It wasn't our fault! We were framed!

It was family picture time.  One of my least favorite moments.  Trying to get everyone to look normal, smile and be looking in the same direction is next to impossible with my family.  Especially if a dog is involved.  But there we were, trying to make the impossible, possible.

We, meaning I, wanted to come up with a creative way to do our family picture so I jumped on Google.com and typed in "creative family photos."  Instantly, there were dozens, actually hundreds of families who had pursued the same creative goal with their family photos.  I had plenty to look at.

I've never liked to do the exact same thing that others have done, so I picked a few options that I liked and then we tweaked one.  Each person would hold a picture frame up so that it looked like we were all in a photo, in a photo.  I called it, "It wasn't our fault! We were framed!"  I thought it was funny.

Here is what we finished with.

It all worked out.  Everyone looked normal.  Everyone was smiling.  Everyone was looking forward, for the most part.  The dog actually made it in. Finished.  All done. 

But then as I looked at the family staring back at me, it hit me.  When did my family become this family?  When did my children grow up?  Tiffany hasn't changed from her beautiful self.  I still look amazing!  But my children; when did they grow up?  It was only yesterday that they were babies.  Time flies. 

This family picture reminded me that this family won't stay like this forever.  They are going to grow up, grow older and some day move out.  Shortly, they will be having family photos of their own.  So I better make sure that I learn the lessons.  Time is short and children grow up way too fast.  Enjoy the moment and treasure each other.  So, I've decided I'm going to enjoy every minute the Lord gives me.
   

Some moments don't go the way we had hoped it would go but...

For the past four years, I've had the privilege of hunting with my son.  We would get our stuff laid out the night before and wake up early and take our seats in the deer blind.  It's usually cold outside, but that doesn't matter.  What does matter is that we are doing this together, father and son.  As a dad, I absolutely love these moments.  Hunting creates a great moment of bonding that I haven't found in other areas.  He's usually chipper and talkative as he is hoping to see some action that morning.  Will that big buck we've been dreaming of walk out for us to shoot? Time will tell.

Everything was the going as planned as we made our way to the deer stand that morning.  We took our seats, dropped the gear and I happened to glance out the side window.  About 10 yards away was a buck, standing there in the dark of the morning.  We stared each other down until he ran off about 60 yards east of us and vanished in the pines.  I looked at Luke and he looked at me and we started to get excited about what may await us that morning.

As the sun started to rise, we kept a lookout for our friend to pay us a visit.  Nothing.  It was quiet.  It was about 8:30 in the morning when I happened to see him, the 8 point buck out the front window of the deer blind.  Our friend had returned.  My heart started to pound as I told Luke to prepare himself for the blast of my shotgun.

"Dad! Dad, I can't get the earmuffs on!"  Luke was scrambling to put on his ear protection before I pulled the trigger.  You see, he hates the loud sound of the shotgun and he had asked me earlier if it was alright to wear them when I was going to shoot.  I was fine with that but when it came to the moment of pulling the trigger, I wasn't in the mood to protect his ears but instead, put that buck on my wall and some meat in my freezer. 

It's funny and aggravating how God speaks to us in those moments.  I knew I should put the gun down and help him.  I knew my son was more important and this moment was more about bonding than a buck.  So I put the gun back, managed to help him get his ear protection on in time to look out the window to find a missing deer.  Mr. 8 point was gone. I never saw him again.

We left the deer stand that morning without a prize on my wall.  But I did go home with a son who knew that he was more important to me than anything.  We were there on a mission. It was our moment.  Some moments don't go the way we had hoped it would go but we left with something much better; a deeper love for one another!

   

It's a different feeling when it's someone you grew up with.

Everything was pretty normal for me this morning.  I got up, enjoyed some coffee and toast.  Talked to my wife and kids.  Grabbed my stuff and headed to the office.  Opened up the computer and logged on to Facebook.  Pretty normal. Until...

I looked at a post.  A post from a friend that dropped my jaw.

Growing up in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, was a highlight of my life.  I had a wonderful childhood and made some pretty special friends.  I've lost track of many of them, but a few have remained intact.  One in particular has remained especially close. 

I met him going into the seventh grade.  My neighbor had invited our family to visit her church across town and mom agreed to bring us kids along.  We weren't your typical church kids but that first visit made a huge impression on me.  It was there I met Tim. 

