Wednesday, October 31, 2007
National Blog Posting Month
Did you ever hear of such a thing? You're supposed to post something every day of the month. Are you going to do it??? It starts tomorrow! Who's up to the challenge???? (John stop rolling your eyes!) : )
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
God's Compassion and Mercy
This morning I was reading in my own devotional time, as well as reading to the kids, about the compassion of God in so many different ways.
Starting with Judges I read about His amazing patience with the Israelites in light of their outright disobedience. I also read two stories to the children, the story about Abram rescuing his selfish nephew, Lot... and then the story of Jairus and his dying daugther and the lady with the bleeding problem. Remember how the lady with the bleeding issue touched Jesus's cloak and He felt the power go out from Him. She tremblingly admitted it was her, and Jesus compassionately says, "Daughter, your faith has healed you, go in peace." Then, with Jairus, the poor man comes begging Jesus to heal his 12-year-old daughter... but someone came to tell Jairus she had died and not to bother the Lord. Of course, you know the end of the story when Jesus goes with Jairus and his wife, and his favorite disciples... and tells the girl to get up. What a beautiful story of God's love. (I couldn't help but to cry and cry in the middle of reading that story... thinking about the loss of that family and Christ's mercy on them. How that must have felt!) He cares for each of us that way, aware of the details and hardships of our lives... there is no indication (to my knowledge) that Jairus was an important man or even a godly man... Jesus is merciful and kind to all.
Lastly, the most compelling story of God's compassion, that of our own Savior's death on the Cross. C.H. Spurgeon says, "The tree that brought death to our Savior is a tree of life to us. Sit under this true Tree of Life, and you will shake off the weakness and disease that came in by that Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil. David Livingstone, the Scottish missionary to Africa, used certain medicines that were known as Livinstone's Rousers. But the glorious truths that are extracted from the bitter wood of the cross are far better rousers!"
Lately, I have been burdened by the sufferings of people around me. A friend who miscarried her baby after two years of infertility, and finally had become pregnant via Invitro. Another friend who just lost her baby mid-term, the fourth time she has walked through this. And numerous trials I cannot even mention.
I was reminded this morning of Christ's compassion. Although, for reasons we may never know, He sometimes holds back His hand from physical healing, yet He is still compassionate and He demonstrates that ultimately on the Cross.. healing us from our most grave disease, our sin.
Starting with Judges I read about His amazing patience with the Israelites in light of their outright disobedience. I also read two stories to the children, the story about Abram rescuing his selfish nephew, Lot... and then the story of Jairus and his dying daugther and the lady with the bleeding problem. Remember how the lady with the bleeding issue touched Jesus's cloak and He felt the power go out from Him. She tremblingly admitted it was her, and Jesus compassionately says, "Daughter, your faith has healed you, go in peace." Then, with Jairus, the poor man comes begging Jesus to heal his 12-year-old daughter... but someone came to tell Jairus she had died and not to bother the Lord. Of course, you know the end of the story when Jesus goes with Jairus and his wife, and his favorite disciples... and tells the girl to get up. What a beautiful story of God's love. (I couldn't help but to cry and cry in the middle of reading that story... thinking about the loss of that family and Christ's mercy on them. How that must have felt!) He cares for each of us that way, aware of the details and hardships of our lives... there is no indication (to my knowledge) that Jairus was an important man or even a godly man... Jesus is merciful and kind to all.
Lastly, the most compelling story of God's compassion, that of our own Savior's death on the Cross. C.H. Spurgeon says, "The tree that brought death to our Savior is a tree of life to us. Sit under this true Tree of Life, and you will shake off the weakness and disease that came in by that Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil. David Livingstone, the Scottish missionary to Africa, used certain medicines that were known as Livinstone's Rousers. But the glorious truths that are extracted from the bitter wood of the cross are far better rousers!"
Lately, I have been burdened by the sufferings of people around me. A friend who miscarried her baby after two years of infertility, and finally had become pregnant via Invitro. Another friend who just lost her baby mid-term, the fourth time she has walked through this. And numerous trials I cannot even mention.
I was reminded this morning of Christ's compassion. Although, for reasons we may never know, He sometimes holds back His hand from physical healing, yet He is still compassionate and He demonstrates that ultimately on the Cross.. healing us from our most grave disease, our sin.
Saturday, October 27, 2007
Friday, October 26, 2007
Spelling Bee
Alyssa won Second Place in the CWCC Homeschool Spelling Bee. Humorously, it is the second time she made "second place", and the same girl who won "first place" last year, won again this year! (I need to ask her Mom what curriculum she is using!) ; ) Anyway, they were all fabulous. It was a true joy seeing all those children reciting their words... some of them hardly able to stand still while spelling. So cute!
Alyssa is a diligent person, and we are so proud of her. Good job, sweetie. : ) We love you, and thank you for your hard work.
Thursday, October 25, 2007
All the Way from California
We had visitors for the past week. My dear friend, Lisa came to visit with her new baby, Chase, and his big brother Skye. Lisa comes about once a year, and we love it when she's here. Skye plays great with Julianna and Spencer, and everyone doted on the baby. Of course, I'm running on very little sleep as our only real "talking time" is late at night after the seven little ones settle down for the night.
Lisa and I met about thirteen years ago when her husband (only her fiance´at the time) came to CrossWay looking for a church. Even though they only attended CrossWay for a few months, we became fast friends and have kept in touch through the years... maintaining a long distant friendship while they lived in Texas and now in California.
I miss my friend, but I am so grateful for her dedication to our relationship and willingness to travel many, many hours with two small boys just to see me.
I love you Lis! Thank you for coming!
Saturday, October 20, 2007
Retreat
For those of you who have been wondering where I have been, we just got back from a Pastors' Retreat in Bryson City, NC. Had a wonderful time making memories as a team.
Thank you to all who served us here with childcare. We literally could not do what we do without each of you...
A few pictures...
And if you want to see MORE pictures of this fun event (isn't that why everyone's visits these blogs??? For the pictures???)... go to Jeanie's, Reba's, or Jess's blogs too... : )
Thank you to all who served us here with childcare. We literally could not do what we do without each of you...
A few pictures...
And if you want to see MORE pictures of this fun event (isn't that why everyone's visits these blogs??? For the pictures???)... go to Jeanie's, Reba's, or Jess's blogs too... : )
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