We dont Get to Choose

 I came across this today. Its words from Sally McClung. She is by her husbands bedside as he is struggling with his health. If you come across this blog please take time to read Floyds book "Living on the Devils Doorsteps" It tells of his family starting up a ministry in Amsterdam. Its a great read and as one follows Sallys updates on https://www.facebook.com/floydmcclungprayer you see God at work and you hear Him speaking through their life. 

Embrace The Lion

I have been a fan of Batterson's writings. His words in his books are clearly lived out in his life. More often than not Im one who gives in to apathy or walks away (or around) fear and obstacles. But in In a Pit with A Lion on A Snowy Day" we are challenged to do the unnatural thing or rather supernatural thing and embrace the "Lions" in our lives to see the challenge of what God can and will do through your life. And such will be a testimony to others. So many truths I had highlighted as I read this book But one of the main ones that really stuck out to me was from Kierkegaard "boredom is the root of all evil" because it means we're refusing to be who God made us to be. If you're bored one thing is for sure" You're not following in the footsteps of Christ. And I am reminded there is no such word as sacrifice in a Believers life for what will compare to all He has done for us. And in other words "sixpence none the richer" Even what we have to offer now is all from Him. God has a plan for each of us and for each of us it is not fear But a life of running to and with the Lion.

Be A Wave Walker

This past Sunday at NorthStar church we were privileged to have guest speaker JoyAnna McBride share with us. Her message was from Matthew 14:22-33 where we read the story about Peter walking on the water. Here we see Jesus send his disciples out into the boat while Jesus sent the rest of the people home. After sending the crowd home Jesus went up into the hills by himself to pray. Now I imagine that with Jesus being up on a hill he could see the storm coming and knew that the boat wouldn't be able to handle the storm that was was on it's way. Jesus wasn't concerned over the boat, but instead the hearts of the men in the boat. As Jesus makes his was across the stormy waves walking on the water, his disciples think that he is a ghost, but he tells them it is not a ghost but that it is he and tells them to take courage for he is there. So peter still doubting says "Lord if it is really you, tell me to come to you, walking on the water." Pay attention here.....Jesus tells him to COME.

He doesn't say "hey wait a sec and let me calm these waves down first. or wait a sec Peter let me just come to you it will be easier." No Jesus just simply says "come" and Peter saw that being in the boat without Jesus was more dangerous than being in the stormy waves with Jesus. As long as Peter kept his focus and attention on Jesus he kept afloat, but as soon as he noticed the storm that was still around him he started to sink. Jesus let Peter sink, but didn't let him drown. That's very important. After they made their way back to the boat, it is then the winds calmed down and the disciples worshiped saying "You really are the Son of God!" The disciples were able to worship not only because Jesus walked on water and calmed the storm, but worshiped because Peter was willing to walk the storm with Jesus so Jesus could show his power when saving Peter.

So when people see you/me going through a storm are they able to worship and draw near to God because you let Him navigate your way through the waves of life? Or do they see us drowning without asking the Lord for help? Are we stuck in the boat during the storms wondering if it truly is safer with Jesus, or are you asking Jesus to make you a water walker? Storms will come, that is a promise. Some storms come because of stupid decisions on our part, some come because of the sinful world we live in, and others come to teach us a lesson. Sometimes comfortable seasons in life make us lazy and not rely on God. So I pray the next time a storm comes your way, ask Jesus to make you a water walker. Take the step of faith to get out of the boat, keep your focus on Jesus and let Him walk you across the waters.-Adie

Steve Jobs Last Words...

When I read Jobs last words it gives meaning to the words "Beautiful Ache" Rich & Poor alike, most of us forget what life is really about and how fragile life and love is... 

The last words of Steve Jobs -

I have come to the pinnacle of success in business.

In the eyes of others, my life has been the symbol of success.

However, apart from work, I have little joy. Finally, my wealth is simply a fact to which I am accustomed.

At this time, lying on the hospital bed and remembering all my life, I realize that all the accolades and riches of which I was once so proud, have become insignificant with my imminent death.

In the dark, when I look at green lights, of the equipment for artificial respiration and feel the buzz of their mechanical sounds, I can feel the breath of my approaching death looming over me.

Only now do I understand that once you accumulate enough money for the rest of your life, you have to pursue objectives that are not related to wealth.

