“Your kingdom come.” Whenever we pray the Lord’s Prayer, we speak those words. Do you sometimes wonder just what that means? It certainly means that we want God to keep us as his dear child and when our life on earth comes to an end, we want to be with him in heaven. These words have a much broader meaning than just our desire to be with him in heaven. In this three-word phrase, we are asking God that his kingdom, his message of grace, comes to all people. Think about that. Each time we say the Lord’s prayer, we are asking that his message of salvation and grace come to all people everywhere.

Our reading for today takes that same thought and puts it into a beautiful mission prayer. We first ask God for his grace, his blessing, and that he looks on us as his dearly loved child. As our Father, God loves to answer that prayer. However, this prayer is not a simple prayer for ourselves. It’s much more. As we read the next phrase we see the result or the why for that prayer. We ask God to answer our prayer so that his ways, his power and love, could be told and known throughout the earth, in all nations.

But then what happens? As people hear about God’s grace for us and for them, they praise him. The prayer continues to ask God to lead all people everywhere to praise him. Imagine for a minute what that would look and sound like! God wants every person in every place and in every time to know him, to love and worship him, to praise him, to be his own. As ones who know and experience his grace, forgiveness, and the blessings of faith, we are asking God to lead us to reflect him in our lives to those around us. Think of the old commercial— “and they told two friends, and they told two friends.” That’s the privilege God gives us! We get to be one of his messengers!

The result? An amazing harvest of people who turn to God in faith and in praise. God will bless it. He promises this. His kingdom will come. May his salvation be known among all!

You’re sitting in a dark room and shout out, “Let there be light!”  You pause expectantly. Nothing. You try again, this time with a bit more gusto. “Let there be light!” You pause again. Still nothing, but you really knew that all along. You could whisper it, shout it, sing it, say it in another language, but unless you walked over to the light switch, you’ll remain in a dark room. Our words can be powerful in that they can encourage or discourage another person. Our words can express care, or they can hurt. Our words can teach and inspire. While powerful, they are nothing in comparison to God’s words. His words have power beyond what we can understand. Think of creation. God spoke the simple words, “Let there be” and there was light, darkness, firmament, trees, fish, animals, stars, sun, mountains, and on and on.

Think of the many times that Jesus spoke, and miracles happened. A lame man walked with sins forgiven and body healed. Lazarus rose from his tomb. The storm at sea was calmed. Leprosy gone, Jairus’ daughter and the widow’s son raised from the dead. He spoke and his words had power over life, over health, over nature.

Jesus also used his powerful words that have us in awe in another way. Several times Jesus demonstrated his power over his enemies and over Satan. Luke 8:26-39, a reading from this Sunday, shares the account of Jesus restoring a demon-possessed man. In this story, Jesus gave permission to the demons to leave the man and go into a herd of pigs. The demons needed his permission. His words have power to create, to forgive, to heal, and to protect and save those he loves from evil.

What does that mean for us? As today’s reading shares, we can stand in awe and praise God for all he has done for us and continues to do. We are witnesses who get to tell all that God has done. Every time we share a Bible story or tell about the miracles of Jesus, God uses it for his glory and to push back the power of Satan. While not taking Satan’s power for granted, we don’t need to fear Satan and his attacks on us. God is our protector and defender whose love for us defeated Satan. We can live each day with bold confidence as God’s dearly loved child. We can use our words to share God’s Word. As today’s verses say, we can shout it, say it, sing about God’s awesome power and his love for us! Shout for joy!

How did you hear? Who was the first one to tell you about God? For some, it was Mom or Dad when they were a small child. Or perhaps a teacher. For some of you it may have been a friend or coworker. Somewhere in your life, someone told you about God and there have likely been many additional people along the way who also shared things about faith with you.

This Sunday was Pentecost Sunday. In Bible times, Pentecost was a special time of year. It was the Feast of Harvest. Jews came to Jerusalem from all over the world to celebrate. The city was likely packed with people speaking many different languages.

