Posted in Bible study, From the Insideout, LGG Study, Quiet Time, The Importance of Prayer

Pray for Each Other

The Importance of Prayer, Love God Greatly 2023, w1d5

Read: Romans 15:30 and Colossians 1:9-12; SOAP: Colossians 1:9

 So we have not stopped praying for you since we first heard about you. We ask God to give you complete knowledge of his will and to give you spiritual wisdom and understanding. 10 Then the way you live will always honor and please the Lord, and your lives will produce every kind of good fruit. All the while, you will grow as you learn to know God better and better.11 We also pray that you will be strengthened with all his glorious power so you will have all the endurance and patience you need. May you be filled with joy, 12 always thanking the Father. He has enabled you to share in the inheritance that belongs to his people, who live in the light.

Colossians 1:9-12

He has told us about the love for others that the Holy Spirit has given you.

Colossians 1:8
Devoted to Prayer

Paul’s devotion to prayer teaches us much about praying for others in this one little passage, even in just this one focus/soap verse. Starting with the very first word we learn that we are to pray with a purpose. “So”, or “For this reason”, as found in the NET is a word or phrase that indicates the need to look back in order to truly understand why Paul and Timothy haven’t stopped praying for the believers at Colossae. When we look back to verse 8, we find the answer is because they heard how the Colossian believer’s love for others, a love given to them by the Holy Spirit. When we share the common bond of love – in the Spirit, whom we have received through faith in Christ, we will be or should be drawn to pray for one another. If we look carefully at verse 9 we will see at least three other lessons worth noting and I believe implementing in our own prayer lives.

  • Pray with a purpose: “because of your love in the Spirit.” (8)
  • Pray with others:we have not stopped praying for you” (9)
  • Pray faithfully: “We have not stopped praying for you since we first heard about you“. (9)
  • Pray specifically and in accordance with God’s will: “We ask God to give you complete knowledge of His will and to give you spiritual wisdom and understanding.(9)

So we have not stopped praying for you since we first heard about you. We ask God to give you complete knowledge of his will and to give you spiritual wisdom and understanding.

Colossians 1:9

“I’ll pray for you” can easily become a trite statement, something we say as a Christian nicety but with very little or consistent follow through. However, I believe this passage, specifically verse 9, gives us cause to guard ourselves against the nicety of prayers and implement this example in our everyday prayer life. When we invest in the lives of other believers, like Paul teaches, we will make an impact not only in each other’s lives but in the way we live for God. We will be known to bear fruit and honor God, and we will develop and deepen a relationship with Him. We will find ourselves strengthened with His power, not lacking in endurance or patience, and filled with joy. Oh the blessing and privilege of praying for each other. May He find us faithful and may we find ourselves different because of it.

10 Then the way you live will always honor and please the Lord, and your lives will produce every kind of good fruit. All the while, you will grow as you learn to know God better and better.11 We also pray that you will be strengthened with all his glorious power so you will have all the endurance and patience you need. May you be filled with joy, 12 always thanking the Father. He has enabled you to share in the inheritance that belongs to his people, who live in the light.

Colossians 1:10-12

Reflection Questions:

  • Who are you praying for?
  • Do you pray with purpose and faithfulness?
  • Do you pray specifically and in accordance with God’s will?

Don’t forget today’s blog from Love God Greatly

https://lovegodgreatly.com/lgg-blog/

How can I pray for you? Please leave any prayer needs you have in the comment/reply box below.

Posted in Bible study, LGG Study, Quiet Time, The Importance of Prayer, The Importance of Prayer

Praise the Name of the Lord

The Importance of Prayer – A Love God Greatly Study, w1d4
Read Psalm 145 and SOAP Psalm 145:2-3

2I will praise you every day;
    yes, I will praise you forever.
Great is the Lord! He is most worthy of praise!
    No one can measure his greatness.

Psalm 145:2-3

For me, soaping this passage might look like the following –

Scripture: 2I will praise you every day;
    yes, I will praise you forever.
Great is the Lord! He is most worthy of praise!
    No one can measure his greatness. Psalm 145:2-3

Observation: 1. David makes it personal. He isn’t simply leading others to praise God – He is declaring his personal heart felt adoration for His God. 2. David is committed, pledging to praise God every day – forever. 3. David declares the Lord to be great and worthy of praise. 4. David is certain that no one can measure God’s greatness.

