Home of Echoes

and then there was JELLO

2012-01-18T16:57:00.004+01:00

As I was trying to clean up the house and start cooking lunch today, I was trying to think of things to keep Gavin busy. We had already colored and practiced our colors - he can recognize BLUE, by the way. We had played trains, folded laundry and now it was time for dishes.

Thankfully, Gavin found the orange jello in the fridge that I had made 2 days ago. A new experience!

Aiden was amusing himself in the Bumbo during our cooking/cleaning time.

Next, we were off for a walk around the neighborhood and some playground time.

Lesson For the Day

2012-01-17T16:30:00.003+01:00

"And what would you then say in the dialogue?" my Czech teacher asked me today.

I answered, "Dr. Smith I am having some pain."

My teacher said, "No, you wouldn't because we never address our doctors by their name. We only use their title and doctor."

I say, "so, Pan Doktor"?

Yes, she says, "but if you are calling to get their attention, you must say, Pane Doktore"

So. There you go, you address any doctor by Pane Doktore

Autumn Trees

2012-01-11T11:16:00.003+01:00

Again, the same verse (JUDE 12), describes the self - centered as "trees in autumn without fruit." They come down to the autumn of their lives, the period of ripe fruitfulness when life would be laden with peace and calm and memories of life well spent, and instead what do they show themselves to be Autumn trees without fruit. The saddest thing in life is to see a person come to the autumn time with nothing to show except a decadent self. ~ According to E. Stanley Jones.

Communication

2012-01-04T11:52:00.002+01:00

My 2012 Resolution.

In the recent past, I avoided making such declarations, mainly for the fear of not following through. Silly reason, I know. So, let's see if I can make it happen this year. I want to be a better (more efficient) communicator.

An unrelated photo:

(b/c we all know a blog w/o a photo can be boring and who really reads the posts, anyways;?)

October - Olomouc

2011-11-29T20:07:00.003+01:00

We traveled here to meet some old friends - and of course we made some new ones.

We were certainly continuing to seek God's direction about our future here in the Czech Republic.
We got to pray over the university area, see the town, be a part of a small group,
Steve spoke at Sunday service, and then we fellowshiped with them afterwards

Of the Fewness of Those Who Love the Cross of Jesus

2011-10-05T19:31:00.002+02:00

Jesus hath many lovers of His heavenly kingdom, but few bearers of His Cross. He hath many seekers of comfort, but few of tribulation. He findeth many companions of His table, but few of His fasting. All desire to rejoice with Him, few are willing to undergo anything for His sake. Many follow Jesus that they may eat of His loaves, but few that they may drink of the cup of His passion. Many are astonished at His Miracles, few follow after the shame of His Cross. Many love Jesus so long as no adversities happen to them. Many praise Him and bless Him, so long as they receive any comforts from Him. But if Jesus hide Himself and withdraw from them a little while, they fall either into complaining or into too great dejection of mind.

2. But they who love Jesus for Jesus' sake, and not for any consolation of their own, bless Him in all tribulation and anguish of heart as in the highest consolation. And if He should never give them consolation, nevertheless they would always praise Him and always give Him thanks.

3. Oh what power hath the pure love of Jesus, unmixed with any gain or love of self! Should not all they be called mercenary who are always seeking consolations? Do they not prove themselves lovers of self more than of Christ who are always seeking their own gain and advantage? Where shall be found one who is willing to serve God altogether for nought?

4. Rarely is any one found so spiritual as to be stripped of all selfish thoughts, for who shall find a man truly poor in spirit and free of all created things? "His value is from afar, yea from the ends of the earth." A man may give away all his goods, yet that is nothing; and if he do many deeds of penitence, yet that is a small thing; and though he understand all knowledge, yet that is afar off; and if he have great virtue and zealous devotion, yet much is lacking unto him, yea, one thing which is the most necessary to him of all. What is it then? That having given up all things besides, he give up himself and go forth from himself utterly, and retain nothing of self-love; and having done all things which he knoweth to be his duty to do, that he feel that he hath done nothing. Let him not reckon that much which might be much esteemed, but let him pronounce himself to be in truth an unprofitable servant, as the Truth Himself saith, When ye have done all things that are commanded you, say, we are unprofitable servants.(1) Then may he be truly poor and naked in spirit, and be able to say with the Prophet, As for me, I am poor and needy.(2) Nevertheless, no man is richer than he, no man stronger, no man freer. For he knoweth both how to give up himself and all things, and how to be lowly in his own eyes.

(1) Luke xvii. 10. (2) Psalm xxv. 16

Aiden's Baby Dedication

2011-09-17T13:11:00.000+02:00

This is Aiden Baby Dedication done at our home church in Prague Czech Republic.

The Resistance

2011-09-17T12:44:00.009+02:00

This is a video I made about not conforming to the pattern of this world and a challenge to the young people of the Czech Republic to become apart of the resistance and stand up for God's rights and His Kindgom. The song is by Josh Garrels. Check him out at www.noisetrade.com

Kristfest 2011

2011-08-15T20:01:00.003+02:00

He exists, doesn't he?!?

2011-08-14T14:47:00.002+02:00

I'm actually talking about Aiden, nothing deeper than that.

But, I was thinking:
He was born a week ago and we have not yet obtained his Czech ID card, which will allow us to apply for his US Birth Certificate, which will allow us to apply for his US Social Security Card and US Passport.. (and eventually Czech Visa.)

Hm... so until we go to a special office with a Czech translator and request his Czech ID card, is he legit? I mean, he does exists - at least to us, anyways!

All-in-all next week will surely be a busy one!

Gavin teaching Aiden 'night-night'

2011-08-12T08:27:00.002+02:00

One Week

2011-08-11T12:51:00.004+02:00

Wow, how do we already have a new one-week old baby?
I guess time flies when you're in the hospital;)

Today was our "first trip out" and we went to the airport to say bye bye to Oma & Papa; their stay here was so nice and helpful!

