Isaiah 2:

It’s a fact, pure and simple, no lie, absolutely and positively …  I love Sundays! I may be old-fashioned, out-dated, and even pretty simplistic … but to me, this day is the best day.

Loving Sundays is a way of life for me and for that I guess the credit (or fault, depending on whose perspective you come from) lies with my parents. I don’t ever remember my life not centering around the upcoming Lord’s Day. And then, when you in the middle of it – well, it just reverberates with love and times of worship and study and is truly wonderful.

Many people love certain Sundays over others … for some the Sundays near holidays are the best – Christmas or Easter. Today is the favorite for loads because of the Super Bowl (I had to ask Lowell to remind me who was playing – we’ll probably go to a S. B. party with church folks but for me it will be for the fellowship). Some of my favorite Sundays are when family has gathered for this reason or that and we can worship together! I love a pew full of family stretched out just so.

Sundays are only special because of The One … and the The Act which leads to The Resurrection! And That is the whole reason for life itself … just living to love, worship, emulate, and rejoice in Jesus.

Sundays are unique because family has created simple traditions or routines that are peculiar to this day only. When I was a kid, ours always started on Saturday – preparing for the next morning – the anticipatory readiness to meet with others. Getting baths, hair pinned up and Bible lessons completed.

Then, that morning, Dad was ready first and would usually be singing in his chair while the rest of us finished up … the gathering of Bibles and lesson books, money for the Offering and scooting out the door. In our immediate family Lowell always took an active part in the getting ready when the big kids were little … he’d dress the kiddos in clothes I had already laid out, even knew how to fix the girls’ hair. Fun, expectant moments … good memories.

I always loved Sunday school. They are some of the best moments of childhood memories. The fun songs, the stories, the teachers, the lessons learned and gathering with my bestest friends … from my itsy-bitsy years to high-school, clear to my adult years – I loved and still love ‘Sunday school’! Being a student or teaching… God’s word is never boring or obsolete and it is an honor and privilege to gather around it.

Worship with others is such a wonder – from country to country, state to state and city to city – God’s people gathered in Jesus’ name to sing, pray, commune and learn – I never cease to be in awe of this sacred time.

Then there’s the visiting afterward – hugs and laughter, catching up, encouragement … just the loving chatter that sashays around the auditorium and hallways … aw, I love the Family of God.

Which leads us to Sunday Afternoons … another best! The ride home from church is a time of anticipation – our family still does the Sunday dinners around the table and nothing can beat the smell of good cooking when you walk in the door from ‘church’. These are some of the best times of Gathering for Dads and Moms and their kids. When we have others over, and even if it’s just us, we sit and linger … visiting with one another – it is another form of savoring family.

Of course, when you’re full spiritually and physically then there’s nothing like a good Sunday afternoon nap! Or at least a quiet time in the house … it’s peaceful and tranquil. Mmmm, good.

Yes, for me, Sunday are the Best.

It’s a fact, pure and simple, no lie, absolutely and positively …  I love Sundays!

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 Psalm 122

1 I rejoiced with those who said to me,
       “Let us go to the house of the LORD.”

3 Many peoples will come and say,
       “Come, let us go up to the mountain of the LORD,
       to the house of the God of Jacob.
       He will teach us his ways,
       so that we may walk in his paths.”
       The law will go out from Zion,
       the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.

Colossians 3:

15Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. 16Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. 17And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

2 Timothy 1:

4Recalling your tears, I long to see you, so that I may be filled with joy. 5I have been reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also.

… and then again, not. This is a special Monday. Maybe the most special in our family’s recent history. Well, it may not rank up there on top for each and every member of our family but for me, as the Wife and Mom of this clan, its holding its own near the top.  

  

Remember way back when I wrote a note on paths? I made our little path for the primary reason of not wanting to step in the mud on the way out with the dogs on a rainy days. Then, after a few months I had to re-do this path because of my poor vision of future erosion and my shoddy, quick workmanship. So, I re-worked the path with some advice from my brother-in-law and also, Jake’s help. Here’s that note. Paths – Are Yours In Order? 

