A Word of Encouragement

August 1, 2026

Hidden Lake, Glacier National Park - circa 1976

Grace, Hope & Peace, Friend;

As Mary was weeping outside of Jesus' tomb, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there. He asked her, "Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?" Not recognizing Him, she assumed He was the gardener, and said, "Sir, if you have carried Him away, tell me where you put Him, and I will take Him away." (John 20:11-15)

Jesus said to her, "Mary!” She turned and said to Him in Hebrew, "Rabboni!" (which means, Teacher).
	John 20:16

Having watched Jesus die on the cross and seen them bury Him in the tomb, you can imagine the emotions that must have washed over Mary when she recognized Him. She grabbed Him and clung to Him!

Jesus said to her, "Stop clinging to Me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father; but go to My brothers and say to them, 'I am ascending to My Father and your Father, and My God and your God.'"
	John 20:17

Did you catch that? We are part of Jesus' family! - "My father and your Father."

God, who we rebelled against, has reconciled us to Himself (2 Corinthians 5:18-19) and made us part of His family! Years later, this fact still amazed John;

Think how much the Father loves us. He loves us so much that he lets us be called his children, AS WE TRULY ARE.
Emphasis mine	1 John 3:1a-c (CEV)

Not distant relatives or in-laws, but IMMEDIATE family!

Avinu shbaShomayim - Our Father in heaven - thank You for making me Your child.

We had to celebrate and rejoice, because this brother of yours was dead and has begun to live, and was lost and has been found.
	Luke 15:32

His beloved children,