What a week it has been! We are on day 3 of Mike's "real" schedule. Want to hear the funniest thing??
He has not left work after 5:30 one time so far......!!!! :) We have been warned that today may be different in that for some unknown reason, they seem to get a lot of orders the last day of the month - so sometimes it is a long day. To give you an idea - as a 40 person team, they moved 32,000 tires yesterday. Mike moved 600 himself. Crazy people. And - his direct manager has a policy of pushing them to get done by 5. Mike says from 4:30 on it gets really crazy. The radio apparently goes off incessantly with calls to push harder - they can get out.... Apparently that gets results.... he is averaging getting on the road at 5:30. They don't know until they go in what they are looking at order wise for the day - so you never know. This does amount to a 7 am - 5:30 pm shift (10 solid hours of work), and he is sore and tired, but in a good way.
We are holding our own over here as well. Yesterday was tougher than Monday because we had to leave at lunch for gym. It is easier to get stuff done when I am home. But - a friend and I were able to get together for lunch and she introduced my to the wonders of Wegman's (thanks Lisa!!) - so maybe going to the grocery store won't be so bad after all... And it will not have to be done on weekends then - and the kids are at gym, so I should be able to get it done pretty quick since I will be by myself. That will be weird.
The next few days I have something in the afternoon every day. I will see how that goes. I may have to keep that minimal. Tues. is gym, Fri. is swimming - those two days are not optional - but there aren't that many weeks left in those classes. and we only have 6 weeks of school left!! Then things should ease up a bit. We are itching to get outside!!! I am glad to hear that this weekend is slated to be really, really nice. I know we have to have rain sometimes, but the last two days have been yucky. Ready for the sun. Easter is going to be beautiful in so many ways!!!
Thank you for your prayers!!
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Sunday, March 28, 2010
On transitions and the grace of God....
Hi all!! We have gotten to that day. That day that ends our 15 month transition. Mike went back to work last Monday.
He is working in a tire warehouse. Funny thing is - he actually likes it. Don't get me wrong - it isn't his ideal career. It isn't what he wants to be doing. But it is the opportunity God has given him at this time to provide for our family, and isn't it kind of God to have his heart in a place where he is enjoying the provision God has granted!! There are details to be worked out schedule wise, money wise (this was a drastic reduction in pay), and goal wise (he is still in school - 2 classes a semester and he will have his BA in Biblical Studies by next May if we figured right), but as we look over the ways God has ordered our steps over the last season (who are we kidding!! over our LIVES!!) we have full confidence in the God of our salvation! So - we are still in adjusting as we have just finished week 1 (training), and as of tomorrow his "real" schedule starts. He is really enjoying school as well (and so far doing really well! He is on week 4 of 8 starting this week). He is tired, but in a lot of ways it is amazing how happy he is to be working again.
As for the rest of us, we are hanging on tight. On Thursday, we got home from the store and when we walked in, Chris loudly announced "Dad! We're home!" - to an empty house. He doesn't see Mike leave in the morning since he has to be in by 7 AM, and thought he was "in the tower" (our attic) working on school. We are getting used to not being able to get to daddy whenever we want - he can't have his cell at all in the warehouse, so it's breaks and lunch only. We are not used to that - me included! I didn't realize how used to him being around we had gotten! Last week was a challenge for me since once he gets home he really can't do too much - it is manual labor, and he has been up since 5 - so he isn't really anxious to be taking on anything extra after that - nor should he be. I have to get my A game going for sure from now on. I kept repeating to myself last week - "It's week 1. It's week 1. This is an adjustment period. It's week 1." By Friday I was feeling it - and didn't have half the stuff done that needed doing. But - that was week 1 :) !
We sat down today and attempted to get some semblance of a schedule planned. Here is where you guys come in. Like I mentioned, this is a pretty severe adjustment for our family. We are going from Mike being busy, but around, to Mike being busy and working 55 + hours a week. My brain is reeling from that number, and that is without the time he needs to get his school done, or the commute time. We already have needs that we would love to have you lift up to our Father (a post on that coming - we had an EXCELLENT sermon today!!) as we step out in faith believing that this is what God has for us in this season. We have desires that may have to be set aside during this time. We have what is looking like a REALLY tight schedule for the forseeable future.
