Brenda's Blog

What is your Story?

why I ask you, what is your story? 

• When we tell our story or testimony, we are , right? As well as testifying of His care for us. And how He reveals answers and his constant involvement in our lives.

• It can be so easy to forget the blessings and only focus on the bad or negative things around us.

• It is when we choose to stop and take notice of all the things that the Lord has provided, protected, and prepared for us.

• Our heart is lightened, we are more joyful, it encourages our faith, and in turn encourages the faith of others who hear your testimony.

I know that the longer we live the more stories we have to share.

I know that God is still creating stories today, because:

• God is continually working in our lives and situations.

• He is even now revealing comfort, peace, and love in the midst of life’s difficulties.

• God is never at a standstill in showing us His Salvation, His Presence, and Deliverance from problems as well as Grace to overcome.

• God is constantly at work in our lives.

• God’s impact from the testimony and His word of the does not lose its power!

• We can find verses that tell us to remember all the good things that God has done.

• It is so we have a testimony ready to share!

• Psalm 105:1-25 says, "Give thanks to the LORD, proclaim his greatness; tell the nations what he has done. Sing praise to the LORD; tell of the wonderful things he has done. Be glad that we belong to him; let all who worship him rejoice". 

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I am always amazed at how the Lord God Almighty comforts me. Sometimes it might be the warmth of the sunshine on my face. It reminds me that each new dawn is a new beginning with Mercy and Grace.

The sounds of birds singing, reminds me that if the God of the universe watches over a sparrow, He cares for me.

A smile from a stranger that tells me that I am not invisible, that I am seen by God.

The aroma of bread baking, that is to remember to taste and see that the Lord is good.

A refreshing rain tells me of the cleansing power of forgiveness.

Seeing the beauty of a flower I know that God made each us is unique.

The beauty of a blanket of snow, speaks of love covers a multitude of sin.

In so many ways God reveals His unmeasurable love for me throughout the day, when I least expect it.

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Each Morning, Lord God,

I awake knowing my life

is in the hollow of your hands.

You are aware of what

 every moment holds.

You are my strength,

my wisdom, my peace,

comfort, grace, mercy,

healing and power.

So why should I worry about today?

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December 15, 2024

The Christmas Season is filled with School Christmas programs, the Office Christmas Party, Christmas Shopping, Christmas Carols, Christmas Lights Christmas Trees, Christmas Break, Christmas Cookies, Christmas dinner, Christmas Decorations, Christmas Ugly Sweater, Christmas Cantata, and the list goes on and on.

All the time and planning that is involved with the Christmas season, weeks filled with activities, decorating, and socializing all to focus on “the idea” of Christmas yet too often overlooking its meaning.

If we would pause to remember the meaning of Christmas.

A baby born in a humble stable to be the lamb of God.

The Son of God emptied himself to take on humanity to be our sacrifice to restore our access to Almighty God our Father.

To think about first to know of Jesus’ birth was announced by heaven’s angels to lowly shepherds on a hill.

The shepherds left immediately to find the baby in the stable that the angels proclaimed.

Scholarly men traveled a great distance guided by a star searching for the King of the Jews.

The shepherds and the scholarly (wise) men finding the baby, worshiped him.

I ask myself the question; would I have interrupted my life to go to the stable to see a baby? Or would I have made an excuse, being too busy, or had something else to do?

Would I have traveled a long journey, disrupting my life to go in the hope of finding a prophecy of long ago?

Will I get caught up in the pressures and busyness of the season missing the importance and intimacy of the meaning?

Will I seek to renew my gratitude for the gift of Salvation in Jesus during this season?

Will I celebrate Christ's birth or will I get distracted and miss the opportunity to come and worship the Savior?

It is up to me to remember the reason for the season.

November 15, 2024

As I watch the colorful leaves fall from the trees the air is much cooler. The days are shorter, overcast, and rainy here in Northeastern Ohio, which tells me Thanksgiving Day is not far off.