Application: If I am to emulate David, who was a ‘man after God’s own heart, I should seek to praise God forever and ever. I will declare His greatness, remember that He is “most” worthy of praise, and not allow anyone a greater place or tribute in my life – not because I’ve been told that He is great or because other people are praising Him but because I personally know that so great is He, His greatness cannot be measured.

Prayer: Father, thank you for David’s reminder that you are great and most worthy of praise. Help me to praise you throughout every day of my life, forever and forever. – Amen!

My SOAP

SOAPing Scripture is a beautiful and helpful technique of studying and understanding God’s Word. However, it is important, when doing so, to allow yourself the time and the joy of mining for other treasure. Or, as I like to say, to chase some ‘scripture squirrels’. So, naturally when my study for today – The Importance of Prayer by Love God Greatly – called for me to read Psalm 145 and SOAP only verses 2-3 – I ended up chasing down some squirrels.

As we discovered yesterday, praising God makes for a great time of worshipful prayer. This Psalm of David is an excellent example. He begins by lifting up, or exalting, the Lord in verse 1 and is still praising Him in verse 21. David declares in his own singular praise – I will exalt you, my God and King, and I will praise your name. Keep reading though and you will see that his praise leads to more praise, followed by an invitation or the expressed hope (4) for others to continue the praise – “Let each generation tell its children of your mighty acts; let them proclaim your power.” Watch, then, as he purposes to meditate on some of the most beautiful characteristics and works of our God. According to David, when we think of God’s majestic, glorious splendor and His wonderful miracles we will proclaim His greatness. And because praise is contagious God’s awe-inspiring deeds will be on every tongue not just his own; David will proclaim God’s greatness, yet not just His greatness toward David, but an extensive resume’ of God’s character and previous works.

  •  He keeps His promises;
  •  He is gracious in all He does.
  • The Lord helps the fallen
  •  He lifts those bent beneath their loads.
  •  He gives them their food as they need it.
  • He satisfies the hunger and thirst of every living thing.
  • The Lord is righteous in everything he does;
  • He is filled with kindness.
  • The Lord is close to all who call on him,
  •  He grants the desires of those who fear him;
  • He hears their cries for help and rescues them.
  • The Lord protects all those who love him
  •  He destroys the wicked.

Look back with me to verses 5-13, and note that by proclaiming some simple yet profound truths of God, like His greatness and the fact that He is worthy of praise, David’s Psalm turns from the singular ‘I will’ statements to declaring that ‘everyone will’ and ‘they will’.

Everyone will share the story of your wonderful goodness;
they will sing with joy about your righteousness.

Psalm 145:7

David knows what it is to benefit from or to see the Lord’s mercy and compassion or to experience His goodness. He knows how his own heart responds in praise to these things and surmises, based on his own experience, that because the Lord is merciful and compassionate and because the Lord is good to everyone, that His faithful followers will also cry out in praise. He says, they will speak of the Glory of God’s kingdom, they will tell about His mighty deeds and give examples of His power and talk about the majesty and glory of His reign.

… your faithful followers will praise you.
11 They will speak of the glory of your kingdom;
    they will give examples of your power.
12 They will tell about your mighty deeds
    and about the majesty and glory of your reign.

Psalm 145:10b-12

David ends the Psalm with the same declaration that he opened with, the pledge that “I will praise the Lord.” He then entreats everyone on earth to do the same. May we follow David in this most worthy quest. May our eyes and hearts and minds be opened to see, to hear, and to experience God – and then may we respond with praise – not just silent or whispered praises to Him but bold and confident praise that will testify to His goodness, His mercies, His grace, love, and magnificent works. May our praise ignite more praise both in us and in all those who hear or see what He is doing.

I will praise the Lord,
    and may everyone on earth bless his holy name
    forever and ever.

Psalm 145:21

Me, from the inside out

Reflection: What is something you can praise the Lord for today? I invite you to be the spark and leave a comment below.

