My life and my general attitude/feelings towards others have changed significantly over the last several years.  When I began to realize the extent of God’s unconditional love for me, it couldn’t help but change my view of those around me.  Think about it.  Love with absolutely no conditions.  Love secure enough and strong enough to just GIVE without demanding anything in return.  As simplistic as it sounds, this is a remarkable revelation that has the potential for significant impact on our lives and relationships.

Seven years ago, I sunk into a deep depression.  I had been depressed before, but not for the past ten years since I had become a Christian.  I had thought that kind of despair was in my past.  In fact, it was my testimony – God had released me from a hauntingly self-destructive past and had delivered me into a new and hopeful life.  Yet somehow I had found myself extremely disappointed with life, with God and particularly with my circumstances. 

I remember someone trying to encourage me when I was single in my early 30's.  They told me of a friend who was 45 and had finally met her husband-to-be and they had recently gotten married.  "See, dreams do come true!"  Needless to say, I was not encouraged.  I was, in fact, mortified.  The prospect of endless waiting seemed particularly unbearable - like a death sentence.

Tonight, as I sit with my husband and dear friends, enjoying a delicious steak dinner that we cooked on the grill, I am struck with the thought that 238 years ago, America secured  its hard-won independence.  For some reason when I think of the American Revolution, I always think of  Valley Forge, how the men were freezing cold, their feet were frostbitten and bleeding.   Somehow despite those horrific conditions, George Washington encouraged them onward.  One day, when I get to heaven, I want to personally thank those men for not giving up on me.  

My name is… Judi Manis. Yes, I am getting used to my new name. I love it. I am part of a new family. At our wedding last month my niece, Emily, who is 10 years old got to meet Rick’s granddaughter Nicolette who is 10 years old. They were chatting excitedly when Emily exclaimed, “I am getting a new uncle!” To which Nicolette responded, “I am getting a new grandmother!”