The Alabaster Box

My Bible reading today included the verses in Matthew chapter 26 that talk about the woman with the alabaster box.  When I studied Women in the Bible in 2015 I was surprised to learn that there were two women who anointed Jesus with oil from an alabaster box.  I posted my original thoughts here.

I've spent quite a bit of time thinking about and studying this subject since then.  Last year I taught a lesson to the ladies at New Life Pentecostal in Honolulu about this.  I wanted to share those thoughts here today.

These accounts are recorded in Matthew 26, Mark 14, Luke 7 and John 12.  The story in Luke is quite different from the accounts found in Matthew, Mark, and John. Only in Luke chapter 7 is the woman called a sinner. Her sins, according to Jesus, were many. There are interesting differences and similarities to these stories:

In both cases, Jesus is in the home of one named Simon. In Luke he is called a Pharisee. In Matthew and Mark, he is called "Simon the leper." Simon was a common name - there was Simon Peter, Simon the Cyrenian who carried Jesus' cross, and Judas Iscariot was the son of Simon - so it wouldn't be strange that Jesus visited the homes of two men with that same name.

In Matthew, Mark and John this takes place in Bethany, the city of Mary, Martha and Lazarus. In Luke they are in Nain, which was approximately 60 miles from Bethany.

There are other similarities in the stories as well. In both cases there were those who criticized. “Why was this waste made?” In Luke it was said “This man, if he were a prophet, would have known who and what manner of woman this is that toucheth him: for she is a sinner. “

The beauty in both cases is what Jesus did. Jesus accepted the sacrifice! The sacrifice from the heart of a worshiper. Jesus never rebuked the woman who was a sinner but told the parable of the two debtors, concluding with "Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little.“ He said “Thy sins are forgiven.” He never spoke to the woman in the other accounts but said to those who criticized, “I say unto you, Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached in the whole world, there shall also this, that this woman hath done, be told for a memorial of her.”

Only in John is the woman called Mary. I believe the woman in Matthew, Mark and John was Mary of Bethany, the sister of Martha and Lazarus.  Jesus had been in their home, she sat at His feet and He raised her brother from the dead. The woman in Luke was only known as a woman of the city who was a sinner. This may have been her very first encounter with the Master.

I think this makes the example of the alabaster ointment even more powerful. We all have an alabaster box. It’s our worship, our time, our talent, our finances. We’ve seen a brand new soul walk into a service and be deeply touched as they are in the presence of the Lord for the very first time. And we've watched “seasoned” saints worship beside them.

Just like what happened to those women, there will be those who will criticize and say, “What a waste! Why are you wasting so much time at the church?” Or there will be others who will look at your past and tell you that you aren’t worthy to touch Him.

No matter where we are in our spiritual journey, we always have an alabaster box to pour at His feet. And Jesus will always respond. He will grant forgiveness and healing. He won’t turn away from our worship.  May we have a fresh touch of the wonder of being in His presence. May we kneel at His feet again and pour out our thanks and praise from a thankful heart.

Thanksgiving Week ~ Friday

I say it often, but I always mean it ~ I am SO thankful for my health.  I never want to take it for granted that I can get out of bed with ease each morning, tie on my shoes and go for a run.  I know many who are not that fortunate.  And after yesterday's meal, I really need to go running!!

I'll be back Monday with a full report of our time here in Florida.

Thanksgiving Week ~ Thursday ~ Happy Thanksgiving!!

I am especially thankful for friends and family this year. And if you're reading this post, that means YOU.  There have been so many who text, email, or call to check on me.  I really can't imagine life with you.  With the loss of Dad this year, my immediate family is smaller, but my family has grown.  I've gained a whole new branch on my family tree - my New Life Pentecostal family!

Happy Thanksgiving! I love you!  I hope you're having a wonderful day, that you're with loved ones, enjoying time together and delicious food.

Thanksgiving Week ~ Wednesday

I am thankful for taste buds!  We will be feasting tomorrow and I'm so glad I can tell the difference between turkey, dressing, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie!

Wouldn't it be sad if everything tasted the same?