It should be something more important:

For example, stories of love, art, dreams of my childhood.

No, stop pursuing wealth, it can only make a person into a twisted being, just like me.

God has made us one way, we can feel the love in the heart of each of us, and not illusions built by fame or money, like I made in my life, I cannot take them with me.

I can only take with me the memories that were strengthened by love.

This is the true wealth that will follow you; will accompany you, he will give strength and light to go ahead.

Love can travel thousands of miles and so life has no limits. Move to where you want to go. Strive to reach the goals you want to achieve. Everything is in your heart and in your hands.

What is the world's most expensive bed? The hospital bed.

You, if you have money, you can hire someone to drive your car, but you cannot hire someone to take your illness that is killing you.

Material things lost can be found. But one thing you can never find when you lose: life.

Whatever stage of life where we are right now, at the end we will have to face the day when the curtain falls.

Please treasure your family love, love for your spouse, love for your friends...

Treat everyone well and stay friendly with your neighbours.

What Did You Expect?

Imagine you wanting your baby to understand your every word, the meaning in the words you speak to him. Expecting him to pick up after himself and well basically take care of himself. Expectations? There’s just no chance for an infant to understand an adult. These thoughts came to me in thinking about how we tend to believe (make believe) that we completely understand God and His Word, His ways. Or more so our expectations are that He is in agreement with us. There’s not a person we know (or will ever know) that has lived up to our expectations and along the way we have put God in that same box of “Meet my Expectations”

     As the saying goes “God made man in His image and we returned the favor”. Most of us have our own top 10 list of sins and most of the time of course we won’t find our sins on that list. We read that His ways are much higher than our ways. This can lead us to momentary change but just different (perhaps greater) expectations. And that’s just it sometimes we just can’t (and wont) understand what is being said in His Word. Let humility pour into our lives and admit we don’t understand it or “accept” that we wouldn’t do it that way but then again we’re not God.

So in knowing that His grace, mercy, wisdom, thoughts, justice, order, love( and so forth) are greater than all I could ever imagine to offer Him the only thing to do is to surrender. Sure we will wrestle and struggle (to say the least) with things in His Word or with things that take place in our life. But through it all He is and will always be God. 

And I believe for most of us our expectations are so distorted, cloudy at best in what we expect out of others and most of all God. I heard a preacher some time ago close his message by asking, “What did you expect?” That question has come back to me throughout the years. To be brutally honest, I wish there was no hell, there was no cancer, for that matter that I hadn’t even experience my health issues these past few years. I wish (and then some) Adam and Eve did obey or that God didn’t throw a curse down on the entire world and mankind. But with that came Christ and His life and death on our behalf which doesn’t make sense to me. Indeed it may be the one thing that makes the least sense to me in the Bible. When somebody gives me a gift I didn’t expect it means more to me because for one I didn’t expect it but second and most importantly I realize it’s a gift and not only didn’t I expect but I didn’t deserve it. And so it is with God despite Him seemingly not living up to my expectations it’s me who has not (and will not) live up to His word. But He knew such and has made an offer for us that in the end will be way beyond our imagination and expectations. Still very few things in life are easy or live up to the expectations but here’s a suggestion from Pete Wilson (No Plan B), “Instead of griping that God isn’t living up to your expectations, that he isn’t meeting your needs the way you think they should be met, that he isn’t answering your prayers with a vending machine whoosh, you can make the choice to receive what Hes offering you in this moment. The comfort of realizing he knows what you’re going through. The hope of realizing he really does know what he’s doing.” In life we can expect the unexpected but in that always take time, in the good and the bad to see it as an opportunity of invitation. To invite God into that very moment.

Hot Enough For You

As we finished up the hot & humid season thousands of churches have dropped the “Christianese” talk of how hot it has been and reminding us Hell is so much hotter. Therefore we wouldn’t want to go to Hell. If Hell is all about being hot then Heaven must be a paradise of central air.

