As I have inherited a step-daughter, I am aware even more keenly how our children are gifts from the Most High that we have been entrusted with to care for and train in the Good way. As she talks on the phone with her real Dad, and he laughs with her, I am grateful that even with brokenness in families, there can be Love and harmony and good will. But it makes me even more serious about taking care of this girl, knowing that though she calls me papa, she is not MINE (though she is mine in a sense) - but other people are counting on me to care for her well - her ultimate Spiritual father in heaven, and her blood father many miles away. Tonight my step-daughter sneaked something on the checkout conveyer belt that we had said she could not get. The cashier scanned it and set it out for her before we could stop it. We told her how this was wrong. It was not til later tonight that she was very quiet teary and sad. But it was so precious, because it was her conscience kicking in, feeling bad for what she had done. I tangibly felt the Father's love and compassion flowing through me for her, and I told her if she says sorry she is forgiven! Her mom and I hugged her and comforted her, assuring her that though it was not right, it was ok now. Right after she got on the phone with her real dad having a kind talk, which she is still doing now as I type on my smartphone upstairs. Praise Yah (God) for His tender mercies and His desire to give us good things for an eternity, paying the horrible price for sin on the cross of calvary. Selah and Shalom to all, -Greg