Scripture Reading: Hebrews 11:39-40, Hebrews 1:1-3, Hebrews 2:9-18, 1 Timothy 6:11-16, 1 Peter 1:3-9
After you finish reading today’s scriptures, come back and use the blurb and question here to dig deeper into the themes of faith, hope, obedience, and suffering. Join your fellow Bible readers in the comments to reflect and chat about what you’re learning!
Even though these men and women died while waiting for the hope of their faith to be realized, because of their trust in God, they share in the reward of being made perfect with Christ. We, however, have seen the better that God has provided and the fulfillment of what He promised—Jesus, the foundation of our faith.
Who are the people in your personal life that have gone before you in faith and encouraged you as a believer? Share a little about them, their stories, and how they have encouraged you in the comments.
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153 thoughts on "God Provided Something Better"
Amen
My mom. I watched God change her heart and her priorities, and it was a powerful testimony.
Pastor Mike. He shared Gods love in such a gentle, approachable way. He made me feel welcome and had such an inviting approach that drew you in rather than trying to pressure or shame you into it. They both planted so many seeds for my faith journey, and I’m grateful.
Amen
My mom no matter what
My grandma Barbara she had so much love and faith that I know I have to trust and keep running my race
Praying ADRIENNE..❤️
Unrelated to the day’s question… But if I could ask for prayer for our oldest son, please? He is starting a background and testing process for a (hopeful) new job. Pray for peace for him and for me, and that His will be done. Thanks, sweet sisters.
Praying ADRIENNE..❤️
My main babysitter growing up was a great example of faith. Every summer one day a week we went to the “meadow” where she did Bible study with other women. A former pastor who met with me a couple times to help me navigate life decisions. Also, my parents have been solid examples of loving God. You all also encourage me and challenge me.
I am lucky enough to have parents and grandparents on both sides who modeled what it is like to be a Christian all of my life. I have memories of my dad serving in the church as a kid and my mom running what we called GAs. My grandparents still are strong in their faith and encouraged me to be as well. I hope that I will be this for my future kids and grandkids one day
It was fun to hear you mention GAs. I was a GA and taught my daughters in GAs. Great organization with lots of scripture memorization.
Aw I love that! I was wondering if anyone else had been a part of that!
I can’t just name one person BUT I can say that without a doubt that almost every person in my life – looking back- has impacted my faith in Jesus. Not to sound hokey but I can honestly say even the crazy lady (a non-believers mother) who cursed me out as a teenager impacted my faith walk, gave me a different lens to look through and taught me a
The pastor thar married my husband and I…he was like a real father to me as mine was not easy to get along with and was angry all the time. My pastor was such a great man of faith never being healed on this side of eternity riddled with polio of 1 leg. He said God told him “you don’t need legs to preach and share the gospel. My MIL is also a wonderful faithful servant. She is with Jesus now and with my pastor too. Ahhh…to have the complete healing and to be made complete in Christ.
I thank God for all these godly ppl he put before me to help me. So grateful for The Holy Spirit comforting us. Hugs and Love SHES
My mother is a Christian, and she took me to church as a young girl. She didn’t talk about Christ too much, but showed who he was by her sacrificial love. ❤️
I am blessed in my life to have a mother – who is now in heaven who was the cornerstone of my families faith. She taught me at a young age the love that the Lord has for us. I am fortunate to have my mother in law who is also a strong believer that has prayed over me countless times, shared her own journey of faith and has given me wisdom. I am blessed!
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I wanted to thank everyone for their prayers yesterday. Much appreciated!
Always, dear Traci, Always❤
❤️ Can’t. Even. Imagine.
I had a lot of spiritual women in my life of faith that all showed me how to trust and lean on God. I had the most amazing youth pastors too. They taught me how to share my faith boldly.
My dad knew a missionary friend in Thailand (I think). He stayed in a village there to spread the gospel, but the entire village thought him foolish and pointless. But he faithfully did his duty there. Even before his death, there was not a single believer in that village. After his death (old age), the entire village remembered him, and the whole village believe in God because of him. My dad’s friend never in this lifetime got to see his result, but the result is sure greater than what he had imagined.
Wonderful testimony of a ‘good and faithful servant ‘ beautiful..❤
What an amazing testimony! I adore people that can do missionary work like that- giving up the comforts and taking a risk! And good lesson here, b/c usually we want/need to see the fruits of our labor, but we don’t always get to, yet they ARE there!!! So good!!
