Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow

How I wish I had words to express my overflowing heart! What an absolutely DIVINE weekend the LORD has given me! I have not experienced such overwhelming, sustained, joy and love in a long long time. My dear daughter already posted about it, but I have to say it, too. Tears welled in my eyes Friday afternoon when within a space of 10 minutes Faith drove in , we returned from a lovely afternoon with the Stantons at the zoo, Tim arrived from work, and Jonathan Stanton came with his uhaul on his way from Norfolk to Boston. Everyone was hugging and laughing and eating and chattering. Within minutes the kids, older and younger, were on the living room floor playing cards. I left to set up for the missions conference, my spirits soaring. It was truly a taste of heaven. We really have very little family, and we rarely see them. However, God has given us family in our church and Christian brothers and sisters. I have longed for those fun times where everyone sits around laughing and sharing, kids and adults playing, love just electrifying the air...I know those of you with extended family know what I am talking about. (Don't ever, ever take it for granted--it is the most satisfying, fulfilling feeling in the world; I truly believe Heaven will feel like it--and just think, no sin hanging on us, either--complete fellowship with one another!!) Our home has been radiating with the Spirit of God, love, fun, caring, sharing these last four days; it has been unbelieveable and so refreshing and renewing! The Stantons are some very, very, very special people! They probably could not understand fully, but I know it was they and their spirit that contributed greatly to making this weekend so wonderful. How I miss seeing them more often! I need to go but I have to write some time about the great conference, Sarah's presentation, the missionaries, the challenges, the sermons calling me to know God's love...and the rest of the times where Jared spent two days with our family (even when Faith was not paying attention to him or even here)--I don't know, it was just such a fantastic FAMILY time!! Thank you, thank you, Jesus! Thank you, Faith for coming home, too; the circle was complete this time! I love you all!