Sharing music (Nov 20 – Thanks)

When I was a teenager, I didn’t listen to the same music as my parents.

I liked Kansas, Boston, Journey, Heart, Huey Lewis and the News (and, okay, Leo Sayer, Barry Manilow, John Denver, the Bee Gees … and, gulp, Prince).

On our long trips to visit grandparents in Mississippi, Daddy would turn the radio in our station wagon to either country music or old-time gospel songs. I would wince (but only inwardly). No voting allowed. No majority rules.

Now that I’m a parent myself and finally in control of the car’s music, I’m thankful that I enjoy basically the same stuff as my kids. We’ve somehow escaped the music wars by sharing a love for contemporary Christian music.

So we swap CDs, agree on radio stations, and belt out the same songs.

This week we’ve been listening to Casting Crowns new CD together, and tonight we’re going to a concert together to hear Leeland, Brandon Heath, and Francesca Battistelli. We’re all excited.

And I’m thankful.

Highlights – Friday’s Fave Five

Sometimes Friday comes around quicker than other days. This is one of those times. Five highlights of my week are:

1. Sunday - Baptism in the lake
This will make my Highlights ‘09 reel. This was a first for us, having Rose baptized in the lake behind our house. Thankfully the ducks didn’t come over to check it out, but friends, family, and neighbors did. A wonderful night of celebrating a new sister in Christ!

2. Monday - Staying at home
While I enjoy going out and doing things, I also love, love, love being at home. Mondays are turning into the only days I have to do that. This Monday was extra special because we got to babysit my 6-month-old cousin. I forget how tiny God makes us in the beginning. 

3. Tuesday - Supper with my in-laws
I have the best in-laws ever. They’re in the middle of camping for two weeks yet still invited us over for supper Tuesday night. Because she loves her baby boy, my m-i-l cooked fried chicken, mashed potatoes, homemade biscuits, peas, and Jeff’s favorite cake for his birthday. All in her camper. She’s an amazing woman of God and I love her.

4. Wednesday – Lunchdate with the hubby
Jeff rarely eats out for lunch during his workweek. But since Wednesday was his birthday, I invited him to break away long enough to grab a pizza buffet with me. The only bad part was when he had to drive back to work after we finished instead of coming home with me.

5. Thursday -  Watching “Tom Sawyer”
My neighbor’s school is doing a production of “Tom Sawyer” this week. We went last night and had such fun. My neighbor did a great job as Aunt Polly. And Tom was played by the young man who bought Jeff’s truck in February. He inserted some of his own style into the play, and everybody loved him.

How’s your week been? Join Susanne for more Friday’s Fave Five.

A ministry of encouragement (Ch 8 “Spiritual Mothering”)

Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.
1 Thessalonians 5:11

The right foundation
An important aspect of spiritual mothering is encouragement. Don’t try to equip without it. Preaching doctrine outside an atmosphere of love and encouragement comes across cold and impersonal.

But it’s not always easy. Susan Hunt states early in Chapter 8 that encouraging others is no exercise in fluff. It’s hard work, and it is possible only by being grounded on the truths of scripture.

The foundation? The good news of Jesus Christ. Because he reconciled us to him, we have confidence to enter into his presence. And from that position, we’re more effective in helping others also move closer to him.

The closer we get to God and the tighter we hold to the hope we have in Him, the more we are able to encourage and equip others to a life of love and good deeds.

Be “with”
Encouraging others doesn’t just happen though. It requires thought and planning, and walking with the Master Encourager, learning from him.

And he appointed twelve (whom he also named apostles) so that they might be with him and he might send them out to preach.
Mark 3:14

There is more to teaching than simply conveying content. Jesus didn’t send his apostles to class or hand them a textbook to memorize; he invited them to be with him, to learn not only by his words, but by his example. He didn’t want them to just think like him, but to be like him.

So with mentoring. “Being with a spiritual mother who reflects Christ will encourage and equip a young woman to be like Him.”

Be together, with each other.

Just say it
The Greek word for encouragement, parakaleo, means “called to one’s aide, or called alongside.” Women are equipped with nurturing instincts and helpmate qualities to naturally assume the role of coming alongside each other to support and embolden others.

