We’re in the process of building a new website and converting to a completely different domain and server, which means that our previous blog posts will disappear. Because of this, we have chosen to republish the most popular ones that have continued to garner views over time, simply for the sake of preservation. 

(Original publish date: August 11, 2015)

On October 4, 2015, our lives were changed forever when our eldest daughter and her husband welcomed their first child, and our first grandchild, into the world. Being Poppa and Granna definitely “feels good” to us, and the little one has expanded our love more than we had thought possible.

This morning, God reminded me of the conversation that I had with one of our daughter’s main nurses as we were helping them leave the hospital. I had stepped into the hallway with my sister while things were being buttoned up in the room. As the nurse was exiting, I thanked her for being so amazing with our daughter. What she said next made me realize just how important “how we act” in front of others matters. She said that she had thoroughly enjoyed working with Miranda, that everyone who had been in the room with our daughter and son-in-law had shown so much love and care. She became teary-eyed and said, “It has been a refreshing change from what I usually see. I pray a lot.” I told Nancy, “This is just who we are…,” then proceeded to explain. “We are missionaries. My sister is a pastor’s wife. Our daughter’s in-laws are pastors of a Spanish church. This is what we are… we minister to people. It’s just how we live.” She said, “It was just so refreshing,” then quickly turned and walked away. Later, our daughter told us that Nancy had told her, “Your mom made me cry.” She even hugged Miranda as she and Stefan were leaving with the baby; I just wish that I had been there to see it, because I would have shared one of my own with that sweet lady. She had ministered to Miranda and her family with the same care that we had shown, simply because her profession emulates an attitude of service.

Folks, how we act matters. What we do matters. The way we speak matters. The affection that is either overflowing, or severely lacking, speaks to other people. When we truly allow Christ to live through us, we don’t have to mention Him; He is able to speak for Himself as we shower His love on others. Compassion should reign in our spirits. Harsh words don’t belong on the tongues on those who profess to serve a loving Savior. Positive actions such as these are what show unbelievers that there truly is a difference in the way that we live our lives.

I realize this isn’t a very long or involved post. I just felt to throw out a little reminder that we are a living epistle, read of all men. How the words appear on our pages depends solely upon us.

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer. (Psalm 19:14 NKJV)

Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good. Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer; distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion. Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. (Romans 12:9-19 NKJV)

-ga