 Actually many people like hot weather (yes insanity)  and some of those very same people are planning to “party in Hell” with that not too nice hot weather. Our Christianese talk is similar to the church billboards. They have watered down the true meaning of Heaven and Hell and all that is in between. What makes Hell –Hell is a complete void, absence of God. This life we live on earth is a mix of both as in we know only in part what awaits us in Heaven and Hell. But we do know Heaven is all about God, Jesus and all that is good. And Hell is the absence of all those things.  A destination set only for Satan and the fallen angels. But many (wide is the road) will choose to walk pass the beaten bloody Savior on the cross saying “thanks but no thanks”

The torment, the depths in the agony of Hell leads me to believe the temperature will be the last thought that comes to mind. It’s not the hot weather that reminds me of Hell but it’s the daily news of killings, wars, cancers, diseases, abortions, hatred, for these are the reminders of the reality of hell.

“Hell is hot” rings about as much truth as calling God the “big man upstairs”, or the loved one passes away and becomes your guardian angel.  So lacking it’s not worth uttering from our lips it’s more like a folklore. So let’s talk about Hell (it’s not talked about enough) it’s a place one can only earn by denying the saving grace of Jesus Christ. And Heaven is the place you enter because God gave His son Jesus Christ to die for you and me. Grace is getting what we don’t deserve and mercy is not getting what we deserve. And that is the difference between Heaven and Hell. The world needs a lot less clichés and a lot more Truth.

If this Jesus, Heaven and hell thing is not for you then realize this life is the closest thing you will ever know of Heaven. But if you believe in Jesus Christ as your Lord  & Savior then this life is the closest thing to Hell you will ever see. Heaven awaits you, even so come Lord Jesus, come.

The Stream by James Robison

James Robison, along with his wife Betty, are Christian television hosts based in the Dallas area. Their program, Life Today, can be seen on a host of Christian radio networks. The ministry of Life Today is primarily targeted at helping those (especially children) living in abject poverty in Third World Nations across the globe.

Life Today feeds these children, as well as digs wells to provide steady supplies of water to the children.

     This  book is an extremely  easy to read and the vision of the book comes across in every chapter. The overall plea in this book is a cry for us to return to Christ as the ultimate answer. At this time of year all of our eyes are on politics. And in The Stream, Robison reminds us the answer is not in the hands of the white house but ultimately in God's hands. But the reality is that politics does reflect the heart of our culture. The dire need is to spend time before God more than spending time before man (conversations.media,FB,tweets,etc). We are reminded that while we may strongly disagree with the President (Dem or Rep) we are to pray for blessings upon the leadership.

     Theres a reminder here that we tend to look elsewhere for answers and while we may place a temporary hope in the next President. The need has been and will always be a return to God. A relationship, renewed walk with Jesus Christ.

Ultimately what stuck out to me in this book was the following: " Cursing the darkness is always easier than sharing the light But our Lord is patient. Like the father of the Prodigal. He waits with open arms for us to return to His wisdom, protection, and blessings, If we will do that, we will once again discover how to live just and peaceful lives.'

     And a reminder to me the sad contentment of just showing up for church receiving and keeping the Truth inside we become stale (no salt or light). As Robison states, " It seems many who go to church are at best content to soak up what they hear or observe and consider truth, but never release that river of life throughout their own communities and unro the ends of the earth." Our community, our nation this world is in great need of a Stream of Gods grace, mercy, wisdom and love to flow through the hearts of mankind.

*This book was provided to me for my honest review by Worthy Publishing

..the least of these

     

We are just a day away from returning to the states and I've been reminded of just how bad we have it. I mean according to all of our problems we post on Facebook, we are the unfortunate ones. But I believe for many believers the worst problem is the F word "FEAR". I’m not talking about the Godly fear but the godless fear. We trust Him within our imaginary walls of church, family, work, friends, hobbies and the world of FB, but are scared that the next politician will rob you of who you really are (making the president out to be more like a messiah).  The thought of leaving this man made comfort zone is just too much. God is not interested in keeping you where you are at not by a long shot, and that leads to a good/bad FEAR. If you would trust God in stepping out of your comfort into a third world problem, it would be life changing. Just minutes of walking through the slums or listening to their problems God will ruin you. By making the things of this world truly grow dim. Although they have next to nothing their smile reminds you they have hope. Our forgotten Christian brothers and sisters won't be going on any vacation, taking in major sporting events, or trading in houses and cars for that better life. I see all the things they are supposedly missing out on and I swear it's us that is missing out. The opportunity to speak into ones’ life and change it is there right before you, if only for a moment or two but perhaps for a lifetime. As a friend who once lived in the slums (now in England) told me "Few people know the beauty of stepping out of their comfort zone".

