Heritage Christian Counseling Ministries

Devotionals for Daily Living

Humbleness, Gentleness and Loving Forbearance

When we approach our relationships it is important that we humble ourselves, be gentle, and bear with one another in love.

Paul writes in Ephesians 4:2, "Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love."

What impact does being humble have on a relationship? When a person is humble they are offering in a relationship a genuine and realistic view of themselves that other people see. Research by Davis and Hooks also shows that humility can improve physical health. This improves a relationship because better health has a direct impact on feelings in the relationship.

Gentleness in a relationship is a choice, according to Paul. In Philippians 4:5 he wrote to the people of Philippi, “Let your gentleness be evident to all.”

Gentleness may be tender, but it has purpose. "Gentleness is a way to approach another human being in a manner that communicates respect and care," according to Dr. Scott Morris, founder of the Church Health Center.

Love grows in a relationship because God gets glory when two very different and very imperfect people forge a life of faithfulness together by relying on Christ. Forbearance in a loving relationship means you will not dwell on hurts or seek revenge in any way. You will let things go.

Action Point
Take time to assess where you are with humbleness, gentleness and forbearing love. Ask Jesus to help you with these things.
(Tom Russell)

Devotionals for Daily Living

Relationship Wisdom from Ephesians 4

It doesn’t take long if you look at the television or the Internet to see what relationships have become. It is very sad to see some sitcom‘s based on things that are extremely unhealthy. The standard that we have seen in scripture for as long as our country has been in existence is now being eroded away by human rights. It is so sad to see people making decisions about what is right or not without turning to God. As a result a natural anger and the absence of personality characteristics that reflect the Holy Spirit are present.

Paul teaches in Ephesians 4:26, “In your anger do not sin. Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry.” Paul teaches us that we can be angry but not to sin in our anger. It is important to talk about things and not react in some unhealthy way that brings even more severe anger. Paul also encourages us to “not let the sun go down on our anger.” This is so important because if we do we will be developing significant depression.

Paul also emphasizes an important concern that if we do let the sun go down on our anger, we could be giving satan a foothold that could grow into a stronghold in our minds. We are certainly more vulnerable to deception if we do. He writes in Ephesians 4:27, “Do not give the devil a foothold.”

Another important impact on relationships is what comes out of our mouths. Paul goes on in verse 29, "Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”

Action Point
What are you doing with your anger? What do you need to work on to have healthier relationships?
(Tom Russell)

Devotionals for Daily Living

Being Thankful In The Little Things

Famous writer, William Faulkner wrote,
“Gratitude is a quality similar to electricity: It must be produced and discharged and used up in order to exist at all.”

Famous surfer and inspirational speaker, Bethany Hamilton wrote this about being thankful, “Strive to find things to be thankful for, and just look for the good in who you are.”

One benefit of being thankful is that it brings us into God’s presence. Psalm 95:2 (ESV) teaches, “Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise!”

The book of Psalms goes on about rejoicing and giving thanks in Psalm 97:12 (NIV), “Rejoice in the Lord, O you righteous, and give thanks to his holy name!”

Psalm 107:22 (NIV) continues with thanksgiving, “Let them offer sacrifices of thanksgiving, and tell of his deeds in songs of joy!”

It is also important that we praise Him in all things. Paul writes in II Thessalonians 5:18 (NIV), “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."

After my accident in 2022, where I fell on the ice and broke my hip, I learned to be thankful for many little things that I was unable to do, including putting on my socks and shoes, walking without a problem, going up and down stairs, getting in and out of bed on my own, and being able to drive.

Action Point
Do you give thanks in all things? How about the little things in life that we so often take for granted? It’s important that we praise Him in those things as well.
(Tom Russell)

Heritage Devotional for 8/28/24’

Devotionals For Daily Living

Reassurance

In the difficult and trying times that we live, it is important that we feel reassured. We want to be reassured in our relationship with God.
Isaiah 35:4 teaches, “Tell everyone who is discouraged, be strong and don’t be afraid! God is coming to your rescue...” We can be so thankful that He is coming to rescue us.