We became friends instantly.  Hanging out at each other's homes.  Eating lunch together at school. Flirting with girls.  Causing trouble for our parents.  Speaking of parents, I just loved his mom and dad.  They loved God, loved their family and loved us friends too. 

So when I read that post this morning that his dad passed away, my jaw just dropped.  I help people all the time who have lost loved ones but it's a different feeling when it's someone you grew up with.  It's a little closer to home. 

I know he's in heaven and someday I'll see him again.  But until then, there is something to be learned from his life.  Something I take away from this is that life is short.  It doesn't matter how long a person lives, it always feels not long enough.  Also, treasure the moments you have with each other.  I have so many fond memories of Tim's dad.  Say, "I love you," often and take the time to put your arms around each other.

Praise God that life doesn't end in the grave.  Jesus made that possible through His death and resurrection.  We have a home in heaven that is waiting for us and one day we will see our loved ones again!       

Spending the evening with my wife and our favorite author!

I don't know if you like to read much, but you must have some interest since you are reading this blog.  Reading is work me.  I'm slow, I get bored, I lose my place and I can only read one chapter at a time.  Dr. Seuss books are the only stories I can read in one sitting.  I take that back.  I'm the master of picture of books.  My wife on the other hand, loves to read and can devour a book in no time.  Especially a book from Ted Dekker.

Ted Dekker is one of our most favorite authors.  He writes Christian fiction books in such a way, that this guy who finds it difficult to read, actually enjoys reading!  When we found out that he was coming to our area, we had to attend.  He was going to be speaking about his most current book and how that story is his story, which is our story.  We had the chance to meet him and snap this picture. He is a great guy!

 
But that wasn't the most important part of the evening.  I got to spend it with her.  That lovely young lady that Ted appears to be leaning towards is my wife, Tiffany.  To see her excited and happy is important to me.  She pours her heart into her children and that other big guy, that she sometimes doesn't get to enjoy these special treats in life.  I was happy to see her happy.  Then it dawned on me.  Why don't I do things like this for her more often? 

If you are married, when was the last time you did something for your wife to make her happy because you know it would make her happy? 

Too often I'm focused on me and I think that should change.  Perhaps 2014 will be different in that regard. To see that smile on her face more often is worth it! 

It's been 20 years and we are still best of friends!

A few months back, out of the blue, I received a text that said, "It's been suggested that a reunion for the four of us is overdue."  Who are the "four of us"?  Well, we were in High School together.  Once we all graduated, we sort of lost touch since one lives in Arkansas, one in Texas, one in Iowa, and myself in Indiana.  To get together after 20 years was an interesting idea.  That one text started a chain of events that led to the four of us High School friends making arrangements to reconnect in San Antonio, Texas, this past October weekend.

I hate to admit it, but my first thought was apprehension.  We haven't been together in 20 years.  "Will they still like me?  Will I still like them?"  Lots of things change in 20 years and I wondered if we would have anything in common.  This trip could be a huge costly mistake or it had the potential of being something truly amazing.

That first night we stayed up until 4am just catching up on work, family, faith, and stories of the past.  I hadn't laughed like that in years.  My jaw still hurts.  One of us commented, "I know it's been 20 years, but it seems like we've picked back up like we were never apart!"  I agreed.  I listened as each one of them told about their families, their careers, and their challenges they had faced over the past 20 years and I found that I still deeply cared for each one of them.

Over the next 48 hours, we built new memories. New stories to tell the next time we would be together.  Renewed relationships that time apart couldn't prevent.  And to top it off, plans to see each other again soon!

I sat in my seat on the plane thinking about the last 72 hours.  Before the trip my fear was that I was just about to make a huge costly mistake.  But what I found was a heart so full, so incredibly happy, that I couldn't help but smile. It's been 20 years and we are still best of friends!  That was truly an amazing weekend! Thanks guys!

 
 

Finding a moment with my #2

Having four children can be quite a bit of work for my wife and I to handle.  They are all growing up so fast and it feels like I don't know them as well as I'd like.  So I try to make an effort to find special moments with my kids individually.

