If I had to pick one word to describe how I feel tonight, it would be joyful!  Why?  Because Persis and Lydia came to NYC!

Despite all of its challenges and potential dangers, technology, if used for the glory God, can be a tremendous blessing.  I thank God for the saints I have met on line.  It encourages me to know that I have brothers and sisters around the world who are fighting the same fight of faith.

I am especially thankful tonight for the opportunity to meet my  friend Persis at Tried by Fire, and her beautiful daughter Lydia.

We met on the corner of 34th street and 8th Avenue, just 15 minutes before her bus was scheduled to depart.  We hugged each other, exchanged gifts and chatted a little.  I met her beautiful sister and nephew, too!

This is a picture of us.  If we look cold, it is because we were!

Lydia is every bit as delightful as she looks in this picture! She is a special young woman whose countenance shines with the joy of the Lord, and upon whom the grace of God is so evident.

These are my gifts.  Persis gave me a copy of Sinclair Ferguson’s “By Grace Alone” and also made this beautiful bookmark for me.  If you look closely you can see a picture of Octavius Winslow. Having sent me an email earlier in the week, she wanted to know who my favorite dead theologian was and what my favorite color was.  She’s a clever one, that Persis!

And so our visit, albeit brief, was very sweet.

Tonight I thank God for the gift of my sisters Persis and Lydia!

Thank you, Lord Jesus!