Here is our little Cowboy

And for 'The Story'..
We got to the hospital Wednesday, Aug 3rd, at noon to start registering and prepping -
3 Hours later;) we got in to be monitored and then were admitted into our recovery room - seeing as this was a planned C-Section, my Dr was able to reserve a SINGLE room for us!
A visit with the anesthesiologist, a couple nurses, and maybe some other people later, we were unpacked, and set up in our nice recovery room.

Thursday morning at 5, the nurses started coming in to 'Prep' me, and honestly no one wants to know what all the contains. At 7:30, I was flopped onto a travel gurney, wheeled up to the operating level, and voila, 8:02, we met Aiden!

Thankfully he is healthy and we are all home, feeling well, and improving everyday!

Thanks for all of your prayers, God has really been so, so good to us!

Varnsdorf

2011-07-20T21:57:00.002+02:00

July 18th

2011-07-18T18:02:00.003+02:00

Success can sometimes be measured in the THE LITTLE THINGS, like successfully talking to the store owner about how much batting you need to buy for a quilt you're making (in meters, not yards)
Or asking the Post Person for helping mailing some letters,
Or even finding some Flax Seed.
Although, we have just finished our language course for the summer and feel fairly confident about what we have learned so far, we still have a LONG way to go.

But it so much fun to me - in my mind, it's this HUGE challenge and I get excited about TACKLING it!

This week, we welcome a mission team from Sam Houston State and takes them to Kristfest to help out with the large summer conference in Hlinsko.
Ne

Gavin and I will be hanging back to wait on Aiden to arrive. Thankfully, my mom is coming to town and will be on - call, just in case she needs to drive us to the hospital.

At the Master's Feet by SADHU SUNDAR SINGH

2011-06-22T22:35:00.000+02:00

INTRODUCTION

First Vision

Once on a dark night I went alone into the forest to pray, and seating myself upon a rock I laid before God my deep necessities, and besought His help. After a short time, seeing a poor man coming towards me I thought he had come to ask me for some relief because he was hungry and cold. I said to him, “I am a poor man, and except this blanket I have nothing at all. You had better go to the village near by and ask for help there.” And lo! even whilst I was saying this he flashed forth like lightning, and, showering drops of blessing, immediately disappeared. Alas! Alas! it was now clear to me that this was my beloved Master who came not to beg from a poor creature like me, but to bless and to enrich me (2 Cor. viii. 9), and so I was left weeping and lamenting my folly and lack of insight.
Second Vision

On another day, my work being finished, I again went into the forest to pray, and seated upon that same rock began to consider for what blessings I should make petition. Whilst thus engaged it seemed to me that another came and stood near me, who, judged by his bearing and dress and manner of speech, appeared to be a revered and devoted servant of God; but his eyes glittered with craft and cunning, and as he spoke he seemed to breathe an odour of hell.
He thus addressed me, “Holy and Honoured Sir, pardon me for interrupting your prayers and breaking in on your privacy; but it is one’s duty to seek to promote the advantage of others, and therefore I have come to lay an important matter before you. Your pure and unselfish life has made a deep impression not only on me, but upon a great number of devout persons. But although in the Name of God you have sacrificed yourself body and soul for others, you have never been truly appreciated. My meaning is that being a Christian only a few thousand Christians have come under your influence, and some even of these distrust you. How much better would it be if you became a Hindu or a Mussulman, and thus become a great leader indeed? They are in search of such a spiritual head. If you accept this suggestion of mine, then three hundred and ten millions of Hindus and Mussulmans will become your followers, and render you reverent homage.”
As soon as I heard this there rushed from my lips these words, “Thou Satan! get thee hence. I knew at once that thou wert a wolf in sheep’s clothing! Thy one wish is that I should give up the cross and the narrow path that leads to life, and choose the broad road of death. My Master Himself is my lot and my portion, who Himself gave His life for me, and it behooves me to offer as a sacrifice my life and all I have to Him who is all in all to me. Get you gone therefore, for with you I have nothing to do.”
Hearing this he went off grumbling and growling in his rage. And I, in tears, thus poured out my soul to God in prayer, “My Lord God, my all in all, life of my life, and spirit of my spirit, look in mercy upon me and so fill me with Thy Holy Spirit that my heart shall have no room for love of aught but Thee. I seek from Thee no other gift but Thyself, who art the Giver of life and all its blessings. From Thee I ask not for the world or its treasures, nor yet for heaven even make request, but Thee alone do I desire and long for, and where Thou art there is Heaven. The hunger and the thirst of this heart of mine can be satisfied only with Thee who hast given it birth. O Creator mine! Thou hast created my heart for Thyself alone, and not for another, therefore this my heart can find no rest or ease save in Thee, in Thee who hast both created it and set in it this very longing for rest. Take away then from my heart all that is opposed to Thee, and enter and abide and rule for ever. Amen.”
When I rose up from this prayer I beheld a glowing Being, arrayed in light and beauty, standing before me. Though He spoke not a word, and because my eyes were suffused with tears I saw Him not too clearly, there poured from Him lightning-like rays of life-giving love with such power that they entered in and bathed my very soul. At once I knew that my dear Saviour stood before me. I rose at once from the rock where I was seated and fell at His feet. He held in His hand the key of my heart. Opening the inner chamber of my heart with His key of love, He filled it with His presence, and wherever I looked, inside or out, I saw but Him.
Then did I know that man’s heart is the very throne and citadel of God, and that when He enters there to abide, heaven begins. In these few seconds He so filled my heart, and spoke such wonderful words, that even if I wrote many books I could not tell them all. For these heavenly things can be explained only in heavenly language, and earthly tongues are not sufficient for them. Yet I will endeavour to set down a few of these heavenly things that by way of vision came to me from the Master. Upon the rock on which before I sat He seated Himself, and with myself at His feet there began between Master and disciple the conversation that now follows.

New Video Update

2011-06-11T13:13:00.000+02:00

Cuttino Video from Steve Cuttino on Vimeo.

