The Greatest Gifts

My youngest two children came home from their confirmation retreat this afternoon.  Yes, they had a good time.  I asked more questions and found out that Ben has outgrown his "Toy Story" sleeping bag and he talks in his sleep and they went to the pier and the food was scrumptious.

And Brother Barry said that if anyone wanted to commit his life to Jesus to talk to him. And, Ben said, I might have been the only one, but I did.

So, in a weekend filled with wins and losses, official rejection and private rededication, I will celebrate with those who celebrate and weep with those who weep.

We will remind ourselves that failure comes not in the losing or rejection, but in not trying at all.  There is great glory in giving it all we've got.

In the winning and the losing there are gifts.  It is the living that matters.  Ben knows the One that gives the life.  And he has given his life back to Him.  These are the greatest gifts.

"And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as the only begotten Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. . . For of His fullness we have all received grace upon grace!"
                                                                                                                       -John 1:14&16

Day 8 - gifts from God:
1.  no sand gnats here
2.  Ben talking with Bro. Barry - rededication!
3.  Sunday rest - time to catch my breath
4.  Bloom book club video discussion of 1000 Gifts
5.  out for dinner with Vic and JV - great steaks and great company
6.  friends sharing and laughing even though they are discouraged
7.  trusting in the midst of disappointment and waiting
8.  pictures from soccer tournament
9.  a new novel waiting to be read
10.  telling guests how Mama loved creamy potato soup

Day 8 note to a sweet, generous friend

Giving thanks for grace upon grace!

With gratitude,
Sally