Elixir of Youth

For faith is the peculiar elixir of youth .....Whoever has faith is young, no matter how old he is; whoever has lost faith is old, even at 21.    Dr. Frank Crane

I found this quote in a book I am currently reading entitled A Treasury of Courage and Confidence. 
A cold evening in January 2008, my husband, Allen came home and told me of his discoveries that day.  He found clues through the miracle of the internet leading to the whereabouts of my three brothers I had never met at that time in life.  I always knew of them, and that they were scattered across the country, not realizing at the time, they didn't know a sister existed.
God led Allen in this search, and presented this information to me.   I had a choice as to what to do with the information.  It took a great deal of courage to pick up the phone.  I believe in God and I have faith in His plan for my life.  I prayed to God that He would give me the words necessary to explain myself.  As I began to leave my message on my brother's answering machine, I felt suddenly warmed and knew in my heart God intended for this mystery to be revealed and that I would at long last meet my brothers.  The reality is better than I ever dreamed it would be!
Since that time, two brothers and I met. This beautiful love story continues to glow and grow in our hearts.
Fastforward........Last Tuesday evening, I finally looked into the eyes of my third brother, Gene and we embraced for the first time in our lives.  A death in the family brought all of us together, and as we grieved and celebrated the life of Jeannie, we also rejoiced that she no longer needs a wheel chair.  At the same time, we praised God for this miracle of coming together of brothers and sister for the first time; all in the same room together, three brothers and a sister, (along with wives and extended family). 
Through courage and confidence interwoven with golden threads of faith, the course of history of our lives has changed forever.  Our lives are filled with more love and thankfulness than ever before.  That void in my heart as been filled with the love of brothers who finally know me and I, them.  Our love and appreciation for the God who created us all has deepened, because we know the truth.
My brothers, who are all older than me, have lived a lifetime without a sister, and now, by the grace of God, have a sister they know loves them and in fact, loved them before we ever met face to face. 
It's the same for me and Jesus.  We haven't met in person, but I love Him and He loves me.  Just imagine how great it will be when we finally meet in heaven!  I'm not afraid of death.   I'm so full of the love of life there is no fear left in me.
Is there a void in your heart that can only be filled by accepting Jesus as your Lord and Savior? When you let His love fill your heart, you will never be lacking for anything again. Your life will be better than you can imagine. It won't be perfect or without trials and troubles, but with faith, hope and love in your heart, you will be able to face any trial or trouble with courage and confidence, because you will know the truth.

Make sure you never miss a dose of this incredible elixir of youth.......faith.  Don't leave home without it!