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People who know me know that I spent my first 45 years building wealth and arrogance, followed by another nine or so of mixed battles with angels and demons, and the last six struggling with great material losses and beautiful spiritual healings. It’s no wonder I have a bit of an edge on me. Whew! Well, here’s the kicker: I am now blessed with peace and joy and stability: surrounded by mountains of love; plenty of forgiveness; enough material goods to meet my needs, with still plenty left to share; and the knowledge (a knowing beyond hope and faith) that the Lord has been right beside me, watching over and guiding me, every day of my stiff-necked life. Still, I have lived by the figurative sword so long that I do not always know how to put it down, or how to trust that I need to and should put it down. So, I sometimes awake in the middle of the night with the shadow of fear across my heart. That happened last night. And when it did, with a sad weariness, I reached out, pushed Rocky the Boxer back onto his side of the bed, picked up my Bible and turned to one of my favorite verses. (See below.) Grace and soothing soul-balm (think of it like Tiger Balm for the spirit) fell gently upon me like rain. Aaaaaaah. My point: Sometimes it’s not about the intellectual or factual knowing, or even about surviving the tough times and getting all your prayers answered. No, sometimes, it’s just about the pure joy of being engulfed by the joy of grace, or as C.S. Lewis once said, being “surprised by joy.” “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” -St. Paul (Philippians 4:4-7) Please continue to keep my brother, Lou, in your prayers. I received a brief message from him this morning, which I believe he sent from Malta before boarding a boat that will bring him to Libya. There is a no-fly zone, so that is the only way in: “good morning bro, had a good night but my bags didn't make it. leave tonight by fishing boat 22hr. the hosp was destroyed so i guess it's basic medicine 101. no idea about next message. this will be a piece of cake. don't worry. Lou” John R. Ingrisano 209 Church Street Algoma, WI 54201 (920) 559-3722 www.DailyConnections.net
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