Thanksgiving Week ~ Tuesday

I want to say how thankful I am for the beautiful world God created!  Man is good at making messes, but when God was finished with His creation He said it was very good.

We've lived across the ocean this year, with some very beautiful scenery.

Moon setting over Diamond Head

Sun rising over Koko Head

Rainbow after a shower

Maui Sunset

North Shore, Oahu

We live in California, a place that has some very beautiful scenery.

Majestic Yosemite

A lonely dirt trail - because I never know what kind of creature will be on the trail with me - rabbits, squirrels, birds, coyotes, deer, bears, and cows!

Las Llajas Canyon

Pacific Ocean from Santa Barbara

We're across the country this week, looking at beautiful scenery.

El Governor Motel, Mexico Beach, Florida

Soft sand and the Gulf of Mexico

God did very good!

Thanksgiving Week ~ Monday

We are on our way to Florida this morning for the annual McElhaney family gathering.  If I include where we were last Thursday (Hawaii), we will be in each U.S. time zone with the exception of Alaska:

Honolulu - HAST
Simi Valley - PST
Phoenix (we have a layover here) - MST
Atlanta (our flight lands here) - EST
Mexico Beach, FL (our final destination) CST

I've scheduled my posts for the week - I have so much in my heart that I'm thankful for! I got these done in advance because we aren't planning on taking a laptop with us.  It's time for family!

Since we are probably on an airplane as you are reading this, I want to give thanks for traveling mercies.  Just this year we have taken nine round trip flights to Hawaii, Les has traveled to Chicago, Atlanta, Washington, DC, New York, and Philadelphia!  I am thankful that each trip has been without incident.  Flights have been long, some with lengthy delays, we're usually exhausted when we land, but we have landed safely each time.

I am also thankful for God's protection when we are on the road - especially when Les is on his bike or I'm running!  I've read plenty of stories about cyclists and runners getting hurt.  Les is never out for a ride without my prayers.

"I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety. " Psalm 4:8

Rejoicing!

Les and I went to see Bro. Gallimore yesterday afternoon before church.  He is doing GREAT!  He's doing so great that he is going home today!  He had brain surgery on Friday, was up and walking on Saturday and was ready to go home on Sunday!  God is great!

Bro. and Sis. Gallimore are two of the sweetest people of God.  They gave all glory to Him and were so thankful for the prayers of the saints during this time.  The doctor felt that he got the entire mass - it was "floating" around and had not attached to the brain.  We are believing God for a full and complete recovery!

Overtaken

Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits
~ Psalm 103:2

I think the year was 1988 or so.  I was about 24 at the time, working as the school secretary at Truth Tabernacle Christian School.  I was doing my best to be faithful and leave my future in God's hands.  But sometimes I got discouraged.

One day I was walking from the school office to the church office.  Elder Morton stopped me and said he wanted to talk.  We slipped into the empty sanctuary.  There we sat and there he gave me a promise.  He told me he saw my faithfulness, he knew there were times I was hurting, but he spoke words to me that looking back now have been fulfilled over and over and over.

Elder Morton said, "Kathy, the blessings of God are going to overtake you."

I don't know what I have ever done to deserve the many blessings that have come my way.  Our current situation isn't the first time I have been overtaken by God's blessings...

In 1989, I met Les McElhaney.  He was THE ONE.  The one that God healed of Muscular Dystrophy when he was a little boy, then moved across the country as a college grad.  We married in 1991.  God's hand and blessing was upon both of us.
In 1996, I started working for Amgen, Inc.  The financial blessings of this job were tremendous.  A salary that was amazing, bonuses, stock options, a stock bonus.  I do not have a college degree.  This was truly the blessings of God.
In 2001, God opened the door for us to buy our current home.  The housing market was just starting to take off.  We sold our town home for a profit and bought our house at below market value.  Six months later we couldn't have afforded it.  God's timing on this blessing was perfect!
In 2003, Les got his first job as a Vice President.  This enabled me to quit my job at Amgen and be at home full time.  This was a long awaited blessing to both of us.
There are many, many more.  Daily blessings of health, food on the table, clothes to wear and vehicles to drive.  We've had some lean times in recent years.  Les has been through three job losses in three years.  Each of those times have been stressful, but we have had every need meet.

