Mom celebrated her 78th birthday this week. Below is a photograph of her with four of her eight great-grandchildren taken when we all got together for dinner one evening.

Monieca had flown to KY last week and I drove up Sunday afternoon after worship. I stopped at a market after crossing into KY and bought some half-runners to cook for her birthday dinner. It took two large kettles to cook the beans. Half-runners are the best green beans on the planet – if you know how to cook them – and hard to find in SC.

Monieca and I will head to Rock Hill Saturday and be at FBC for worship this Sunday. When we pull out of mom’s driveway, she’ll watch us until we’re out of sight. She will have already shed a tear – because moms never stop being moms – no matter how old their kids are.

Ultimately the love of Jesus Christ and the love of family are the greatest loves humankind can experience. Each one makes life rich and beautiful. It’s a great tragedy that so many people neglect or abuse one or both of these great loves.

How is your relationship with Jesus Christ?

How are your relationships with your family?

Don’t neglect them. Don’t abuse them. God wants you to know the joy of true love.

Pastor Steve Hogg