Would you pray that Mike's schedule would allow us to attend our Care Group (first and foremost)? The way it looks now, he may not be able to be out of work in time for that to happen. This is a precious means of grace to us, and we are rather unwilling to let it go. He is approaching the scheduler tomorrow about making arrangements that will allow that. Please pray that he would be shown favor in his request. We actually have 6 dates in April that we had already scheduled on the calendar that would necessitate him getting out on time (6 PM) in order for us to keep those commitments. That is his end time, but apparently they don't really follow those end times. Would you pray for strength and endurance for Mike to finish his education as he also works all these hours? Would you pray for protection for our family as our time together will be lessened during this time - that we would enjoy and make good use of the times we are together? Would you pray that we would be strengthened as a couple through this busy season as well - that it would only serve to bring us closer, not make us too busy to remember we are married :) ? Would you pray that I would be faithful in my service to my family - not overwhelmed, but serving with joy and gladness - serving the Lord, my family, having the discernment to take on only what He has for me? That I would be able to prioritize my time as unto Him, and that I wouldn't be lazy? I have a tendency to find things to "fill" my time - they are such good things - and I neglect the things I know I am called to for the sake of those things. It's a "righteous" way of mismanaging my time. My family cannot afford that kind of behavior right now! I also desire joy in this season. All in all, it's a pretty tall order. But I serve a mighty God, and I believe that I am seeking to walk in obedience to Him. He promises the power to do what He has called us to - and I am clinging to that. I want it to be a reality in my life. Would you pray?
He is working in a tire warehouse. Funny thing is - he actually likes it. Don't get me wrong - it isn't his ideal career. It isn't what he wants to be doing. But it is the opportunity God has given him at this time to provide for our family, and isn't it kind of God to have his heart in a place where he is enjoying the provision God has granted!! There are details to be worked out schedule wise, money wise (this was a drastic reduction in pay), and goal wise (he is still in school - 2 classes a semester and he will have his BA in Biblical Studies by next May if we figured right), but as we look over the ways God has ordered our steps over the last season (who are we kidding!! over our LIVES!!) we have full confidence in the God of our salvation! So - we are still in adjusting as we have just finished week 1 (training), and as of tomorrow his "real" schedule starts. He is really enjoying school as well (and so far doing really well! He is on week 4 of 8 starting this week). He is tired, but in a lot of ways it is amazing how happy he is to be working again.
As for the rest of us, we are hanging on tight. On Thursday, we got home from the store and when we walked in, Chris loudly announced "Dad! We're home!" - to an empty house. He doesn't see Mike leave in the morning since he has to be in by 7 AM, and thought he was "in the tower" (our attic) working on school. We are getting used to not being able to get to daddy whenever we want - he can't have his cell at all in the warehouse, so it's breaks and lunch only. We are not used to that - me included! I didn't realize how used to him being around we had gotten! Last week was a challenge for me since once he gets home he really can't do too much - it is manual labor, and he has been up since 5 - so he isn't really anxious to be taking on anything extra after that - nor should he be. I have to get my A game going for sure from now on. I kept repeating to myself last week - "It's week 1. It's week 1. This is an adjustment period. It's week 1." By Friday I was feeling it - and didn't have half the stuff done that needed doing. But - that was week 1 :) !
We sat down today and attempted to get some semblance of a schedule planned. Here is where you guys come in. Like I mentioned, this is a pretty severe adjustment for our family. We are going from Mike being busy, but around, to Mike being busy and working 55 + hours a week. My brain is reeling from that number, and that is without the time he needs to get his school done, or the commute time. We already have needs that we would love to have you lift up to our Father (a post on that coming - we had an EXCELLENT sermon today!!) as we step out in faith believing that this is what God has for us in this season. We have desires that may have to be set aside during this time. We have what is looking like a REALLY tight schedule for the forseeable future.