Paul states this encouraging word from
Romans 15:13, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”

As we hear more and more alarming news coming out of the media it is comforting to read Deuteronomy 31:8, “It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you nor forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.”

Paul again echos very similar thoughts through his teaching in
I Corinthians 16:13, “Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong.” It is easier to be strong and courageous when we know that God will rescue us.

Exodus 14:14 can be comforting also when we read, “The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still."

We are comforted by the words of Psalm 23: 4,
“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.”

Action Point
When we are weary from the depressing news, remember we are not alone.
(Tom Russell)

Devotionals For Daily Living

Negative Self Talk

We, as a people, are capable of having very negative thoughts about ourselves. It can lead to us saying things and thinking things that we would never allow someone else to say to us.

Blame, doubt, and deprecation can and will allow the negative self attitude to continue.
Left untreated, negative self talk can fuel depression. It is critically important then, with the help of the Holy Spirit, to take captive our thoughts.

Paul writes in II Corinthians 10:5, ”You are given the battle plan for victory in this area: casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ.”

Writer, Kimberly Taylor, encourages us to think of our minds as “Kingdom Territory”. It is important that, if we do, we will more closely monitor our thoughts. She continues to teach that Philippians 4:8 is a major help in determining what will be in our “Mental Kingdom”. “Finally, brethren,
whatever things are
true, whatever things are
noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever
things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if
there is anything
praiseworthy, meditate on these things.”

Action Point
To develop what Kimberly Taylor calls “Our Mental Kingdom” we should focus on those things found in Philippians 4:8.
A final thought from her:
“While you can’t help if negative self-talk passes through your mental kingdom temporarily, you can certainly decide if you want it living with you!
(Tom Russell)

Devotionals for Daily Living

Anger At God, Rebuilding Trust

In the midst of being angry with God, there is hope. It is important that we work toward restoring our relationship with God.

Paul wrote in Romans 8:28, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” It is easy to hear Paul’s words when everything is going fine, but more difficult when we are going through a storm.

In Job 38:4-7 Job isn’t angry at God, but he questions Him. God responds with, “Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundation? Tell me, if you understand. Who marked off its dimensions? Surely you know! Who stretched a measuring line across it? On what were its footings set, or who laid its cornerstone while the morning stars sang together and all the angels shouted for joy?” God makes it clear to Job that He knows what He is doing.

Because the enemy wants us to be angry at God and not trust Him, he works on our minds and our thoughts. He tries to deceive us into believing that God does not care or love us. However, as Paul wrote in II Corinthians 10:5 . . . “we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” It is imperative that we recognize those lies about being angry at God and “take them captive” in the name of Jesus. When we do, it is much easier to trust Him.

If we trust God even when He doesn’t make sense life is much easier. Psalm 37:4-5 is helpful, “Delight yourself in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him and he will act.

Psalm 33:20–22 is also helpful for building our trust, “Our soul waits for the LORD; he is our help and our shield. For our heart is glad in him, because we trust in his holy name. Let your steadfast love, O LORD, be upon us, even as we hope in you.” It is much easier to cope in life when we trust that God truly loves us.

Isaiah 26:3–4 teaches a great lesson about God, “You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. Trust in the LORD forever, for the Lord God is an everlasting rock.”

Action Point
Are you angry at God? If you are, there is hope, if you trust Him.
(Tom Russell)

Repentance

According to Engage 360, repentance is turning to God for salvation, and it is turning away from our sin and from any effort to save ourselves.”

Repentance is a frequently over-looked part of the Christian life. When a person repents and becomes saved, repentance continues to be a factor. In the daily walk of those who are believers, temptations and sin are still a part of life. It is still important to repent of any sin that occurs. John 10:10 says, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”

One very real way the enemy attacks us is with not telling us the whole story in the midst of temptation. He doesn’t tell us what it will do to our relationship with Jesus if we continue in the sin. Paul writes about it in Romans 2:9, “But because of your hard and impenitent heart you are storing up wrath for yourself on the day of wrath when God's righteous judgment will be revealed.”

