Paul recognizes this spiritual truth in 2 Corinthians 12:10 “It is when I am weak that I am strong.” Paul came to understand the necessity of suffering in our lives that turns us away from our self-sufficient strengths toward accepting the gifts of God that come from suffering and weakness.

“Which one of you, having a hundred sheep and losing one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness and go after the one that is lost until he finds it?” Luke 15:4

Love never forgets. Love always includes the excluded, restores relationship with the isolated. In God’s love, we always belong to one another and are never forgotten.

Choral music in worship is a gift of God’s Spirit, the opportunity for all who lift our voices to give our whole selves, body, mind, and spirit, to God, and to be received and accepted by God through that spiritual, artistic expression. I know of no higher experience in life.

“Offer hospitality to one another…” - Matthew 25:35

Know that I am with you and will keep you wherever you go, and will bring you back to this land; for I will not leave you until I have done what I promised you.” Genesis 28:15

“A merry heart does good, like medicine.” – Proverbs 17:22