As I sit and write my regular Wednesday blog I am filled to overflowing with the three emotions that make up today’s title. This is due to the fact that on Sunday we will be ending a season of our lives and launching into a new adventure. When I think about all that God has done in our lives so far, I have great anticipation to see what excitement this next step holds.  I am overwhelmed with gratitude when I reflect on the joys of ministering among the amazing group of people that God has blessed us with at Mortons Corners Baptist Church. We have been blessed to see God work and share in the joy of seeing many come into a personal relationship with Jesus, and others deepen their walk with Him. Oh, I do feel truly humbled and blessed!

Now to the dread. Let me start by saying that I hate good-byes. There are television commercials that reduce me to tears because someone has to say goodbye. There are old episodes of MASH that, even though I have seen them many times still make me cry…and I’m not talking just a tear or two. I recently cried during the preview of a movie because someone dies in it! Well, you get the picture. This Sunday we have to say goodbye to a lot of people who have become simply precious to us over the last six years and to say that I am dreading that seems like an understatement of epic proportions!

In the midst of all of this I have been reminded of three different verses. One is from a song and the other two are Bible verses. Let me share them with you.

First is actually the chorus from an old Michael W. Smith song called Friends.
And friends are friends forever
If the Lord's the Lord of them
And a friend will not say never
'Cause the welcome will not end
Though it's hard to let you go
In the Father's hands we know
That a lifetime's not too long to live as friends.

How wonderful to know that even if we never have the opportunity to see each other again this side of Heaven that in Christ these friendships last forever.

Next is Psalm 35:27. This whole chapter has been a great comfort to me over the past few months, but this verse really speaks my heart to those who have stood by us.

But give great joy to those who came to my defense. 
      Let them continually say, “Great is the LORD, 
      who delights in blessing his servant with peace!”  (NLT)

And finally what I would like to end with Philippians 1:3-6

Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God.  Whenever I pray, I make my requests for all of you with joy, for you have been my partners in spreading the Good News about Christ from the time you first heard it until now.  And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns. (NLT)

I do give thanks to God for each and every person who the Lord has brought into our lives during our six years in Springville.  Many have tirelessly partnered with us in our ministry here. I am so grateful for the faithfulness of God who promised to continue His work in each and every one of us until it is complete when He returns.

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I was talking to someone the other day about different ways that people show love. Our conversation turned to the book, The Five Love Languages by Dr. Gary Chapman. Its an interesting read. 

Basically, the five love languages are: words of affirmation, quality time, giving/receiving gifts, acts of service, and physical touch. While I don't think everyone will fit nicely into one of these boxes, it is helpful to look at how you and those you love tend to show and receive love. 

 Our conversation ended but my mind stayed on the subject. I started to think about how our perfect Savior showed, and continues to show us love in each of those ways.


Think about it. Words of affirmation flow from each page of His love letter to us, the Bible. And oh, how He loves to spend quality time with us! Next, couldn't we each sit down and spend all day listing out the wonderful gifts He gives us, especially the gift of salvation! We see His acts of service in the Bible when He healed, washed feet, carried His cross and died on it. Today He serves us as He leads our brothers and sisters in Christ to bless us in so many ways! 

Okay, I know you're saying, "How is she going to cover the physical touch one?!" Well, I look at it this way. God promises to supply my need, right? And sometimes I just need a hug, or an encouraging hand on my shoulder. When God brings someone to me at just the right time....it's a hug right from Him! 

But we can turn it around. How can we show love to God using all of the love languages?
First of all, our words of praise can flow, giving affirmation of our love for Him. We can desire to spend so much more quality time with Him, in His word and in prayer, talking to Him, and even more importantly, listening to Him! We can give Him gifts, our time, our money, our loved ones, and our will, to name a few. And we can give Him acts of service by serving in His name.
Look at Matthew 25:40, 

"Truly, I say to you, as you did it for one of the least of these my
brothers, you did it to me." (ESV)
According to that verse, when we give a hug or a pat on the shoulder in His name, its like we're doing it to Him! Even those noses we wipe in the church nursery can be for Him!
He loves us to the fullest, to the highest, and in every way possible with an infinite and overwhelming love! Incomprehensible, redeeming love!
Oh dear God, I bask in Your love. Help me to love You more each day and in each way!


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