Seven Surprises of the First Christmas
14 hours ago
Friday, July 29
Wednesday, July 27
Thankful
How to be Thankful When You Don't Feel Like It
Adrian Rogers
Love Worth Finding
Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Ephesians 5:20
Frankly, sometimes I don't feel very thankful. Yet as God's children, we are to thank Him all the time for everything. But there are some very bad things that happen to the child of God: sickness, sorrow, disappointment, death, divorce, etc.
Why does God allow these things, and how can we possibly give Him thanks always and for all things?
The Sin Factor
First, we must remember that we live in a world that is cursed with sin and filled with sorrow. Romans 8:22 says, “For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain…” Natural disasters are results of sin's curse.
Our bodies also bear a curse. We are “the children of wrath” (Ephesians 2:3). Romans 5:12 says, “…by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin…” Everyone of us have a terminal illness; we're headed for death. Our physical frailties are reminders of this curse.
This is not the world God created it to be; it has been marred by sin. But we can thank God that one day He will create a new heaven and a new Earth. The curse will be undone, and creation will be delivered.
The Chastisement Factor
We may, in difficult times, find ourselves under the chastening hand of God. Hebrews 12:5-6 teaches, “… My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord,…For whom the Lord loveth He chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom He receiveth.”
His chastening doesn't mean He doesn't love us; it means that He loves us too much to let us get away with sin. At times like that, we ought to thank Him.
The Dependence Factor
In his book Crowded to Christ, Dr. L.E. Maxwell proposes that God gives us problems so we will depend on Him.
For example, Paul asked God to remove his “thorn in the flesh.” (2 Corinthians 12:8). God answered in verse nine: “…My grace is sufficient for thee: for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Then Paul stated, “Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me…” If our troubles cause us greater dependency, we thank God.
The Maturity Factor
God teaches us great lessons and matures us during difficult times. Psalm 119:67 says, “Before I was afflicted I went astray: but now have I kept Thy word.”
Romans 8:28-29 says, “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose.” And His purpose is for us “to be conformed to the image of His Son…” If affliction causes us to mature spiritually, then we can thank God for it.
The Patience Factor
Could it be that God is simply working patience in us? Psalm 27:14 says, “Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and He shall strengthen thine heart…”
Sometimes, we ask, “Why doesn't God do something?” But God might be doing something by not doing anything else. If God is teaching us the virtue of patience, shouldn't we thank God?
The Ministry Factor
When bad things happen, they may enable us to minister to others. Second Corinthians 1:3-4 states, “Blessed be…the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.”
I've seen Joyce comfort women who have lost a baby because we've been through that. If we experience tribulation, then we should give God thanks for making us usable.
The Glory Factor
Somehow, when we suffer and yet praise God; it gives Him glory. First Peter 4:12-13 states, “Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you…But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when His glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy...”
Stephen was not delivered from being stoned for his faith (Acts 7). But to this day, we are talking about his faith and how God's glory was all over him. If God is being glorified in our lives, we should praise Him.
The Mystery Factor
We may never understand why some things happen, but God is sovereign. In Isaiah 55:8, God says, “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways, saith the LORD.”
Sometimes, we feel that God owes us an explanation; but if God loved us enough to send His Son to die for us on the cross, we never have to doubt His love. We can trust God and obey Him - regardless of the circumstances or consequences.
Real faith is not primarily receiving from God what we want, but it is accepting what He gives. He is good and faithful. So thank Him and praise Him anyway.
To see the original article go here.
Adrian Rogers
Love Worth Finding
Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Ephesians 5:20
Frankly, sometimes I don't feel very thankful. Yet as God's children, we are to thank Him all the time for everything. But there are some very bad things that happen to the child of God: sickness, sorrow, disappointment, death, divorce, etc.
Why does God allow these things, and how can we possibly give Him thanks always and for all things?
The Sin Factor
First, we must remember that we live in a world that is cursed with sin and filled with sorrow. Romans 8:22 says, “For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain…” Natural disasters are results of sin's curse.
Our bodies also bear a curse. We are “the children of wrath” (Ephesians 2:3). Romans 5:12 says, “…by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin…” Everyone of us have a terminal illness; we're headed for death. Our physical frailties are reminders of this curse.
This is not the world God created it to be; it has been marred by sin. But we can thank God that one day He will create a new heaven and a new Earth. The curse will be undone, and creation will be delivered.
The Chastisement Factor
We may, in difficult times, find ourselves under the chastening hand of God. Hebrews 12:5-6 teaches, “… My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord,…For whom the Lord loveth He chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom He receiveth.”
His chastening doesn't mean He doesn't love us; it means that He loves us too much to let us get away with sin. At times like that, we ought to thank Him.
The Dependence Factor
In his book Crowded to Christ, Dr. L.E. Maxwell proposes that God gives us problems so we will depend on Him.
For example, Paul asked God to remove his “thorn in the flesh.” (2 Corinthians 12:8). God answered in verse nine: “…My grace is sufficient for thee: for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Then Paul stated, “Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me…” If our troubles cause us greater dependency, we thank God.
The Maturity Factor
God teaches us great lessons and matures us during difficult times. Psalm 119:67 says, “Before I was afflicted I went astray: but now have I kept Thy word.”
Romans 8:28-29 says, “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose.” And His purpose is for us “to be conformed to the image of His Son…” If affliction causes us to mature spiritually, then we can thank God for it.
The Patience Factor
Could it be that God is simply working patience in us? Psalm 27:14 says, “Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and He shall strengthen thine heart…”
Sometimes, we ask, “Why doesn't God do something?” But God might be doing something by not doing anything else. If God is teaching us the virtue of patience, shouldn't we thank God?
The Ministry Factor
When bad things happen, they may enable us to minister to others. Second Corinthians 1:3-4 states, “Blessed be…the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.”
I've seen Joyce comfort women who have lost a baby because we've been through that. If we experience tribulation, then we should give God thanks for making us usable.
The Glory Factor
Somehow, when we suffer and yet praise God; it gives Him glory. First Peter 4:12-13 states, “Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you…But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when His glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy...”
Stephen was not delivered from being stoned for his faith (Acts 7). But to this day, we are talking about his faith and how God's glory was all over him. If God is being glorified in our lives, we should praise Him.
The Mystery Factor
We may never understand why some things happen, but God is sovereign. In Isaiah 55:8, God says, “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways, saith the LORD.”
