The last full day of FUGE! The kids are all doing their track A while Jon and I are lounging in a lounge. We are going to go and watch Devon play some basketball in a bit.
I have received a few responses about what do we do concerning our young people. How can we make sure they are ready to fight the good fight in the battle that is raging all around them. I have really been pondering this one and asking God for answers. He did answer me yesterday in my QT. Stop. I never grow tired or dull to the fact that I can ask the Almighty God of all and He answers personally and specifically. Wow! Anyway back to the answer He gave me. He said that they need to be able to do four things:
1. Able to bear the shield and the sword
2. To shoot with the bow
3. Be skillful in war
4. Cry out to God in the battle
5. Trust God for the victories
God wants me to ponder what this looks like in day to day living. What does He mean by bearing the shield and the sword....? Help me out here I would love for you to prayerfully ask God what He is saying about these. I will type more later tonight about what God is sharing with me but I really want to hear from you.
Thursday, July 09, 2009
Wednesday, July 08, 2009
Camp News
Another day at the beautiful Ridgecrest. I praise the Lord today for the rain and the soft breezes that came upon us today. It was actually a visual picture of what Pastor Mike had talked about the night before. Unexpected things come that God isn't only fully aware of but in control of and sending our way to test us. Sometimes we get so caught up in everything going our way, the fun way or the easy and wanted way that we don't grow. Change brings growth if we cooperate with God. Hopefully the extra time in Bible study and Quiet Time for our students did just that.
Our youth are not disappointing me, well most aren't. Hannah hurt her knee and Dillan and Wesley trekked all the way from their room to ours to give her one of Kristopher's camouflaged band aids and Quinten's Advil. Dalton and Wesley were very kind in showing all the "newbies" where everything was. The older ones are being kind to the older ones. Stephanie and Mary have been good and helpful friends to Hannah.
Quinten has had a marriage proposal that he quickly turned down. He has enjoyed his Independence. Hannah is healing nicely from her swing injury. Devon is smiling a lot and Jon and I watched him play hard and well at Battle Ball with his team mate Dalton. Dalton is well let's just say girls flock to him like bears to honey. But I am proud to say that he is making guy friends as well. We watched Stephanie play Volley ball against Heather today. Heather as always is making lots of friends. Stephanie has made friends as well and one stalker (don't take too seriously.) Madison and Jodi are stuck to each other's hips! They both are in choir and sang with the choir this morning at the morning show. They will do so again tomorrow and Friday. Mary is doing well and being an encourager to all. Dillan has been a real friend to all with his normal good attitude. He surprised me the first day and ate all the food that was served. Then today he started with the cereal again. Wesley has made friends as well and has been their for the younger ones when they needed him, today he took Matthew under his wing. Matthew seems to be having a good time and thanking God for providing miraculous car rides up the mountain. I heard he was talking to a girl out by the swings last night...just hearsay though. Kristopher...what can I say that he hasn't already said five times. seriously he is doing fine although he was disappointed that he didn't get to go on his overnight backpacking trip. Yes I said overnight. He is hoping that they will get to go tomorrow. Sonny is making lots of friends it is a new one every time I see him.
Tonight Nightlife is the 70's. Jon and I did the real thing so we are skipping out. Actually I am skipping out with Steph and Hannah now. One more full day left. Tomorrow is the big Mega Relay...this is really fun and messy!
Our youth are not disappointing me, well most aren't. Hannah hurt her knee and Dillan and Wesley trekked all the way from their room to ours to give her one of Kristopher's camouflaged band aids and Quinten's Advil. Dalton and Wesley were very kind in showing all the "newbies" where everything was. The older ones are being kind to the older ones. Stephanie and Mary have been good and helpful friends to Hannah.
