Verses from Mama

Hearing God speak one Bible verse at a time.

Hopelessly Devoted To You

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Psalm 42:1 “As the deer pants for the water brooks, So my soul pants for You, O God.” 

Dear Kids,

Abigail Sheridan as Sandy Dumbrowski singing “Hopelessly Devoted To You”.

I have been completely beside myself with excitement. This week our local high school performed three showings of the iconic musical Grease. The music, the acting, and the dancing dazzled the audiences, and I have find myself bopping around the house and singing the familiar tunes over and over again.

The Ups and Downs of Young Love

The high school version, toned down from the original with John Travolta and Olivia Newton John, portrays the ups and downs of young love. From Roger’s mooning over Jan, Doody’s being enamored with Frenchy, Rizzo’s working out a complicated relationship with Kenickie,  to the main love triangle between Patty, Sandy (played by our own sweet Abigail), and Danny, each character desperately desires to be wanted and loved.

One of my favorite scenes occurs after Danny jilts Sandy for Patty. Completely heartbroken, Sandy pours out her grief in the song Hopelessly Devoted. Despite all the hurt Danny has caused her, she continues to hang on tight. Her head tells her to forget him, but her heart says don’t let go. Why? Because, she sings, “I’m hopelessly devoted to you!”

Hopelessly Devoted to You

I couldn’t help wondering as I listened to the heartrending lyrics, to whom am I hopelessly devoted? For whom would I give up everything? My husband? My friends? My children? While my allegiance to these dear ones is incredibly strong, should they be the main focus of my whole life?

David, the writer of Psalm 42, had a different perspective. This man understood passion. He had many romantic relationships as well as children and close friends. But he wrote that his deepest desires lay somewhere else. He longed after his God with his whole being. In the same way a thirsty deer desperately pants for water, David’s heart panted after God. His tears, his difficult experiences, his strained relationships with those who ridiculed him, served only to create an even deeper desire for his Savior and His God.

God’s Everlasting Love Keeps Us Satisfied

David understood that unlike Danny Zuko God doesn’t play games. He knows our thoughts, never misunderstands our intentions, and doesn’t desire us to be someone we are not in order to bestow love. In fact, we are the ones who push His perfect love aside. Yet He still pursues us with passion. His open arms are waiting for us to return. And when we do His goodness and mercy can keep us satisfied all the days of our lives.

Our high school’s musical performances of Grease are now finished. The familiar and upbeat songs of the fifties we have enjoyed for weeks will slowly stop replaying in our minds. But the haunting cry of Sandy Dumbrowski’s song remains. There is only one Person Who can give us the love we deeply desire. In the midst of all the blessings and difficulties of life can you say with David, the Psalmist, “Lord, my soul pants like a deer panting for water . . . I am hopelessly devoted to You!”

Love,

Mama

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What Does God Really Care About?

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Jeremiah 7:5-7 “If you really change your ways and your actions and deal with each other justly, if you do not oppress the alien, the fatherless or the widow and do not shed innocent blood in this place, and if you do not follow other gods to your own harm, then I will let you live in this place, in the land I gave your forefathers for ever and ever.”

Dear Kids:

God Cares About Our Treatment of People

Photo by Charlein Gracia on Unsplash

God really, really cares about how we treat other people! You don’t need to be a student of the Bible for very long before you realize the importance God puts on His people’s treatment of others. In fact, the way we treat others is a direct indication of our relationship with God Himself.

God Really Cares About Our Treatment of Others

I have always loved to read.  From the time I first learned that letters have sounds and make up words I have relished finding a comfortable corner and getting lost inside a good book . Recently, I read a loved it/hated it historical novel. I couldn’t put it down, but the story was horrifying. It involved the despicable treatment of orphans in the early to mid-1900s. Helpless orphaned children and others stolen away from their parents were deposited into an institution where they were treated with disrespect and cruelty. This particular story-line was fiction, but it was based on real historical events where children were being sold to unsuspecting adoptive parents.

