You supply, often before I realize the need. Lord, thank You for helping me to be creative yesterday. Thank You for showing me that the important things are people, who have eternal souls. Lord, please continue to teach me how to wait upon You for direction and guidance. Please help me not to plan things myself, but rather to lean upon Your Word and look for the answers there first and always. Lord Jesus, I am waiting upon You for these things and I thank You that I need not fear, only patiently wait with hope. I love You, Jesus. Amen.

An example of love from a child

Our grandchildren were over last weekend.

They have been a wonderful example of how to love.

Both our granddaughter and grandson love their baby sister.

Now that she is sitting up and crawling they are rejoicing in the opportunities to spend time with her.

They give her toys.

They talk to her.

They hug her and kiss her often.

(Which is what Faye is doing in the photo above.)

While we were watching the children, Joy took a nap.

I was blessed by each of her siblings reactions to her waking up.

I was holding her, when her sweet eyes opened, she blinked, smiled, and sat up.

Faye noticed first.

“She’s awake!” She squealed, dropped her toy, jumped up and ran over to grab Joy’s hand and plant a kiss on her head.

“Awake! Awake!” Little brother sang as he too jumped to his feet to come smiling over and at look baby sister like she was a brand new gift he couldn’t get enough of.

The exuberance quickly abated, as littles don’t have a long attention span, but their celebration over their sister brought me nearly to tears.

Our children are wonderful examples of how a family should love each other.

They dropped what they were doing to welcome their sister, although she’d only been “gone” sleeping for a couple hours.

They were nearly excessive in their showering of affection, but Joy loved it.

Their joy and excitement over this beautiful new life is inspiring.

And their priority of making a point of welcoming and loving their sister is a reminder to me to be mindful of my own behavior.

Do I welcome my family to our home as warmly as I do visitors?

Am I putting my children, my husband, and others before my own tasks?

Have I been thoughtful about expressing my joy and love to those precious to me?

Has my appreciation for the gift of each life become dulled by my familiarity and self centered perspective?

Do I look on people and really appreciate how precious God views each?

I’m so thankful for our grandchildren and the inspiration God has brought through their example.

Matthew 18:4 KJV — Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

Matthew 18:5 KJV — And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me.

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank You for children! What an incredible blessing they are. Please continue to hone my heart and help me to apply these lessons You are teaching me. Lord, I want to come to You as a child, with trust and humility. Lord, please restore my child-like love, while retaining the wisdom of adulthood. Lord, I know You have an incredible love for children and I want to love as You do. You loved mankind to such an incredible point that You sacrificed Yourself for us! Wow. I want to love like that. Please help me to understand Your Word, and obey the direction of Your Holy Spirit. Please continue to protect the innocent and supply the helpless. Thank You, Jesus. Amen.

Vacation Bible School

This is the theme for our church’s Vacation Bible School this year.

It’s been a wonderful week.

Of course there have been some moments, mainly a scraped knee or two, but overall it’s been a blessing to all.

Personally, I’ve enjoyed watching the progression of the children, teens, and adults spending time together, each day relationships are built.

It has reminded me of the countless Vacation Bible School programs I attended as a child.

It has brought to mind the children’s church, Sunday school, and Children’s Camps we’ve been a part of as our children were growing up.

Being on the adult side of things, I know how much work goes into all this.

I’m thanking the Lord for the hearts of those who volunteer to give children these experiences.

I’m praising God for His provision for it all.

I’m praying for today, as the week comes to a close.

Praying these children and their families will be edified and blessed by Jesus and His followers.

For we know Jesus loves children and we want each one of them to know that as well.

Matthew 19:14 KJV — But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank You for this week. Thank You for each and every single child You have brought to this VBS. Please help each of these little ones to know You and to understand how much You love them. Please hold them in Your arms and carry them through each day that they might grow into adults who follow You with their whole heart. Please protect them from the enemy and the snares of this life. Please help them to understand the difference between good and evil, that they may walk in truth and Your light. Lord, bring these children up in Your Word and speak clearly to their hearts. Thank You for each and every one of these children. Lord Jesus, please help those who are finishing up today. Grant them understanding and speak clearly to them. Lord, please supply all that is required, especially for those who are feeling extra tired after this long week. Lord Jesus, I praise Your holy name and thank You for all You have done. Your ways are perfect and Your salvation is life. I love You, Jesus. Amen.

A season of miracles

God is in the business of miracles.

This winter I received two prayer requests from friends, both of them were asking for unborn babies.

A friend of mine was asking for her daughter who was pregnant.

The young lady and her husband have been walking through a sad season as they’ve struggled with miscarriage and sorrow, wanting to add to their family, but finding it very difficult.

The request was that this baby would survive.

As a grandma myself, my heart was touched for this couple as well as my friend, if this baby lived it would be her first grandchild this side of heaven.

The other request was from a new friend at our church.

She shared with me that she and her husband were surprised to find out she was pregnant.

They already have two boys, and although they had wanted more children, God had simply not provided more, until now.

This beautiful lady shared with me her extreme surprise at being over 40 and pregnant.

Imagine the emotion for all involved when they found out she was having twins!

Not long into this it was discovered these were identical babies on the same placenta, very rare and potentially dangerous.