Quinten has had a marriage proposal that he quickly turned down. He has enjoyed his Independence. Hannah is healing nicely from her swing injury. Devon is smiling a lot and Jon and I watched him play hard and well at Battle Ball with his team mate Dalton. Dalton is well let's just say girls flock to him like bears to honey. But I am proud to say that he is making guy friends as well. We watched Stephanie play Volley ball against Heather today. Heather as always is making lots of friends. Stephanie has made friends as well and one stalker (don't take too seriously.) Madison and Jodi are stuck to each other's hips! They both are in choir and sang with the choir this morning at the morning show. They will do so again tomorrow and Friday. Mary is doing well and being an encourager to all. Dillan has been a real friend to all with his normal good attitude. He surprised me the first day and ate all the food that was served. Then today he started with the cereal again. Wesley has made friends as well and has been their for the younger ones when they needed him, today he took Matthew under his wing. Matthew seems to be having a good time and thanking God for providing miraculous car rides up the mountain. I heard he was talking to a girl out by the swings last night...just hearsay though. Kristopher...what can I say that he hasn't already said five times. seriously he is doing fine although he was disappointed that he didn't get to go on his overnight backpacking trip. Yes I said overnight. He is hoping that they will get to go tomorrow. Sonny is making lots of friends it is a new one every time I see him.
Tonight Nightlife is the 70's. Jon and I did the real thing so we are skipping out. Actually I am skipping out with Steph and Hannah now. One more full day left. Tomorrow is the big Mega Relay...this is really fun and messy!
Tuesday, July 07, 2009
Survival is more than something for camp...
I am surviving youth camp yet again. Our youth seem to be having a great time. Today is the first full scheduled day. They have already danced through the AM show, lived through recreation time, learned during Bible Study and Quiet Time and are not living through their individual trek times. Tonight will be the first in-depth worship time and I am really looking forward to it. I am hoping that the light goes on in their souls.
Being surrounded by 1700 kids this week has reaffirmed a lot of what I have feared. The vast majority of this generation of church going youth and their youth counselors are all about the fluff. Before I say more let me affirm that the staff of Fuge (directed by David Neece) is not about the fluff but they can only carry it so far until it lands at the feet of the day in and day out Youth leaders. You can hear it in there fervent pleas to be holy leaders and examples of truth and that in every recreation game there is purpose…to reinforce the truth. I just don’t think it is sticking. I am a people watcher and with so many of my favorite spots taken this week with so many kids I have had to sit in the open to ponder and as I have sat they (the youth) walk by and I listen and watch and see so much I would rather not. Holiness and truth are the last things I have been seeing. I am sure that within the 1700 there are those who really did come this week to grow in faith, knowledge and intimacy with their Lord, but they seem to be few.
It begs the question what are we doing wrong? What is the church doing about discipling our young people, the futures leaders? Does the buck stop with the church or with the home? What are Christian parents doing to disciple their children in the ways of the Lord? I think way too often that the parents are hoping that the church is doing it and that what they get from the church will be enough. IT IS NOT!
I don’t know what the answer is but we need to find it and find it fast. The world they are living in is anti-Christ, anti-home, anti-family, anti-morals, anti-character, anti-responsibility, anti-work, anti-absolute truth, anti-faith, anti-purity, anti-marriage, anti-holiness, anti-authority, anti-anyone but yourself, anti-self-restraint, anti-self control, anti…. They are continuously being indoctrinated by the world they live in and they will become all the things I listed above unless they intentionally choose not to. How can we get them to see and know Truth (Jesus) that they will be Daniels in their Babylon?
Being surrounded by 1700 kids this week has reaffirmed a lot of what I have feared. The vast majority of this generation of church going youth and their youth counselors are all about the fluff. Before I say more let me affirm that the staff of Fuge (directed by David Neece) is not about the fluff but they can only carry it so far until it lands at the feet of the day in and day out Youth leaders. You can hear it in there fervent pleas to be holy leaders and examples of truth and that in every recreation game there is purpose…to reinforce the truth. I just don’t think it is sticking. I am a people watcher and with so many of my favorite spots taken this week with so many kids I have had to sit in the open to ponder and as I have sat they (the youth) walk by and I listen and watch and see so much I would rather not. Holiness and truth are the last things I have been seeing. I am sure that within the 1700 there are those who really did come this week to grow in faith, knowledge and intimacy with their Lord, but they seem to be few.