Sometimes, we feel that God owes us an explanation; but if God loved us enough to send His Son to die for us on the cross, we never have to doubt His love. We can trust God and obey Him - regardless of the circumstances or consequences.
Real faith is not primarily receiving from God what we want, but it is accepting what He gives. He is good and faithful. So thank Him and praise Him anyway.
To see the original article go here.
Tuesday, July 26
light and serious
We'll start off on a light note here with this funny picture. Steve took this picture during his recent travels to Russia on a missions trip. He saw her in the airport.
Now on a more serious note:
I got this from a co-worker. I doubt it's authenticity, but it's still a beautiful story, and illustrates God's love quite well.
Sally jumped up as soon as she saw the surgeon come out of the operating
room. She said: "How is my little boy? Is he going to be all right? When can
I see him?"
The surgeon said, "I'm sorry. We did all we could, but your boy didn't make
it."
Sally said, "Why do little children get cancer? Doesn't God care any more?
Where were you, God, when my son needed you?"
The surgeon asked, "Would you like some time alone with your son? One of the
nurses will be out in a few minutes, before he's transported to the
university."
Sally asked the nurse to stay with her while she said good-bye to son. She
ran her fingers lovingly through his thick red curly hair.
"Would you like a lock of his hair?" the nurse asked.
Sally nodded yes. The nurse cut a lock of the boy's hair, put it in a
plastic bag and handed it to Sally. The mother said, "It was Jimmy's idea to
donate his body to the university for study. He said it might help somebody
else. "I said no at first, but Jimmy said, 'Mom, I won't be using it after I
die. Maybe it will help some other little boy spend one more day with his
Mom." She went on, "My Jimmy had a heart of gold. Always thinking of someone
else. Always wanting to help others if he could."
Sally walked out of Children's mercy Hospital for the last time, after
spending most of the last six months there. She put the bag with Jimmy's
belongings on the seat beside her in the car. The drive home was difficult.
It was even harder to enter the empty house. She carried Jimmy's belongings,
and the plastic bag with the lock of his hair to her son's room. She started
placing the model cars and other personal things back in his room exactly
where he had always kept them. She laid down across his bed and, hugging his
pillow, cried herself to sleep.
It was around midnight when Sally awoke. Laying beside her on the bed was a
folded letter. The letter said:
"Dear Mom, I know you're going to miss me; but don't think that I will ever
forget you, or stop loving you, just 'cause I'm not around to say I LOVE
YOU. I will always love you, Mom, even more with each day. Someday we will
see each other again. Until then, if you want to adopt a little boy so you
won't be so lonely, that's okay with me. He can have my room and old stuff
to play with. But, if you decide to get a girl instead, she probably
wouldn't like the same things us boys do. You'll have to buy her dolls and
stuff girls like, you know. Don't be sad thinking about me. This really is a
neat place. Grandma and Grandpa met me as soon as I got here and showed me
around some, but it will take a long time to see everything. The angels are
so cool. I love to watch them fly. And, y ou know what? Jesus doesn't look
like any of his pictures. Yet, when I saw Him, I knew it was Him. Jesus
himself took me to see GOD! And guess w! hat, Mom? I got to sit on God's
knee and talk to Him, like I was somebody important. That's when I told Him
that I wanted to write you a letter, to tell you good-bye and everything.
But I already knew that wasn't allowed. Well, you know what Mom? God handed
me some paper and His own personal pen to write you this letter. I think
Gabriel is the name of the angel who is going to drop this letter off to
you. God said for me to give you the answer to one of the questions you
asked Him 'Where was He when I needed him?' "God said He was in the same
place with me, as when His son Jesus was on the cross. He was right there,
as He always is with all His children.
Oh, by the way, Mom, no one else can see what I've written except you. To
everyone else this is just a blank piece of paper. Isn't that cool? I have
to give God His pen back now. He needs it to write some more names in the
Book of Life. Tonight I get to sit at the table with Jesus for supper. I'm,
sure the food will be great.
Oh, I almost forgot to tell you. I don't hurt anymore. The cancer is all
gone. I'm glad because I couldn't stand that pain anymore and God couldn't
stand to see me hurt so much, either. That's when He sent The Angel of Mercy
to come get me. The Angel said I was a Special Delivery! How about that?
Signed with
Love from: God, Jesus &Me.
Now on a more serious note:
I got this from a co-worker. I doubt it's authenticity, but it's still a beautiful story, and illustrates God's love quite well.
Sally jumped up as soon as she saw the surgeon come out of the operating
room. She said: "How is my little boy? Is he going to be all right? When can
I see him?"
The surgeon said, "I'm sorry. We did all we could, but your boy didn't make
it."
Sally said, "Why do little children get cancer? Doesn't God care any more?
Where were you, God, when my son needed you?"
The surgeon asked, "Would you like some time alone with your son? One of the
nurses will be out in a few minutes, before he's transported to the
university."
Sally asked the nurse to stay with her while she said good-bye to son. She
ran her fingers lovingly through his thick red curly hair.
"Would you like a lock of his hair?" the nurse asked.
Sally nodded yes. The nurse cut a lock of the boy's hair, put it in a
plastic bag and handed it to Sally. The mother said, "It was Jimmy's idea to
donate his body to the university for study. He said it might help somebody
else. "I said no at first, but Jimmy said, 'Mom, I won't be using it after I
die. Maybe it will help some other little boy spend one more day with his
Mom." She went on, "My Jimmy had a heart of gold. Always thinking of someone
else. Always wanting to help others if he could."
Sally walked out of Children's mercy Hospital for the last time, after
spending most of the last six months there. She put the bag with Jimmy's
belongings on the seat beside her in the car. The drive home was difficult.
It was even harder to enter the empty house. She carried Jimmy's belongings,
and the plastic bag with the lock of his hair to her son's room. She started
placing the model cars and other personal things back in his room exactly
where he had always kept them. She laid down across his bed and, hugging his
pillow, cried herself to sleep.
