Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas to Everyone! :)

My Wedding Invitation...

...Just kidding! It's not mine, though I wouldn't have put it past my ex-father-in-law. Thanks to my e-friend Julie, I got a good laugh, and just had to share it! If you're having trouble reading the small print, click on the wedding invitation.

A John the Baptist kind of Love

I remember as a young teenager sitting in the adult service at Victory Christian Center in Tulsa, OK, and hearing Pastor Billy Joe Daugherty tell sort of a parable that to this day makes the Evangelical side of me want to hop in my car, drive to the nearest public location with a mega phone, and quote John 3:16 or something. Anyways... here's the just of what he said:
Say you're driving down the road one night and it's so dark the only light shinning are the headlights from your car. As your lights shine ahead, you notice a bridge crossing sign off to your right. You slow up a bit, just out of a feeling that maybe you should, and soon you begin crossing the bridge. The lake below is pretty far down and you realize how high up you are! It's an old bridge but looks pretty solid and plenty wide. All of the sudden you slam on the brakes as you see ahead that the bridge is broken in half and there's nothing to stop you from going clear off the edge, which you almost do. After coming to a complete halt , you get out and see that you were just a foot away from death! Wheew! Back in the car now, you put yourself in reverse and get off the bridge as fast as possible. Now that you're going the other direction, you're feeling pretty good- so thankful to be alive, you say a prayer to God and try to relax. Soon you see a faint light up ahead coming towards you, It's another car- and it's headed in the wrong direction- straight towards that bridge! You have options now... Let them figure it out for themselves, ignore the other car- not your problem. Or, you could stop and try to block the road, flag them down, do anything, do whatever it takes even, to get their attention and tell them they're going the wrong way and headed for destruction.
The follow up of the story is that we all have to acknowledge that the good news is so good because it saves us from the inevitable spiritual death and separation from God that those who don't have Him will experience if they don't turn the other way. It is out of great love that John the Baptist said, "Repent, for the Kingdom of heaven is at hand." When we tell non believers that we are all deserving of death and Jesus came so we can have life, but we must choose that Life- that is Loving! Those who don't have the Lord will experience the great punishment - something I wouldn't wish on my worst enemy if I had one.
On the flip side... I want to share an experience with you that I had in D.C. about 6 years ago. I was with Sam walking around the Washington Monument, when we heard a man yelling at people from a homemade pulpit, Bible in hand, shouting, "God hates you evil sinners, and you're all going to Hell if you don't repent!" He was pointing to random people waiting to go up the monument and yelling at them, calling them whores and thieves, snakes, foul smelling waste, and all kinds of wicked obscenities." With my face beat red, I pre-apologised to Sam for the embarrassment I was about to cause him. I made my way up to the pulpit and asked the man if I could speak with him privately. A group from his team began to move in closer to see if I had come forward to give my life to Christ... um, no. When the preacher gave me his ear, I told him - as close to his microphone as I could manage, that God loves these people! He hates sin but loves the sinner, I went on to tell him that he should not call people names, knowing nothing about them or their lives. Then I turned to the crowd and shouted, "Jesus loves you and He died to take away your sin so you can have life!" Immediately this man put the microphone to his mouth, got right up in my face and said,
"You evil daughter of Jezebel, you dirty woman who caused Adam to sin, you will burn in hell with the rest of those who belong to Satan." (No, I am not kidding) Then I was grabbed by several men and brought away from the crowd so that demons could be driven out of me. ... Finally, getting a little worried, Sam came over to see if I was OK, and they pulled him off to the side to talk to him as well. When we were able to walk away I yelled once more, "Jesus LOVES you!" as loud as I possibly could. I'll never forget that day. Part of me was glad that someone would have the guts to remind people that there's a hell, but I was outraged that my Jesus was being portrayed as a hater of sinners! Quite the opposite... or He wouldn't have died so painfully on our behalf.
How we tell others the good news is important, but pretty simple. If we know and say the words of Jesus- we can not go wrong. May we not misinterpret His life, His truth, His salvation, or His love! How can we as sinners saved by grace misinterpret true love once we've experienced it? We must keep returning our eyes to the word of God and be faithful to proclaim it with courage like John the Baptist, knowing and showing that, "It is the LOVE of God that draws man to repentance."

The beauty of being single when you belong to Christ...

Here's what John Piper had to say about being (staying) single. For obvious reason, this was interesting and valuable to me.