Mission Team from Sam Houston State Chi Alpha for Kristfest

2011-06-06T09:27:00.002+02:00

A Pleasant Surprise

2011-05-04T13:53:00.004+02:00

I am so thankful for the type of Medical Care we are getting here in the Czech Republic.
It is comforting to know that Gavin and Aiden (and us too) having quality doctors around us.

Today, during my glucose screening, the Nurse surprised me by mentioning that we were going to do a 4-D ultrasound today!

(I know she wasn't planning it as a "SURPRISE!! 3 months until you have the baby and I wanted to make sure you had a 4-D ultrasound." , but nonetheless, I was very pleasantly surprised.)

I left with photos and even a DVD of the experience, one video included Aidan smiling!!

Trvaly Pobyt

2011-04-28T19:59:00.005+02:00

Permanent Residence Visa.

Currently, we are not attempting to get a permanent residence visa, HOWEVER, in order to apply for one you must first pass a language test!
YES. Perhaps a good idea, but the thought of taking the test scares me!

UNTIL, today in class, we took a sample test and I did just fine.
There is a listening, reading, writing, etc part of the exam and lo-and-behold, Steve & I might just know enough Czech to pass!

This was way too exciting to contain. It is so great to know our studying is paying off!

VISA: Take 2

2011-04-28T19:55:00.002+02:00

We returned to the visa office, 4 days before our visas expire to see if there was any news.

AND, they granted us a 4 month visa - an extension for our current visas.
This is because the visa office has recently experienced many changes, and paperwork is a bit backed up.

SO, they said in 2 months, we should check back to see if they have been able to process ours yet.

And that's all we know for now!

Visa Attempt, Take One

2011-04-05T13:31:00.001+02:00

Tomorrow we are going to try and see if we can get a visa for another year.

I have all the paperwork we need, and more.. so we shall see.

What a life we are so blessed to live!

Don't get confused

2011-03-29T15:15:00.003+02:00

Konec = the end, noun

This is how the word changes, depending on which case you must use:

(n) konec
(g) konce
(d) konci
(a) konec
(l) konci
(i) koncem
(v) -----

As you can see, the ending changes - this is based on the fact that it is a masculine, Inanimate object. Rest assured the endings will be different if the noun is masculine Animate, feminine, or neuter.

Koncem - also used aš a preposition

Konat se - to take place, verb

So, who's with me?!
Or maybe it is time for a brownie?

AND IT WAS GOOD

2011-03-21T19:25:00.003+01:00

What a wonderful Break Away we had this past weekend in Poland with fellow Central Europe Missionaries.

The Lord pointed out several things to me in particular - one that encouraged my personality type that wants to GET IT ALL DONE TODAY!

If I have a list of 10 things that I want to get done and only 9 of them are accomplished, I almost feel as if the day was a bust!
(I am exaggerating SLIGHTLY, but nonetheless, I like to see things realized.

Our worship leader (name escapes me now, Devon?)
mentioned that the Lord didn't create the world in only One Day. It was a process.
And after every day, EVEN THOUGH THE ENTIRE WORLD HADN'T YET BEEN CREATED, God said, "It was good."

Knowing that I worked my tail off to get things done throughout the day, I hope that at the end of it, I am grateful enough to say, "Thank you Lord that you helped me get 'this or that' done and 'it is good'.

Spring

2011-03-15T13:46:00.002+01:00

We joked in campus ministhat in the States that we always knew it was Spring when girls started dressing less and less.
... Shorter skirts, shorts, sleeveless, no sleeves, ......

In the Czech Republic one of the signs is that people actually start coming out of their homes.
Seriously, what do they do all winter inside!? Surely they go to the store for food?
OR maybe they have a storage place with all the potatoes you need for those winter months.

There are neighbors on our street that I haven't seen in MONTHS!

Needless to say, we are glad to see the sun, dry our clothes outside again, crack our windows, and Steve even wore sandals today!!!

K oslavě 15 let

2011-03-13T15:50:00.002+01:00

Maranatha, our church here in Prague is celebrating it's 15th year this upcoming Sunday.
Think of your life and all that has happened in the past 15 years! ....... And, to think of all that could happen in a church's 15 years.

We are so grateful to have been a part of what God has been doing this past year in Maranatha.
We are sad that we will not be here to celebrate with them - Central Retreat in Poland is coming up -

but we are so grateful that God has led us to be a part of this church family!

What a blessing they are!

Brownies

2011-03-08T16:58:00.002+01:00

So, here is the Brownies recipe.

1 cup butter = 128 grams
4 eggs
2 cup sugar
1 cup flour
3/4 cup cocoa
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
2 teaspoons vanilla

*1 teaspoon = 5 ml
*350 F= 175 Celsius

Bake 350 for 25 min
Sprinkle powdered sugar on top

Her Dream

2011-02-23T21:26:00.004+01:00

A friend of mine had a dream.
She explained:

"There was a big light in the sky and when you saw this light you knew it was your time to die and you would go to be with god.
I saw the big light and I was afraid being down where I was (on earth) and was happy that I got to go to that light.

[we had been talking about bad things that were happening on earth and earthquakes, wars, some people believe that 2012 will be the end, etc]

But,[she continued to explain] my friend was with me (on earth) and held me saying, I could not go up to be with the light, to meet god."

I believe God speaks to us in dreams.

(I have some things written in parenthesis b/c she did not exactly use these words; our communication is very limited b/c of language barrier. I chose to use a word that I think she meant by her hand motions, etc)

Cheesecake

2011-02-08T16:03:00.002+01:00

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/raspberry-cheesecake-recipe/index.html

Here is a good site for a yummy cheesecake! (Rikala Sherry)

I have never tried it, but heard it is amazing and since I was asked for an easy recipe for this American treat, here it is!

Plus we can get all the ingredients here!
Except, substitute Graham Crackers for Digestives (do obchodu Tesco nebo Marks and Spencers)

Enjoy Suzana!

