Peace and love in the name of Jesus Christ to you, God’s beloved children!

I’m home from Arizona and so thankful for the time I spent with my grandmother. I must make a correction—she isn’t 98 as I had shared—she’ll be 99 years old on September 15th! Her mind is still sharp, and her spirit is strong. Though she faces some age-related challenges like arthritis, she remains healthy, happy, and deeply faithful. Like many at her stage of life, she finds herself asking the question Keith has also voiced: “How much longer, Lord?”

It’s a question that speaks to something deep within us—a longing for heaven. As we grow older, many of us begin to miss the promise of eternity and look forward to that day when we shall see God face to face. The apostle Paul expresses this so beautifully in 2 Corinthians 5, where he writes about our earthly lives being like a tent, while in heaven we have a “permanent house, made not by man, but by God.” Paul goes on to say that in “this present frame, we sigh with deep longing for the heavenly house.”

Do you feel that longing too? If you do, I would love to hear your thoughts. Let’s talk about it sometime.

We continue to lift up our beloved members who are unable to attend church in person. The joy and light that we experience when gathered in fellowship is something we should pray God shares with each of them in abundance. I’d also like us to begin thinking about a visitation and card-writing ministry soon. Reaching out to others with love and encouragement can make all the difference.

Love and blessings to all,
Mary

P.S. I just spoke with Joyce Mitchell, and she shared that Dan is not doing well. Please join me in praying for them both. Lord, hear our prayer.