Spending a decent amount of time in another context is one of the most effective ways to re-set a person's perspective and help them see the world around them through refreshed and unbiased eyes.
Four days ago, I got back from such an experience - a ten-day mission trip with eight other people from Victory Rd., and a friend from another state. A total of ten of us went to a big city in the western part of the country to volunteer at a mission organization focused on ministering to the homeless and poor in that area. It was definitely an eye-opener.
I thought I was prepared. I thought I knew enough about homelessness to be able to minister with a tender heart, but also to maintain a protective skin around my feelings. I was wrong.
And maybe that was a good thing.
The mission sends out a group of staff, program guys, and volunteers every night in a big van (or two) with sandwiches, blankets, clean socks, small hygiene items (shampoo, toothbrushes and toothpaste, soap, sunscreen, etc.), something to drink (juice or hot chocolate, depending on the weather. The mission's hot chocolate is famous in the city. Some people were asking for it even when the nights were warm.), and kind hearts. There are several different routes that the vans take, and multiple stops along each route. The van parks, and a handful of the volunteers get out and walk around nearby, looking for homeless and down-trodden folks in the vicinity to send back to the van. The rest of the workers stay at the van to meet the people who come.
The big red vans and the mission's name are known and welcomed all over the city by drunks, druggies, unemployed businessmen, orphans, scarred veterans, prostitutes, and honest people who are simply 'down on their luck'. Anyone who needs a little food, a little warmth, a kind word, a listening ear, and/or the love of Christ, can find it at the hands of the mission and it's workers - many of them formerly addicted and scarred people themselves, now beautifully healed by the love of God.
Our team was privileged to go out on these nighttime-rescue trips several times. I went along for five out of the ten nights we were there in the city. The first night was heart-breaking, and almost too hard. But after the second night, I was addicted to the 'high' - the feeling of being useful, doing good, and maybe helping change some lives for the better.
Our team also helped prepare and serve the nearly-one-thousand meals the mission serves to homeless people that walk in every day just to eat (the number increases in the winter months when it's cold and harder for homeless folks to find food). In the process of meal preparations and other kitchen chores, our team worked alongside many of the men who are going through the rehab program and living there at the mission. Nothing bonds people like having to work together for a focused cause. We made some wonderful new friends.
To hear the guys in the program tell their stories, to see the depths of history in their eyes, to watch smiles bloom on gruff faces, and to learn how completely normal they are behind the tough fronts... Those were priceless moments.
One of the most impacting seconds of the trip for me was when, one day near the end of our time there, I suddenly realized that I didn't notice anymore the ponytails, the strange facial piercings, the gauges, or the tattoos - those details about our new friends that had startled me (and made me a little more nervous than I was anyway) at the beginning of the trip, had faded before the twin effects of kindness and grace. For, on our parts, it took kindness and open hearts to see past those things at first - to be able to get to know the real men behind the weird expressions. And for them, it took the grace of God to change their hearts from places of fear and slavery to places of rest, courage, and hope. Simply judging by the ten-day experience that I had working at the mission, that is what is happening there - the Lord is using that place to rescue men and give them new lives in Christ.
I thank Him that He allowed me the blessing of looking through a small ten-day window, into the beauty that is possible when His hand touches our dust.
{Note: Another post coming with pictures and more specific details of our trip.}
Showing posts with label Mission Journey. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Mission Journey. Show all posts
Saturday, July 18, 2015
Friday, June 21, 2013
"5 Small Things Friday" No. 90
Go back and read this post for the story behind "Five Small Things Friday".
For this week, here is my list:
1. Sight:
2. Hearing:
3. Smell:
4. Taste: Strawberries And Cream Smoothie
5. Touch: Church Bus Floor
The stories behind the list:
1.
2.
3.
4. The Tuesday before we left Chicago, we went again to that charming little ice cream place next to the church, one more time. I got a 'strawberries with cream' smoothie, and it was so yummy! I must have "flung a cravin'", as Mom says, on Jane and Toby, 'cause that's what they decided to get too.
5. Wednesday, on the way back from our mission trip to Chicago, I spent part of the 15-hour bus ride on the floor of the 15-passenger church bus, trying to catch up on lost sleep. On long church trips, the floor of the bus usually becomes littered with blankets, pillows, and napping young people. There's a good bit of squirming to get into a comfortable position without getting in others' space, and good-natured arguing for a turn at the largest sections of floor.
I love it when it's my turn. Not only is it a chance to get out of the uncomfortable seats and stretch out for a few minutes of rest, but it is a soothing experience in it's own way as well.
Wednesday as the miles passed beneath us on our way back South, I lay on the bus floor, and the hum of the tires was very near - a close, gentle, lulling, one-note tune. The highway vibrated soothingly and the wind of the northern flat lands caught the tallness of the bus and rocked it. My face was buried in my pillow, my light-weight blanket tucked up under my chin, and the floor of the friendly bus was warm under me as it hummed along, mile after mile, faithfully carrying us back 'home' as it had done so many times before. I felt so content, so at peace and rest, almost like I was being hugged by a dear trust-worthy friend and feeling their heart beat.
Monday, December 24, 2012
Newsletter 2012
Below is a 'newsletter' of sorts I sent out to my friends and pen-pals this year, catching them up and filling them in on a few of the goings-on of my life in the past year. Much of it will mean little to most of you, but I included it here on my blog for those interested, and for my own record.
"
Dear friends, Dec. 20, 2012
I thought when I finished college last fall that somehow I would have ‘time’ again. Time to pleasure-read, time to write letters, to journal, to go for walks, to craft to my heart’s content, to study subjects other than school requirements, etc. What a myth! While I have been freed from late-night studying for tests and from stacks of impossible homework assignments, all that ‘free time’ that was supposed to materialize never showed up :) . I say all that by way of hopeful explanation for the neglect I’m sure some of you feel for my long letter-writing silence, and to warn you that it may become regular for my letters to be very few and far between :/ . I usually don’t like the idea of a mass mail-out – though those letters are just as heart-felt, they somehow seem not quite as personal as receiving a hand-written note with your own name at the top. But, I am learning that if I put off writing until I can write a personal letter to each of my dear friends, none of them will get anything! So here I am, doing the end-of-the-year-newsletter mail-out. Please be assured though, that each of you are personally thought of and loved as I type :) . So, on to ‘news’.