And now, I sit in a condo that we are not paying for.  I'm flying across the ocean on someone else's dime.  The one thing about this job that would have made it unacceptable was if Les and I could not be together.  We were not willing to live apart for six months.  God has not only taken care of us, he's overtaken us with His blessings.

I don't want you to think I'm bragging.  I haven't done a thing to deserve this!  But God, He is so good.  Proverbs 10:22 says, "The blessing of the Lord, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it."  I want you to know that tears fill my eyes when I think about that 24 year old who received a promise and how much I have been blessed by the God of heaven.

Deuteronomy 28:1-3 says:

1 And it shall come to pass, if thou shalt hearken diligently unto the voice of the Lord thy God, to observe and to do all his commandments which I command thee this day, that the Lord thy God will set thee on high above all nations of the earth:
2 And all these blessings shall come on thee, and overtake thee, if thou shalt hearken unto the voice of the Lord thy God.
3 Blessed shalt thou be in the city, and blessed shalt thou be in the field.

This chapter goes on to list many, many ways the blessings of God are promised.  But in verse 15, the tone changes:

15 But it shall come to pass, if thou wilt not hearken unto the voice of the Lord thy God, to observe to do all his commandments and his statutes which I command thee this day; that all these curses shall come upon thee, and overtake thee:
16 Cursed shalt thou be in the city, and cursed shalt thou be in the field.

This chapter has 68 verses -  14 are dedicated to blessings, while the other 54 focus on curses!  I had never realized that.  So while I am overwhelmed by blessings, I am equally thankful that I have not been overtaken by curses.  The curses of the unfaithful far outnumber the blessings of the faithful.

I don't know why there are those who live righteously and still have a life of pain.  I don't understand why Rod was born with hemophilia and was taken from us too soon.  I don't know why Mom was stricken with cancer when she was my age.  While I don't understand and I'm certainly undeserving, I never, ever, want to be unthankful!  So this post is simply to take the time to say, "Thank You, Lord."

Take A Little Time


Chorus 1
Thank You, Lord
I just want to thank You, I just want to thank You
Thank You, Lord
I just want to thank You, I just want to thank You

Verse 1
There were ten men in the Bible days
They had been sick for so very long
But one day Jesus passed their way
And when He spoke, their disease was healed that day
But they all went on their merry, merry way
And only one returned and said
I've got something, something I'd like to say

Chorus 2
He said, I just want, I just want to take a little time right now
And thank the Lord for all He's done for me
I just want, I just want to take a little time right now
And thank the Lord for all He's done for me

Verse 2
What the Lord means to you maybe I can't see
But this one thing I know the Man is everything to me, yes He is
I remember the time when a job for me was so hard to find
Still the Lord made a way for me just in the nick of time
I remember when I was sick and my doctor said I wouldn't get well
But the Lord touched my body and right now I'm able to tell

Chorus 2
That's why I say, I just want, I just want to take a little time right now
And thank the Lord for all He's done for me
I just want, I just want to take a little time right now
And thank the Lord for all He's done for me


Verse 3
Lord, I don't want to be guilty of being like the nine
That went on their way without thanking You
But I want to be like the one who returned
I can see him now as he pressed he way through the crowd
With tears of joy in his eyes, and he began to say, Thank You, Lord!
Oh Thank You, Lord!  Thank You, Lord!  Thank You, Thank You, Lord!


~Words and Music by Andrae Crouch

A Heart of Thanks

I was in the grocery store on Monday. The "Seasonal" aisle was in transition ~ going from Halloween candy and decorations to Christmas. I know it's this way every year, but I can't help but wonder ~ what happened to Thanksgiving?

Not the greatness of our troubles, but the littleness of our spirit,
makes us complain.
~ Mom's Bible (found written in both the front and back covers)

This quote was recorded in the Bible of a woman in her 50s who had been through troubles in her life. Let me give you a glimpse of the young woman she was...

Christmas, 1964. She would turn 25 one week later. She had four children under the age of six. Her third child was diagnosed with a disease she'd never heard of and didn't understand. In my baby book she recorded the following:

Kathy's first Christmas was marred by Rodney being in the hospital. She got lots of gifts...

