Scripture Reading: Luke 2:21-38
I love to know things. All the things. On the one hand, this desire to know everything has created in me a lifelong love of learning. On the other hand, it can make me pretty impatient when there’s something I don’t know and no one can help me find the answer.
In other words, I’m the opposite of people like Anna and Simeon. I love how simple their stories are in Luke’s Gospel—they both longed for the redemption of Israel. They waited for the promised Messiah to come, the one who would be called “Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6).
Anna served in the temple, praying and fasting day and night (Luke 2:37). Simeon was told by God that he would not die before he actually saw the Messiah with his own eyes (v.26). How long had Simeon waited, I wonder. Was he patient as he waited for God to do what He promised to do? Did he have moments of doubt and frustration? Whatever Simeon and Anna might have felt, there’s a powerful emotional pay-off when, on a certain day, a couple named Mary and Joseph brought a baby named Jesus into the temple to be dedicated and all of a sudden the wait was over.
The Messiah had come, and Simeon didn’t just get to see Him with his own eyes—he got to hold Him in his arms! Is it any wonder that he prayed, “Now Master, you can dismiss your servant in peace, as you promised. For my eyes have seen your salvation” (vv.29–30). In other words, That’s it! I’m good—I can die now because You kept Your promise, Lord! And when Anna saw Jesus, she did much the same, thanking God and telling everyone about the Messiah, sharing the good news with all those who were longing for redemption (v.38).
They got to see in person what we long to see: the one who is called the cornerstone of our salvation (1Peter 2:7), the Savior we want all the world to know. And I’m not going to lie, I’m a little jealous of that at times. But I also know that there’s a day coming when I’ll get to meet Anna and Simeon, these two faithful servants who waited so long for their Redeemer to come. And when I do, I’ll get to ask them what that was like. And together we will celebrate not just that He came but that His work is finally and fully finished.
But that day isn’t here yet. I get to wait for Jesus to come too. Because one day He will return. Whether it’s eighty-four days or eighty-four years from now, I’m going to do my best to keep waiting with hopeful expectation, looking forward to the day when we all get to stand together before Jesus and celebrate all that He has done for us.
Written by Aaron Armstrong
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85 thoughts on "Simeon and Anna"
I think sometimes I get swept up with everyday life and how I walk that life with Jesus,, and when he calls me home I know I will sit in heaven with him. There are times that I forget that the trumpet could sound at anytime, anytime at all and whilst wondering when that will be, I can smile knowing that in my lifetime or after I will see his face myself!
Oh, to be found faithful in the waiting and yet to keep pursuing in the waiting. So grateful for their story that encourages me to keep pressing on.
Amazing. Im working on patience. What a beautiful reminder. Praise God!
Simeon. Has always been the first, outside of Jesus, that I would want to sit and gave a conversation with when I arrive in heaven. I don’t know what his life was like, but I imagine him to be a man of few words with a life that spoke loudly in his faith. I want to be like that.
Thankyou Lord ❤️
The true definition of be still and know. How amazing it would have been to bear witness to Anna and Simeon. Even now watching shows like the chosen I can only imagine how amazing it was to bear witness.
The example of Simeon & Anna is so beautiful to me. Faithfully waiting, steadfast, serving, praying, anticipating, believing and knowing that what the trusted God for would come to be. I think of countless people that are older than I, some have passed on, some not, that just are so steadfast in their walk with the Lord and faithfully serve with humble joyful hearts. They are such an encouragement to me and a wonderful example.
Lord, I pray that I would be faithful in prayer, abiding and seeking you, trusting Lord that you are moving and at work in my life, in the things that are before and in the waiting to see you move. Thank you Father for your goodness. Amen
Amen. How beautiful.
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Amen
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I pray that I would wait with eager expectation for the day when Christ comes. To be honest, I don’t always look forward to it the way I think that I should. I think Jesus’ coming back scares me a little bit. I’m not scared of his judgment on my life because I know that he’s that I’m his, but I just don’t know what it will be like. I just feel like my mind can’t fully comprehend what heaven will be like. I know what earth is like, even with all of its imperfections, and I guess sometimes I feel a little too comfortable here. I’m praying that God will give me a holy longing for heaven.❤️
I totally get that. I feel the same way
I have been reading John Burke’s book Imagine Heaven and it presents such a beautiful and enticing picture. Perhaps you would enjoy it, too
I relate to what youre saying❤️
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I love your honesty. I do feel the same.
