Sunday, May 20, 2007

"A little child...."


Today a friend and I had lunch in a local restaurant. As a confirmed "people watcher'" I enjoyed the scene at the next table, obviously a family get-together. A young couple with their first baby, their parents, possibly a brother and his wife, and their grandparents. Four generations around the same table and all with eyes only for the new arrival. The little girl was passed from hand to hand, a proud dad pointing out all the important things "Look at her smile...her hair...her little hands...." A grandfather was constantly videoing at every angle and the great grandparents simly smiled and nodded, delighted at the "next generation." It was a circle of family, all focused on one tiny baby. I couldn't help but think of the African quote that "it takes a vilage to raise a child" and that reminded me of speaking at a baby dedication service many years ago. The verse that I used is the one Isaiah uses speaking of the birth of Jesus, the Messiah. "For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given." Christians understand that this verse speaks of Jesus' earthly birth, as a child, AND his status as deity - a son - the son of God - is given." Jesus, both man and God. But I saw this verse as having some application to all births. Every child is given by God to their parents as an earthly child, but their potential is to become a son or daughter of God, and parents need all the help they can get. If you, like me, belong to a Christian community or church, take a look at all your young families with their earthly children....and remember you can be role model and a godly influence in helping these little ones reach their spiritual potential. Keep an eye out for single parents in particular - they may love a spare set of grandparents to be in the life of their child.

Tuesday, May 15, 2007

Happy Birthday Sarah!

Sarah and her family celebrating
21 great years. Love the smile.....


Pic on right: The cousins. Four great young adults (well, Sarah IS 21 and Jon and Tom are not far behind...Oh and Jaymie is 7 going on 8....) These young people give me great joy - they make time for me - I love 'hanging out' with them. (Actually I am the ONLYone with anything hanging out!) I enjoy listening to their world...uni....dreams and aspirations....and most of all what God is doing in their lives. Congrats Sarah - you are a true Princess and God's love shines through you. [Loved the dvd's too...and the cake.....and the laughs....and your friends are awesome. Go girl!


Tuesday, May 01, 2007


World Impact Week - CityLife Church
World Impact is the missions arm of CityLife. What a tremendous vision they have to plant churches world wide. To celebrate the 40th Anniversary of the church some 42 missions workers were flown in from their fields in S.E. Asia, Eastern Europe, India, Russia, Indonesia, Africa, the Middle East and Australia. How impacting it was for us to meet together, to renew old friendships and forge new ones, to see a bigger picture of God working in the world. We were both ministered to in many ways - practical, spiritual, social.

It was a great week of refreshing and a fitting finish to Sue's marathon three months of ministry in Cambodia, Malaysia and several states of Australia. She flew home May 1 to minister at a Women's Retreat, spend time with family in Boise and prepare for the summer ministry time in the US.
Pic #1 is the group photo of all our workers (blurred intentionally)
Pic #2 Sue and I at our info table for International Night.