2012 has been a year of learning for me. Come to think of it, I could truthfully say that of the two years before it, for I spent them in learning of not only a spiritual and personal, but also an academic sort. But in the spiritual category, 2012 has seemed to be the ‘final test’ at the end of the semester. Seems like all the Lord has taught me 2009-2011 has been put to the test. I myself have been put to the test. My trust in the Lord’s power, my faith in His wisdom, my hope in His unfailing love, and my submission to His plans have all been tried. I was given success, realized dreams, and answered prayers. I was also given betrayal, hurt, and tears. Trials I had prepared myself to face never showed up, and instead I was presented with a series of entirely unexpected situations that have shaken me brutally. But praise God for the lectures and repeated lessons of the years before, and because of them the test, though hard, was not impossible to take, and I believe I made a passing grade. The fact that the Teacher is always available certainly is the greatest comfort!
With the Lord’s help, I did finish junior college last December, and ‘officially’ graduated in May with a technical degree in Web Development. As of right now, I do not have any plans to go on to a university.
I continue to work as an after-school employee at Victory Road Christian Academy, the Christian private school started by Victory Rd. Baptist Church – the church I am a member of. There are good days and bad days, but I love these kids so much! I can see so much growth in them, and they have taught me so much as well. My prayer is that I can be a Godly influence and use my time with them in the best possible way – they are so alert and eager and soak up whatever is going on around them. I want to always keep good examples and wholesome options present before their amazingly observant eyes and ears.
In September I took another small job, working at a little restaurant owned by a couple in the church. It’s uncomfortable at times, as I work closely with others who are not Christians and act like they are not. But it is a great witnessing opportunity and I am trying to build friendships with them. Two of my co-workers came to church a couple of weeks ago, and I was so excited – it was a big step for them. I love the fact that I am in constant contact with other local people. Even if I don’t have an opportunity to talk with them very long, at least I get to smile and wish them a great afternoon or a Merry Christmas. People notice a smile, and I love when one of the many hard or sad faces that comes by asks why I’m so happy. To get to tell them about the One Who gives real joy is the ultimate satisfaction.
Twice this year I have had the opportunity to go on state-side mission/service trips with Victory Rd., and since another mission trip to Trinidad was out for this year, Trissy and I both went on these two. In January we went to [a neighboring state] to a children’s home and ranch near [the state's capitol city]. It was cold, but it was a great time of hard work and also of fellowship and bonding with the other church members who went. In June we went to Illinois and an area near Chicago to help a church there. Again, lots of hard work, and lots of wonderful memories of time spent with church family. This trip may very well be the highlight of my year. I had hopes and even expectations for it, but the Lord gave me abundantly above what I even imagined!
When school started back in the fall, I was asked to help teach the junior-high class at church on Wednesday nights. Not being much of a teacher, I was hesitant to jump in, but there was a need for more help in that area and even before I was asked, I felt like the Lord was encouraging me to consider getting involved. Besides, for years I’ve had a great love for teen-agers and desired to be able to minister to them somehow. This wasn’t exactly what I’d had in mind, but it would be good to get out of my ‘comfort zone’ a little. It has been very different than I imagined, even to the point of discouragement. Several times I’ve thought, “What am I even doing here?” But sticking with it, the Lord has showed me at least one young thirteen-year-old reason I think He has me there, and I myself have begun receiving great blessing from it.
Speaking of teenagers and my desire to minister to them, one of the great joys and sorrows of this year has been a young friend in the church. Satan is trying – through discouragement, misunderstanding, and bad advice from so-called ‘friends’ – to destroy the spirit and testimony of one of the young people of Victory Rd. The desire to serve and please the Lord is there, but difficulties and struggles are hitting hard and fast, knocking down good intentions and belittling the efforts of others to help. The highs and lows and ups and downs – the past few months especially – have been exhausting and discouraging for those who love this dear young person. Please pray for all involved, at least now as you read, but continued prayers would be SO appreciated! Pray for courage and spiritual strength for the teenager, wisdom for those who are trying to help, and ultimate great victory over Satan’s evil plans – for the glory of God.
And if you would, as you pray, please pray for Victory Road Church as a whole. The Lord has been using us in great ways, and I guess Satan decided he wanted to get busy and mess things up. We have faced a lot of hardship this past year. Ridiculous but effective attacks from inside have been the most harmful and hurtful. Thank you for all prayers!
Well, my time is running out and so is my mental energy :) . I’m sure I have hardly scratched the surface as far as all the opportunities the Lord has given me and all the things I have been involved in this past year, but I’ve tried to catch you all up on a couple of the highlights that have been the most influential on my life :) . I have no big job or career, I’m not in college any more, and I’m not married – things that I think many, if not most, people measure a successful life by. But I find my life very fulfilling. I love my two little jobs, the people, and the opportunities involved in both. I love my church, the precious dear friends in it, and the opportunities and doors the Lord has opened to me through it. Of course there are things in my life that I am not happy with, but no one could appreciate perfection if there were no such thing as flaws. So, if my life was ‘just perfect’, meaning, ‘just as I’d have it if I could’, I’d soon begin taking it for granted, forgetting the God Who gave it to me, and growing soft and weak. I hope I learn from the difficulties in my life, grow closer to God because of them, and become stronger through the struggling.
A very Merry Christmas to all of you, dear friends! Thank you to those who have kindly continued to keep me updated on your own lives :) . I hope the Lord has been proving Himself as mightily to you, and more, as He so mercifully has to me.
Closing with a verse that has come to mean a great deal to me in recent months,
SOLI DEO GLORIA!
Your friend,
-Kyrie<><
"
"
Dear friends, Dec. 20, 2012
I thought when I finished college last fall that somehow I would have ‘time’ again. Time to pleasure-read, time to write letters, to journal, to go for walks, to craft to my heart’s content, to study subjects other than school requirements, etc. What a myth! While I have been freed from late-night studying for tests and from stacks of impossible homework assignments, all that ‘free time’ that was supposed to materialize never showed up :) . I say all that by way of hopeful explanation for the neglect I’m sure some of you feel for my long letter-writing silence, and to warn you that it may become regular for my letters to be very few and far between :/ . I usually don’t like the idea of a mass mail-out – though those letters are just as heart-felt, they somehow seem not quite as personal as receiving a hand-written note with your own name at the top. But, I am learning that if I put off writing until I can write a personal letter to each of my dear friends, none of them will get anything! So here I am, doing the end-of-the-year-newsletter mail-out. Please be assured though, that each of you are personally thought of and loved as I type :) . So, on to ‘news’.
