Being back among the beautiful faces of C3 was…well, beautiful.

So many faces…new faces. So many stories. So much change has taken place in so many lives…in mine too.

This morning I was reminded of how much I am blessed - how others should be more of my focus - how God has blessed me to be a blessing. We say things like that a lot in church…but, this morning, it really sank in - how rich we are here in America.

Did you know that hunger could be eradicated in the world just by the amount of money Americans spend each year on ice cream! I guess, in my case, that would be better related to how much I spend on coffee…

It’s not just about not being selfish - but also about contentment. Am I content with what God has given me? Do I always have to have more? What about the millions of people who don’t have a fraction of what I discard as too worn or out of date.

At C3, we desire for God to change us…break us, if necessary - cause us to be aware of the needs around us. We desire to be a generous people who don’t just walk on by…

So, we’re changing, growing and asking God to use us to make a difference.

It was a powerful morning. I saw so many new faces - saw old friends who lift me up - was reminded that everyone has a story…there are so many needs - there is so much more to do. And so many more “miles to go before we sleep”.

I pray for strength - for courage. The better the Sunday, many times, the more difficult the Sunday afternoon or evening. The Enemy sends discouragements…

So, I pray for all that God provides for the journey. There’s strength enough for the “promises and miles”. There’s courage enough to face…whatever comes across my path. The struggle will lead me home…

Contentment, selflessness, strength, courage…faith - these are the things that I need more of - not more stuff.

A few months ago I posted some quotes that encouraged me. I reread them again tonight. I needed to remember…

“Who will tell whether one happy moment of love or the joy of breathing or walking on a bright morning and smelling the fresh air, is not worth all the suffering and effort which life implies.”- Erich Fromm

“What does love look like? It has the hands to help others. It has the feet to hasten to the poor and needy. It has eyes to see misery and want. It has the ears to hear the sighs and sorrows of men. That is what love looks like.”- Saint Augustine

“Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired, and success achieved.” - Helen Keller

These are the things I need to remember. These are my goals. So, I fix my eyes once again, gather my courage, and thank God for the journey.

There’s so much more to fight for…and tomorrow is another day to witness that: Love Wins!

It does, you know.

Peace.