Memorize:

"But My God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus." Phil. 4:19 (KJV)

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Conclusion: Letters of Gratitude. Your Gift to Me.

Before I continue, I'd like to thank a few more people.

The late Pastor Dale V.: For his passion and love for God and God's people.

Mrs. Nancy A: For her persistent interest in me/my life/what I've been doing/what I want to do.

The Chris C. Family: For showing their love to me and my family. For being an encouragement to us. For being loyal friends, despite the distance.
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It's probably been a year now that I've been really thinking about all you wonderful adults in my life. Over and over in my mind I've thanked God for you and pondered the individual ways in which you have shown yours, and God's love for me. If you know me at all, you know it takes a very long time for me to be able to draw lessons from the events in my life. In fact, it wasn't until I was halfway into writing these letters to you that God showed me the great, ultimate gift you gave.

You see, you've helped to give me a vision. All my life, ever since the verse "Where there is no vision, the people perish..." jumped out at me, it has been my constant prayer to have a vision.

As I've mulled over all the different ways you have influenced my life, I noticed a theme throughout.

1st: Love and care for me.
2nd: Love and care for my family.
3rd: Love and passion for God and others.

Now, it might seem as though that's in exactly the wrong order. But, it's in exact proportion to my own spiritual growth. What I noticed first, is listed first.

I'm at the very beginning of my life as a legal adult. As I have thought about the love you have shown for me, and my very great appreciation for it, I have realized one thing.

I want to be to other kids what you have been to me. I want to be the kind of adult who will have a positive influence in the lives of the youngsters around me. To treat them as someone who matters. To love them. To care for them. And to show it.

And so, one last time, I want to thank you. Thank you for giving me the beginning of a vision.

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Letter of Gratitude

I've known Mr. ___a for only a few years. But, I've had the opportunity to spend some time with him and his family. What I most appreciate is his unfailing, passionate, humble service towards God and his Christian brothers. I can see it in everything he does and says. From his basketball playing to his stories of his own struggles. I am so grateful for his example as a Christian brother.

Dear Mr. ___a,

Thank you so much for everything! You have been such an encouragement to me and my family. I am so grateful for your willingness to share what God has been teaching you. You may not think so, but you have often shared words of great wisdom! I love that you don't stop at sharing your spiritual triumphs, but also your 'failures.'

Your cheerful service to others has also been meaningful to me. You see what needs to be done, and you do it, without being asked and with such a smile on your face that I can tell you really love to do it.

Your example as a faithful, loving friend to others and husband to your lovely wife is also very beautiful to see. In play and work, you are always kind and considerate of others.

I can honestly say that I've learned many different things from you. Thank you for your example of what true Christian behavior is like in practice, not merely in words. Keep up the good work!

In Christ,
Abigail D.

Saturday, November 12, 2011

Letter of Gratitude

I've no idea or clue in the remotest of the exact date or moment when I met Brenda. But I remember that from my earliest childhood she has always inspired me. She's one of those amazing people that one can't help wanting to please. I'm terribly afraid that in my younger days I may have idolized her a little. I know I still have a stuffed animal somewhere that bears her name. But, what I love about her the most is her never-ceasing cheerfulness and thoughtfulness of others. She's still one of my favorite people.

Dear Brenda,

I want to thank you for being an example. While you seemed very old to me when I was little, (that perspective has changed, I assure you!) you were one of the those adults in my life that always had a smile and a kind word, and especially a listening ear!

You stand out to me as someone who is always cheerful. I remember reading a fairy tale once. It was about a lady who never stopped smiling, even when she was sleeping and things. I remember thinking at the time how absolutely impossible that was. But, I've changed my mind. You are that lady!

I love that you are always attentive. You never interrupt when someone is talking, and you always give your full and complete attention. It communicates that you love and care about the other person.

I will always be grateful to you for this wonderful example of a true Christian. Thank you!

In Christ,
Abigail D.

Saturday, November 5, 2011

Letter of Gratitude

I met Mr. R. nearly five years ago. He's one of my favorite people. I consider him to be an epitome of a gentle, humble, and meek man. One who loves the Lord and loves the Lord's people.

Dear Mr. R.

I want to thank you for being such a wonderful example of a godly, Christian man. I love your example of love for the Lord, your wife, and others. It has been very meaningful to me. I appreciate so much your humble acknowledgement that you don't know everything. I can really tell that you hunger to learn more of Christ and His ways. While sometimes slow to speak, I love hearing you tell of what God has been teaching you.

I am grateful for the love you have shown to me as well. You always seek me out. You're a gentleman too! Almost always, even if you're sitting, you stand up to give me a hug. You're patient. You call me 'Missy,' and you tell thousands of wonderful stories that warm the cockles of my historian heart. I often consider myself to be one of your adoptive grandchildren.

Thank you so much. You're a wonderful guy!

In Christ,
Abigail D.

P.S. I think your wife is pretty amazing too. She has a such a sweet, loving demeanor, and is so very long-suffering. I only wish I could see her more often!