However, if we turn from our sin we will find a gracious and forgiving God. Ezra writes in II Chronicles 30:9b, “For the Lord your God is gracious and compassionate. He will not turn his face from you if you return to him.”

Peter reinforces what Ezra said in II Peter 3:9, “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”

Action Point
It is a blessing to receive forgiveness from our sin if we repent. Have you done this?
(Tom Russell)

Devotionals for Daily Living

It Sometimes Appears as Though God is Silent
(Important Understanding from “When God doesn’t make Sense”)

There are times when we go through difficult seasons or experiences and think that God isn’t there. This happened to Paul many times. There were times when he was publicly whipped and times he went without adequate food and clothing. He was once stoned and left for dead. But in the midst of those horrible experiences Paul had this to say, “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

A little later in Philippians 4:12-13 Paul more directly addresses what he has learned, “I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”

Action Point
Although the enemy wants to lie to us in difficult situations, it is important that we realize that God is in the storms, even though we may have to wait on His timing.
(Tom Russell)

Devotionals for Daily Living

Renewing your Mind

There are times in the Christian life when we are malnourished, but we are usually not aware of it. Life can happen and get so busy that we suddenly realize we’ve not taken the time to care for ourselves or to feed ourselves spiritually. It is during times like this where the enemy attempts to take advantage of us. He slowly tries to deceive us and lead us in ways that can begin to cause us to drift away from our relationship with Jesus.

Paul encourages us in Romans 12:1-2, “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”

Paul encourages us to not be conformed to the patterns of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of our minds. The renewed mind is one that has called upon the power of the Holy Spirit to be afresh and anew in one’s life through prayer.

Action Point
It is important that we renew our minds in Christ. Take time to pray about that today.
(Tom Russell)

Devotionals for Daily Living

Hope in our Lives

It is important to focus on the hope that we have in Christ Jesus. The distractions of life and the current events that are taking place make it so easy for us to lose hope.

Paul writes this encouragement in Romans 12:12. He states that we should be “rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer.” Hope is a very powerful quality that we need in our lives. Research indicates the people with high degrees of hope have better mental health and live longer.

Psalm 42:11 is also a source of hope and encouragement. We read, “Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him my Savior and my God.” We feel encouraged when we praise God.

If we have hope, we can renew our strength. Isaiah 40:31 reads, “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”

When we are in the midst of tribulation we can find hope. John 16:33 reads, “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world, you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world. “

You can also find hope in II Corinthians 4:8-9, “We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed.” It is such an incredible blessing that even though we have tribulation we still find victory in Jesus who brings hope.

We can also find hope through prayer when we are going through a storm. Ephesians 6:18 says, “Pray at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints.”

Action Point
Be faithful in prayer to develop more hope in your life.
(Tom Russell)

Devotionals for Daily Living (Wednesday 8/21/24)

We Are to Glorify God Together

We, as the body of Christ, are called to be of one mind as we glorify God together. It is one of the reasons God created man, so that He could be glorified.

Paul teaches in Romans 15:5-7, “May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.”

Throughout Paul’s letters he sends a strong message of hope, yet what has prevented us from feeling it with one mind and one voice? Paul teaches in verse 7, “Accept one another.” It appears as though our one mind and one voice has been attacked.

Paul goes on to teach in
II Corinthians 11:3, “But I am afraid that, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, your minds will be led astray from the simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ.” This appears to be a great problem. The serpent is successfully deceiving and leading people astray.

I John 4:1 teaches, “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.”

Action Point
It is important that we test the messages against God’s word and seek His wisdom, whether we are hearing it in the church or outside the church.
(Tom Russell)

Devotionals for Daily Living

It is Easy to Take Jesus’ Love for Granted

It is so easy for us to get caught up in life to a point where we take things for granted and lose focus on what is really important.

