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"The blessing of the Lord makes one rich,
And He adds no sorrow with it."
(Proverbs 10:22)
It has been a little while since I have written about my family, so I thought in today's devotion I would give a little update and hopefully some inspiration to you from the blessings God has given me in my family.
Solomon writes in our Scripture verse for today's devotion how God blesses us richly and, in His blessings, there are no sorrows. I love this verse, and it is one from the Book of Proverbs that I have committed to memory. God's blessings are far more than financial blessings. There are many things in life more precious and valuable than material possessions. Our families are one of those blessings.
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I will start with my wife, Ashley. She and I will have been married for 34 years as of this August. Last week, she came across our engagement photo. It is not the clearest picture, and the newspaper misspelled my name, but here we are:
Ashley and I have had much time to spend together during these days of sheltering in place. We go on many walks, and we also have watched--let me think--probably a thousand Hallmark movies! But I love it; no, not so much the syrupy-sweet Hallmark movies, but I very much enjoy being able to spend time with Ashley. She loves the Lord deeply, and she practices her Christian faith well… and anyone who knows her knows that she loves her family!
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Hannah and Jeffrey Samplaski and Baby Claire are doing great. In the midst of this viral outbreak, Hannah does not leave the house except to go on walks with Claire. Jeffrey is a great husband and dad and has made quite a few runs to the store lately! Oh, wait a minute... I have not showed you a picture of Baby Claire in a little while, so here you go:
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Bryant and Kendall are also doing very well in Prosper, TX. Bryant is working hard at Prestonwood Baptist Church, and Kendall continues to teach her 4th grade students online. I appreciate Bryant helping me with the daily devotions on several occasions. He does so well that I think I will be calling on him more often!
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Leighton and Danielle are going full speed here in Austin, TX. With everything moving online and digital, Leighton has been very busy working as our social media director at GHBC. Danielle works as a nurse, and we are so proud of her and all those who work in the medical field during these difficult days. Please pray for them, that God would protect them as they seek to help those who are sick. Our church recently fed the hospital personnel both at where Danielle works and at another hospital close by our church. We count it a great blessing to be able to do a little something to lift their spirits.
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This is my immediate family. Ashley and I have many more family members in places like the great state of Alabama, and we love them dearly. As you reflect on your blessings today, thank God for those who are closest to you. Do what my pastor friend Mark Becton told me one day, "Spend most of your time with those who will attend your funeral."
Have a great weekend! Know that we here at DFEA love you, and we are honored to serve you, especially in these hard times in which we live. These days will not last forever. Weeping lasts for a night, but joy comes in the morning! (Psalm 30:5)
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Podcast of the Week
10 Principles for Effective Living: Love
Pastor Danny focuses this episode on the principle of Love, including what it really means to love God, love others, and love oneself.
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