2012 has been a year of learning for me. Come to think of it, I could truthfully say that of the two years before it, for I spent them in learning of not only a spiritual and personal, but also an academic sort. But in the spiritual category, 2012 has seemed to be the ‘final test’ at the end of the semester. Seems like all the Lord has taught me 2009-2011 has been put to the test. I myself have been put to the test. My trust in the Lord’s power, my faith in His wisdom, my hope in His unfailing love, and my submission to His plans have all been tried. I was given success, realized dreams, and answered prayers. I was also given betrayal, hurt, and tears. Trials I had prepared myself to face never showed up, and instead I was presented with a series of entirely unexpected situations that have shaken me brutally. But praise God for the lectures and repeated lessons of the years before, and because of them the test, though hard, was not impossible to take, and I believe I made a passing grade. The fact that the Teacher is always available certainly is the greatest comfort!
With the Lord’s help, I did finish junior college last December, and ‘officially’ graduated in May with a technical degree in Web Development. As of right now, I do not have any plans to go on to a university.
I continue to work as an after-school employee at Victory Road Christian Academy, the Christian private school started by Victory Rd. Baptist Church – the church I am a member of. There are good days and bad days, but I love these kids so much! I can see so much growth in them, and they have taught me so much as well. My prayer is that I can be a Godly influence and use my time with them in the best possible way – they are so alert and eager and soak up whatever is going on around them. I want to always keep good examples and wholesome options present before their amazingly observant eyes and ears.
In September I took another small job, working at a little restaurant owned by a couple in the church. It’s uncomfortable at times, as I work closely with others who are not Christians and act like they are not. But it is a great witnessing opportunity and I am trying to build friendships with them. Two of my co-workers came to church a couple of weeks ago, and I was so excited – it was a big step for them. I love the fact that I am in constant contact with other local people. Even if I don’t have an opportunity to talk with them very long, at least I get to smile and wish them a great afternoon or a Merry Christmas. People notice a smile, and I love when one of the many hard or sad faces that comes by asks why I’m so happy. To get to tell them about the One Who gives real joy is the ultimate satisfaction.
Twice this year I have had the opportunity to go on state-side mission/service trips with Victory Rd., and since another mission trip to Trinidad was out for this year, Trissy and I both went on these two. In January we went to [a neighboring state] to a children’s home and ranch near [the state's capitol city]. It was cold, but it was a great time of hard work and also of fellowship and bonding with the other church members who went. In June we went to Illinois and an area near Chicago to help a church there. Again, lots of hard work, and lots of wonderful memories of time spent with church family. This trip may very well be the highlight of my year. I had hopes and even expectations for it, but the Lord gave me abundantly above what I even imagined!
When school started back in the fall, I was asked to help teach the junior-high class at church on Wednesday nights. Not being much of a teacher, I was hesitant to jump in, but there was a need for more help in that area and even before I was asked, I felt like the Lord was encouraging me to consider getting involved. Besides, for years I’ve had a great love for teen-agers and desired to be able to minister to them somehow. This wasn’t exactly what I’d had in mind, but it would be good to get out of my ‘comfort zone’ a little. It has been very different than I imagined, even to the point of discouragement. Several times I’ve thought, “What am I even doing here?” But sticking with it, the Lord has showed me at least one young thirteen-year-old reason I think He has me there, and I myself have begun receiving great blessing from it.
Speaking of teenagers and my desire to minister to them, one of the great joys and sorrows of this year has been a young friend in the church. Satan is trying – through discouragement, misunderstanding, and bad advice from so-called ‘friends’ – to destroy the spirit and testimony of one of the young people of Victory Rd. The desire to serve and please the Lord is there, but difficulties and struggles are hitting hard and fast, knocking down good intentions and belittling the efforts of others to help. The highs and lows and ups and downs – the past few months especially – have been exhausting and discouraging for those who love this dear young person. Please pray for all involved, at least now as you read, but continued prayers would be SO appreciated! Pray for courage and spiritual strength for the teenager, wisdom for those who are trying to help, and ultimate great victory over Satan’s evil plans – for the glory of God.
And if you would, as you pray, please pray for Victory Road Church as a whole. The Lord has been using us in great ways, and I guess Satan decided he wanted to get busy and mess things up. We have faced a lot of hardship this past year. Ridiculous but effective attacks from inside have been the most harmful and hurtful. Thank you for all prayers!
Well, my time is running out and so is my mental energy :) . I’m sure I have hardly scratched the surface as far as all the opportunities the Lord has given me and all the things I have been involved in this past year, but I’ve tried to catch you all up on a couple of the highlights that have been the most influential on my life :) . I have no big job or career, I’m not in college any more, and I’m not married – things that I think many, if not most, people measure a successful life by. But I find my life very fulfilling. I love my two little jobs, the people, and the opportunities involved in both. I love my church, the precious dear friends in it, and the opportunities and doors the Lord has opened to me through it. Of course there are things in my life that I am not happy with, but no one could appreciate perfection if there were no such thing as flaws. So, if my life was ‘just perfect’, meaning, ‘just as I’d have it if I could’, I’d soon begin taking it for granted, forgetting the God Who gave it to me, and growing soft and weak. I hope I learn from the difficulties in my life, grow closer to God because of them, and become stronger through the struggling.
A very Merry Christmas to all of you, dear friends! Thank you to those who have kindly continued to keep me updated on your own lives :) . I hope the Lord has been proving Himself as mightily to you, and more, as He so mercifully has to me.
Closing with a verse that has come to mean a great deal to me in recent months,
'Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.'
Joshua 1:9
Your friend,
-Kyrie<><
"
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
S.O.A.P. Journaling - Proverbs 17:27 and 28
Date: June 20, 2012
Passage: Prov. 17:27 and 28
Scripture:
"He that hath knowledge spareth his words; ... and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding." verses 27a and 28b
Observation:
There are times to speak. Times when words are needed in a situation. But so often, silence would be more appropriate. And so often, silence is hard. I suppose that's why a person that can 'hold their tongue' is so praised in the Bible.
Application:
How much I need help with knowing when to speak and when to just not say anything! I would like to think that I'm getting better at it - relationships with others seem to indicate maybe I am learning. But how much work there is still to be done!
Prayer:
"Lord thank You for what You're teaching me about how and when to speak, and when to keep quiet. Help me continue to learn and to be wise, with my words, and with my silences."