-The family of God grows not by propagation through sexual intercourse, but by regeneration through faith in Christ;
-Relationships in Christ are more permanent, and more precious, than relationships in families (and, of course, it is wonderful when relationships in families are also relationships in Christ; but we know that is often not the case); -Marriage is temporary, and finally gives way to the relationship to which it was pointing all along: Christ and the church—the way a picture is no longer needed when you see face to face;
-Faithfulness to Christ defines the value of life; all other relationships get their final significance from this. No family relationship is ultimate; relationship to Christ is.

Take heed here lest you minimize what I am saying and do not hear how radical it really is. I am not sentimentalizing singleness to make the unmarried feel good. I am declaring the temporary and secondary nature of marriage and family over against the eternal and primary nature of the church. Marriage and family are temporary for this age; the church is forever. I am declaring the radical biblical truth that being in a human family is no sign of eternal blessing, but being in God’s family means being eternally blessed. Relationships based on family are temporary. Relationships based on union with Christ are eternal. Marriage is a temporary institution, but what it stands for lasts forever. “In the resurrection,” Jesus said, “they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like angels in heaven” (Matthew 22:30).
And when his own mother and brothers asked to see him, Jesus said, “‘Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?’ And stretching out his hand toward his disciples, he said, ‘Here are my mother and my brothers!’” (Matthew 12:48-49). Jesus is turning everything around. Yes, he loved his mother and his brothers. But those are all natural and temporary relationships. He did not come into the world to focus on that. He came into the world to call out a people for his name from all the families into a new family where single people in Christ are full-fledged family members on a par with all others, bearing fruit for God and becoming mothers and fathers of the eternal kind.
“Blessed is the womb that bore you, and the breasts at which you nursed!” a woman cried out to Jesus. And he turned and said, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and keep it!” (Luke 11:27). The mother of God is the obedient Christian—married or single! Take a deep breath and reorder your world.
“Truly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or lands, for my sake and for the gospel,” Jesus said, “who will not receive a hundredfold now in this time, houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions, and in the age to come eternal life” (Mark 10:29-30). Single person, married person, do you want children, mothers, brothers, sisters, lands? Renounce the primacy of your natural relationships and follow Jesus into the fellowship of the people of God.

What shall we say then in view this great biblical vision of the secondary and temporary nature of marriage and procreation? We will say what Jesus and Paul said. Jesus said in Matthew 19:12, “There are eunuchs who have been so from birth, and there are eunuchs who have been made eunuchs by men, and there are eunuchs who have made themselves eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of heaven. Let the one who is able to receive this receive it.” We need not take this (“made themselves eunuchs”) to mean any kind of physical sterilization any more than we take Jesus’ words “tear out your right eye” to mean physically blinding ourselves. But it does mean that Jesus approves that some of his followers renounce marriage and sexual activity for the sake of serving Christ’s kingdom. “Let him who is able to receive this receive it.”
That is what Paul chose for himself and what he encouraged others to consider in 1 Corinthians 7. “To the unmarried and the widows I say that it is good for them to remain single as I am. . . . I want you to be free from anxieties. The unmarried man is anxious about the things of the Lord, how to please the Lord. But the married man is anxious about worldly things, how to please his wife . . . . I say this . . . to secure your undivided devotion to the Lord” (1 Corinthians 7:8, 32-33, 35). In other words, some are called to be “eunuchs” for the kingdom of God. Paul speaks about each having his own gift: “one of one kind, one of another” (1 Corinthians 7:7). In other words, “Let him who is able to receive this receive it.”
God promises those of you who remain single in Christ blessings that are better than the blessings of marriage and children.
If someone asks, wouldn’t it be better to have both? The blessings of marriage and the blessings of heaven? There are two answers to that question. One is that you will find out someday, and better to learn it now, that the blessings of being with Christ in heaven, are so far superior to the blessings of being married and raising children and that asking this question will be like asking: Wouldn’t it be better to have the ocean and the thimble full? And the second answer is that marriage and singleness both present us with unique trials and unique opportunities for our sanctification. There will be unique rewards for each, and which is greater will not depend on whether you were married or single, but on how you responded to each.
So I say it again to all singles in Christ: God promises you blessings in the age to come that are better than the blessings of marriage and children.
And with this promise there comes a unique calling and a unique responsibility. It is not a calling to extend irresponsible adolescence into your thirties. It is a calling to do what only single men and women in Christ can do in this world, namely, to display by the Christ-exalting devotion of your singleness the truths about Christ and his kingdom that shine more clearly through singleness than through marriage. As long as you are single, this is your calling: to so live for Christ as to make it clearer to the world and to the church
That the family of God grows not by propagation through sexual intercourse, but by regeneration through faith in Christ;
That relationships in Christ are more permanent, and more precious, than relationships in families;
That marriage is temporary, and finally gives way to the relationship to which it was pointing all along: Christ and the church—the way a picture is no longer needed when you see face to face;
And that faithfulness to Christ defines the value of life; all other relationships get their final significance from this. No family relationship is ultimate; relationship to Christ is.
To him be glory in the Christ-exalting drama of marriage and the Christ-exalting drama of the single life. Amen

What a good verse!