It was around midnight when Sally awoke. Laying beside her on the bed was a
folded letter. The letter said:
"Dear Mom, I know you're going to miss me; but don't think that I will ever
forget you, or stop loving you, just 'cause I'm not around to say I LOVE
YOU. I will always love you, Mom, even more with each day. Someday we will
see each other again. Until then, if you want to adopt a little boy so you
won't be so lonely, that's okay with me. He can have my room and old stuff
to play with. But, if you decide to get a girl instead, she probably
wouldn't like the same things us boys do. You'll have to buy her dolls and
stuff girls like, you know. Don't be sad thinking about me. This really is a
neat place. Grandma and Grandpa met me as soon as I got here and showed me
around some, but it will take a long time to see everything. The angels are
so cool. I love to watch them fly. And, y ou know what? Jesus doesn't look
like any of his pictures. Yet, when I saw Him, I knew it was Him. Jesus
himself took me to see GOD! And guess w! hat, Mom? I got to sit on God's
knee and talk to Him, like I was somebody important. That's when I told Him
that I wanted to write you a letter, to tell you good-bye and everything.
But I already knew that wasn't allowed. Well, you know what Mom? God handed
me some paper and His own personal pen to write you this letter. I think
Gabriel is the name of the angel who is going to drop this letter off to
you. God said for me to give you the answer to one of the questions you
asked Him 'Where was He when I needed him?' "God said He was in the same
place with me, as when His son Jesus was on the cross. He was right there,
as He always is with all His children.
Oh, by the way, Mom, no one else can see what I've written except you. To
everyone else this is just a blank piece of paper. Isn't that cool? I have
to give God His pen back now. He needs it to write some more names in the
Book of Life. Tonight I get to sit at the table with Jesus for supper. I'm,
sure the food will be great.
Oh, I almost forgot to tell you. I don't hurt anymore. The cancer is all
gone. I'm glad because I couldn't stand that pain anymore and God couldn't
stand to see me hurt so much, either. That's when He sent The Angel of Mercy
to come get me. The Angel said I was a Special Delivery! How about that?
Signed with
Love from: God, Jesus &Me.
Blessed Fellowship in Service
Yes, I meant to say Fellowship in Service, not and service. :)
First of all, thanks be to God for a wonderful weekend! Second of all, thanks be to Holly and Alan who did a lot of the organization for the weekend. May God bless them for their efforts of love.
I was planning on posting some pictures I took this weekend, but since Megan stole my camera, I'm "borrowing" some of Aaron Stoller's pictures. :) Thanks Aaron.
The service project was sorting and boxing food for Harvester Food Bank. We got to watch a short video explain what they do and how they do it. It's encouraging to know that there are people who are willing to work hard and devote a lot of time and energy to helping those less fortunate. One of the statistics they shared with us was that volunteer labor makes up the equivalent of 37 full time positions at Harvester!
May we grow in His service and die to self!
Jenny hard at work. A true Proverbs 31 woman! ;)
What?! Ben's supervising?! NO!
Ok, so he worked hard too. But man, he's a gifted supervisor!
I'm a blogger and I'm not ashamed!
Wednesday, July 20
Spiritual Houses (Temples)
I was browsing some pictures of Churches today, and I was thinking about all the time and energy and effort went into creating such beauty. Yeah, you can probably figure out where I'm going with this one right? :) It convicted me. The New Testament says our bodies are Gods temple. How much time and effort do we expend to keep our bodies holy and pure?
Tuesday, July 19
Back to the Important Stuff
Check out this article on crosswalk. A very interesting article on the decline of moral values in the UK. The study covered 14,000 people on why the church has seen such a decline in the UK, and what can be done about it.
I'd be really interested to see what people think about this article. Leave me comments!
Fun Things to Do in an Elevator
Here's a little more light hearted post.
*note: These are only fun if don't mind making a fool out of yourself. :)
Wave hands wildly at invisible flies buzzing around your head.
Make race car noises when anyone gets on or off.
Shave. (I bet some guys do this one frequently.)
Crack open your briefcase or purse, and while peering inside ask: "Got enough air in there?"
Stand silent and motionless in the corner, facing the wall, without getting off.
When arriving at your floor, grunt and strain to yank the doors open, then act embarrassed when they open by themselves.
Greet everyone getting on the elevator with a warm handshake and ask them to call you "Admiral".
On the highest floor, hold the door open and demand that it stay open until you hear the penny you dropped down the shaft go "plink" at the bottom.
Stare, grinning, at another passenger for a while, and then announce: "I've got new socks on!" (My Personal Favorite!!)
When at least 8 people have boarded, moan from the back: "Oh, not now... motion sickness!"
Bet the other passengers you can fit a quarter in your nose.
Frown and mutter "gotta go, gotta go" then sigh and say "oops!"
Walk on with a cooler that says "human head" on the side.
Stare at another passenger for a while, then announce "You're one of THEM!" and move to the far corner of the elevator.
Leave a box between the doors.
Wear a puppet on your hand and talk to other passengers "through" it.
Start a sing-along. (This one might be difficult seeing as how people would actually have to "sing along")
When the elevator is silent, look around and ask "is that your beeper?"
Draw a little square on the floor with chalk and announce to the other passengers that this is your personal space.
Announce in a demonic voice: "I must find a more suitable host body."
If anyone brushes against you, recoil and holler "Bad touch!"
While the doors are opening, hurriedly whisper, "Hide it. quick!" then whistle innocently.
*note: These are only fun if don't mind making a fool out of yourself. :)
Wave hands wildly at invisible flies buzzing around your head.Make race car noises when anyone gets on or off.
Shave. (I bet some guys do this one frequently.)
Crack open your briefcase or purse, and while peering inside ask: "Got enough air in there?"
Stand silent and motionless in the corner, facing the wall, without getting off.
When arriving at your floor, grunt and strain to yank the doors open, then act embarrassed when they open by themselves.
Greet everyone getting on the elevator with a warm handshake and ask them to call you "Admiral".
On the highest floor, hold the door open and demand that it stay open until you hear the penny you dropped down the shaft go "plink" at the bottom.
Stare, grinning, at another passenger for a while, and then announce: "I've got new socks on!" (My Personal Favorite!!)
When at least 8 people have boarded, moan from the back: "Oh, not now... motion sickness!"
Bet the other passengers you can fit a quarter in your nose.
Frown and mutter "gotta go, gotta go" then sigh and say "oops!"
Walk on with a cooler that says "human head" on the side.
Stare at another passenger for a while, then announce "You're one of THEM!" and move to the far corner of the elevator.
Leave a box between the doors.
Wear a puppet on your hand and talk to other passengers "through" it.
Start a sing-along. (This one might be difficult seeing as how people would actually have to "sing along")
When the elevator is silent, look around and ask "is that your beeper?"