Passage: Prov. 17:27 and 28
Scripture:
"He that hath knowledge spareth his words; ... and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding." verses 27a and 28b
Observation:
There are times to speak. Times when words are needed in a situation. But so often, silence would be more appropriate. And so often, silence is hard. I suppose that's why a person that can 'hold their tongue' is so praised in the Bible.
Application:
How much I need help with knowing when to speak and when to just not say anything! I would like to think that I'm getting better at it - relationships with others seem to indicate maybe I am learning. But how much work there is still to be done!
Prayer:
"Lord thank You for what You're teaching me about how and when to speak, and when to keep quiet. Help me continue to learn and to be wise, with my words, and with my silences."
S.O.A.P. Journaling - John 13:31-38
Date: June 19, 2012
Passage: John 13:31-38
Scripture:
"Simon Peter said unto Him, Lord, whither goest thou? ... Peter said unto Him, Lord, why cannot I follow Thee now? I will lay down my life for Thy sake." verses 36 and 37
Observation:
Jesus was getting ready to leave. The reaction of most of His disciples is not recorded. But evidently, Peter's was so earnest that it could not be left out of the account of this incident. I can just see his expression of shock and sadness, hear the intense anguish and utter disbelief in his voice.
'Where are You going?! Why can't I go with You?! I would die for You!!'
Application:
Poor dear Peter. I think I know a little of how he must have been feeling. How hard it is to be separated, even for the briefness of this earthly lifetime, from someone you love. Even if you know that - because of your mutual faith in Jesus Christ - you will one day be reunited, either here or There, 'good bye' has got to be the most heart-wrenching word/phrase in the world. Yet for a Christian, it can also be one of the most joy-filled; for it either means a moving to greater service for our Lord somewhere, or going Home.
Prayer:
"Oh God thank You for *my dream and it's lessons. Help me to be able to say 'good-by' with Joy."
*To tell a short version of a long story, I had a dream last March about saying 'good-bye'. I can only think of two other dreams I've ever had that were as potent. It gave me alot of 'food for thought'. Maybe, someday, I'll post it here.
Passage: John 13:31-38
Scripture:
"Simon Peter said unto Him, Lord, whither goest thou? ... Peter said unto Him, Lord, why cannot I follow Thee now? I will lay down my life for Thy sake." verses 36 and 37
Observation:
Jesus was getting ready to leave. The reaction of most of His disciples is not recorded. But evidently, Peter's was so earnest that it could not be left out of the account of this incident. I can just see his expression of shock and sadness, hear the intense anguish and utter disbelief in his voice.
'Where are You going?! Why can't I go with You?! I would die for You!!'
Application:
Poor dear Peter. I think I know a little of how he must have been feeling. How hard it is to be separated, even for the briefness of this earthly lifetime, from someone you love. Even if you know that - because of your mutual faith in Jesus Christ - you will one day be reunited, either here or There, 'good bye' has got to be the most heart-wrenching word/phrase in the world. Yet for a Christian, it can also be one of the most joy-filled; for it either means a moving to greater service for our Lord somewhere, or going Home.
Prayer:
"Oh God thank You for *my dream and it's lessons. Help me to be able to say 'good-by' with Joy."
*To tell a short version of a long story, I had a dream last March about saying 'good-bye'. I can only think of two other dreams I've ever had that were as potent. It gave me alot of 'food for thought'. Maybe, someday, I'll post it here.
S.O.A.P. Journaling - Psalm 106
Date: June 18, 2012
Passage: Ps. 106
Scripture:
"Praise ye the LORD. O give thanks unto the LORD, for He is good: for His mercy endureth forever. We have sinned with our fathers, ... we have done wickedly. ... Nevertheless He saved ... Save us, O LORD our God, ... Blessed be the LORD God of Israel from everlasting to everlasting: and let all the people say, Amen. Praise ye the LORD." verses 1, 6, 8, 47, and 48
Observation:
This psalm is just what I needed - it expresses perfectly what I'm feeling. The psalmist is bursting with thankfulness to the Lord for all He has done, thoughtfulness over all his own people have done wrong and been through, and pleading for a continuance of the Lord's amazing kindness.
Application:
The psalmist demonstrates an excellent form of thought here, that I (and every believer) would do well to habitually follow. The psalm, strangely enough, does follow a train of thought that my mind often takes. Praise the Lord for His indescribable mercy and kindness!! He has done amazingly in my life! I and my people have done so wickedly, yet His mercy never ends. Blessed be His holy Name!!
Prayer:
*"Bless the LORD oh my soul! Oh, my soul; worship His holy Name! Sing like never before, oh my soul - worship His holy Name! ... 10,000 reasons for my heart to find."
*Lyrics from the song "10,000 Reasons (Bless the Lord)" - Matt Redman
Passage: Ps. 106
Scripture:
"Praise ye the LORD. O give thanks unto the LORD, for He is good: for His mercy endureth forever. We have sinned with our fathers, ... we have done wickedly. ... Nevertheless He saved ... Save us, O LORD our God, ... Blessed be the LORD God of Israel from everlasting to everlasting: and let all the people say, Amen. Praise ye the LORD." verses 1, 6, 8, 47, and 48
Observation:
This psalm is just what I needed - it expresses perfectly what I'm feeling. The psalmist is bursting with thankfulness to the Lord for all He has done, thoughtfulness over all his own people have done wrong and been through, and pleading for a continuance of the Lord's amazing kindness.
Application:
The psalmist demonstrates an excellent form of thought here, that I (and every believer) would do well to habitually follow. The psalm, strangely enough, does follow a train of thought that my mind often takes. Praise the Lord for His indescribable mercy and kindness!! He has done amazingly in my life! I and my people have done so wickedly, yet His mercy never ends. Blessed be His holy Name!!
Prayer:
*"Bless the LORD oh my soul! Oh, my soul; worship His holy Name! Sing like never before, oh my soul - worship His holy Name! ... 10,000 reasons for my heart to find."
*Lyrics from the song "10,000 Reasons (Bless the Lord)" - Matt Redman
S.O.A.P. Journaling - Matthew 25:37-40
Date: June 17, 2012
Passage: Matt. 25:37-40
Scripture:
"... Lord, when... ?" verse 37 (also 38 and 39)
Observation:
With this 'story' or admonition, the Lord encouraged His followers to consider the fact that serving others (especially *"... the least of these my brethren, ...") was serving Him.