Posted in Advent, From the Insideout, LGG Study, Quiet Time, The God Who Restores

THE KING WILL COME

The God Who Restores, w4d1
TODAY’S READING: MICAH 5:2-4
Today’s SOAP: Micah 5:4

And he will stand to lead his flock with the Lord’s strength,
in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God.
Then his people will live there undisturbed,
for he will be highly honored around the world.

Micah 2:4 NET

Observations:

  • Jesus will take His place as the Shepherd of God’s people. (we are the flock the sheep of His pasture – see Psalm 100:3)
  • Jesus will do His work by God’s strength and authority.
  • [We], His people, will live securely because He reigns!

Application:

  • I have a good Shepherd.
  • His strength and authority belong to God.
  • Through Him, I can/will live securely – because Christ and His Kingdom will last forever.

Prayer: Response to God’s Word

Father, I don’t always understand Your Word – especially the prophecies – but what I do know and trust is Jesus is the Great Shepherd, my Shepherd – who rules and reigns and has made a way for me to live securely and forever with You! – I praise You for these truths in the name of Jesus – Amen!

TODAY’S REFLECTION:
  • How is God calling your heart to Him this week?
    me: In compassion He’s calling me to be still and know/remember that He is God – to keep my eyes on Him and not the circumstances or busyness of life
  • What is He doing in your life that displays His great mercy and love as well as His holiness?
    me: He is giving me strength for each new day and the peace that truly passes all understanding. He is graciously showing me mercy through His patience with me when I mess up, and forgiving me when I sin.
  • Your Turn: I invite you to share your soap and your reflections in the comment section or feel free to email me if you have questions.
Posted in Advent, Bible study, From the Insideout, Quiet Time, The God Who Restores

Shout for Joy

The God Who Restores, A Love God Greatly Study – w3d2
Today’s Reading: Zephaniah 3:14-20
SOAP: Zephaniah 3:17

The Lord your God is in your midst;
he is a warrior who can deliver.
He takes great delight in you;
he renews you by his love;
he shouts for joy over you.”

Zephaniah 3:17 NET
Observations: The Day of Hope
Are these the things you believe about your God?
  • Do you know that He is in your midst, that He is with you?
  • Do you see Him as a mighty warrior who not only can but has delivered you from the power of sin and death?
  • Do you believe, despite what you know about yourself (and despite what He knows), that your God takes great delights in you?
  • Have you experienced the calming, renewing effect of His love in your life?
  • Can you hear Him rejoicing over you with singing?
Application: It’s all in the attitude

I’ve said it before but it bears repeating … What we believe will steer our attitude. We will either be shouting for joy at what God has promised that is yet to come and rejoicing over what He has already done – or, we will doubt who He is and miss all that He has for us while we wait here on earth – and possibly what He has promised those who belong to Him in the future. We must be intentional, write it down on paper or better yet, put it in the notes section of your phone. When doubt or fears arise and hope dwindles pull it out and read it as a mantra- Perhaps something like this …

God is my God and He is with me, my mighty Savior who takes delight in me, with gladness! I will remind myself often that it is in Him and because of His love that I find a calming peace and a renewal my spirit.

Me, from the inside-out
Prayer:

Father – how great is Your love! You dwell with me – my warrior who has saved me. I am Your daughter and You take great delight in me – even shouting for joy over me with song! I am forever grateful for your word and for Your messages and promises of hoped contained within it! –

Reflections:

What does Zephaniah 3:17 show us about God’s coming restoration? How can you find joy and proclaim His goodness today?

Posted in Advent, Bible study, From the Insideout, LGG Study, Quiet Time, The God Who Restores

The Coming Glory

A Love God Greatly Advent Study, The God Who Restores – W2D5
Today’s Reading: Romans 8:18-25
Today’s SOAP: Romans 8:24-25

For in hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope, because who hopes for what he sees? 25 But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with endurance.

Romans 8:24-25
Observations: The Present Suffering

Sin brought a curse upon the world and man that is still present today. So that we (believers) eagerly await God’s “coming glory”, when all will be restored and completely made right. Somehow, creation itself understands the effects of the curse and, like us, is eagerly awaiting for our redemption to be complete.