Religious Posturing is Not Enough

I think we would all agree that these types of actions are criminal, but according to God any mistreatment, or even disregard for those in need, indicates a callous heart. The people of Jeremiah’s time believed they would be safe from invading armies because they spent time in the temple “worshiping” God. But the Lord warned that no amount of outward religious posturing would save them. He knew their hearts were self-centered. And their oppression of the alien, the fatherless, and the widow for selfish gain proved they had drifted far from the Lord.

James 1:27 states, “Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.”

Our Actions Toward Others Indicates Our Relationship With God

The way we treat others, especially those who cannot return the favor, does not bring us into a relationship with God, but it proves that we already belong to God and have His heart for others. After all, Jesus gave up everything to come to earth to help us in our distress, so we should also help those around us.

Jeremiah warned his people that they must reform their ways and their actions. Outward shows of religion were not enough. Their wrongful treatment of others revealed their true colors, and only a change of heart could modify their dismal future.

How about us? Are we relying on our pristine church attendance or other surface actions to feel confident in our relationship with God? If we are treating others badly then we are only kidding ourselves. A true relationship with God found in the Lord Jesus Christ will transform our selfish outlook. Every day it will become more and more natural to treat others, especially those with great needs, with kindness and compassion. This heart of love will be the best indicator of our relationship with God. If we love God we will do what He wants. And He really, really cares about how we treat others.

Love,
Mama

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The June Bride – Keys to a Successful Relationship

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Jeremiah 2:2 & 5b “Go and proclaim in the hearing of Jerusalem: “‘I remember the devotion of your youth, how as a bride you loved Me and followed Me through the desert, through a land not sown.’” “ . . . They followed worthless idols and became worthless themselves.”

Dear Kids:

“Oh, they say when you marry in June you’re a bride all your life, and the bridegroom who married in June gets a sweetheart for a wife.”

June Brides - The Keys to Successful RelationshipsThese lyrics from the popular 1954 movie, Seven Brides For Seven Brothers, play on an ancient tradition. Most June brides of today are ignorant of the fact that this custom came from Roman times.

June Brides Derived From Roman Times

The month of June derived its named from the Roman goddess, Juno. Annually on June 1st worshipers celebrated this deity of marriage and childbirth, and it was believed that those who “tied the knot” during the month of June would experience prosperity and great happiness.

Likely, June brides of our day settle on the date based more on warm weather, flexible work schedules, and sunny vacation spots. But it would behoove every bride to consider what truly makes a healthy and prosperous marriage. All young couples enter life together dreaming of a happily ever after. I doubt there are any who suppose they will “fall out of love” when spring rolls into winter. Yet so often this is exactly what happens!

All Relationships Take Time and Effort

But marriage to an earthly partner is not the only union from which a strong and beautiful connection can fade away. Any relationship worth keeping takes time and effort. This is certainly true when it comes to our relationship with the Lord.

God, through the prophet Jeremiah, plays on the image of young love grown cold to describe His relationship with His people. The lessons learned here apply to our rapport with each other, whether in marriage or otherwise, as well as our rapport with the Lord.

During the honeymoon period the children of Israel had great devotion to the God of their fathers. They followed Him through the wilderness and experienced His great loving care, provision, and protection. But what happened?

Forgetfulness Damages Marriages

As with many marriages today things changed. The people forgot the miraculous escape from Egypt that God had orchestrated. They grew used to the fruitful Promised Land secured by their heavenly Bridegroom. They turned and walked away from all they once cherished to lust after unprofitable things. Even the leaders stopped seeking God and pursued foreign gods!

Jeremiah portrays the heartbreak felt by a jilted lover when the Lord pleads His case and questions the reasons for Judah’s unfaithfulness. These fickle people became dissatisfied and searched for someone and something else to fill their desires. Sadly the search was based on a lie. They forsook God, the fountain of living waters and were left with leaking cisterns.

“When you marry in June, you will be a bride all your life.” This is a worthy goal and hope that Juno, the fictional goddess of love and marriage, can’t produce. June brides are not always successful.