Coming next... Brownies!

"Thank You For Needing Us"

2011-01-27T20:55:00.002+01:00

"thank you for needing us." This is what the Czechs told a missionary coupe here several years.
The couple was struggling to learn the language, adapting to a new way of life, missing home... And desparately grateful to God for their brothers and sisters in Christ who were helping them along the way. They could not have made it without those sweet ones who were near them, prayed for them, and helped them along the way.

As difficult as this language is to learn
**< I must insert a story here about a missionary who was doing a wedding. This was a veteran missionary, who spoke well enough to be performing a ceremony. Well he got to the part about 'you may but the ring on her finger'. Well he mispronounced or misdeclined the word and ended up saying that 'you may now put the ring on her ... "upper-woman parts". If you are embarassed reading this, i apologize;imagine saying this as a pastor in front of a crowd at a reverent ceremony.>**
And as much as I would love to already be settled into a university, starting up ministry, chatting with students, hearing stories of how God is changing lives-and getting to be a part of it- I am so thankful for the Lord's wisdom.

We are utterly dependent on him-to the point of praying through our short conversations and pronunciations, hoping that they understand that we can see them 5 o'clock in front of That store, on This street.... We also need our Czech friends; they are teaching us not only the language, but cultural norms and expectations.
We are thankful for this season of our lives!

In our weakness, He is strong!

The call

2011-01-21T08:15:00.003+01:00

I am so grateful that God has called us to the Czech Republic.
It is an honor that he would use us, it is an honor that a perfect God would Trust us!

A few days ago, a new missionary couple, the Davis family, arrived. They too are called to live here and work here for Jesus.
ALSO, there is another family in the pipeline heading to the Czech Republic; God is always up to something and it is so awesome to be a part of it.

When you get to talk and hear the call of others also called to where you are, it is a refreshing reminder of what God has called you to do in your life!

On this site is a VIDEO by the Hales family.

http://www.chrisandamyhales.com/Site/Media.html

On this site is a information from the Davis family.

http://www.chrisandamyhales.com/Site/Media.html

Time

2011-01-03T16:21:00.002+01:00

Back to school today, oh how we love to love this language.

My class worked on time for part of our class.

Needess to say this is also a culture lesson, because what seems perfectly logical to them is hilariously crazy to me.

There are several ways to say it is 9:50, and my favorite is this translation:

"it is 5 minutes after 3 quarters until 10"

Carpe Carp

2010-12-18T14:14:00.002+01:00

Christmas tradition.

Well, we explained this tradition to you guys, but actually got to see it yesterday in front of the store!

Two tubs filled with fatted-carp (kapr) .
Families go there, choose their carp, keep it in the tub until Christmas.

Kill it - which is rather bloody, we have heard explained, then cook it up for Christmas dinner!

YUM, YUM

2010-11-30T17:36:00.003+01:00

To HP or not to HP? This is the question.

I doubt Shakespeare had this in mind, but our answer:
Not to HP.

We're thinking about 'switching over to the other side' or in other lingo 'going MAC'
YES, I know this is drastic, WHAT could we be thinking?!?!?

Well, maybe I can have you check out our 18 hour call log to Tech support & you can see why we're thinking about this much of a change in our lives!

Friendship

2010-11-10T11:01:00.005+01:00

The Lord has blessed Steve & I here in so many ways, but one of the BEST ways is by giving us friendships.
The Novotony Family are such a blessing to us. They've helped our transition here by their love and sweet words to us.

God has ALWAYS been faithful in surrounding Steve & I with close, real, kind, - just AMAZING friends.
And He hasn't forgotten us while we are over here.
If I ever needed anything, I know I could call Romana & she would pray with us!

Thank you God, for friendships!

Adamik & Gavin

Steve & Honza

Romanka, Me, Romana
Gavin, Adamik, Honzy

Dental Records

2010-11-07T20:43:00.002+01:00

Everyone needs a good set of dental records. Poor little Gavin thought it'd be fun to taste the soap. His face was so funny - wish I would have gotten a photo of his reaction.

The Orchid

2010-09-11T21:12:00.005+02:00

It's amazing what you can get 1/2 price, simply because it doesn't look right.
So, we brought the sick looking orchid home, repotted it & it grew a sprout. There are 5 buds; 2 have opened up.

Orchids are special to me. I remember that Steve bought me one when we lost something very dear to us. Orchids remind me that there is precious life all around us, even when circumstances appear to be so dim!

Join me in my Struggle - Paul

2010-08-31T08:16:00.003+02:00

"I urge you brothers,
by our Lord Jesus Christ
and by the love of the Spirit,
to join me in my struggle
by praying to God for me."

Romans 15:30

I know Paul was eliciting specific prayers for his current situation, which could be different than our own.
But I LOVE, how he eludes to the fact that you will have JOINED IN HIS STRUGGLE by praying to God FOR ME.
What a poignant example of the Body of Christ!

Immune

2010-08-28T12:12:00.002+02:00

Living in Texas for the last few years must have helped my immunity against 'our yellow pollen issue'.
If you lived near us in East Texas, when you heard 'pollen', images such as these might pop into your mind:

Or another memory of 'pollen in a puddle':

But this NEVER bothered me. In fact, not until we moved here did I really have some sort of sinus reaction... and so far, I really don't know what I am reacting to?!

Seems too beautiful to affect my sinus / allergy problem, right?

NOPE, I'm in the midst of another 'episode'. I'm almost out of the local honey, which if it doesn't work, plays great mind - games in helping me to believe it does.

No Homework?

2010-08-27T15:27:00.003+02:00

When you've taken a month off of language school (for various youth conferences) & you have no homework, the obvious way to work on the language is to translate the Bible.

It's already been done you say?
Not by someone who doesn't KNOW the language. It's only been translated by trained professionals & linguists - boring. ;)

This is how I do it - rather simply.
I write English on one side of my page & then Czech on the other side.
I really do feel like I'm learning - or recognizing some words!
& I really am very excited about it.