Draw a little square on the floor with chalk and announce to the other passengers that this is your personal space.
Announce in a demonic voice: "I must find a more suitable host body."
If anyone brushes against you, recoil and holler "Bad touch!"
While the doors are opening, hurriedly whisper, "Hide it. quick!" then whistle innocently.
Monday, July 18
Communications
This post was copied from Crosswalk. Here's the direct link.
This article was very convicting for me. While the article was written specifically for married couples, it applies to all our relationships in life. May God grant me grace as I strive to become more Christ-like.
How to Share Hearts Instead of Exchanging Words
Chip Ingram
Communication is the highway upon which love travels. If there are potholes and barriers in our line of communication, our love doesn't reach its target and relationships suffer. There's an old myth that says if two people love each other, the successful marriage will just happen - it will be natural. But that's a lie!
There's nothing natural about good communication, good intimacy, or good relationships. On the contrary, good communication is learned. The great thing is, God's Word shares all the guidelines we need to open our highways of communication and keep them clutter-free.
What is Communication?
Before I introduce five power points for better communication, let me preface this article by quoting Norm Wright, who says, "Communication is the privilege of exchanging vulnerabilities…It's the process of sharing yourself verbally and non-verbally in such a way that the other person can both accept and understand what you're saying."
Researchers tell us that the words we speak only make up about seven percent of the communication process. Real communication is seven percent words, 38 percent tone of voice, and 55 percent non-verbal (facial expression, gesture, posture).
There are at least five major levels of communication. Level one is cliché conversation-"How's it going? Fine. See you later." Level two is reporting facts- "Are you going to pick up the kids? Yes. I'll be home at five." Level three is ideas and judgments- "What do you think about that? Let me get your opinion on this."
Level four is where we go deeper; it's about feelings and emotions, and it's here that true growth begins to happen. Level five goes even beyond sharing emotions to wide open communication, mutual understanding, and total honesty. This is where we unzip our hearts, put them out on the table, and share everything. (Men often have a difficult time with these last two levels, because we're led to believe we shouldn't show our emotions.)
How much time are you spending with your spouse in levels four and five? As a couple, or even among close friends, intimacy does not occur unless levels four and five occur. These levels appear "dangerous" because they open us up to pain, risk, fear, and vulnerability. But they can be deeply fulfilling.
Been Burned Before?
If you've opened up in the past, only to be burned, you're probably tensing up and crossing your arms right now, saying, "I'm not going there...this didn't work for me before." But let me suggest that the reason it may not have worked is because we haven't done it God's way. Let's open up the Bible to Ephesians 4 and look at five key ways we can open up the communication highway in a way that is safe, effective, and fulfilling.
Step 1 - Be Honest
"But speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up into all aspects unto Him, who is the head, even Christ…Therefore, laying aside falsehood, speak truth, each one of you, with his neighbor, for we are members of one another." (Ephesians 4:15,25)
The principle is-speak the truth in love. It may be easy to tell the truth and it may be easy to be loving, but it's often difficult to do both-to speak the truth in love. Let me give you a skill that will help you do this: make direct requests.
If you're a lady and you want to go for a drive or a bike ride with your husband, don't say, "It's a beautiful day. The sun's out. It's nice walking weather." You didn't ask for anything (and we men are too dense to get your hint)! Here's how to make a direct request: "Honey, I would like to take a walk with you this afternoon.Would you be willing to do that with me between one and two?"
Before you men start yelling, "Preach it, Chip," let me say that the same goes for you! If you're in the mood for love, don't tell you wife she smells good or looks nice in that dress. You haven't made a direct request. Instead, you may try something like this: "You look very attractive and I don't know what you have planned for this evening, but I would really enjoy getting together with you tonight…" You get the picture.
Step 2 - Deal with Anger
"Be angry, and yet do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger." (Ephesians 4:26)
The principle is, deal with anger appropriately. Be angry, but don't sin. Philip says, "If you are angry, be sure that it's not out of wounded pride or a bad temper. Never go to bed angry. Don't give the devil that sort of a foot hold." See, most of us have learned not to deal with our anger. We stuff it, we leak it, and it oozes out and sabotages our relationships.
Anger is one of the most destructive emotions in the world, but God has positive uses for it, at times. The command is to be angry, but not let the sun go down on it-don't let it turn to bitterness and sin; deal with it in a way that doesn't harm your mate or your relationship.
At one time in our marriage, Theresa was upset because I was often late for dinner. Under control, she said, "Honey, I feel very hurt and angry when I spend hours preparing a meal to communicate how much I love you, and you repeatedly come home late and miss it, you're communicating to me that you must not love me." I got the message and changed.
Step 3 - Be Diligent
"Let him who steals steal no longer; but rather let him labor, performing with his own hands what is good, in order that he may have something to share with him who has need." (Ephesians 4:28)
Be willing to work hard on your relationships. That's what Theresa and I have decided. We try to schedule things on our calendar that will enrich our marriage. For instance, we try to block off at least fifteen minutes a day to simply connect, catch up, and talk. We also try to get out on a date once a week. And, I believe it's important for you and your spouse to get away on an overnight trip two or three times a year.
It's tempting to steal from the time that our marriages deserve, even pouring it into our kids, our work, our hobbies, our homes, and such. But God says, “Don't do that.” Work hard on your relationships. Be diligent. Don't take shortcuts, because there's no product without the process.
Step 4 - Keep it Positive
"Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, that it may give grace to those who hear." (Ephesians 4:29)
The word "unwholesome" is a picture of spoiled meat or fruit. That's what unwholesome talk is-ugly, smelly, good-for-nothing. Don't wound with your words. Speak at the right time, in the right way, and allow God to use your words to help others.
In your relationships, use words that build up, not break down. That means no labeling, no yelling, no screaming, and no unwholesome words; no saying, "You're just like your mother." "Be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger, for the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God" (James 1: 19). Please, write that verse down, memorize it, and ask God to help you learn to think before you speak.
Step 5 - Be Quick to Forgive
"And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you." (Ephesians 4:32)
What's wrong with being the first to say you're sorry? That's God's way. Be kind to one another, be understanding, be quick to forgive. That's where real maturity and love show themselves. Let's put it this way-do we want God to wait until we get our act together to forgive us? No! In the same way, Christ has forgiven you, so you should be quick to forgive others.