Before he went back to heaven, Jesus told the disciples to wait for the Holy Spirit who would teach them about Jesus as they had never learned before. The way the Holy Spirit came that day was miraculous and unique: the sound of a strong wind, the flames of fire on the disciples’ heads, and the immediate ability to speak in different languages. They were being prepared to take what they know and go out and tell others all over the world. Out they went, into Jerusalem, to use this new gift and all that they had learned from and about Jesus to tell all those they could. What an amazing day!

You and I don’t have the experience that the disciples did on that first Pentecost, but God asks us to do the same. You are a witness of Jesus. While you didn’t travel with him like the disciples, you have learned about him from the Bible and from others. Now God says to you and me, “Go!” Trust that the Holy Spirit is the one who creates faith, but he gives us the privilege of telling the story of God’s grace through Jesus for all people. We are told to go and tell but also, we get to tell!

Someone was the first or second or fiftieth person to tell you about God. You get to be that person for others. Think about the people you know. Who can you tell? Who can you encourage? Who can you comfort with the message of God’s love, forgiveness, and grace? You and I can go with joy and with confidence knowing that God not only told us to go, he also promised to be with us as we do.

Peace. If you could describe what the word “peace” means to you, what would you say? Is it an idyllic setting on the edge of a beautiful lake? Is it the quiet of the house after everyone else had headed to bed? It could be that feeling of calm after a stressful visit to the doctor or with an anxious parent. Peace can come in many forms, and it’s something we all crave.

Our reading today comes again from Jesus’ conversation with his disciples in the Upper Room the night before his crucifixion. He has shared so much with them up to this point. He’s given them instruction after instruction and shares that he will no longer be with them physically. They have so much to process and so much to take in. How could they possibly sort it all out and grasp all that he’s telling them? I picture them leaning in trying to get every word. However, with human limitations like ours, they couldn’t possibly understand everything he was sharing. Jesus knows them and anticipates their reaction. “Peace.” That one-word reminder and gift. Like a parent calming a child in the night, he tells them that they don’t need to be afraid. On the brink of a heart-wrenching day for them, Jesus reminds them and us, that the peace he gives is not the same as the world’s peace. It’s not the removal of earthly challenges, disasters, and heart-breaking events. We live in a time of division in our country, horrendous acts of violence in Ukraine, violence in our cities, and on and on. We have more than enough worldly concerns. Jesus is clear that his peace doesn’t depend on harmony between countries or relationships among people. His peace calms our fearful hearts knowing that we are one with God through forgiveness that is ours because of Jesus. We have the peace of confidence in our eternal salvation. Our peace from Jesus comes from being God’s chosen child, loved and redeemed.

Take heart, my friends. Not only does Jesus provide us with a peace that is greater than any earthly concern, but he also promises to send the Holy Spirit to help us, as he did with the disciples, who teaches and reminds us of all that Jesus said and did.

Peace. It’s a quiet spot on a serene lake. It’s a restored relationship with someone we care about. However, ultimate peace, greater than any worry or concern, is the peace from Jesus of sins forgiven, a relationship with God secure, and the gift of heaven. No earthly challenge can take that peace from us as children of God with faith in him.

Babies can recognize their mother’s voice while they’re still in the womb, even though it’s a muffled voice they hear. When they are born, her voice will cause a baby to turn its head or soothe their cry. It’s remarkable. It’s miraculous. Even when they don’t understand language and words, they understand the sound and tones of the voice they know so well.
Do you know anything about sheep? While adorable, they’re not the brightest animals. It’s no small job for a shepherd to keep each sheep safe. They wander. They eat things they shouldn’t. They don’t pay attention to their surroundings which can put them in danger of falls, injury, or attacks. They’re easily identified as high maintenance. The shepherd truly has a 24/7 job to keep them out of harm’s way. His tools are simple. He watches with his eyes and listens carefully for their bleating cries. He uses his rod, his staff, to guide and prod the sheep to safety and to places with food and water. He also uses it to protect the sheep from any would be attackers. The shepherd also uses his voice to call the sheep closer and to provide the reassuring sound of his voice nearby.
Sound familiar? It’s no surprise that the Bible calls Jesus the Good Shepherd and refers to us as sheep. Let’s start with us. Aren’t we, like sheep, so prone to get off track in so many ways? We set a goal of reading our devotion or Bible study each day. We work at having a more positive attitude no matter what comes our way. We think about that one sin that nags at us. We want so badly to avoid it and yet there it is, once again. We get discouraged, anxious, worrisome, impatient, and on and on.
And then we hear it—the voice of our Good Shepherd. It may not be an audible voice but it’s there. Jesus, our Shepherd gently calls us to him in the Word. His Word is like the shepherd’s rod, reminding us when we stray in sin. We hear the patient voice of Jesus reminding us that he loves us, he forgives us, he is watching over us, and he is with us no matter what challenges come our way. It’s his desire that we are close to him each and every day, listening to his Word and eagerly going to him in our prayers.
Like the youngest of children, turn your head toward the Shepherd’s voice. Hear him clearly and regularly through his Word so that you are strengthened for each day. Trust in him to be with you and rest in the joy of knowing how dearly he loves you.

