a heart surrendered

Too little, but not too late.

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle) — Mon, 04 Jan 2021 23:59:00 +0000

I did it again.

Neglect.

Hand-written words of encouragement are precious and beautiful, yet rarely received.

And my failure to be faithful and consistent to put pen to paper this past year contributed to the lack of reception.

I did write. Notes here, a handful of letters there, but they were scattered rather than purposefully planned.

My conviction to write grew and grew until it could no longer be ignored. Or disobeyed.

Too little? Yes.

Too late? Never!

Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.

1 Thessalonians 5:11

Thank You, Lord, for prompting me to grab my pen and fill pieces of paper with words. I rarely know what someone needs to hear, or when they need to hear it - but You always know! And over and over again, the envelopes find their way into the mailboxes of those who need them, just when they need them most. May I be faithful to scratch pen across paper the moment You put it on my mind to do so. My soul has been buoyed countless times through the life-giving words of a friend or brother/sister in Christ. May I be a woman who willing and lovingly - delivers the same.

A new year! A new plan!

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle) — Sat, 02 Jan 2021 00:36:00 +0000

My Scripture study and reading commitment for 2021:

➙ study/ponder/apply Psalm 119 (and hopefully memorize much of it in the process)

➙ study/ponder/apply the Fruits of the Spirit (Mountains of Spices will be the secondary resource to Scripture)

➙ Complete Morning and Evening by Spurgeon (a book I have always wanted to digest!)

➙ Complete and implement the lessons learned in Gentle and Lowly: The Heart of Christ for Sinners and Sufferers

I have no idea what the Lord is doing or where He will lead as the days roll on, but I know it was He who pushed me toward this particular course of study, so I am quite eager to discover His plan!

My WORD for the close of 2020.

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle) — Fri, 01 Jan 2021 05:12:00 +0000

Another one to LOVE.

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle) — Thu, 31 Dec 2020 05:59:00 +0000

On December 9 we received the call for Baby M.

A 2-day-old premature baby boy.

Dennis and I spent the first three weeks of his life with him in the NICU.

We held him, taught him how to feed on a bottle, learned how to give a preemie massage, learned how to do preemie PT, spent hours each day with him inside of my shirt for skin-to-skin time to help him survive and thrive, and learned the various ins and outs of his physical and emotional needs so we can serve and care for him the best way possible.

And today - he came HOME!

On Dennis' 53rd birthday!

Baby M is now 23 days old, getting stronger every day, and finally home and a part of our family.

How grateful we are to be trusted with this precious life until he is able to be reunified with his mom/dad.

He was purposefully created by the hand of a loving God, and he was protected by that same hand through pregnancy and in his first weeks of life. We know the Lord has a plan for Baby M's tiny life and we are excited to have a front-row seat to watch the beauty of that plan unfold.❤

Thank You for the beautiful gift of Baby M, Lord! Our time with him in the hospital was tender and unique and provided countless opportunities to share our faith and, the joy of foster care. We pray those conversations fell on fertile ground so that the truth of who You are and what You do in the lives of children and families continues to prick the minds and hearts of each nurse who heard our story. The only reason we have a sorry is because You chose to write it. Thank You, Lord! May we have even more opportunities to minister to the birth mother and father, with an even greater and lasting impact. On eternity. We surrender this baby, his parents, and our family to You, Father. May Your will be done - in all of us.

Dennis!

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle) — Thu, 31 Dec 2020 05:12:00 +0000

Happy Birthday to the man who loves, serves, provides for, and cares for us all!

We enjoyed a quiet evening together as a family.

Dinner

Gifts

Everyone sharing their favorite "Dennisisms" which had us laughing for almost an hour!

All of us sharing ways Dennis has personally impacted our lives.

Dennis addressing each one of us with a personal word of encouragement and love.

❤A wonderful, memorable night together.❤

Finally IN the ring!

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle) — Wed, 30 Dec 2020 08:46:00 +0000

I hate exercise.

It appears that my body does not possess endorphins. If it does, they either hide or play dead when I lace up my tennis shoes or step into the gym because the joy that others feel when drenched in sweat and barely able to walk never shows itself with me.

I am not physically disciplined.

I will work out for three days and then do absolutely nothing for 12.