Father, Help Us
As you consider what Ephesians has to say about communication, pray that God will give you courage, grace, and an attitude of excitement as you commit as a couple to put into practice the things we've reviewed. Until next time, keep pressin' ahead!
Excerpted from EdgeNotes, the bi-monthly newsletter of Living on the Edge; based on the series To Have and To Hold.
About the author: Chip Ingram is President of Walk Thru the Bible in Atlanta, GA, and Teaching Pastor of Living on the Edge, a national radio ministry.
This article was very convicting for me. While the article was written specifically for married couples, it applies to all our relationships in life. May God grant me grace as I strive to become more Christ-like.
How to Share Hearts Instead of Exchanging WordsChip Ingram
Communication is the highway upon which love travels. If there are potholes and barriers in our line of communication, our love doesn't reach its target and relationships suffer. There's an old myth that says if two people love each other, the successful marriage will just happen - it will be natural. But that's a lie!
There's nothing natural about good communication, good intimacy, or good relationships. On the contrary, good communication is learned. The great thing is, God's Word shares all the guidelines we need to open our highways of communication and keep them clutter-free.
What is Communication?
Before I introduce five power points for better communication, let me preface this article by quoting Norm Wright, who says, "Communication is the privilege of exchanging vulnerabilities…It's the process of sharing yourself verbally and non-verbally in such a way that the other person can both accept and understand what you're saying."
Researchers tell us that the words we speak only make up about seven percent of the communication process. Real communication is seven percent words, 38 percent tone of voice, and 55 percent non-verbal (facial expression, gesture, posture).
There are at least five major levels of communication. Level one is cliché conversation-"How's it going? Fine. See you later." Level two is reporting facts- "Are you going to pick up the kids? Yes. I'll be home at five." Level three is ideas and judgments- "What do you think about that? Let me get your opinion on this."
Level four is where we go deeper; it's about feelings and emotions, and it's here that true growth begins to happen. Level five goes even beyond sharing emotions to wide open communication, mutual understanding, and total honesty. This is where we unzip our hearts, put them out on the table, and share everything. (Men often have a difficult time with these last two levels, because we're led to believe we shouldn't show our emotions.)
How much time are you spending with your spouse in levels four and five? As a couple, or even among close friends, intimacy does not occur unless levels four and five occur. These levels appear "dangerous" because they open us up to pain, risk, fear, and vulnerability. But they can be deeply fulfilling.
Been Burned Before?
If you've opened up in the past, only to be burned, you're probably tensing up and crossing your arms right now, saying, "I'm not going there...this didn't work for me before." But let me suggest that the reason it may not have worked is because we haven't done it God's way. Let's open up the Bible to Ephesians 4 and look at five key ways we can open up the communication highway in a way that is safe, effective, and fulfilling.
Step 1 - Be Honest
"But speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up into all aspects unto Him, who is the head, even Christ…Therefore, laying aside falsehood, speak truth, each one of you, with his neighbor, for we are members of one another." (Ephesians 4:15,25)
The principle is-speak the truth in love. It may be easy to tell the truth and it may be easy to be loving, but it's often difficult to do both-to speak the truth in love. Let me give you a skill that will help you do this: make direct requests.
If you're a lady and you want to go for a drive or a bike ride with your husband, don't say, "It's a beautiful day. The sun's out. It's nice walking weather." You didn't ask for anything (and we men are too dense to get your hint)! Here's how to make a direct request: "Honey, I would like to take a walk with you this afternoon.Would you be willing to do that with me between one and two?"
Before you men start yelling, "Preach it, Chip," let me say that the same goes for you! If you're in the mood for love, don't tell you wife she smells good or looks nice in that dress. You haven't made a direct request. Instead, you may try something like this: "You look very attractive and I don't know what you have planned for this evening, but I would really enjoy getting together with you tonight…" You get the picture.
Step 2 - Deal with Anger
"Be angry, and yet do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger." (Ephesians 4:26)
The principle is, deal with anger appropriately. Be angry, but don't sin. Philip says, "If you are angry, be sure that it's not out of wounded pride or a bad temper. Never go to bed angry. Don't give the devil that sort of a foot hold." See, most of us have learned not to deal with our anger. We stuff it, we leak it, and it oozes out and sabotages our relationships.
Anger is one of the most destructive emotions in the world, but God has positive uses for it, at times. The command is to be angry, but not let the sun go down on it-don't let it turn to bitterness and sin; deal with it in a way that doesn't harm your mate or your relationship.
At one time in our marriage, Theresa was upset because I was often late for dinner. Under control, she said, "Honey, I feel very hurt and angry when I spend hours preparing a meal to communicate how much I love you, and you repeatedly come home late and miss it, you're communicating to me that you must not love me." I got the message and changed.
Step 3 - Be Diligent
"Let him who steals steal no longer; but rather let him labor, performing with his own hands what is good, in order that he may have something to share with him who has need." (Ephesians 4:28)
Be willing to work hard on your relationships. That's what Theresa and I have decided. We try to schedule things on our calendar that will enrich our marriage. For instance, we try to block off at least fifteen minutes a day to simply connect, catch up, and talk. We also try to get out on a date once a week. And, I believe it's important for you and your spouse to get away on an overnight trip two or three times a year.
It's tempting to steal from the time that our marriages deserve, even pouring it into our kids, our work, our hobbies, our homes, and such. But God says, “Don't do that.” Work hard on your relationships. Be diligent. Don't take shortcuts, because there's no product without the process.
Step 4 - Keep it Positive
"Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, that it may give grace to those who hear." (Ephesians 4:29)
The word "unwholesome" is a picture of spoiled meat or fruit. That's what unwholesome talk is-ugly, smelly, good-for-nothing. Don't wound with your words. Speak at the right time, in the right way, and allow God to use your words to help others.
In your relationships, use words that build up, not break down. That means no labeling, no yelling, no screaming, and no unwholesome words; no saying, "You're just like your mother." "Be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger, for the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God" (James 1: 19). Please, write that verse down, memorize it, and ask God to help you learn to think before you speak.
Step 5 - Be Quick to Forgive
"And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you." (Ephesians 4:32)
What's wrong with being the first to say you're sorry? That's God's way. Be kind to one another, be understanding, be quick to forgive. That's where real maturity and love show themselves. Let's put it this way-do we want God to wait until we get our act together to forgive us? No! In the same way, Christ has forgiven you, so you should be quick to forgive others.