Kathy spent the day with Irene Wilkinson. We had planned a beautiful Christmas - spending the day at home with the children. Of course, our plans were shattered by Rodney's sudden attack. Kim and Rickey spent Christmas with Grandpa Hogan and Grandma Luella. We spent the day running back and forth between the hospital and home. We've got a lot to be thankful for anyway.

Gives new meaning to "Not the greatness of our troubles, but the littleness of our spirit, makes us complain," doesn't it? Many times in her life, Mom had great troubles, but not a small spirit. Rod spent his second Christmas in the hospital, while I was with a dear family friend, but... We've got a lot to be thankful for anyway.

What a beautiful spirit of thanks! I don't want to just be thankful in November, but I want a heart of thanks, no matter the season.

Gratitude is a seasoning for all seasons.
~ Mom's Bible

Thankful

I'm taking a break from my excursion reports to give thanks to God for His protection on Les today.

Les left early this morning for his usual Saturday bike ride. He went with his friend, Steve. He called about 10 minutes ago to tell me he was on his way home. He then uttered these words:

"I had a little accident."

Those words caused my heart to skip a beat, then drop to my stomach.

Les was going down a mountain road at about 30 MPH. When he came around a curve, there was a young deer in the road. In the split second he had, he moved one way and the deer did the same. Les corrected and the deer did the same. Collision.

Les said it all happened very quickly, but he probably did an "endo." That's cyclists speak for end over end. He says nothing is broken, but he has road rash. He said the deer got up slowly and was able to walk away. Hopefully it was only shaken. His bike is tweaked and it took a while to ride back to the car. He'll be home soon so I can give him some TLC.

At least no paramedics or helicopters were needed this time. I see more gray hair coming my way...

8:30 p.m. update: Les has been home awhile now. He's cleaned up and did not need too many bandages - both elbows seemed to have taken the brunt of his fall. It really could have been a lot worse.

Overtaken By Blessings

After yesterday's post, I couldn't stop thinking about how blessed I am. God has been SO good to me! I feel so unworthy of His goodness. Yes, I've walked through dark times, but God has always been with me.

I remember a time when I was single. I was trying to keep my chin up, but I wasn't sure where my life was headed. Elder Morton talked to me. I'll never forget his words of encouragement that ended with "the blessings of God are going to overtake you." All of that has come to pass.

Pastor White's Bible study last night was about Christian money management. He read Malachi chapter 3, verses 8 through 12. I am a recipient of God's promise to open the windows of heaven. He is faithful!

With all those thoughts floating through my mind, I read Bro. Ballestero's post "Out of Context, But Still the Truth." He used part of Psalm 91:6 "the destruction that wasteth at noonday." He compared noonday with midlife and the destruction to that of a midlife crisis. I'd like to take the verse of our context as well and compare noonday to times of blessings.

We've all seen people who turn to God in times of crisis. During the darkness of trials they cry out to Him. The loss of a loved one. Financial distress. The destruction of a marriage. When their life is at its bleakest, they turn to God. Of course, God is loving and reaches down to them at that time.

In Luke chapter 12 Jesus gives us a warning about a man who is living at noonday:

15 And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.
16 And he spake a parable unto them, saying, The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully:
17 And he thought within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits?
18 And he said, This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods.
19 And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry.
20 But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?
21 So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.

While I am basking in God's noonday blessings, I never want to forget that those blessings come from Him. I cannot be at ease in His kingdom. I've got to keep giving back of my time and finances. He has been faithful. I owe a debt I cannot pay. Calvary was enough, but He has done so much more. So I just want to say to God be the Glory!

How can I say thanks for the things You have done for me?
Things so undeserved yet You gave to prove Your love for me
The voices of a million angels could not express my gratitude
All that I am, and ever hope to be I owe it all to Thee

To God be the glory, to God be the glory
To God be the glory for the things He has done
With His blood he has saved me
With His power he has raised me
To God be the glory for the things He has done!

Just let me live my life and let it be pleasing Lord to Thee
And if I gain any praise, let it go to Calvary
With His blood he has saved me
With His power he has raised me
To God be the glory for the things He has done!