It is not about the Thanksgiving meal with all the trimmings, the endless football games, or the movies on the Hallmark channel.

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I then asked myself a question, “Am I thankful?”

I listed the accomplishments I have experienced this year, publishing my fourth book, being invited to speak at events, and my husband and I singing in many churches.

Yes, grateful for those things, “but it is thankfulness?” asked my heart.

I began again, “I am thankful for my husband, my family, and my home,” I said.

Once again my heart challenged me, “The things you said, can all change in an instant. If you lost those things would you still be thankful?”

That was a harder question, I then asked, “What is thankfulness?”

Different scriptures came to mind, that showed me, that thankfulness is a decision, an attitude, and a foundation for living.

My heart asked again, “Are you thankful?”

I understood now, and said, “I am thankful for mercy, grace, forgiveness, Salvation, redemption, God’s sacrifice, God’s love, for always being with me and never giving up on me,…”

I have personally experienced the benefits of thankfulness. When life gets hard, out of control, in a tragedy, when broken-hearted, and in every type of life event.

I am thankful, that the Almighty God, Master of the Universe, surrendered His only Son to provide Salvation for me and to fill me with the Holy Spirit to lead and guide me.

The benefits of thankfulness are to realize that the Lord God holds me when I am weak, guides me when I am lost, heals me when I am broken, forgives me when I sin, and restores me to His image. I can trust my God.

Yes, there are many benefits to being thankful. When I remind myself that all I have is because of the Goodness of God. How can I not be filled with thankfulness?

This has been an incredibly difficult year, yet in the midst, I can say sincerely that I am thankful. While I write this, there is much emotion, yet at the same time, I sense the peace of God. My heart begins to lighten, for He carries my burdens.

I want to ask you, “Are you thankful?”

“Do you want peace?’ Begin to have an attitude of thankfulness, then see what happens.

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On the Trinity Christian Counseling site, the article “The Power of a Grateful Heart” states: Did you know that being grateful improves your physical health? People who regularly practice gratitude generally report fewer aches and pains and feel healthier than their counterparts. Not surprisingly, practicing thankfulness also improves psychological health. It reduces depression and helps eliminate toxic emotions, such as envy, frustration, and regret. It increases empathy, reduces aggression, improves self-esteem, and helps you sleep better. Being a grateful person can even help you overcome trauma in your past! Those are some pretty

serious benefits. That may help to explain why it’s such a big deal in the Bible, too.

https://trinity4healing.com/

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Job 1:21 NIV

21 And he said, “Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked shall I return. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.”

Romans 8:28 NIV

28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

I Thessalonians 5:16-18 NIV

16 Rejoice always, 17 pray continually, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

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October 5, 2024

I WANT TO TELL YOU A STORY ABOUT WHEN THERE WAS A LOT OF PEOPLE WHO WERE HUNGRY AND ONE BOY WITH A LUNCH.

There was a boy named Samuel, who lived in a town where was something going on, there were so many people everywhere.

Samuel wanted to find out what was happening…

It was early in the day when he told his mom that he was going out to see what was happening, and why there were so many people in town. As he started out the door, his mom told him to take the bag that she was holding out to him.

“It’s your lunch” His mother said. “It has some bread and fish for lunch.”

He answered, “AWW mom, I don’t want to carry that all day.

His mother gave him a look that told him he better take it. Then she said, Samuel, take it, you are going to be glad you did. Well, Samuel did take the bag.

Samuel found where all the people were, they were just outside of town, in a big field. There were so many men, women and children, Samuel couldn’t count all the people that were there.

Samuel started listening to the man all the people had come to see, he stayed for hours listening. His Name, Jesus.

After a few hours, Samuel started to feel hungry, he took out his lunch, just then, Andrew, one of the men that was with Jesus asked him if he was willing to give it to Jesus, to feed all the people.

He had no idea how his lunch could feed so many people, still Samuel offered his lunch to Andrew.

Then he took the lunch to Jesus, Samuel watched as Jesus took the lunch lifting it high in the air and He prayed.