"The King will reply, 'Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of THE LEAST OF THESE brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me. Matt 25:40

The one who had mercy on him.” Jesus told him, “GO AND DO LIKEWISE. Luke 10:36

And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones who is my disciple, truly I tell you, that person will certainly not lose their reward Matt 10 42

Back to School Special (Kenya)

We visited a school while here that takes care of 420 students. When I say “take care” I mean 2 meals a day and education. The 2 meals a day consist of breakfast and lunch and guess what many of these kids will have for their dinner? An empty stomach awaiting the breakfast. Lunch every day is beans/corns with rice. Sounds good right? Everyday? Hmmm. I can’t imagine myself or anyone I know for that matter being a happy camper if that’s ALL you could eat every day. Now let’s throw on top of that you live in the slums. So in our visit we had some candy for SOME of the kids and brought one soccer ball with us (not knowing the size of school) I felt like I threw a rock in the ocean to make a difference.  Back in 2014 when we were part of an outreach that washed feet and gave new shoes to the kids we were told that kids knew of the dream/ better life but knew they would never know of such a life in reality. Okay just the same meal everyday would set us off moaning and complaining even if we had the nice house, picket fence, 2.5 kids and a nice job. I mean it takes a billing error sent to us or  bad online connection to go off and we are somewhere between angry or just plain pissed off. This school is being sponsored by an organization from England. The school is mostly made up of concrete/clay. But again its amazing (lack of a better term) to see those who can do so much with so little. So I guess the reason I’m writing this is for the most part because there shouldn’t be the “so little”. Yes the “poor will always be with us”  . So much of the world lives on a few dollars a day (Nearly 1/2 of the world’s population — more than 3 billion people — live on less than $2.50 a day. More than 1.3 billion live in extreme poverty — less than $1.25 a day. 1 billion children worldwide are living in poverty. According to UNICEF, 22,000 children die each day due to poverty) But meanwhile we will spend more money annually on pet food than mission outreach (aka caring for those less fortunate than us). Of course we can post it on FB., “Like it” and even hashtag it and call it a movement but we have to get involved. And honestly I’m not sure how that works because from the small Tri state area I’m from most of the time Christians and churches stumble when it comes to working together. Doing their “own thing” on the same day/night to see who can be bigger or burn brighter, perhaps? But one thing I do know we are ALL in this thing together from Keyser to Kenya

If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together. 1 cor 12 26

 “Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?” The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.” Jesus told him, “GO AND DO LIKEWISE. Luke 10:36

Karibu (A few thoughts from our return to Kenya)

We've now been here a few days. And although this is our 5th time here at times it seems in many ways like our very first time. I don't get use to the sights,sounds and smells that surrounds me. But as the team is traveling to its outreach destination I look into my son's eyes and see my wide eye wonder son. He is taking it all in and I believe he is seeing through his Father's eyes more than any of us. Yes he sees color of skin (for later discussion) but he doesn't see rich,poor, not impressed by appearances (or lack of) of people,things or houses. Actually I don't think I've seen my child smile so much as he had done so yesterday. From morning devotional time with the staff to the "long" travel to our outreach Noah just keeps looking at me smiling. If I didn't know any better I think he is telling me "relax dad it's all good!" And truth is most times i dont know any better. From Keyser to Kenya my eyes tend to look to the circumstances in life rather than Christ.  And once I lose focus I am no longer recognizing His presence in the present.  And since our arrival Ive been reminded by Noah at least 3 times a day as he sings (and ) dances ....

There's a sun coming up

In my soul, Lord, in my soul
There's a sun coming up
In my soul, Lord, in my soul
I see the light, I see the light
I see the light, I see the light
Oh, thank You, God, I see the light
Woah, woah, woah....

Reflection of the Heart

   

 When people look at my son they will usually say things like "man he looks just like you" or "there's little buck," and my usual reply is "yea he has his daddy's looks but his mommy's personality, a double whammy."  My son has my imagination and goofiness and his mommy's love for music and “talking skills” (editors note; watching the way I word things. Happy wife, happy life). Then there are times I get the glimpse of his real Father, the Creator. For example at the age of 5 he asked his mom since the kids in Kenya slums didn't have shoes could he take all of his shoes as well to give away. When he was told how sweet that was Noah busted out in tears. That's the glimpse into who is real Father is. 

