Take a day each week to marvel and appreciate all the blessings. Each breath, the ability to walk, to feel the weather changes, to go out and hear the birds, to be stilled by the waters, to eat and drink life in — to its fullest capacity. It is a privilege to get to witness new life emerging in people and in the glory stuffed nature all around us.

This week I was able to reflect on how impactful one life well lived is. Our friend, Lord Richard, bless his heart, is a true miracle. Recovering day by day, God has a plan for both Sue and Richard. It is absolutely incredulous that their friend Claudia, who arranged for Richard’s rehab at home, will be the translator at the Wellspring event in August. God has His hand in every detail as He has me volunteering at this international event. Our Father gives us all ample time to acknowledge His presence in our daily circumstances.

This week was jam packed with golden moments. I was blessed to spend time with a lovely friend from Texas who exudes kindness. Time spent with Bobbi Wignall always refreshes my spirit. While in Plano in March, the Wignalls took me to places of awe! Today, Bobbi was in shock and awe at the wide beach in San Nicolas. Also, my yearning to see what lies behind the grand gateway to Boca Laguna was satisfied. God flung the doors wide open as we got ring side seats to watch the 2023 Water Ski Championships. Again, blessings heaped upon blessings. All exceeding our best expectations.

God is represented well when we share the fruit of His work in us. What FRUIT of the SPIRIT hangs on your character for all to enjoy?  Loving the lost; Joy in the midst of pain; Peace in your trial; Patience in traffic; Kindness instead of correction; Goodness gathered when rebuked; Faithfulness when tempted; Gentleness flowing in rough waters; and Self-Control exercised at the banquet table. Praise God for His grace is sufficient. He is pleased with our best effort.

Within just 7 days, God created all that is. This week, another remarkable friend, Read Vawter, at age 95 — received his new glorified body. At graveside, Neto our talented worship leader shared how Read was determined to be in church, even with a bruised face from a fall. Today Read is in God’s holy Presence, and the worship team is out of this world. Pastor Gary told us that when he went to visit Read, he walked away on cloud 9, totally encouraged.

❤️ Pastor Gary said of Read: “A man who said little while he quietly did much. Read was kind and ever encouraged others.” 1 Thess 4:13-18 “Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do NOT grieve like the rest of mankind, who have NO hope. For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus THOSE who have fallen ASLEEP in Him. According to the Lord’s word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord Himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the DEAD in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with THEM in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. Therefore encourage one another with these words.” ❤️

When we go out to play, speak, act, work for the audience of only ONE ❤️ our tiny giggle, our smile, a word we speak is heard by God. Our Father sees us, He never departs from us, and He knows the motive of every heart He created. God always meets us in that small quiet place to affirm, acknowledge and reward us by His pleasure in us. The success of what we do moment by moment, step by step on earth will be rewarded in heaven, maybe never here…and that is OK. ❤️ Be encouraged, be a testimony of overcoming a mood, or an occasional disappointment. Keep trusting God, no matter what. One day at a time. Go fly a kite, or go visit someone who you can bless with a word and a smile.