Bracelet of Friendship

Things are very busy for my family and I right now. We are busy with preparations for many things and I'm trying hard to focus my attention firmly on them, yet approach it with a healthy heart, instead of a sub-standard one. Thought I would drop a quick note to say, "No, I haven't fall off the end of the earth...I'm still kicking around, just really busy preparing to do God's work in a variety of ways and most importantly, trying to be on my A game in my most important life ministry - wife, mom and all those other roles.

Our major focus of attention is planning for our trip in August. This would be a tidbit of information about what we are embarking on:

"We will be part of a missions team, which will travel to Sri Lanka during the month of August. We’ve been called to minister in a variety of ways on this trip. Part of our team will be providing leadership and teaching for a Young Adults’ camp, as well as teaching and relationship building at a Family Camp. Mr. Cinder, I and other team members will be ministering to the children Family Camp. We will also have the opportunity to visit many of the Sri Lankan churches, partake in worship services with them and have the chance to experience the people and their country."

The picture above is what I call my "Bracelet of Friendship". All of our church's small group leaders have began to wear a bracelet, so as we go out into the summer and even during the ministry year, we'll remember each of those people and be lifting each other up in prayer. For me, especially the last few weeks, as we've been travelling on the weekends and will continue to throughout the summer, it serves as a reminder to pray for all the families of our church. It reminds me of the blessings God has bestowed upon me and my family through this fellowship and the clear devotion and responsibility we have to walk alongside each other, unified in friendship and love. It's a biblical command, one which I was reminded of earlier this week, as a friend read a scripture passage during a time of prayer.

I know this post has went in all directions...sorry, but right now my mind is functioning that way. I guess that's the bottom line of this post...my mind is focused ministry-wise right now and so even though I might not be around the blogging world much in the next while, I do think of my blogging friends often...you too are part of my "Bracelet of Friendship". Pretty soon my "Bracelet of Friendship" will include some friends who live around the other side of the world and that truly exciting and very humbling all in the same sense.

Remember to allow God to increase your "Bracelet of Friendship". As the summer begins, continue to remember our biblical responsibility to walk alongside each other in unity, friendship and love and lift your church family up, even though you might be absent from your fellowship's meeting place, due to vaction and all that the summer might hold for you.

Blessings to you all...may you be blanketed with God's love, peace and protection!

Ephesians 4:2-8(NIV)
Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to one hope when you were called— one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it. This is why it says: "When he ascended on high, he led captives in his train and gave gifts to men."

Dear God...

Friendship

Friendship is something to cherish,

A bond between people which means more than any contract.

Signifying a relationship forever,

Meaning that you’ll have a shoulder to cry on always.

The caring which freely comes out,

Always there through good and bad.

Someone to talk to,

About things throughout your life.

My friends both old and new, are and have been on my mind the last few days. Things are really hectic in our household...one of those times where you're trying so hard to have your act together and keep things in a organized-chaos at least, but it seems to be in vain. I can't really say what's driving the feelings I'm having right now. I'm extremely tired and trying so hard to have a clear-mind and strong discernment, but things seem so foggy and muddled.

I'm working through my head and with God about whether or not this dream of school is just that...a dream or something He truly wants to be a reality at some point. Trying hard to figure out what I need to be looking for in finding a 'mentor' or 'spiritual coach'...that's really hard, as for me I don't want to bring another responsibility to someone's plate. What do you even look for when looking for this? For the most part in my life, I think I've just happened upon a 'mentor' or 'spiritual coach' based merely on where I was serving ministry-wise.

There's uncertainty in a major area of our lives right now...we didn't ask for it, but it's there, right in the midst of trying to prepare for a missions trip, Family Camp and just life in general. I know that He is my way, my truth and my light and He's the way, the truth and the light. I just want to be able to live life and experience it to the fullest, be able to plant my feet firmly on the ground and know that my surroundings are going to be the ones I see for a long, long time. I know that sounds selfish and lacking in faith, but it's where I am at this point in time. I'm making some new and amazing friends...I'm enjoying getting to know them and their families and I want to continue to do so.


Dear God,

I love you more then words can ever truly express. Blanket our house with clarity, discernment, your peace, love and protection...blankets all those who touch or have touched our lives with your peace, love and protection. Help me to keep my eyes fixed on you and no matter what the circumstances, continue to follow you, knowing Your will is better than mine will ever be.