Hope and The Life of Anticipation

While our focus verses show us the importance of hope in the believer’s life, don’t miss that God Himself, acted in hope of—or “looking forward to”—the reversal of His curses He [God] had subjected creation to. A good explanation of this is found at Bibleref.com, which says:

God subjected creation to frustration in response to Adam’s sin in the garden of Eden. God did not design creation to suffer. That hardship came after all was meaningful and “very good.” This warped, struggling existence came about when God cursed all of creation in response to human sin (Genesis 3:14, 17–19).He never intended for His creation to experience this futility and death and corruption forever.

Bibleref.com goes on to say, “The day is coming when God will reveal His children in the glory He has for us, and then creation will be set free from its bondage. Paul says that creation itself will obtain the same freedom that those in Christ will receive when they are glorified. All suffering will end. All will be made right (Revelation 21:1–4).”

I read somewhere that – “The life of a Christian is the life of anticipation“. From the time we place our faith in Jesus Christ to save us from our sins, we “hope in what we cannot see”… the promise of eternity, the guarantee of new bodies, of righteousness, forgiveness, and the God to whom we pray. This hope causes us to wait like expectant children at Christmas time with and eagerness to receive what we have asked for and believed in!

Application: How Does This Apply to Me?

A time stretches out and it becomes easier to lose hope -instead we should:

  • take heart that God’s promises are yes and amen in Christ
  • stay in the WORD, who is Christ and from which our HOPE comes
  • Wait with eager expectation

For all of God’s promises have been fulfilled in Christ with a resounding “Yes!” And through Christ, our “Amen” (which means “Yes”) ascends to God for his glory.

2 Corinthians 1:20 NLT
Prayer: Response to God’s Word

Father, thank You for Your promises that are yes and amen in Jesus Christ! Thank You for the HOPE in which I have been saved, and in which I now eagerly wait for Christ’s return! Thank You for leading me to put my faith in Jesus – And – Thank You that Your perfect timing in all things – perhaps, especially so in Your “coming glory”, when all will be restored and completely made right. – In and through the name of Jesus! – Amen

Posted in Advent, Bible study, From the Insideout, Quiet Time, The God Who Restores

God Protects His People

Week 2, Day 3 of The God Who Restores; A Love God Greatly Advents Study
Today’s Reading: Psalm 94
Today’s SOAP: Psalm 94:14-15

Lord, how happy is anyone you discipline
and teach from your law
13 to give him relief from troubled times
until a pit is dug for the wicked.
14 The Lord will not leave his people
or abandon his heritage,
15 for the administration of justice will again be righteous,
and all the upright in heart will follow it.

Psalm 94:12-15 CSB
Observations: God’s People

I think most of us, myself included, prefer the loving, kind, long suffering descriptions of God rather than the passages that boast or cry out for the avenging God, the God who pays back the proud. The Psalmist cries out for that in today’s passage and yet he also sings God’s praises, boasting of how blessed we are to be taught of Him, how He instructs in order to protect us from times of trouble until the wicked are destroyed. Clearly, as the Psalmist clarifies, God understands that it is hard to live among the wicked who constantly seem to flourish and even celebrate, while those who follow God struggle through, what seems like, one trouble after another. So it was quite refreshing and encouraging to reach verse 12 and the verses that followed, specifically through verse 15. To read of the one who receives God’s instructions, the one who is taught by God from His law is blessed with His protection from times of trouble, until the wicked are destroyed.

However, I think the most encouraging words in the passage aside from knowing He will protect us come in verses 14 and 15 where the Psalmist insist that God will not forsake us, restating it and clarifying that God will not abandon His people those who belong to Him. The writer goes on to explain that while it may not look like it now – justice for the righteous will prevail! Our God will clear us of any blame or suspicion, He will make right the wrongs for those who walk in His ways.

Application: What does this mean for me?

While in this world it may seem like the ‘wicked’ – the ‘evil doers’, the ‘morally corrupt prevail in all they do’ but the upright suffer for their righteous living – there will come a day when the tables will turn and the upright, those who walk in the way of the LORD, will be vindicated.

Are you following God but facing one trial after another while others who follow only the desires of their hearts seem to flourish? If so, take heart and rejoice in knowing that our God reigns! He will neither forsake or abandon you and will protect you in your times of trouble and use them for His glory and your good.