  

As a result of the melting of our heavy snowfall and an unprecedented amount of rainfall over this week-end we now have a little path that looks like this: 

 

  

  

Mulch is almost gone, the stepping stones are displaced or totally covered and the ground is a soggy mess. In fact, the gravel driveway took a beating these winter days with the inordinate amount of overflow from the pasture.  

  

Which brings me to this Monday and where I am spiritually. I am coming out of a slump – too many emotional storms. I’m in a deep, soggy valley of wondering and questioning and spiritual numbness – like caught in a quagmire and just generally out of sorts. I know most of this is due to lots of rainy days plus an emotional over-load. Too many feelings are rushing through my life for my heart to handle with dignity. I ‘give in’ instead of being stoic and strong. I cry in the shower because I miss my son. I cry at commercials. I cry at newscasts of Haiti and stories on the internet. On the other hand there’s been lots of humor – I love the laughing times and they are frequent too, and I am grateful as all get out for my silly-willy sons and crazy hubby.  

  

But today, the sun is shining. You see, I am sun-powered along with Son-powered. It is just how I am made. Today God gave me (and the Piedmont area) a true-blue sky with brilliant sunshine and my faith is back on its spiritual axis. My emotions are in alignment and I know again the reality of Jesus’ assurance.  

  

Our path in life sure hasn’t been what we originally laid out. Our plan to move to Honduras has stretched on for an incredibly long time and what is true one day is washed away tomorrow. But it’s okay. God is the ultimate author and is in the process of writing a beautiful story – pieces of which are being re-told over and over already.  

  

I also read below, what was written by Dr. Bob Whittaker, and it, along with the sunshine, and an excellent lesson by Lowell yesterday morning have helped me tremendously. 

  

“If you believe in a providential God who is involved in the equation, it leaves you free to do your best,” Bob said. “I have that serene feeling that it’s going to be OK, in the end. It may be rough on the way, but it will be OK in the end.” 

  

It’s going to be alright. I know that trust in God allows me to be free to do my best. The path to Honduras, is in reality, God’s path … complete with lovely steps, a few detours, but always, a confident end in sight. 

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The Blessing

I have been reflecting on the essence of this note for several days. Heavy, light-hearted, beautiful, rich – so many emotions have been sashaying through my soul. It all started Sunday morning at our usual morning worship service during Lowell’s sermon. I sat there in the midst of ‘earthly’ moments and felt the presence of my Dad. I know, I know it was ‘church’ and it was God’s presence I was supposed to be feeling but Dad came into my heart in a flash and words he had spoken to me numerous times just came bursting to the forefront of my consciousness. I have been hugging them close ever since.

It was his blessing. My Dad’s commendation on my life. He told me more that once that I was “living his dreams”. We talked about it various times, discussing why he hadn’t been able to live his own dreams and ended up living vicariously through me. Oh, he lived a life full of plenty of richness and had his amazingly fulfilling moments. Dad was in love with his wife and his family – spiritual and physical and all who were touched by him felt that love. He and Mom, having been given the ‘gift’ of Jonell, kind of changed or refined their own life’s plans in accordance to her needs. Not that having Joni undermined what the Father was able to do with them. They led adventuresome lives, replete with good works and influence all because of Jonell. My Dad’s life was a love story in its purest most poignant form.

But here it comes back to me this day … just 4 days shy of Dad passing away a few short years ago. I wish he knew we were headed to Honduras soon. I wish he could have read about the Jesus Banquet – he would ‘get it’. He would love that we are going to live in a place that we’ll be helping in the raising up of children rescued off the streets; he’d be so thrilled that we were invited to go and be a part of this work and that we decided to say “Yes!” And he would undergird our faith and believe in us and the power of God because that was the way he worked. Even though he and Mom missed us sorely, he was always our biggest fan with our work in Argentina, and in Nigeria, and the trips to Honduras.