Father, Help Us
As you consider what Ephesians has to say about communication, pray that God will give you courage, grace, and an attitude of excitement as you commit as a couple to put into practice the things we've reviewed. Until next time, keep pressin' ahead!
Excerpted from EdgeNotes, the bi-monthly newsletter of Living on the Edge; based on the series To Have and To Hold.
About the author: Chip Ingram is President of Walk Thru the Bible in Atlanta, GA, and Teaching Pastor of Living on the Edge, a national radio ministry.
Thursday, July 14
Musings
I'm not for sure what I want to write about today. Desiderata left a comment on my Friday, July 8th post, and that comment and his post has me thinking a lot about war this morning. It makes me heavy on the inside. My heart is burdened. Too often we, as Americans, gloss over the horrible reality that is war. No one I know has directly experienced war. I've met a few people who know someone who's been in a war. It doesn't suffice. I've seen a few films about wars and battles in wars. "Saving Private Ryan" and "We Were Sodiers" were excellent films that brought the emotion of war into my living room, but I don't think they sufficed either. I would venture to guess that war is like so many other things in life in that you have to experience it to understand it. Much like accepting Christ into your life. The feelings you get from that surrender can not be explained. They can not be taught. They must be experienced. I can not convey to someone the joys of the Lord, just like someone can not convey to me the horrors of war.
In closing, let's remember to pray for those who experience war, and lets continue to reflect Christ so that many others may experience His fullness.
In closing, let's remember to pray for those who experience war, and lets continue to reflect Christ so that many others may experience His fullness.
Tuesday, July 12
weBLOG
Wow! This blogging thing is really catching on. As of this morning and the addition of Taryn's blog, I have around 43 blogs on my favorites list. Most of these blogs are Christian friends and acquaintances of mine who use their blogs to share bits and pieces of their everyday lives. Often thought provoking questions are asked and encouraging/challenging comment threads are started. Mick Gerber left the following comment on my blog yesterday refering to blogs on the internet: "...but it is awesome to see how something that can be so destructive can be used for edification purposes." And to that I say Amen!
I spent last weekend in Denver which was a huge blessing. A lot of the K-State group was there along with some KC people. I don't get to see them nearly enough since I moved to Illinois. I was hoping to post some pictures of the weekend, but I forgot to take my camera, and the people I emailed asking for pics haven't sent them yet. Hopefully I'll get some pics up before this weekend.
Speaking of this weekend, my niece, Kristen, is getting married in Congerville. She's entirely too young, but so-be-it. *wink* May God grant her wisdom and courage as she matures into the role of a Christian wife.
I read in 1 Peter 2 this morning. Here is vs 9 for thought:
But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar (purchased) people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:
What a challenge eh? Can anyone argue that we are cherished in God's eyes? Re-read that wording! He calls us a chosen generation and a holy nation which he purchased, not with money or material wealth, but with blood, suffering, and death, the death of the cross.
Why?
Why would God purchase us and cherish us this much?
We were created to praise Him! He rescued us from our sin so that we could honor, worship, and glorify Him! Let's be about our duty today!
I spent last weekend in Denver which was a huge blessing. A lot of the K-State group was there along with some KC people. I don't get to see them nearly enough since I moved to Illinois. I was hoping to post some pictures of the weekend, but I forgot to take my camera, and the people I emailed asking for pics haven't sent them yet. Hopefully I'll get some pics up before this weekend.
Speaking of this weekend, my niece, Kristen, is getting married in Congerville. She's entirely too young, but so-be-it. *wink* May God grant her wisdom and courage as she matures into the role of a Christian wife.
I read in 1 Peter 2 this morning. Here is vs 9 for thought:
But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar (purchased) people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:
What a challenge eh? Can anyone argue that we are cherished in God's eyes? Re-read that wording! He calls us a chosen generation and a holy nation which he purchased, not with money or material wealth, but with blood, suffering, and death, the death of the cross.
Why?
Why would God purchase us and cherish us this much?
We were created to praise Him! He rescued us from our sin so that we could honor, worship, and glorify Him! Let's be about our duty today!
Friday, July 8
From Stand To Reason:
The following was copied from the blog of Stand To Reason.
Friday, July 8th
Looking Evil in the Eye
Melinda Penner on 07.08.05 @ 05:29 AM PST
...We all did yesterday - some, sadly, more than most of us. The events in London yesterday again bring to the fore the conflict of world views that have been obvious throughout the War on Terror. Some are incapable of calling acts evil, even in the face of horrific events. Though many have lost the category of "evil," everyone personally needs to make sense of suffering in their lives. I've been thinking about the many people directly and indirectly impacted by the terrorist attack in London who are personally grappling with making sense of what happened, and many don't have God to turn to, to make sense of it. Os Guinness has written an important book on the topic of evil and terrorism and was interviewed not long ago:
"Sadly, the terrorist strike found the United States as unprepared intellectually and morally as it was militarily. This is the country with the most radical and realistic view of evil at its core—expressed in the notion of the separation of powers in the Constitution because of human nature and the abuse of power. But various philosophies and ideas have undermined that view over the last 200 years, so that American views today are weak, confused, and divided. On one side, many progressive liberals still think that we humans are essentially good and getting better and better. On the other side, many postmoderns actually think it is worse to judge evil than to do evil. And in the middle, many ordinary folk plaster life with rainbows and smile buttons and wander through life on the basis of sentiment and clichés. All of these views and others are shown up as bankrupt by the savage reality of September 11—and Auschwitz and the other terrible atrocities right through to the ghastly spate of car bombings and beheadings in Iraq....
"Which other faith comes close to matching the biblical answer for its combination of realism, hope, and courage? Buddhism, for example, has been described as the most radical No to human aspirations ever formulated. And while I personally have sometimes admired the nobility of great atheists I have met such as Bertrand Russell, there is a bleakness to the nobility that is almost unendurable. 'Atheism,' in the words of Jean Paul Sartre, 'is a cruel long term business, and I have gone through it to the end.'
"In contrast to all such views, the gospel is truly the best news ever—with its prospect of a world in which evil and suffering are gone, justice and peace are restored, and the very last tear is wiped away....
"At the end of the day, it is challenging and sobering to look at human evil in the white of the eye. But from the very depths of my being, with no attempt at propaganda or special pleading, I would say after years of looking into the question, that there is no answer to human evil deeper and more adequate than the answer that is ours as followers of Jesus. But we need to speak it out, and act it out, with clarity, courage, and love today. The world is hungry for it, and so are many in the church."
