<div><p><span style="color: #231f20; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"> <span style="color: #2ea3f2; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b>Advent Day 28 - Saturday, December 23</b></span> <br> <br></span></p><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --><div><p>I have two younger sisters and our families were always very close, even vacationing together for a week each summer. After our parents died we had a disagreement on what to do with the farmland. I’d always heard about families who had been torn apart because of an inheritance. I couldn’t believe it was happening to us.<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --><br><br><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->After a legal battle the farmland was settled, but the separation of families went on for several years with only brief, strained communications. I really wanted to forgive my sisters, but the hurt went very deep and forgiveness is difficult. <!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --><br><br><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->Then the call came from my niece that my sister had aggressive stage four cancer and was <!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->dying. I called immediately to tell her that I was praying for her and wanted to come and see her. As time has gone on we have continued to work at repairing our relationship. My prayers were answered and we were given another chance. <!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --><br><br><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->Shortly after the horrific diagnosis my sister had some genetic tests. She started taking a special drug that specifically targets her cancer. In a few months her cancer was in total remission and she was feeling great with no drug side effects. We were given yet another chance, a miracle. We are separated by hundreds of miles but we now see each other more frequently and communicate regularly.<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --><br><br><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->The Bible has many passages that tell how God cares for us, forgives us and gives us another chance. Just as my sisters and I were given another chance and a fresh start. My prayers were answered. <!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --><br><br><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->Dear Lord, thank you for giving us second and third chances to begin again. <!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --><br><br><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->Judy Winter<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --></p></div><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->