Yes, Dad was a Stateside evangelist and minister of the gospel but, he understood and kept up with worldwide missions, especially from the time when friends of his were invited to begin the work in Nigeria in the early 50’s – he actually would have loved to have been a part of it but they had their Joni and so they contented themselves with helping the others pack and prepare. Never did they dream that their still un-dreamed of daughter would one day live in that very place! Me! Yes, God’s story would include me and husband with kiddos living on the same campus over 25 years later.

Dad just loved the church and the amazing stories here and there across the world and at ‘home’. He was a story teller himself and could recount exact histories of congregations and remember people’s names right up to his last days here on earth. He was thrilled with his family – his immediate, his extended, his friends … he was happy with life and it wasn’t just me Dad blessed. He gave his nod of approval to so many. He was never stingy with his praise. If you were working in the church, he was proud of you. If you were seeking peace and unity, he was proud of you. If you were doing your job but being a Christian first, he was proud of you. If you were seeking, serving, praising, teaching or just living a godly and upright life, my Dad was proud of you.

The blessing. We all crave that. It matters most when it comes from the father and of course “the Father”. So, that’s where I’ve been dwelling in my innermost being these past few days. Highlights of the week stand out – like Tuesday morning, I was outside, waving Lowell off to work and I heard a bird singing out a sweet song of worship. I looked around seeking the source and discovered the little bird far across the field in the upper most branches of a tree … like he wanted to get as close to God as he could and bask in the Son-light. It made me smile and my heart sing so I had to start humming ‘I sing praises to your name, oh God …’

I took the dog in and got the camera and tiptoed across the crisp, frosty field toward the tree and the bird and yes, he continued in his praise and so did I … thinking of my Father and my Dad and rejoicing in my own life and love story … still basking in the blessing. Here are the pictures. And honest! there is a little, bitty bird on the tippy top of those branches! You can click on the individual picture and it’ll give you a better view.

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Just so you know, I realise my Dad wasn’t perfect, that he had his flaws and imperfections but he was a genuine servant, prayer warrior, a peacemaker, a unity seeker and a true ‘Barnabas’.
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If you’ve longed for ‘a blessing’ and found it missing this book is excellent in being fulfilled by your Father.

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The Blessing, Giving the Gift of Unconditional Love and AcceptanceBy John Trent & Gary Smalley Many of us spend a lifetime striving for the approval of our parents. Your parent’s approval affects how you view yourself and you ability to pass that approval on to your children, friends, and spouse. In The Blessing, John Trent and Gary Smalley present a life-changing gift the Bible calls “the blessing.” Five elements of the blessing are meaningful touch, spoken messages, attaching high value, picturing a special future, and an active commitment. Using the principles offerd here provides hope and healing for men and women who may have missed their parents’ blessing.

TGIF – Today God Is First!

I got up out of my bed this morning, a little after 5, and was so excited to begin the day! Being the morning person that I am, I generally wake up smiling, and eager to begin but today, it was different. There was a renewed zeal and passion in my heart. I just felt really happy. It was going to be a good day for practicing TGIF – Today God Is First!

Reflecting on the ‘why’. Hmmm … well, I guess there are several happenings this week that may be attributing to this overall feeling of peace and joyfulness. Not in any particular order I will mention a few:

… the anticipation for and fulfillment of The Jesus Banquet at the Tegucigalpa City Dump!! Hip hip hooray and a lot of Hallelujahs!! This long awaited event was truly scripted and directed by the hand of God! I will write more about this in another post.

… the last day of co-op for this semester … it was a lovely, rich day and reignited my passionate love of being able to home educate our kiddos. We’re in our 20th year of homeschooling!! Our co-op is the best! I will put up pictures and a note on our Medieval Feast soon.

… preparations begun on Wednesday evening for the Holiday Party following an excellent hour of video and discussion. I love the film series and I love fellowship of family. This is 2 weeks in a row we’ve had ‘extra activities’ and my heart sings with happiness for times of sweet work in Jesus’ name. I have pictures and a note for the ‘give-away evening’, as well.