I'm working on Colossians - chosen b/c it's so short. Here is a clip from Genesis, just so you can see Czech.

Stromovka

2010-08-22T07:52:00.004+02:00

Gavin was feeling a bit better, so on Saturday we ventured out to the train museum, which Gavin obviously found intriguing.

Then we were off for a historical ride on Tram 91.

Next, we strolled around Stomovka Park - and had some playground time.

Naturally, Gavin was far more interested in the little rocks.

He didn't fall; he laid down on them. Surprisingly, none ended up in his mouth!

And then a photo for the ride home - we were undressed.

A bit of laughter

2010-08-17T12:10:00.003+02:00

What does one do?

2010-08-17T09:48:00.008+02:00

Hm.....
What does one do when baby has a temperature of 102?
[ok , so it was only 100.3, but for rhyming's sake.....]

Poor Gavin doesn't feel so good.
I feel fine, but Steve-O is a bit under the weather too - and he has to prepare for Impulz!
[a gathering of Czech youth-leaders] that starts tomorrow.

Gavin & I hung out at home - Steve represented at church. [whoop, whoop]
But, other than when he gets tired, Gavin just wants to play.
I'm thinking, wouldn't it be better if we just cuddled, watched chick-flicks and slept?
BUT, no.. he wants to climb the stairs, dance, play, crawl, climb... all that jazz...

And What does one do?
When language school is virtually impossible to get a hold of?
Steve & I are transferring to a different school program - we are getting into the 'guts' of the language & need more classroom time.
I called the building MANY (15 times), different numbers. Emailed several different people (3), and dropped by twice! NOTHING, I was able to translate the sign on the door.
[give it up for googletranslation.com]
& the summer hours were posted, but the building was closed during renovation, but no one was ever available!

3rd times a charm? I stopped by again, this time, PEOPLE were there. REAL LIVE people!
But we couldn't register for Czech classes until next week. At least we got an answer!
So now the questions, what shall we do with cute little Gavin?!

Still praying through that one. Several, unrealistic options I found online... so we shall see.

A friend mentioned that, as cute as Gavin is, someone should pay US to get to watch him;)

PS the pink ring around his shirt - is the medicine he spit up this morning.

Back Home

2010-08-12T12:01:00.004+02:00

What an awesome time it was in Hungary.

We were at Csilleberc Campgrounds - a former Soviet camp for youth. Where they would introduce kids to the idea of communism. Being there as a Christian group: learning about God, how He loves this world, and how to reach out to others was very monumental!

About 35 nations were represented there. Even 3 Czech Students - from a different city - also leading youth in their area!

Facebook has more photos - especially on "Encounter 2010 Budapest"
Check it out - there are pics of the teaching and outreach teams!

Gavin met some very enthusiastic friends around his age & wore himself out!
(In this photo is Nikoletta (Itlay) and Sophia (Argentina)

Thank you God for the nations.

Me & a student from Hungary - we didn't understand much of the other's language. But we smiled a lot at one another!

Steve & Jakub from Czech Republic. It was great to get to know this guy - sincere heart. Going to change some lives for Jesus !

2010-07-08T11:20:00.003+02:00

I said, "Let me walk in the fields."
God said, "no, walk in the town."
I said, "But there are no flowers here."
He said, "No flowers, but a crown."
I said, "But the sky is black. There is nothing but noise and din."
But He wept as He sent me back;
"There is more," He said,
"There is sin."

One Handed Wonder

2010-06-29T20:16:00.003+02:00

Never knew I could do so much with just one hand.
Such as balling up this cookie dough.

& why would I need to do this with just one hand?

Gavin wanted to be held.

Love my cuddle time!

CZECH with GAVIN

2010-06-29T10:18:00.011+02:00

Haven't you always wanted to learn Czech?!? I knew you did, so I thought I'd help you start out! (you are welcome!)

ahoj = HI or HOWDY {for our Texan amigos}Said just like a pirate would.
{notice the pirates on Gavin's shoes?}

hezky = handsome Said, [Hess Key]

zuby = teeth
[said like ruby, but with a z] Gavin has 4 of them!

Then there is the word for KING = král [crawl]

And then there is kamarad = friend.
Here's a shot of some of our friends from Maranatha This family is so, so sweet! Everyone should be so blessed.

That's all for today !
~Jennifer

Father's Day

2010-06-26T20:58:00.004+02:00

How cute.

I have such a wonderful father - and I am married to a wonderful father too.

Gavin is so blessed to have Steve & Papa in his life!

Jennifer

These pics were for some bookmarks that we made for Steve for Father's Day - that was after I was able to locate some decoupage in the store here!

Oh Happy Day

2010-06-15T20:51:00.002+02:00

Gavin playing the guitar

South Moravia

2010-06-15T20:18:00.002+02:00

Awesome time at the youth retreat we were at this past weekend.

Steve did a stellar job sharing about discipleship & I enjoyed using my 18 words/expressions of Czech with the youth there.

Gavin LOVED all the attention & time he got with the students too.

Here's a clip of him with some of his kid friends at the retreat.

You've GOT to be kidding me?!

2010-06-04T09:34:00.003+02:00

That is exactly what I said as the 312 bus, MY BUS, shut the door in my face and pulled away from the bus stop - leaving me outside - did I mention I was NOT on the bus?

I knew this day was coming. Our bus, the 312, is the only bus I've ridden on that checks for our transportation pass. No problem; we have one!
Most people form a line, get in the front door & show it to him, etc..

Well, with a stroller, you're not allowed to enter the front - I've done it before, I know.
Most strollers don't fit down the aisle if you enter from the front; I know, I've done it before;)

So, I usually jump on the 2nd entrance of the bus with the stroller & show him the pass from where I am standing. We've been yelled at before, but we just show him our pass & he calms down.
I tried to show him my pass from outside the first door and motion that he needed to open the middle door for me b/c I have a stroller - which we've done before.
WELL, apparently he didn't really think I needed to go home and so he closed all the doors and drove off.