It begs the question what are we doing wrong? What is the church doing about discipling our young people, the futures leaders? Does the buck stop with the church or with the home? What are Christian parents doing to disciple their children in the ways of the Lord? I think way too often that the parents are hoping that the church is doing it and that what they get from the church will be enough. IT IS NOT!
I don’t know what the answer is but we need to find it and find it fast. The world they are living in is anti-Christ, anti-home, anti-family, anti-morals, anti-character, anti-responsibility, anti-work, anti-absolute truth, anti-faith, anti-purity, anti-marriage, anti-holiness, anti-authority, anti-anyone but yourself, anti-self-restraint, anti-self control, anti…. They are continuously being indoctrinated by the world they live in and they will become all the things I listed above unless they intentionally choose not to. How can we get them to see and know Truth (Jesus) that they will be Daniels in their Babylon?
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Rambling
I have a lot of thoughts pondering in my head and want to throw them all out knowing they won't be cohesive. Sometimes just talking things out brings clarity.
This years convention has left me wanting. Wanting for what? I usually return crom the Pastor's Conference revived and energized for ministry. That is not the case this year and come to think of it, it wasn't the case last year either. The speakers were good and challenging. God spoke to me although it was not a resounding aha moment. Is familiarity bringing a yawn or is there more to it than that?
I believe with all my heart that God is wanting to do something really big in my life, the life of our church and the life of The Church. I know that prayer will be the cost for me. I mean the Daniel kind of prayer....fasting, on my face before the throne kind of praying. Not just a one time but a long time...days, weeks, months maybe years. I don't know but I think that is a cost, a heavy cost I will have to pay in order to experience and perceive God's greater and perfect will.
Back to the convention...I really enjoy the business part of the meetings. I know this might surprise a lot of you that know I hate attending church business meetings. Church meetings seem to often to get personal, angry and out of the influence of the Holy Spirit. The convention rarely is that. We worship and exhalt the name of Jesus before, during and after. The single purpose and mind is Jesus; knowing Him and making Him known. That is fun business. Respect for leaaders is always the tone.
I think that all that are Southern Baptist would seek to attend at least one national convention. I don't think you can understand what it means to carry the title without attending ans seeing the big picture. Although in recent months I have been frustrated and disturbed by some leaders in the convention and the direction the convention has gone on some issues I have hope. I also still believe that we have the greatest potention for "turning the world upside down." That is what I want to be a part of. That is what I am wanting.....longing for.
Oh Jesus, my Savior and Lord. You turned my world upside down and inside out and I am blessed and rich because of You. I want to be used by You to "turn the world upside down." It is what I desire.
This years convention has left me wanting. Wanting for what? I usually return crom the Pastor's Conference revived and energized for ministry. That is not the case this year and come to think of it, it wasn't the case last year either. The speakers were good and challenging. God spoke to me although it was not a resounding aha moment. Is familiarity bringing a yawn or is there more to it than that?
I believe with all my heart that God is wanting to do something really big in my life, the life of our church and the life of The Church. I know that prayer will be the cost for me. I mean the Daniel kind of prayer....fasting, on my face before the throne kind of praying. Not just a one time but a long time...days, weeks, months maybe years. I don't know but I think that is a cost, a heavy cost I will have to pay in order to experience and perceive God's greater and perfect will.
Back to the convention...I really enjoy the business part of the meetings. I know this might surprise a lot of you that know I hate attending church business meetings. Church meetings seem to often to get personal, angry and out of the influence of the Holy Spirit. The convention rarely is that. We worship and exhalt the name of Jesus before, during and after. The single purpose and mind is Jesus; knowing Him and making Him known. That is fun business. Respect for leaaders is always the tone.