It was so incredibly loving and caring that Jesus went to the cross for us. However, because of life circumstances we lose sight of the incredible gift He has given us.

Paul writes in Colossians 3:1-4, “Therefore, if you have been raised with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Keep thinking about things above, not things on the earth, for you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ (who is your life) appears, then you too will be revealed in glory with him.”

It could also be that people just get preoccupied and other things slowly take priority. Suddenly they realize that they have distanced themselves from their love forJesus.

In the 22nd chapter of Matthew Jesus shares the parable of the Wedding Feast. It shows how the people had other priorities rather than attending the wedding feast. It is a good parable that Jesus used to show how people take their love for Him for granted. We read in verse 5, “But they paid no attention and went off—one to his field, another to his business.”

The writer of Hebrews 12:28 encourages us to be thankful and reverent. He writes, “Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe…”

Action Point
Are you taking your love for Jesus for granted?
(Tom Russell)

Devotionals for Daily Living

Acceptance

One of the most powerful blessings we as a people can experience is acceptance from fellow members of the body of Christ. It helps us feel the power of relationship which our God created us to feel, because He wants us to feel it with Him as well.

Paul writes about it in Romans 15:5-6,
“May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

In I Peter 3:8 Peter writes, “All of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble.” As we experience those kinds of emotions it creates a bond between people that gives us a like mind. Then we can also experience the same mind as Jesus and glorify our Father in heaven.

The writer of Hebrews 10:24-25 teaches acceptance with these words, “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the day approaching.”

Action Point
It is important that we accept one another in a spirit of love, acceptance, grace and encouragement.
(Tom Russell)

Devotionals for Daily Living

God is Light

It can break our hearts to see people who are living in darkness and refuse the light. They appear to be seeking some kind of peace and purpose that will fulfill them. The look in their eyes shows that they are seeking some form of meaning in life but haven’t found it yet.They appear to be living in a very dark place. They have no peace. Nothing appears to bring them satisfaction.

It is important that they find the light and live in the light. In I John 1:1-5 we read, “This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. If we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin. If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.”

It is very difficult for them to see the truth as it is written in I John 1:9, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. If we claim we have not sinned we make him out to be a liar and his word is not in us.”

Action Point
It is important that we seek the light. If we do, He is faithful and just and will forgive is of our sins and we will experience living in the light.
(Tom Russell)

Devotionals for Daily Living

I Know The Plans I Have For You. . . .

It is so encouraging for those who are children of the King of Kings to know that our God has a plan for us. Even though Deuteronomy 28:36 (NIV) speaks of the southern kingdom of Judah that suffered the covenant curse of expulsion from the promised land for its continued unfaithfulness to the Lord, our God continued to want to bless His people.

Jeremiah 29:11 (NLT) speaks to our God’s response to the expulsion from the promised land and His desire to bless us, “‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ says the LORD. ‘They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.’”

For those who were able to embrace what our God was saying, it had the potential to become a vision. A vision is the ability to think about or plan for the future with wisdom. It was having a vision of believing God‘s plan that helped this people come out of exile.

For us, it also has important meaning, because in the same way our God has a plan for us. David wrote in Psalms 139:13-16 (NIV), “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book.”

It can be motivating and encouraging to hear that all of our days were ordained by our God. That sounds like a plan that our God has for each of us. It is also true that ultimate fulfillment in life won’t happen until we are following that plan. Our God designed each of us uniquely for the plan that he has for us.

Research would support that there is a direct link between depression and not following His plan and design for our life. For example, if God designed us to be relational and caring about people, we would not do well in a detail-orientated business, where mechanical design or policy is important.

Identifying that plan or vision and implementing it in our lives comes from the help of the Holy Spirit. Paul writes in Ephesians 3:16 (NLT), “I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit.”