How easy! And yet how often hard.
Application:
What strikes me is the fact that the Godly servants in this set of verses seem to have made service such a way of life that when the Lord mentions it to them, it's almost as if they don't know what He's talking about! They have to stop and ask, 'Now, when was that again?'. I love that! If only my life could be that!
Prayer:
"Father help me to serve others - all others - cheerfully, joyfully, and even happily; as if I was serving You. Help me to find the same wonderful strange gladness serving difficult people, as I do serving those I'm drawn to.
And help it become such a way of life for me, that I don't even realize when I do it; but that others notice, and glorify You because of it."
*verse 40
Passage: Matt. 25:37-40
Scripture:
"... Lord, when... ?" verse 37 (also 38 and 39)
Observation:
With this 'story' or admonition, the Lord encouraged His followers to consider the fact that serving others (especially *"... the least of these my brethren, ...") was serving Him.
How easy! And yet how often hard.
Application:
What strikes me is the fact that the Godly servants in this set of verses seem to have made service such a way of life that when the Lord mentions it to them, it's almost as if they don't know what He's talking about! They have to stop and ask, 'Now, when was that again?'. I love that! If only my life could be that!
Prayer:
"Father help me to serve others - all others - cheerfully, joyfully, and even happily; as if I was serving You. Help me to find the same wonderful strange gladness serving difficult people, as I do serving those I'm drawn to.
And help it become such a way of life for me, that I don't even realize when I do it; but that others notice, and glorify You because of it."
*verse 40
S.O.A.P. Journaling - James 5:1-11
Date: June 16, 2012
Passage: James 5:1-11
Scripture:
"Ye have condemned and killed the just; and he doth not resist you. Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the LORD. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit ... Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the LORD draweth nigh. ... Take my brethren, the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the LORD, for an example of suffering affliction, and of patience. Behold, we count them happy which endure." verses 6, 7, 8, 10, and 11a
Observation:
Application:
Prayer:
"Lord make us true. Lord keep us true. Whatever comes, keep us true."
Passage: James 5:1-11
Scripture:
"Ye have condemned and killed the just; and he doth not resist you. Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the LORD. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit ... Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the LORD draweth nigh. ... Take my brethren, the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the LORD, for an example of suffering affliction, and of patience. Behold, we count them happy which endure." verses 6, 7, 8, 10, and 11a
Observation:
Application:
Prayer:
"Lord make us true. Lord keep us true. Whatever comes, keep us true."
S.O.A.P. Journaling - Romans 12:9-13
Date: June 15, 2012
Passage: Romans 12:9-13
Scripture:
"Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honor preferring one another; ..." verse 10
Observation:
Give each other slack. People make mistakes, even Christians - they're human too! Be kind and considerate. Try to see things from the other person's perspective. Give them the benefit of the doubt. Even when they are getting on your nerves like crazy, honor them as being above you.
Application:
This is something I really need to work on. Some people are so wonderful and easy-to-work-with in their personalities, and others will just drive you crazy - yes, even fellow Christians sometimes.
Prayer:
"Lord help me to honor others. Help me treat other believers with the respect and honor, consideration and kindness that I should. Even when the circumstances are hard to deal with."
Passage: Romans 12:9-13
Scripture:
"Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honor preferring one another; ..." verse 10
Observation:
Give each other slack. People make mistakes, even Christians - they're human too! Be kind and considerate. Try to see things from the other person's perspective. Give them the benefit of the doubt. Even when they are getting on your nerves like crazy, honor them as being above you.
Application:
This is something I really need to work on. Some people are so wonderful and easy-to-work-with in their personalities, and others will just drive you crazy - yes, even fellow Christians sometimes.
Prayer:
"Lord help me to honor others. Help me treat other believers with the respect and honor, consideration and kindness that I should. Even when the circumstances are hard to deal with."
S.O.A.P. Journaling - 1 John 1
Date: June 14, 2012
Passage: 1 John 1
Scripture:
"And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full." verse 4
Observation:
This chapter is basically practical reasoning for why Christians' lives can/should be full of joy: We have eyewitness accounts of what we believe! We have fellowship with the God we believe in! Since we have personal fellowship with Him, we have no excuse to let the darkness into our lives, because then we would be representing our wonderful Lord so inaccurately. If our lives are full of Light, and we have fellowship with Him, then we have fellowship with others who have believed on Him, and we live in such a way that we reflect the Light as encouragement back to them, and as a witness to those who do not know the Way.
Application:
How can I have closer and better fellowship with Him? How can I make sure that I exude light and not darkness? This chapter is an excellent 'quick guide'. And by following it, my Joy may be full.
Prayer:
"Lord help me emit Light and Joy. Help me not *'call You a liar' with my life. Help me. Thank You."
*verse 10
Passage: 1 John 1
Scripture:
"And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full." verse 4
Observation:
This chapter is basically practical reasoning for why Christians' lives can/should be full of joy: We have eyewitness accounts of what we believe! We have fellowship with the God we believe in! Since we have personal fellowship with Him, we have no excuse to let the darkness into our lives, because then we would be representing our wonderful Lord so inaccurately. If our lives are full of Light, and we have fellowship with Him, then we have fellowship with others who have believed on Him, and we live in such a way that we reflect the Light as encouragement back to them, and as a witness to those who do not know the Way.
Application:
How can I have closer and better fellowship with Him? How can I make sure that I exude light and not darkness? This chapter is an excellent 'quick guide'. And by following it, my Joy may be full.
Prayer:
"Lord help me emit Light and Joy. Help me not *'call You a liar' with my life. Help me. Thank You."
*verse 10
S.O.A.P. Journaling - Philipians 2:2-5
Date: June 13, 2012
Passage: Phil. 2:2-5
Scripture:
"Fulfill ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:"
Observation:
It seems to me that Paul here is experiencing what every truly loving mentor goes through - the unbelievably strong, passionate desire to see those he's loving and/or mentoring take and follow right paths.
Application:
I love this set of verses! Even though it is so hard and challenging, it's also incredibly heart-warming.
Be like-minded - have the same purpose - work as a team toward the unified and most worthy goal. Don't seek glory or compliments for what you do or accomplish. And don't ever do something simply to spite another person! Even when you know you're right and the other person is wrong, keep the mindset that 'they are more important' and (even though all are equal) it will automatically affect your response to them and cause you to behave with a greater degree of respect. Do not focus or dwell on your own talents or accomplishments, but think about and praise others for theirs. Try desperately to develop and keep a mind-set that would be as close as you can imagine to the one Christ would have.