A year ago, I brought home an old compound bow my dad had sitting on a shelf in his basement.  It looked lonely and I thought, "I could put that thing to work."  So there it sat in my bedroom corner for a year waiting for me to give it some attention.  All it needed was a little TLC and a new string.  So, after visiting a local bow shop, I was in business to start practicing. 

My second daughter has taken up archery so I thought we would do a little target practice together.  Last night we had a blast.  We shot for about an hour and it was the best thing we could have ever done together.  I watched her skip to retrieve the bow that managed to make its way to the bulls eye on a number of occasions.  Mine however, well, let's just leave it to your imagination.

Driving home, it hit me.  She and I have found our special moment together.  Archery is something that will bond our hearts together, forever.  A 39 year old father and a 12 year old daughter.  That moment hit the bulls eye in our relationship.  I can't wait for my arm to stop aching so I can try this again!

     

2 Corinthians 7:6-7

"Then the God who lifts up the downcast lifted our heads and our hearts with the arrival of Titus. We were glad just to see him, but the true reassurance came in what he told us about you: how much you cared, how much you grieved, how concerned you were for me. I went from worry to tranquility in no time!" 2 Corinthians 7:6-7

Life can be really hard and painful. It can seem that there is no way out of this difficulty. You may feel terribly alone. That is what Paul was feeling. But something incredible encouraged him. God had encouraged him which was great. God always encourages us. But someone else encouraged him. It was that other people were thinking of him too!

It's such a wonderful encouragement when someone is thinking of you and caring for you. It can take us from worry to tranquility in no time. So, how can you encourage someone today? Just take a moment and ask someone around you how they are doing. Let them know that you care about them and see God at work!
(Suggested Reading: 2 Corinthians 7)

2 Corinthians 5:9

"Cheerfully pleasing God is the main thing, and that's what we aim to do, regardless of our conditions." 2 Corinthians 5:9

It's easy to please God when we want to. It's in the moments that are difficult, tensions are high, stress is insurmountable, temptations are too powerful that we have a challenge in pleasing God. The Apostle Paul is saying in this passage that it doesn't matter the circumstances, we have determined to live a life that cheerfully pleases God.

Could this be said of you? This hasn't always been said of me but I hope the scales tip a little more on the side of pleasing God instead of pleasing me today!
...

Have a great day and say to yourself, "Self, today you will do whatever you can to please God. Whatever it takes!" And then pray for God's help to do it.
(Suggested Reading: 2 Corinthians 5)

2 Corinthians 3:18

"And so we are transfigured much like the Messiah, our lives gradually becoming brighter and more beautiful as God enters our lives and we become like him." 2 corinthians 3:18 msg.

I really enjoy watching the Olympics.  I especially enjoy learning more about the Olympians.  I like to know their story of how they first got started and how they've kept themselves motivated to achieve success and then to watch them perform their best. 

But there is something far better than that.  Watching Jesus, the Master, transform a person's life.  Watching the anger they've held onto slip from their tightly fisted fingers.  Watching forgiveness fall off the hardened lips of bitter souls.  Watching people love others instead of remaining distant and cold. Why? Because they've let Jesus in and while they listen to Him, their lives start to change for the better!

Will you let Jesus into your heart and life?  Won't you let Him break through and make your heart His home?  When you do, your life will be a letter written to the world of God's love and rescuing power.
(Suggested reading: 2 Corinthians 3:7-18)

2 Corinthians 2:12-13

2 Corinthians 2:12-13 "When I arrived in Troas...I didn't find Titus waiting for me with news of your condition, I couldn't relax. Worried about you, I left...looking for Titus and a reassuring word on you. And I got it, thank God!"

Do you remember when people weren't as easily accessible as they are today? Did you grow up in an era when letter writing was the main venue for communication?  I do.  Waiting for a response from a hand written letter could take more than a week to find out news about a loved one or a friend.  Do I miss those days, no!  I appreciate hand written notes but, I want to know what I need to know, well, now; not a week later.

Not so for the apostle Paul.  He had to wait weeks to hear information about people he cared about.  And we see here in this passage that he got a little anxious when he didn't have that information.  And when he got it, oh such sweet relief.