My grandmother was the only person of faith in my family that I knew of. She was raised Catholics, but none of the family went to church. They went to Xmas mass if they were able to. At that time (after the recovery of such long war in Vietnam), churches were a rarity. I assumed she got her faith when going to French school during the French colonization period in Vietnam. Grandma had many trials in her life. Grandpa was not faithful and physically abusive, and they had seven kids that she raised like a single mom. After the war, the economy was really bad, starts from scratch. They suffered great lack. Grandpa had other affairs and was absent a lot. She worked so hard as an architect, and she got a big house with enough bedrooms for all 7 kids after years and years of living so frugal. She always told me about her faith in God, about praying and believing at the same time, not just pray, but believe. She was the first person that sowed the seed of faith in my heart when I was 13. She is now 92 and has some form of dementia. She now forgets her kids and grandkids names. She sometimes wonders who we are. None of her kids (my aunts uncles and mom now) go to church or practice faith. I feel that faith to them is a one time thing, infant baptism and that’s it. I pray that the seed that grandma sowed in me, and in her children, will come back to life. I had a cross necklace that I wore daily when I came back to visit my family. I did not know where they are at with their faith, but hopefully they saw the cross, and I often added “praise God” at the end of my sentence as a way to evangelize.
❤Mercy, have I ever mentioned my rose bush that was hacked to nothing, that had me crying at its loss? That rose bush, had buds on last year, and this year was blooming left right and centre.. It still has buds on now! I tell you this in the hope that your families faith is not dead… Just dormant, because God never sleeps.. He is on the throne and He WILL bring them back to Him..
Amen, Sister! He’s got this..
Hugs..❤
How beautiful Tina..what a wonderful parallel! I will have to remember this.
And thank you Mercy for sharing, I love your grandmother’s faith and your testimony from it!! I believe like Tina said, your mom showed the seeds in her kids, so they are there dormant, just like I’m believing for all my mom’s kids and grandkids!!
Amen Rhonda. What wonderful legacy.❤️
Thank you Tina for such a beautiful illustration. Amen and thank you to the hope that you stirred up in me ❤️ Much hugs and love across the pond to you dear Tina.
Mercy – I so love Tina’s illustration as well. Praying with you for your family. Thank you for remembering my birthday yesterday ❤️
I hope you had a lovely time on your birthday Michelle ❤️
No longer GM, But Good Afternoon She’s!
It’s always a blessing to start the morning off here in scripture and then with your comments! I love today especially b/c we get to honor and celebrate everyone’s— MVP! God’s MVD! Most Valuable Disciple–to YOU!
Mine would have to be my Madre and Daddio. They set the bar by not only going to church faithfully every Sunday with importance, but are family life was intertwined with our family church! Baseball in the summer and trips to ballgames and theme parks together. Sunday school and youth group, and Sunday night church (which was a favorite because we could dress down and call out the number of the hymn we wanted to sing!)
My mom had a full time, midnight shift job, and my dad worked construction and a farmer. So hard workers trying to provide for their families, living simply, yet trying to give their kids what they didn’t have! It was a beautiful time. Us kids had to work on the farm and do our fair share, yet it was a great blend of that and fun times running around outside until dark. But they lived their lives with a fear of God by honoring and living with that faith. We didn’t ever pray in the home, but we always gathered at the dinner table every night.
When my mom retired, she would be at the table every morning reading her Bible. And sharing with us why it mattered. She was scared for us as we went away and fell away. Luckily she prayed for all of us and her grandkids. She was for sure a Proverbs woman and full of wisdom. She knew the Bible was the life instruction manual. Now I pray for all the family that have fallen away or just lukewarm. When she past 10 years ago the vision kept coming to me to read my Bible like she did, and so I did. And now I truly know what a relationship with God looks like. It continues to grow and grow, it is beautiful. My Daddio is still with us, barely making it at 81 and lots of health issues. The end is near, and I am so proud of him and his faith and his example. It comes off strong and a little “crazy” to the grandkids, but basically he just can’t believe where the world has gone, the direction and away from God. But he speaks truth.
Thank you Lord for my parents, and my She’s here that keep pounding faith into us with their wisdom, comments, and impact. It is needed, iron sharpens iron. We should hold each other up to YOUR standards, not our own. Love one another, but don’t love or make excuses for sin. No, we are not the judge, but we are called to discern in your name, and for your Glory!!
Missing you Erb..hope you are doing okay?!