… my laptop – whose hard-drive crashed – is almost totally back! My sweet husband is so smart in lots of areas but especially in the computer/tech world and he replaced my hard-drive and taught me how to restore files off of the back-up discs … although mega time-consuming it was so rewarding to see files restored. Just like seeing old friends come back home!

… I found my online calendar and to-do site! This is where I had some ‘repeat’ events stored and I really didn’t want to re-do all that. There they were! Yay!

… I have found some new sites and new friends of like-mindedness. Some ‘old’ online class-room buddies have touched base with me! More than once this week I was invited to participate in projects. This was my goal … to reach out and hopefully be a light. I am refreshed of spirit and heart.

… last but surely not least, in fact, probably the biggest ‘why’ for this cheerfulness is that over the last few days we have had contributions come in from 2 different sources and both are from people who have known and loved us and our ministry for lots of years. It does a heart good to realize people you love believe in you. Lowell and I are humbled and so very thankful. This brings us much closer to the reality of our move to Honduras!

So, with this frame of mind I set out with the dogs at our usual early hour and saw the gift of Good Morning from the Father! I love morning skies but this morning God really outdid himself. It was like He had taken two large paintbrushes and starting at the central horizon point with His hands together, had lifted them up and to the side and with a whish – zoom, streams of feather clouds! God and I, we were smiling!

I was telling some of the family later about this sunrise and Jobey said, “Zoom-clouds?” and I said “Yes! God painted some zoom clouds for us this morning!” By then they were bumpy and looked like runaway truck ramps as you come off the mountain on the interstate. I think the Creator was having some fun this morning!

So, reflecting on the days when we put God first … well, I know that should be every single day but it is delightful to have reminders that this great and glorious God is the artist of not only gorgeous, breathtaking skies of dawn but also the tapestry of our life. If there is no darkness of night with the anticipation of light, there would be no radiance in the fulfillment of our stories.

 

TGIF – Yepadee! Today, I will put God first!

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 This Father of mine?

Sometimes He’ll take a sunrise and shout to my soul …

“I AM GOD and I AM NEAR!”

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These are the verses that came to mind …

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 Psalm 46:

10 “Be still, and know that I am God;
       I will be exalted among the nations,
       I will be exalted in the earth.”

 11 The LORD Almighty is with us.

 Isaiah 41:

9 I took you from the ends of the earth,
       from its farthest corners I called you.
       I said, ‘You are my servant’;
       I have chosen you and have not rejected you.

 10 So do not fear, for I am with you;
       do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
       I will strengthen you and help you;
       I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

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Am I Balanced?

 For me Wednesdays represent a balancing act for my week. You see, with it being the middle of the week, I try and take stock. I can usually tell if I am on track for what needs to be done. Am I going to make my goals? Do I need to reevaluate? Do I need to come up with a new agenda or ‘to do’ list? Or, glory be, do I get to add new stuff because this was checked off and this and this? (unfortunately, the latter is pretty rare). Time seems to go by so quickly. For the most part my days are always busy, and since I am a proverbial list maker there’s always adding to and checking off going on and a list here and there around the house.

I like it … living this way with lists. However, I believe living in other countries helped me not to be obsessed with them or get terribly upset when the plan for the day got totally scrapped. Plan A turned into B and then to C … and more often than not a list or plan was thrown out the window and I just had to live moment to moment.

I like that too, just living off the cuff … fully and completely. I married a man who lives in spontaneity … Lowell does the important stuff on time and takes care of obligations but this trait of being able to live spontaneously is pretty strong and you know what? I see it as one of his virtues. Living with this naturalness allows one to not feel so bound to time. One is more apt to enjoy the moments and take advantage of random experiences that end up being precious and dear memories.

I believe the Father would love for us to live in both realms – make your list, check off your accomplishments, but don’t let it become a mini-god that keeps you from taking that unplanned walk, play that game, visit that friend. On the other hand, don’t allow that natural tendency of spontaneity to get you into trouble by not ‘being there’ when you’re called on.