I will eat perfectly and then gorge on salty tortilla chips and guacamole. For a week.

I have gained and lost the same 40 pounds for two decades.

Being married to a disciplined, committed, passionate workout guru is what motivates me to try. It is more than a little disconcerting that my husband's waist and hips are smaller than mine, and that someone can bounce a quarter off of his backside while that same quarter would stick to mine. <insert dramatic eye roll here>

So - I make an effort to keep us from looking like a walking version of a marble statue and a blob of clay.

My best exercise friend has always been walking.

It can happen anywhere, at almost any time, and in any type of weather.

I have walked off countless pounds over the decades and greatly benefitted from the fresh air pumping through my lungs.

But I get bored.

And when I do, I shake things up.

And then stop altogether.

Then start again.

It has been, and will probably continue to be, one very long cycle of ⤷ self-discipline ⤷ laziness ⤷ self-control ⤷ gluttony.

This year began with a lazy and gluttonous Michelle, but I am happy to report that it is ending with a more disciplined, controlled, and (dare I say?) a slowly emerging endorphin-producing Michelle.

I am not a fool. I know my default to hop on the crazy cycle of exercise and eating will always be a temptation, and one I will always have to fight.

But I AM fighting.

And that is a good place to start, right? In the ring - instead of outside of it?

➨A typical workout designed specifically for me by my son/trainer - Ryan.

(Ryan is a 27-year-old version of Dennis if that gives you any idea how these workouts look! He is kind and gracious with me since I cannot, and have no desire, to do their psycho CrossFit style of training, but we still fight every.single.time we go to the gym together. He says we bond through the workouts. I say they make me want to smack him upside the head. Go figure!)

Warm-up = 20 minutes on the treadmill

Workout #1 = #25 kettlebell and #35 plate
-10 kettlebell lifts
-20 step-ups with barbells
-12 squats touching buns to ball
-1-minute rope pull

TIMES FIVE!

Workout #2 = machines and dumbells for shoulders/biceps/triceps/chest/back

Cool Down = 20 minutes on the bike

I still hate exercising.

I would rather stay snuggled in my soft, cozy bed than get up to dress for an early morning workout.

I would rather curl up on the couch with an excellent biography or watch a movie with my kids.

Sweating and feeling pain may not be my greatest delight in life, but I am slowly creating a new habit.

It took me 49 years to get here, but it is better than 59 years, right? RIGHT? <grin>

A quiet and lovely Christmas.

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle) — Mon, 28 Dec 2020 19:43:00 +0000

Candles burning each morning.

Cozy blankets.

Worship music.

Movies.

Dennis.

Our children.

Ryan.

Conversations.

Delivered treats.

Twinkling lights.

Walks through the neighborhood.

Ornaments from years past.

Scripture reading.

Extended family.

A new foster baby and birth parents to serve.

Thoughtful gifts.

Laughter.

Hugs.

LOVE.

Thank You, Lord, for the beauty of Christmas.

The close of 2020 was quiet, sweet, and simple.

Thank You.

A gift of authentic love.

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle) — Sat, 26 Dec 2020 20:36:00 +0000

The day we got the call for Baby M, my dear friend Julie characteristically asked, "What can we do for you?" I had no answer for her since our little guy was living in the NICU rather than coming home. Within 48 hours of living in the NICU with him, however, it became abundantly clear that I was not practically prepared for a preemie. Bottles specifically designed for preemies, clothing designed for tiny babies, small sleep sacs, and hats and socks to help keep the heat in their bodies ... I had none!

So I texted my friend and said, "I know what I need now!" And she was ON IT!

The best part is that she took a video of their shopping trip and another video of her describing why she made each selection. My favorite scene depicts PJ (a JPL/NASA engineer) standing in front of the bottle section with a look of absolute confusion on his face while shaking his head back and forth as if in agony. HysTERical!

On Wednesday, the dynamic duo arrived in our driveway with a labeled box filled with items for preemies like Baby M.❤ But better than all of the petite, adorable items inside the box, was the H U G E hugs the three of us exchanged. How we have missed each other!

This is my favorite piece in the whole collection.

And not because it is adorable in its own right.

In her video, Julie picked this item up and said, "I chose this one because Baby M is LOVED." And I cried.

