"Hesed," the Gift for Holiday and Anyday Blues

When Fall comes, I am reminded of the Fall of 2019. This was when my husband and I first visited Cornerstone, my grandmother who was like a mother passed away and I was in a situation that would cost me my job. It was one of the most trying seasons of my life. But God...our second church visit was during the annual "Thanksgiving Service," and I was beyond blessed by the brethren praising the Lord, in the midst of loss and suffering. Six years later, I stand in awe of God's sovereign goodness to me, in spite of old and new sufferings. Below is some of what I shared at this year's service of thanks.

I want to share three stories that show God's love to me, and why I am grateful to Him. In May, my husband and I celebrated our 10th wedding anniversary. We had a terrific two weeks enjoying France and one another. This is a testament to God's grace, because year 7 was far from enjoyable. It was hard and felt insurmountable. We had allowed various patterns of sin to become normal, but by His kindness, they were brought to the light, confessed and broken. We still have our struggles, but our marriage is night and day different.

    

In July, my husband and I took a family vacation with our two young adult sons. This is another example of favor, because the year before, they did not want to go on a family vacation with us, and I bear responsibility for that. But this year, they wanted to come, and we all had a great time together in Mammoth. Needles to say, I am eager to plan our next trip.

On September 22, my mother-in-law went home to be with the Lord suddenly and tragically. The brethren came to our side in prayer and practically. We were blown away by cards, words, meals and presence, extending the very tenderness and comfort of the gentle and lowly Son.

There is a Hebrew word that came to life for me while studying the Psalms in women's Bible study this year, and that word is "Hesed." It speaks of the Lord's covenant love to His people-kindness, favor and towardness, freely given. Everything the Lord does and allows in each of our lives flows from His love, and we see that most clearly at the cross. Psalm 33:5b says, "...the earth is full of the steadfast love of the Lord." Amen! Even so, may we have eyes to see His many gifts, from the greatest to the smallest and give thanks.

Praise Reports:

1. In March, we attended the annual TMAI missions symposium, met with missionaries from Spain to hear about their ministry and found out our abilities do not align;
2. In April, I attended my first work conference and really enjoyed it;
3. In June, husband and I attended the annual IBCD conference and learned so much about coming alongside others in their suffering and sin;
4. In August, we found and moved into a stand-alone back-house and had so much help from the brethren; 
5. In October, I had the privilege of teaching through Psalm 33 and 72 and was humbled seeing the heart of our mighty God so much more tender than before; and
6. We continue cultivating relationships with our 2 young adult sons, family and friends.  

Post TMAI Conference with attendees and missionaries from Cornerstone

Prayer Requests (the Lord's will in all):

1. Wisdom, endurance & to walk in the Spirit; 
2. Discipline & understanding, as Husband & I continue IBCD training and serving with our church;
3. Relationships to continue growing and maturing; and
4. Witnessing and discipleship opportunities.