sometimes God comforts and encourages our souls quietly, through scripture and prayer, and for me, through song. but sometimes He sends tangible gifts, from new found friends from afar, to bless you and reassure that He does really care. and He cares in the details. i love that so much. some people make this world a better place just by being in it. that's you, @nataliecreates ! you are a treasure and my heart was so full from this thoughtful, carefully planned package. His love to me through you. :). i wanted to share my devotional this morning with you all, too. it encouraged me so much. || when we experience difficult or even devastating events, we may be tempted to wonder if things will ever be right---if we will ever be happy again. but we serve a God who transforms the past, replacing mourning with joy, and sadness with praise. there are no circumstances which dictate that we are doomed to a life of regret and emptiness. instead God promises that as we come to Him, He will replace pain with HOPE. because of His death and resurrection, we can find freedom from the pain of the past and HOPE for a beautiful and glorious future. || "to give them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called the trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he might be glorified." isaiah 61:3 amen. xo