Prayer:
"Precious Friend, give me Your mind toward others. Help me to be, above all, respectful. And next, to be always a blessing, an encouragement. After being a Godly witness, this is my greatest prayer for myself, that all who know me would be raised up by having known me. That I, through words and actions, may always lift up and not tear down. That I could help encourage the teamwork it will take to accomplish the Goal."
Passage: Phil. 2:2-5
Scripture:
"Fulfill ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:"
Observation:
It seems to me that Paul here is experiencing what every truly loving mentor goes through - the unbelievably strong, passionate desire to see those he's loving and/or mentoring take and follow right paths.
Application:
I love this set of verses! Even though it is so hard and challenging, it's also incredibly heart-warming.
Be like-minded - have the same purpose - work as a team toward the unified and most worthy goal. Don't seek glory or compliments for what you do or accomplish. And don't ever do something simply to spite another person! Even when you know you're right and the other person is wrong, keep the mindset that 'they are more important' and (even though all are equal) it will automatically affect your response to them and cause you to behave with a greater degree of respect. Do not focus or dwell on your own talents or accomplishments, but think about and praise others for theirs. Try desperately to develop and keep a mind-set that would be as close as you can imagine to the one Christ would have.
Prayer:
"Precious Friend, give me Your mind toward others. Help me to be, above all, respectful. And next, to be always a blessing, an encouragement. After being a Godly witness, this is my greatest prayer for myself, that all who know me would be raised up by having known me. That I, through words and actions, may always lift up and not tear down. That I could help encourage the teamwork it will take to accomplish the Goal."
Friday, June 22, 2012
S.O.A.P. Journaling - John 5:1-21
Date: June 12, 2012
Passage: John 5:1-21
Scripture:
"For as the Father raiseth up the dead, and quickeneth them; even so the Son quickeneth whom He will." verse 21
Observation:
God is and has the ultimate power over life, and over death. Jesus had just restored the health of a man who had been enslaved by his infirmity for 38 years. He raised the physically dead – He raised the Spiritually dead. And He raises whoever He pleases.
Application:
He decides if someone who is dead will get to live . And if He decides they will be brought to life, they will not be able to escape, even if they think they want to. A dead person cannot run and hide; so a spiritually dead person cannot hide from God, if God has chosen to make him His. Since this, then, is the case, why should I fret over those I desire to see living for God? If He wants them, He’ll get them. What a comfort!
Prayer:
"Lord help me to keep a passion for souls. But help me remember that, ultimately, each is Yours."
Passage: John 5:1-21
Scripture:
"For as the Father raiseth up the dead, and quickeneth them; even so the Son quickeneth whom He will." verse 21
Observation:
God is and has the ultimate power over life, and over death. Jesus had just restored the health of a man who had been enslaved by his infirmity for 38 years. He raised the physically dead – He raised the Spiritually dead. And He raises whoever He pleases.
Application:
He decides if someone who is dead will get to live . And if He decides they will be brought to life, they will not be able to escape, even if they think they want to. A dead person cannot run and hide; so a spiritually dead person cannot hide from God, if God has chosen to make him His. Since this, then, is the case, why should I fret over those I desire to see living for God? If He wants them, He’ll get them. What a comfort!
Prayer:
"Lord help me to keep a passion for souls. But help me remember that, ultimately, each is Yours."
"5 Small Things Friday" No. 38
Go back and read this post for the story behind "Five Small Things Friday".
For this week, here is my list:
1. Sight: Smiles And Eyes On The Chicago Mission Trip
2. Hearing: Randy
3. Smell: Our House
4. Taste: Ice Cream From The Shop Beside The Church
5. Touch: Comfy Bunk Bed
The stories behind the list:
1. During the nine days with the rest of the Victory Rd. team in Chicago Land, one of the big blessings for me was getting to interact with the other young people on the team. To laugh and to see laughter, to see beautiful grins and cute little smiles, soft mahogany eyes, gentle blue eyes, eyes the color of a forest in the summer time - what a glorious thing is a genuine smile, how beautiful are happy shining eyes!
2. One of the other young people on who went on the trip, Randy, is usually a very quiet guy. Not the type to be in the middle of things or make a big deal about anything. He's just there, and when he's needed, he's willing. He told his testimony one night during our devotional/S.O.A.P. Journal sharing time, and it shed light on why he is like he is, as well as being a point of great blessing to hear how the Lord has worked in his life. It was so good also, to hear him talking and laughing at different times on this trip, usually during the times he and Law spent together. I think they had a good influence on each other, each with their own strange strengths and weaknesses.
3. You know how every house has a particular smell? I love going into the houses of my friends and family, 'cause their houses smell like them. It's a neat comforting thing. When Trissy and I got back, and went into our house, it smelled so good! So old and familiar, yet new, in a way, 'cause when we are constantly living here, we get used to it and don't notice it anymore.
4. Tuesday after 'Art in the Park', we were SO hot and tired. Just about all Piper and Lela and I could think about was some ice cream from the little shop beside the church :) . When we went back to the church for the boys to finish picking up the trimmings from the yard work they'd done, some of us went into that little shop. I got a scoop of vanilla and a scoop of cookies and cream. That stuff was perfect!
5. Each night when we would get in, we would be so tired and exhausted. It was a good tired, but our bunks felt SO good! 'Course, we were so worn out that I think we could have slept on concrete, and slept great :) !
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Recent Happenings
So, before anything else really happens, I wanted to record a few of the things that have been going on lately.
First off, I am SO thankful to be done with yet another semester of school! Lord willing I only have one more (this Fall) and I'll be done for good! YAY!!! :)
The Lord was good, and gave me A's in all my classes, too. I've done well, as far as grades, but I want to finish off the rest of what I have to do, with all A's.
We have a busy summer ahead though! Right now, Trissy and I are trying to get ready for the mission trip we're planning on taking. Several people from our church are planning to be going on various mission trips this summer, and our church itself is planning two of our own. Trissy and I are planning on going on the first one, which is just a little less than three weeks away!
Last week Jaylyn helped us get set up with a Skype account, so now we can talk with them when they go back to the mission field! We're really excited. But they'll be another continent away... that seems so far, yet with the blessings of modern technology, not nearly as far away as when The Grandparents were missionaries overseas!