This has been one of my favorite studies!! So impactful!! Good Job SRT!! We thank you.
I do have one more person I wanted to slide in—My client and friend Jacquie. She came into my small restorative health studio just on the cusp of a ALS diagnosis. We trained for awhile, then she quickly went to a wheelchair, yet I went to her house to continue to stretch her in her chair. She was so positive and spoke of Jesus’ love and care for her, and the better home that awaited her! It was the hardest thing I have seen, to witness her quick decline week to week. I was with her when she was in bed at the end, and couldn’t move anything except her eyes and mouth and she was smiling with Jesus music on to keep her spirit focused on him. She was and will always be my faith Hero. I hope I could do that. God gives us super strength when it comes time.
Rhonda, God is good..❤
Hello Shes
“Who has gone before you encouraged you as a believer”?
My grandma Virgie, my father’s mother. A silent & & sturdy & simple woman. Uneducated but unflagging in her faith. She brought us into her heart & her home church. A church with a long family history.
I see her now in her hat & gloves. Carrying a purse. Handkerchief inside knotted with coins for the offering plate. A worn family Bible. She loved the Lord as she loved that little church and the grandchildren who sat beside her, in her favorite pew. She sang, she prayed, she knelt during communion. She showed how to sit still, be quiet, and receive His truth. Every third Sunday of the month. (The only Sunday in which formal worship took place in our country town.)Memories long days past.
Gwineth, many thanks to your wonderful grandma Virgie, for your encouragement in faith and for who you are now..thankful for you..❤
I grew up in a church going family – if the doors were open we were there. But I didn’t really grasp the whole thing until in my early 20’s when I attended a different church and was part of a small group who lived life together, and those people were the true examples of living for Jesus – even with their flaws and failings… but it was that group of people who really changed my life and gave me the examples I needed to make a true commitment to God.
My mother died from a heart condition before my 5th birthday but I remember going to church with her. Seeds were being planted. I was learning in Sunday School that Jesus loved me. My grandfather and both grandmothers were believers and made sure that the 3 of us kids continued to go to church. My grandfather came to pick us up each Sunday(my father did not attend church). I know that our lives are the results of answered prayer❤️
Thank you to your grand parents and your mama, I get to hang out with you here..Linda..❤
Tina many of us are the living answer to so many prayers that have been prayed❤️
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My mother and grandparents, they were devote Catholics and my mom went to church almost daily. Although I grew up Catholic (almost all of my family is) I changed in my late 20’s. My inlaws and that extended side was an influence also but from a different religious tradition. I have been exposed and grew up with (still do) many different Christian faith experiences and treasure each as they have enriched my faith.
God just needs our hearts Donna.. And a relationship with us! I don’t believe. Denominations matter as long as He has our hearts ❤
My daddy. He came to the US in the early 1960s with the Barceros. His boss was amazing and loved my dad! Later he married my mom, and brought her to the US and this became home. His bosses wife took a huge liking to my mom. My parents were very blessed and grateful for their bosses. I was named after the bosses wife, her name was Muriel (my legal name, Mari is my nickname). fast-forward to my early 20s, my daddy came to my rescue from a difficult marriage. He will always be my hero. I miss him greatly. Thankfully, he never saw what happened in the second marriage as I know it would’ve broken his heart. I am blessed to have had such a godly daddy. Both my kids often have said they wish they would’ve had a dad like mine. I’m grateful they both got to meet him.
Great story!! I had to Google “Barceros” to see what that meant. You were truly blessed with a great dad!!
Mari, praise God for the family that loved on your daddy and mum.. Through that journey we get to be ‘sisters in Christ.. Hallelujah!❤
Who are the people in your personal life that have gone before you in faith and encouraged you as a believer? Share a little about them, their stories, and how they have encouraged you in the comments.
There are too many to count but I have fond memories of going to church with my Great Grandmother, Grandmother, and brother as a child. Don’t judge me, but I remember that of course since I was so little the best part was getting a happy meal after service and having lunch together.
It’s sad that when you get older you can appreciate the opportunities of going to church with family members who have passed away. At the time I didn’t really understand the word, I just knew that I got to spend time with family on the weekend and wear my nice clothes.
I wish if I could go back I could understand the blessing that I was gifted to worship together as three generations of family. Unfortunately with maturity comes understanding, and sometimes with understanding comes the grief of missed experiences and comprehension.
But from looking back, there was an innocent joy in being together on a Sunday morning/afternoon that I wish I could instill within me again. I’m grateful for what my Great Grandmother and Grandmother thoughtfully fostered in me in my times spent with them.