You and I have no excuse.  We live in an age when we can be in contact with each other instantly.  With whom have you neglected lately?  With whom have you not spoken to lately?  Take a moment and give them a call.  Send them an email.  Use the technology that God has blessed us with and make the connection.
(Suggested reading: 2 Corinthians 2)

2 Corinthians 1:9

"Instead of trusting in our own strength or wits to get out of it (our challenges), we were forced to trust God totally-not a bad idea since he's the God who raises the dead!" 2 Corinthians 1:9

What a statement.  Paul was going through some intense challenges and what he realized was that these challenges were in fact making him depend upon God.  And why not?  God can do the impossible.

We all go through challenges.  Some of us are trying to find the exit out while others are drop to the ground and weep.  I would suggest you find someone who's been or is going through what you are going through and begin to pray about it.

Pray that you are completely dependant upon Jesus.  Pray for strength and courage. Pray for the help to be a comfort to others going through the same thing.  Because in the end, you will look back and see how God carried you through it.
(Suggested Reading: 2 Corinthians 1)

Romans 15:30

"I have one request, dear friends: Pray for me. Pray strenuously with and for me-to God the Father, through the power of our Master Jesus, through the love of the spirit..." Romans 15:30

What does it mean to pray strenuously for someone?  Does it mean that you are praying more than you have ever prayed for them?  Does it mean that you are praying while doing jumping jacks?

Strenuous is defined as vigorous, active, energetic, and extreme effort.

I think Paul means that I should skip sleep or eating so that I can devote my energy to praying for someone.  I might even possibly skip out on a hobbie or sitting on the lawnmower so that I can pray for them. Devoted attention and energy given to prayer.

So, who are you praying for strenuously?  Pick a day this next week and pray for someone strenuously!
(Suggested Reading: Romans 15:23-33)

Romans 14:1

"Welcome with open arms fellow believers who don't see things the way you do.  And don't jump all over them every time they do or say something you don't agree with - even when it seems that they are strong on opinions but weak in the faith department.  Remember, they have their own history to deal with. Treat them gently." Romans 14:1

Isn't it true that you will always find someone you don't agree with?  Of course it is true.  But in all of our debate and arguing over our convictions, we've missed the testimony we display for the rest of the world to see. While we are proving our point, the world sees hostility and disunity.

Paul teaches us in this chapter that God is at work in each believer.  The way in which He works in you may be different than the way He works in me.  Because we both have different backgrounds. There are things in my life that needs some attention while not in yours and vis a versa.  God speaks to both of us and what I do know is that while God will lead us both through different experiences and convictions, He will lead us to the same destination.  Kneeling side by side in worship of the One who rescued us.

Are you kind and gentle with others who don't agree with youo or have the same convictions? Or, do you spend all your energy trying to prove that you are right?
(Suggested Reading: Romans 14)

Romans 12:2

"Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is-his good, pleasing and perfect will."

You and I naturally learn how to live life by what we see going on around us.  We automatically pick things up.  If you see someone cheat another in a business deal, you will learn to cheat as well.  It doesn't mean you will, it's just that you've learned that there are times you may need to cheat.  If you see someone gossip about another, you will learn how to gossip as well.  If you see someone pay their taxes, you have learned that you should pay your taxes.  Our minds are formed by the decisions of those around us.  If you don't believe me, watch a father and son spend time together.  You will see that child start to mimic their father without the father being aware of it.

Paul tells us to intentionally protect our minds from the dangerous ideals that we pick up from this world and allow the spirit of God to teach us how to live through what we learn from the Bible.  When we read it and allow it to influence us, we will begin to see God's will for our lives which is good, pleasing and perfect.

So who are you learning from today?  Those around you or God?  Pick up your Bible or get a bible app and start reading today.
(Suggested reading: Romans 12:1-8)

Rediscovering Christmas

This month I've been preaching about Rediscovering Christmas during our church worship services.  Why? Because we or at least I get so caught up in the traditions and commercialization of the season that I(we) have a tendency to crowd out the story of God's redemptive plan for the world.

I know that most of you know the story of the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem.  You would have to close your eyes and cover your ears in order to not see and hear this story mentioned on TV, in conversations or even on the radio.  The problem is that the story becomes chatter and it's hard to really understand chatter.  You may lean in, focus real hard and try to drown out the noise around you in order to hear it but unfortunately it still sounds like chatter.  That's what happens to me around this time of year.  And then it's all over and I look back and think, where did December go?  I want this Christmas season to be different. I need this Christmas season to be different.

