We all go through difficult times. Having someone to care, to listen and to share God's love can help us get through illness, loss and loneliness. 2 Corinthians 1:3-5 (The Message) says, "All praise to the God and Father of our Master. Jesus the Messiah! Father of all mercy! God of all healing counsel! He comes alongside us when we go through hard times, and before you know it, he can be there for that person just as God was here for us. We have plenty of hard times that come from following the Messiah, but no more so than the good times of his healing comfort-we get a full measure of that, too." Jesus said, "This is my commandment, that you love one another, as I have loved you," John 15:12. There is such apositive ring to the statement, "Love one another'.

Surprising new scientific research conducted at some of the top universities, Harvard. Princeton, Yale, and the University of Chicago, now confirm that giving, kindness, and compassion have a substantial protective effect on mental and physical well being. For the most part, the giving they're talking about isn't financial, it is giving of yourself. These studies have shown that giving is so powerful that sometimes even just thinking charitable thoughts helps us. The simple act of praying for others reduces the harmful impact of health problems in old age for those doing the praying.

God has designed each of us with a special gift. Our purpose in this life is to seek our special gifts and share them with others as God continually shares blessings with all of us.

There is a spirit of love, caring and support for each other that is so evident at Bee Ridge. It makes our church a place in which one can truly feel a part of a community where there is encouragement, hope and
healing.