Which brings me to this balancing act of Wednesdays … am I behind on stuff, or right on schedule? Did the necessities get done? Have I done my best? For myself, I understand how I’m made. Invariably I must challenge myself to do better and better. Even though I can change my mind in a flash or work with upsets without any overt stress, I do relish a good routine and a list to check off this and that. For me, it’s good to re-do the to-do and then not beat myself up over what I thought was so important yesterday. I am not a competitive person with others, but to compete with myself is a different game entirely. Pushing myself over this obstacle and striking out to try something new is exciting.

This Wednesday I am acknowledging the place I am right now in life, and for whatever reason I am once again re-evaluating my list. It’s okay. I have decided I am balanced. I got a lot done yesterday – not what was intended initially. I was worn out from the effort, but I learned how to do new things. My original goals for this week have been turned topsy-turvy and I find myself actually excited with this new target of to-dos.

So there you have it: some reflections on time, addressing the value of it and how it’s spent. Life is great when you’re having fun. Are you having fun? Do you rejoice in the plans when they go your way and even when they go the way of the wind, out of your control and into the hands of the Father?

Proverbs 16:
9 In his heart a man plans his course,
       but the LORD determines his steps.

Proverbs 19:
21 Many are the plans in a man’s heart,
       but it is the LORD’s purpose that prevails.

Isaiah 32:
8 But the noble man makes noble plans,
       and by noble deeds he stands.

Ephesians 5:
15Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, 16making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. 17Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.

James 4:
13Go to now, ye that say, To day or to morrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain:
 14Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.
 15For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that.

Psalm 118:
23 the LORD has done this,
       and it is marvelous in our eyes.
 24 This is the day the LORD has made;
       let us rejoice and be glad in it.
 25 O LORD, save us;
       O LORD, grant us success.

Philippians 4:
4Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!

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The Christian Chronicle: Preparing a feast in a Honduras dump

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Arbitrarily ran across pieces of notebook paper as I was looking for something entirely different yesterday morning. I don’t know how it is in your home but every so often in ours, we will turn rooms ‘upside down’ in a chaotic search for something that is missing. Even though the missing item still has not been found, I discovered this treasure and am willing to share it. This willingness comes particularly now because during this month of November I, along with several other facebook friends, issued the challenge to people to find something to be thankful for each and every day leading up to Thanksgiving and post it on their profile. A few good souls are following through with this and I have really enjoyed reading these precious notes.

Well, this following note is result of a practice I began over 25 years ago called Prayer Journaling. I do not claim to be consistently habitual with this although I do have numerous notebooks filled with my praises and requests. Every so often I happen upon a random notebook and sit down to peruse the way God has been telling my story. Never, ever, do I leave a reading and not sit in absolute awe as to how the Father so lovingly guided my footsteps and that of my family.

As stated, this note was in Spring 2007. I remember clearly sitting in the sunshine outside the back door of our house in Charlotte. This was during the time when I was making the weekly ‘pilgrimage’ to my sister’s house where we were caring for my now deceased Mom and sister, Jonell. Only those who have been intimately involved in care-giving to the terminally ill will understand the deep exhaustion lived with daily during this bittersweet task.

The reason to sit in the sun, well, I often claim to be ’solar-powered’ and too … I bathe also in Son-light; using these times to not only praise, but be strengthened. This is what I found yesterday and had written in my prayer journal – not knowing then that Mom would soon be leaving this earth … June 23.

A Small List of My Blessings …

God, as my Father

Christ

Being a Christian

godly parents that taught me

a Christian husband that loves me!

Dear Lowell as my best friend.

The Holy Spirit

Janna, the best 1^st born!

Jessi, the sweetest daughter!

Jared, an ideal son!

Jacob, a constant joy!

A living Mother to still love on.

My sweet Jonell to serve and love.

Faye to be friends with.

The backyard – right now – the sounds of nature: the birds, the insects, the rustling leaves.

… I hear traffic, too, and thank God I can hear.