Action Point
Proverbs 16:9 (NLT) tells us,“We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps.” Will we trust in the Lord for His plan?
Solomon writes this encouraging word for us in Proverbs 3:5–6. (NLT), “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.”
( Tom Russell)

Devotionals for Daily Living

Soul Mates or Oneness

Soulmates is often the description of what married people think about when they think about their spouse. Soulmates are symbolic of wellness in marriage. However, if we look biblically, most writers agree that soulmates are not mentioned in the Bible.

The origin of soulmate goes clear back to Greek mythology where people had four arms and four legs and two faces. It was Zeus’ fear that caused the splitting of them into two parts and condemning these creatures to a lifetime of searching for their “soulmate” or their other half.

Perhaps a better term that describes husband and wife is “oneness”. Paul refers to it in the context of Christ and the church. He writes in. Ephesians 5:31–33 (NIV),
“For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh. This mystery is profound, but I am speaking about Christ and the church. Nevertheless, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband. “

When husbands love their wives as Christ loves the church and the wives respect their husbands, it produces a oneness that is described by Solomon in Ecclesiastes 4:12 “. . . A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.” Although we would call it a rope, the three strands that are in a rope create a great picture of God and husband and wife, so tightly wrapped together that they appear to be one. This is the picture of oneness that God wants us to have with himself and our spouse.

Action Point
How do you grow the oneness in your relationship with God and your spouse?
(Tom Russell)

Devotionals for Daily Living Wednesday (7/14)

Believing the Truth About our Identity

It is important that we embrace our identity in Christ. It is easily one of the areas where the enemy “lurks”. As I Peter 5:8 teaches, “Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” He does not want us to believe that we are children of God.

In Romans 8:14-15 Paul teaches, “For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, ‘Abba Father.’” Abba Father reassures us as it describes the personal relationship our God wants with us.

Another way the enemy lurks around us is by impacting our faith about who we are in Christ. In Galatians 3:26-27 Paul writes, “So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.”
Paul encourages us concerning the fact that we are the children of our Heavenly Father with the presence of the Holy Spirit.

Galatians 4:6 tells us, “Because you are his sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, “Abba,Father.”

Action Point
Have you, through faith, accepted the Father through His Son? If you have, He has become your “Abba” Father.
(Tom Russell)

Stress

We can all relate to this when asked how we feel. One of the more common answers is, “I feel very stressed.” Others might say, “I feel stressed out.”

What is meant when we say “stressed out”? There are different answers to that question. Some may define it as mental exhaustion. Others may define it as physical or spiritual exhaustion. A simple but very good definition of stress is, “the body‘s reaction to what the mind is thinking.”

In II Corinthians 4:16-18 Paul offers encouragement for those who are stressed, “Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.”

The book of James 1:2-3 offers this help, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.”

Psalm 55:22 is a great example of help for stress, “Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken.” Casting your cares on the Lord will relieve a lot of stressful burdens..

Action Point
If we consider it all joy when we face stressful situations we will feel better.
(Tom Russell)

A Deeper Look At Grace

When the word grace is discussed, people typically understand what it means. In Christianity grace is defined as “God's unmerited favor”, or “Receiving what is not deserved.”

The unmerited favor that we receive should motivate us to extend grace to others. John 1:16 (NIV) speaks of the grace we have received, “For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace.”

Colossians 3:13 (NIV) encourages us to extend grace, “Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”

What helps when we find it difficult to extend grace? It is important that we realize how being humble can be helpful. A humble person is less likely to be offended, and is more likely to consider others' needs before their own.

God’s response to Paul when he was praying for healing is also helpful. Found in II Corinthians 12:9-10 (NIV), “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.”
When we struggle to extend grace, we, like Paul, should use Christ’s power to help us. Our God wants to help when we are weak so that He can be glorified.

Action Point
It would be helpful for us to focus on how it feels to receive grace from not only our relationships, but also from our God.
(Tom Russell)