The disciples of Jesus told all the people to sit in groups, they began to bring baskets of food to everyone.

Andrew was giving food to all the people where Samuel was sitting, as he offered Samuel a basket that was full of bread and baked fish.

Andrew said to him, “Look what Jesus did with your offering!”

Samuel looked around to all the people on the hill, they were all eating, Jesus had blessed his lunch and thousands of people were fed.

Do you think Samuel was surprised, how Jesus used his offering? I don’t think Samuel ever forgot that day. Do you?

I believe, he was glad that he took the lunch.

Sept 10, 2024

I have mentioned before, that I watch a lot of YouTube videos, and maybe some of you do too.

Often as I watch, I am inspired by them, I hear life stories of others, and see incredible places around the world.

I listen to sermons and testimonies of people from long ago and from today.

Most recently I have watched videos of how scammers rob so many people, after these scammers have taken as much as they can, they move on to the next victim.

Surprisingly, some scammers come back and then scam the same people over again.

I know, I have received scammers' calls about rebates, warranties, and other things to lure and convince me to believe them.

Other scammers leave pictures and messages on social media with the hope of enticing the person through the idea of a relationship, all to get money.

Often, we say, oh, those people should have known that was a scam, how could they have fallen for that?

DO YOU REMEMBER FLIM-FLAM MEN, CON ARTISTS, SHADY CHARACTERS

CARPET BAGGERS AND CONMEN?

Scammers target older people, and the lonely it is easier to deceive them as they lure them with the scam.

Since I published a book, I get about five calls a week, from “publishers, acquisition agents, and marketing companies” telling me that my book is just what they have been looking for. They would be able to take my book to the next level. (Luring me with wealth, and notoriety). Then they softly weave that with a little investment (between $1,000 to over $10,000) the sky would be the limits for sales and fame.

I would look up the website of the company that was calling, check the reviews of the company, and then on a writer’s site that lists scammers. Every time it was a scammer.

I REMEMBERED THE VERSE IN THE BIBLE THAT SAYS

In the Bible

ECCLESIASTES 1:9 New Living Translation
History merely repeats itself. It has all been done before. Nothing under the sun is truly new.

JOHN 10:10A New Living Translation
The thief’s purpose is to steal, kill, and destroy.

Scamming has been around since the beginning of time. It all began in a garden when a snake convinced Eve to eat the fruit that was off-limits, changing things forever.

Scammers are active today telling us that we should modernize our morals or our definition of sins to keep up with the times.

Scammers tell us that there are many ways to reach heaven.

Scammers try to guilt us into accepting things that are prohibited in the Bible so that we don’t lose family members and friends.

Scammers twist the truth a little here and there, soon you believe what is being said.

Slowly and quietly, the scammers’ goals are to steal lives, families, and society. To kill joy, love, and peace in people's lives, driving them into doubt, depression, and despair. To destroy the pathway to redemption and Salvation in the only true faith in Jesus Christ, by His life death, and resurrection.

I PETER 5: 8 Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.

Scammers/thieves/lions look for someone to devour, prowling in search of the wounded, sick and alone.

I PETER 5:9 Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.

Now more than ever the scammers are out in full force, in the news, in schools, businesses, television and radio, and even the churches.

Each person must strengthen the foundations of faith but most importantly, know the voice of our Shepherd, to know when He speaks the truth it is to decern the lies.

JOHN 10:27 New Living Translation

27 My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.

Jesus the shepherd with sheep

Follow the shepherd who laid down his life for his sheep. Beware of the scammers that are out to take your soul.

Brenda Carroll Jarvis is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid

Aug 24, 2024

Our world is filled with many troubles and cares,

Lives filled with fears, pain, and what a heart bears.

Peace like a river our earnest prayers often plead,

We empty hearts to our Almighty Father of the need.

Yet do we quiet to listen for His call or His voice?

The invitation to come to Him is the only real choice.

To our Loving Father leaving it all in His hands.

Releasing the turmoil and doubt, He understands.

