Monday, March 23, 2009

Wednesday, March 18, 2009

Opportunities for Obedience

2 perspectives on being obedient to God:

1. "I have to be obedient to God & follow his rules or else..." (Obligation)
2. "I get the privilege of being obedient to God when He gives me opportunity" (Opportunity)

Which line of thought do you usually take?

Let me give an example:

I was talking to J on the phone this morning (he's a young crop farmer in our church). He was so excited to tell me something that happened to him yesterday. One of his farm hands (an 82 yr. old man) lost his last sibling the other day & had been down & disturbed by it. J was talking to him about it & felt compelled to ask whether he ever trusted Jesus w/ his life. The man said no but wanted to & right there on the farm prayed & trusted his life to Jesus. J not only encouraged him to share his good news w/ the other farm hands but J is going to church w/ him on Sunday & walking w/ him to publically profess his faith in Jesus.

J never said he felt the pressure of obligation, but rather became aware of the incredible opportunity God gave him to be obedient. When we see God giving us opportunities to be obedient & respond rather than only feeling the guilt of obligation to be obedient, it will not only change our perspective but begin to revolutionize our relationship with Jesus.

Pay attention today for the opportunities of obedience God will give you.

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

Our Little Leprechaun

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Molly's feelings would be hurt if we left her out of the fun!

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

Amazing Grace

Watch one of the most beautiful performances of one of the greatest songs ever written.



http://link.brightcove.com/services/link/bcpid271552717/bctid1913313052

Monday, March 2, 2009

5 Month Pics

Since Cade turns 6 months old in 48 hours (Wednesday) I thought I had better post these 5 month pics so I can post the 6 month ones after that. He hasn't changed a whole lot in appearance other than maturing some in the face & obviously getting bigger. He smiles & laughs all the time. He loves playing on his activity mat rolling over & back. He's not showing much interest in going anywhere while on his tummy, but his arms & legs are getting stronger. He's not quite sitting up yet on his own, but is getting close. We had a pretty quick & easy time getting these pics. You can see his left wrist is wet b/c he keeps his hands/wrists in his mouth all the time.
He takes up more of the chair than he used to. Smiles & giggles are much easier to come by these days.
"Hey, this chair is pretty comfy, I'll just prop my arm us & relax."
He took his hand out of his mouth long enough to laugh at silly mommy making funny faces & weird noises.

"This photo shoot is getting boring, I'll check out the colors on this pillow."