I get busy trying to get the Christmas lights up, find and decorate the tree, find a good parking spot so I don't have to carry the bags so far away from the building I just invested my life savings in.  Oh, wait.  This is supposed to be about Jesus.  I really don't want to leave Him out.  His birth into this world is why we celebrate in the first place.  What can I do?  Why not go back in time and re-discover the beauty of this powerful moment in God's redemptive plan for saving you and me?

The first thing I did was to turn to the Gospel of Luke and read the story once again.  Why not take some time and reread it yourself?  Read Luke 2:1-20 or click to view (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+2%3A1-20&version=NIV ) 

This baby boy is the promise of God the Jews had been waiting for, for 400 years.  And here He is.  It was said that He would make things right that were wrong in this world or at least set things in motion to be made right.  And He did.  He would reveal His glory to and through unsuspecting people.  And He did.  All through out the bible, God seemed to be at a distance, but in this baby boy, He would visit up close and personal.  And here He is. 

What that means is, God is faithful to the promises he makes.  God will restore the brokenness in our lives and in this world.  God will show his power and glory in me and through me and He wants me to know that He is not some distant creator but a close friend.  Wow.  That is what Christmas is all about.  That is why He is so special.

Take some time and rediscover the beauty of God's story this Christmas and Have a Merry Christmas! 

Marriage Under-Construction: The well of intimacy goes deep!

Wells have always fascinated me. A well feeds my home but it doesn't quite look like this picture.  While I was in Ethopia, some of the locals, a missionary and I loaded a truck to find the nearest well.  With empty containers in the back of the truck, we made our way through the bumpy terrain and found the well we would be pumping for water.  It didn't look like this picture either.  It looked like a teeter totter with a spout to retrieve the water.  We filled jug after jug.  Some of the locals filled their jugs, balanced them with a long stick and carried them home.  I appreciated the truck and so did my back.

I've seen a few wells like this picture that are no longer in use.  They fascinate me because I want to know how deep the well goes.  There are some wells that I can't even see the bottom.

This is a picture of marriage.  There is so much more to marriage that awaits us.  The well goes deep.  The question is, will I explore the depth of my marriage?

When was the last time you learned something new about your spouse?  Are you looking for something new?  Many times we become familiar and start to loose the passion in learning about who we married.  We think we have them figured out the first year of marriage.  It is highly unlikely that you know everything there is to know about your spouse.  Take some time and just look at them.  Listen to them.  Find out what stirs passion within them.  Find out something new that makes them smile.

When was the last time you said something intimate to your spouse?  I'm not talking about, "Hey baby, you interested?"  I mean, when was the last time your commented on her beauty or intelligence?  When have expressed something that you admire about him?

How about serving your spouse for a change?  When was the last time you did something for them that they normally do, like wash the car or sweep the floor?  That would get my motor running to see my wife washing the car in more ways than one!

How about touching your spouse in such a way that communicates that they are loved and appreciated?  Sex is a great way God designed for us to touch intimately.  Enjoy your spouse and allow them to enjoy you.

You will find that intimacy with your spouse goes deep.  There is so much more for you.  What are you waiting for?  In the words of Steven Curtis Chapman's song, "I'm diving in!"

Marriage Under-Construction: How differently do you communicate?

Do you remember finding two empty cans and tying them together with yarn?  My sisters and I do.  Every child at one time or another will try to see if this works.  My children have tried it and suspect yours, if you have children, have too!  The only problem is that it doesn't work.  How often have we said that about our communication with our spouse? Phrases like, "You don't understand what I'm saying." or "Why can't you see what I'm trying to say?" are spoken throughout the marriage relationship.  Until.  Until what?  Until we learn that each of us communicates quite differently than the other.

My wife and I attended a marriage conference a few years back.  The conference was called, "Weekend to remember."  We had a wonderful time together, without kids, a private bedroom, talks about improving our marriage and time.  During that weekend the conference speaker was talking about the different ways we communicate.  He said that some of us are Land the Plane kinds of speakers, which are people who want to find the shortest path to the goal.  They are the readers digest kind of communicators.  Also, there are Enjoy the Ride communicators.  They relax and tell the whole story.  Every detail.  Which of these two are you?