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight."

Nothing is certain, nothing is stable, nothing is solid, nothing secure, nothing balanced, nothing wise or good apart from the Lord. No thought in my brain, nor plan nor dream, no direction is clear or hopeful, apart from the Lord.

My prayer tonight:

Lord, we know nothing is good apart from you, we can make nothing good of our lives on our own. We need your help to be good children, good men and women, good moms and dads, good neighbors, good workers, good leaders, good and faithful servants. Jesus, help us to make decisions that honor You, let our lives reflect Yours as much as possible. We know we are weak and stupid; sheep who need a shepherd. Guide us and prompt us in Your ways and let our lives give out the very same pure love that You've given us.

Amen

Comment problem fixed...kinda sorta :)

For those of you who have not been able to post your comments before now, I think I have figured out the problem. If you don't have a URL, etc. you can post under Anonymous and then before you post hit the "preview" button. Once you've previewed your comment, hit post and it works. Remember you can still tell me who you are in your comment and then post under Anonymous if you don't fit the other categories. Sorry for any inconvenience... still learning how to use Blogger. :)

Ingida Asfaw - Volvo for life Awards Documentary

"Give honor where honor is due." Dr. Asfaw, we greatly respect and value the work you've done to help the helpless. Praise God for men like you!

Blog Comment Problems

Hello everybody... I have received several emails this month saying that some of you tried to post a comment and could not post one for some reason or another. If you are someone who has been able to post and are familiar with problems of this sort.. could you leave a comment below on what might be the problem and how I go about fixing it? I have tried different things and still can not figure out why some people can post and some people can not. Anyway, any suggestions are greatly appreciated! Thanks. Also, feel free to email me if you want at sarahchristoph81@gmail.com Thanks!

Lollipop Piano Cover By David Sides

Maybe you know the original song, maybe you don't- but hearing it like this is just beautiful! ...just sayin.

Rescue Children - Compassion International

So many reasons to be thankful!

I am thankful for many things this year...

I'm thankful to the Lord for loving me, teaching me, and helping me through this life; for my children, family, friends, my brothers and sisters at Living Hope, and our new puppy. I'm thankful for His grace and His rod- I need them both. I'm thankful for the pain He allows to give me a deeper understanding of my need for Him each day and the comfort and joy that comes when I let go of my will and trust in Him for all the unknown and unanswered. He has sustained me and He is worthy of my praise this Thanksgiving day and every day.

Our new family member!

We've got a new family member! Her name is Jodi Jolene, "JoJo" for short. The boys are thrilled and so are we! She is a beautiful and very sweet Labrador. She is eight weeks old and already grown quite a bit! We bought her yesterday and surprised the boys after school. Here are some picks we took of her this morning. Pardon our "bed head" hair and squinting eyes, as we literally just woke up and took pictures. Isn't she a pretty girl! Seriously- this puppy is precious! Welcome to the family JoJo! (Aidan is already saying her name!) Yay God! :)

2nd post on Milgram Experiment (video)

1st post on Milgram Experiment (Derren Brown)

The Milgram experiment was a series of social psychology experiments conducted by Yale University psychologist Stanley Milgram which measured the willingness of study participants to obey an authority figure who instructed them to perform acts that conflicted with their personal conscience. Milgram first described his research in 1963 in an article published in the Journal of Abnormal and Social Psychology, and later discussed his findings in greater depth in his 1974 book, Obedience to Authority: An Experimental View.

The experiments began in July 1961, three months after the start of the trial of Nazi war criminal Adolf Eichmann in Jerusalem. Milgram devised the experiments to answer this question: "Could it be that Eichmann and his million accomplices in the Holocaust were just following orders? Could we call them all accomplices?"

