As I’ve been putting together the bones of a newsletter I’ve been faced with the question of my “why.” Why do I write? Why do I want to engage people in my life? What can I offer them? When I couldn’t answer, God surprised me with his answer.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.

Hebrews‬ ‭12‬:‭1-2‬a ‭NIV‬‬

I’m honored to be one of those witnesses in the cloud. On Sunday I wrote a note to myself of how I would explain my intentions. “I’m not here to convert you. I’m here to be used by the Holy Spirit and if he’s working to call you to God, I’m glad to be a part of it.”

Jesus told his disciples:

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”‬‬

Acts of the Apostles‬ ‭1‬:‭8‬ ‭NLT

Whether I’m writing this blog about my life and insights, or I am writing a fictitious story, I’m sharing what the Holy Spirit places in my heart, and his heart is to encourage you.

This is why you must encourage and help each other, just as you are already doing.

1 Thessalonians‬ ‭5‬:‭11‬ ‭CEV‬‬

God highlighted this next scripture in my mind.

Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble. Likewise, two people lying close together can keep each other warm. But how can one be warm alone? A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.

Ecclesiastes‬ ‭4‬:‭9‬-‭12‬ ‭NLT‬‬

I think of my life as a journey. I will cross paths with people on the road. Some will journey beside me for years, some for the blink of an eye. Most of the people who walk beside me are somewhere in between. When I take the words of scripture to heart, I have a purpose. Together we are better.

For this reason I covet your prayers. This whole newsletter business is not as simple as I’d hoped. Would you pray it comes together and becomes a fruitful blessing to those who chose to come along on my journey for a time?

Holy Spirit, I pray for my readers. That they will recognize the people you have placed on the road with them with renewed appreciation. That they will see how they can be encouragers and witnesses of God’s grace to those around them, and that they would remain open to allow the light of their fellow travelers to shine in their life. Amen

Grace & Peace,

Sandy

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