Would you pray that Mike's schedule would allow us to attend our Care Group (first and foremost)? The way it looks now, he may not be able to be out of work in time for that to happen. This is a precious means of grace to us, and we are rather unwilling to let it go. He is approaching the scheduler tomorrow about making arrangements that will allow that. Please pray that he would be shown favor in his request. We actually have 6 dates in April that we had already scheduled on the calendar that would necessitate him getting out on time (6 PM) in order for us to keep those commitments. That is his end time, but apparently they don't really follow those end times. Would you pray for strength and endurance for Mike to finish his education as he also works all these hours? Would you pray for protection for our family as our time together will be lessened during this time - that we would enjoy and make good use of the times we are together? Would you pray that we would be strengthened as a couple through this busy season as well - that it would only serve to bring us closer, not make us too busy to remember we are married :) ? Would you pray that I would be faithful in my service to my family - not overwhelmed, but serving with joy and gladness - serving the Lord, my family, having the discernment to take on only what He has for me? That I would be able to prioritize my time as unto Him, and that I wouldn't be lazy? I have a tendency to find things to "fill" my time - they are such good things - and I neglect the things I know I am called to for the sake of those things. It's a "righteous" way of mismanaging my time. My family cannot afford that kind of behavior right now! I also desire joy in this season. All in all, it's a pretty tall order. But I serve a mighty God, and I believe that I am seeking to walk in obedience to Him. He promises the power to do what He has called us to - and I am clinging to that. I want it to be a reality in my life. Would you pray?
Monday, March 15, 2010
A Book Review - by Mike
We have been privileged as a family to read a book called "The Big Picture Story Bible". This is by far, the twins absolute favorite book!!! Mike is generally the one that leads the twins each night before bed, so I asked him, and he graciously agreed, to give he and the twins perspective on this book! Here is Mike's opinion :)!
" I did an interview with my twins as to what particular things they like about "The Big Picture Story Bible" and I was pleasantly surprised by the answers they had for me. Christopher and Stephen both liked presentation of the creation story, but when asked what he liked about it, Christopher replied that he really like how "...it showed God's words making the world." Stephen's runaway favorite story was "A Blind Man Sees" (Part 18). When asked what he liked about the story, he replied that it showed how Jesus really loved the blind man.
Other comments about the "Big Picture Story Bible" from not only the twins but also the older two kids were;
"I really like how every story always has a part that talks about Jesus or God (the Father) and how he loves us."
"The illustrations are really neat."
"The story about Revelation helped me know more about the new heaven and new earth."
I as the dad enjoy reading this book to my kids because the stories are constructed to keep the attention of the kids as we read. The illustrations are colorful and support the subject matter, and yet they are not too complex to distract from the story. Each part is just long enough so that important Biblical truths are communicated and all the information can be remembered. Most of all, Mr. Helm brings the amazing and wonderful story of God's plan of salvation, from Genesis to Revelation, into a simple, yet elegantly accurate form that is easy for children (of all ages ) to understand. As I have read these twenty six stories to my children, and then read them several times over afterwards, I have seen my children's knowledge of the overarching plan of God's redemption increased, and I also have been encouraged in my faith."
We loved the book so much we gave out copies for Christmas this year !! For more info on this book or other books published by Crossway check out their blog at www.crossway.org/blog
" I did an interview with my twins as to what particular things they like about "The Big Picture Story Bible" and I was pleasantly surprised by the answers they had for me. Christopher and Stephen both liked presentation of the creation story, but when asked what he liked about it, Christopher replied that he really like how "...it showed God's words making the world." Stephen's runaway favorite story was "A Blind Man Sees" (Part 18). When asked what he liked about the story, he replied that it showed how Jesus really loved the blind man.
Other comments about the "Big Picture Story Bible" from not only the twins but also the older two kids were;
"I really like how every story always has a part that talks about Jesus or God (the Father) and how he loves us."
"The illustrations are really neat."
"The story about Revelation helped me know more about the new heaven and new earth."
I as the dad enjoy reading this book to my kids because the stories are constructed to keep the attention of the kids as we read. The illustrations are colorful and support the subject matter, and yet they are not too complex to distract from the story. Each part is just long enough so that important Biblical truths are communicated and all the information can be remembered. Most of all, Mr. Helm brings the amazing and wonderful story of God's plan of salvation, from Genesis to Revelation, into a simple, yet elegantly accurate form that is easy for children (of all ages ) to understand. As I have read these twenty six stories to my children, and then read them several times over afterwards, I have seen my children's knowledge of the overarching plan of God's redemption increased, and I also have been encouraged in my faith."