The Rose

So this is my first post actually posting a picture...I've been really busy the last while and was merely concerned with writing my reflections and things out. I wasn't too worried about whether or not I had pictures, but I decided that I should smarten up my act!

These are a beautiful bouquet I received from an amazing group of people...these were an unexpected surprise. It's amazing the opportunities God provides and the people He places along this path of life.

As I look at this picture, I'm reminded of a very beautiful song. It compares love to a rose. The song reminds me of the love I have for Mr. Cinder...we are a little over a week away from a big milestone in our marriage. Time flies by so fast and so much has happened in that time. We've both grown...closer to God, closer together, as parents...so much has happened! It's truly been amazing and I know whatever lies ahead will be as well!


The Rose
by Bette Midler
Some say love, it is a river
that drowns the tender reed.
Some say love, it is a razor
that leaves your soul to bleed.
Some say love, it is a hunger,
an endless aching need.
I say love, it is a flower,
and you its only seed.

It's the heart afraid of breaking
that never learns to dance.
It's the dream afraid of waking
that never takes the chance.
It's the one who won't be taken,
who cannot seem to give,
and the soul afraid of dyin'
that never learns to live.

When the night has been too lonely
and the road has been too long,
and you think that love is only
for the lucky and the strong,
just remember in the winter
far beneath the bitter snows
lies the seed that with the sun's love
in the spring becomes the rose.

Speaks in the Most Interesting Ways

I find it really interesting that certain times God prompts me or 'speaks' to me in very interesting ways. People who are close to me know that this month has been a really hard month, in terms of being busy, somewhat stressful and very exhausting. There have been a lot of projects and a huge push to finish up school with the kids. Being it was my first year doing this teaching gig, there was also a huge bar which I had placed for myself and that placed a huge amount of pressure on myself. I struggled to not worry about whether or not I had done enough in my school year and if my kids would be 'alright' for going into the next material in the fall.

Well, anyways, yesterday was the 'big day'...I had to take all my kids' work samples and my year-end summations for them down to the school board and meet with the homeschool rep. He's an extremely nice guy and puts you completely at ease right away...he's there to help you out in anyway and has this knack of having you leave knowing things will be just fine. The way God turned my eyes in this situation was that I was given some teaching materials to look at for the fall, for a couple classes...it would be a way of saving some money in ordering materials. When I got them home and looked at them closely, I realized something really interesting. It's materials for Little Mister's next grade level, but probably 3/4 of it, he learned this year through the curriculum we taught.

This little experience taught me something important...that I did the best I could do and as the rep said to a comment I made about being concerned about whether or not I had taught enough to the kids throughout the year...he always thought it was a good thing as a teacher to have that attitude, as it shows you care about the students you are teaching and want the best for them, whether you are teaching them at home or are teaching kids in the school system. So I would have to say that this morning as I sit, a huge weight has been lifted off my shoulders and I'm taking a few days to have some well needed down time. The other important thing I've learned...I really need to keep myself in check and make sure that I'm not putting those invisible bars up all the time or at least if they do go up, don't put them at an insane level of reachability.

Last night as Mr. Cinder was reading stories to the boys, I got their devotion ready. They received a little devotion book with 366 devotions, one for each day of the year, including a leap year day...it's called What Would Jesus Do? 366 devotions in the footsteps of Jesus by Jan De Wet. The devotion for yesterday was entitled, "Sun-Scorched and Dry" and the scripture given came from one of my favorite books, Isaiah..."The LORD will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land..." (Isaiah 58:11). It talked about how travel in Israel during the bible times was hard, as many parts were barren, like a desert and also very hot. It then turned to talk about how our lives can sometimes go through parts of it which feel exactly like a dry barren desert. The devotion ended with these words..."Even if you feel a bit down today, know that the Lord will take care of you and lead the way. Just trust him." and the scripture..."Father, if you are willing...not my will, but yours be done." (Luke 22:42).