Our younger son, now grown and with a family, has always loved games. As a child, he tried so hard to start “Family Game Night.” I loved it. Our other son and their dad, not so much. For weeks, Adam and I would sit at the kitchen table playing Mancala, Monopoly, or any number of games. Eventually he gave up involving his dad and brother.

When he would come home from college and several years after college, our tradition was cribbage or Scrabble. He was a notable opponent for me. Those rare times when I came out ahead, it was hard to resist the fist pump and a gleeful shout (often with a question mark at the end), “I won!?”.

“I won.” Words of triumph. Words of victory. It can be really sweet to be able to say those words after a rousing match of your favorite game with a friend or family member. There’s a sense of accomplishment and joy. However, that moment of joy typically lasts until you move on to other activities. It was sweet for a moment.

Today’s reading talks about victory at another level entirely. The victory described is the greatest triumph in the history of the world. Christ had been crucified, enduring an unthinkable death, for all of us and the endless sins we commit. “It is finished” are three of the most amazing words ever spoken. They carry the powerful message that the payment God demands for our sins has been fully met through Jesus.

But the story is not over. Jesus did indeed die on Good Friday. And then he declared his victory over Satan. “I won!” he could exclaim like no other victory ever. I’m not sure there was a fist pump that glorious Easter morning, but Christ rising from the dead and an empty tomb, gave evidence for all time that Jesus had won the victory over death for all who believe in him. And this victory was not momentary. It was for all time. This is a victory that is ours every day of our lives. We can begin each day, go through each day, and end each day with the words, “I won…because of Jesus!” His victory over death and sin is our victory. We can live each day, no matter what challenges lie before us, with the confidence that heaven is ours. Peace through God’s forgiveness is ours. God’s faithful promise to be with us in all things is ours. We can say that every single day. There is no other win that comes even close to that.

Since our son got married and had three little ones, we don’t get to that cribbage board quite as often. Those shouts of “I won” now come from the children. It’s the prayer of every Christian that the joyful expression of victory through Christ is ours today and every day. He is risen indeed! His victory is ours.

It’s Holy Week. A week that has been part of the church year for centuries. Holy means, “set apart.” The days of Holy Week are intended to be set apart from other days of the year. They fit together and yet each day has a focus that leads us through Jesus’ final days before the cross and the empty tomb of Easter.

The week begins with Palm Sunday. On that day, we remember when Christ, completely aware of what was before him, headed into Jerusalem. He could have decided to avoid Jerusalem that week. He also could have entered quietly. Not our Jesus. He came in a manner that was not easily missed. To those who attended his entry, they likely had no idea what they were witnessing. Here was the Son of God who created all things and who came for their salvation riding on a lowly donkey. At the same time, the people had heard about this Jesus. They honored him with a carpet of coats and palm branches, a sign of honor. They shouted words of praise for him.

Today’s text from Philippians reminds us who this Jesus is. He is the Son of God, the Creator of all things. Jesus willingly put all his power, his majesty, his glory in heaven aside to take on human nature. He was a true human. He experienced all that any other human being experiences—cold, hunger, fatigue, temptation. At the same time, he was still fully God with all the power, all the strength, all the glory that was his. This is one of those things that is impossible to understand. How can he be fully human and fully God at the same time? I don’t know. Our human reason can’t understand this. We can only accept it by faith.