All flourishing marriages, including a vibrant relationship with the Lord, are sustained with attentiveness and by staying connected. So take a lesson from the people of Israel.

Keys to Successful Relationships:

Never forget your initial devotion.

Keep following despite difficulties.

Stay contented with the blessings you have.

Never forsake your first love.

If you do these things, no matter what month you start your relationship, you will have a much better shot at being a bride all your life!

Love,

Mama

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Every Day Love and the Dining Room Table

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John 15:12-13 “This is my commandment, that you love one another, just as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this that one lay down his life for his friends.”

“Mother, don’t hate me! Love, NS.” 

This note greeted me at the kitchen door on Wednesday evening after work. “Hate you? Why would I ever hate my son?” I thought. 

I entered the kitchen and looked into the dining room. Suddenly, I understood the reason for his note.

For four months our house had been complete bedlam. Our unplanned kitchen remodel caused by a burst pipe overwhelmed the whole downstairs. Layers of dirt and dust coated the furniture for weeks and all the kitchen items had taken up residence in the living room, the downstairs bedroom, and on the dining room table. All winter our living space was sparse and we survived by clearing paths and creating a small eating space on the table.

Finally I Could Breathe Again!

But Memorial Day weekend proved to be the end of most things messy. I worked like crazy cleaning and finding homes for all my important kitchen items in the new cabinets. After discarding much unneeded stuff, things were finally in order. Finally I could breathe deeply again – until I got the note!

This is my expression of every day love! Love you, Nate!

This is my expression of every day love! Love you, Nate!

Monday night a tornado passed through our county. Our home survived the storm, but Nathan’s apartment sustained extensive damage. With very little notice he was forced to terminate his lease and move all his belongings out of the rental. He and his two roommates stayed up all night throwing possessions in boxes to empty the apartment as quickly as possible. Now the big things, like furniture, were tucked away in our barn, but everything else again littered the dining room table.

My mouth dropped and my eyes grew large as I surveyed the situation before me. “Not again!” I lamented. But then I thought of Nathan’s note. I certainly didn’t hate him. I loved him!

Jesus’ Command to Love Sacrificially

Jesus commanded his disciples in John 15 to love one another sacrificially. Maybe this was a small example of laying down one’s life for a friend. It isn’t often that one physically dies for another, but every day we encounter opportunities to give up the things we think we need to live – comfort, finances, rest, strength, belongings, and maybe even the dining room table.

Suddenly, a thought came to me. I grabbed my camera, took a picture of the clutter, and sent it to our family group message stating, “This is real love! Love you, Nate!”

I do love my son and I’m so glad he wasn’t hurt in the tornado! If need be I would give my life for him. But today I lay down my comfort and my organized home. Today, I give him the dining room table!!!

Love you, Nate!!

Love,

Mama

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Do Ungodly People Really Win?

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Luke 6:23 “Be glad in that day and leap for joy, for behold, your reward is great in heaven.”

Dear Kids,

Photo by Jared Subia on Unsplash

Sometimes it seems like ungodly people win. We see it in business as well as in every day life. Those who have worldly wealth put the stranglehold on those less financially blessed and get what they want through the power of the dollar. Others use status to claw their way up the ladder, ousting others who may be more qualified. Unfair circumstances can create huge frustration and bewilderment for those who are trying to do right, but God has something to say about these matters.

Jesus Speaks Words of Encouragement to His Followers

Sitting on a Judean hillside Jesus spoke words of encouragement to His followers. He taught the attitudes and character qualities that pleased God and reassured His disciples that they would be blessed despite the apparent victory of ungodly men. While unscrupulous characters may seem to be rewarded here on earth, Jesus revealed the eventual downfall of the ones who choose to serve themselves instead of God.

The Gospel according to Luke records four blessings and four woes. This contrast shows that those who follow God here and endure difficult times with grace will receive their reward in heaven. On the other hand, those who disobey God and misuse their fellow man will suffer the consequences in the end. Worldly attitudes and actions only receive worldly rewards, while heavenly attitudes and actions receive even better heavenly rewards.

  • Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the Kingdom of God.
  • Blessed are those who hunger now, for you shall be satisfied.
  • Blessed are those who weep now, for you shall laugh.
  • Blessed are you when men hate you, and ostracize you, and insult you, and scorn your name as evil, for the sake of the Son of Man . . . for great is your reward in heaven.
  • Woe to you who are rich, for you are receiving your comfort in full.
  • Woe to you who are well-fed now, for you shall be hungry.
  • Woe to you who laugh now, for you shall mourn and weep.
  • Woe to you when all men speak well of you, for their fathers used to treat the false prophets in the same way.

God Always Keeps His Word

A true man or woman of God must look beyond his or her circumstances and have the faith to believe that despite how things may seem, God will keep his word. Even the prophets of old endured similar injustices, so we are in in good company.

Do ungodly people really win? They may seem to receive some comfort and enjoyment here on earth, but it will only be short-lived. So don’t be frustrated or bewildered by those who treat you badly in business or in every day life. Instead seek to develop the attitudes and character qualities that God admires. Believe the words of Jesus and you can be glad and leap for joy. There is a better day coming and a great heavenly reward will be yours.

Love,

Mama

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The Best Cup of Tea You Will Ever Have

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Revelation 3:20 “Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will dine with him, and he with Me.”

Dear Kids:

I just pulled a treasure out of a plastic Rubbermaid tub in the basement. Wrapped in old towels I found a blue and white china teacup that belonged to your Great Grandma Thomson. It is worn, a little yellow, and chipped in a couple of places, but I washed it out anyway and made myself a cup of tea. Why would I do this when I have so many other pretty and perfect teacups in the china cabinet? It’s because this teacup holds a special place in my heart!

Having a Cup of Tea With Great Grandma

Great Grandma had a whole set of these Blue Onion dishes. I don’t know when she got them but they are part of my childhood memories. I spent many hours sitting in Grandma’s kitchen sharing a cup of tea with her, Grandpa, and other family members. She taught me to heat water in a large kettle until it reached a rolling boil, prepare the tea pot by swishing hot water around to warm the porcelain, and let the tea leaves steep until the water was the right color. Then I learned to carefully hold the lid of the teapot while pouring the steaming comfort into the china cups. But I learned so much more than all of this.

For me a cup of tea represented a place of safety and connection with those who loved me. It taught me to have a listening ear for others. Cupped in my hands it opened up a world of friendship, affection, and comfort. And over the years I have associated a warm cup of tea with the safe coziness of understanding and love that a deep relationship can give.

Having a Cup of Tea With Jesus

That is why I usually make myself a cup of tea when I sit down to have time with the Lord. Of all my special relationships this one is the most satisfying. Jesus calls all who will listen to open up the door of their hearts and let Him in. He longs to sit down with us and build into us through a deep relationship – one in which we can revel in His listening ear, bottomless compassion, loving correction, and deep affection. Who wouldn’t want all that?

Great Grandma’s chipped blue and white teacup isn’t just a memory from the past. It is a reminder of the deep joy that friendship and love bring. We can have this with each other, but most importantly with Jesus. He is knocking at your heart. So put the water on to boil, open up the door, and invite Him in. It will be the best cup of tea you ever have!

Love,
Mama

The Catastrophe of a Religious Masquerade

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Zechariah 7:9-10 “ Thus has the Lord of hosts said, ‘Dispense true justice and practice kindness and compassion each to his brother; and do not oppress the widow or the orphan the stranger or the poor; and do not devise evil in your hearts against one another.’”

Dear Kids:

The Catastrophe of A Religious MasqueradeHalloween is just around the corner. This is the time of year when many dress up in costumes. Recently, Luke and Brianna hosted an autumn dress up party. Their little family masqueraded as the cutest beekeeper, flower, and honeybee I’ve ever seen. After the party they took the costumes off and returned to their normal selves. But sadly there are many people who spend their whole lives pretending to be something they are really not.

