The Family of God

I'm so glad I'm a part of the Family of God,
I've been washed in the fountain, cleansed by His blood!
Joint heirs with Jesus as we travel this sod,
For I'm part of the family,
The Family of God.

Do you remember that old hymn? I can’t imagine NOT being a part of God’s family. I’m blessed that my Christian family includes my own biological family as well as many, many friends. We have had so much support and encouragement from our Christian family – it’s incredible. And the prayers on our behalf are overwhelming!

We are blessed to serve at a wonderful ministry – Cookson Hills Christian Ministries (cooksonhills.org). It’s our workplace, neighborhood, kids’ school, and our family. We couldn’t be at a better place while going through a trial like this. The ladies here put together the Barnabas Society and presented me with a huge box of gifts with a prescription to only open one a day. My kids are having fun picking out a gift for me to open each day at lunch. And I love that they can have a tangible way to see the body of Christ serving. The ladies also had a prayer time with me that was both humbling and uplifting at the same time. What a joy to serve with these awesome believers!

Facebook has also been a huge encouragement to us. My posts about our journey have mostly been for my own benefit – it’s somewhat therapeutic to see things in print and to keep it focused and positive. The response to my status updates and notes has been amazing and more encouraging than I can say. I’ve reconnected with long-time friends who are going through the same kind of journey. We’ve been able to encourage each other, ask questions, and sometimes just vent. What a blessing!

Through technology, I’m on prayer lists around the world. Wow! It reminds me of the old shampoo commercial where they tell a friend, and they tell a friend, etc. (Am I showing my age???) My kids are telling their friends who are putting us on prayer lists at their churches. Our family members have added us to their church prayer lists. And I love it that even my primary doctor and her staff are praying for us. I covet these prayers, and this experience has helped me to be more deliberate in how I pray for others.

I just want to say THANK YOU to all who have reached out to us – cards, gifts, comments, e-mails, etc, and especially prayers to our Heavenly Father. You have blessed us in incredible ways! I’m so glad I’m a part of the Family of God!!!

Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.
~ Matthew 5:16