Luke 17:11-19 NIV — Now on his way to Jerusalem, Jesus traveled along the border between Samaria and Galilee. As he was going into a village, ten men who had leprosy met him. They stood at a distance and called out in a loud voice, “Jesus, Master, have pity on us!” When he saw them, he said, “Go, show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went, they were cleansed. One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. He threw himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked him—and he was a Samaritan. Jesus asked, “Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? Has no one returned to give praise to God except this foreigner?” Then he said to him, “Rise and go; your faith has made you well.”

This scripture has always intrigued me. I have often pondered why only one leper came back to thank Jesus. Weren’t the others thankful? Why didn’t they show their gratitude? Let’s think about this together. First of all leprosy was such a terrible disease. When someone contracted leprosy they were cast away as an outsider. We do not know any other background information on these men. Who were they before leprosy stole their identity? What was their background? Were they married or did they have children? How long had they been held prisoner by this disease? So many factors occurred before bringing them to this point of healing by Jesus. Was this their first knowledge of Jesus? Imagine being an outcast cut off from your family and community. Imagine the pain, suffering and loneliness that they had endured. Now imagine their moment of healing. Imagine all the thoughts that they may have experienced. Perhaps they were so overjoyed that they ran off to find their friends and family. Perhaps they were so relieved to be able to leave this area that had caused them so much suffering. Whatever the reasons, they failed to thank the One who had given them the healing they had longed to receive. Take time today to examine your response to God’s healing and forgiveness. 

Let’s pray. Dear God, thank You for Your healing and forgiveness. Forgive me for failing to respond with gratitude immediately to Your goodness and mercy. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

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Today is Memorial Day and we remember all who gave their lives fighting for our freedom. Let’s begin our week with a focus on our blessings. May we use a lens of gratitude this week as we face trials or bumps in the road. Let’s never forget that no matter what, God is good!

‭‭James‬ ‭1:16-18‬ ‭NIV — Don’t be deceived, my dear brothers and sisters. Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created.

Luke 17:11-19 NIV — Now on his way to Jerusalem, Jesus traveled along the border between Samaria and Galilee. As he was going into a village, ten men who had leprosy met him. They stood at a distance and called out in a loud voice, “Jesus, Master, have pity on us!” When he saw them, he said, “Go, show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went, they were cleansed. One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. He threw himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked him—and he was a Samaritan. Jesus asked, “Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? Has no one returned to give praise to God except this foreigner?” Then he said to him, “Rise and go; your faith has made you well.”

Psalm 97:11-12 MSG — Light-seeds are planted in the souls of God’s people, Joy-seeds are planted in good heart-soil. So, God’s people, shout praise to God, Give thanks to our Holy God!

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Let’s begin our week focused on gratitude by listening to a few of my favorite songs titled Gratitude by Brandon Lake and Counting My Blessings  by Seph Schlueter.

We realize this week the blog has veered off of our usual format but we hope you have enjoyed hearing from our precious daughters. Perhaps their willingness to step out of their comfort zone has encouraged you to do the same. 

As we end our week together focused on moms, take a moment to read these funny stories in this article from Reader’s Digest titled 22 Funny Mom Stories That Will Make Your Family Feel a Little More Normal.

Today’s writing was done by Julie’s daughter, Kendal. Kendal graduated from Horry-Georgetown Technical College this month with an Associates Degree in Nursing.

I got my faith from my mother. When I was young, she taught me of a man who laid His life down for another. 

He too had a mother. 

Her name was Mary. I can only imagine how scary. To give birth to a child she knew she would one day have to bury. 

I can think of no greater sacrifice – no greater love – than that of a mother who bore a gift from above. 

I can think of no one more worthy – no one more pure – than the heart of the one who gave her all to answer such a holy call. 

So, I thank God – for both the mom who raised me and for the mom who sacrificed her Son to set me free.

Today’s writing was done by Deborah’s daughter, Briley. Briley is finishing her junior year at Georgetown High School.

My mom has taught me a lot. She has taught me how to cook, how to be a good listener, but more importantly how to work hard. I have watched her since I was a little girl working hard as a teacher and now as an instructional coach. I have always looked up to her and continue to do that as my goal after high school is to become a teacher and hopefully be just as good as she is. She has not only shown me that you have to work hard in your job but that you also have to work hard for the Lord. I have very fond memories with my mom at church or when we used to say my prayers together when I was little. She works hard to make sure people know that God loves everyone and will be here for us no matter what by sharing on the blog, doing things with the church, and even in everyday situations you can tell the Lord is working through her. She is someone I aspire to be like when I am older not only in my work place but also in my walk with Jesus. 

In honor of Mother’s Day, Julie and I asked our daughters if they would be willing to share some thoughts that we could share with you. Briley and Kendal are 17 and 20, respectively. We are so honored that they took the time to write for our blog and know you will be blessed by their  willingness to walk on water. 

Before we share their writings, I encourage you to do the same. Take some time to write down your thoughts about your mom, grandmother, or someone who has been a mother figure to you. How has she shown you love and shaped you? How has her influence impacted you? 

Let’s pray. Dear God, thank You for the gift of mothers. Thank You for those who become mother figures. Thank You for those who accepted the job of mothering. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.