I feel the wind touching my skin

I can see, the colors are glorious – green is predominate but so many shades and hues – a virtual living palette.

My healthy mind –

its ability to think, reason, rationalize, and make conscious choice.

What a blessing is this emotional heart of mine!

I can love, feel joy, be awe-struck.

I can choose to delight in life –

I can choose to stand amazed at this incredible world that surrounds me.

I relish and devour God’s Word.

What a blessing to be able to feast every day – at my choosing, on His divine Word and drink to my satisfaction from His fountain –

what pure and and awesome enjoyment!

Oh, God, Father, You are so good!

My health – this physical body of mine –

I am so very blessed –

I can see, I can hear, I can walk and even run!

From the tips of my toes, to my fingers and

even the hair on head –

I am blessed with health! For this

day, this moment in time – I give thanks for my health.

I have fine motor skills & coordination –

I have creative abilities and

such imagination

I have discernment and logical skills.

I feel minor pain in my right wrist

& I marvel at it – thank God I

have a wrist & a right hand &

that it moves at my will!

Oh, Father, creator, You are so good.

Wow! The material blessings I have –

how totally fortunate I am –

how blessed to have Lowell provide

for me year after year, day after day,

moment by moment –

And of course, he, Lowell, is loved and

given strength for this task by You, God.

Oh, God, you are so good.

For our home, the chair I am sitting on, the food I eat this day, the drink

I consume this day – I thank You.

For my clothes, the computer, the van –

for all I touch & use this day –

may I use it to bring glory

to your Son.

For each member of my extended family – I thank You.

For our Christian family – I give thanks.

Through Jesus, my Savior,

I offer these words of Thanksgiving. Amen.

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“Today God is First” is the way one amazing woman lives … every single day!

Remember when I introduced this I said, “Friday Fun can be about Feeling Good and there’s nothing like helping others to make you feel good.” In keeping with my new tradition, I will highlight an incredible woman named Chi Ekwenye.

I was first introduced to Chi when I walked into Joan Dixon’s living room in Ukpom, Nigeria in 1998. Chi knew who I was … hmmm, this was curious … it turns out the church who supported her was where my cousin and her husband attended in Georgia … he was an elder there. Joy and Ed had told her that me and my family lived at NCBC and to look us up if she was ever nearby. Thus began one of those amazing friendships that runs deep in your soul … you become not just sisters in the faith but joined at the heart.

My first impression of Chi was that she had a “presence” about her that no one could ignore. She was gracious, regal and just ‘light’. She radiated goodness. She made a person want to be near her like a flame draws a moth. The room was brighter when she walked in. After all these years my first impression still rings true. Chi has brought light to 1000’s in her home country of Nigeria, West Africa.

Click here to join this group and see this video of Chi – her story, and some of the wonderful ways her dream has come true in Nigeria.

Sit back, grab some tissue and be inspired by Chi. God is sooooo very great! Remember, there is always a way.

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Make sure you visit Right Steps and see for yourself some of the Amazing Projects that have come to fruition all because a little eight year old girl had a Dream!  Click here and go to Right Steps!

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Monday — Working today on stuff for the Thanksgiving Build week and for the December 9 Banquet for Jesus at the Tegucigalpa Dump. Looks like we will be given a plot of land for our houses and we have a local sponsor that will help us with tables, chairs, and a tent for the Banquet. Imagine – 300+ dump people having a sit down meal with people serving them until they are filled. We are blessed.

Thankful … do you feel it?

for your homes, the food you eat, the jobs you have, your family, your clothes? Are you truly and absolutely thankful? Today I was once again reminded of so many who don’t have the simple everyday blessings that we just assume will be there each and every Thursday. We take them for granted, like its our right to have them and not only that  – we demand more! A bigger house, more shoes, gourmet food, the best clothes. Never doubt … We are so very privileged.

I think we all realize there are ‘the poor’ – you know, those people that do without. Those people who live on the streets, in the alleys, under the bridges … those people. But, you know what?  there are some people who do more than just realize – they actually see ‘those people’ and know they are real people – that they matter.

