THAT'S WHAT LOVE IS... IN HIM ALL THINGS HOLD TOGETHER...

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TWO BIG GRATITUDES TODAY:
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1.
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Looking in the "rearview mirror of our lives" can be full of laughter, full of tears, or a mix of both. It can be a time of anxiety, pain, joy, laughter, and most importantly reflection. I have been sharing with you about our Tuesday morning ladies classes, as women tell their stories. I am so grateful for the bravery of these women and their dependence on God.
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Sunday morning was the first time this young woman had shared her story publicly. It is too personal and tragic to share here. Plus, I would be at a loss to know where to start. What I will say is this: this young woman shared how a local preacher came through their trailer park inviting families and their children to come to church. As a young girl, she didn't even know what "church" was, but her parents allowed her and her siblings to begin going. That began a journey of growing to understand Colossians 1:17:
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He is before all things,

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and in Him all things hold together.

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She said there were a few verses that kept her going.. that strengthened her... that gave her courage and hope that all things would hold together with God. All she had to do was stand firm...

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Joshua 24:15

But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you,

then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve,

whether the gods your forefathers

served beyond the River,

or the gods of the Amorites,

in whose land you are living.

But as for me and my household,

we will serve the LORD."

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Ephesians 6:12-14

Therefore put on the full armor of God,

so that when the day of evil comes,

you may be able to stand your ground,

and after you have done everything, to stand.

Stand firm...

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When she did not stand firm, she used scripture to encourage her to get back on track:

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Luke 22:31-32

"Simon, Simon,

Satan has asked to sift you as wheat.

But I have prayed for you, Simon,

that your faith may not fail.

And when you have turned back,

strengthen your brothers."

Love does not delight in evil

but rejoices with the truth. .

It always protects,

always trusts,

always hopes,

always perseveres. .

LOVE NEVER FAILS...

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2.

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Transitions are more difficult for some, then for others. This picture is indicative of our lives over the last few months. For me, it's symbolic of my life in general. I've moved dozens of times in my life.

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For some, transitons are more traumatic than others. Sometimes it's just because it's not something that is done often. Dan and Dottie have been in our church offices for about 25 years. Sunday afternoon, we moved the church offices to a temporary location until next spring. I pondered the memories, as I helped pack up Steve's office.

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There was my husband's lamp - a handmade ceramic horse and western scene. It was my gift to him when he earned his PhD back in the '80's.

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Then there were the multiplicity of books and tape/DVD sets that are so indicative of his passion as a life long learner.

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I pondered different items that represented different places that we've lived and ministered over the years. The black leather chair was a gift to Steve from a sister-in-Christ back in Texas in the '90's. Ahhhh, the memories!

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As I stood in Steve's almost empty office, I thought of how symbolic this move was of how God works. Our church building was sold long before our new one is built. We are on a journey of faith. First, it took us a while to find where the offices are to move to. We still don't have anything firm about where we will worship together beginning in July. Yet, we walk by faith and not by sight. In fact, my mind went to the words of the song, "This world is not my home, I'm just a passin' through..." Then, I thought of the word "alien" in the Bible and how God uses it for people of faith,

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Hebrews 11:13-17
All these people were still

living by faith when they died.

They did not receive the things promised;

they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance.

And they admitted that they were aliens and strangers on earth...

... Therefore God is not ashamed

to be called their God,

for He has prepared a city for them.
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Today this building will begin being the temporary offices of the Pitman church of Christ. Once again, God has provided! At 9 a.m. this morning a group will meet to look at the possibilities of using a local high school auditorium on Sundays. What we know is this: IN HIM ALL THINGS HOLD TOGETHER!

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NOTE: More to come about our move on Thursday!