Both these mothers and their unborn babies have been in our prayers ever since.

In March, more requests for prayer came in as my friend let me know her daughter was in pre-labor and it was too soon.

Her daughter ended up remaining in the hospital as we prayed for that baby to stay in the womb as long as possible.

My heart felt so much when my friend texted that she was headed to the hospital, several hours away, because baby was coming.

And he survived!

He only weighed 3lbs and 12 oz, but he was here and we all rejoiced.

I began calling him “your miracle man” to my friend as we celebrated through texts and pictures.

God continued to answer prayers and this precious baby made milestone after milestone.

I felt like crying when they sent me photos of him at home.

This morning I’m rejoicing again.

My friend with the twins has had a rough season: time in the hospital, bed rest, and so many doctors appointments.

But this morning we received news that both her baby boys were born last night.

These babies are miracles!

It’s a season of miracles.

When I think of the numbers of problems both mothers had to deal with, the long list of prayer requests for each of these babies, and the faithfulness of God, I’m overwhelmed.

He carried these mothers and their little men through all of this and each of them has an incredible testimony to God’s goodness.

And then, as I praised God for His blessing in these lives, I was struck by a truth.

The birth of each of our children was a miracle.

The birth of each of our grandchildren was a miracle.

My birth is a miracle.

Every life is a miracle.

God is continually working miracles and today I’m taking the time to praise Him for it.

May we never take for granted the beautiful blessings God gives us.

Psalm 127:3 KJV — Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward.

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank You so much for Your blessings! Thank You for bringing all three of these baby boys to their families and supplying then with all they need. Lord, please continue to guide and bless these families. Help them to hear Your voice and walk with You as they raise these tiny men. Lord, make each one of these boys to be Mighty Men of Valor, who speak the truth in their hearts, who refuse to look upon wickedness, who shun evil and do good. Lord, bless them with knowledge and understanding. Bring them up in Your Word and establish them in Your ways. Thank You so much for these babies. Thank You for Your blessings. May we be encouraged by Your goodness even as we grieve with those who suffer loss, for in this world we shall have trials and tribulations, but You have overcome the world. Lord Jesus, we don’t always understand why somethings occur, but I know we can always rest in Your truth and find security in Your salvation. For this world is not our home and we look with expectation at both the blessings here and those yet to come. Thank You, Jesus. Amen.

Car Show

Moving here has been a huge blessing for our son.

Some things are still difficult, but overall he’s a much happier young man.

(I asked him recently, “Do you still like living here?” He quickly responded, “Oh yes!”)

Making new friends and meeting new people can be challenging for him, but he’s learning.

Several of the adults at our church make a point to speak with Jase, but one older gentleman is a particular favorite.

He sits and listens to Jase and they talk about their individual interests.

When word reached us that the older man’s son had a major health issue, Jase spoke to him, told him he was praying for his son and checked back several times to make sure the older man was doing alright.

Recently, the older gentleman told Jase of a car show.

Jase really wanted to attend and my husband was making plans to take him.

Then the Lord reminded Handsome of a funeral for a coworker and it was the same time as the show.

He wouldn’t be able to take Jase.

Jase took it well, but was obviously disappointed.

So, Handsome called the older gentleman and asked if he’d left for the show yet.

“No, not yet, I’ll be leaving in about an hour. Am I going to see you there?”

My husband related the fact that he would miss it and asked if he would mind taking Jase.

“Well, sure! It’ll be nice to have someone to go with.”

They made a day of it.

They went to the Car Show, ate lunch at a restaurant, and then returned home.

Jase had several pictures on his phone, plus a bunch to tell me about it all.

Later, as I watched him mowing the lawn, I smiled.

God provided an older man to do something with Jase my father would have really enjoyed.

I’ve told our son about how my dad could see an old car and tell me the make, model, and year it was built.

Jase knows a great deal about my father, he loves hearing about Grandpa driving in the time trials or looking at the old black and white pictures Grandpa took or hearing the story of Grandpa driving the tank up on a transport when no one else could do it.

He even likes to hear stories about Grandpa’s favorite Nascar driver, Richard Petty.

I’m so thankful to God for His blessing our son with an older gentleman who cares about the things important to Jase.

He supplied something I didn’t even know was lacking.

Truly, God loves and cares for us far more than we understand or can possibly fathom.

1 John 4:15-19 NKJV — Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God. And we have known and believed the love that God has for us. God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God in him. Love has been perfected among us in this: that we may have boldness in the day of judgment; because as He is, so are we in this world. There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love. We love Him because He first loved us.

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank You for Your love. Thank You for blessing our son with this trip to the Car Show. Lord, thank You for this older gentleman who has been such a blessing to our family. Please let us bless him in return. Lord, thank You that You alone are in control of all things. Thank You that You walk with us in truth and righteousness. Lord, there is always a danger in relationships, to open our hearts to others means we are vulnerable to being hurt, whether through sin or simply sorrow; for no human relationship is without the sorrow of loss. Yet, Your Word tells us we should love as You do, not counting the cost, not trying to protect ourselves from future pain, but loving unconditionally with understanding, forgiveness, and wisdom. Lord, please help us to walk in Your ways and to love as You do. Amen.