Come rest beside the still peaceful waters.

Is His beckons to his sons and daughters,

To come, to sit with Him for a while,

for time has been hard, each step a trial.

In His presence, to stop and listen for a time,

To refresh for the journey and the next hill to climb.

To hear His voice and to sit by the peaceful river,

Our source of strength is God who is the life giver.

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August 6, 2024

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When one is grieving

• It’s the loss,

• The deep pain within the heart,

• The person is gone,

• The hole that is left,

• The vacuum they left,

• The relationship is gone,

• The empty chair where they should be,

• The place that they had in your life,

• No new pictures with them,

• No new memories with them,

• No more phone calls,

• Not hearing their voice,

• No new events with them,

• No texts,

• No postings,

• No sharing of experiences,

• Not feeling the touch of their hand,

IF ONLY

If only, oh, if only, I had done this or that,

If only buzzes around me like a gnat.

If only, I had just one more chance,

If only, I had just one more glance.

If only, shouts at me day and night,

If only, steals my hope and fight.

If only, to hear or touch once more,

If only, to see them walk in the door.

If only, pours on painful regret,

If only lies trapping my life like debt.

If only, deceives and destroys my todays,

If only, hides the truth from me in a haze.

If only, tries to take control of me,

If only, distorts the view of reality.

If only, a weapon to destroy my peace,

If only, deaf to my constant cries and pleas.

If only, has no power to change the past,

If only, ruins the joys in life that last.

If only, can be stopped one way,

To know the truth and not to sway.

The Father God knows all things

From its creation beginnings.

He numbers our times and our days,

Our peace comes from knowing His ways.

To trust in the Lord quiets the noise,

That the if only wants to destroy.

Our Lord is my refuge where I retreat,

That is where the If only is ceased.

Bcj 7/2024         

Sunday

Sunday after Sunday we go to church

and sit in the same familiar pew.

This broken world needs us to share our faith,

but the laborers are few.

We come to sing, say a little prayer,

and hear a message from the good book.

Each morning, out the door to work, to school,

and to play, but never take a look.

Do I realize that what I have by grace

is so much more than I deserve?

Yet, the people who are wayward, wounded,

and weary I do not observe.

The message has the power to transform lives

and to break every chain,

A new life waits for those who accept salvation

and believe in His Name.

My life is too busy, times are too hard,

they won’t listen, or I don’t know,

I can’t, I won’t, I don’t, I’m afraid, and I couldn’t,

are all excuses to say no.

Another day passes as lives are not touched,

never to hear the message of the cross.

We pass them on the streets, in a store, in offices,

perhaps even our boss.

The mothers, sons, daughters, fathers,

sisters, friends, neighbors, and brothers

Storekeepers, clerks, nurses, doctors,

the troubled, the sick, and so many others.

Who hears the call that will go

to tell of forgiveness,

grace, and mercy?

Where would I be if a person had not

shared salvation with me?

Time grows short, too many believe

that hope for them is out of reach.

The words of love and salvation for them,

who will speak and teach?

Forgiveness, healing, restoration, mercy, love,

and grace all await,

those who hear, believe, and trust,

a new life and purpose it creates.

The Lord calls out to his children, who will go,

my messenger, to be?

Who will make known my love, freedom,

and life eternal with me?

Yet Sunday after Sunday we go to church

and sit in the same familiar pew.

This broken world needs us to share our faith,

but the laborers are few.

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Brenda Carroll Jarvis  7/20/2024

Sacrifice of Praise

Even though you hold me in those moments of utter despair,

 My heart stings from the sharp reminder that he is no longer there.

Your embrace holds my heart and all the broken pieces,

Your presence and peace reveal the depth of love it reaches.

Today, I was surprised, you asked me a difficult request,

I felt your divine call to surrender to this important test.

I asked the Lord please give me the strength to make this hard choice.

A gentle peace that calmed me, a warmth surrounded me like your voice.