Milgram summarized the experiment in his 1974 article, "The Perils of Obedience", writing:
"The legal and philosophic aspects of obedience are of enormous importance, but they say very little about how most people behave in concrete situations. I set up a simple experiment at Yale University to test how much pain an ordinary citizen would inflict on another person simply because he was ordered to by an experimental scientist. Stark authority was pitted against the subjects' participants' strongest moral imperatives against hurting others, and, with the subjects' participants' ears ringing with the screams of the victims, authority won more often than not. The extreme willingness of adults to go to almost any lengths on the command of an authority constitutes the chief finding of the study and the fact most urgently demanding explanation.
Ordinary people, simply doing their jobs, and without any particular hostility on their part, can become agents in a terrible destructive process. Moreover, even when the destructive effects of their work become patently clear, and they are asked to carry out actions incompatible with fundamental standards of morality, relatively few people have the resources needed to resist authority."

Above is a replica experiment done by Darren Brown in the UK. The results are strikingly similar to the results of the 1961 experiment by Milgram. This begs me to ask myself the question, "How far would I go in obeying authority despite my inner convictions?" For believers in Christ - our submission to earthly authority must be weighed and obeyed only to the extent that it affords our primary obedience to Christ, in my opinion... but this is not always a clear cut knowledge, and there are gray areas in most issues... this is when obeying the still small voice of the Holy Spirit in us is of dire importance. See video above...

Turn with Me

O soul are you weary and troubled?
No light in the darkness you see?
There's light for a look at the Saviour,
And life more abundant and free.

Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face;
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim
In the light of His glory and grace.

Through death into life everlasting
He passed, and we follow Him there;
Over us sin no more hath dominion
For more than conquerors we are!

His word shall not fail you He promised;
Believe Him and all will be well.
Then go to a world that is dying,
His perfect salvation to tell!

I will turn my eyes upon Jesus,
I'll look full in His wonderful face,
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim
In the light of His glory and grace.

This was (and still is) one of my favorite songs.
Some times I have to remind my self that I'm not alone in my labor and responsibilities, decisions and obstacles, nor am I alone in my loneliness- because Jesus is alive and here and is the friend that sticks closer than a brother. He has promised never to leave us nor forsake us- a promise for all who belong to the Lord! I believe that fixing our eyes on Jesus is the only way to handle anything we face, no matter what we face. I'm facing a lot of decisions regarding everything from my children's education plan, to work related issues, to my day to day mission for Christ- trying to seek out what my part is and find opportunities to serve as His friend. I must be honest and say that I don't know all the right answers to these issues in my life but I do believe that Jesus is more concerned with my focus being on Him rather than my abilities (or lack thereof) to properly handle the weights of x, y, and z. So today I am carrying this song in my heart as a prayer to the Lord, that my spirit would acknowledge the power that is in Christ- and that I would have a deeper understanding of Him as I focus on Him. Without Him, there is nothing- No way, no truth, no life, because He IS the way, the truth , the life.

*Good News Reminder!* We don't have to have it all figured out or do it all perfectly! Let's face it- we don't. :) Just obey one step He gives you at a time, and don't let anyone drag you by the hair through their theology or try to steal your joy... look full in the face of Love and know you are loved, know you are capable of anything through Christ (phil 4:13) who's joy is your strength. ... The same Christ who says you can do all things will surely lead you into all the things He wants you to do!

YAY Elizabeth Elliot!

Here are some of my favorite quotes from Elizabeth Elliot, (an author I admire):

"God is God. Because He is God, He is worthy of my trust and obedience. I will find rest nowhere but in His holy will, a will that is unspeakably beyond my largest notions of what He is up to." -Elizabeth Elliot

"If my life is surrendered to God, all is well. Let me not grab it back, as though it were in peril in His hands but would be safer in mine!"
- Elizabeth Elliot

"Until the will and the affections are brought under the authority of Christ, we have not begun to understand, let alone to accept, His Lordship."
- Elizabeth Elliot

"Holiness has never been the driving force of the majority. It is however, mandatory for anyone who wants to enter the Kingdom."- Elizabeth Elliot

The List...

I know I'm going to think of more things later... but for now, here's some things I'd like to do that I've never done:

1. Go to a football game!- An actual league playing league in uniform!!! Never been. My school didn't offer football. (At this point I'm holding out on purpose for a special occasion.)
2. Take my kids on a vacation.
3. Do pottery (A desire I've had since the movie, "Ghost")
4. Go to Europe (...we're dreaming now)
5. Go on a sail boat (I've been in a boat- but not a sail boat- those things look amazing!)
6. Go with a group of family and/or friends to spend a Christmas on Skid Row.
7. Go on a dangerous "smuggle bibles" mission trip.
8. Have a candle light dinner on the roof of a building with a beautiful view. (from my romantic side)
9. Go deep sea fishing and catch something big!
10. Go on a road trip with good friends and good music.
11. Go to Jerusalem.
12. Help build something- like a house or church for a people group in need ( I actually have gotten to do this before- but really want to do it again- it's fun!)