We loved the book so much we gave out copies for Christmas this year !! For more info on this book or other books published by Crossway check out their blog at www.crossway.org/blog
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Update
Well - I figure it is time for a general family update....
Let's see.
We have 9 weeks and counting of school left. I am not sure who is more excited - them or me. Love school, but looking forward to an extended break. It will be 6 weeks. Plus I look forward every year to "portfolio approval" time - once it's turned in, it's turned in. We have also managed to pack out the last few weeks activity wise. The kids now have swimming and Push the Rock each week. This means trips to Allentown twice a week in the afternoons. We really need to move west!!!
Mike has started another semester of school. He is going for his BA in biblical studies from Regent University online. When you do their online program, it runs 8 weeks per semester. He is going part time, and if we can stick to it, he should graduate next year. On top of that he is working for a temp agency (for now) and his first job assignment is going to be for 50 hours per week. The start date keeps getting moved back, and, to be honest I am grateful in a way. His first day of school was this past Monday, his first day of work was supposed to be the same day, and Push the Rock started Tuesday. That meant an increase in my stress levels all at once. As it turned out, he started school, and we did Push the Rock, but it is looking like work won't start until Monday. He has been working ahead as much as possible on school, especially reading so when he starts work he will be a little ahead. I prefer this easing in instead of jumping "in the deep end" right away. He is liking school so far.
Michael Ben is doing really well - lots of energy that kid. His swimming is really improving - they started endurance last week. It is tough on him with his asthma, but he did really well. He always enjoys Push the Rock - and this spring weather is really making all of us a little stir crazy. We are coming up on our bad season asthma and allergy wise, so that is a prayer item. On the flip side, he has had his best year yet with his asthma - praise God! He is also building up a storm Lego wise.....
Kate was given acrylics for Christmas and she is painting up a storm!! She also is loving swimming and Push the Rock. She loves to be busy, and has loved the new schedule for this week.
Chris and Stephen are trying to make it across the pool. I have never seen two kids kick with all their might, heads under the water.......... and not move. It's like running in place - but in a pool. It makes me laugh. No one can say they aren't trying! They have gotten a lot better since the beginning of the year. Push the Rock is great for them too - they aren't babies anymore. They get the rules and fundamentals of games and sports - and are very, very set on mastery. Both are reading (although strangely on two different levels - Stephen excels here), and so driving while they read out loud all the signs is really annoying cute.
Me - I'm learning to flex again. I can not stand transitions. It amazes me how many we are flying through - and how fast. God has been doing a great work in me in this area. I still don't "have it down", but He has been so faithful - it gives me great hope for the future transitions as I look back on His work so far. And He is a Good Shepherd. Still looking forward to seeing how "things all work out"...... :)
Let's see.
We have 9 weeks and counting of school left. I am not sure who is more excited - them or me. Love school, but looking forward to an extended break. It will be 6 weeks. Plus I look forward every year to "portfolio approval" time - once it's turned in, it's turned in. We have also managed to pack out the last few weeks activity wise. The kids now have swimming and Push the Rock each week. This means trips to Allentown twice a week in the afternoons. We really need to move west!!!
Mike has started another semester of school. He is going for his BA in biblical studies from Regent University online. When you do their online program, it runs 8 weeks per semester. He is going part time, and if we can stick to it, he should graduate next year. On top of that he is working for a temp agency (for now) and his first job assignment is going to be for 50 hours per week. The start date keeps getting moved back, and, to be honest I am grateful in a way. His first day of school was this past Monday, his first day of work was supposed to be the same day, and Push the Rock started Tuesday. That meant an increase in my stress levels all at once. As it turned out, he started school, and we did Push the Rock, but it is looking like work won't start until Monday. He has been working ahead as much as possible on school, especially reading so when he starts work he will be a little ahead. I prefer this easing in instead of jumping "in the deep end" right away. He is liking school so far.