Yet it is still her conscious choice to create an atmosphere of encouragement. Placing her own confidence in Christ will propel her to action. Often women do not encourage or mentor others because they fear they might fail, or be rejected, or be criticized.

But recalling how God provides safety for her, she can step out of her own cave to be that safe place for other women. 

Serving others is one way to begin. Give a hug; help a young mom with her child; send a card. Be active.

With service comes more openings for deeper relationship, where even more meaningful encouragement can occur. The more they know each other’s needs and strengths, the more skilled they become in calling each other out to greater ministry.

Walking alongside each other, they fulfill a common purpose using individual gifts. Mutually encouraging each other to use their gifts brings glory to the Father in ways they might not have done on their own.

Encourage: come along beside. I think I can do that.

Summary of previous chapters
Discussion on Chapter 8
Next week: Ch 9, “The Power of Acceptance”

Good advice (Nov 19 – Thanks)

Guilt trips.
I didn’t learn how to give them from my mother. She didn’t do them; she was too busy fending them off from her own parents.

But somewhere along the way I learned how.

I put one on my own daughter last weekend and I feel really guilty. (Sorry, Morgan. I didn’t mean to. I know you know that I want you here for Thanksgiving. So why my extra words? Not necessary.)

I’ve since done two things:
1. Apologized to Morgan for my bad approach. (She’s faithful to forgive.)
2. Asked for advice from an older woman. (She’s faithful to provide.)

As is Sharon’s way (and she’s not MUCH older, btw), she gave me the advice I needed. Gently. But hard to swallow nonetheless.

What I heard was:

• Lower your expectations.
• Accept what you get.
• Make your times together pleasant.

That doesn’t mean I’ll stop wanting more time with Morgan, or that if my words are fewer, then I’ll magically get my ‘fair share’ of time with her.

But it does mean that I’ll be a bit more content inside. And a lot more likable outside.

So I’m putting suitcases in the attic. They won’t be needed for future guilt trips.

While I’ll probably still travel occasionally (it takes me awhile to learn a lesson), hopefully the guilt trips will be fewer and far between. And I’ll realize it quicker to change course.

There are so many things I still have to learn. Each season of life brings new lessons.

But I’m thankful for special friends who have already walked the path before me, and who are willing to pass along what they’ve learned. May I be willing to listen and do it.

Listen to advice and accept instruction,
that you may gain wisdom in the future.
Proverbs 19:20

Psalm 34 Unleashed

Whenever people begin to ask, “Does it fit our rules,” rather than, “Does it serve our mission,” then you have a bureaucracy.
~Matt Perman

I
was weary and worried.
I thought the tangled red tape unnecessary.
I felt frustrated by the process when my . . .

will
was to do a good thing, a God-glorifying thing.  
Why, then, the barriers to . . .

bless
the Father through the Son in the Spirit? Shouldn’t this be uncomplicated? Because He is . . .

the LORD
and we all agree on that. It seemed the decision should be an easy “yes,” to encourage . . .

at all times
in all ways, more opportunities to praise Him together.

But I see that life doesn’t always look the same through someone else’s eyes. That’s what grace is for. I get that. But could I extend it?
Would I?

Am I?

Four years ago I spent months copying Psalm 34 onto my heart, one verse at a time, one word at a time, one decision at a time.

How many hundreds of times since then has it come back to bless me, as I bless Him? Isn’t that His Word does? I learn it to honor Him; He uses it to transform me. 

Now I need it—I need Him—to dissolve my disappointment at human failures. To lock my gaze directly on Him as He encamps around me.

I taste and see that the Lord is good; I have no lack.
I seek peace; I pursue it.
The LORD is near the brokenhearted; He delivers out of all afflictions.

So I say, in freedom, unfettered, unleashed,

I will bless the LORD at all times;
his praise shall continually be in my mouth.

My soul makes its boast in the LORD;
let the humble hear and be glad.

Oh, magnify the LORD with me,
and let us exalt his name together!
Psalm 34:1-3

* * *

To share your own “Recitation of Memorizing Scripture” or to read the thoughts of others, please visit with the community at Holy Experience.

My Walks with Him

Another year with him (Nov 18 – Thanks)

Today I give thanks for another year with the best husband in the world.

Since last November 18, we . . .