Then there are Sharing your feelings kind of communicators.  They share how they felt about everything. Not the facts kinds of communicators.  They only share the facts.  Which are you, facts or feelings?

Finally, there are Thinking out loud people who ask questions, interrup, makes comments as they think of them.  The Let's take turns like to listen completely, think through and then take their turn in sharing.  They dislike interruptions.  Which are you?

My wife and I sat next to each other listening to these things and started to identify which ones that reflected us.  We were opposites.  No wonder we didn't communicate well with each other.

Maybe you and your spouse are in the same boat.  Maybe that is why you stuggle in understanding each other.  Give each other a break and try your best.  Be patient with each other and forgive each other when the time comes that you need to.

  

Marriage Under-Construction: Do you understand each other?

I loved the television show, Home Improvement.  I still do.  You can watch some of the episodes on youtube.  For me, I couldn't wait for that familiar tune and manly grunt to start the shoe.  One particular episode, Tim was not understanding what his wife Jill was saying to him.  Later on in the show, Tim is talking about saftey on the job site and how good communication makes for a safe place to work.  Holding a stop sign in the air, Tim said, "When a man, holding a stop sign, says 'stop', he means stop.  If a women held up a stop sign, it would mean, "If you really knew me, you'd know what this means."  And over the next ten minutes Tim and Jill would learn how to communicate so that each other knows what the other means.

There are times that I don't understand my wife.  I'm sure she would say the same thing about me.  There are moments I tell you that we are speaking a foreign language to each other.  Have you ever felt that way with someone you love?  How do we pull this thing together?

1.  God's Word teaches us to listen for understanding and then respond thoughtfully.  James 1:19 says to be quick to listen.  To really understand what the other is saying.  Then you can respond well.  How is your listening skills? Are you really listening or are you just quiet, thinking about how to respond?  Do you find yourself really understanding what the other is saying?  How often are you saying, "I'm sorry. I misunderstood what you were saying,"? 

2.  Be willing to forgive each other for the lack of understanding and seek to understand.  Colossians 3:13 says to forgive each other with the same intensity as Jesus forgives you your sin.  Are you will to forgive them?  Can you accept the fact that misunderstandings happen?  Will you do your best to communicate more clearly?

I remember this saying, "Seek to understand, then to be understood."

Ask God to help you and your spouse to understand each other better and as you do, God will improve your marriage!

Generous Believer

Are you generous?  I so want to be.  I hate the desire to hoard from within my heart.  I want to be someone who is generous with money, possession, time and prayers.  How about you?  All throughout scripture we read about a generous God who desires His people to be generous themselves.  He not only desires it, He practices it.  He gave us this beautiful earth to enjoy.  He gave us the ability to live life.  He provides us with whatever we need.  He provides us with relationships.  He provides us with money.  He provides us with meaning in life.  He is generous and He wants us to reflect that same generosity.  But He leaves how much we are generous up to us.  2 Corinthians 9:6-7 or click to view http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Corinthians+9%3A6-7&version=NIV

Paul tells us that if we give little, we will receive little.  If we give much, we will receive much.  How much will I give?  How generous will I be?

All through out this September I'm preaching on the subject of giving.  Are we generous people?  As you listen to these talks, consider how God's Spirit is speaking to your heart about your level of generosity.  Is He telling you to open your hands a little more? 

Personal Revival - Grace on Monday!

How did Grace on Monday go for you?

What am I talking about?

I challenged everyone in our church on Sunday to consider all the ways that God provided grace for their every activity on Monday.  Everyone was to thank God for providing everything we need to accomplish everything He had for us through out the day.

When I was eating breakfast, it dawned on me that I hadn't thanked God for giving me breath that day.  So I stopped and thanked Him. 

All through out the day I tried to remember to thank Him for everything He had provided because I could nothing without His grace.

So the challenge was for you to consider how God's grace enabled you to do all that God wanted you to do for Him on Monday.  How did you do?
If you did well to remember and thank God for His grace, way to go.  Think about it again.  How about Grace on Wednesday?

If you didn't do well, try try again. 

Philippians 4:13, Paul tells us that he can do all things through Christ because Jesus will be the one giving him the strength to do it. 

You can't do anything apart from God's grace.

Take a moment and thank God for His abundant grace that He freely gives to you.

Go in His grace today!