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I hate to even mention it, but Matt, Rach, Benton and precious Kathryn drove away yesterday.... to that great state of Arizona. Now I feel torn about this event, because I love that state and love going to visit (BEAUTIFUL country.... beautiful mountains right out their back door!), but it's just so far away! And there are too many snakes. It's not very safe for young children..... ;) Thankful for this time with our family- what precious memories!


A second little blessing of the day that I'm thankful for is Jenni Miller. Carrie organized a shower for her at the church today and it was just a blast. We tried to decorate "Jenni-style", and if anybody knows her they know how much she loves BLACK and WHITE and HOT PINK!! Oh, and Paris. So, we went to town and had a blast with the decor! What fun!!!

And the last little blessing (well two) of the day.... been studying Galatians 5 quite a bit here lately and am just falling in love with the passage. Last night I was studying and this verse/thought stood out...
For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything, but only faith working through love.
(Galatians 5:6 ESV)
What I love about this passage is the fact that Paul isn't speaking and saying... "Hey, you're wrong if you circumcise." He's not saying "People who circumcise are more spiritual than those who don't." No, the focus here isn't the external act of circumcision, it's the faith. God's main concern isn't externals- yes, He does care about a life that is glorifying to Him, He cares about our journey of walking in the Spirit, and the externals must fall in line with that (and WILL fall in line as we are walking by the Spirit), but ultimately He cares about a life of faith that is lived out in love. He wants us to walk with Him in love and live a life of genuine faith that is evidenced by love. Interesting, because so often growing up in Christian circles we see lives focused on "doing" the right thing and lives of criticism towards those who do things differently.... but because of Christ Jesus, these externals aren't the determination of our spirituality. Our faith in Christ... is what counts. Christ is what counts. The cross counts. It's not works that we do that secure our standing with God.... it's all a work of Christ and acceptance of that work by faith!

And lastly on this day something that's been a TRUE encouragement to my heart is a song that I had never heard until tonight. Not sure how I missed this, but it's incredible.




 
I have so much to be thanfkul for because of Christ. All because of Him.