• drove to Iowa and back
• attended chorus concerts and ballet recitals
• fidgeted in waiting rooms for good news/bad news
• celebrated our 17th Christmas together
• fell asleep during our 17th New Years’ Eve
• witnessed Lauren marry Nathan, and Whit marry Grant
• sent Uncle Holmes back Home
• cocooned incredible weeks in Denver and Cape Canaveral and Chicago
• hosted meals and sleepovers and a 14th birthday party
• worshipped together at Stream Franklin and Summer Celebration
• visited various Silvers in the hospital
• bought a bigger bed
• got a daughter engaged
• returned all four to a Florida beach 
• buried the best dog in the world
• survived heat and cold at Jordan-Hare
• traveled back and forth to Central a million times

    . . . and
talked and
laughed and
fussed and
kissed and
cried and
forgiven and
prayed and 
       loved.

Thanks for another year to love you
and be loved by you.
I never dreamed it could be this good.

Happy Birthday, Jeff!
I love you,
Lisa

Wondrous Words Wednesday

What new words have you learned this week?
Join Kathy at Bermuda Onion to see more.

1. palaver
(n) [puh-LAV-er]

Definition—(1) a conference or discussion;
(2) profuse and idle talk; chatter

Use—“Mr. Nile, y’all ready to come into the back and have a palaver?”
~ Jack’s Run

2. shim
(n)

Definition—a thin slip or wedge of metal, wood, etc., for driving into crevices, as between machine parts to compensate for wear, or beneath bedplates, large stones, etc., to level them

Use—“They’ll have to use a chisel to get the shims out.”
~ Jack’s Run

3. syncretism
(n)

Definition—reconciliation or fusion of differing systems of belief, as in philosophy or religion, especially when success is partial or the result is heterogeneous.

Use—“Paganistic syncretism generated the problems in Corinth.”
~ Come to the Table

Plans (Nov 17 – Thanks)

The best laid schemes o' Mice an' Men, Gang aft agley.
~To a Mouse by Robert Burns, 1785

The best laid-plans. Yeah, I know what can happen to them. I’ve had a few go awry lately, much to my chagrin.

But I also know what happens when I don’t make a plan at all. Life happens either way, but I’m far more likely to squander time and be less fulfilled in the long run if I have no plan.

So as I look at my week, I see it’s too full. There’s no way to do everything I want to do. Anybody relate?

I need a better plan.

I need to bump less important things off my schedule so I’ll have time for the more important things this week. Like celebrating my husband’s birthday, watching my neighbor in a play, and going to a concert with my daughter.

And daily sitting down to give thanks for something. I don’t want to scrimp on this November of Thanks. It’s been good for me to consciously choose a special gift from God each day and thank him publicly for it. And to visit around reading about the gifts he’s given you. (We gather at Rebecca’s; join us!)

My plans for this week are now set into a new schedule. But, Lord willing, I’ll still be open to adjustments as needed.

Actually, as I’m writing this (Monday afternoon), I have my cousin’s sleeping baby lying against my chest. I had set aside 4 hours this afternoon just to hold her because I assumed she’d spend much of the afternoon crying.

But instead, she’s asleep, peacefully, right here with me. I hadn’t planned for that. But I’ll take it. And I’m thankful.

3 Uses of 1 Corinthians 13 (Ch 1b of Charity)

Love bears all things, believes all things,
hopes all things, endures all things.
1 Corinthians 13:7

Jonathan Edwards concludes Chapter 1, “Love the Sum of All Virtue,” by listing three applications of the doctrine of love. 

1. To examine yourself
Use 1 Corinthians 13 to examine yourself. As you read, ask:

• Who am I loving? Many people? Only a few? Is my love for God leading me to also love people?
• Do I delight in God? Am I rejoicing in him as the one I love?
• Do I want to help others? Do I turn that desire into deeds?

2. To learn from
Use 1 Corinthians 13 to learn from. Let it teach you what the true Christian spirit is, the true nature of Christ’s kingdom – love and peace. Christ taught much on love, and his apostles continued those teachings.

Love is the principal thing that the gospel dwells on when speaking of God, and of Christ.

Learn about the love of the Father for the Son, and the love from the Son to the Father. Learn how Christ’s love bore fruit in great deeds and obedience to his Father’s will. If you are one with them, you’ll not only profess love, but your life experiences will demonstrate love.