I want to give praise to God for a friend who was facing $17,000 in medical bill for a disease that nearly killed her. She was afraid to tell her husband because she knew that he would tell her that they were all her fault and she would have to work to pay them off (even though she is not fully recovered and is grossly underemployed). Yes, he is that abusive. She got word yesterday that the hospital has forgiven all her bills! Nobody deserves it more.
I also have an idea for those of us who struggle to focus and just listen to God when we pray. Today I took some colored pencils and just started adding to the lovely artwork in my study book and as I did, I realized that my doodles were pointing out a lesson to me: I was putting boundaries around all of the white, puffy things in the picture. (It’s an abstract piece for those of you who don’t have the journal.) I don’t have much skill at drawing things that are supposed to look like anything, but one of my friends who teaches art always encourages her students to play with colors or lines or whatever. It takes the pressure off of those of us who can barely make stick figures and it just helped me to enjoy a process with no stress to produce. And if God doesn’t reveal anything profound to me, that’s ok, too. But my ADHD brain needs practice being still long enough to give him a chance. So if this helps anyone else or gives you an idea, please share.
Also, I love the conference idea, too. I was thinking Tennessee because it’s closer to where the staff of SRT lives and would be affordable for more people, but I wouldn’t say no to Hawaii either. I love to travel!
Your friend needs to get out of that abusive relationship.
“One day He will return. Whether it’s eighty-four days or eighty-four years from now, I’m going to do my best to keep waiting with hopeful expectation, looking forward to the day when we all get to stand together before Jesus and celebrate all that He has done for us.”
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Can I get an Amen!! … Jesus is coming again – we could be celebrating today!
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I don’t know if Simeon actually prayed and asked God to allow him to see the Messiah, or if it’s just something God told him would happen, but I love how God allowed Simeon to see Jesus before he died.
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I know this is not quite the same, but I am forever praying that I will see my sons come back to the faith, while I am still living. I hope God answers that for me and for all of you who have prodigal sons, daughters, husbands, or grandchildren.
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@Michelle P. – Praise God!! I am so happy for you that this ornery man is no longer working at your coffee shop – that my friend is a super answer to prayer!! Praying that whoever takes his place is kind and easy to work with.
@Royal Kid – I am so sorry for what you are going through – whatever this devastating thing is, God sees, He knows and He will get you through. Trust Him, lean into Him, He will sustain you. I will be praying for you and your family. ❤️
@M E – praying that your flare up is soon remedied.
Continued prayers for…
@Donna Wolcott’s son
@Tami
@Foster Mama
@Aleida
@Karen Elizabeth’s husbands family who is having a funeral today for their 15 yr old son
@Natalie Bryson’s friend Kathy – any news on the biopsy?
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Have an amazing days sweet she’s – keep on looking up, today could be the day Jesus comes! ❤️❤️
Morning sisters. It is an overcast rainy day today and it is the most soothing sound to me, looking out to my garden, I am just so thankful for this rain, my garden is thankful too. When it rains, I think of this verse without fail, “But let justice run down like water, and righteousness like a mighty stream”.. and I pray the city is washed in righteousness from Heaven each time God pours out the merciful rain for those who thirst. Today’s devotional was highlighting very strongly for me about the power of quiet obedience. Both Anna and Simeon have demonstrated this so well. The patience and the solid trust in God, well into old age, and the joy of just knowing from within through the prompting of the Holy Spirit is so convicting. Anna really stood out. Her story is so brief, yet it shows the quiet power of her faith. Widowed after only just seven years of marriage, Anna could have chosen bitterness, after grief, but instead she chose the presence of God, well into her 84th years, she still remained in the temple. Like how? We see the hidden power of sustenance of God here. She is the reminder that God sees the secret devotion. She sits in God’s Temple with her faithful offering ( of intercession through prayers, fasting), and her reward was to meet Christ Himself! Can you imagine? This brings to mind the verse, “God is the Rewarder of those who diligently seek Him” (Hebrews 11:6). I am not good at waiting (God is working on me), and to see an example in the Bible of waiting onto 84 years of age, how did she do it? Holding fast to a promise most of us would forget. She didn’t just visit the temple of Sunday, she remained there, just to be in His presence. No season of waiting is wasted in God’s eyes, though it can last a lifetime feeling unseen and forgotten. And to worship Him through fasting and prayers is such a big and intimate sacrifice. What a strong reminder through Anna to pursue a life of quiet and consistent devotion. I looked up the painting of Ron DiCianni of Simeon holding baby Jesus. It took my breath away- what a divine and emotional painting! Thank you shes for suggesting it. I would love to have a small print of it to remind myself of the expression on Simeon’s face. Be blessed dear sisters.