* Quick story- one of my favorite memories... mission trip to Guatemala orphanage. The directors of the children's home asked if our team would help the kids paint murals in each room of the school house and dorms, build concrete stairs for the entrance, and use machetes to clear all the bush around the back for a soccer field. It took all week and we worked side by side with their local church- one of the best weeks ever!

So, what's YOUR list??? Think about it- write it down even- it's fun! ;-)

Anniversary of Martin Luther

Found this on John Piper's blog... thought I'd pass it along... and I added a few comments of my own below in red.

It was a backwater German town called Eisleben on November 10, 1483—today marks 525 years. There Martin Luther had his inauspicious beginning. He was born a poor boy, son of a coal miner. And by a strange providence, Luther died in the same town 62 years later on February 18, 1546, even though he spent barely any of his life there. In the intervening 6 decades, the world changed—and Luther, under God, was the chief catalyst. The pope excommunicated Luther in January of 1521, making him a marked man. For the last 25 years of his life, he lived with the awareness that each day could be his last. He often expressed surprise that he was still alive. To the left is a 1526 painting by Lucas Cranach, which may be the most authentic portrait we have of Luther. And, so that you can join us in celebrating Luther's 525th, below is a timeline of his life, highlighting some of the most significant events of his 62 years.

Thank God for Luther—simultaneously righteous and sinful.

Timeline of Luther's Life 1483, November 10 - Born to Hans and Margaretta Luther in Eisleben 1484, Summer - Luther family moves to Mansfeld
1501, May - Enters university at Erfurt (age 17)
1502, September 29 - Receives Bachelor of Arts (age 18) (received a degree in a yr.- nice!)
1505, January 7 - Receives Master of Arts (age 21)
1505, July 2 - Vows to become a monk (something I could never do)
1505, July 17 - Enters the monastery in Erfurt
1507, May 2 - Celebrates his first mass as a priest (age 23)
1510, November - Journeys to Rome and is disturbed by its corruption (age 26) (cool- a righteous rebel in the making always starts with being disturbed at how things are.)
1511, April - Transferred to Wittenberg to teach at the university
1512, October 19 - Receives his Doctor of Theology (age 28)
1517, October 31 - Posts his 95 theses (age 33)
1518, April 26 - Defends his theology at Heidelberg
1519, July - Debates prominent theologian John Eck at Leipzig
1520 - Publishes Address to German Nobility, Babylonian Captivity, and Freedom of the Christian; breach with Rome now irreparable
1521, January - Excommunicated by the pope (age 37) (ouch!)
1521, April 18 - Gives "Here I stand" response to the emperor at the Diet of Worms
1521, May - Kidnapped and hidden at Wartburg to preserve his life; begins translating the New Testament into German
1522, March - Returns to Wittenberg to lead the Reformation
1522, September - Publishes his German New Testament
1524, November 30 - Writes that he has no intention to marry (...right.)
1525, June 13 - Marries escaped nun Katherine von Bora (age 41) (haah! -love it!)
1525, December - Responds to Erasmus' Freedom of the Will with The Bondage of the Will (which J. I. Packer calls "the greatest piece to come from Luther's pen")
1527, Summer - Composes "A Mighty Fortress" during a season of sickness and deep depression
1529, October - Meets Zwingli at Marburg and is unable to come to agreement on the Lord's Supper
1534 - Publishes the complete German Bible (age 50) (sweet deal for Germans)
1546, February 18 - Dies while traveling in Eisleben (age 62)

What a life!

Overwhelmed by goodness.

I was in church this morning- something I look forward to weekly and after yet another amazing message from the Lord through Gib, we took communion and sang to God. I was touched so deeply because I was reminded by the Holy Spirit how far God has brought me out of the depths of darkness. I had to leave my chair and go to the very back and just kneel down on the ground and say a prayer of thankfulness. I was so overwhelmed and felt God's presence so strongly that all I could do was kneel in amazement and say thank you. Jesus is so good! I remember quite well what it was like to be far from Him and the despair I felt living life on my own. Just being with a group of people who understand this and have lived it too- being with people who realize the value of the cross, and being able to worship God together and give Him the glory for this- it floors me. My heart is heavy still, but not from sadness, instead it is heavy from the weight of love and joy and peace- all His graces- and just a thankfulness to God for saving a wretch like me. ... And a wretch like you! ;-)

Christmas Lights!