What really hit home with me was that I do know this, but sometimes those monkeys on our back get in our face and it makes it hard to see things and to hear the truth loud enough, as those monkeys sometimes tend to 'smother' us! The other fact was that the last few sermons at church have been on this topic of "not my will, but yours be done" and "less of me, more of you". So, along with everything going on this month, I've also been reflecting a lot on things and what I might need to change and how I can be more aligned with God. I guess I just found it interesting that God does speak in very interesting and unexpected ways sometimes. He doesn't have a few avenues, He has unlimited ones!

I won't be posting as regular in the next little bit, as I'm taking some time to rest. We're going away for a few days in order to ensure that I do rest, as then a lot of day-to-day responsibilities will be gone for a few days. Then, once refreshed and re-energized, I will be concentrating on some ministry projects and most importantly, my eyes will be set to God's direction for our missions trip in August, in terms of what He wants to be taught and how we'll be able to accomplish that most effectively. I'll still be reading and commenting regularly and will be back posting more regularly in a week or so. Blessings to y'all!

Tired & Preparing for a 12 Hour Walk

I don't know about y'all, but right now things here are just swamped! I know it's the time of the year...for me doing final wrap-ups and evaluations for school, the last month or so, prayerfully considering for sure what school would look like in the fall curriculum-wise and in general, summer plans and also all that comes with preparing to go missional.

It's one of those times when I'm admitting that I'm really, really tired and I need to rest...in preparation for the Cancer Relay for Life tomorrow. So here's to hoping it's dry and warm as we walk throughout the night, but regardless, it will be a blast and is for an awesome cause. I'm walking this one for so many reasons...for all the people I've lost to this wretched disease...for a very special new friend I've made this year, but have known about and prayed for throughout her entire battle with this disease. She is continuing to fight it with a huge foundation of faith, strength and endurance. Christ's love shines through her in such an amazing way and she's a true inspiration. I'm walking for two other cancer survivors...they are both inspirations as well...one's also a new friend and the other survivor is someone who's one huge reason for why I am who I am. My mom's a 5 year cancer surivor this fall. I will never forget getting the call saying my mom had cancer and I will never forget the call telling me that she was officially cancer-free! She lives her life with a strength and endurance that I wish I had. Words cannot adequately describe the inspiration she is to me on a daily basis...with all she's beat and with all she continues to battle throughout this life. She is a woman who can continue to leave me speechless and in the same sense, completely breakdown in a heap of tears...a blessing beyond description.

This is my hope for all who read this blog...remember that no matter what, He's always there, every single second and His arms are securely around you. All things are possible with Him...I'll be back with my on-line reflections at some point next week. The next post brewing is on mentorship/spiritual coaches and it's still formulating. Blessings, prayers and love to y'all!!

My prayer for you is that you will feel the comforting arms of God around you, giving you hope for the future. God can take your trouble and change it into a treasure. Your sorrow can be exchanced for joy, not just momentary smiles, but a deep, new joy.

Barbara Johnson

My Way, My Truth, My Light

Jude 2-3; 20:25 (The Message)
Relax, everything's going to be all right; rest, everything's coming together; open your hearts, love is on the way!

I have to write insisting—begging!—that you fight with everything you have in you for this faith entrusted to us as a gift to guard and cherish.

But you, dear friends, carefully build yourselves up in this most holy faith by praying in the Holy Spirit, staying right at the center of God's love, keeping your arms open and outstretched, ready for the mercy of our Master, Jesus Christ. This is the unending life, the real life!

Go easy on those who hesitate in the faith. Go after those who take the wrong way. Be tender with sinners, but not soft on sin. The sin itself stinks to high heaven.

And now to him who can keep you on your feet, standing tall in his bright presence, fresh and celebrating—to our one God, our only Savior, through Jesus Christ, our Master, be glory, majesty, strength, and rule before all time, and now, and to the end of all time. Yes.


Right in the midst of a huge time of reflection, I came upon these verses in Jude. I don't know why I go through times which I reflect in a huge way, but I do...it's how I'm made! I come out of these times with a lot of clarity and stronger than what I went in.

These verses spoke to me in terms of telling me what I already know. Things have been so busy and going in all directions. I was kind of taken off guard today, as I talked with someone, and they said that they were worried about me. I told them things will be okay and even though they seem out-of-control busy, that things will slow down. I guess it's because of the busyness that I've been reflecting so much...making sure that things are all in God's plans and that I'm not putting extra stuff on my plate, which He doesn't want there. I've learned the hard way throughout the years that you don't hurt anyone but yourself by piling your plate to overflowing...and you also take away opportunities for others, as those jobs you pile on, very well might have been intended as an opportunity for someone else to be able to serve.

