Joyful Transformation

I have wanted to write since I was a teenager. I have tried to journal unsuccesfully for the past several years. I don't know why I think I will do this with any more success, but I have become a "blog-ahololic". I love to read what all of you fellow bloggers post. Perhaps I can find as much pleasure in sharing the thoughts that pop into my head.

I attended the wake of a first cousin of mine this weekend. I was struck by the fact that I didn't know hardly anyone there. Extended family used to be the most important thing in my life. Of course most of these aunts, uncles and cousins also went to church with me. I understand now that my "extended family" is my church family. These are the people I spend time with. The people who would visit me if I was sick and care for my family if I were not able. It is unfortunate that I do not attend church with much of my true extended family, but it is awsome how much the people who are part of my church family love and care for me. I am sad that families grow apart but I am joyful that we are part of a family that will be reunited in heaven if we stay on the same path. God has blessed me so richly with a Christian Mom & Dad and two Godly brothers. (although growing up I had other names for them, and they deserved them, Thank God for Grace). But the greatest blessing of my life are my Christian children and my Christian friends. When reading Mike Cope's post yesterday about having 5 minutes left to live I pray that all my friends will know what they mean to me. I pray that I will let them know how much I love and appreciate them.

Spending time with people who are not judgemental toward you; who will take your prayer request and honor them; who know that you have asked for forgiveness for the same thing over and over and love you anyway is truly heaven on earth. Yes these people are rare, even in our "big" family. Cherish them in your life and more importantly be that person for someone else.

There, that wasn't so hard.