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I wish we could upload images here. There is a wonderful painting by Ron DiCianni of Simeon holding Jesus in his arms. You can see it here:
Here’s some history I dug up on the internet, the story I’ve heard since childhood:
“Ancient historians tell us that the Egyptian pharaoh Ptolemy II Philadelphus (285-247 B.C.) wished to include texts of Holy Scripture in the famous Library at Alexandria. He invited scholars from Jerusalem, and the Sanhedrin sent their wise men. The Righteous Simeon was one of the seventy scholars who came to Alexandria to translate the Holy Scriptures into Greek. The completed work was called “The Septuagint,” and is the version of the Old Testament used by the Orthodox Church.
Saint Simeon was translating a book of the Prophet Isaiah, and read the words: “Behold, a virgin shall conceive in the womb, and shall bring forth a Son” (Is 7:14). He thought that “virgin” was inaccurate, and he wanted to correct the text to read “woman.” At that moment an angel appeared to him and held back his hand saying, “You shall see these words fulfilled. You shall not die until you behold Christ the Lord born of a pure and spotless Virgin.”
From this day, Saint Simeon lived in expectation of the Promised Messiah. One day, the righteous Elder received a revelation from the Holy Spirit, and came to the Temple.”…..(and we know what beautiful thing happened next!!!!)
I loved this story and always felt it pointed to a merciful and gracious God.
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I usually think about the above and then Simeon glorifying the promised Messiah in his arms and FORGET the pronouncement he made to the baby’s virgin mother: “This child is destined to cause many in Israel to fall, and many others to rise. He has been sent as a sign from God, but many will oppose him. As a result, the deepest thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your very soul.”….Oh, to be Mary, trying to process these words.
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Have a beautiful day, my sisters❤️
That is an interesting history. I think of Simon’s prophecy to Mary and wonder if she often thought of it,and did she totally comprehend it.
Oops accidentally hit that pesky “post “ button while editing. Even though Simeon had been blessed to know he would see the Messiah before passing… did he truly understand that the Redeemer would be ushering in a spiritual and not an earthly kingdom? (A common belief at that time.)
We today absolutely know that Jesus is our heavenly King and is redeeming us daily. We should be praising God and announcing the good news even more than Simeon did!
Just want to thank you for your prayers for my son. They had to put a second drain in Monday because blood level in lung changed. He had it removed yesterday and one week from accident went home last night. Final count of broken ribs was 9 in back and 3 in shoulder. He was very emotional leaving hospital. Now for the recovery and dealing with pain. His spirits are good, Tuesday night, he entertained the staff with wheelchair antics to lift their spirits and then cleaned his room.
Praying for all your children as well and your families. Again thank you so much.
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Continued prayers
Oh gosh! Praying for Matt to have a strong recovery. Thank you for sharing with us the update.❤️
Praying for full recovery, Donna!
I found myself wondering what Simeon like
Good Morning Beautiful She’s!
I have been sick all week, 3 long days of restless tossing and turning, and night sweats. I am hoping I am on the mend now. I just wrote a note to SRT Staff suggesting a conference hosted by them so we could all meet each other one day! You all are such bigger than friends, but prayer champions, encouragers, and God-fearing women. Maybe ya’ll could flood them with this suggestion as well?!
I love the short and sweet story today of Simeon and Anna. Imagine, such a dedicated life to pray and fast, in await for the Messiah! Just as we should be doing as well. Hungering anticipation! Devout devotion. Meditating on the word day and night, and loving him more than ourselves in sweet surrender.
@Donna–How is your son, praying he is making positive strides.
I love the idea of a conference! Brilliant! Love the idea of a dedicated life of prayer like Anna.
It would be awesome to have the conference in Hawaii.
Yes, to the conference!! They have all our email addresses…and I’ll happily contribute to TINA’s ticket to cross the Atlantic ❤️ :)
So happy you’re back :) Hugs sister.
I was just about to ask/see how you were doing. YOU did it! You asked what we were talking about the other day!!! This will be amazing if this could be done! I’m glad your feeling better sweet lady!
Rhinda, I had planned to call you kut on here this morning, bht waited to verify that you were not on here yesterday, got sidetracked, and didn’t ask. I have missed you though, and was getting concerned! Glad you are improved enough to let us know what was going on! ❤
Rhonda! You are back! I wasn’t sure if it was me bc I’ve been hot or miss lately. I’m happy t hear you are feeling better sweet friend! And the conference is an AMAZING idea!!!
