you are God's

Friday was my birthday. It was a very special day, filled with many blessings. A good number of people wrote to wish me a happy birthday and that was surely a treat. It’s always nice to know you’re loved and thought of.

One of the birthday greetings I received came from some friends we’ve had since 1988. Patsy Miller was my drama teacher during college days. She and her husband Hal have been dear friends all this time. Every time we go to the States, we make it a point to see them. They are always an encouragement.

On Friday, they sent me a card that wasn’t exactly a typical birthday card. In fact, I don’t even think the card itself contained the word “birthday” although Hal and Patsy did add a special note saying “happy birthday.” Either way, what meant the most to me was the fact that they seemed to pick this card out especially for me, to be an encouragement.

It said:

“You are the Lord’s.
You are in God’s place at God’s perfect time.
Your days are in His hands, and He is your future.
He has gifted you and placed His hand upon you
to bless you and make you a blessing.
The burden of your ministry is not yours to carry—
as you rest, He will work;
as you abide, He will bring fruit;
as you sow, He will give the increase.
He is your shield and your exceeding great reward.

“We thank the Lord that He has called you to Himself, to your ministry, and to us.
God bless you.

“’You did not choose me, but I chose you to go and bear fruit—fruit that will last.’ John 15:16.”

Thanks, Hal and Patsy, for those encouraging words! You can be sure they meant a lot to me.

Love,
Troy