I miss them all the time, but they happen to be in THE best place waiting for the rest of the family to join them.
I miss and love all of my family. To the ones who have gone so soon, and to the ones still here with me, I love you from the depths of my soul all the way out to the moon and back!!! ❤️
Sending out hugs and comfort to all who are missing loved ones too!!!
Hopefully y’all didn’t cry recounting your memories with family as much as I did
– Adrianne
It’s good to recall those on whose shoulders we stand..
Much love, Adrianne
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I was raised catholic, but didn’t feel that I got much from it. I had two clients that changed my life. One, Judy, never pushed her faith. She didn’t really talk about it. She was a big part of her church and I knew that. One day I thought, I want what she has – peace. She ended up dying from cancer in her early 50’s. Her family invited me to say goodbye to her. They handled her illness and death with such grace. Around 3,000 people were at her service. 5 young men spoke about how she changed their lives. They all became pastors. The second was Rick. He invited me to his church. It was the first church I felt like I belonged to. The pastors message would come to mind throughout the week. At this time I was in my 30’s. I’m so thanful for these people. Oh and there is a third. Another client. I loved her. I remember she had Tanner and I for dinner when he was young. Tanner said to me on the ride home how peaceful her house felt. Out of the mouth of babes.
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God, always finds a way to win out hearts
Beautiful Traci❤
Who has gone before me to heaven? The pastor of the church I grew up in. He and his wife moved to my hometown to establish the church of my childhood. I am so grateful to them both for following that calling from the Lord. That church was where I learned so much about God and where I learned how to get back to Him when I walked my own path in my late teens and early 20’s. I haven’t seen them in years, but they had a profound impact on my life in so many ways. Pastor Rhoades went home to be with the Lord this year. His dear wife is still here. Thank you Lord for those who follow your calling to move and share your gospel message.
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But you, man of God, flee from these things, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, and gentleness. 1 tim 6:11
I wouldn’t really say that I had strong examples to follow, as heroes of the faith. I did, however, have a friend when I was a teenager that planted some seeds. (We have been back in touch, as of late… it is wonderful!) My husband was the catalyst for my faith. He believed from a very young age, and I started going to church with him when we dated. I hope that I can be that strong example of a faithful women to many others.
* Woman! No contacts on my eyeballs when I typed earlier!
My Paternal Grandparents were the first people who came to mind. Both died of different forms of cancer 5 and 8 years ago. Both were very Godly people and they were prayer warriors. They were the first to know when any of us kids came to faith. They were our biggest supporters (financially, but also probably spiritually) when we went on short term mission trips.
During family gatherings, conversations of the previous Sunday’s sermon or Sunday School lesson were often discussed. They were also the first to be contacted whenever we had a prayer request or praise, we knew that they would be persistent in prayer with us and later rejoice with us when that prayer was answered.
❤beautiful, Mama.❤
Hope you are well and that life is good with you..❤
I would say my mom snd mother in law. They are both in heaven but they were prayer warriors. When my mom passed, I felt such a void of her prayer covering. I was praying about it and the Lord impressed on me that it was now my time to pick up the mantle of
Cheryl, we cannot keep what we know under a bushel.. Let’s pray it forward..❤
Steadfastness, faithfulness, endurance,…I keep seeing these themes in the stories we are telling of those who inspired us.
My grandmother and her 4 daughters (my dad’s sisters) were such great examples of this, true great trials. I didn’t get to spend nearly enough time with any of them but enough to be inspired. Other than evidence of how she lived her life, I remember stories of my grandmother sitting in her armchair as she sat with people and discretely drawing the sign of the cross with her thumb (like a constant little prayer)…the wood varnish on that specific part of the chair is worn off in a shape like the cross.
I am pleased that I have people even my own generation to lift me up…and YOU my sisters!!!
♥️ But, oh Lord…Can this girl live a life of endurance, steadfastness, faithfulness, looking always to the author and finisher of her faith?! Please Lord Jesus, in Your strength, keep my eyes and heart fixed on You ♥️
Oh my I love this. A worn shape of a cross on her chair. Powerful!
Love this, Foster Mama! Praising God for your brands and the seed that was sown..I get to share this journey with you..❤
My sister Tammy who passed away in 2018 was someone who encouraged me in faith, found a church to go to when I was young and beginning a marriage. She operated in the gift of knowledge and taught me how to receive my Heavenly language by receiving the Holy Spirit. She is greatly missed especially living in these times. She always said she wanted to be part of the end time remnant church and I always said I wanted to be plucked out early. Jokes on me hahahaha! I’m grateful for her and her speaking Jesus to me.