I heard you speak to me, “Bring me your sacrifice of praise,

For in those moments, your heart will heal, and your spirit raise.

Bring me your heart that is broken and filled with pain

I will give your heart comfort and peace will remain.”

Praise each day, surrender it all to my care,

Praise will be my healer, for I am with my Savior there.

I will praise you because you hold time in your hands,

I will praise you; I can trust your wisdom and your plans.

I will praise you; it is your presence my spirit needs,

I will praise you; I extol all your wondrous deeds.

I will praise you; I will declare to everyone what you have done for me

I will praise you when I stand alone or when others see.

 I will praise you in the morning in the noonday or the dark of night,

I will praise you it is where strength begins and makes my heart light.

I will obey you as you make this request of me,

I bring the sacrifice of praise, and a worshipper I will be.

Brenda Carroll Jarvis wrote -6/24/2024

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Another poem to express my feelings

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Today

I will remember the promise of the sunrise given to me each day I have a fresh start.

Last night ended the darkness, today’s morning’s light has the hope to impart.

I will do my best not to bring yesterday’s sorrow and pain into my new day,

Open my eyes to the wonders around me, help me to see joy along the way.

My memories of you and the time that we shared will forever be a part of me.

The grief and sorrow don’t change the truth, it only fills my heart with agony.

Each new day that God has given to me, I will choose to honor you,

I will share the joy that you gave to me and to all those that you knew.

I will laugh, to remember your laughter, I will smile, to you remember your smile.

I will live on, so everyone knows how special you were, and lived with style.

Today is a new start for me to show how your life affected mine,

As I live and love, smile and laugh, to share your legacy, I’ll shine.

There might be a tear fall here and there as I learn to live without you,

Even so, I will move forward, with each sunrise and morning’s dew.

July is my birthday month, each year I am surprised at how old I am getting.

I am nearing the 70-year marker, I am more aware now than ever.

     My stamina is less, and so is my strength.

      Getting on the floor requires planning, on how to get up! I know that there is work ahead for me to do. I pray that I finish strong!

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July 1, 2024​

My Friends, I have not visited this site for a while. The past five weeks have been the most difficult time in my life, with the death of my grandson.

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Through these days I am reminded again that you make every day count, tell people that you love them when you can.

Because you don’t know when the last time you will be with them

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​I wrote this Poem while I processed the news of my grandson's death.

IF YOU NEED...

In these days of intense pain, sorrow, and grief,

Our lives are shattered and struggling through disbelief.

Many kindly say, “If you need anything, let me know.”

It is hard to think of what is needed, my thinking is so slow.

What I need, or what I want, are things no man can do.

My heart stirs to know the only one with the heavenly view.

Instantly, I know what to ask for from those who deeply care.

My voice says pleading. “Please my friend we need prayer”!

It is God, who knows our past, present, and unknown days ahead.

Pray for our hearts, that the balm of Gilead is spread.

Prayers for our family, to learn anew how to live.

Prayers for hope, peace, mercy, and to forgive.

Pray for our decisions, plans to make, guide and direct,

Ask for wisdom, divine guidance, and His hand to protect.

My dear friend, you ask what you can do, what is our need,

Pray for us, we are lost in the pain, we need the Lord to lead.

Prayer is the most urgent request that could ever be made,

Soon the pain will ease, the comfort felt, all because you prayed.

Brenda Carroll Jarvis

Hope

Some might think it comes flying on a wing,

Others wait for it like flowers in late spring.

Some believe it’s as fragile as a vapor.

Or is easily lost as dreams on crumpled paper.

True hope is found at the endless well,

It’s where all the treasures of God dwell.

Draw from His well all that you need,

Listen for His voice then follow His lead.

Hope gives dreams to a weary dry heart,

And then a new desire to try and start.

It brightens the day and lightens a load,

Then each step is easier on life’s road.

Hope from the Father inspires the dream,

And the wisdom to know on whom we lean.

So, if you have lost your hope, along the way,

Return to His plentiful well, please don’t delay.