Mrs. H said for us to keep her incubator over the summer and try to hatch some more chicks. We'd tried right before the end of school, and had put more than twenty eggs in, but not one hatched! We've got thirty-one this time (including eight eggs she gave us from her chickens), and we are hoping and praying they all hatch, are healthy, and are mostly hens! Our hen population is down to three, and Mom is missing getting to do all her cooking with 'home-grown' eggs.
The ones in the first picture are two of the ones from Mrs. H. She gave us four of the little tiny white banty eggs, and four others that are real small, but I don't think completely banty.
The ones in the next picture are the two sizes we put in.
The last picture just shows a comparison of all four sizes together.
(Sorry about the marker on the shells. We wrote the date we gathered each egg in Sharpie on the shell, so we could tell later how the age of the eggs affected how likely they were to hatch.)
Uncle David came over for a week-or-so's visit, and The Grandparents have been thrilled to have him here! His whole family was hoping to get to come right after Christmas, and the funeral of the oldest uncle, but were not able to afford the plane fare for four people across the ocean. Someone in their sponsoring church, though, gave an offering of enough for Uncle David to come and see his parents. He is so hyper and fun and joking, and yet so willing, hard-working, and one of the most respectful-to/of-his-parents people I know. It's been good having him around to 'increase our endorphins', and we can tell The Grandparents have really 'perked up' to have his lively spirit around.
Yesterday, was Justice and Noel's wedding. The bridesmaids wore black dresses, and the groomsmen wore black suits. The women carried red roses and the men wore red rose boutonnieres. Justice's coat was white to match Noel. Somehow I did not end up taking a single picture! Oh well...
We ended up going to two weddings yesterday. Justice and Noel's, and then one of a young man whose family we have known since the kids were just little bitty. They are home school friends, and we were part of the same home school group for years. I did take a few pictures there.
Lindy and her family used to go to church with their family, so she was there too, and sat with us.
While we were in town yesterday, we went by Lifeway and I picked up 'The Voyage of the Dawn Treader' that I had pre-ordered before it came out. Dad took Trissy and me to see it in the theater - Mom was sick, and couldn't go with us :( - and that was the second time Trissy and I had been to a theater (the first was for Fireproof). I would NOT want to go regularly, but I'd like to support good movies. We hope to go and see Courageous when it comes out in September. But anyway, Dad really liked 'Dawn Treader', so Trissy and I are going to give it to him for his birthday :) .
While I was there, I also got 'Pendragon' which I have been wanting ever since I saw it several months ago. If you want something good, clean, imaginative, and exciting to watch, (not including Sherwood Pictures movies) I would recommend this! It is excellent! Uncle Alvin's are supposed to come down tonight, and Jaylyn and Jewel have been wanting to see it again, so maybe we can watch it after church.
Toby hurt his knee playing basketball a couple of weeks ago, and the doctor thinks he may have torn his ACL. If he has, he'll have to have surgery to fix it, and may not get to go on the two mission trips he was planning on being a part of this summer. Lindy said he's pretty discouraged about that, but still hopeful. He has an MRI on Tuesday, to find out for sure what's wrong, and after that, he and his parents can make a decision on what he's going to do.
Mrs. Shannen, Bro. Earl's wife, recently learned she has a hole in her heart, and she's going to have surgery this week, Lord willing. A week or so ago, she was at work, and one side of her face went numb, and she felt lightheaded. After alot of tests, they found out that the hole in her heart that all babies have when they're born had never closed up, and it was letting little clots through, and causing minor strokes.
It kind of gave us a scare, but she seems fine now, she's just going to have to have it closed up.
Bro. Earl's got laryngitis, so he couldn't preach this morning. Bro. Dennis preached for him, and it was excellent as usual. He preached on what true success is, and how to obtain it. Success is not health, wealth, and prosperity. Success is being satisfied with where the Lord has you, and doing your best for Him in the situations you find yourself it.
That's the sermon in a very small nutshell :) .
About halfway through the sermon, the electricity went off! I mean everything, the microphone, the lights, the recording machine, everything. He was just talking along, and all of a sudden there was kindof a snap, and the whole big auditorium went dark. Nobody missed a beat, just 'rolled with it' as they say, and Bro. Dennis just kept preaching and would say something like, "Now, if you can see your Bibles, please turn to this scripture reference" every now and then.
It was actually kind of cozy :) ! Some of the men got up and opened the doors into the hallways and the foyer, to let the sunlight in, and we just kept going. I am just sad that the recording machine couldn't work, because I had wanted a copy of the service to re-watch later.
"Austin and The Band" as Bro. Mike calls them (our young people who play and lead the singing for the youth class on Wednesday nights) led our music this morning and did an excellent job. I suppose they did the music because Bro. Dennis was preaching and couldn't do both.
They are getting better and better. They're all good musicians, but when they first started, they sounded like they were just starting, if you get my drift ;) . Now they blend and seem to play off each other really well. It seems like they're better every time I hear them just about! They usually pick out really good music and songs too, which of course, is half the thing, right there. And they use their great talents to glorify the Lord; that's the best thing - knowing these kids want to love and serve Christ - that's so rare these days in young people. These are such a blessing!
Dad had made hamburgers Friday, and we had them for left-overs today for lunch. Mom usually likes us to cook a 'Sunday dinner', but with all the running around and other things that have been happening lately, and since we had plenty, we just decided to do left-overs today. Trissy started fixing Dad's burger, then she called me over and showed it to me and said, "I'm going to call him to finish it!" :) .
She's real cute with things like that.
Well, I think that's about it. Besides, Trissy and I need to scoot on off to choir practice. Bro. Dennis let us all have a couple of weeks off after Easter :) .
I just wanted to record a few of the things that have been happening around and to me.
This morning church especially was SUCH a blessing and refreshment from the Lord! I can never cease to thank Him for leading us to this place, and the wonderful family He has given us, and the lessons (both easy and hard) He has taught us here. He is so amazing; so good.
{Zig-zags courtesy of Jones Design Company}
First off, I am SO thankful to be done with yet another semester of school! Lord willing I only have one more (this Fall) and I'll be done for good! YAY!!! :)
The Lord was good, and gave me A's in all my classes, too. I've done well, as far as grades, but I want to finish off the rest of what I have to do, with all A's.