~Andrae Crouch

He IS Risen!!!

We sing about Christmas being the "Most Wonderful Time of the Year" and Disneyland claims to be the "Happiest Place on Earth." But NOTHING compares to Resurrection Day! Yes, on Christmas a special baby was born, but if He had just lived and died, our lives would be the same. Oh, but He lived, He died, and He Arose!!! Can you imagine the joy at the tomb that morning?


Matthew 28

5 And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified.
6 He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.
7 And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead; and, behold, he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him: lo, I have told you.
8 And they departed quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great joy; and did run to bring his disciples word.

Rejoice today!

Learning to Listen

Our revival has been so good! Bro. Ballew has preached right to us and God is moving in a great way. We had a beautiful touch of the Holy Ghost last night. People just lingered in His presence. So beautiful.

It seems Bro. Ballew has been on a theme (or maybe God has a theme for us?) He has been preaching about making our minds up to live for God. Over and over, he has said you can make it to heaven if your mind is made up.

Saturday night he talked about choices that can destroy us. One of the examples he gave was of a young lady who would not listen when her pastor warned her about a young man she was dating. She was "in love" so how could her pastor know anything? Against his counsel, she married this man. One month later, her husband left her. Tragedy that could have been avoided!

I couldn't help but recall times in my life when I was in a similar situation. Single, in my 20s, hoping to find "the one." More than once my pastor, Elder Morton, said "No." Sitting there in service Saturday night, I was SO thankful that I listened! It wasn't easy. I hurt for a time, but I had temporary heartache not a lifetime of regret. I had temporary pain instead of deep scars.

I am so thankful! So thankful for a man of God who loved me enough to give godly counsel, even when it hurt. And I'm so glad I listened!

30 Days of Thanks - Day #30

It's been an awesome month! I'm going to finish it the way I started it - by giving thanks to God!

We are less than a month from the day we celebrate the birth of our Savior - what an amazing thing that He did! Wrapped in human flesh. A tiny baby. To save His people from their sins. I never want to forget. I never want to be unthankful for the greatest gift of all.

Down from His glory,
Ever living story,
My God and Savior came,
And Jesus was His Name.
Born in a manger,
To His own a stranger,
A Man of sorrows, tears and agony.

What condescension,
Bringing us redemption;
That in the dead of night,
Not one faint hope in sight,
God, gracious, tender,
Laid aside His splendor,
Stooping to woo, to win, to save my soul

Without reluctance,
Flesh and blood His substance,
He took the form of man,
Revealed the hidden plan,
O glorious mystery
Sacrifice of Calvary,
And now I know Thou art the great I AM!

O how I love Him! How I adore Him!
My breath, my sunshine, my all in all.
The great Creator became my Savior,
And all God's fullness dwelleth in Him.

30 Days of Thanks - Day #28

I am thankful for God's hand on us as we travel.


We have spent a lot of time on the road and in the air this month. Les traveled from Burbank to Des Moines, via Phoenix. He then traveled from Des Moines to Fresno, via Phoenix. He also traveled from LAX to Dallas via El Paso and through Kansas City coming home. We made trips to Fresno, Santa Barbara and Carmel. We make numerous trips to Burbank every week. With all the traffic in Los Angeles, we see accidents every week. I am thankful I have not been part of them!

30 Days of Thanks - Day #27

I am thankful for God's provision!

Psalm 37:25 "I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread."

I'm sure most of us enjoyed a plenteous meal on Thursday. Maybe you got up this morning, looked at all the leftovers in the frig and said, "We're ordering pizza tonight!" But you probably won't go hungry.

There has never been a single time in my life that I have gone without food. Sure, I turned my nose up at some of Mom's offerings, but food was always on the table. I don't know what it's like to go to bed wondering if there will be something to eat tomorrow or the next day.

I've always had a bed to sleep in, clothes to wear, shoes for my feet. As I got older, I've had reliable cars and a wonderful home. I am blessed!

30 Days of Thanks - Day #26 - Friday Foodie

I'm thankful for Pumpkin Pie! Especially Pumpkin Pie made by Les!