I think that all that are Southern Baptist would seek to attend at least one national convention. I don't think you can understand what it means to carry the title without attending ans seeing the big picture. Although in recent months I have been frustrated and disturbed by some leaders in the convention and the direction the convention has gone on some issues I have hope. I also still believe that we have the greatest potention for "turning the world upside down." That is what I want to be a part of. That is what I am wanting.....longing for.
Oh Jesus, my Savior and Lord. You turned my world upside down and inside out and I am blessed and rich because of You. I want to be used by You to "turn the world upside down." It is what I desire.
Monday, June 22, 2009
Convention News
I know, I know it has been forever since I have blogged. Life in ministry is a wild hair blowing ride. I will share more about that another time but today I want to concentrate on what is going on right now....the 2009 Southern Baptist Convention and Pastor's Conference.
Let's start with the surroundings. Louisville, KY; ok but nothing really draws me here. I like old but this city seems more tired than just old. On the other hand our hotel (The Gault) is fantastic. The room is superb and we have a wonderful and large bay window that looks out onto the Ohio River. It is great to watch the sun go down over the river. Being up on the 23 floor makes the views that much more grand. Thank you Lord.
The ride to and fro the Expo is in a nice air conditioned bus; much better than the hot trolley's of New Orleans!
During the Morning session of the Pastor's Conference they have included recently a Pastor's Wives session. I really wanted to attend this year since the key note speaker is a at-a-distance mentor of mine, Mary Kassian. The theme this year was: Women of Truth. The posters included the line: We are: called, blessed, privileged But sometimes: tired, stressed, judged and our sheep can bite! I have the scars to prove it.
Mary Kassian gave us 10 Life Commitments to being Women of Truth gleaned from Titus 2:1-5.
#1. Radical Devotion: Life is all about Jesus and we are head over heels in love
#2. Sound Doctrine: Study, have convictions, stand strong and not easily swayed
#3. Family Plan: Husband and Children lover; lover of God's Family Plan
#4. Intentional Living: Self-controled; disciplined life
#5. Godly Character: Pure and holy
#6. Womanly Priorities" Busy at home, home creator
#7. Womanly Purpose: Kind, helper
#8. Womanly Disposition: Gentle, Quiet & Submissive
#9. Spiritual Mothering: Train others
#10. Display the Beauty of the Gospel: That the Word of God not be blasphememd
So how committed are you? Finding yourself weak in some ares. I wish we could just sit with a tall glass of sweet tea and discuss these.
Have to go catch the shuttle for this afternoons session...Fred Luter Jr. and Mike Huckabee...
Let's start with the surroundings. Louisville, KY; ok but nothing really draws me here. I like old but this city seems more tired than just old. On the other hand our hotel (The Gault) is fantastic. The room is superb and we have a wonderful and large bay window that looks out onto the Ohio River. It is great to watch the sun go down over the river. Being up on the 23 floor makes the views that much more grand. Thank you Lord.
The ride to and fro the Expo is in a nice air conditioned bus; much better than the hot trolley's of New Orleans!
During the Morning session of the Pastor's Conference they have included recently a Pastor's Wives session. I really wanted to attend this year since the key note speaker is a at-a-distance mentor of mine, Mary Kassian. The theme this year was: Women of Truth. The posters included the line: We are: called, blessed, privileged But sometimes: tired, stressed, judged and our sheep can bite! I have the scars to prove it.
Mary Kassian gave us 10 Life Commitments to being Women of Truth gleaned from Titus 2:1-5.
#1. Radical Devotion: Life is all about Jesus and we are head over heels in love
#2. Sound Doctrine: Study, have convictions, stand strong and not easily swayed
#3. Family Plan: Husband and Children lover; lover of God's Family Plan
#4. Intentional Living: Self-controled; disciplined life
#5. Godly Character: Pure and holy
#6. Womanly Priorities" Busy at home, home creator
#7. Womanly Purpose: Kind, helper
#8. Womanly Disposition: Gentle, Quiet & Submissive
#9. Spiritual Mothering: Train others
#10. Display the Beauty of the Gospel: That the Word of God not be blasphememd
So how committed are you? Finding yourself weak in some ares. I wish we could just sit with a tall glass of sweet tea and discuss these.