The prophet, Zechariah, confronted the Judean people about their religious practices. During the seventy years they had spent in captivity they had kept up a regular custom of fasting and mourning.  Their actions looked very spiritual and pious, but God saw beyond the outward appearances. Through the prophet He questioned their integrity saying, “When you fasted and mourned in the fifth and seventh months these seventy years was it actually for Me that you fasted?

The Lord then spelled out His version of true and genuine religiosity. It included dispensing justice and practicing kindness and compassion to all people, as well as refraining from oppressing widows, orphans, strangers or the poor. Those who are the “real thing” will not devise evil in their hearts against one another. They will always speak the truth and judge with accuracy and peace.

Sadly, in the past, God’s people had refused to listen to the former prophets’ words. They closed their ears from listening and continued on in their foolish religious masquerade bringing a great catastrophe upon themselves.

Today, there are still many who portray themselves to be something they are really not. Going to church every week, dropping money in the offering plate, and using religious words and phrases are not the measurement of a genuine Christian. Those who have received God’s Spirit within them will show by their actions that they are the “real thing.” They will have a sincere love for those around them that will be demonstrated by their desire for justice and truth. They will reach out to aid those who are struggling and offer material and emotional help for their times of great need. They will pray for their enemies and seek to do them good instead of evil.

Choosing to dress up in a Halloween costume may or may not be your fancy. But make sure that who you are every day is not a religious masquerade. Do your actions demonstrate your real heart attitudes? Your facade may trick others, but God knows the truth.

Love,

Mama

Knowing Christ – Getting What You Want Despite the Mud

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Philippians 3:8 “More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish so that I may gain Christ . . .”

Dear Kids:

When you really want something you will slog through the mud to get it!

The patter of rain on our farmhouse’s metal roof is usually a comforting sound – especially when you can curl up on the couch with a good book. But this past Saturday the very same sound was less than cozy. We were scheduled for a farm machinery auction and visions of hot tea and fluffy blankets were replaced with visions of rain gear, rubber boots, and trying to maneuver in a slippery porta-jon. I knew we were in for a muddy day!

A Successful Muddy Day

Upon arrival I parked my minivan in what I hoped was a place for easy exit. Spinning tires and a filthy bath were the last things I wanted at the end of the day. We set up our computers, adjusted the barn doors to keep rain from blowing onto our equipment, and settled down to wait while watching the farmer scatter large gravel over the worst spots.

Soon the men began to arrive. One after one the poncho-clad auction goers stepped up to receive a number. At 10:15 the auction was on and the crowd gathered around the small items in the barn and then braved the raindrops to congregate at the big equipment parked in the field. By early afternoon all the items were sold and  either hauled away or arrangements made for later pickup. Despite the storm the day was a success.

“Why would so many leave their cozy homes to slog around in the mud?” I asked myself. My conclusion was that when you really want something you will go to great lengths to obtain it.

Wanting to Know Christ Enough to Suffer

The Apostle Paul suffered many things as he served his savior, Jesus Christ. He was beaten, shipwrecked, left for dead and much, much more. But he kept on. His losses, including reputation and good standing with religious leaders of the day, were nothing to him as he went after what he wanted.

He wanted to know Christ and was willing to slog through all sorts of mud to get Him!

What about us? Do we want to know the Lord Jesus Christ with such passion that we would be willing to suffer like Paul did? Are we satisfied only with safe, warm, cozy, dry days where we can sit in church and sing exciting worship songs? Or are we willing to do whatever it takes to know Him in a real way even if it means trials and hardships?

The farmers who wanted a piece of farm equipment came out to the auction despite the weather and muddy conditions. Hopefully many left with what they wanted.

So what do you want? Like the Apostle Paul and the wet farmers are you willing to do what it takes to get it?

Love,

Mama

Fantastic News – God Has No Middle Children!

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1 John 3:1a “See how great a love the Father has bestowed on us, that we would be called children of God . . .”

Dear Kids:

God is not a God of favorites! There is never a time when you should feel forgotten or left out. Our heavenly Father’s tenderness, compassion, kindness and time for you are limitless. He sees your every move and He always cares. Do not fear you will get lost in a crowd of people or even amongst other believers. For in the family of God there are no middle children!