While we were in revival earlier this month we had a contest. Men vs. Women. Whoever brought the most visitors would receive pumpkin pies made by the losers. The ladies brought 31 visitors and the men brought 18. Yeah for the Ladies! Double yeah that we had 49 visitors in just two weeks time!

Les made Double Layer Pumpkin Pie. He made this recipe many years ago, but it had been a while! I couldn't stay out of the kitchen, but I did NOT do any of the work (except clean up!) Les made one for the contest and one to take with us. He's awesome!

Double Layer Pumpkin Pie

4 oz. Cream Cheese, softened

1 Tbsp. milk

1 Tbsp. sugar

1 1/2 cups COOL WHIP Whipped Topping, thawed

1 Graham Pie Crust (6 oz.)

1 can (15 oz.) pumpkin

1 cup milk
2 pkg. (3.4 oz. each) JELL-O Vanilla Flavor Instant Pudding

1 tsp. ground cinnamon

1/2 tsp. ground gi

nger 1/4 tsp. ground cloves


BEAT cream cheese, 1 Tbsp. milk and sugar in large bowl with whisk until blended. Stir in COOL WHIP.


Spread into crust.

WHISK remaining milk, pumpkin, dry pudding mixes and spices. Mixture will be thick. (You may work up a sweat and need to remove your sweatshirt...)

Spread over cream cheese layer.

REFRIGERATE 4 hours or until firm.

Nutritional info: It's Pumpkin Pie! Just enjoy it!!!

P.S. I'm also thankful that I did NOT get up to fight the Black Friday crowds today! NOT my Thing At ALL!!

30 Days of Thanks - Day #25

I am thankful for my Family!

Family life is full of major and minor crises - the ups and downs of health, success and failure in career, marriage, and divorce -- and all kinds of characters. It is tied to places and events and histories. With all of these felt details, life etches itself into memory and personality. It's difficult to imagine anything more nourishing to the soul.
- Thomas Moore

We will gather at my Aunt Suzie's house in Visalia today. Dad's side of the family. It won't be the same, Grandma Ruby's place will be empty. But we will laugh, reminisce, talk over each other and eat more than any of us should. Many of Les' extended family will be gathering in Florida doing the same thing! I'm so thankful for each one.

"Our most basic instinct is not for survival but for family. Most of us would give our own life for the survival of a family member, yet we lead our daily life too often as if we take our family for granted."
- Paul Pearshall

Happy Thanksgiving to each of you! I pray you enjoy time with family and friends. Eat a bunch and enjoy every minute!

Pilgrims

Of all the quotes I read about Thanksgiving, I found this one the most powerful:

The Pilgrims made seven times more graves than huts.
No Americans have been more impoverished than these
who, nevertheless, set aside a day of Thanksgiving.
~H.U. Westermayer

30 Days of Thanks - Day #24

I am thankful for my "Fellow Travelers on this Spiritual Journey."

That was the title of Pastor White's message Sunday night. It was excellent. (Pastor White doesn't preach duds in case you've ever wondered.) He talked about the people we travel through life with. How important it is to stay together. He also talked about animals that travel in herds and the importance of moving as one. Predators always seek out the animal that is not moving with the herd.

At the end of service, we didn't have an altar call. Pastor White encouraged us to spend time telling our fellow travelers what they mean to us, how they have helped us. Most of the time when we have those kinds of services I am on the platform playing or singing. Pastor White asked that only Sis. White go to the organ and it was refreshing for me to be able to participate. I appreciate my church family!

My fellow travelers don't stop in Burbank. I have dear friends in Fresno that I am extremely thankful for. I will only name one. She has known me longer than anyone except my own family. Sis. Irene Wilkinson has always been part of my life. I spent my first Christmas with her family because Rod was in the hospital. I saw her a couple of months ago and she never changes! I love her so much!

Sunday school teachers, youth leaders, Christian school teachers, church members, co-workers on the church staff, pastors and pastors' wives, fellow bloggers - all fellow travelers who have helped me along the way. People spread far and wide, across the country and around the world. We're all going somewhere together and it's great to be part of this family of God! I'm thankful for them (you) all!