If persons have the true light of heaven let into their souls, it is not a light without heat. Divine knowledge and divine love go together.

Learn that a life of love produces a pleasant life. Religion alone doesn’t, but true Christianity flourishes through its spirit of love and peace. Kindness to neighbors; an amiable spirit; loving even to enemies.

An envious Christian, a malicious Christian, a cold and hard-hearted Christian, is the greatest absurdity and contradiction. It is as if one should speak of dark brightness, or a false truth!

3. To exhort you to action
Use 1 Corinthians 13 to inspire you to grow in this spirit of love.

If love is so great a thing in Christianity, so essential and distinguishing, yea, the very sum of all Christian virtue, then surely those that profess themselves Christians should live in love, and abound in the works of love, for no words are so becoming as those of love.

How do you show love to others? How are you advancing the kingdom for God’s glory? Are you open to opportunities without excuse?

If your heart is full of love, it will find vent; you will find or make ways enough to express your love in deeds. When a fountain abounds in water, it will send forth streams.

…The labor of love is the main business of the Christian life.

Little children, let us not love in word or talk 
but in deed and in truth.
1 John 3:18

* * *

Visit with Laurie
for much more on Ch 1

Are you convinced yet? Rom 8 - Memory Monday

Are you memorizing scripture this week? Join us at Joanne’s for Memory Monday.

Learned last week:
For I am convinced that
neither death nor life,
neither angels nor demons,
neither the present nor the future,
nor any powers,
neither height nor depth,
nor anything else in all creation,
will be able to separate us from the love of God
that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 8:38-39 (NIV)

Are you convinced?
These are key verses. They cover every situation. Paul says be confident in how powerfully God loves you. 

Nothing is out there that can separate me from his love. Because his love is in here. In me.

Because I am in Christ.

It’s where I want to stay. I’m definitely convinced of that. Are you?

I'm absolutely convinced that nothing--
nothing living or dead,
angelic or demonic,
today or tomorrow,
high or low,
thinkable or unthinkable--
absolutely nothing can get between us and God's love
because of the way that Jesus our Master has embraced us.
Romans 8:38-39 (The Message)

* * *

Learning this week:
    For "everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved."  
How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed?
And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard?
And how are they to hear without someone preaching?
Romans 10:13-14

A new sister in Christ (Nov 16 – Thanks)

Last night at our small group Bible study, one of the young ladies was so ready to be baptized, that her dad agreed to baptize her in the lake behind our house.

So they made a few phone calls to family and friends, and before long, we had a big family of believers to witness and celebrate her decision.

We sang several songs inside while the family got ready. Jenna had some extra clothes for Rose to get wet in, and Jeff had some waders for her dad. Our neighbors also came over with an extra outside light and to take pictures.

It was one of the coolest things I’ve experienced in quite awhile. I love how God can do the most spontaneous things anywhere, anytime.

It was a very fitting way to end last week, and a great beginning to a brand new week. I am thankful to have a new sweet, little sister in Christ.

Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good!
Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!
Psalm 34:8

Cleaning help (Nov 15 – Thanks)

I usually clean house on Thursdays, but since my daughter was coming home this weekend, I knew better. I waited until today.

She had friends come over to help her de-horse-poster her room yesterday. Years worth of going up came down in a few hours.

I’m happy for the clean slate (except that the walls needs painting now), but I’m melancholy to lose more traces of my once-little girl.

Jeff took down our rusted, metal swingset this weekend, too. Years worth of playing and laughing, sharing and not sharing, all came down in an hour.

The backyard looks much better now (and is safer), but it’s also sad to remove that familiar vestige of childhood.

So I waited until today to clean house. I should have known better. But a week’s worth of mess disappeared in less than an hour because Jeff split the work with me.

The house is clean. And for that job, I feel nothing but thanks. Whew.

Bad Shepherd, Good Shepherd (Wk 11 Ezekiel)

The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
Psalm 23:1

Ezekiel 34 
God told Ezekiel to prophesy against the bad shepherds. They were feeding themselves instead of the sheep.

Drinking their milk; making clothes from their wool; roasting the lambs. 