Did I mention, we were not on the bus?

This pic has NOTHING to do with the post - but he's such a cutie, I couldn't resist.

The gift of staring

2010-05-20T08:54:00.004+02:00

I love watching Gavin discover and experience new things.

A few days ago - we discovered that he was no longer 'army crawling', but instead, crawling on all 4s. We also noticed his love for climbing over boxes - and then his affinity for falling off of them.
We saw, also, that he could pull himself up to a standing position all by himself. All in one day!
What next? College, marriage?:)

I always prayed that he would open up doors in relationships and break down walls that might exist - and he does that.

The Lord has given him a gift of staring. He will stare at a stranger (on public transport, at the store in line, etc) until they look back at him & give him a little wink, smile, or start talking to him.

Many times people have just starting talking (in Czech) and just kept going.
This guy is going to learn what they're saying before we do!

He will look, with great interest, at people that normally we do not.
Such as the wheelchair-bound girl with severe physical and developmental limitations or the bum who hangs out at the bus stop or the beggar who lives up the road. Gavin will also start talking to them - sometimes he'll squeal with joy or just start babbling at them!
(I wonder what he's saying?)
And so MY walls are breaking down - I've gotten into conversations with those I never would have before - just because of my handsome little boy!

So, I've looked into their eyes, smiled, said a word or two or had a conversation and it hasn't been awkward for me.
Ah the freedom of childhood abandonment!

1st Tooth

2010-05-10T21:15:00.001+02:00

This time it was different.

Drooling, chewing... we all knew it was coming.
But after supper tonight - I let Gavin chew on my finger to sooth his little gums & I felt it... the sharp feeling you read about.
Then I saw it - it was so cute and white - and now I know my little baby will (soon) no longer have his gum-smile, soon, he'll have Teeth!

Pictureless Post

2010-05-07T15:45:00.002+02:00

.. so here are some pics b/c the last post had NONE!

3rd time's a charm

2010-05-07T14:51:00.002+02:00

We returned to Podebrady, where the foreign police officially stamped our passports.

So, we are here legally for one full year! Yipee. And it only took 3 tries to get this done! The city is about an hour away - so I'm glad 3rd time's a charm!

He spoke no English, we spoke no Czech -but a "thumbs up" worked in both our languages. (at least we think)

I am SO excited to start language school. We've signed up and will start soon!
We know a few words - like milk, water, belly button - the important stuff.
I also know how to say tree and cow, thanks to Gavin's little friend, Kuba.

He's 4 and him and G are good buds.
His mom said, "Kuba, this is Gavin - he's your American friend" and Kuba said, "I KNOW, Mom."

As for his other friend at church... he really thinks that it's a shame that I don't speak Czech and he told the translator that I really need to learn it! OH my, he's right.

Moving In

2010-05-03T21:54:00.000+02:00

Well, well, well - it really is fun to get moved in to a place.
I'd say we're getting closer. We have all the boxes unpacked - doesn't mean things are folded up & put away though - that will come with time , or a magical fairy..

I was able to figure out a bit more how to work the washing machine today - the manual was in Romanian , so it took some time, but I know which settings to steer clear of.

I was very to happy to find out how to use the machine more quickly, but then I realized that I didn't know what to do with all the washed clothes!
We don't have a dryer & it's rainy today -so no sunshine to dry the clothes.

Needless to say - I have clothes hung up on the drying racks *inside* as well as on all the curtain rods. NO, we don't have curtains, so it really is perfect!

The rooms sure do smell fresh , though!

2010-04-30T21:14:00.001+02:00

We have a home - it's a beautiful place in "Predni Kopanina"

Our place is in the bright yellow one.

Gavin is such a great traveler on the public transport - he stares people down until they look (and hopefully smile!) at him. It's precious.'

Today I got to talk with a Czech lady about her family, work, etc as we 'cooed' over Gavin. It was really neat.

We are slowly getting some furniture in the place and very slowly unpacking. It's certainly beginning to feel more like a home to us!

My Dad's in town for a visit - which has been really neat and Gavin has been enjoying his new playmate.

(It's actually Dad's birthday today - so thankfully Ikea has some killer desserts!)

Thanks for your prayers!

Czech Church

2010-04-11T20:50:00.000+02:00

HIP HIP HOORAY!

We registered for the time being - we'll go back May 3 and will be really considered official!
So, that means, we shall see...

We went to our Czech Church, Maranatha this morning - it was so great to get to meet our new church family.
This photo to the left is Chris, another missionary here, Pastor Michel & then US!

We also got to meet a sweet family whose names I dare not even TRY to write!
They have 3 kids, one in the picture here.
I have a feeling these kids will be good friends with Gavin.
They were so sweet and gentle with Gavin today! They all wanted to hold and kiss him. They all spoke Czech to him - so he should grow up understanding them! YEA for him.

JOE COOL
This is a pic of him out for a day in the town.

He can fly

2010-04-06T19:43:00.001+02:00

We went to register at the foreign police this morning - to let them know we've arrived in the country.

The offices were closed today, but we got to see a beautiful part of the country.

We're going again tomorrow & *hopefully* they'll be open!

Gavin also got to meet his first 'novi camarad' - his name is Kuba, 3.5 years old and was very gentle with Gavin! He taught us how to say 'cow'.. let's see if I can remember it tomorrow.

MANIFESTATION

2010-03-02T21:38:00.000+01:00

PACKING.

As we are waiting on our visas to finish processing, we received some good news about getting approval for a shipment.
So, our day today is filled with preparing a shipping manifest for our belongings.
It doesn't seem too exciting, but I am LOVING it!
Hopefully, soon we'll be opening these boxes on the other side of the ocean!

PLUS, Gavin is getting some more toys! I had packed almost all of them, and now he's being reunited with some of them! (The snake, is quite a hit)
Notice the effort on his part to play with his Moose; he's a favorite!

