Compassion

As I was reading in Matthew today, I learned a bit more about Jesus love and compassion for us. He healed many people...those who were physically affected with disease, sickness or demon possession. One story in particular stands out to me...

 John the Baptist "prepared the way" for Jesus. He preached the good news to many people and baptized them in Jesus name. John even baptized Jesus! In Matthew 14, John the Baptist was beheaded after Herod had to follow thru with an oath promised to his niece. After John was killed in prison, his disciples told Jesus what had happened. Then Jesus went to a solitary place to be alone; most likely to mourn for his friend, grieve his loss and draw strength from God through prayer. But Jesus was not alone. When the towns people learned where Jesus was, they followed him. It says in verse 14 that he had compassion on them and healed their sick. Even though Jesus was grieving the loss of John, He selflessly gave of himself for the sake of others. He understood that the crowd needed Him...and instead of turning them away, He had compassion on them and took care of their needs. We serve a loving, merciful God; my prayer is that we learn through these examples and strive to become more like Him.

With Love,
Stefanie

The Un-Named, Faith-Filled Woman

After hearing a convicting message at Women of Faith, I read this beautiful story last night in Matthew chapter 9:20-22...Only 2 verses, but so powerful!
This un-named woman had been sick for 12 years, being "subject to bleeding"...under the old law, she was looked at as being an outcast...unclean and insignificant...I could not imagine feeling an emptiness like this for so long! As Jesus was walking to a ruler's home, this woman was nearby. She had GREAT faith and thought "If I only touch his cloak, I will be healed". This woman, most likely, had not been physically touched for 12 years. As she reached and touched Jesus cloak, he turned to her and addressed her as "daughter". Scripture says, she was healed "from that moment". How wonderful this woman must have felt to be instantly healed from a sickness that had affected her physically and emotionally for so long! And to have Jesus, the Son of God, address her as daughter! I wish I knew what happened after that; I wonder if she embraced Jesus and felt the physical touch of her Savior and Healer! One day, I hope to talk to this faith-filled woman and hear the story from her perspective! Thank you Jesus for giving us many examples of your compassion and love for us!

Blessings & Love,
Stefanie

A Southern Storm

There have been several bad storms roaring through the South over the past couple days. Yesterday, (4/27) at 10:45 a big ole' tree fell on my parents home. Thank goodness for God's protection as they hovered in the hallway. In a blink of the eye, life can change. The beautiful home they share, the home Kaitlin and I grew up in, is now in need of a major facelift. It isn't "totalled", but everything was moved out and into storage last evening. I spoke to dad briefly at lunch time yesterday and he was full of energy as they were dis-mounting the flat screen from the living room (he's probably hoping to get a bigger one, ha!). I got to hear moms voice for a few minutes last evening and she sounded so joyful...so full of life and thankful for their safety. The way the church family, family and friends wrapped their arms around my precious parents amazes me. There is no earthly love that compares to the love we have in Christ. When we are like-minded in this way, amazing things happen. Everyone came together for a common purpose...and they did so in love. The entire house and all their belongings was packed up and hauled into storage units in just 12 hours! Someone donated a 25 foot rental truck to move their belongings. The greatest commandment is to love the Lord with all our heart; the second greatest commandment is to love our neighbor as we love ourselves (Matt. 22:37-40). These wonderful people gave selflessly of themselves out of love. What an inspiration! Between family, church family and good friends, my heart was at peace last night knowing that God was providing. Philippians 4 says that God will meet all our needs...He does ALWAYS provide, doesn't He? 

Be Blessed!
With love, Stefanie

Being Thankful!

Wow, it has really been a long time since my last post! I have had an interesting week...found out that I have strep throat and mono (ew!) and have been laying low in our home. I have been so bored this week! AH! So blogging...I am back! We have so many things to be thankful for, don't we? Things that we take for granted! So, here is a short list of things I am thankful for on this Friday afternoon:

1. Our home! As I am typing this, the wind is raging and roaring outside!

2. My precious niece and nephew! They are so full of joy!

Aren't they PRECIOUS!?!

3. I'm thankful that we took the most AMAZING trip ever last July with my family. It was a two week Wild West Adventure that I will remember always!

Old Faithful Inn

4. I'm thankful that I have a precious sister that is getting married in less than 3 weeks! I am happy for her and know that Britton is an answer to prayer!

Engagement Pic!

5. I'm SO VERY thankful that my parents are so passionate and "in love" with one another after 35 years! They are such an example to me and Bryan! 

Jackson Lake Lodge, in front of the Grant Tetons

6. I'm thankful for the man that I get to spend the rest of my life with. Enough said! :)

On the boat last summer, our favorite thing to do!

Those are just some of the things I have to be thankful for! Hope yall have a great Friday! What are you thankful for?

With love, Stefanie