Michael Ben is doing really well - lots of energy that kid. His swimming is really improving - they started endurance last week. It is tough on him with his asthma, but he did really well. He always enjoys Push the Rock - and this spring weather is really making all of us a little stir crazy. We are coming up on our bad season asthma and allergy wise, so that is a prayer item. On the flip side, he has had his best year yet with his asthma - praise God! He is also building up a storm Lego wise.....
Kate was given acrylics for Christmas and she is painting up a storm!! She also is loving swimming and Push the Rock. She loves to be busy, and has loved the new schedule for this week.
Chris and Stephen are trying to make it across the pool. I have never seen two kids kick with all their might, heads under the water.......... and not move. It's like running in place - but in a pool. It makes me laugh. No one can say they aren't trying! They have gotten a lot better since the beginning of the year. Push the Rock is great for them too - they aren't babies anymore. They get the rules and fundamentals of games and sports - and are very, very set on mastery. Both are reading (although strangely on two different levels - Stephen excels here), and so driving while they read out loud all the signs is really annoying cute.
Me - I'm learning to flex again. I can not stand transitions. It amazes me how many we are flying through - and how fast. God has been doing a great work in me in this area. I still don't "have it down", but He has been so faithful - it gives me great hope for the future transitions as I look back on His work so far. And He is a Good Shepherd. Still looking forward to seeing how "things all work out"...... :)
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Housebound
Well - today at breakfast, Kate got sick. So - we are housebound for the day (Kate and I). The boys went off to church (Mike did offer to stay home with her, and I do not do well with vomit, but to be honest, my stomach isn't feeling so good either.....). So - I am checking in before shutting this thing down for the day, then I think I might try take a mini Personal Retreat since Kate is asleep and the house is quiet (very unusual for around here.....). Tempted to jump start my week, but know better - God made a day of rest for a reason.........
Saturday, February 27, 2010
A Tribute to a Dear Canine Friend.....
Well - we had a bad morning. Our beautiful 4 1/2 year old Great Dane / English Mastiff mix slid on the ice on our back deck (a deck she had been able to clear for weeks now snow or no snow), and landed on her front leg in a bad way. A really bad way. Mike rushed her to the vet, but she was very honest and clear with us. The break was very, very bad. As a result, the best course of action was to have her put to sleep.
This was a sudden and rather shocking thing for us. The kids are going through periods of crying followed by "life as normal", followed by crying. To be honest - I am too. Here is a picture of Sammy....
You get a general idea of her size next to our large orange tabby (Hobbes) in this picture. Her back was up to my waist. She was a sweet, sweet girl - and funny!! - thought she was a lap dog most of her life. We are grateful for the time we had her!! It will be a tough couple of days ahead - especially for the kids (who am I kidding - I keep hearing her collar!). It has given us opportunities to talk about some things as a family and to hurt together. We will really miss her.
This was a sudden and rather shocking thing for us. The kids are going through periods of crying followed by "life as normal", followed by crying. To be honest - I am too. Here is a picture of Sammy....
You get a general idea of her size next to our large orange tabby (Hobbes) in this picture. Her back was up to my waist. She was a sweet, sweet girl - and funny!! - thought she was a lap dog most of her life. We are grateful for the time we had her!! It will be a tough couple of days ahead - especially for the kids (who am I kidding - I keep hearing her collar!). It has given us opportunities to talk about some things as a family and to hurt together. We will really miss her.
Monday, February 22, 2010
Deluge
Deluge means to inundate. To overwhelm. It is usually referred to in the context of rain - as in a flood.
Over the last few weeks this has described a feeling for me. As I try to examine it, this is the word that comes to mind. It seems to happen mostly when I am thinking about ......... my church. As I think about my brothers and sisters I have recently become completely overwhelmed. As in brought to tears with gratitude. Because this is an attempt to describe emotions using words - not the best medium! - it will probably be a bit convoluted, but this has been on my heart for awhile now!
I wish I could count the number of times recently I have looked at Mike and said, "We are so blessed!!!!!"
I am not sure I can adequately detail all the ways recently that God has made Himself real to us in our lives (not that He has to - but He delights to!!!) in the most recent past. I wish I could adequately describe what I have come to know as a pattern of grace as I watch Him work in our lives. This will be my very feeble attempt.