He is a stranger to her. But her enormous, compassionate, I-will-do-anything-for-foster-babies-and-orphans heart loves him simply because he exists. Because he was created by the hand of God, in His image, with purpose. And she wanted him to know it. ❤

This is Julie's favorite outfit. She loves the dinosaur tail on the buns!

The dynamic duo!

THANK YOU, PJ & Julie, for being the catalyst for our foster care journey. We knew the Lord was calling us to this ministry, but you let us DO IT by trusting us with your three precious adopted children - for years! You encouraged us, inspired us, spoke truth to us, swept away the fears and "what ifs," and allowed us to see your REAL. Thank you. You made a difference. And you always will.

We love you!

Merry Christmas!

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle) — Fri, 25 Dec 2020 22:20:00 +0000

Edible Christmas Fun with the Cousins!

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle) — Thu, 24 Dec 2020 06:52:00 +0000

An a-MAY-zing quote!

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle) — Tue, 22 Dec 2020 03:55:00 +0000

When I consider the cross of Christ, how can anything that I do be called sacrifice?

—Amy Carmichael

A splash of FUN after a long day.

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle) — Mon, 21 Dec 2020 22:00:00 +0000

My quarterly "self-care" box arrived!

The color theme alone made me smile, and I was thrilled with each product tucked inside the box.

Lotion - shower gel - lip balm - perfume - soap - hand creme - gift tags ... all a DELIGHT!

It may be a touch silly that a box of toiletries can make me happy, I admit. But nonetheless - it DOES!

The Opposition of the Natural.

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle) — Sun, 20 Dec 2020 18:00:00 +0000

Those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Galatians 5:24

The natural life itself is not sinful. But we must abandon sin, having nothing to do with it in any way whatsoever. Sin belongs to hell and to the devil. I, as a child of God, belong to heaven and to God.

It is not a question of giving up sin, but of giving up my right to myself, my natural independence, and my self-will. This is where the battle has to be fought.

The things that are right, noble, and good from the natural standpoint are the very things that keep us from being God’s best. Once we come to understand that natural moral excellence opposes or counteracts surrender to God, we bring our soul into the center of its greatest battle.

Very few of us would debate over what is filthy, evil, and wrong, but we do debate over what is good. It is the good that opposes the best. The higher up the scale of moral excellence a person goes, the more intense the opposition to Jesus Christ. “Those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh….”

The cost to your natural life is not just one or two things, but everything.

Jesus said, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself…” (Matthew 16:24). That is, he must deny his right to himself, and he must realize who Jesus Christ is before he will bring himself to do it.

Beware of refusing to go to the funeral of your own independence.

The natural life is not spiritual, and it can be made spiritual only through sacrifice. If we do not purposely sacrifice the natural, the supernatural can never become natural to us. There is no high or easy road. Each of us has the means to accomplish it entirely in his own hands. It is not a question of praying, but of sacrificing, and thereby performing His will.

~ Oswald Chambers, My Utmost for His Highest

Bonding and making memories through shopping!

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle) — Sun, 20 Dec 2020 04:26:00 +0000

Last week, Dennis, Josiah, Isaiah, and Ellie went up north to visit his family.

While they were there, Denise took Ellie and her other niece Nicolette shopping to buy clothes for Baby M. Ellie LOVED her shopping date with "the girls" and returned home with a huge smile, eager to show me every single item and explain why they chose each one. (Denise chose the wrist rattles even though our little guy's entire neck would fit inside of them because she believes, "Every baby should have a Christmas toy!<insert giant grin here>)

Thankfully, we are allowed to bring clothes to the hospital so Baby M can look like a baby boy instead of a hospital patient, so now we have a nice little stash of outfits for the nurses to dress him in each day!

Thank you, Denise, for creating a memory with Ellie! She loved spending time with you and Nicolette, and was so proud to bring home items for this sweet baby the Lord has placed in our care.❤

An edible act of kindness!

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle) — Sun, 20 Dec 2020 01:06:00 +0000

A fellow foster mom, and close friend, sent me a text on Thursday announcing she would be delivering breakfast for our entire family Saturday morning.