Love this, holding your heart and you in prayer as you recall your sister, Kimberley❤
My mother-in-law is still living but her prayers have been so impactful to our family. I love thinking about as she prayed for 27 years for her son’s “future wife”, she was praying for me and had no idea who I was! My mom was not that kind of “pray-er” and so it blesses me to know I was receiving prayer from my MIL before I even knew her!! My kids are grown now and she has faithfully prayed for them daily and now for my grandkids as well.
Love this, holding your heart and you in prayer as you recall your sister, Kimberley❤
Don’t know what happened there..
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Thankful for you mother in law, D.W❤
My dad had such a heart for Jesus. I’m currently reading from the Bible he gave me when I was a teenage girl and on the front pages, he wrote verses from scripture in which I still hold so dear to my heart. I can still remember waking up and seeing him at the dining room table with his bible, spending time with the Lord before he got his day started. I still remember the Sunday school lessons he put together for his Sunday school classes. I still remember him joyfully playing music in the church band. He was such an incredible role model for his faith and love of Jesus. He lost his life when I was only 17, but I’m still encouraged by his walk with the Lord.
After we lost my dad, it was such a difficult time, but my mother’s faith and persistence in looking to the Lord for strength and stability was unwavering. Her and I pray together consistently and share our love of the Lord. She encourages me in so many ways in my walk with the Lord and I feel like such a blessed daughter!
That’s is so beautiful Rachel!
Absolutely beautiful to think of the gift your dad gave you in just 17 years. An eternal treasure and legacy. This really touched my heart!
I know this well. Seeing the handwriting of one on whose shoulders have been the step closer to our Father God… Beautiful. Rachel❤
Margie… a beautiful young “mother and farmer’s wife” was my Sunday School teacher… she had a great mind… would have been a wonderful teacher… but she was at home with her family on the farm… BUT GOD!! Christian radio came to southeastern PA when I was in 6th grade (in the 50’s)…Margie listened to Theodore Epp, Warren Wiersbe and others… learned much and grew close to Jesus… AND she taught us… her group of Jr.-Sr. High Girls… and we eagerly “lapped it up” and began our journeys to Jesus!! I am forever grateful for her obedience to her calling! She lived into her early nineties… still lovely and mind sharp as ever, studying Torah with a Jewish lady at her retirement home! Spreading joy wherever she walked… a true Christ-Follower!
Thank you Father for the privilege of those early years of mentoring!! ♥️
Carol, thankful for Margie and her time and teaching.. It meant we got to meet in this journey..❤
My aunt, she died of breast cancer several years ago but she was probably one of the most faith filled people I know. She was diagnosed and then beat it to be re-diagnosed couple years later. Throughout that time (I wasn’t very close with her) she remained steadfast in her faith.
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My mother has been a huge help on my journey of faith. She endured many sufferings during her life including a fight with cancer at the end. She led by example and had a daily walk with Jesus that she brought to everything. Her trust in the Lord gave her strength, perseverance and joy in the midst of all sorts of circumstances. She died 11 years ago & I still feel her example on how to rely on God in all things with a grateful heart.
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My sweet Grandma is who I always think of for being strong in her faith. She was a witness to anyone who would hear it. I still remember her singing the Old Rugged Cross and What a Friend we have in Jesus to me and my sisters. She was always sharing how Jesus changed her life. She was so courageous and bold for Jesus. She went home to be with Jesus in 2020 and I still miss her. I know she is singing in heaven with Him.
Old school grandma! The old rugged cross was one of my favourites as a child.. God rest her soul..Katy and I pray for your heart as you recall your grandma❤
I didn’t have many family members I knew well, I didn’t grow up with nearby aunts or uncles, cousins and my grandparents all passed before I was born except one who died when I was 2 months old…
But thankfully my mom was my encourager, my prayer. She has always been faithful and still is. She prays for my kids, encourages me in my faith. I know she prayed me through a dark season in my early 20s when I walked from God. I’m truly so thankful for her!
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My mother is still here, but my journey of faith would be unimaginable without her. I was once so resistant to religion, even thought Christians were arrogant for claiming they held the only path to salvation. I took so many risks, and it’s by God’s grace and my mom’s constant prayers that I’m here today. She has always been a prayer warrior with a heart of gold, steadfast in praying for me and my brother. I cherish her as my mother but even more as my sister in faith.