Today I am mentioning two and I don’t think they get near enough recognition for what they do. These are people just like you and me but they turned their lives upside down, inside out and right side up for the Lord … being His hands in the Tegucigalpa Dump and they – along with a few others – are making a difference.

I want to spread the word about these special ones that work so unselfishly in the name of Christ. Give all the glory to the Lord but know and be assured these are folks who have taken the example of Jesus to heart and are living like him. I want to give a ’shout-out’ for Marc and Terri Tindall …  here are some recent notes from Marc on his facebook page …

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Today – had food for 300, same as every Wed. The difference, we didn’t have enough. Since we started having enough food for 300, we have never run out. More kids, more women, more people. Making lots of friends in the dump. Still trying to figure it out. Met a young man named Marcos, he spent 11 years in a children’s home. Makes me more certain that the next piece is a transition home. Be a blessing to somebody today …

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Here is the book that Marc has recently published about the people at the dump …

Click on: FACES

… let your hearts be touched …

and at the very least … be Thankful on a Thursday.

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I love Wednesdays because it is our gathering for Bible study night. Some congregations meet in homes for a mid-week study and that’s cool. We’re still pretty small in size, live far apart from each-other and it makes more sense for us to gather at the building.

What I love about these studies is that they’re pretty relaxed. Discussion sashays around the room as topics are read, lessons listened to and talked about. I love it. We happen to be in the middle of a DVD series of Ray Vander Laan. Talk about magnificent! Every time I learn, grow and am challenged!

Over the past few months we have been in 2 of his series – the first took us to learning about the Savior and his Sacrifice, the next was the early church and this one is In the Dust … I have been edified, I have wept, I have been caused to search anew, I have absolutely rejoiced in new knowledge and discoveries! I just ‘eat up’ the discussion that follows each segment – so rich and delicious – soul food at its best!

Quite frankly, I generally always love the Bible studies on Wed. evening and Sunday morning … I am one of the favored few who has the distinct honor of being married to an evangelist and I get to participate not only at these decided times but also daily in learning along side Lowell. I know Lowell is one of a multitude of special men who pray over and study the Word well before ‘breaking’ it unto the church. My heart aches for so many who ignore the invitation to study God’s Word together – we are so very privileged to even have this opportunity.

I simply love coming together – to encourage, hear the latest news, and solidify who I am in the Lord. You know, solid foundations are built over time and then the building rises up sure and strong … I am gradually becoming that beautiful temple of the Lord’s own design.

You owe it to you to check out these wonderful DVDs – simply marvelous, folks!

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The Early Church, Faith Lessons Volume 5, DVDExperience the Bible for yourself! This in-depth video Bible study—shot on location and featuring teacher and historian Ray Vander Laan—will help you understand the New Testament better by giving you a better understanding of the Old Testament. Learn from first-century disciples what it means to conquer the gates of hell. Visit the Grotto of Pan and the site of pagan worship. Recognize the dangers the disciples faced at Ephesus. Learn the subtle differences between a Christian worldview and humanism and how to make a difference in today’s world. Comes with Leader’s Guide. 5 sessions, 2 hr. and 10 mins. video. Designed for use with the revised and expanded Discovery Guide , sold separately: WW79713.

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In the Dust of the Rabbi, Volume 6 (5 sessions) DVD, RevisedFollow a rabbi, drink in his words, and be covered in the dust of his feet. So says an ancient Jewish proverb, encouraging disciples to follow right on the heels of their teacher. In this powerful DVD study, journey with Ray on-location to Israel and Turkey. Discover the first-century practice of a Jewish rabbi and his disciples (“talmidim”), and gain new insight into the message of Christ. Curriculum includes a DVD and a Leader’s Guide. “Nothing has opened and illuminated the Scriptures for me quite like the Faith Lessons series.” – Dr. James Dobson That the World May Know is a registered trademark of Focus on the Family and Faith Lessons is a trademark of Focus on the Family. All rights reserved. This DVD is coded for all regions.

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