She is a nurse who takes in babies with severe medical needs, so she understands what life looks like when living in a hospital. (And, what life looks like at home when mom lives in the hospital!) She didn't ASK if I wanted her to bring breakfast. She TOLD me it was going to happen. She knows me well enough to guess that had she asked, "Is there anything you need?" I would have answered "No." Not because I refuse to let others serve our family, but because I usually cannot think of our needs in the midst of what is happening to create the need. So, she pulled from her own experiences and decided we needed delicious food that was already cooked and would be enjoyed. And Chick-fil-A is always a WIN!

I woke up this morning to find the food sitting on our kitchen counter, having been delivered in the early hours, my three youngest children salivating around it. After a clearly staged photo op, I divided the scrumptious spoils and the food was consumed in less than 17 minutes.

Thank you, Amanda, for loving our family in such a tangible way. Your thoughtfulness was both appreciated and digested! ❤

Our new world.

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle) — Sun, 20 Dec 2020 00:51:00 +0000

This has been my view for the past 10 days.
Every day I walk through the doors of UCI Medical Center, check-in with the lovely and welcoming receptionists, have my body scanned by a thermometer the size of a television, secure clearance to enter the building, make my way to the 4th floor, secure a second clearance to enter the NICU, wipe down all of my belongings, and scrub my hands and arms for one purpose.

To hold our new foster baby - Baby M.❤

Two weeks ago our delightful placement coordinator called to ask if I wanted her stash of diapers to keep in stock for future placements, and, of course, I said yes.

While I sorted through and organized the bundles, I came across two packages for preemies.

I stopped and stared at them, and prayed.

"Lord? We purposely trained to take in drug-exposed and medically fragile babies, yet You continue to bring us healthy babies who do not need the "extra." Why Lord? We are ready, we are able, we are willing. Will you please bring us a preemie baby who needs us? And, Lord? I am ready for a boy."

Two days later we received a call.

34-week preemie

NICU

4.11 pounds

Baby boy

There was no need to think, discuss, pray, or ponder.

The Lord had already prepared me for this little one.

The answer was an immediate "Yes!"

I sent Dennis a text from the family room while he was in a Zoom meeting in the dining room which simply read: We have a new baby!

No details, no explanation.

He instantly responded, "Suh-weet!"

And 24 hours later, I entered the hospital to meet our new little guy.

He is precious.

Tiny.

A cuddle bug.

And fighting hard to survive and thrive.

For the first eight days, I spent 8-10 hours with him, slipping his small body inside of my tank-top to give him skin-to-skin time. The nurses at UCI are fantastic but unable to sit in the chair and hold these tiny ones for hours on end. Healthy newborns need hours of skin-to-skin, and preemies/trauma babies need hours and hours of the same. I time my visits so I am present for a feeding (eight of the ten are done through an OG tube, two are through bottles) because when he is done he can curl up against me and sleep for the next 2-1/2 hours until it is time for cares and the next feeding. It is a precious time of bonding, and I love every moment of it.

Now that Dennis is on Christmas break, we are taking turns with the shifts. One of us takes the morning shift and one of us takes the evening shift. (As I write this, he is with Baby M, preparing him for a sponge bath!) After this short experience, I have a new respect and compassion for the parents who must endure months and months in such a setting with their precious babies; some of whom are literally fighting for their lives.

The nurses have been honest, letting us know that Baby M could be in NICU for another month. To be freed from the hospital he must consume eight bottles (75% of the volume) in a 48-hour period. Right now? He can barely consume one.

But the Lord KNEW!

He delivered this precious bundle to us at the perfect time.

During COVID, when Dennis is home every day, still working 10-12 hours, but present. And available.

During Christmas break, when our youngest three are not in school, and Dennis does not have classes.

Without these two factors, it would be impossible for me to spend hours in the NICU with Baby M. He would be lying alone in his petite crib for far too many hours of the day.

BUT GOD.

He knew what this little guy needed before we even knew his name.

And He provided.

As He always does.

Because He is faithful.

