[Faith-talk] Morning Thoughts

[Amy Ragain]

> Subject: Morning Thoughts for Monday, June 20, 2011
> 
> Philippians 4:4-9 (NASB)
> [4]  Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice! [5] Let your gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near. [6] Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. [7] And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
> [8]  Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things. [9] The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.
> 
> Good morning!!  You are such a blessing to me - each of you in this precious, blessed family, of which we are all a significant part!!  It doesn't matter how we got here, whether by birth, adoption or extension.  We are one, and I am so richly blessed by being a part.
> 
> Perhaps like some or many of you, yesterday was a bitter-sweet day of rejoicing with those present mixed with a longing for those absent, whether by death, choice or circumstance.  It reminded me of the difference between life here on earth and life eternally with Jesus.  Times of gathering down here on earth seem to always bring out the emotions associated with those we see, hear from or talk to.  As these emotions express themselves, I find it is easy for me to become self-focused, to spend energy in longing for the return of lost ones, in hoping for the awareness of those who are consumed with their own worlds.  Then I realize how guilty I am of the same lack of awareness of my parents, grandparents and mentors.  God uses almost every instance of such times in my life to remind me of His presence in me, and of His desire that I become more aware, throughout the year, of the needs of others rather than my own.
> 
> Hoping for the time we will all be together in heaven, glorifying God in unity and harmony, without a single soul having to be remembered in absence.  Until that time, I will continue to rejoice in every remembrance of you!!!
> 
> With great love, hope and in faith,
> 
> <3Steve:-))
>