Hi Brian!

This week I wanted to share this portion of Scripture with you!

Ephesians 2:4 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, 5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) 6 And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: 7 That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. 8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. KJV

Here is the Amplified Bible with that same passage:

Ephesians 2:4 But God — so rich is He in His mercy! Because of and in order to satisfy the great and wonderful and intense love with which He loved us, 5 Even when we were dead (slain) by [our own] shortcomings and trespasses, He made us alive together in fellowship and in union with Christ; [He gave us the very life of Christ Himself, the same new life with which He quickened Him, for] it is by grace (His favor and mercy which you did not deserve) that you are saved (delivered from judgment and made partakers of Christ's salvation). 6 And He raised us up together with Him and made us sit down together [giving us joint seating with Him] in the heavenly sphere [by virtue of our being] in Christ Jesus (the Messiah, the Anointed One). 7 He did this that He might clearly demonstrate through the ages to come the immeasurable (limitless, surpassing) riches of His free grace (His unmerited favor) in [His] kindness and goodness of heart toward us in Christ Jesus. 8 For it is by free grace (God's unmerited favor) that you are saved (delivered from judgment and made partakers of Christ's salvation) through [your] faith. And this [salvation] is not of yourselves [of your own doing, it came not through your own striving], but it is the gift of God; 9 Not because of works [not the fulfillment of the Law's demands], lest any man should boast. [It is not the result of what anyone can possibly do, so no one can pride himself in it or take glory to himself.] 10 For we are God's [own] handiwork (His workmanship), recreated in Christ Jesus, [born anew] that we may do those good works which God predestined (planned beforehand) for us [taking paths which He prepared ahead of time], that we should walk in them [living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us to live].  AMP

I love this so much because it shows me that every good thing about US comes directly from GOD when we are comitted to Him and trusting in Him! This means even  more to me concerning your family! We SO appreciate you and Kristine and your beautiful daughters sharing your home with us while you were enjoying time away! It is such a blessing to walk through the door and actually feel the love, peace, grace and even kindness that is in the very atmosphere! You and Kristine have provided such a loving, caring, nurturing space for your girls to grow into the mighty women of God that they are becoming, filled with energy, kindness, creativity, love, enthusiasm, compassion and adventure! It is a complete joy to be praying daily for you all! Thank you for being such a blessing to us! Continuing to pray for your very BEST and most BLESSED year ever so far! We love and appreciate you and can't wait to see you again! Here is one of my favorite  songs that I hope is also a blessing to you! Brooke Ligertwood with "Bless God":

Love and Shalom from the Swoveys!