One day, we will be like Simeon and Anna—our eyes will see Jesus. Not as a baby in a temple, but as the risen King in glory. We’ll celebrate not only His arrival but all He has done: defeating sin, healing every wound, and making all things new. That day will be worth every moment of the wait.
One day He’s coming,of glorious day.
Ron DiCanni is an artist that captured Simeon holding the baby Jesus.The joy and exhaltation on Simeon’s face is so realistic and life like. Other artists have painted this also.
Simeon was so in tuned with the Holy Spirit. Anna, the prophetess, was also present at this holy and sacred moment. Hundreds of Jewish babies were presented to the Lord however this baby was God in the flesh! What a blessing for Simeon and Anna to know this tiny little baby had created the universe and had heard angel symphonies.
Father G-d in the name of Jesus help me walk and be sensitive and obedient to your Spirit.
Funny story once I was subbing for a friend on maternity leave in second grade. This little second grade boy came up to me very agitated. I asked him what’s wrong. In his agitated state,” Lucy and Penny said G-d wears diapers!”
He was very upset at this blasphemous statement. So I over to the table where the two offenders were coloring and tried to steer the conversation in a different direction. However,dissatisfied with my efforts the little boy told the offenders,” If you don’t stop talking bad about God, you are going to Paris!”
I think he meant perish.He was such a devout and passionate little guy and he was not going to allow God and pampers in the same sentence!
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Out of the mouth of babies
Oh, Tanya, thank you for sharing that!!! What a sweet memory! ❤
I absolutely LOVE Ron DiCianni❤️. As I sit in my bedroom, I can see 2 of his pieces on my wall!!
Adorable story!
“going to Paris” lol. I just can’t get over this sweetness! He got the gist right.
Biblegateway verse of the day:
Romans 1:16-
For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes—the Jew first and also the Gentile.
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Every time I read this passage, I think of Michael Card’s beautiful song about Simeon and Jesus: “Now That U’ve Held Him in My Arms.
I believe if Kelly Neo wasn’t in a rush this morning she would have shared this song. ❤
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The beauty of this promise fulfilled is that when we finally see Jesus with our own eyes, wr win’t be holding Him. He will be holding us. ❤ Now that’s a picture of ” hopeful expectation”! (SEARCHING) ❤
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Love, hugs, and prayers! ❤
”looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ,“
Titus 2:13 LSB
What a day of rejoicing there will be, when we all see Jesus, we’ll sing and shout the victory.
Amen
Be still and know that I am God. Being still is so hard for me, but I think that is what God is asking me to do. To lean into him in the quiet times, to slow down, to be ok that I’m not ok, fully trusting that I will experience his “consolation” – I looked that up and it means comfort, encouragement, relief. I want to have a heart of Anna or Simeon, doing the next right thing in the waiting, serving God and others. Thank you all for your prayers yesterday! I am taking your advice and trying to book a getaway (I forget who advised that) and also to write and journal like Mercy recommended. Thank you ladies!!!
Yay for the getaway, Tami! I mentioned that yesterday and often thought of you during the day. ❤ May your heart and spirit be blessed! Hugs, sister!
I remembered you sharing that you loved going to the gym and building muscles, and I always admire that commitment you shared (for me that’s so hard). I pray you will find your new momentum and your new routine sooner than later by God’s grace. May God fill your days with beautiful things and peace. Hugs Tami.
The core of Simeon and Anna’s faith journey:
Waiting
Worshipping
Trusting
Witnessing Gods promises
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I’ve waited long in temple halls,
Through silent years and aching calls.
Yet still I prayed, and still I stood—
A heart that trusted God is good.
A whisper came, a child cried,
The promise walked in quiet stride.
No crown, no throne—just swaddled grace,
And still I knew Him, face to face.
O God, give me a watchful soul,
A life of worship, deep and whole.
That when You pass my humble way,
My heart will know, and I will say:
“At last, my eyes have seen the light—
The dawn of joy, the end of night.”
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Waiting on God is not wasted
Kimberly, this is beautiful. I really hope you publish a book of Christian poems some day!
I agree – until then, I’ll continue to copy/paste them into my journal!
So very powerful and moving, Kimberly. I could almost sing it to the tune of Casting Crowns’ song, “I Heard the Bells in Christmas Day.” ❤
❤️ Agreeing with previous posts… you have a gift, dear sister… thanks for sharing…God’s words through you touch my ❤️ deeply! Blessings and Encouragement to “Keep being a conduit” for Him!!
