I have been thinking a lot about encouragement lately. God has been working in my life, in so many ways, as he is bringing me along on this journey, but one of my favorite tools that he is using in my life are my friends and family. So many of you have given me hope when I was discouraged. You have challenged my faith when I doubted and you have strengthened me with your words, your actions and your gifts of love. I thought about Hebrews 12:1 this morning. It says,
"Therefore since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us."
You are part of the cloud of witnesses. Whether you realize it or not, you are doing God's work. You help me to throw off the fear and doubt that does so easily entangle me. You help me to continue on the journey that God has called me to. You are doing for me, what I am hoping to do for others as I continue on my journey. You are encouraging me to do the work that God has set before me. Thank you for your faithfulness. Thank you for being willing to let God use you. I need you and I appreciate you. As Sam would say, "You rock like salt in a tube sock!" (Don't ask me what it means. I don't know, but its good.)