The other thing I've figured out throughout the last little while, is that no matter what comes down my path, where life takes me, that my faith is the foundation of everything...my eyes need to be set on Him no matter what happens. My faith is the cornerstone of my life and it's definitely worth fighting for and cherishing as the truest blessing which it is. Sometimes when those waves come, and they definitely come in the weirdest of forms sometimes, I know my eyes may momentarily slip away at times, but it's that cornerstone which brings them back and helps to glue them stronger than ever.

I was listening to a song today and it tied in with the verses from Jude. This song speaks about what my faith is and who God is in my life. I know there may be times when you read my blog and wonder where my faith really is or how strong my belief in Christ is, but believe it's strong. I couldn't imagine my life without the reassurance and peace of knowing He's there no matter what and I can call out to Him, fall on my knees in worship and love to Him and He'll be there. He brings people around me when I need their support, love, encouragement, etc. and in the same way, when I can be that to someone else, He brings me to them in a variety of ways. This song tells of the God I serve and love...I know my faith will only get stronger from here and that things can never get to a point where I'd even think of abandoning it. He's my way, my truth, my light and the greatest roadmap that a person could ever have!


A Place Called Grace
Phillips, Craig and Dean, Restoration
So many years I heard it told
The story of compassion
A prodigal son who left the fold
And found no satisfaction
On my knees, Lord, I cried out to You
“I’m so alone
But if there’s room in Your house for one more
I’m ready to come back home?

I know there is a place
Where arms of compassion welcome me home
Sweet mercy falls like rain
I know there’s a place called grace

So many days I’ve trusted grace
Yet I have to wonder
How many times my human strength
Has kept me from surrender
The more I learn just to lean on the cross
The more I see
When I fall, I will fall to the place
Where mercy reaches me

If it seems that my courage is strong
There’s just one reason
He’s my rock when my faith is all gone
He holds me in His arms
Gives me strength to carry on

Thoughts on Life

I received this message by email last week and it spoke a lot of truth. It's been a month of real reflection for me and really truly looking to where I need to be in this walk of life. I've been reflecting on what God's calling me to do and how I can best live my life with grace, patience, love and integrity. I'm finding that there are definitely times when this isn't an easy task, but it's a necessary one, in order to shine God's love in the purest form I can!

In April, of last year, Maya Angelou was interviewed by Oprah on her 74th birthday. Oprah asked her what she thought of growing older. And, there on television, she said it was "exciting."

Maya Angelou said this:

"I've learned that no matter what happens, or how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow."

"I've learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way he/she handles these three things: a rainy day, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights."

"I've learned that regardless of your relationship with your parents, you'll miss them when they're gone from your life."

"I've learned that making a "living" is not the same thing as "making a life."

"I've learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance."

"I've learned that you shouldn't go through life with a catcher's mitt on both hands; you need to be able to throw some things back."

"I've learned that whenever I decide something with an open heart, I usually make the right decision."

"I've learned that even when I have pains, I don't have to be one."

"I've learned that every day you should reach out and touch someone. People love a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back."

"I've learned that I still have a lot to learn."

"I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel."

1 John 4:16 (NIRV)

So we know that God loves us. We depend on it. God is love. Anyone who leads a life of love shows that he is joined to God. And God is joined to him.

I've Been Tagged

I've been tagged by Audrey, Corry, Kc, PJ, Ryan and a whole lot of other tags which I've read ;D, so here's my attempt:

I AM: a Christ-follower and all the many roles that entails...wife, mother, daughter, sister, friend, teacher-mom and so much more.

I SAID: I was housekeeping deficient and that still seems to be the case today.

I WANT: all my family to know Christ's love and the joy of Him walking alongside them.

I WISH: to be a more patient person.

I MISS: my grandparents who've passed away and my friends who are spread across the miles.

I HEAR: loving words of praise, encouragement, strength and love from my husband daily. I hear love, joy, giggles/laughter, jokes and just the simple love of life from my kids.

I WONDER: whether I do enough as a parent and in what ways I can work to be better.

I REGRET: what I put my parents through in my teenage years as I learned the hard lessons of life.