Have to go catch the shuttle for this afternoons session...Fred Luter Jr. and Mike Huckabee...
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Christ in us
My ladies (Sunday School class)and I have begun a new journey together with Christ. We can't go anywhere without Him for He is, "Christ in us, the hope of glory." The word glory can be a very hard word to translate into our English language with the same depth of meaning. It does have the idea of "weight" or "substance." I learned, from where I cannot remember, to replace the word glory with the word presence. Thinking about the weight and substance of all God is, is His glory it is His presence. Let's try it. "Christ in us, the hope of presence." His presence revealed in us.
That is our goal as we travel together through the book of Galatians with most of our attention on the fruit of the Spirit. I want to be different than the natural woman that I am. Instead of living and reacting to life with my natural tendencies I want to live with supernatural power. Although the Disciples walked physically with Christ they didn't know the power of supernatural living until the Holy Spirit came upon them as promised by the Father. That same power was given to each of us at the moment of our salvation. I have the same power but am I living with the same unleashing and bold power?
Think about it, do you naturally express love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control? I am not asking if you at times exercise these characteristics. I am asking when your ordinarily natural response to something would be_____________ and through the power of Christ in you, you _____________ instead. Fill in the latter blank with any of the above fruit of the Spirit and it's opposite in the first blank.
Can't be done? Oh, yes I cry out to you with ears to hear, "It can because I am living proof." I have grown up! I live in victory over my natural self. Not that I have arrived completely, oh no that would certainly be fodder for the enemy. Yet I have experienced victory in certain areas that were pitfalls for me every time they arose. Now my goal is to yield every time my natural tendency is to do the opposite. Now that is great power coming through.
Join us as we seek "Christ in us the hope of presence."
That is our goal as we travel together through the book of Galatians with most of our attention on the fruit of the Spirit. I want to be different than the natural woman that I am. Instead of living and reacting to life with my natural tendencies I want to live with supernatural power. Although the Disciples walked physically with Christ they didn't know the power of supernatural living until the Holy Spirit came upon them as promised by the Father. That same power was given to each of us at the moment of our salvation. I have the same power but am I living with the same unleashing and bold power?
Think about it, do you naturally express love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control? I am not asking if you at times exercise these characteristics. I am asking when your ordinarily natural response to something would be_____________ and through the power of Christ in you, you _____________ instead. Fill in the latter blank with any of the above fruit of the Spirit and it's opposite in the first blank.
Can't be done? Oh, yes I cry out to you with ears to hear, "It can because I am living proof." I have grown up! I live in victory over my natural self. Not that I have arrived completely, oh no that would certainly be fodder for the enemy. Yet I have experienced victory in certain areas that were pitfalls for me every time they arose. Now my goal is to yield every time my natural tendency is to do the opposite. Now that is great power coming through.
Join us as we seek "Christ in us the hope of presence."
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Lessons from Gardening
What I know about gardening I have taught myself mainly through trial and error or my friend Google. I do enjoy getting outside and getting my hands dirty.
Yesterday I was out dividing some monkey grass to line the front beds. I wanted to be sure and get monkey grass that would not be missed. As I was walking around I noticed some that was on the edge of the grass. I know that God was the one pointing it out to me because it was so mixed in with the grass that it was hard to differentiate from the grass. I guess it never had a chance to develop and become what it was created to be because it kept being mowed over; cut down. The grass had been planted so close to the edge of the grass without any barrier it had become assimilated with the grass and no one could tell the difference. They were small but I dug them up and replanted them along our front sidewalk where next year they will be visibly different from the grass and outline our front beds. They will thrive and grow tall; planted in the right place.
I have been a Christian now for over 30 years and have noticed differences within the church. Those that “plant” themselves too close to the world do not thrive nor do they become what they were created to be. They look, talk and act just like the world. Because they were never meant to live like the world they are continuously being cut down and not able to grow. Those that plant themselves apart from the influences of the world will stand out; they will clearly be seen as different from the standard grass. They will add to the world at large the beauty it desires and needs. They will define the borders by pursuing righteousness and holiness and not self-pleasure or personal rights. Where are you planting yourself? Are you satisfied with your Christian life? Do you stand out or are you assimilated into your surroundings?