Thank You, Lord, for the opportunity to serve this sweet boy. I pray we will be quick to sacrifice for his sake. Time, sleep, comfort, convenience. He suffered in the womb and he suffers still, and neither was his choice. Heal his body, Father. You lovingly and sovereignly created him in the womb of his mother. You lovingly and sovereignly allowed him to enter the world early. And You will lovingly and sovereignly chose to place him in our care until he is able to return to his mother, forever. May we be found faithful to love Baby M as you do - wholeheartedly, sacrificially, and unconditionally. Thank You, Lord, for the gift of this precious boy. We may be the ones caring for his little life, but we know his impact upon each of us will be significant and lasting. Thank You, Lord. The reason for foster care is always tragic, but being allowed to be a part of the healing, restoration, and reunification is an honor and a privilege. I pray You will begin healing Baby M's mother, mind, body, and spirit, so she too can be made whole and find joy and peace in the days ahead as she works hard to bring her son home. We surrender both of them to You. Amen.

A quote. On prayer.

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle) — Tue, 08 Dec 2020 18:00:00 +0000

We do not pray because we doubt but because we believe.

- Spurgeon

YES!

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle) — Tue, 08 Dec 2020 00:24:00 +0000

For the first time in my adult life, I succeeded in reading the entire Bible in a year.

And it was W O N D E R F U L!

I have neither pursued nor accomplished this feat since my college days.

The reading schedule ended with the book of Job; one of my favorite narratives in Scripture.

I am incredibly thankful the Lord convicted me to take on the challenge to ingest every letter of His life-giving Word this year, specifically. Like everyone, I had no idea that 2020 would be filled with fear, political unrest, hatred, protests, riots, panic, and ambiguity. Praise Him for pushing my face into the pages of Scripture before it all began so that it was both a habit and a non-negotiable by the time everything went topsy-turvy.

I knew I had written about my hope of being faithful to the new reading plan so I scrolled back through the blog and discovered this entry. Virtual bookends. So fun!

Blog entry, January 2nd, 2020:

After the Lord used a godly mentor to encourage me to begin keeping a Scripture journal, I fell in love with this new method of writing.
I have always read and then processed the lessons learned in writing, but it was in narrative form. Detailed, specific, full sentences, etc.
The journal is a place to write out the actual verses, passages, or chapters from Scripture, and then interact with them. A word, a thought, a prayer - it doesn't matter how lengthy or short, or if any words coincide with the Scripture at all.
There is something precious and unique about transcribing God's Word with your own hand. It may be a verse you have read hundreds of times or something you have never noticed before, but either way, you are lifting the words of God from the pages of Scripture and setting them into your own book in a way that is personal to you.
What a joy it has been!
I am already eager to purchase the next journal when this one is full!

This year, I am adding a new layer to my time in the Word. A reading plan that will take me through the entire Bible in a year. In the past, I have never enjoyed this type of study as it felt forced and, like a duty rather than a delight. But this plan is one I found appealing, as it only requires five days of reading instead of seven, allowing grace for days missed while still consuming every word of the Bible in one year. I am only two days in and already loving it!

Reading through the entire Bible can feel daunting, especially when plodding through Leviticus and Numbers; yet we are commanded to take in the FULL counsel of God which includes the tedious verses about not eating the blood of animals or barbecuing unclean hooved animals. Every single word is inspired by God, so every word must be devoured!

Lord, may I be found faithful to read Your Word methodically, faithfully, and with diligence and joy! In Psalm 1 You promise that the man (woman) who meditates on Your Word day and night will be like a thriving tree planted by streams of water, never withering, and always prospering. Make me that tree, I pray, O Lord! May 2021 find me stronger, more mature, holier, more steadfast, more patient, better able to dodge the fiery darts of the enemy (and see them coming), and more in love with You and Your Word because I surrendered this year (2020) and my study of Scripture - to You.

An encouraging and needed thought for today!

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle) — Wed, 02 Dec 2020 17:17:00 +0000

~ from the pen of Charles Spurgeon, The Promises of God

THANKFUL!

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle) — Fri, 27 Nov 2020 15:08:00 +0000

These people bless, entertain, amuse, encourage, support, and love me every single day.

And I am thankful God gave me each one of them.❤

An EXCELLENT model for living!

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle) — Thu, 26 Nov 2020 01:03:00 +0000

I will confess.
I have never been a diligent student when it comes to the minor prophets.
I worked my way through all of them in college when it was mandatory to read through the entire Old Testament, but purposefully pursuing each one on my own? I have been a student of neglect rather than study.