     I have been a Believer for years. That is I cannot think of a time I didn’t believe there had to be a God.  A Creator behind all of this creation. Some 30 years ago I started chasing after Him. But still all this time when I look in the mirror all I see is me. Never once did I take a second look to see the reflection of my Father. The One who created me, breathed life into me (time and time again).  "Now we see things imperfectly, like puzzling reflections in a mirror, but then we will see everything with perfect clarity. All that I know now is partial and incomplete, but then I will know everything completely, just as God now knows me completely." 1 Cor 13:12.

The world’s ways are so deceptive but we buy into them so much so that a beauty queen will swear she’s looking into some type of carnival mirror. We use as many fig leaves as possible to hide emotionally, spiritually and physically. We get so hung up on ourselves we suffocate the very life God is breathing into us. He doesn’t copy and paste and He knows us better than we know ourselves. He loves you more than you love your husband/wife, your kids, He loves you infinite more than grandparents can love their grandchildren.

  I doubt if I’m the only one to struggle with such thoughts. I will highlight the section of the books that talks of the depth of his love, I will sing along with the song and post the wonders of His love on Facebook.  But to see a reflection of Him in me as people see a reflection of me in my son. Now that’s something different.  But that’s Gods desire for us and nothing less, but more if anything else. His word tells us that He sings songs about us. Songs about you and me. For the Lord your God is living among you.

    He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears.  He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.” Zep 3:17

He delights in us. Somewhere between God and the clouds of witnesses there is a “roar” of love songs cheering us on to the finish line. Honestly that sounds absurdly wonderful. About as absurd as a God sending His Son to earth to be betrayed and impaled on the cross so that there would be an eternal opportunity for Him to call us by name and see us ONLY as sons and daughters.

The next time you look in the mirror know that God sees His son, a warrior. And young lady  know that He sees a daughter, a princess, always the beautiful bride in His eyes.

Happy Mother's Day

This is to All the moms out there thinking/believing they are not doing a good job. You are enough. You are the heart of the family. Happy Mothers Day!

Loves Like a Hurricane..

smile emotico

I pray that if you have jealousy in your life, let it go. Give it over to God and let Him know that you love Him and let Him teach you what it looks like to have a holy jealousy. Jealousy if rooted in flesh will rip you apart and tear apart your relationships. Let God show you how much you are worth.Place me like a seal over your heart, like a seal on your arm; for love is as strong as death, its jealousy unyielding as the grave. It burns like blazing fire, like a mighty flame (Song of Songs 8:6, NIV).

Place me like a seal over your heart, like a seal on your arm; for love is as strong as death, its jealousy unyielding as the grave. It burns like blazing fire, like a mighty flame (Song of Songs 8:6, NIV).

God is a jealous God.

The root idea in the Old Testament word jealous is to become intensely red, referring to the way our face changes color with rising emotion when something or someone very dear to us is threatened. Both the Old and New Testament words for jealousy are translated “zeal.”

The definition for zealous is: fervent, dedicated, passionate, or devoted.

In other words, being jealous and being zealous is basically the same thing in the Bible. God is zealous – eager about protecting what is precious to Him. It’s the kind of jealousy that compels God to relentlessly pursue each one of us, no matter how we try to evade Him with our indifferent attitude or our propensity for sin.

I let jealousy take me over sometimes and no it's not the good kind described in the Bible. My jealousy is one that almost ripped apart my marriage in the early years. I was so afraid that if Buck went somewhere without me, even with guy friends that I was missing something, that maybe he wouldn't come back, that he would see that being married wasn't all it was cracked up to be. I saw myself very replaceable and didn't know why anyone would really want to stick around when the going got tough. I was passionate about my marriage and devoted, but in the wrong way. My jealousy didn't have trust in it. My jealousy was of flesh not of God. Something else that is bad about this story is that all of this came to the surface while we were away on missionary training...bad timing huh? Here we are supposed to be all "Godly" setting the example of what it means to have a Godly marriage and "going out into all the world to tell others about Christ," and I'm here yelling, having fits over my husband having "one on one" time with his leader at this training. Listen folks this was bad...I even was so mad that I told him I would pack my bags and be waiting at the courthouse when he got home (side note we are in Alberta Canada at this time). Long story short a teacher that we had at the time was a life changer for us and our marriage. The Lord gave him insight onto what was going on and called us in to talk with us and really helped me work through some very deep rooted problems in my heart.