I recently was challenged by this thought: How does one become spiritually relevant without becoming culturally irrelevant in the society we live in today? The Word and prayer have made the biggest differences in my life. The Word plants my thoughts, words and actions in Him and not in the world around me. Prayer keeps me growing or should I say going? What about you? Our Creator has given us all we need to live the vibrant and abundant life for Him but it cannot be done without Him. Just like my physical garden does not just happen without pain, planning and planting neither does the Christian life.
Yesterday I was out dividing some monkey grass to line the front beds. I wanted to be sure and get monkey grass that would not be missed. As I was walking around I noticed some that was on the edge of the grass. I know that God was the one pointing it out to me because it was so mixed in with the grass that it was hard to differentiate from the grass. I guess it never had a chance to develop and become what it was created to be because it kept being mowed over; cut down. The grass had been planted so close to the edge of the grass without any barrier it had become assimilated with the grass and no one could tell the difference. They were small but I dug them up and replanted them along our front sidewalk where next year they will be visibly different from the grass and outline our front beds. They will thrive and grow tall; planted in the right place.
I have been a Christian now for over 30 years and have noticed differences within the church. Those that “plant” themselves too close to the world do not thrive nor do they become what they were created to be. They look, talk and act just like the world. Because they were never meant to live like the world they are continuously being cut down and not able to grow. Those that plant themselves apart from the influences of the world will stand out; they will clearly be seen as different from the standard grass. They will add to the world at large the beauty it desires and needs. They will define the borders by pursuing righteousness and holiness and not self-pleasure or personal rights. Where are you planting yourself? Are you satisfied with your Christian life? Do you stand out or are you assimilated into your surroundings?
I recently was challenged by this thought: How does one become spiritually relevant without becoming culturally irrelevant in the society we live in today? The Word and prayer have made the biggest differences in my life. The Word plants my thoughts, words and actions in Him and not in the world around me. Prayer keeps me growing or should I say going? What about you? Our Creator has given us all we need to live the vibrant and abundant life for Him but it cannot be done without Him. Just like my physical garden does not just happen without pain, planning and planting neither does the Christian life.
Monday, April 20, 2009
Happy Birthday Chad!
While I was gone to Dallas, without internet, my oldest had his birthday on the 11th of April. I wanted to wish him a belated blog birthday.
Chad is unique in so many ways. He serves our homeland security by working in the Coast Guard. He has decided to make a career of it. I am so very proud of him in so many different ways and making a career of the Coast Guard is only one. Chad is an
"I.T." guy. He and his wonderful family have been transferred to Cheboygen, MI. My heart aches because he will be even further away from us. Please pray for them as they relocate that they will be able to find Christian friends and a good church to attend.
Chad is somewhat quiet. He is content being alone as long as he has a book. He is always in the midst of reading something...he especially loves fantasy. He was loving J.R. Tolkien before his recent popularity with the Lord of the Rings Trilogy.
He is a wonderful husband who truly serves Amanda with a sacrificial love. He always puts her interest and good ahead of his own. He learned well from his own dad. He is a faithful husband who takes it seriously to flee temptations and pursue purity in his marriage.
He is a great dad who loves his children (Clay and Ava) with patience and attention. In a world where so many dad's seek to please themselves and to seek out as much "me" time; he stands out as a dad who seeks out "we" time with his children. He also has taken his role as teacher in their lives as a priority. That is why you can see Clay and Ava's intelligence soar above the average. He reads to them and so patiently explains everything to them as the questions arise and believe me Clay has many questions.
Amanda is a young lady who also seeks to put her children first. She is beautiful inside and out and devoted to her family. It is hard being married to someone in the military. She has to move often having to set down new roots and routes. She has done so with a great attitude...she is devoted to her marriage and her man, my son, and I lover her so deeply for that.