Facebook Remembers Middle Children Day

This week Facebook resurrected an old picture of you children. I took it about 10 years ago and you are standing in age order at Grandma’s pool. I posted it way back then with a special purpose in mind. John-Keith, number three child, had gotten on a kick about how the middle children are always forgotten and lost in the crowd. After hearing the complaint over and over (said in jest, I am sure) I decided to create a new holiday – Middle Children Day! So I took this picture, drew a circle around John-Keith, and posted it in honor of our middle child. We have remembered this celebration year after year thanks to Facebook.

Hopefully, each of you know how much you are loved despite where you fall in the birth order. But it is true that when more children enter a family things change. A first child is the only one and receives the benefit of everyone’s attention. As more arrive there is more love to give, but time needs to be shared in a way that wasn’t necessary when there was just one.

No Middle Children With God

But waiting in line for attention or taking turns to talk to your heavenly Father privately is not an issue when it comes to the family of God. The Lord is everywhere at once, limitless in His abilities, inexhaustible in His patience, infinite in His love, boundless in His wisdom, and immeasurable in His understanding. He is always available for each of His children – any time, any place and in every way!

Dad and I celebrate each of you children (and now grandchildren) every day, and once a year Facebook will remind us that despite birth order you are all loved! But when it comes to your heavenly family where there are hundreds of thousands of children you never need to fear you will get lost in the crowd. The fantastic news is that your heavenly Father has all the time in the world for each individual. He is not a God of favorites. And in the family of God there are no middle children!

Love,
Mama

Communication and the All-Important Emoji

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Colossians 4:6 “Let your speech always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person.”

Our speech has a power beyond imagination. Things we say can often open or shut the door of a person’s soul. But this powerful force is more than just the words we say. Real communication is driven by attitude expressed in body language, facial expression, and tone of voice.

It’s funny how the most benign statements can take on new meaning when paired with a sarcastic tone. Anyone with a relationship conflict experience can attest to this. The wise person takes the time needed to get a negative attitude under control before facing a tense situation. Then words and actions are chosen carefully if the intent is to resolve the problem.

The difficulty our culture is now experiencing is that much conversation – good or bad – is not taking the form of spoken words. With the advent of texting many are choosing to have important conversations hidden behind a smart phone. This is not a wise move.

Recently, while responding to general question posed to me by text, Abigail, who was looking over my shoulder, chided me. “Mom, use an emoji or more punctuation! The person is going to think you are mad at them if you don’t.”

Really!! I never realized the importance of the emoji character until then. When you don’t speak face to face with someone they can’t read the unspoken signs to see if you are joking, serious, or being sarcastic; hence, the smiley face, laughing face, confused face, angry face, the thumbs up, or a variety of other characters to help get your real feelings across. Misunderstanding is compounded by the fact that with texting we are expected to respond immediately. If busy the quick OK (or just K) response may leave the person unsure of your real feelings as they are unaware of the unrelated project or mess you may be dealing with at the moment.

The Bible reminds us how important our speech in all walks of life can be. The Apostle Paul asked the Colossians to pray that God would open a door for him to speak God’s word to those who hadn’t heard it before. He wanted to make the message he was trying to convey very clear, and he understood the importance of using words filled with grace to gently season the meat of the salvation message.

We also need great wisdom in knowing how to respond to those around us if we want to show the example God wants us to have. This takes prayer, wisdom, and much thought. Spend time with God making sure your own attitude is in alignment with His. Ask for open doors for spiritual conversations and then speak face to face with people as much as possible. Let the love of Jesus shine through every word, every facial expression, your body language and tone of voice. These conversations may just be what opens or shuts a person’s soul. And our responses, empowered by the Holy Spirit, may guide a friend or neighbor to accept the Lord into their lives.

So remember . . . let your speech always be with grace . . . and if you must respond by text, be sure to use the all-important emoji.:-)

Love,

Mama