The sheep were left unprotected, hungry, scattered. Sheep without a shepherd (Mark 6:34), in need of a Savior.

Therefore, watch out, shepherds!
Don’t mess with God’s sheep. He won’t put up with it.

That’s great news for us. Instead of being at the mercy of fellow human shepherds to build up the weak, heal the sick, and look after the lost, we have been sent the ultimate Shepherd: Jesus Christ.

He’s looking for his sheep, and once he has them, he’s not letting go.

He’s set up a covenant of peace with us. We live safely in the wilderness and are showered with blessings.

We know, beyond doubting, that he, the LORD our God, is with us. And that we are his people, his sheep, the sheep of his pasture (Ezekiel 34:31). 

I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me.
John 10:14

* * *

NEXT: Week 12, Restoration 
          Ezekiel 36-37

More Ezekiel notes
Class outline

Comment Love (Nov 14 – Thanks)

When we share our words of joys and pains—real life—others care. I had a tough week, but it wasn’t in isolation.

We’re not alone out here.

You’ve proven that.

I had physical hugs and face-to-face conversations. But I also felt supported by you bloggy friends and my facebook community.

Every comment meant something special.

So the next time I wonder whether or not to leave a comment on someone’s blog or write on someone’s wall, I’ll know to just do it.

Because I know how much it means.

A few years ago I wouldn’t have known what comment love was. Now I know how it feels. And I’m thankful.

“Heaven Is the Face” – Then Sings My Soul Saturdays

I had another song picked out for today, but once I visited Amy’s site and heard this one, I knew it was meant to be my song for this week, too. (Thanks, Amy.)

Heaven is the Face
LYRICS

Heaven is the face of a little girl
With dark brown eyes
That disappear when she smiles.
Heaven is the place
Where she calls my name
Says, “Daddy please come play with me for awhile.”

CHORUS 
God, I know, it’s all of this and so much more,
But God, You know, that this is what I’m aching for.
God, you know, I just can’t see beyond the door.
So right now...

Heaven is the sound of her breathing deep,
Lying on my chest, falling fast asleep while I sing.
And Heaven is the weight of her in my arms,
Being there to keep her safe from harm while she dreams

And God, I know, it’s all of this and so much more,
But God, You know, that this is what I’m longing for
God, you know, I just can’t see beyond the door.

BRIDGE
But in my mind’s eye I can see a place
Where Your glory fills every empty space.
All the cancer is gone,
Every mouth is fed,
And there’s no one left in the orphans’ bed.
Every lonely heart finds their one true love,
And there’s no more goodbye,
And no more not enough,
And there’s no more enemy (no more).

Heaven is a sweet, maple syrup kiss
And a thousand other little things I miss with her gone.
Heaven is the place where she takes my hand
And leads me to You,
And we both run into Your arms.

Oh God, I know, it’s so much more than I can dream.
It’s far beyond anything I can conceive.
So God, You know, I’m trusting You until I see
Heaven in the face of my little girl,
Heaven in the face of my little girl.

All roads lead home (Nov 13 - Thanks)

Comings and goings
Daughter # 3:
She’s leaving home today.
She’ll spend the weekend with church family.
I’m grateful.

Daughter # 1:
She’s coming home today.
We’ll get all Saturday and Sunday with her.
I’m excited.

Daughter # 2:
She left home and came Home 16 years ago today.
She’s spent 5,840 days straight with Jesus already.
I’m hopeful.

Mom:
One day, for an eternity of days, we’ll all be Home.
At the same time, same place. 
I’m overwhelmed at God’s goodness in his perfect plan.

Know therefore that the LORD your God is God,
the faithful God who keeps covenant and steadfast love
with those who love him and keep his commandments,
to a thousand generations.
Deuteronomy 7:9

* * *

Gifts of Grace – Friday’s Fave Five

I know it is more blessed to give than to receive (Acts 20:35).

But there is still great blessing in receiving. We’ve all received much from the hand of our Father.

And like every good father, this One doesn’t want us to hoard our gifts. Share with others.

Others have shared their gifts with me this week. I’m grateful for the gifts, but even more grateful for the givers.

Here are five gifts; what the giver knows about me; and why this is a gift of grace . . .