Of course, while I was making lunch this afternoon, Gavin seems just fine playing with some saran wrap!

Only A Branch

2010-02-25T20:10:00.000+01:00

Here is a poem that I read the other day. During our time of waiting on our visas and dealing with a foreign government and getting ready to leave has been difficult on us. It is so easy to get caught on the details and loose sight of the Lord. The Lord has been reminding us that it is not about what, where or how, but Who. Who we are going with, Who is with us, Who's life is in us, Who are God is. It has been a wonderful reminder and the poem below ministered to us and hope that it ministers to whomever may read it as well.

I am the vine, ye are the branches. John 15:5

Tis only a little Branch,
A thing so fragile and weak,
But that little Branch hath a message true
To give, could it only speak.

I'am only a little Branch,
I live by a life not mine,

For the sap that flows through my tendrils

small
Is the life-blood of the Vine.

No power indeed have I
The fruit of myself to bear,
But since I'm part of the living Vine,
It fruitfulness I share.

Dost thou ask how I abide?
How this life can maintain?--
I am bound to the Vine by life's strong band,
And I only need remain.

Where first my life was given,
In spot where I am set,
Upborne and upheld as the days go by,
By the stem which bears me yet.

I fear not the days to come,
I dwell not upon the past,
As moment by moment I draw life,
Which for evermore shall last.

I bask in the sun's bright beams,
Which with sweetness fills my fruit,
Yet I own not the clusters hanging there,
For they all come from the root.

A life which is not my own,
But another's life in my:
This, the is the message the Branch would
speak,
A message to thee and me.

Oh, struggle not to "abide,"
Nor labor to "bring forth fruit,"
But let Jesus unite thee to Himself,
As the Vine Branch to the root.

So simple, so deep, so strong
That union with Him shall be:
His life shall forever replace thine own,
And His love shall flow through thee.

For His Spirit's fruit is love,
And love shall thy life become,
And for evermore on His heart of love
Thy spirit shall have her home.

-Freda Hanbury

2010-02-03T17:18:00.000+01:00

Happy new year & beyond...

I think my new year resolution should be to be better at posting on this thing, so we'll see;)

We have our budget raised & are working on our visas to move over to the Czech Republic!I've told Gavin we're moving, and he seems okay about it!

Our precious little sleeper - I LOVE his facial expressions!

2009-11-08T15:56:00.000+01:00

Gavin is here & I have failed to update. Forgive me!
We have photos on Facebook - so be our cyber friend and you can see them.

We're in San Antonio right now, but as soon as we get home, I'll post some pics at this site!

He sure is a cute - currently, his favorite activities are to sleep & stretch & then sleep some more!

2009-09-26T22:56:00.000+02:00

Well, we're in the 'waiting stage' on Gavin.
He's turned - ready to come, but not quite yet! I'm very thankful that we don't have to plan on a C-Section, the recovery time alone is reason enough.

We're still praying for the little guy, that'd he'd arrive healthy! (Whenever that might be)

The downside to that is I cannot travel with Steve - the Fall Sectional Tour is going on - something that I was very much looking forward to! I love being able to see our friends, pastors, and co-laborers at these meetings - it's so fun!
But, with several of them being a 4 hour drive, it's just not possible..

Steve's going to finish out the tour, until Gavin arrives, so I'm really glad for him. Thankfully, I'm feeling good (great, actually) enough to be taking care of myself.
Of course, Steve doesn't want me to be alone for a minute, just in case - so I'm going to get to
spend some time with his family!

Czech Kolaches & Visas..

2009-09-04T02:54:00.000+02:00

I decided to make Czech Kolaches at home today.

This was to 'relax' after trying to figure out the process of getting a Czech visa..
Which I still don't quite fully understand.
But we'll get to that another week.

This was a 'simplified' version - no yeast, no fancy fruit making-process..
They are not as sweet as the pastries I'm used to here in the states, but seem like they'd be great paired with coffee or tea.
(And easily sweetened with powdered sugar, whipped cream, or ice cream!)

2009-08-18T22:33:00.000+02:00

Connect '09 Conference

In Belgium
There were people from: Belgium, Germany, Ireland, The Netherlands, Scotland, Norway, Finland, Poland, and The Czech Republic.

Here is Scottish creative worship night.. their clothes made up the river.

Hanging Hand prints from the tree.
... we are one body, although we
are all unique like our fingerprint

I recognize the Polish & Czech team in the photo!

Thanks for praying for Michal, Jakub, and Pavlina.

A pod game...
TEAM WORK

Journaling

Getting their hand prints ready..

The Group this year!!

Group shot

Creative worship night

... we are one body, although we
are all unique like our fingerprint

Drawing the Bible Story on the wall

A time of sharing

all the different languages sang on stage.

Thanks again for praying and giving so that these students may know God intimately and have a passion that their classmates are reconciled to Christ!

Mama Ray

2009-08-18T20:56:00.000+02:00

I had the great opportunity to speak at Trinity Tabernacle in Baytown last Tuesday.
These ladies blessed me, in their conversation alone.. not to mention the prayers!

Here is Mama Ray from Trinity Tabernacle in Baytown, 92 years old.

She loves to play the piano - (she has the songs memorzied!)

She spends her time ministering at the jails in town.
The Lord is continuing to bless her & allow her to be used for His Glory.

August Services

2009-08-18T20:24:00.000+02:00

I wish everyone could experience what we experience in our travels.
There are so many good churches, filled with sweet, kind people - seeking a deeper walk with the Lord and bringing others along with them!

Here are some pics from the churches we visited:

Pastor Vincent & Pita Villareal AND family from Yoakum, River of Life.

They blessed us with baby necessities!! (and some fun outfits too!)

I just had to show you these boots - he's a real Texan now, right?

And from Radian Church in San Antonio. Pastors Golaz are at the far end on the right!

Me at Church in the Wildwood - Canyon Lake.
Jan, me, and Evelyn Massey (Pastor John's wife)

Family Leaves

2009-07-31T16:17:00.000+02:00

Well, we said good bye to the rest of our family on Wednesday.
Here are some shots of us before they left.