It is there, everything to refresh and renew,

To find new hope that is just for you.

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Galatians 5:24 ESV

And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.

The truth of this verse confronts me, to be honest with myself. Have I crucified the flesh? If passions and desires rule me then I have to admit that it is not. Lord, I ask you to help me to crucify my flesh.

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HOW DOES THIS VERSE EFFECT YOU?

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BITTERNESS

Bitterness is devious

and ravenous,

as it quietly works in secret,

while it feeds the hurts,

the misunderstandings

and defeats in life.

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Bitterness taints

the intentions of others,

and clouds the joys of life.

It works in damaging relationships,

and opportunities in life.

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Bitterness is a root that is hidden,

as it extends its domain

into the heart.

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It grows in power and control,

unless forgiveness intervenes.

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Forgiveness is the antidote,

from its devastation.

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Forgiveness is a powerful tool,

that destroys its very roots.

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The peace of forgiveness,

restores a joy for life.

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The hope from forgiveness brightens the shadows

left from bitterness.

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Forgiveness opens the heart,

to love, mercy, grace and peace.

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It changes the vision and future,

it plants hope

and joy to the heart.

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Forgiveness is a choice,

and must be remembered

each and every day.

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The Lord is the source,

of perfect forgiveness,

and it is our greatest need.

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Let us make the choice

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for freedom

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TODAY IS VALENTINE’S DAY

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 A DAY ABOUT LOVE

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A day for expressing our love to our family, sweethearts, friends, spouse, and those around us.

We can often overuse the word love, can’t we?

We say we love sweets, jobs, sports, hunting, and music.

But is it the same love as for your family members?

What about the love you have for your spouse?

Or your friends?  Your pets?  Your job?

Your Savior?

So where does this love come from?

As we think about this day, do we love with pure love?

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From the familiar chapter of I Corinthians 13 in the CEV version

13 What if I could speak all languages of humans and even of angels? If I did not love others, I would be nothing more than a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 What if I could prophesy and understand all mysteries and all knowledge? And what if I had faith that moved mountains?
I would be nothing, unless I loved others. 3 What if I gave away all that I owned and let myself be burned alive?  I would gain nothing, unless I loved others. 4 Love is patient and kind, never jealous, boastful, proud, or 5 rude. Love isn't selfish or quick tempered. It doesn't keep a record of wrongs that others do. 6 Love rejoices in the truth, but not in evil.7 Love is always supportive, loyal, hopeful, and trusting. 8 Love never fails! Everyone who prophesies will stop, and unknown languages will no longer be spoken. All that we know will be forgotten. 9 We don't know everything, and our prophecies are not complete. 10 But what is perfect will someday appear,
and what isn't perfect will then disappear. 11 When we were children, we thought and reasoned
as children do. But when we grew up, we quit our childish ways. 12 Now all we can see of God
is like a cloudy picture in a mirror. Later we will see him face to face. We don't know everything,
but then we will, just as God completely understands us. 13 For now there are faith, hope, and love. But of these three, the greatest is love.

I hope that today, we take a moment to express our love to those who are important to us.

And may they know that they are loved with a pure love that comes from God our Heavenly Father.

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FEBRUARY 9, 2024

THANKFUL FOR YOU CHALLENGE

There have been many people in my life, from family, childhood, school, work, church, relationships made through shared activities, and many others who have been in my life.

Some have been for a lifetime, others came and went, others because of distance, and life changes, and some interests changed, and we drifted apart.

Many of these people are very special people to me, who have had a tremendous impact and influence on my life.

Over the past few years, I have been able to reconnect with some people that I had lost contact with so many years ago. They were people that I grew up with, from school, friends from 20-30-40, yes even 50 years ago.

I realize that I have been given the opportunity to let those people who have made an impact on my life, how grateful I am for them.

I would like to challenge you, to take time to tell them  know how thankful you are for them, what a blessing they are, and how important they are.

Write them a note, give them a call, but don’t wait, we all know that we are never promised a tomorrow.

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