Grace Like Rain
I just wanted to devote a blog to praising and thanking God for his grace like rain in my life, and the lives of those I'm blessed to know.
1. For my family and their constant pursuit of God's grace rather than perfection. I am so blessed by being able to be in a strong Christian family. And thank you to all the friends who have reminded me of this blessing!
2. For my 2nd family, the Winkles (Jack, Julie, and Noah) for letting me be a part of their family for these very sweet 8 months. Jack and Julie, for allowing me the privilege of seeing God work his grace out in your marriage, your parenting, and your friendships! Noah, you are the best big little bro I could have ever asked God for. You have taught me so much during the time I've known you.
3. For my little "sisters", Katie and Bizzie Ward who have filled that void in my life of being and only child. Thanks for indulging me in that, and thank you to their parents, Rob and Teri, who are gracious enough to entrust their most precious gifts to me (and for letting me take them to a concert and get henna tattoos! You're the coolest parents ever!). You all mean more to me than you'll ever know!
4. For all the families of children with disabilities that I've had the privilege to work with and know; the Daltons, Twiggs, Chediak's, Malles, Baxters, Hopkins, Winkles, Flaherty... and the list continues to grow! Your love and faithfulness to your children has given many priceless gifts to me and others who watch you. Thank you for letting me be a part of your lives. Also all the amazing co-workers and mentors who have been so influential in making me a better teacher.
5. For my Cornerstone family... you all are amazing, and you teach me so much about our beloved Savior! Thank you for being Christ to me and my family. I wish I could devote an entire blog to the blessings we have experienced through our church family. I am so excited to be able to move back, and be a part of this amazing church body.
6. For my high school girlfriends; Holly, Vanessa, Lindsay, Heather, Meredith. How many people remain friends from elementary school to the present! It's such a joy and an honor to know you all! We have all been through our share of tough times these past few years, and you've all just become stronger, more beautiful women of God. Love you all!
7. For my fellow Sweazy RA's and RD; Sam and the three Sarah's! I see you all once a year, and that event is a highlight. To see God's grace in your lives over the years is beautiful to see.
8. For my TMC friends and mentors too numerous to name, but each so significant in their roles in my life. I am so proud of all of you, and what you are allowing God to do in your lives in the present. I am so grateful UCSD rejected me!
9. For the high school friends I've only really gotten to know after high school! Mike, Lisa, Jayson, Ms. Cramer... Wish we could have all been closer back in the day, but so blessed to know you now and looking forward to receiving more inspiration from all of you!
10. And last but certainly not least, all my numerous friends and family spread out in Uganda, Kenya, and Sudan. I miss you all, and am so honored to call you friends, brother, sisters. It's painful and difficult to be separated, but I look to the day when we'll be united in our Father's presence and all things will be made right before Him.
This list just barely begins to scratch the surface of God's grace like rain, but I pray it encourages, inspires, delights all who read it. I pray it causes the Holy Spirit to move your hearts in gratitude, awe, and praise of our great and mighty Savior.
1. For my family and their constant pursuit of God's grace rather than perfection. I am so blessed by being able to be in a strong Christian family. And thank you to all the friends who have reminded me of this blessing!
2. For my 2nd family, the Winkles (Jack, Julie, and Noah) for letting me be a part of their family for these very sweet 8 months. Jack and Julie, for allowing me the privilege of seeing God work his grace out in your marriage, your parenting, and your friendships! Noah, you are the best big little bro I could have ever asked God for. You have taught me so much during the time I've known you.
3. For my little "sisters", Katie and Bizzie Ward who have filled that void in my life of being and only child. Thanks for indulging me in that, and thank you to their parents, Rob and Teri, who are gracious enough to entrust their most precious gifts to me (and for letting me take them to a concert and get henna tattoos! You're the coolest parents ever!). You all mean more to me than you'll ever know!
4. For all the families of children with disabilities that I've had the privilege to work with and know; the Daltons, Twiggs, Chediak's, Malles, Baxters, Hopkins, Winkles, Flaherty... and the list continues to grow! Your love and faithfulness to your children has given many priceless gifts to me and others who watch you. Thank you for letting me be a part of your lives. Also all the amazing co-workers and mentors who have been so influential in making me a better teacher.
5. For my Cornerstone family... you all are amazing, and you teach me so much about our beloved Savior! Thank you for being Christ to me and my family. I wish I could devote an entire blog to the blessings we have experienced through our church family. I am so excited to be able to move back, and be a part of this amazing church body.
6. For my high school girlfriends; Holly, Vanessa, Lindsay, Heather, Meredith. How many people remain friends from elementary school to the present! It's such a joy and an honor to know you all! We have all been through our share of tough times these past few years, and you've all just become stronger, more beautiful women of God. Love you all!
7. For my fellow Sweazy RA's and RD; Sam and the three Sarah's! I see you all once a year, and that event is a highlight. To see God's grace in your lives over the years is beautiful to see.
8. For my TMC friends and mentors too numerous to name, but each so significant in their roles in my life. I am so proud of all of you, and what you are allowing God to do in your lives in the present. I am so grateful UCSD rejected me!
9. For the high school friends I've only really gotten to know after high school! Mike, Lisa, Jayson, Ms. Cramer... Wish we could have all been closer back in the day, but so blessed to know you now and looking forward to receiving more inspiration from all of you!
10. And last but certainly not least, all my numerous friends and family spread out in Uganda, Kenya, and Sudan. I miss you all, and am so honored to call you friends, brother, sisters. It's painful and difficult to be separated, but I look to the day when we'll be united in our Father's presence and all things will be made right before Him.
This list just barely begins to scratch the surface of God's grace like rain, but I pray it encourages, inspires, delights all who read it. I pray it causes the Holy Spirit to move your hearts in gratitude, awe, and praise of our great and mighty Savior.
posted by Carly Payne at 10:37 PM
1 Comments:
That was such a blessing! Thank you for sharing so much gratitude. Wait, which Cornerstone church do you go to? The one in Simi Valley?
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