I know it is still early in the game to be thinking about this... but I LOVE LOVE LOVE Christmas Lights and every year I look forward to seeing lights all over the city. It's so beautiful to me- just makes me happy and giddy inside. I hope to put lights up when I have a home of my own. I really like having lights up inside too, and turning the lamps off- it changes the atmosphere of a room in an instant! So I encourage all to put up a few Christmas lights- or a lot, if you wish.
Also- instead of giving each other store bought gifts this year, maybe consider to give donations towards a cause or organization (like buying Christmas dinners for the homeless, sponsoring a child, etc...) in that person's honor. And if family members ask you what you'd like for Christmas- maybe consider asking for them to give towards a cause of your choice! I'm excited just thinking about it. Man I love Christmas

and all the joys of being with friends and family, and yes- strangers too! Thanksgiving is also great! :-)

How to Love... for Dummies

Anybody else read the "How to...(fill in the blank)... for Dummies" books? I kind of think that 1 Corinthians 13 is the "How to love" for dummies. I have a major in dumbness when it comes to the infinite knowledge of God and still a dummy when compared to theologians, pastors, and teachers of God's word... but somehow this chapter gives the impression that even a dummy such as myself can learn, and practice, and BE, LOVING. This is my deepest hearts desire - to live my life loving. I might fail at this sometimes, but I keep striving for it and looking into it deeper, so I don't turn away or forget what Jesus did for us.

"If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing.
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears. When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me. Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.
And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love."

This is such a great chapter... I LOVE it! ;-) I love it because it simply shows the way we are to live... And if you know me, you know how much I need and appreciate directions! This passage, to me, is the "HOW" of all hows. My personal favorite line from above is, "Love never fails." And then that last line, "And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is Love." I'm inspired in reading the contrast of things that "will pass" and the things that will remain; noting that the things that will pass are not bad things- just not eternal things. Since my goal (as well as yours I'm sure) is to live a life that seeks the good of others for their entire existence/eternity- the words here give a clear perspective of what matters and how we live in a way that matters.

How do we treat people with disabilities?

Within the past few years, my kids were both diagnosed with Autism- specifically, a cognitive learning delay, speech and language delay. Over the past 5 years I have watched my son Aidan struggle to communicate and understand, but he is learning more, slowly but surely, making progress, praise God! Ethan, my youngest (3 yrs old) still isn't speaking in words, but doesn't seem to realize that he is different from other kids yet. Aidan knows he is different. Sometimes adults who don't realize his situation come up and ask him his name or a question he can not answer... he used to start slapping himself when he would get frustrated that he could not give an answer, now he looks away or just puts his head down if he can not answer the question. BUT, there are more and more words he can say, so I try to ask him often certain questions I know that he will be able to answer. I see the joy come on his face. I've learned to compensate for the hard questions. For instance, I want him to try to use new words, so I might ask him to say something he can already say, then ask him something new, then ask him something he can already say again. (the sandwich method) I do this for his self-esteem and I'm seeing progress. He is starting to believe in himself more and it's a joy to hear him try to repeat new things- knowing that even if he doesn't say it right this time, there is another question coming. I want to share a story with you that broke my heart this morning. A young teenage boy with special needs went up to the counter at McDonald's to order his food and he was having a hard time getting the words out. You could tell he knew what he wanted to say but it was taking some time to say it. The lady at the counter became very uncomfortable and then, not knowing how to handle the boy, walked away. Someone else came to the counter and took the next person's order, asking the boy to step aside till he figured out what he wanted. The thing is, HE KNEW WHAT HE WANTED, and was saying it as the girl walked away... but that wasn't fast enough for her. She felt uncomfortable and didn't know how to help him (this is understandable) but the boy's face when she walked away was so sad! Can you imagine how you would feel if someone did that to you every day. Even if your IQ is low- you know when you're being loved or hated. You know when people are happy you're here or simply wish you weren't. People with disabilities are all around us in our society- we need to think ahead, plan ahead on how we are going to treat them... because chances are, you may feel uncomfortable and as a result, make a poor decision at their expense. I have been blessed with two kids with disabilities, and I have, on more than one occasion been uncomfortable in public, but that diminishes over time- pretty quickly actually. Eventually you realize what is most important and you see beyond the delay- you see the person you love. Any person is worth loving and showing love, no matter how severe their issues. My kids are full of personality, and spirit, and even words to say... they just haven't been spoken yet... but I will stand here patiently and wait with a smile and kind eyes that say "I love you and I'm so glad you're here!"