Kimberly, I love the words you create. Thank you, for sharing this.
Thank you for the privilege to share
I have been away traveling and have not been keeping up with the community this time. I am enjoying being back for this study. Waiting seems to often be a theme in so many Bible stories. Waiting on God, trusting God to show up, faithfully serving Him while we wait. Great reminder for me this morning, as I continue to wait and pray for so many things. I want to faithfully serve Him no matter how long it takes.
Life update: So many of you walked with me as I was waiting for my prodigal daughter to return to our family. It was a year ago that she made contact, and our bond and relationship has continued to flourish. We will be celebrating her birthday this weekend. A year ago, her birthday was the first time we had seen her in 7 years. Now here we are, celebrating and rejoicing. She has come back changed; respectful of us, not combative when it comes to our faith in God, truly happy to be part of the family. I continue to pray for God to work in her heart and bring her the whole way home to a relationship with Him. But in the meantime, I will wait and trust and faithfully serve Him.
So nice to see you Laura and so happy to hear about your daughter! Happy Birthday!
Good to see you and hear this report, Laura! Happy birthday to your daughter! ❤
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Praying you will have a wonderful birthday celebration for your daughter. Hope the traveling was refreshing for you.
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❤️❤️❤️ Praising and praying alongside you.
Father God, Let my faith, even when it is as small as a mustard seed, create a heart swell of hope that endures for the coming of Out Lord Jesus Christ. All I want is You Lord. In Jesus name, Amen
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God, today may I be led like Simeon by your Spirit to the wonders that you have for me today. May I be prayerful, like Anna, and ready to share the good news of your salvation as she was so quick to do.
Give us patience as we wait for you to return to us and in the waiting, may we be patient and represent you well.
Yes may I expectantly wait for the return of our Savior Jesus!
Amen❤️
This caught my eye in the devo – “hopeful expectation” as we are waiting on Jesus
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Waiting for His return, walking with Him in the waiting.
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Walk With Jesus (by Consumed by Fire)
Writers: Caleb Ward, Jordan Ward, Don Koch
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So many people
Trying to fill a void inside
So many questions
Asking how, Asking why
I might not have all the answers
But I’ve tasted and I’ve seen
There’s a better path with Jesus
There’s no going back for me
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I’m gonna live the way he says to live
Do what He says to do
You can choose whatever road you choose
But I’m gonna love the way He says to love
Trust the way He says to trust
This world alone will never be enough
So I’m gonna walk with Jesus
I’m gonna walk
I’m gonna walk
I’m gonna walk with Jesus
I’m gonna walk with Jesus
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He’s in the leading
That’s why I follow where He goes
He’s in restoring
All the lost and broken souls
He keeps moving rich in mercy
He meets us where we are
No matter where you’ve gone
No such thing as gone too far
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ROYAL KID – joining my sisters in lifting up you and your family in prayer, praying for wisdom and guidance you need to take each next right step, to make each next right decision.
TANYA – ❤️
LYNNE FROM AL – ❤️
M E – ❤️
CEE GEE – “let go and let God” ❤️
WENDY B – thankful for diagnosis, praying as kidney stone is resolved
TRICIA C ❤️
TAMI ❤️
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Prayer request for friend’s adult son recovering from an unexpected medical procedure last night, and for her – tough on a mama to see their child in pain
And a request for me for wisdom and guidance in negotiating health care/system challenges for 2 family members.
Thank you Searching! I’ve prayed for your friend’s son and for ease in dealing with healthcare red tape!
One of my favorite sings, SEARCHING! ❤
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Thank you for sharing those prayer needs! Your friend and family members are very blessed to have you in their corner. Praying for wisdom in whatever comes up. We are here for you! Love you! ❤
Praying ❤️
A great reminder that one day we will be blessed to see the Messiah in person and the waiting will be worth it.
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One of my favorite scenes in Scripture. The life-long hope fulfilled.
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Traveling to AZ today for work, so gotta run.
Have a blessed day
Safe travels!
Praying for safety and a successful day, Kelly! ❤
Praying for safe travels today! I miss being home in AZ, so enjoy the summer sun for me while you’re there!
I love this recounting – of two godly seniors still expectantly waiting for God to fulfill His promise of the Messiah!
Father, may I continue to be eagerly anticipating, expectantly waiting and diligently serving until the Lord Jesus comes again!
Blessings on your Thursday Ladies – may we be gently reminded today that He is coming again!
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