....... y elogiamos a Dios de usted diariamente .........

Friendships - just like the people that make them - come in all different sizes, shapes, and styles.  Because of the unique chemistry that forms the elemental constructs of all friendships, quality friendship is not a one-size-fits-all endeavor.  And friendships don't just happen - like any relationship, friendships take time and energy, but the perpetuity of the "blessings outflow" connected with deep and abiding friendship pays exponential dividends to those who dare to engage themselves in such matters of the heart.

As I prepare, in 2011, to mark almost FIVE decades of Earthly existence (two score and nine to be exact), I realize that I have had, over the length of my lifetime, many relationships with different people - as a son to my parents; as a sibling to my brother; as a colleague at the workplace; as a mate to those who went to school with me or those that I met randomly; as a fellow-believer in the community of my church; as a father to my THREE wonderful kids (Lauren, Matthew and Nick) and, as a partner to my beautiful wife Jami.

With these different relationships have come unique lessons about how to sustain each of them.

I have realized that three things apply to all these relationships:
a. Have a strong reason to sustain that relationship.
b. Act on goals to strengthen that relationship.
c. Trust those in the relationship to do the right thing.

But, that's not entirely it either.  The most important element for the sustenance of ANY relationship is a "sold out", "abiding in", "hope for the future" relationship with Jesus Christ.  Our capacity to love anyone on our own is thwarted by our inability to love anyone "larger" than our own hearts.  Loving others, however, through the heart of Jesus Christ magnifies and expands our potential to love others in proportions that race beyond the confines of the entire universe.  It is safe to say that loving THROUGH Christ guarantees that our Earthly relationships will transcend all space and time for the purposes of all eternity.

And just what is it that has friendship so completely in my heart and mind?  The answer to that question lies in the fact that we have just had the opportunity to spend GLORIOUS time with our forever friends - the Louderbacks.  Being with them - after not seeing them for a couple of years - has been so sweet and wonderful.  Because the path that connects our friendship twists and turns through the very heart of God, we have never felt "apart" or "disconnected."  We know - beyond any measure of doubt - that God brought this awesome family into our lives for all the seasons of mortal existence.  Why?  Because He knows the deepest desires of our hearts.  Because our friendship with the Louderbacks was in His heart from the very beginning of ALWAYS.  Thank you, Lord Jesus, for these dear and special friends.  Bless their work as missionaries, and may the truth of your Holy Word spread forth from their mouths and lives until ALL shall know Him.

It won't be long Louderbacks, before we hop on a plane and make our way to the shores of your mission field.  And until that time - and forever more - may God bless and keep you.

Mayo la subida del camino para encontrarle,
Mayo el golpe de viento en su espalda,
Mayo el brillo de sol cariñosamente en su cara,
Mayo la caída de lluvias suavemente en sus campos,
Y hasta que nos encontremos otra vez,
Mayo asimiento de Dios usted en la palma de Su mano.

Selah (סֶלָה )