—by Lois Lang

Philippians 1:3-6…I thank my God every time I remember you.  In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the Gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

Each morning I pray after a little Bible reading, and there are certain people, mostly family members, that I pray for every day.  I don’t want to forget any of those folks especially dear to me, so I have memorized the “basic list” of those for whom I pray.  It’s not hard for me to add a name or two as the Lord nudges me.  The hard part comes when a name has to come off the list.  I noticed it after the passing of my mother-in-law.  She was a very special lady in my life, and I miss her dearly.  I’m pretty sure it was her prayers for me that got God’s attention and got me saved!  Plus, she and her husband raised a Godly man with whom I spent nearly thirty amazing years.  Those are just two of the “big” things for which I loved her.  There were also innumerable little ways she demonstrated her love, like how she always had black olives and pecans on hand when I visited, because she knew I liked them.

She’s been home with her Lord for almost a year now, and yet her name still pops up between Kay and Jeanette if I’m not paying strict attention.  When that happens, I just praise God for Mary Ellen being such a positively influential part of my life.  And I’m pretty sure there will be pecans and black olives on that great Heavenly banquet table, if she has anything to do with it!

Prayer:  Lord, You have filled my life with so many wonderful people—people who have loved me and prayed for me and discipled me.  May You reward them all, and bless them all, as only You can.  And I ask that You help me to be a blessing to those around me, whether by prayer or kind words or a hug or even a bowl of pecans.  Thank You, Lord.  In the Name of the One who loved best, Amen.