Before I launch into anything here though, I want to, you guessed it, post some song lyrics.... :) Here is one that has been in my head:
Over the last few weeks this has described a feeling for me. As I try to examine it, this is the word that comes to mind. It seems to happen mostly when I am thinking about ......... my church. As I think about my brothers and sisters I have recently become completely overwhelmed. As in brought to tears with gratitude. Because this is an attempt to describe emotions using words - not the best medium! - it will probably be a bit convoluted, but this has been on my heart for awhile now!
I wish I could count the number of times recently I have looked at Mike and said, "We are so blessed!!!!!"
I am not sure I can adequately detail all the ways recently that God has made Himself real to us in our lives (not that He has to - but He delights to!!!) in the most recent past. I wish I could adequately describe what I have come to know as a pattern of grace as I watch Him work in our lives. This will be my very feeble attempt.
Before I launch into anything here though, I want to, you guessed it, post some song lyrics.... :) Here is one that has been in my head:
Prepared a Place for Me
By Doug Plank
As recorded on Sons and Daughters
© 2009 Sovereign Grace Worship (ASCAP)
Mystery of mysteries
That God would make for me
A place within His family, though once His enemy
The Judge of every sinner sent Christ to Calvary
To prepare a place for me
Judgment should be given
For this guilt upon my head
But the Father of all glory crushed His Son instead
Now I’ve been adopted, for God made this to be
You prepared a place for me
Blessed be, blessed be
My God and Savior, You’ve shown me favor
And prepared a place for me
Father, in the moment
When Your Son shall split the skies
And myriads of angels acclaim Him with their cries
By grace I will be able to join the jubilee
You prepared a place for me
A place within His family, though once His enemy
The Judge of every sinner sent Christ to Calvary
To prepare a place for me
Judgment should be given
For this guilt upon my head
But the Father of all glory crushed His Son instead
Now I’ve been adopted, for God made this to be
You prepared a place for me
Blessed be, blessed be
My God and Savior, You’ve shown me favor
And prepared a place for me
Father, in the moment
When Your Son shall split the skies
And myriads of angels acclaim Him with their cries
By grace I will be able to join the jubilee
You prepared a place for me
I really love this song - it makes me realize how undeserving I am of the gift of salvation, and the many reasons I have to be grateful to God. I think as I launch in, one of the wonderful ways God has seen fit to bless us is with a season of particularly sweet fellowship with His family. We have been privileged to see God at work in a lot of practical areas in our lives recently - from possible job leads, to financial provision. We have seen the protecting hand of God in my father's surgery and our van as we transported him with "no brakes". God is more amazing than we could ever imagine. We can see Him at work in these areas of our lives, but I think one of the things I appreciate the most about how God works in our lives is the way He chooses to work through His people.
We have been blessed with a wonderful church family. This is a post that has been a long time coming. The night Mike lost his job was a Care Group night. This group of dear friends offered comfort, support, and pointed us to Christ. This has been repeated in the larger church context as well over the year since Mike was laid off. They couldn't fix it. I think this is what stands out to me most as far as the church being the blessing it is. There will be times in our lives that they can not fix what is happening. They can not act as a safety net. There will be times (and have been) God will see fit to have us go through a trial. There will be times we will have to go without, because God, in His mercy, has ordained it to be best for us. As a result, there will be times I will loose focus, get distracted, hurt. And the church, at that time, acts as His body - as we suffer with each other, and lift each other before God's throne. Most importantly, I have been reminded that "my redeemer lives". These friends have "stood in the gap" of my faith and my reality gently pointing me to a loving Savior. They have invested time, their own lives, and sometimes even worried for us as we have been walking through our lives. We receive care, encouragement (whether by edification or rebuke), and always love. We do not doubt for a minute that our church family is for us. We have been lead into more and more of a spirit of gratefulness in regards to this body. We are constantly reminded by our pastors that there is no "perfect church", and that we are all sinners saved by grace, but we have also both been reminded anew that the fellowship of the saints is sweet!!!!
Psalm 16 comes back to mind:
"Preserve me, O God, for in you I take refuge. I say to the Lord,
'You are my Lord; I have no good apart from you.'
As for the saints in the land, they are the excellent ones, in whom is all my delight!