Why would the Creator of all things, humble himself even to the point of death on a cross, the humiliating death by crucifixion? At any moment he could have stopped those who planned and carried out his crucifixion, but he didn’t. Why? You. Me. He put his glory aside so that he could fulfill God’s promise of salvation for all of us.

Is that the end of the story? By no means. Jesus conquered Satan and took all our sins on himself. He won the victory that we could never win. Today he sits at God the Father’s right hand where God has exalted him. Today’s text emphasizes that God gave Jesus the name that will cause people to bow in honor of him. It’s the only name that saves. He is our Savior, our King.
As you go through Holy Week, set apart time each day to focus on the events of this week and all that Jesus did for you, for me, for all. Spend time reading the account and pondering all that Jesus has done in humility and love. Spend time in prayer with the One whose grace is yours.

Can you believe that Christmas was already three months ago? As a teacher, it’s fun to receive Christmas gifts from your students. They walk into the classroom beaming with pride with their perfectly wrapped and well thought out presents that are just for you.

By now, the gift card to your favorite coffee shop has probably run out. The cute houseplant you had high hopes for may have already died. The festive mugs have most likely been shoved to the back of the shelf that has been deemed the “cute teacher mug shelf”.

Until next year, teacher gifts!

Have you ever done the same thing with Baby Jesus? Maybe you’ve “spent” all your Christmas joy and it’s long run out.  Perhaps you’re waiting until next December to deeply ponder again the precious gift that was given to you at the manger.

This passage in Romans gives us a pretty incredible reason to not leave Christmas in December. Paul reminds us that our sinful nature has made us “powerless” when it comes to our salvation. Conversely, he states “there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” So how then do we gain access to eternal life?

The answer is baby Jesus in the manger. What we couldn’t do “God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful man to be a sin offering.”

This time of year can feel like a grind. Just maybe you have been too busy striving and hustling since school started back in January that you haven’t taken a moment to remember the one gift that hasn’t run out- your Savior.

The devil can tempt us to think that our striving will carry us to our worth, our redemption, our freedom. Of course, our work is not in vain. It matters. It brings glory to God. And yet, but when it comes to salvation, the most important work has already been done.

The good news of Christmas changes our day-to-day life even when it’s not “the most wonderful time of the year.” We needed a Savior and God sent us one. Not any old gift, but a perfectly wrapped and well thought out present that is specifically for you.

Don’t wait until next December, brothers and sisters. Let the gift of a Savior live in every day of the rest of your life. Be filled with glad tidings of joy that the Christ child has set us “free from the law of sin and death.” This gift is for you today and always.

Have you ever heard the term “the summer slide”? It’s the regression that takes place in students after a few months of vacation from school. Simple skills like holding a pencil, using a scissors, or even writing one’s own name can seem difficult!

After the first few weeks back to school, it is fun to see how quickly the students remaster the tasks they once knew. They pick up pencils, cut with scissors, and write their names just as they did before. They hadn’t truly forgotten, but they needed to be reminded. They’ve got the basics down once again!

We see a similar situation unfolding here in Philippians. Paul loves this congregation dearly. He goes as far as to call them “my joy and crown”. Like any loving teacher, he offers them some much needed encouragement and a refresher course on the truths of their Savior. They needed to be reminded and Pastor Paul brings them back to the basics.

The Philippians were facing persecution and their present circumstances were causing doubt and fear to linger. There were others around them who were losing their faith. Knowing this, Paul not only assures his beloved congregation that they can stand firm in their faith, but he also gives them some pretty incredible evidence of why:

1. Future glory is greater than any present circumstance.
2. Jesus is coming back to bring us to our true home, heaven.
3. Jesus has power and control over absolutely everything.
4. Jesus will transform our lowly bodies into perfect and eternal bodies.

Just like a teacher returning from summer vacation, Paul powerfully reminds the Philippians of truths they already know. He encourages them to go back to the basics of who Jesus is- their perfect Savior.

Don’t we need the same thing today? In this world, with its noise and lies, it can be easy to forget God’s promises and begin to doubt his faithfulness. Most things are changing at rapid speed, and we can quickly get caught up in all of the complicated mess.  Praise the Lord that when we return to his Word, we find the same basic truths, unchanged and forever offering the reassurance we need to stand firm in the Lord!