My father taught me not to judge a book by its cover, especially when it comes to faith. After Vietnam, he became an alcoholic—not abusive, but distant from God, or so I thought. Only when he was diagnosed with cancer did we start talking about faith, and I began to understand that he didn’t lack belief but carried deep wounds. I suspect, as does my mom, that he suffered abuse as a child by a priest, which added to his pain.
Two weeks before he passed, he started meeting with a priest daily in the hospital. They shared meaningful conversations, and I know he made peace. When he died, I felt it so clearly in my soul—I saw him standing before the Sacred Heart of Jesus. In that moment, I knew he was home.
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My grandmother and my aunt. Both such unwavering faith that built a burning in my heart for the same and love for Jesus.
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Who has gone before me in faith? I most definitely would have to say my mother. Her name is Shirley.
I believe with all my heart that I would not be walking with the Lord, or in ministry today if it were not for her faith and prayers for me.
She not only lived her faith, she died her faith. I’ve never seen anyone before or since my mothers death, that leaned on her faith so heavily when she knew she was dying. She comforted me & my family, while we were mourning her sudden illness. She witnessed to the doctors and nurses and was a great example of Christ.
She planned her funeral from what she was going to wear, to what she wanted sung at her funeral – and who was going to sing. She was an amazing testimony to me. Not once did she waver in her faith, not once did she ask “why me”, “why now”. She simply believed. She knew it was God’s will and she excepted it.
How she displayed her faith through it all has made such a lasting impression on me.
I only pray that when my time comes to leave this world, I will do it as gracefully and faithfully as my mom did, 14 years ago this coming January.
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May each of us live a life and death of faith, and may we encourage all those around us.
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Be blessed on this Thursday sisters!❤️
Praising God for Shirley.. And for you and the encouragement and leading she gave to you Sharon.. So thankful for our walk together holding the Lord’s hand..❤
I hit send by accident…her words encouraged me while I was in seminary. She passed away 11 years ago yet as I write this I have suddenly got a boost of encouragement I truly needed. Thanks Grandma Alice❤️
Thank you grandma Alice❤❤
My grandmother called me a missionary as she was herself caring for many many people in the community while taking care of her 11 children.
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My grandparents and parents exemplify faith and faithfulness to the Lord. Both my grandparents lived through WWII as teenagers in the Netherlands, keeping faith through that trial. They later met in Canada and married. They always prayed before each meal and did devotions after each meal. I can remember seeing my dear Opa on his knees beside the bed at night. They modeled the Christian life of faith throughout their marriage. My Oma is now with the Lord.
My dad listened to God’s call to ministry when he was in his 40s. He went to seminary as an adult. My mom faithfully supported him and was the sole income during that time. They had 3 kids in Christian school and finances were tight, but God faithfully provided.
Today my parents live with my Opa. They continue to be faithful to God’s calling. They welcome international students and refugees into their church and home. One young man’s family back home calls my mom his “white mama” and he refers to her as his mama. My dad helps many of them find housing and work. Even though they are retirement age, they remain faithful to God’s call and listen to prompting of the Holy Spirit.
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My BFF Seta as we take this faith walk together. My mom planted the seeds but didn’t get to see the fruit before she passed. And all of you!! I’ve learned so much over the past 2 years with all of you! Thank you to those who post regularly and share your hearts, your faith, your love! Have a blessed day!
Can I please ask for prayers for my daughter Chela? Chem exam on Friday. She needs a win! She’s been very down on herself. These classes are HARD and she isn’t getting her normal A/B. Class average on last exam was a 67! Pls pray for above a 70!! Thank you!
Praying
Praying for Chela! God we ask you to clear her mind of everything but you God.
Praying that Chela will pass with flying colors.
Praying for Chela.. Praying peace of mind to be able to concentrate and trust God..❤
Praying for Chela
TANYA EVANS – praise the Lord for you getting the grant! Praying for financial provision for dental work needed
MARI G – praying as your daughter waits on college notifications
JULIE GANUCHEAU – thank you! For your testimony of God’s perfect plan!
MORGAN DUNBAR – Hope we’ll be seeing more of you :)
DANIELLE B – praise the Lord for the good report!
Praying for LYNNE FROM AL, LINDA IN NC, NANCY S, GRAMSIESUE and others as you continue to care for your husbands.