There are many good articles at Stand To Reason. Here are three (somewhat unrelated to the above article) that I'd love to get your comments on:
1. Acts and the Voice of God
2. A Private Hotline to God?
3. Discernment: Head or Heart?
Friday, July 8th
Looking Evil in the Eye
Melinda Penner on 07.08.05 @ 05:29 AM PST
...We all did yesterday - some, sadly, more than most of us. The events in London yesterday again bring to the fore the conflict of world views that have been obvious throughout the War on Terror. Some are incapable of calling acts evil, even in the face of horrific events. Though many have lost the category of "evil," everyone personally needs to make sense of suffering in their lives. I've been thinking about the many people directly and indirectly impacted by the terrorist attack in London who are personally grappling with making sense of what happened, and many don't have God to turn to, to make sense of it. Os Guinness has written an important book on the topic of evil and terrorism and was interviewed not long ago:
"Sadly, the terrorist strike found the United States as unprepared intellectually and morally as it was militarily. This is the country with the most radical and realistic view of evil at its core—expressed in the notion of the separation of powers in the Constitution because of human nature and the abuse of power. But various philosophies and ideas have undermined that view over the last 200 years, so that American views today are weak, confused, and divided. On one side, many progressive liberals still think that we humans are essentially good and getting better and better. On the other side, many postmoderns actually think it is worse to judge evil than to do evil. And in the middle, many ordinary folk plaster life with rainbows and smile buttons and wander through life on the basis of sentiment and clichés. All of these views and others are shown up as bankrupt by the savage reality of September 11—and Auschwitz and the other terrible atrocities right through to the ghastly spate of car bombings and beheadings in Iraq....
"Which other faith comes close to matching the biblical answer for its combination of realism, hope, and courage? Buddhism, for example, has been described as the most radical No to human aspirations ever formulated. And while I personally have sometimes admired the nobility of great atheists I have met such as Bertrand Russell, there is a bleakness to the nobility that is almost unendurable. 'Atheism,' in the words of Jean Paul Sartre, 'is a cruel long term business, and I have gone through it to the end.'
"In contrast to all such views, the gospel is truly the best news ever—with its prospect of a world in which evil and suffering are gone, justice and peace are restored, and the very last tear is wiped away....
"At the end of the day, it is challenging and sobering to look at human evil in the white of the eye. But from the very depths of my being, with no attempt at propaganda or special pleading, I would say after years of looking into the question, that there is no answer to human evil deeper and more adequate than the answer that is ours as followers of Jesus. But we need to speak it out, and act it out, with clarity, courage, and love today. The world is hungry for it, and so are many in the church."
There are many good articles at Stand To Reason. Here are three (somewhat unrelated to the above article) that I'd love to get your comments on:
1. Acts and the Voice of God
2. A Private Hotline to God?
3. Discernment: Head or Heart?
Thursday, July 7
'Midwest' Discovered Between East and West Coasts
NEW YORK—A U.S. Geological Survey expeditionary force announced Tuesday that it has discovered a previously unknown and unexplored land mass between the New York and California coasts known as the "Midwest."
The Geological Survey team discovered the vast region while searching for the fabled Midwest Passage, the mythical overland route passing through the uncharted area between Ithaca, NY, and Bakersfield, CA.
"I long suspected something was there," said Franklin Eldred, a Manhattan native and leader of the 200-man exploratory force. "I'd flown between New York and L.A. on business many times, and the unusually long duration of my flights seemed to indicate that some sort of large area was being traversed, an area of unknown composition."
The Geological Survey explorers left the East Coast three weeks ago, embarking on a perilous journey to the unknown. Not long after crossing the Adirondack Mountains, Eldred and his team were blazing trails through strange new regions, wild lands full of corn and wheat.
"Thus far we have discovered places known as Michigan, Minnesota and Wisconsin," said Randall Zachary, chief navigator for the expedition. "When translated from the local dialect into English, these words seem to mean 'summer camp.'"
Eldred and the others were surprised to learn that the Midwest, whose inhospitable environment was long believed to be incapable of supporting human life, is indeed populated, albeit sparsely.
"The Midwestern Aborigines are ruddy, generally heavy-set folk, clad in plain, non-designer costumery," Eldred said. "They tend to live in simple, one-story dwellings whose interiors are decorated with Hummels and 'Bless This House' needlepoint wall-hangings. And though coarse and unattractive, these simple people were rather friendly, offering us quaint native fare such as 'hotdish'(*Who thought of Ashley Esslinger when they heard this word!*) and 'casserole.'"
Though the Midwest territory is still largely unexplored, early reports describe a region as backwards as it is vast. "Many of the basic aspects of a civilized culture appear to be entirely absent," said Gina Strauch, a Los Angeles-based anthropologist. "There is no theater to speak of, and their knowledge of posh restaurants is sketchy at best. Further, their agricentric lives seem to prevent them from pursuing high fashion to any degree, and, as a result, their mode of dress is largely restricted to sweatpants and sweatshirts, the women's being adorned with hearts and teddy bears and the men's with college-football insignias."
Despite the Midwesterners' considerable cultural backwardness, some say the establishment of relations with them is possible.
"Believe it or not, this region may have things to offer us," said Jonathan Ogleby, a San Francisco-area marketing expert. "We could construct an airport there, a place where New Yorkers could switch planes on their way to California. We could stage revivals of old Broadway musicals there. Perhaps we could even one day conduct trade with the Midwesterners, offering them electronic devices in exchange for meats and agriculture."
Others, however, are not so optimistic about future relations. "We must remember that these people are not at all like us," Conde Nast publisher and Manhattan socialite Lucille Randolph Snowdon said. "They are crude and provincial, bewildered by our tall buildings and our art galleries, our books and our coffee shops. For an L.A. resident to attempt to interact with one of them as he or she would with, say, a Bostonian is ludicrous. It appears unlikely that we will ever be able to conduct a genuine exchange of ideas with them about anything, save perhaps television or 'the big game.'"
The Geological Survey team discovered the vast region while searching for the fabled Midwest Passage, the mythical overland route passing through the uncharted area between Ithaca, NY, and Bakersfield, CA."I long suspected something was there," said Franklin Eldred, a Manhattan native and leader of the 200-man exploratory force. "I'd flown between New York and L.A. on business many times, and the unusually long duration of my flights seemed to indicate that some sort of large area was being traversed, an area of unknown composition."