Prayer: Our Response to God’s Word

Father, thank You that You have adopted us into Your family – that You have by grace through faith made us – or a way for us – to be Your people. For as surely as this promise was true in the Psalmist day so it is in ours! You will never forsake Your people. You will not abandon us because we belong to You. And though we wait for Jesus in this world full of sin – we continually wait with hope in Your promise to one day vindicate the upright.

Your Turn: Reflections:
  • How do you handle waiting on God?
  • Are you impatient, doing all you can to ‘help’ God out?
  • How does Psalm 94 help you as you wait on Him?
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Posted in Advent, Bible study, From the Insideout, LGG Study, Quiet Time, The God Who Restores

Trust In His Faithfulness

A God Who Restores, A Love God Greatly Advent Study

Today’s Reading: Psalm 13

Today’s SOAP: Psalm 13:5-6

But I trust in your faithfulness. May I rejoice because of your deliverance. I will sing praises to the Lord when he vindicates me.

Psalm 13:5-6

Observations: More Lamenting

Like Habakkuk’s lament from yesterday’s post – the Psalmist from today’s reading feels ignored or forgotten. Actually, “how long?” is a common phrase of lament, of people crying out honestly to God with their cares and concerns. However, David writes it four times in this one six verse Psalm – perhaps an indication that that his suffering has lasted a long time, explaining why he feels the way he does. David was lamenting not only his physical struggle of waiting on the Lord’s deliverance but the emotional fears and concerns about his enemies seeing him defeated or the thought that they would rejoice because they saw him shaken.

What I love most about this Psalm is that while David makes it clear that he felt defeated he also makes it very clear that he had not lost hope in God’s faithfulness. He placed so much trust in God, that despite how everything ‘seemed’, he was planning to rejoice in God’s deliverance and sing praises to Him – because he believed God would vindicate him.

Application: What can I learn from this?

Despite the circumstances of our lives, we must trust in God, in His faithfulness and power to rescue us and set us free, even when it feels as though we’ve already been defeated and our enemies are gloating over our failure to stand strong. I am also reminded, that we must be careful not to fear or crave the approval of man so much that we take our eyes off of God, which shakes our trust and adds to the worries of our lives.

Because I have set the Lord always before me, because he is at my right hand I will not be shaken.

Psalm 16:8 ESV

Prayer: Response to God’s Word

Father, thank you for David’s example – his endurance in suffering, his dependency on You, and his determination to trust You in the midst of life’s difficulties. – May we learn from his example to bring You our honest worries and concerns accompanied with our determination to trust You regardless of how things look or feel. In this You will be glorified and our roots will grow deeper and deeper in You. – To Your glory and honor in the the name of Jesus our Lord – Amen!

Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I say, rejoice! Let everyone see your gentleness. The Lord is near! Do not be anxious about anything. Instead, in every situation, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, tell your requests to God. And the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is worthy of respect, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if something is excellent or praiseworthy, think about these things.

Philippians 4:4-8
YOUR TURN: REFLECTIONS

What are you facing this season? Do you feel neglected, ignored or passed over by God? Are you in a season of rejoicing and praising God for His faithfulness? Or, perhaps, you’re facing both. You feel loss and pain, but you can also recognize God’s provision, wisdom, protection, and care.

(Borrowed from the LGG Devotion, p68 of A God Who Restores)

More: We Can Trust In Him

Our God is faithful. Nothing is unnoticed by Him. No matter the pain we feel or the praise we proclaim. He is always with us. When God’s people waited for he Messiah, God was silent for four hundred years. The people felt ignored by God, forgotten even. But He was working out His perfect plan in His perfect timing. He is not ignoring you. He is not withholding from you. He is working in ways you cannot see or understand, even now, in your situation. And more than that, He is working in incredible, unseen ways to bring about His purposes for the perfect moment when Jesus Christ will return. We can trust Him!

Borrowed from Love God Greatly, p68 of A God Who Restores
Posted in Advent, Bible study, Come, Lord Jesus, Come, From the Insideout, LGG Study, Quiet Time, The God Who Restores

A Cry for Help!