The sorrows of those who run after another god shall multiply; their drink offerings of blood I will not pour out, or take their names on my lips.
The LORD is my chosen portion and my cup; you hold my lot.
The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance.
I bless the LORD who gives me counsel; in the night also my heart instructs me.
I have set the LORD always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken.
Therefore my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices; my flesh also dwells secure.
For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol, or let your holy one see corruption.
You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore."
Christ is more than enough. The salvation He paid for is the most amazing example to us of what love is. And yet - how kind of God to provide an example of His love "with skin on" through the church. Will we always love each other perfectly? No. That was something else I have realized over the recent past - I have not always loved our body the way I am supposed to. In fact, we are in a a sermon series in Colossians (I didn't realize how much about speech is in that book!!) and I have been convicted about the fact that I do not use my words to build up. As we have been studying Colossians, it has only sharpened my desire to "pour" into my brothers and sisters. To deepen our relationships with them, to serve, to connect, to love!! I have been well served by my family at Grace - and I am becoming more profoundly grateful to God for them, and, because of their example of pursuit of Him, more in love with Christ.
I don't usually do this, but how about you? What makes your body unique? How had God used them in you life to strengthen and encourage you? Where do you see evidences of God's grace in your brothers and sisters and how can you encourage them? What role does your church play in your relationship to Christ? Where do you believe the church "fits in" in your life? Does it at all?
We have been blessed with a wonderful church family. This is a post that has been a long time coming. The night Mike lost his job was a Care Group night. This group of dear friends offered comfort, support, and pointed us to Christ. This has been repeated in the larger church context as well over the year since Mike was laid off. They couldn't fix it. I think this is what stands out to me most as far as the church being the blessing it is. There will be times in our lives that they can not fix what is happening. They can not act as a safety net. There will be times (and have been) God will see fit to have us go through a trial. There will be times we will have to go without, because God, in His mercy, has ordained it to be best for us. As a result, there will be times I will loose focus, get distracted, hurt. And the church, at that time, acts as His body - as we suffer with each other, and lift each other before God's throne. Most importantly, I have been reminded that "my redeemer lives". These friends have "stood in the gap" of my faith and my reality gently pointing me to a loving Savior. They have invested time, their own lives, and sometimes even worried for us as we have been walking through our lives. We receive care, encouragement (whether by edification or rebuke), and always love. We do not doubt for a minute that our church family is for us. We have been lead into more and more of a spirit of gratefulness in regards to this body. We are constantly reminded by our pastors that there is no "perfect church", and that we are all sinners saved by grace, but we have also both been reminded anew that the fellowship of the saints is sweet!!!!
Psalm 16 comes back to mind:
"Preserve me, O God, for in you I take refuge. I say to the Lord,
'You are my Lord; I have no good apart from you.'
As for the saints in the land, they are the excellent ones, in whom is all my delight!
The sorrows of those who run after another god shall multiply; their drink offerings of blood I will not pour out, or take their names on my lips.
The LORD is my chosen portion and my cup; you hold my lot.
The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance.
I bless the LORD who gives me counsel; in the night also my heart instructs me.
I have set the LORD always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken.
Therefore my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices; my flesh also dwells secure.
For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol, or let your holy one see corruption.
You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore."
Christ is more than enough. The salvation He paid for is the most amazing example to us of what love is. And yet - how kind of God to provide an example of His love "with skin on" through the church. Will we always love each other perfectly? No. That was something else I have realized over the recent past - I have not always loved our body the way I am supposed to. In fact, we are in a a sermon series in Colossians (I didn't realize how much about speech is in that book!!) and I have been convicted about the fact that I do not use my words to build up. As we have been studying Colossians, it has only sharpened my desire to "pour" into my brothers and sisters. To deepen our relationships with them, to serve, to connect, to love!! I have been well served by my family at Grace - and I am becoming more profoundly grateful to God for them, and, because of their example of pursuit of Him, more in love with Christ.
I don't usually do this, but how about you? What makes your body unique? How had God used them in you life to strengthen and encourage you? Where do you see evidences of God's grace in your brothers and sisters and how can you encourage them? What role does your church play in your relationship to Christ? Where do you believe the church "fits in" in your life? Does it at all?
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