Her project didn’t look like anyone else’s. The goal was to rip the orange paper and glue it onto the black paper to make it look like a pumpkin. He did it. The other girl did it too. But hers just looked different. She couldn’t rip the paper into small enough pieces. Her hands just wouldn’t allow it.

A couple of months later, she was asked to make a snowflake. Rip the white paper and glue it onto the blue paper. She did it! Her hands were strong. The look on her face was priceless.

Progress!! It was time to rejoice. A sticker! A picture sent home to her mom and dad! A high five, a big smile, and a celebratory, “way to go!”.

As teachers, we live experiences like this all of the time. A light-bulb goes off. Glimpses of progress detected. A skill is mastered. It’s so rewarding to see the transformation.

As Christian teachers, we get to see so much more than the growth in their knowledge of their a,b,c’s and 1,2,3’s. We get to see them grow in their knowledge of their own sinfulness. We get to see growth in their knowledge and love for Jesus Christ. We have the awesome privilege of delivering the Word of God to them to accomplish this growth.

Every single time we tell our students about God we are reflecting Christ’s love. We get to proclaim the gospel message with precious lambs each and every day that they are in our care. We get glimpses of God’s amazing love when we hear them praise his holy name. We have the joy of praying with them, for them. We have a front seat to their spiritual growth, and it is such a humble blessing to be part of it all.

You are also being transformed. That “ever-increasing” glory is yours as well. What a joy it will be to walk the streets of gold along with our students when our time here is complete, and we have been brought to our final glory in heaven.

Earlier in the week, I accidently sent the “Show-and-Tell” bag home with the wrong student. In the middle of the week, I jammed the copier. Later in the week I accidently put the 3K information in the 4K newsletter. That, my dear friends, is the straw that broke the camel’s back. Why can’t I do anything right? Why can’t I get it together? Why can’t I be…well…perfect?

Deep breath. Shoulders down. Take a second.

God doesn’t say, “Be better. Dig deeper. Find it within you. Pull your bootstraps up.”

He says, “My grace is sufficient for you.” 2 Corinthians 12:9

These standards that we put on ourselves are not from him. They are a lie from the devil. When we are weak we don’t need to figure it out and be our own savior. If that were the case, we would be a continual mess.

When we are weak, our true Savior, our Best Friend, our greatest Advocate, carries us through.

Therefore, instead of being ashamed of my mistake in the newsletter or filled with prideful defensiveness when someone points it out, I can simply say, “Dear parents, I apologize for the mistake. Here’s the new newsletter with the correct information in it.” Just like that. No one got hurt. No one suggested I get fired for messing up. No one yelled, “shame!” and threw me to the gauntlet.

I realize this might seem dramatic, but these things happen. A lot. Often we are seriously that hard on ourselves.

Don’t lean on yourself. Ever.

“But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” 2 Corinthians 12:9b-10

So, dear friends. When mistakes happen, don’t be overcome with self-loathing. Get in the Word. That’s where your strength comes from. His Word will uncover our eyes and show us that he has already done it all. He was born, he lived a perfect life, he died, and rose again.
He is preparing a perfect place for you…a sinner. That’s grace. And it’s yours. Praise God!

What a blessing it is to work in early childhood! Each day we get to see smiling faces and hear children’s laughter. We witness the Holy Spirit’s work as children let their faith shine brightly. While it is a wonderful career, working with little children also poses challenges. Am I reaching that little one who always seems to seek negative attention? Are the students learning what they need for the next grade level? Will my patience hold out today?

Today’s Scripture reading is part of a letter an older pastor, Paul, wrote to a younger pastor, Timothy. Paul gave Timothy plenty to do: “Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.” (2 Timothy 4:2). Those words are also what God asks of us as early childhood educators. Does that list make you panic a bit? It doesn’t seem possible to do all of that, does it?

On our own we would fail, but we are not alone. Just before these words, Paul reminded Timothy, “But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you have known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.” (2 Timothy 3:14-15). Paul wanted Timothy to know that the Holy Spirit was with him. He gave Timothy faith and God’s Word to guide him each day. The Holy Spirit equips us too. He planted faith in our hearts, trains us through God’s Word, and daily gives us what we need to lead little children to Jesus.

