Welcome to the end of our journey through Philippians!

"I can do all things through him who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13

This is one of the most popular scripture verses, and for good reason, it gives us hope!

There is so much goodness to delve into for today’s reading, that I wish I could get to it all (but that would be a whole different study).

Last year I taught seventh grade civics class. We spent the first part of the year reading and talking about citizenship. What are the rights and responsibilities of citizens and their government? What did it mean to be an American?

Anyone who knows me will tell you that I’m not exactly an athlete. My mother LOVES to tell anyone who will listen about the time I tried out for the middle school volleyball team in seventh grade.

Story after story we hear of saints who gave up everything to follow Christ. One of these saints happens to be my patron, St. Anthony of Padua.

In my high school there was this girl, let’s call her, Kate. Now, Kate was super popular and funny. She was the epitome of what I’d describe as “cool”.

When God called me to have children only months after getting married it wasn’t at all what I’d expected. We live in a world that includes five-year plans and Pinterest articles named "5 Steps You Should Take Before Having Kids!”

If I had to run through a list to check myself on what Paul reminds us to do in today’s reading, it would go a little like this:

Do nothing out of selfishness: um...

Regard others as more important than yourself: well...

Look out for the interests of others before your own: *beads of sweat forming*

Have the same attitude as Christ: *hides face and runs away*

Friends, I know we’ve just met, but I have a secret to tell you. Let’s keep it between us, okay? 

Here it goes.

Welcome sisters to Philippians, one of the most joyful books in the Bible. Despite being locked away in prison, Paul writes this letter to thank the Philippians for their concern and care of him.