I AM NOT: perfect in any sense of the word...so very far from it.

I DANCE: to the Newsboys, Swirling Eddies and 50's music in the comforts of my basement, with my kids and hubby.

I SING: for enjoyment, fun and worship to God.

I CRY: when I'm sad, lonely, frustrated or overwhelmed and during valleys, for no particular reason, except for the fact of it being very therapeutic.

I AM NOT ALWAYS: happy and joyful like I feel I should be. There are those valleys which bring me to a point which is very much the opposite.

I MAKE WITH MY HANDS: what God allows me to...whether that be pulling my husband and children close to engulf them with huge lovable hugs, music on my piano or guitar, pictures which I draw, photographs which I take or whatever labor of love which might come my way.

I WRITE: through poetry and song...I write out my prayers, my deepest reflections, desires and a lot of times, the things I can't formulate adequately enough with spoken words.

I CONFUSE: people's perceptions of what they think I should be with who God really wants me to be.

I NEED: to learn to say 'no' to some things as easily as I tend to say 'yes'.

I SHOULD: learn to let my guard down and let people in my life easier and sooner than I sometimes do.

I START: things with passion and sometimes a strong quick-start, rigidly focused mindset.

I FINISH: what I've started, because I don't like to quit and once I've committed to do something, I complete it.

I LOVE: God, my husband, my kids, my family and my friends...and I love living life with God in the driver's seat, leading us exactly down the path He wants us to go.

I TAG: no one, but feel free to do this. I sure would be interested :-)

Ephesians 3:14-15 (NIRV)

I bow in prayer to the Father because of my work among you. From the Father his whole family in heaven and on earth gets its name.

I pray that he will use his glorious riches to make you strong. May his Holy Spirit give you his power deep down inside you. Then Christ will live in your hearts because you believe in him. And I pray that your love will have deep roots. I pray that it will have a strong foundation.

May you have power with all God's people to understand Christ's love. May you know how wide and long and high and deep it is. And may you know his love, even though it can't be known completely. Then you will be filled with everything God has for you.

God is able to do far more than we could ever ask for or imagine. He does everything by his power that is working in us. Give him glory in the church and in Christ Jesus. Give him glory through all time and for ever and ever. Amen.

Breaking Down the Prison Wall

It's interesting how God makes us all so vastly different, yet we're able to live together on this big, huge world and we end up connecting and forging acquaintances, friendships and relationships along the way. Those who know me, know that I'm a person who drinks things in and then really reflects on them. I've always been a thinker and have to say that I don't feel it's always the best trait to have, especially combined with my introverted mindset. But, in the same sense, there are times when it truly brings me to my knees, and causes me to make the hard changes when God calls me on them, and that is a really good thing.

Lately, I've had pieces of comments and posts stick in my head...three in particular the last couple of days. I know why they stuck...they went hand-in-hand with what my reflections have been in the last couple of months. I've been doing a lot of thinking about continuing to work to connect relationally with those around me and also thinking a lot on God's current calling and pondering what the future will hold in terms of His direction.

"If God tells you to do something you shouldn't have to think about it you should just do it. That's part of submission. When He tells you something keep it in your heart. So it can be part of you." (~PJ)

I read this quote from PJ while reading the beginning of a discussion on submission. This quote impacted me deeply...I've been reflecting on why I've been having such a "battle" of sorts in terms of putting myself out there to meet people relationally and to also grow those fledgling friendships/relationships, instead of simply keeping a lot of them at a surface level. This quote told me point blank, that God called me to move and He also has called me to live life to the fullest degree each and everyday. I gave Him control of my life and have stepped out in faith to follow His leading more than once and know that if He leads us to pick up and continue the journey elsewhere, that we would, because we truly believe and know that when He is firmly planted in the driver's seat, that our lives go down the exact path they're supposed to. Through my reflection and self-examination of some of my actions, I've realized that despite trying my hardest to relinquish all control to Him, I haven't...I'm holding desperately to the relational aspect of my life and honestly, really trying hard to not let Him move in that area. Just looking at the line I just wrote makes me feel like such a heel...so full of remorse, but also filled with fear. I've never claimed to be perfect or sinless...I am trying harder to recognize the sin which I do have more control over getting rid of and this is definitely one!