Standing with you SEARCHING in prayers for our sisters.. Every one.❤
My mother in law
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My grandmother, Judy Dixon. She was a short bundle of love and spunk. Her faith and love for our Lord Jesus Christ was like no other. She had open arms for anyone and everyone. I remember one night I asked her why she never drew her curtains shut at night. She said, “Sarah, if people can see in at night, then they’ll see nothing but the love of Jesus.” I miss her terribly! But I know she is waiting anxiously for me and our family to be with her again in our Father’s kingdom. Praise Him and His gracious gift of love through His Son, Jesus Christ!
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Judy Dixon. Thank you..❤
My great grandmother had an amazing faith that impacted my life and my best friend, Shannon, who’s love for Jesus radiates.
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Ann, a homeschooling mama of four who fought a long hard battle with cancer and found her victory in heaven. She and her husband, Hilary, hosted the small group my husband and I led in their home. The family lived very simply in a 1100sq ft, 3 bedroom ranch. She showed me how to have joy in the midst of suffering and loss; how being hospitable was a heart attitude over “enough” space, and how to encourage others in their walk with Jesus. I look forward to seeing her again in eternity❣️
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TANYA EVANS – so sorry about your unexpected dental expenses. Is there a dental school in your area where you may get some of it done at a lesser cost?
Thrilled that the grant came through for you! Looking forward to hear how it is used to help others.
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VICTORIA E – how are things at work for you?
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DONNA WOLCOTT – how is Anya’s school year going? Have you heard from your medical missionary friend in Ukraine?
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KRISTINA FINNEY – have things settled down in your school district?
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SHARON, JERSEY GIRL – how’s Arian? Any job leads?
Kelly, thank you so much for asking. Anya started her last year a little late because of boot camp, but is doing well and has just sent in her college applications. Private Wolcott wants to be a nurse and her big “ask” is to get into Boston College. She’s applied for early admission, so we will see but she will need serious scholarship help. Kristy is still in Ukraine and working with the displaced children and elderly, providing medical care. She is an dedicated missionary for the Lord.
❤ this Kelly! Blowing Ann a kiss tonight as I thank her for your journey, for her faith in action..
Bless you, Kelly..❤
My Sunday School and Girls Brigade leaders and pastors❤️❤️❤️
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My dear friend wanted to move to share space with her elderly parents. She prayed to sell her home. A sale was not coming, she did everything to make her house appealing but it was not selling. She continued to pray. Three years this went on and she continued to believe that God would provide. God’s timing was perfect, the house sold the week after her daughter married. That same week she and her parents found and closed on a house together. Three years of believing God would provide and He did, exceeding expectations. She was able to care for her father until he went to be with the Lord. She is still caring for her mother. God is good.
My mother is still with us on Earth, but her faith remains the thread that holds our family together and walking with the Lord. She was widowed at 48 and remained faithful to the Lord, raised her 4 kids to love Jesus and to serve Him in their adult lives. She now has many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and she prays faithfully for them every day. She is the one person in our family that my youngest daughter was willing to get with when she had cut off every other member of the family. She is the one that people call to share their burdens and she is the one that people visit when they feel lost and discouraged. I pray to be like my mom as I age to my family. To be steadfast and to endure through all of life’s hardships and through it all, that others will know that Jesus is my Rock and my Salvation.
Thank you, LAURA, for this testimony of your mother’s steadfast faith ❤️
And thank you for your testimony yesterday of God moving in your family, praise for that as we have walked and prayed alongside you in your journey as you have shared the pain
Love this Laura. I pray I am like your mom too!
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That is so special; Oh Lord, give each of us that special something,…that makes other see Your light in us. I’m certain I bear no resemblance to your mother but, yes, I too want to be like her.
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Jesus is my rock and my salvation.❤
My precious Mother has always been my inspiration. Her love was the little children and she taught SS and VBS as long as she was physically able. Working tirelessly to make sure they heard how much Jesus loved them. Widowed, with a teenage daughter to raise, she never waivered from her love of God or her conviction that of life’s trials would one day be over as we rejoice around the throne in Heaven.
I still miss her deeply after 20+ years, and while I carry a clear physical resemblance, my hope and goal has always been to emulate her deep faith.
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My daughter Julee gave her life to the Lord 10 days before she was called home to be with the Lord.
Her uncle Joe, my brother, had led her to the Lord with the help of a dear vicar friend..
Julee knew there was no secret formula to getting better because she has said yes to Jesus, but she had HOPE..