Our Freedom

Well, the time is drawing closer and closer to election day... which is a big deal to many Americans and many are consumed with the news and details following this election. But I am not worried about the election. These, among other, worldly distractions continually bombard us, and as Christians we should recognise them as such and put them aside as we are told in scripture. My prayer is that we remember what should be central to our hearts, ears, and mouths, as well as remember what is truly central to our freedom, testifies of our freedom and is continually making us free- the true reality... JESUS! Any and every time the disciples or other followers tried to influence Jesus towards building an earthly kingdom, or endorsing or overturning the current one (the Roman Empire... I think) Jesus shut it down, made no room for it to grow. Instead, He came to proclaim that HE was the way, His Kingdom would reign- but not on our terms, not on our timing, nor would it accomplish our goals, but the Father's. May I just encourage you by saying that I am praying my own heart stays surrendered to God and that I abide in and learn more of His ways, as I pray for all of you (yeah- everybody) that we turn our eyes upon Jesus... not assuming we have the slightest clue as to what He may be up to- because let's be honest- we don't! And praise God for that! Everyone craves freedom, craves our own way, but we quickly realize that freedom has its price. In a human society (selfish society), chaos results if we consider just our own interests. Laws are necessary to guarantee freedom. This is also true with the laws of God. In Psalms it says, "So shall I keep Your law continually, forever and ever. And I will walk at liberty, for I seek Your precepts." And James calls God's law a "law of liberty," or freedom, when he says that "he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does" (James 1:25). He says this in the next chapter: "So speak and so do as those who will be judged by the law of liberty" (vs. 12). Jesus is our perfect example of freedom! He kept God's commands. True freedom cannot come apart from obeying God's commandments. Loving obedience to God's law is not salvation by works, but a sincere, heartfelt response to want to love, serve, and please (praise) the Lord. It's not a matter of what's convenient for you or what suits your interests, but of what pleases God! By the way... it is an irony that, as we gain freedom through Christ, we become His slaves... yep! 1 Corinthians 7:22: "For he(she) who is called in the Lord while a slave is the Lord's freedman. Likewise he who is called while free is Christ's slave." I don't know about you, but I would rather be a slave to Christ than to the rulers of this world, because there is no ruler who can bring true salvation- not a single man on earth that can bring true HOPE to Americans or any other nation for that matter. That man came, that man died, that man rose again...and THAT man - JESUS has my attention. Does He have yours?

An Album...

... Did anybody else besides me grow up with the old vinyl record albums? Wow, I'm only 27, but I looked it up online and discovered that those big black vinyl albums are now considered "collectible items!" This is sure to happen to CD's next... or has it already?? So anyway, there is a story here. Once upon a time, when I was growing up in the woods- yes, thick woods actually- my Mom would put on these old worship records and sit on the floor with me and we would listen and sing old hymns and songs together. I was about 5 or 6, and much of what I knew about God at that time was in picture form. I knew that God created Adam and Eve ....and they were naked!- Quite the shock to the young mind ...but somehow Eve's long hair covered all the right spots and there was always that plant in front of Adam... ;-) Then there was Noah and the Arc with two of every animal- and the animals were smiling, and there was Joshua at the wall of Jericho, and the Christmas Story- fully displayed with Mary, Joseph, baby Jesus, sheep, shepherds, wise men and stars- Oh, and the one BIG star that they followed to get to Jesus! All of these stories were fascinating to me and I found great enjoyment coloring the pictures... but then there were these old songs on old records, and somewhere in between the words and melody I experienced the presence of God. I'll never forget those moments. I didn't know why it felt so good to sing and could not explain the reason for her tears or mine- but it was a holy time. Looking back in my life I see so many ways that God has revealed Himself to me, many which were quite unexpected and creative, but there are certain moments that stand out- kind of like the star the wise men followed- and these moments ring true to my heart. My spirit acknowledged something my head could not. The presence and glory of God was so rich in that living room. Since then I have been fortunate to taste more of God's glory, but I like to go back to that memory to encourage my faith, because at that time of my life I was just a child. I had no agenda in coming to the Lord, I had no "baggage" to speak of, or reasons to think He would not want to hear me sing. I had no worries about friends or family or others at church in what they would think if I raised my hands or danced. There was just an inner knowing that God was here and this was a really good thing! I am so thankful I grew up in a home with parents who love God! I am fortunate to have this memory and I treasure it deeply... a star among stars, a grateful "collectible" for my soul.

