Sometimes we all have to almost remind ourselves to breathe in and out. Schedules collide with time limitations, sin and death seem to prevail over righteousness and life, and it’s sometimes hard to see the path. The ever-redeeming truth is that He is ever redeeming–beauty for ashes, timeless bliss for panicked rushing, glory for gloom. He is able to do more than we ask or imagine. On top of all that, His people are conduits for His mercies that are new every morning. Glenn and I are thankful beyond what we can say.

Whether you are one of those who opened your doors to our family for early trick-or-treating, one of those who took time out for children when their mama needed an extra hand, one of those whose package arrived in one of our mailboxes for day brightening, one of those who sent a sister an unexpected gift that blessed her family so much, or one of those who prayed and encouraged after a ladies day or a stressful circumstance, you are in our prayers of thanksgiving. Maybe you are one of those who said “Sure, I can do one of those ‘Keepers’ categories for Lads”… or “Yes, I can look for that boy a spot on the Bible Bowl team.” Maybe you put a basket in my hotel room or Glenn’s. Maybe you sent a surprise home with Glenn from a gospel meeting. Maybe you checked on our loved one in the nursing home while we were out of town. Maybe you took the time to listen. Maybe you met Glenn for breakfast on a diffcult morning or maybe you came a long way to his dad’s funeral. Maybe you prepared the building for that funeral or served as one of the pall-bearers. Maybe you helped clean out the nursing home room from which Glenn’s dad left this world. Maybe you are one of scores and scores who sent cards of support or comfort. Maybe you did laundry for Hannah or you might be one of those who put food in my freezer. Maybe you helped me with tech for digging deep or the website. Maybe you just understood when your Digging Deep t-shirt was late getting to your address. Maybe you’ve volunteered to take care of Colleyanna’s cat, Oreo, while we are on the Digging Deep tour.  Maybe you made cookies for your diggers or treat bags for one of my grandkids’ Bible classes. There are a thousand people who combine efforts and talents and time to make us and so many others encouraged and you make us sure we can persevere. Sometimes you don’t even tell us who you are, but still we thank Him for you! How can anyone be worthy of all this? No one can. But He is the worthy One and He has redeemed the unworthy. I, for one, just hope I can be the conduit for 1/1000 of the strength and edification that I receive. I hope I can pay forward in at least some small measure.