Right now I've got the hugest prison, electrical fence of a wall placed around me most of the time. Why would be the question I've been asking myself lately? It's been a long process of working through things and trying to figure out the root cause, not just the surface problem. I came upon a quote while reading on Curious Servant's site and then stumbled across another quote in the comment box, which both hit home and have left me reflecting, yet deep down knowing I need to relinquish control and let the fence fall completely.

"When we talk with those close to us the stakes are higher. We are hurt easier. We hurt others more easily. We avoid tough talk with those we want to impress, talk tough to those we feel owe us." (~Curious Servant)

Curious Servant hit the nail on the head for me with this one, but in a very different light than you might think. I know the stakes are higher when you let your guard down and talk with those who are close to or who are reaching out to be there to hear and be close to you. It leaves you very vulnerable and exposed to so much. But this wasn't the root of my problem and as I continue to think and reflect I exposed and am now beginning to deal with the root head on. You see, this is our third church family which we've experienced together as a couple throughout our marriage. Both times we have moved our family, we prayed to God and asked His guidance and direction. In the first situation, restructuring occurred and a new job was provided in a new city. I never thought anything would be tougher than all that occurred with that move and transition into a new church, as we were at our first church the longest. But I was truly wrong in that thinking. Last winter when we began to ask God's direction, in terms of the fact we felt some things needed to change, a new job was again provided and it meant moving our family again to another city and making another transition into a new church. I never imagined the pain I would experience through the move, yet as I sit now typing, I'm stronger than I've ever been with God and my family...I know this is because of following His call and going, despite leaving everything I did behind. Does it make the relational aspect of life any easier for me right now? Not really in some aspects, but it'll come in time I'm sure.

"those closest to us can inspire the greatest growth or inflict the greatest pain." (~Jollybeggar)

Jollybeggar has this extreme nack of picking my brain with some of his posts and this time he managed to do it with a line in someone else's comment box. This past year and a half has inspired some of the greatest growth that I've experienced in my life, but at times I've also experienced an extreme amount of pain. It's really weird how that pain tends to color me or help with building up that wall at times. For me, I brought the experience of two moves and what happened relationally...first, as I let my guard down and allowed people into my world, allowed God to work and begin to build relationships...but then also leaving those behind and finding out what was a 'true' friendship, one which will stand the tests of life, time and distance and then what was simply a relationship or acquaintance...something which seemed strong while living life together, but once gone, it seemed the old saying lived out true and strong..."Out-of-sight, out-of-mind". For me, I'm finding that after going through this twice, I'm having a huge rebellion in terms of submitting this area of my life.

The root reason which I've finally located and now have to figure out how to deal with and submit...I'm scared that I'm going to begin to grow friendships, get close and open up to people, find mentors and that once things are established and strong, that God's going to direct us down a path which isn't here.

I know we're not supposed to know His plans for our future...He reveals things to us in His perfect timing and when it's purposeful for us to know. I never fathomed that with each move it would take a shorter time to connect and grow close to people, but it has. Now I am faced with the challenge of not allowing my sinful nature of fear and rebellion to overtake and overshadow my life and what He wants it to be. I know the wall needs to go and that I need to embrace life with my friends, enjoy everyday I get to spend getting to know them and embrace every opportunity I have to share in the joy of people's lives, to support them in the difficult and dark times of life...to simply be there in whatever way He wants me to be. I can't predict what His direction is going to be. I do know that this body of friends He's brought us to is the most perfect fit...we feel welcomed, loved and blessed to be getting to know them. So in amongst everything going on currently in this life of mine, I will be working hard to demolish the prison wall and the fear and it will be placed firmly in His hands to handle. My role will be to simply embrace the life and people He's brought me to and enjoy every moment of it, because each day is precious and so is every memory and connection which comes along with that!


Acts 2:42-47 (NIRV)
The believers studied what the apostles taught. They shared life together. They broke bread and ate together. And they prayed. Everyone felt that God was near. The apostles did many wonders and miraculous signs. All the believers were together. They shared everything they had. They sold what they owned. They gave each other everything they needed. Every day they met together in the temple courtyard. In their homes they broke bread and ate together. Their hearts were glad and honest and true. They praised God. They were respected by all the people. Every day the Lord added to their group those who were being saved.