More words of encouragement, for those in the trenches

Andy sent more words and verses for me today. He is on his way home. We always have a hard day right in the middle of the week when he is gone. But by God's grace, we faired well. And Andy had a nice trip too, I think. He was doing a mammal and bird survey outdoors all week in perfect, fall weather. He is such a giftest biologist. Even though I give him grief sometimes over his nerdiness, I love that he knows so much about God's creation. He has a gift for remembering both the common and scientific names of plants and animals. It is really phenomenal and such a rare thing these days. I know he was enjoying the time away from the office, and I am glad for him.

I Corinthians 16:24

"Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain."

Galatians 4:6-7

"And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, "Abba, Father!". So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God."

Galatians 6:9

"And let us not grow weary of doing good. For in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith."

Ephesians 3:14

"For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being. So that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith-that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have the strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fulness of God."

And here are Andy's words to me, that can be a charge to you, too. "Keep fighting the good fight. Your work and labor are not in vain. You are storing treasures in heaven, that on that day when we return to glory, you will have much to throw at Jesus' feet! These children of ours are gifts from God, and He has entrusted them to you. You are doing well, even excellent, with this responsibility. Thank you for persevering and working so hard. Thank you for managing our home so well and remaining faithful to all of us."