I over slept this morning ... missed my run ... and I think I'm more tired than if I would have got up at 4:45 and run! But hey ... Friday is my day off ... Gail and I call it "Fantastic Friday", a day to catch up on life, do chores, run errands, wash, dry and fold laundry, go to the grocery store, do a little yard work ... did I say day off? Actually, it's a day filled with all of that and a little rest and reflection. I like to look back over the week and reflect on God's goodness and blessings and this has been one of those weeks where God has been present in the storms and the stillness. We finished up our Live Out Loud Fellowships, (all though, if you were able to attend one, I am having a special Live Out Loud Fellowship just for you on Sunday noon right after the second service.)

I'm sitting here reading God's word and am so encouraged by the realness of God's people. Men and women just like you and me who were faithful in face of real life. Today's passage in Hebrews 11:17-40 speaks to the faith of our spiritual ancestors and how they walked even though they may have never seen the promises of God fulfilled they stayed the course of faith.

Bottom line, we all can grow weary and lose heart. In our world of immediate gratification, quick fixes and instant everything we can get impatient with God. We can be tempted to doubt, to strike out on our own to look for answers, solutions or something. But many have gone before you who have learned to walk by faith. Their collective experiences offer encouragement, hope and a reality that it is worth it all in the end!

• What kind of sacrifices have others made for me?
• What am I risking as a follower of Christ? What is the cost?
• How am I inspired, encouraged and empowered by the life and death of Christ?
• Will my legacy be about my fortune or my faith? How then must I live?

My Pray ... Lord, may I be included some day about that cloud of witnesses whose faith has lived on as an example for all. I need your strength to stay the course. You, Jesus, are the one that I look to in the midst of difficulties, disease, detours, distractions and even doubts. Thank you for not quitting, but for loving me enough to endure the cross for the forgiveness of my sin. I want my life to be filled with heart, passion, conviction and devotion to you. I love you Lord!

Until tomorrow ...