We have a busy summer ahead though! Right now, Trissy and I are trying to get ready for the mission trip we're planning on taking. Several people from our church are planning to be going on various mission trips this summer, and our church itself is planning two of our own. Trissy and I are planning on going on the first one, which is just a little less than three weeks away!
Last week Jaylyn helped us get set up with a Skype account, so now we can talk with them when they go back to the mission field! We're really excited. But they'll be another continent away... that seems so far, yet with the blessings of modern technology, not nearly as far away as when The Grandparents were missionaries overseas!
Mrs. H said for us to keep her incubator over the summer and try to hatch some more chicks. We'd tried right before the end of school, and had put more than twenty eggs in, but not one hatched! We've got thirty-one this time (including eight eggs she gave us from her chickens), and we are hoping and praying they all hatch, are healthy, and are mostly hens! Our hen population is down to three, and Mom is missing getting to do all her cooking with 'home-grown' eggs.
The ones in the first picture are two of the ones from Mrs. H. She gave us four of the little tiny white banty eggs, and four others that are real small, but I don't think completely banty.
The ones in the next picture are the two sizes we put in.
The last picture just shows a comparison of all four sizes together.
(Sorry about the marker on the shells. We wrote the date we gathered each egg in Sharpie on the shell, so we could tell later how the age of the eggs affected how likely they were to hatch.)
Uncle David came over for a week-or-so's visit, and The Grandparents have been thrilled to have him here! His whole family was hoping to get to come right after Christmas, and the funeral of the oldest uncle, but were not able to afford the plane fare for four people across the ocean. Someone in their sponsoring church, though, gave an offering of enough for Uncle David to come and see his parents. He is so hyper and fun and joking, and yet so willing, hard-working, and one of the most respectful-to/of-his-parents people I know. It's been good having him around to 'increase our endorphins', and we can tell The Grandparents have really 'perked up' to have his lively spirit around.
Yesterday, was Justice and Noel's wedding. The bridesmaids wore black dresses, and the groomsmen wore black suits. The women carried red roses and the men wore red rose boutonnieres. Justice's coat was white to match Noel. Somehow I did not end up taking a single picture! Oh well...
We ended up going to two weddings yesterday. Justice and Noel's, and then one of a young man whose family we have known since the kids were just little bitty. They are home school friends, and we were part of the same home school group for years. I did take a few pictures there.
Lindy and her family used to go to church with their family, so she was there too, and sat with us.
While we were in town yesterday, we went by Lifeway and I picked up 'The Voyage of the Dawn Treader' that I had pre-ordered before it came out. Dad took Trissy and me to see it in the theater - Mom was sick, and couldn't go with us :( - and that was the second time Trissy and I had been to a theater (the first was for Fireproof). I would NOT want to go regularly, but I'd like to support good movies. We hope to go and see Courageous when it comes out in September. But anyway, Dad really liked 'Dawn Treader', so Trissy and I are going to give it to him for his birthday :) .
While I was there, I also got 'Pendragon' which I have been wanting ever since I saw it several months ago. If you want something good, clean, imaginative, and exciting to watch, (not including Sherwood Pictures movies) I would recommend this! It is excellent! Uncle Alvin's are supposed to come down tonight, and Jaylyn and Jewel have been wanting to see it again, so maybe we can watch it after church.
Toby hurt his knee playing basketball a couple of weeks ago, and the doctor thinks he may have torn his ACL. If he has, he'll have to have surgery to fix it, and may not get to go on the two mission trips he was planning on being a part of this summer. Lindy said he's pretty discouraged about that, but still hopeful. He has an MRI on Tuesday, to find out for sure what's wrong, and after that, he and his parents can make a decision on what he's going to do.
Mrs. Shannen, Bro. Earl's wife, recently learned she has a hole in her heart, and she's going to have surgery this week, Lord willing. A week or so ago, she was at work, and one side of her face went numb, and she felt lightheaded. After alot of tests, they found out that the hole in her heart that all babies have when they're born had never closed up, and it was letting little clots through, and causing minor strokes.
It kind of gave us a scare, but she seems fine now, she's just going to have to have it closed up.
Bro. Earl's got laryngitis, so he couldn't preach this morning. Bro. Dennis preached for him, and it was excellent as usual. He preached on what true success is, and how to obtain it. Success is not health, wealth, and prosperity. Success is being satisfied with where the Lord has you, and doing your best for Him in the situations you find yourself it.
That's the sermon in a very small nutshell :) .
About halfway through the sermon, the electricity went off! I mean everything, the microphone, the lights, the recording machine, everything. He was just talking along, and all of a sudden there was kindof a snap, and the whole big auditorium went dark. Nobody missed a beat, just 'rolled with it' as they say, and Bro. Dennis just kept preaching and would say something like, "Now, if you can see your Bibles, please turn to this scripture reference" every now and then.
It was actually kind of cozy :) ! Some of the men got up and opened the doors into the hallways and the foyer, to let the sunlight in, and we just kept going. I am just sad that the recording machine couldn't work, because I had wanted a copy of the service to re-watch later.
"Austin and The Band" as Bro. Mike calls them (our young people who play and lead the singing for the youth class on Wednesday nights) led our music this morning and did an excellent job. I suppose they did the music because Bro. Dennis was preaching and couldn't do both.
They are getting better and better. They're all good musicians, but when they first started, they sounded like they were just starting, if you get my drift ;) . Now they blend and seem to play off each other really well. It seems like they're better every time I hear them just about! They usually pick out really good music and songs too, which of course, is half the thing, right there. And they use their great talents to glorify the Lord; that's the best thing - knowing these kids want to love and serve Christ - that's so rare these days in young people. These are such a blessing!
Dad had made hamburgers Friday, and we had them for left-overs today for lunch. Mom usually likes us to cook a 'Sunday dinner', but with all the running around and other things that have been happening lately, and since we had plenty, we just decided to do left-overs today. Trissy started fixing Dad's burger, then she called me over and showed it to me and said, "I'm going to call him to finish it!" :) .
She's real cute with things like that.
Well, I think that's about it. Besides, Trissy and I need to scoot on off to choir practice. Bro. Dennis let us all have a couple of weeks off after Easter :) .
I just wanted to record a few of the things that have been happening around and to me.
This morning church especially was SUCH a blessing and refreshment from the Lord! I can never cease to thank Him for leading us to this place, and the wonderful family He has given us, and the lessons (both easy and hard) He has taught us here. He is so amazing; so good.
{Zig-zags courtesy of Jones Design Company}
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