With the Holy Spirit’s guidance, we do what God asks of us. We preach the Word.  We talk about our need for a Savior and what Jesus has done. We pray and sing and learn Bible lessons. Throughout the day we correct, rebuke, and encourage. When those teachable moments come, we help children see and confess their sins. We comfort them with Jesus’ love and forgiveness. We guide them to show thankfulness to their Savior in their words and actions.  We model all these things in our own lives, knowing that, imperfect though we are, God uses us to train his little ones.

Yes, early childhood education is a wonderful and demanding career. As we deal with joys and frustrations, we know the Holy Spirit will guide us and give us strength. Turn to God’s Word and be comforted in promises such as this one, “For this God is our God for ever and ever; he will be our guide even to the end.” (Psalm 48:14).

Did you pray for me when I was home sick? Can we pray for my mom? She cut her arm yesterday. Will you pray that I have a safe trip when I go visit my grandparents? It doesn’t take long for children to appreciate praying together. They aren’t afraid to ask for things that are important to them.  Paul, who wrote this letter to the Ephesians, also prayed for important things for all of God’s people.

Paul prayed that God’s people would have power. This power is spiritual strength given to us through the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit planted faith in our hearts and continuously works to strengthen that faith. We pray for power too. We ask God to bless our efforts as we teach our students about Jesus and what he’s done for us. We pray that no matter what our students may face, they trust in Jesus’ love and guidance. And we ask that God grant us that same strength as we carry out our mission in our schools, homes, and lives.

Paul also asked God to grant his people knowledge, specifically that we might “grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ.” (Ephesians 3:18). We need this enormous love of Christ. We were born in sin and continue to live in sin each day. We cling to the promise of our salvation through Jesus’ perfect life, sacrificial death, and victorious resurrection. We pray that our students, as they spread their arms out wide to show how big Jesus’ love is, hold onto that knowledge. We pray that we trust in God’s love and show that in every moment of each day.

Finally, Paul prayed for fullness. Imagine pouring a cup full of water and not only letting the water fill the cup but overflow. God pours out his love for us. He hears and answers every prayer in ways that are better than we can imagine. So let’s be bold and ask for great things for God’s kingdom. Let’s pray that God’s Word is spread throughout the world, that everyone will believe, and that God might use us to help spread the wonderful news of salvation.

My prayer for each of you, dear readers, is that God fill you with spiritual strength and knowledge to share Christ’s love with your students and family and all those around you. And I know that you’ll pray the same for me.

Has it happened in your classroom yet? Every year, new children flood your class with bright smiles and unique personalities. After working, learning, and playing together, at some point, this little group has become family. You celebrate strengths, work through squabbles, and, best of all, learn about Jesus’ love together.

You and your students also belong to another family, God’s family. Because of his great love for us, God adopted us. No one deserves this adoption. By nature, we all are slaves to sin, and each day we battle this sinful nature. On our own, we are destined to lose, but God made sure that we don’t have to fight on our own. “When the set time had fully come, God sent his Son. . . to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship.” (Galatians 4:4). Jesus lived a perfect life, took our punishment to the cross, and defeated sin, death, and the devil when he rose from the dead. We are no longer slaves but are God’s children, adopted into his family.

Now we receive the benefits of being in God’s family. We trust him to take care of our needs. Like children ask their parents, we take our requests and concerns to God, trusting him. “If you . . . know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!” (Matthew 7:11). Our heavenly Father knows best how to take care of our earthly and spiritual needs.

Because we are adopted into God’s family, we will receive an inheritance. “You are no longer a slave, but God’s child, and since you are his child, God has made you also an heir.” (Galatians 4:7). Our inheritance is that perfect home in heaven. We look forward to being free from sin and pain and sadness. Even more, we anticipate being with our heavenly family forever. We will get to be with Jesus!

And that’s what we want for our classroom families. We pray that the Holy Spirit puts faith in the hearts of these children and their families. We use God’s Word to teach them about how we went from slaves to children of God. We encourage them and are encouraged by them as we walk through our daily lives. We become family. What a wonderful family we have now, and what a wonderful family we’ll have in heaven!