No Greater Joy

3John 4 I have no greater joy than this, to hear that my children are walking in the truth.

John’s greatest joy was to hear of the faithfulness of his spiritual children. Even when life brought many challenges and difficulties, he knew what was the most important thing in life. He had been raising spiritual children for most of his life and they were what brought him joy.

I heard a new friend say last night, "my one regret in life is that I did not stay in the church during all my child-rearing years."  

Our God-given mission: know Jesus and make Him known 

Overcoming.....

Does doubt ever creep in and cripple you?

Do past failures keep you from true intimacy in relationship?

Recently, I've been struggling with an issue from our past.  To overcome I'm practicing something I learned years ago and finding victory in an ancient truth.  Jesus found the same victory in Matthew 4 when the tempter came to Him.  He quoted Scripture, Truth, God's Words and the devil had to leave.

Peter tells us this is I Peter 5:9, "Resist your enemy the devil, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of suffering." 

The way I'm tempted is the same as others and the Lord's way out is to quote Scripture - speak God's Truth on the issue.  Paul counseled the Corinthians to do this in 1 Corinthians 10:13, "No temptation has seized you except what is common to man.  And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear.  But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it."

SO, TODAY, I CLAIM GOD'S TRUTH from I Corinthians 13......

"Love always trusts,  love always perseveres, love always endures, it keeps no record of wrongs."

Thank you Lord for victory!!

Expectations

Mine are unrealistic, burdensome, crippling for others, myself and relationships. 

Lord, help me to find in your Word the truth I need to remove, curb, redeem my expectations. 

My Uncle Dale Galloway, author and pastor gave me this quote, "The seed of discontent is found in expectations."

I'm Letting Go....

For 25 years I have held onto the belief that God did not cause my brother's drowning.  I have dug my heels in and resisted any study, reading, teaching that might suggest otherwise.

In a current book study, "Restless", by Jennie Allen, the story of Joseph is highlighted.  A particular portion of his story that I can't let go is in Genesis 50: 19-21.  "But Joseph said to them, "Don't be afraid.  Am I in the place of God?  You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.  So then, don't be afraid.  I will provide for you and your children.  And he reassured them and spoke kindly to them." (For the story of his brothers harm see his whole story starting in Genesis 36.)

God intended the pain in Joseph's life for the saving of many lives.  Joseph believed that God had caused the pain.

"Lord, today, I trust that you caused the pain in my life for the saving of mine and many other lives.  I'm willing to LAY DOWN my 25 yr. old, firmly held, anchored belief that you DID NOT cause my brother's drowning.  Instead, I trust you.  I trust your omniscience.  I trust your omnipotence.  I trust your omnipresence and I trust your sovereignty.

Thank you for your patience with me -- your persistence in gracefully bringing me to this day and your tenacity in never leaving me alone but instead teaching me to know, trust and love you more.

My restless soul finds rest in you."

So stinkin' cute!!

Look at her!! Can you believe it? Don't you want some of this? I am so privileged, excited and thrilled to be a Gamma!!  Three weeks old in this photo.

 

Ember Sue White born June 8, 4:06am. I was also privileged to be present for labor and delivery. That was an experience beyond description. I totally enjoyed it. She was 7 lbs 10 oz and 20" long. Papa was on hand for the official measurement. 

Jaclyn's Wedding

For over a year my 25 yr. old daughter Jaclyn and I have been planning her wedding.  Sunday was absolutely a beautiful day and everything worked as she had hoped.  Praise God!  Here are a few candid photos.  Tina & Bryce from T3 Photography did a fabulous job and Tyler & Brie at Still Water Hollow were great to work with!

 

 

 

 My niece Holly was in all three of our kids weddings.

Our daughter Michelle and husband Josh - our first grandchild is due tomorrow!!

 

 Our son Kurt and wife Justina

 

  Jaclyn with cousins Kimi & Jamie

Dancing with Carter

For the first of the professional photos go to:  http://t3photography.pass.us/jaclyn-cody 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 



 
 
 

 

 
 

Who Is In Your Driver's Seat?

On Easter Sunday 2013, we attended Grace City Church in Wenatchee, WA.  gracecitychurch.com

Pastor Josh preached about the sin-restraining and mission-fueling power available to everyone who believes in the Resurrection Power demonstrated and offered through Jesus Christ.

He used this You Tube video to emphasize his point.  Jeff Gordon Test Drive

Do I live like I know the driver?


When we know the driver, we want to ride!!  Summon the courage to say yes (!) to the present risen-ness of Christ and contemplate how it would change your daily life.

 Ephesians 1:19-23  "...his incomparably great power for us who believe.  That power is like the working of his mighty strength, which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come.  God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way."