So what is the point of all of this? Do I still get jealous at times? Oh yeah....I get jealous with Buck, with my friendships, etc. Does it still cause arguments? Yeah, but now I see it and I have a choice to make, do I want to dwell on it and let it rip me apart along with my relationships, or do I wanna grow and realize that God has me?

God is a jealous God, but His jealousy is Holy. He fights for us. But in that fighting for us He makes us feel loved, accepted, and worth the fight. He is so jealous for us that He died for us, and in that dying He was still pursuing people when He told the Father to forgive the people that were hanging Him on the cross because they knew not what they were doing, and also told the thief on the cross that He would see him in paradise.

So that is my little confession for the day.  I pray that if you have jealousy in your life, let it go. Give it over to God and let Him know that you love Him and let Him teach you what it looks like to have a holy jealousy. Jealousy if rooted in flesh will rip you apart and tear apart your relationships. Let God show you how much you are worth.

Vote for who? Vote for What?

So you are all ready to vote for that "change" and this year it seems there are those thinking the next great leader is on their way and then there are others (like me) where the blank ballot sadly looks more enticing than any candidate. Either way I believe we can all learn some things from the wisdom shared by Andy Stanley. 

• Put Your faith ahead of your politics. Christ follower first, Dem/Rep second.
• We can disagree on whats best for people but we can't disagree that whats best for people is whats best.
• Whats best for our neighbor is really whats best.
• Four questions to consider and asked when discussing the election
• What led you to that view?
• Have you always held that view?
• Have you met Him/Her?
• I get the most of my information from the media how about you?

* We are both marginally informed and both probably wrong and dont know what we're talking 
   about.
   All we know is what we are told. 

Let your opinion be known, argue your point BUT never make a point at the expense of influence. And Never jeopardize a relationship. 

Life Means So Much

 Death.

      Something we all have in common and that most think they can beat. When some think of the word death fear grip them. For others tragic memories of how it came, others how it was a blessing, and others anger. For me I've had one person that I loved pass away, my grandfather and it was a blessing when the Lord took him because he was suffering. But in the moment I got the phone call numerous emotions flooded my soul because my flesh and spirit were battling each other. See death was never supposed to be something we experience. So when someone dies our earthly thoughts take over. Our spirits however if the loved one was a child of God, takes over and it makes us yearn for our heavenly home. Yes we miss them, still cry over them, but we know they are finally in perfection, what we were made for. See when I die I know I will finally get to stand before my loving heavenly Father and see everything in His perspective. I have a goal and that goal is to hear Him say, "well done my good and faithful servant." So my life has purpose. For those of you that aren't a child of God, what's your purpose? What are you living for? If I die and I'm wrong what did I lose? What did I waste? Nothing. But if you are wrong you are risking eternity. When we take a breath and exhale, we are not guaranteed the next inhale. So yes death stinks, takes away some loved ones before we are ready to give them up, but if they are a child of God let your spirit take over and rejoice that they are in perfection. They are finally home. They made the journey. We are just passing by here. So my prayer is that you will get right with Christ. Live with a purpose. Eternity is in the balance. Death has no favorites...no age limit. Live with eternity in mind.

Welcome Back Back Beautiful Ache

The world is poor because her fortune is buried in the sky and all her treasure maps are of the earth-Calvin Miller
 After a long hiatus I decided to return to writing blogs with the help of my better half. Within the last year or so she has come across the gift of words/writing which has been her expressing her heart on Facebook. With this we hope it leads to interaction among the readers and the bloggers, and be an encouragement through this walk of life that is a "Beautiful Ache". My hope is for the most part this blog will offer more than mere words but will reassure one another its okay not to have the answers when the ache comes our way. Personally I've been "lost" much of the time with the treasure maps in my hands. Grumbling, complaining has found its way to the depths of my heart when I truly have so much to be thankful for.  So my hope is as our thoughts are expressed here, we realize there's only one true fortune. And with the fortune that we do have here on this side of Heaven we have been blessed to bless others as we walk in this Beautiful Ache.