Sharing some Chili with friends

Today was beautiful outside and the young adults group at Living Hope met up at the park to share some Chili and desserts. I really enjoy times like these when we all get together. There is something really wonderful about spending time together eating, playing games, and talking. I may be old fashioned, but that is what I call "A good time!" I love the people at Living Hope and I love that this church doesn't just say that "life should be done together", but that's what we're actually doing, and I am thankful for this community. When you're out in the world all week long, what you hear can be so negative, and even if you're doing your best to pull the attitude of others upward, it's really nice to have some time with those who share the hope and love of Christ. I learn so much about the character of God through my friends. I now know why so many new testiment books start out with long greetings and words like, "I thank God for you..." When you experience God's grace and goodness through the church body, all you can say is, Wow God! Thank you so much!

I Chose you!

"The rabbi thinks we can be like Him."

-R.B. "Velvet Elvis"
















"If you are a disciple, you have committed your entire life to being like your rabbi. If you see your rabbi walk on water, what do you immediately want to do? Walk on water. So this disciple gets out on the water and he starts to sink, so he yells, "Jesus save me!" And Jesus says, "You of little faith, why do you doubt?" Who does Peter lose faith in? Not Jesus, He's doing fine. Peter loses faith in himself. Peter loses faith that he can do what the rabbi is doing. But if the rabbi calls you to be his disciple, then He believes you can actually be like Him... He even says to them at one point, "You did not choose Me, but I chose you." - Rob Bell, from his book, "Velvet Elvis"

This passage really spoke to my heart about the way I view myself in Christ. Sometimes the hardest part of identifying one's self with Christ is believing it is possible to be like Him - to know that beyond a doubt we are capable of anything through Christ. Rob goes on to say about the disciples, "It isn't their failure that's the problem; it's their greatness. They don't realize what they are capable of." ...Wow! To think that the more of our lives we submit to Christ the more trust we build, not only in Christ, but in ourselves because of Christ! Maybe you're like me, and you get caught up in staring at the waves of failures in your life. You believe in Christ, you've seen His power in your life, you know what He is capable of- you know His goodness you know His grace, you just sometimes forget what you're capable of as His chosen disciple! I don't ever want to forget that I am capable of catastrophe, but may I never lose sight of the One who died to claim me as an overcomer!

"For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome. For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world- our faith." (1 john 5:3&4) ... I added the emphasis.

The Bridge Master

Speaking of loving... this video shares the meaning of John 3:16 in film form. God really loves us beyond an imaginable degree.



http://www.maximumreferrals.com/bridge

"Prayer of the Gathering"

My long time friend Bobby Schuller (who is also my son's Uncle Bobby) is a great guy with a growing ministry with young adults. Their meetings are called "the gathering." I met Bobby when he lived in Tulsa, but he hails from California and you can spot him in the Crystal Cathedral on Sundays. That is one big, beautiful, room btw! My first and only trip to CA , I had the honor of singing a song in it for his wedding. But I know him, not from a hike to the pulpit, but a hike to a little tribe in the mountains of Panama... this guy lives what he says. Though he and his wife Hannah live in Cali now, I love them and like to check up on them time to time and I am always blessed to see him thriving where they were planted...

Here is the "Prayer of the Gathering":

"God our Father, we pray, in the name of Christ Jesus our Savior, that our community would be built on lifelong friendships, as we journey toward you. Jesus is the vine, God is the vinedresser, the Holy Spirit is the sap, and we are the branches. Help us to abide in you, bearing in immeasurable harvest the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. We pray that Your kingdom would come to our world, that you would remove the curse of evil, and that we could be a part of your rescue mission to a lost and dying world. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen."

My first blog!

Hello! Let's live life loving! For starters, here are two little guys I'm loving...

My oldest son is Aidan and my youngest is Ethan. These two bring so much love and joy to my life and I'm so thankful to God for letting me see some of His glory through their eyes. My hope for this blog is to simply share some Jesus, share some love (same thing), and share some observations about life- all the while hoping you'll share back. We all have something to bring to the table of life... something brings us all together, and in my opinion that something is LOVE.