Her words often were ” I have to trust and have faith in God” or “I wait to see what God will do”
Julee did not get to see her ‘dreams fulfilled. She did not get to live the dreams she had in her heart. She did not see the Christmas of 2004, though she had bought a few presents for family. She did not finish her driving lessons.. she didn’t finish her course in sign language.. she did not get to be a mama.. or see her friend bring her twins into this world.. she did not see her baby brother (her nerd, she called him) graduate with honours.. she did not get to see her mama with grey hair..
No..
She did not..
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BUT GOD..
He put an end to her suffering, her pain, and called her home, to Eternity.. something far better than we could ever imagine..
And just for good measure God showed ME where she was, a beautiful meadow with Julee running through calling out to me that she was well and happy! I cry now, heartfelt tears for the beauty that fills my mind each time I recall God’s precious gift to me, Julee, and where she is now, in Heaven..
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It is because of Julee that I found God, for real! I wanted to be where she was.. I wanted to be with her one day.. so I followed the steps..
But here’s the thing, God, Dear Wonderful, amazing Father God, He changed my heart from one “who was in it, to win it” ( my own agenda) to one who is ‘ALL IN, for God. I am not there, but slowly, but surely each day my faith grows in Him..
In Julees passing, I received her greatest gift to me.. Hope in jesus..
I will proclaim your name to my brothers and sisters, Father God,
I will sing hymns to you in the congregation all the days of my life. And I will trust in you..
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I have not physically seen Him.. but without a doubt I love, and I believe, and I rejoice with (golden) joy, because through Jesus, I am receiving the goal of my faith, the salvation of my soul..
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AMEN.
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Another missive, sorry..!
Happy Thursday dear hearts..
Much love, as always,
Tina.❤️❤️
We love your beautiful story, Tina! And the faith it represents – little by little, moving towards God each and every day. May you feel His warm embrace today.
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Such a beautiful testimony, Tina. God worked through Julee to bring you to faith and now you share that faith with so many. I can’t imagine how difficult it would be to walk this journey of losing a child. It is suffering I hope to never go though, but if so, your testimony, and the testimony of others here will strengthen me to hold onto God and remain in Him. Thank you for sharing it with all of us.
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TINA – perhaps you’ve shared the time frame of Julee’s salvation before and I missed it. I am blessed to read Julee’s and your story from another angle as a reminder of our faith in God, making me teary eyed this morning. Love you! ❤️
I couldn’t have said it better than @SEARCHING. Thank you for this @TINA
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Tina, your testimony made today’s scriptures real for me. To hold onto that hope after such a loss and to now be ministering to all of us! You could’ve ran from God but you ran to him “pursuing righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, and gentleness, fighting the good fight of faith” (1 Timothy) Thank you for sharing!
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Tina, I too have a daughter who was called home way too early, BUT GOD, showed up in a BIG way for her and for us left here. Thanks for sharing your story.
Cara, I hold your heart and you up in prayer to the One who knows your sorrow. To the One who gives us hope, and to the One who holds you close, never leaving nor forsaking, always comforting, always present, and I thank Him for you. May God continue to hold you and yours close..
BUT GOD..
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Blessings.❤️
Your vision of the meadow reminded me of a quote I read from one of the desert fathers this week:
“The door is narrow and the way is difficult but the city is full of lights, joy, and happiness”- St. Macarius the Great
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What a beautiful, tender story. Thank you for sharing❤️
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My dearest Tina. You have helped me beyond measure. When I was walking through the last year of Tanner’s life, your words were like salve to a brokenhearted mom. It encouraged me that I could do this. Our stories are so similar and my heart feels love for you. I feel your pain. I know your story personally. I know that feeling of being “mad” at God and somehow coming back around to loving Him. Our God is an amazing God.
Traci, we hold hands..
BUT GOD..
He holds our hearts..❤️
wow, what a story!!! What a blessed gift God gave you of letting you see her in heaven. I’ve heard of other mother’s having that gift which enabled them to have some peace about losing a child.
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I cry with you Tina. Thank you for teaching us. Such a beautiful story and what a wonderful gift Julee gave her mama, the gift that keeps on giving, and now you give to us through your reflection.
Yes, so good! Praise God, she gave you the BEST gift, to be with her and our Father for eternity, and to share that gift with others! You are definitely an Encourager!!
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The story of your Julee stayed with me all day. Thank you for sharing it, Tina. ❤️
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