The Geological Survey explorers left the East Coast three weeks ago, embarking on a perilous journey to the unknown. Not long after crossing the Adirondack Mountains, Eldred and his team were blazing trails through strange new regions, wild lands full of corn and wheat.
"Thus far we have discovered places known as Michigan, Minnesota and Wisconsin," said Randall Zachary, chief navigator for the expedition. "When translated from the local dialect into English, these words seem to mean 'summer camp.'"
Eldred and the others were surprised to learn that the Midwest, whose inhospitable environment was long believed to be incapable of supporting human life, is indeed populated, albeit sparsely.
"The Midwestern Aborigines are ruddy, generally heavy-set folk, clad in plain, non-designer costumery," Eldred said. "They tend to live in simple, one-story dwellings whose interiors are decorated with Hummels and 'Bless This House' needlepoint wall-hangings. And though coarse and unattractive, these simple people were rather friendly, offering us quaint native fare such as 'hotdish'(*Who thought of Ashley Esslinger when they heard this word!*) and 'casserole.'"
Though the Midwest territory is still largely unexplored, early reports describe a region as backwards as it is vast. "Many of the basic aspects of a civilized culture appear to be entirely absent," said Gina Strauch, a Los Angeles-based anthropologist. "There is no theater to speak of, and their knowledge of posh restaurants is sketchy at best. Further, their agricentric lives seem to prevent them from pursuing high fashion to any degree, and, as a result, their mode of dress is largely restricted to sweatpants and sweatshirts, the women's being adorned with hearts and teddy bears and the men's with college-football insignias."
Despite the Midwesterners' considerable cultural backwardness, some say the establishment of relations with them is possible.
"Believe it or not, this region may have things to offer us," said Jonathan Ogleby, a San Francisco-area marketing expert. "We could construct an airport there, a place where New Yorkers could switch planes on their way to California. We could stage revivals of old Broadway musicals there. Perhaps we could even one day conduct trade with the Midwesterners, offering them electronic devices in exchange for meats and agriculture."
Others, however, are not so optimistic about future relations. "We must remember that these people are not at all like us," Conde Nast publisher and Manhattan socialite Lucille Randolph Snowdon said. "They are crude and provincial, bewildered by our tall buildings and our art galleries, our books and our coffee shops. For an L.A. resident to attempt to interact with one of them as he or she would with, say, a Bostonian is ludicrous. It appears unlikely that we will ever be able to conduct a genuine exchange of ideas with them about anything, save perhaps television or 'the big game.'"
Tuesday, July 5
Three Days of Memories
First off, for those of you who were worried, I'm not going to list off all the memories of the last three days.
I went to Gateway Woods this weekend to volunteer on Saturday. I went with a group of young people from Washington, Roanoke, Morton, and Peoria. There were 24 of us. It amazes me how, when we go somewhere to volunteer and to serve, we so often walk away with a huge blessing. We go to bless, and are blessed.
Vince Francesi and Tyler Scott, from the Bluffton Youth Group came up for Saturday to help us work. Our tasks consisted of cutting out and relocating sod from around some swing sets, removing the pea gravel from around another swing set, and then replacing the sod or gravel with mulch. The weather was absolutely perfect for landscaping.
Sunday was spent worshipping at the Leo church. Brother Justin Koch, from Washington, IL, and Brother Darren Plattner, from Champaign, IL had the morning and afternoon services respectively. The theme centered around a few key questions; How did I get here?, and Why am I here? The answers, in their basic forms, were; I was created by an omnipotent God, and I am created to worship and glorify that God, my creator. What powerful simple truths. The challenge then becomes, if we were created to worship and glorify our maker, then what in our lives is hindering that? Everything else in our lives, everything that isn't centered around the glorification of our Father which art in Heaven, it's all fluff, meaningless, pointless.
Let's cut out the fluff. Let's be about worship.
I went to Gateway Woods this weekend to volunteer on Saturday. I went with a group of young people from Washington, Roanoke, Morton, and Peoria. There were 24 of us. It amazes me how, when we go somewhere to volunteer and to serve, we so often walk away with a huge blessing. We go to bless, and are blessed.Vince Francesi and Tyler Scott, from the Bluffton Youth Group came up for Saturday to help us work. Our tasks consisted of cutting out and relocating sod from around some swing sets, removing the pea gravel from around another swing set, and then replacing the sod or gravel with mulch. The weather was absolutely perfect for landscaping.
Sunday was spent worshipping at the Leo church. Brother Justin Koch, from Washington, IL, and Brother Darren Plattner, from Champaign, IL had the morning and afternoon services respectively. The theme centered around a few key questions; How did I get here?, and Why am I here? The answers, in their basic forms, were; I was created by an omnipotent God, and I am created to worship and glorify that God, my creator. What powerful simple truths. The challenge then becomes, if we were created to worship and glorify our maker, then what in our lives is hindering that? Everything else in our lives, everything that isn't centered around the glorification of our Father which art in Heaven, it's all fluff, meaningless, pointless.
Let's cut out the fluff. Let's be about worship.
Friday, July 1
Fun Video's
Here are some fun video's to keep you occupied today. :)
It's an absolutely beautiful day here in Central Illinois today. Tommie, Ash, and Brooke spent the night at my house last night. When we went outside to load the car this morning Tommie said, "Just like a Michigan summer." with a big 'ol smile on his face.
Video #1
Video #2 Click on "modem/Dsl" link to choose which bandwidth you watch this video at.
Video #3
If you have dial up these may take a while. The first video is the only one configured for dial up or broadband. In fact if you have dial up, I would recommend skipping video three. It takes a really really long time just for the intro to load, and then you get to video page, but it's all flash animation stuff, so I can't give you a direct link to the video page, sorry.
It's an absolutely beautiful day here in Central Illinois today. Tommie, Ash, and Brooke spent the night at my house last night. When we went outside to load the car this morning Tommie said, "Just like a Michigan summer." with a big 'ol smile on his face.
Video #1
Video #2 Click on "modem/Dsl" link to choose which bandwidth you watch this video at.
Video #3
If you have dial up these may take a while. The first video is the only one configured for dial up or broadband. In fact if you have dial up, I would recommend skipping video three. It takes a really really long time just for the intro to load, and then you get to video page, but it's all flash animation stuff, so I can't give you a direct link to the video page, sorry.
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