The Blessings of Friends and Family

[194 words] It is truly a blessing to be part of a loving family. In like fashion, it is a great blessing to have dear friends. Sadly, not everyone knows what it feels like to be part of such things. All too often we take our family and friends for granted.  If you are so blessed as to have good friends, thank your heavenly Father.  If you are so blessed to have a loving earthly family, thank your heavenly Father.  If you are so blessed as to have a loving spiritual family (meaning you are a member of the body for which Jesus died—the Church), thank your heavenly Father.  In fact, the sacrifice that brought about the New Testament Church is one of the ways by which we know we are deeply loved by God (Acts 20:20).  In the church, God has provided everything a family needs: Leadership (1 Peter…