During my "read the entire Bible in a year" plan, however, I was once again brought face to face with the book of Ezra. And the interaction was fantastic!

For Ezra had SET HIS HEART to STUDY the law of the Lord and to PRACTICE it, and to TEACH His statutes and ordinances in Israel. Ezra 7:10

↳ SET HIS HEART

Intentional

Purposeful

↳ STUDY

1. the devotion of time and attention to acquiring knowledge on an academic subject, especially by means of books
2. a detailed investigation and analysis of a subject or situation

↳ PRACTICE

1. the actual application or use of an idea, belief, or method, as opposed to theories relating to it
2. the customary, habitual, or expected procedure or way of doing of something
3. repeated exercise in or performance of an activity or skill so as to acquire or maintain proficiency in it

↳ TEACH

1. show or explain to (someone) how to do something
2. give information about or instruction in (a subject or skill)
3. cause (someone) to learn or understand something by example or experience

Lord! Create in me a devoted, purposeful, intentional heart like Ezra so I might study, practice, and teach Your Word with passion and joy all the days of my life.

Thoughtfulness at Thanksgiving!

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle) — Wed, 25 Nov 2020 23:38:00 +0000

I think it is safe to say that thoughtfulness is a universal DELIGHT.
Who doesn't appreciate a kind word, a purposefully written note of encouragement, or a simple gift?
The "what" matters not. It is the intentional kindness which is appreciated and cherished.
And today, we received such kindness!
A ding sounded on my phone to alert me that something had just been delivered to our front door.
A generous donor made up gift baskets for the foster families at Olive Crest, and one was given to us!
Simple, fun items that made us smile and reminded us that people are invested in and support foster care; the children as well as the families who serve them.
Thank you, Lord, for the JOY of giving and receiving!
Let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works. Hebrews 10:24

The way it SHOULD be!

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle) — Tue, 10 Nov 2020 20:30:00 +0000

Coming to the realization that you are not as special or unique to someone as you originally thought is both humbling and embarrassing.

You believe your interactions are specific to you. Personal. Even intimate.
And then, you discover the person engages with everyone in the same way.
The details may look different, but it becomes abundantly clear that the "us" you thought precious and sweet is only so to you, for it is commonplace to the other, holding little meaning and loosely attached.
You imagined yourself like the red apple in the image above.
Different. Special. Unique.
But reality reveals that you are common, ordinary, and unremarkable.
An apple yes. But just another green apple floating in a sea of round, green fruit.

It is shocking when such a truth is revealed.

Hurt and sadness often follow.

And then embarrassment arrives.

"How could I have been so blind?"

"I feel so stupid!"

"Why did I think I was different than all the rest?"

Eventually, however, realistic resolve finds its place.

It changes the thinking, adjusts expectations, finds, and settles into a new normal.

I may be only "one of" in a long list of people who participate in someone else's life, but I am still the only Michelle Eastman they have!

Therefore, I am able to offer ...

a unique perspective

a unique word of encouragement

a unique way of support

because what I am really offering is - myself.

I may not be the one bright red apple in a sea of green stems, but I can be part of a delicious fruit salad!

And, let's be honest. Isn't that the way it's supposed to be?

Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. I Thessalonians 5:11

Bear one another's burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ. Galatians 6:2

Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor. Romans 12:9,10

A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. John 13:34

Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. Philippians 2:3,4

For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. Galatians 5:13

Therefore, accept one another, just as Christ also accepted us to the glory of God. Romans 15:7

Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. Ephesians 4:32

Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. Colossians 3:12,13

And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. Hebrews 10:24,25

A date with MICAH!

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle) — Thu, 05 Nov 2020 17:29:00 +0000

I wanted to witness the sunrise for our date.
We woke up early, snuck out of the house, took a leisurely stroll to the center of town, enjoyed easy and lively conversation, and devoured a scrumptious breakfast at a popular dining establishment.

It was a wonderful way to begin the day!

Thank you, Micah! I treasure our times together and look forward to witnessing how the Lord works in and through you in the years ahead.

I love you! ❤ Mom

Beautiful!

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle) — Sun, 01 Nov 2020 16:00:00 +0000

The remnant of Jacob will be in the midst of many peoples

like dew from the Lord,

like showers on the grass,

which do not wait for anyone

or depend on man.

Micah 5:7