The God Who Restores – A Love God Greatly Study, Week 2 – Day 1
Today’s Reading: Habakkuk 1:1-4;
SOAP: Habakkuk 1:2-4

How long, Lord, must I cry for help?
But you do not listen!
I call out to you, “Violence!”
But you do not deliver!
Why do you force me to witness injustice?
Why do you put up with wrongdoing?
Destruction and violence confront me;
conflict is present and one must endure strife.
For this reason the law lacks power,
and justice is never carried out.
Indeed, the wicked intimidate the innocent.
For this reason justice is perverted.

Habakkuk 1:2-4

Observations: In the Absence of Law Justice is Perverted

Because God’s law was no longer being honored, Habakkuk, the prophet, cried out to God . Then, feeling as though he wasn’t being heard – he continued to call out, but still, no deliverance was seen. He was overwhelmed by the injustice God had him witness, and he didn’t understand why God was putting up with all the wrongdoing. He was confronted by destruction and violence and constantly had to endure conflict and strife.

Because of these things, he concluded that the law had become powerless (insomuch that it wasn’t being carried out). In its absence, the wicked were intimidating the innocent, and justice was being perverted.

Application: How can I apply this?

I am reminded that God’s Word is given for our instruction, for rebuke and correction, and to train us in righteousness – so that those who are dedicated to God may be capable and equipped for every good work. Thus, I am convicted by Habakkuk’s lament that, like Habakkuk, I should cry out to God with this prayer on behalf of our world today.

Every scripture is inspired by God and useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17 that the person dedicated to God may be capable and equipped for every good work.

2 Timothy 3:16-17 NET

Prayer: Response to God’s Word

Father, we live in a world that, for the most part, does not honor You. Much like Habakkuk’s lament expresses – our world is filled with violence and it often seems like there is little to no deliverance. Thus, we are forced to witness a myriad of of injustices and atrocities. We wonder why You put up with wrong doing, we are confronted with destruction and violence when we watch or read any world news publication. Conflict is definitely present and we constantly have to endure strife. We watch as the law seems powerless and justice is perverted – so much, that the wicked intimidate the innocent – and we often cry out as Habakkuk – how long and why? And, I find myself pressed to say, even so Lord Jesus come!

Your Turn: Reflections

What are some of the questions you want to ask God today? Remember He cares for you, so spend time honestly sharing your heart with Him.

Cast all your cares on God, for He cares for you.

1 Peter 5:7

Posted in From the Insideout, God is good, Quiet Time

Perspective

THE FOLLOWING ARE EXCERPTS FROM ANN VOSKAMP’S ONE THOUSAND GIFTS

There is a way to live the big of giving thanks in all things.
It is this: to give thanks in this one small thing.The moments will add up

If gratitude is an antidote for anxiety…
and giving thanks is a real cure for stress—
why relegate thanksgiving to a holiday *when giving thanks can revolutionize our whole lives?*

So I just keep doing this, recording the gifts, gather the moments of His grace like manna.

Because joy is always a function of gratitude — and gratitude is always a function of perspective. – And if we are going to change our lives, we’re going to have to change the way we see.

This recording our gratitudes, this looking for blessings everywherethis counting of gifts — this is what changes what we are looking for. *This is what changes our perspective.*

Thanksgiving is the lens God means for us to see joy all year round.

Because Thanksgiving is more than holiday—

So wherever you are, count your blessings, collect gifts, count it all joy.

Because it’s the brave who focus on all things good and all things beautiful, who give thanks for it & discover joy even in the here and now —- they are the change agents who bring fullest Light to all the world.

YOUR TURN: WHAT GOOD AND BEAUTIFUL THINGS ARE YOU FOCUSING ON TODAY? WHAT JOYS CAN YOU GIVE THANKS FOR AND BRING LIGHT TO THE WORLD AROUND YOU?
Posted in From the Insideout, God is good, Quiet Time

GRATITUDE

Regardless of how many times I read this – it is always a good and necessary reminder. Does regret of the past hinder you from something today or how about anxiety about the future? PRACTICE speaking words of GRATITUDE out loud, right there where you are and see if it doesn’t diminish the regret and anxiety. Make it a habit at night before – or even as – you fall asleep. Speak them when you wake, when you drive, or in any idle moments. You’ll be surprised how it truly does change your present! 💜💙❤️💚

YOUR TURN: WHAT WORDS OF GRATITUDE CAN YOU SHARE HERE AND/OR WITH SOMEONE IN YOUR LIFE TODAY?