Chad I am so very proud of you in so many different areas of your life as a man. Know that I love you deeply, you are my first born. I sang over you many times but those special days just after your arrival I prayed and sang into the long night over you. You were literally an answer to the prayers of your dad and I. You brought hope and life to our marriage.
It has been so hard to let you and Grant go. God did not bless me with a daughter who would stay close to her mom but I wouldn't trade you and Grant for a million daughters. My heart does ache in my loneliness; so much time was spent with you. How does one stop being a mommy? A teacher? You were my life; my daily life. I have been so richly blessed for our time together and for watching you grow as a man. You have pursued righteousness now continue your journey and pursue the "abundant life."
Chad is unique in so many ways. He serves our homeland security by working in the Coast Guard. He has decided to make a career of it. I am so very proud of him in so many different ways and making a career of the Coast Guard is only one. Chad is an
"I.T." guy. He and his wonderful family have been transferred to Cheboygen, MI. My heart aches because he will be even further away from us. Please pray for them as they relocate that they will be able to find Christian friends and a good church to attend.
Chad is somewhat quiet. He is content being alone as long as he has a book. He is always in the midst of reading something...he especially loves fantasy. He was loving J.R. Tolkien before his recent popularity with the Lord of the Rings Trilogy.
He is a wonderful husband who truly serves Amanda with a sacrificial love. He always puts her interest and good ahead of his own. He learned well from his own dad. He is a faithful husband who takes it seriously to flee temptations and pursue purity in his marriage.
He is a great dad who loves his children (Clay and Ava) with patience and attention. In a world where so many dad's seek to please themselves and to seek out as much "me" time; he stands out as a dad who seeks out "we" time with his children. He also has taken his role as teacher in their lives as a priority. That is why you can see Clay and Ava's intelligence soar above the average. He reads to them and so patiently explains everything to them as the questions arise and believe me Clay has many questions.
Amanda is a young lady who also seeks to put her children first. She is beautiful inside and out and devoted to her family. It is hard being married to someone in the military. She has to move often having to set down new roots and routes. She has done so with a great attitude...she is devoted to her marriage and her man, my son, and I lover her so deeply for that.
Chad I am so very proud of you in so many different areas of your life as a man. Know that I love you deeply, you are my first born. I sang over you many times but those special days just after your arrival I prayed and sang into the long night over you. You were literally an answer to the prayers of your dad and I. You brought hope and life to our marriage.
It has been so hard to let you and Grant go. God did not bless me with a daughter who would stay close to her mom but I wouldn't trade you and Grant for a million daughters. My heart does ache in my loneliness; so much time was spent with you. How does one stop being a mommy? A teacher? You were my life; my daily life. I have been so richly blessed for our time together and for watching you grow as a man. You have pursued righteousness now continue your journey and pursue the "abundant life."
Glad to be Home!
Wow; how long has it been? I was given a special birthday gift from my two sons, a trip "home" to Dallas to be with my mom as she recovered from major surgery. I really appreciate the thoughtfulness of my boys....men now.
My mom is doing really great. She has one of those new scooters to put her knee on and scoot around the house. She is just as fast on that as she is behind the wheel of her car. I love my mom she is truly a treasure to me. She is a true servant giving continuously to her church. She prepares meals once a month on Wednesday's for the congregation. She picks up several of the elderly ladies and takes them to church on Sunday's and Wednesday's. She will often take them out to lunch on Sunday afternoons. There was a younger woman who came to Dallas and God brought her to my mom's church. She struggled to find a job. The church hired her as custodian and Mom quickly went to work in providing furnishings for her apartment and making curtains. I love my mom's heart to serve and do good....especially to the ones others would tend to see as a burden. My mom also has a wonderful sense of humor with a saying for everything. I enjoyed being with her but glad to be home.
While at my mom and dad's I had no internet....hard to live life without it once you have lived with it for so long. I have had so many thoughts pondered that I have a lot to make up for. Stay tuned, I'm home!
