“After all, we brought nothing with us when we came into the world, and we can’t take anything with us when we leave it.”—1 Timothy 6:7 (NLT)

My dad was an example for me to live life to the fullest. While I wish he wouldn’t have died at the age of 69, I have peace knowing he lived a good life. He would frequently say, Lisa, you can’t take it with you when you die. Reading 1 Timothy 6:7 brought back memories of him saying those words. We come into this world empty-handed and leave the same way. However, the one thing that we can take with us is our eternal salvation. No one can take that from us.

It is hard to believe November will be 16 years since my dad’s passing. I was thankful for those last 11 years that I got to be close to him (I had built a house behind my childhood home with a gate that went into my parent’s backyard). I don’t know what I would have done without my father after my first husband’s death. I have no doubt that God knew I was going to need my earthly father’s love, support and wisdom after being widowed.

I guess my dad is on my mind from a meet the author interview I did on Kelli’s Crochet Adventures last week. One of the questions she asked me was, who has had the most influence in your life? I asked, dead or alive? I was thinking about my dad. He raised me to be a strong, confident, and independent woman which has enabled me to do what I am doing now.

As soon as I thought, my dad,  the word, Jesus, came out of my mouth. I responded, Jesus, because He saved my lost soul.  I know who I was before I had Jesus in my life and I know who I am now. I think this version of me is a much better person. He gave me a heart of love and compassion that I hadn’t had. Having the love of Jesus flowing out of you not only fills your soul, but also makes your life more fulfilling.

Yes, my father was influential in who I am and I am thankful that God chose him to be my dad. However, I have to give God the glory for my heart change that happened when I accepted Jesus into my life. It is what has made the biggest impact on me becoming a woman after God’s heart.

Who has been the biggest influence in your life with your faith walk? If they are still living, I encourage you to write them a note or send a text or email to let them know. And….of course, remember to give thanks and praise to your Heavenly Father who gave us the gift of the Holy Spirit to make the greatest change in our hearts so we can live a full life in Him. Praise Jesus!

 Father God,

Thank you for an earthly father that encouraged me to not only write, but also to not focus on my earthly treasures. I lift those up to You who grieve not having a loving and supportive father. Let them feel the presence of their Heavenly Father who never leaves or forsakes them. I praise You for the gift of Your precious Son who saves lost and wandering souls. You saved mine and I am eternally grateful. I give You thanks for all of the people You have put in my life to help me grow in Christ. Use me as a beacon to shine Your love to someone this week. It is in the name of Jesus that I pray these things. Amen.

If any of my knit/crochet friends reading this want to join the online weekly devotion using Knit, Pray, Share, it starts this Thursday! Make sure you subscribe to Kelli’s Crochet Adventures YouTube channel. I am excited to see how God is going to use this. Lord, I pray for this online study using Knit, Pray, Share to inspire other crafters to be bolder in their faith to share the love of Jesus through items they create. Amen.

May Verse

From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets, the name of the LORD is to be praised.”—Psalm 113:3 

If you are knitting or crocheting gifts to give away, please make sure you tweet @KnitPrayShare or share your projects on the Knit, Pray, Share Facebook page or Instagram using the hashtag #KnitPrayShare. Be sure to attach a tag to whatever gift you make.