To the Palmers:
What an honor to call you friends. You have been there through so much. You have seen us at our worst, and our best. You consistently challenge us to strive toward righteousness in ALL things, to honor God above ALL else. Your children are a joy, your friendship priceless. You are amazing, & we love you!
To the Randols:
I still vividly remember your first night at our house. What an amazing road Papa has walked you down since that night. You are our examples of perseverance, of faith, of honoring God in everything. You consistently give, not because you have to, but out of your desire to please God & love on others. Thank you for giving unselfishly, and encouraging us down that same path.
To the Dendys:
Oh, our twins! Only God could have planned two separate families to be so alike in so many ways! Your joy of life is so spontaneous, so catching. Even when life's struggles are weighing on you, you still take time to minister to others. What a testimony you are to God's miraculous works, His love of adoption, His presence in the midst of trials. You trust, even in the middle of the storm. That trust is not common.
To the Richards:
You ARE a redemption story - a testimony to fulfilling promises. We strive to make our marriage more like yours - unconditional love, unselfish desire for the other person. You are both so gentle in spirit, yet so strong. People are drawn to you because of those things. I firmly believe that God has a greater calling & purpose for you both in your marriage. I cannot wait to see where He takes you, because I know it will be incredible.
To Mike D:
I admire your optimism. No matter what situation you are in, you can find the silver lining. Not many people are capable of that - it is a gift. You can be serious & thought-provoking when needed, but will let loose & have fun when you can. That is a balancing act that requires skill! We love your stories, your ideas, your passion for life. There is a greater testimony that will come out of your struggles right now - I don't know the details, but I do trust that God can take these lemons and make lemonade! Thank you for joining us for dinner these last few weeks - all of us look forward to our time with "Uncle Mike"!
To the Millicans:
Jenni & Josalyn, the only way I can describe you is sweet. You have both been through more junk than two precious people deserved, and yet your outlook on life is so positive. You are tenacious, a fighter. But you know that your battle is not with the flesh, but the spirit. And so, you fight in the spirit. Thank you for all the encouragement you have given us - your kind words mean the world to all who are blessed to know you.
To the Belins:
Ester & the girls - what an amazing bunch! Esther, you are such an amazing mom! You fight for your daughters, both in the physical & on your knees. You are so strong. It was such a treat the night you shared your "Christian" heritage - the love of family, both physical & spiritual, is so important to you. You are a missionary to the college, and I have no doubt that, one day before our Saviour, He will introduce you to all the people that are in the kingdom because of your influence. You are influential, and you have taught your girls that as well!
To the Hoyts:
You two are perfect for each other! I love watching the friendship between you develop. You are always looking for a way to have fun & make other people laugh. You have loved and continue to love all the crazy children that attack you, and are always willing to pour into their lives. You care so deeply for the people you love - I think that when people really get to know you both, they realize just how much you do love. Thank you for sharing in our quirkyness - it fun to have other "weird" people around!
To the Krupas:
Thank you for FINALLY coming to our group! We are so blessed to have you in our lives. It has been such a joy to get to know the amazing wife that God had planned for Mike, because you two truly are a perfect fit! You are both great examples of true servants - people who consistently place the needs of others before their own. Thank you for the love you give our children - the girls love to see "Poopa & Miss Stepany". You have a wisdom that exceeds your years - don't be afraid to use it!
To the Klines:
What great friends God chose to place in our lives. You are prayer warriors - unafraid to storm the doors of heaven with every need. You speak truth with discernment, and are able to give the perfect word of encouragement. Your presence is like a breath of fresh air - always refreshing & life-giving. You persevere through the storms, but are unafraid to share with others that you are in a storm - that transparency is unusual. I am delighted to see where God is going to take you next - it's gonna be big!
To the Beachs:
Yes, I know - they haven't actually shown up on Thursday nights yet. But, there are bonds that go beyond the physical with this family. You are a serving, loving family. You actively look for a need, then figure out how to meet it. You don't just sit around waiting for someone else to tell you. You have been through so much as a family, and you fight as a family. This is a tight-knit bunch! It is unusual these days to see a family with older children who are so respectful of their parents. That type of respect takes a lot of dedication. Thanks for being an example of successful parenting to the rest of us!
We are so honored to have you all in our home every week. Every Thursday, as I write my Thankful Thursday post, I look forward to the evening I am blessed to share with good friends. You all have taught us so much - about life, love, friendship, honor, service, family, prayer, devotion, God. Thank you, my friends!
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