My mom is doing really great. She has one of those new scooters to put her knee on and scoot around the house. She is just as fast on that as she is behind the wheel of her car. I love my mom she is truly a treasure to me. She is a true servant giving continuously to her church. She prepares meals once a month on Wednesday's for the congregation. She picks up several of the elderly ladies and takes them to church on Sunday's and Wednesday's. She will often take them out to lunch on Sunday afternoons. There was a younger woman who came to Dallas and God brought her to my mom's church. She struggled to find a job. The church hired her as custodian and Mom quickly went to work in providing furnishings for her apartment and making curtains. I love my mom's heart to serve and do good....especially to the ones others would tend to see as a burden. My mom also has a wonderful sense of humor with a saying for everything. I enjoyed being with her but glad to be home.
While at my mom and dad's I had no internet....hard to live life without it once you have lived with it for so long. I have had so many thoughts pondered that I have a lot to make up for. Stay tuned, I'm home!
Monday, March 16, 2009
Book Review
I know I am really behind on blogging. It seems I have this love/hate relationship with blogging. It is really a matter of obedience and I confess I have been rebellious but I will save that for another time and another day.
"Vintage Jesus: Timeless Answers to Timely Questions" by Mark Driscoll and Gerry Breshears
I truly enjoyed every minute! They write so that a common layperson can really sink their teeth into the theology and doctrine of Jesus. Not everyone will enjoy the reading. The authors not only take us on a journey through the Scriptures but also through pop culture. What I appreciated the most was at the end of each chapter that had answers to the most frequently asked questions on the particular subject. I wanted you to see exactly what is covered in this reading so listed below are the chapters:
• Chapter 1 Is Jesus the Only God?
• Chapter 2 How Human Was Jesus?
• Chapter 3 How Did People Know Jesus Was Coming?
• Chapter 4 Why Did Jesus Come to Earth?
• Chapter 5 Why Did Jesus' Mom Need to Be a Virgin?
• Chapter 6 What Did Jesus Accomplish on the Cross?
• Chapter 7 Did Jesus Rise from Death?
• Chapter 8 Where Is Jesus Today?
• Chapter 9 Why Should We Worship Jesus?
• Chapter 10 What Makes Jesus Superior to Other Saviors?
• Chapter 11 What Difference Has Jesus Made in History?
• Chapter 12 What Will Jesus Do upon His Return?
Jon and I recently took a trip to Southeastern and while in Chapel we had the privilege of hearing Mark Driscoll. He is a gifted Pastor that God is using to reach the culture by being relevant without being spiritually irrelevant.
"Vintage Jesus: Timeless Answers to Timely Questions" by Mark Driscoll and Gerry Breshears
I truly enjoyed every minute! They write so that a common layperson can really sink their teeth into the theology and doctrine of Jesus. Not everyone will enjoy the reading. The authors not only take us on a journey through the Scriptures but also through pop culture. What I appreciated the most was at the end of each chapter that had answers to the most frequently asked questions on the particular subject. I wanted you to see exactly what is covered in this reading so listed below are the chapters:
• Chapter 1 Is Jesus the Only God?
• Chapter 2 How Human Was Jesus?
• Chapter 3 How Did People Know Jesus Was Coming?
• Chapter 4 Why Did Jesus Come to Earth?
• Chapter 5 Why Did Jesus' Mom Need to Be a Virgin?
• Chapter 6 What Did Jesus Accomplish on the Cross?
• Chapter 7 Did Jesus Rise from Death?
• Chapter 8 Where Is Jesus Today?
• Chapter 9 Why Should We Worship Jesus?
• Chapter 10 What Makes Jesus Superior to Other Saviors?
• Chapter 11 What Difference Has Jesus Made in History?
• Chapter 12 What Will Jesus Do upon His Return?
Jon and I recently took a trip to Southeastern and while in Chapel we had the privilege of hearing Mark Driscoll. He is a gifted Pastor that God is using to reach the culture by being relevant without being spiritually irrelevant.
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