1. Bookmark
Because she knows reading is huge in my everyday life.  
     Because she wanted to encourage me by remembering and caring about my week, this day.
          I’m supported.

2. Songs
Because he knows how deeply music speaks to me.
     Because he wanted to pour and deliver a strengthening cup for me from the Source.
          I’m stronger.

3. Prayers
Because she knows the details of my worries.
     Because she wanted to talk with Him about what is important to me.
          I’m uplifted. 

4. Crazy phone message
Because she knows I would laugh.  
     Because she wanted to rescue Mom from a hurtful place.
          I’m happier. 

5. Strong shoulders
Because he knows I need to vent about life sometimes without constraints.
     Because he wanted to walk beside me and share my load.
          I’m loved.

* * *

Ultimately, all these gifts are from Father first. So as I thank others for sharing with me, I thank him for sharing with them.

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights . . .
James 1:17

To see more good gifts, visit Susanne’s blog.

Breaks (Nov 12 - Thanks)

I love a routine. Ruts don’t bother me. I’m comfortable working a schedule.

They eliminate unnecessary angst of constant deliberation over everyday decisions. They’re freeing.

But I also love breaks. Today I’m taking one. No schedules or clock-watching or schoolwork.

Deep breaths. Rest. Appreciation of His presence.

He knows when I need to break from the ordinary to indulge in the sacred.

Today I can. Today I will.
Today, again, I’m thankful.

At least a little

I decided last night: I would skip my workout this morning. I would be too rushed for time before I had to be out the door.

But when I woke up early, I thought, “Oh well, I’ll do just a little.” The minimum.

Sometimes that turns into more. Sometimes it stays just a little. But a little is better than nothing. And even a little can be good.

I do the same with Bible memory work. I have a set routine and order in reviewing the older verses and learning the latest. 

But sometimes I think, “I don’t have enough time” or “I just don’t feel like it.”

So I decide to do just a little instead. The minimum.

Sometimes little grows into big. Sometimes not. But a little is still better than nothing. And even a little can be good.

The memory work might turn into simply reading the verses instead. No testing of memory at all. Or I may only review a few, to linger on only one or two, letting those soak.

That’s okay.

Just as the end goal of my physical workouts isn’t to check it off a list (it’s to be healthy), so the end goal of memory work isn’t to check it off a list either — it’s to be spiritually healthy.

Transformed.

It’s not about me perfecting the words.

It’s about the Word perfecting me.

So I keep plugging away at my memory verses and chapters, a little at a time. Progress is sometimes hard to measure, and success, even harder.

But as long as I do at least a little, it keeps the door open for God to do a lot.

My physical workout this morning ended up fine. My memory work today? I haven’t begun yet. I don’t really have time and I don’t really feel like it. But I think I’ll do at least a little . . .

* * *

For more thoughts on memorization of God’s Word, visit with the community at Holy Experience.

My Walks with Him

The right song at the right time (Nov 11 - Thanks)

I’ve had a weepy week so far.

The orange trees, the cooler temps, the crunch of leaves – these are forever tied in my mind to the loss of my second child on a cold November day. So I live with a touch of melancholy at this time of year.

As I was driving alone yesterday to pick up Jenna, another wave flooded over me about Kali’s 16th birthday around the corner. 

Just then, an Aaron Shust song came on the radio, To God Alone.

Can You take me by the hand?
Can You use me as I am?
Break me into who You want me to be
When the time is finally right
Will You open up my eyes and show me everything You want me to see?
This life is not my own

“This life is not my own.” I have to be reminded of that quite often. I don’t control who lives or dies, or who God brings into or out of my life.

But what I can control is this: Will I give him the glory anyway? No matter what?

To God alone be the glory
To God alone be the praise
Everything I say and do
Let it be all for You
The glory is Yours alone
Yours alone

The song was just what I needed. The right song at the right time.

It reminded me of Job’s words. May none of us ever have to endure what Job did! But may we all have his attitude in whatever trials do come our way.

   Then Job arose and tore his robe and shaved his head and fell on the ground and worshiped.
   And he said, "Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked shall I return. The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD."
   In all this Job did not sin or charge God with wrong.
Job 1:20-22

So I join with Job, saying: “Blessed be the name of the LORD.”
And I join with Aaron, saying: “To God alone be the glory.”