Noah Skate Boarding

Steve Tickling Noah

Noah enjoying his phone call to Oma.
It was a pay phone at the airport & Oma really wasn't on the other line...

Sam Houston

2009-07-17T19:47:00.000+02:00

We got to meet Temple Houston III.

The Great-grandson of General Sam Houston goes to Cathedral of Praise in Houston.

Here is a pic of Steve with Temple, or should I call him Mr Temple or Mr Houston III?
He looks just like the statue, doesn't he? Nice family - likeness.

And Steve with Pastor Ronnie Jordan..
As soon as we walked in, these guys made us feel right at home!

And here is Steve preaching at First AG in Cuero - Paul Hughes is the pastor. Sweet people!

Family

2009-07-16T18:40:00.001+02:00

There's nothing like family.

It's been so much fun to get to see my parents & sister, as well as her husband & babies.

We're so thankful that we've had some good time with them. Nothing can replace the time you get with them and sadly, you never know when that time will be gone!

In a week, we'll get to see Steve's family from Colorado as well - they're making a trip down for a few days.

Here are some pics from our time together.

Noah & Rylee playing with cool Uncle Steve.

My sister, Belinda, & Josh with Rylee.

My Dad worn out after a day of shopping. Bless him!

Wayne & Lynne (Steve's Mom) - Steve & I - Vicky & Jay (my mom and dad.

Steve & I - 28 weeks along...

Our families threw us a baby shower last Saturday!

We got so much stuff for Gavin! There is so much for the little guy & we are VERY GRATEFUL!
We were so blessed to connect with our families, friends from college & some friends from Saudi Arabia.

And my sister, Belinda & I - along with her cuties - Noah & Rylee!

Oh how we love family!

Dad's Arrival

2009-07-02T03:41:00.000+02:00

Family's coming to town!
We've been looking forward to the month of July for some time now.
Our family's coming in town - mine from the Middle East and Steve's from Colorado!

Here is a video of my Dad arriving - it's our 'first video' ... so hopefully they get better;)

His 15 hour flight from Doha arrived early & customs wasn't even too bad!

We're so happy to have him home; we've surely missed him!

June's happenings

2009-06-26T15:31:00.000+02:00

It's hard to believe that a month has already passed!

Steve & I have been on the road for quite a long time..
Here are some pics of our time in June -

Firstly, we hit the 40,000 mile mark on our car.

Then we were on our way down to Brownsville and Harlingen and Edinburg.
We stayed with the Bifferts and had a BBQ with some friends - Steve played ball with their German exchange student and her boyfriend.

Down in Harlingen, we met a cute Buddy Barrel Figure.

In Weslaco, Pastor Mario had fun with Steve's height.

In Edinburg, we stayed with the Chavez family.
They are part of the sweet church family of Harvest International - Pastor Javier.

In Port Lavaca, this whole family treated us to a great afternoon!
Besides sending us home with squash, zucchini and poppy seed bread, they blessed us with great conversation. The Faltesek family works with Grace Community.

We got to see some friends during our stay in San Antonio. We went to college with the Haucks, Volkmers, and Isenhowers. They work with UTSA Chi Alpha's group.

Here is a pic of some of the girls after a XA meeting at the Haucks house - Amy Hauck, the campus pastor's wife is to MY left. Beth Volkmer is is the light blue shirt and Marie Isenhower is to the far right of the photo.

While in San Antonio, we visited Northwest Assembly. And they blessed us with a basket of baby blessings!
It was such an amazing surprise & incredible to see how every person giving a bit made such a huge impact on our lives! There were so many wonderful gifts for Gavin!
There is a photo of Pastor Kathy and little Emily too - she was being shy.

We also had the chance to meet up with some friend of ours, Bethany & Guillermo Santiago.
They're youth pastors from Central AG in Angleton - the youth group supports us! How great is that?

The Valley

2009-05-31T23:17:00.000+02:00

Well, well. Another trip down to the Valley - we love it down here, but are so surprised about the weather - it feels like it's about to rain, I was expecting it to be hotter!

We had a great time at Medina Valley this morning - we both felt like we'd been there before, just old friends getting together. They were so great.
It's amazing how you can go to a place for a short amount of time and feel like you could spend the rest of your life there.

We were in the San Antonio area last week - and we felt the same about a little city, Quemado - close to Eagle Pass.
We drove for 50 miles without seeing another car, but once we got there & met Alisia & Rosie, we felt like we could just live there... except for being called to another country and all.

We have been so well taken care of - the Volkmers, Beth & Kyle have opened their home to us !

So we're off to another service tonight in Harlingen and looking forward to what God has in store!

May

2009-05-11T00:21:00.001+02:00

In Karnes City about to visit the church!

We've had a great past few days in the Corpus Christi area.
We had several services around the area and have been able to stay with our friends!

This place is amazing; if you're looking for a good home - I suggest moving to Corpus Christi.
The Robinsons have so generously hosted us, even though they have an incredibly busy life - I know they LOVE it too!
And the Asaad Family is amazing; we stayed with them on Friday night and enjoyed Mo's Bible Study about Psalms 23... Great

Today, being Mother's Day, I've enjoyed having my belly pop a bit more.

Here is a great video about the Love between a child and parent.

Louisiana

2009-04-28T18:27:00.000+02:00

Steve & I had the pleasure of vising Shreveport, Bossier City, Lafayette, and Lake Charles last week.

We went to join in on the Louisiana District Council. Besides the natural charm of their accents, Steve & I were blown away with how SWEET everyone was. (and we're used to the 'Southern Hospitality from Texas')! Needless to say, we were warmly greeted and welcomed!

We also got the chance to run into some old friends that we ministered with in Europe!

Here is a photo of Steve helping to put up a sign for the US Mission Banquet where they highlighted Chi Alpha!
We also got to celebrate Buddy Barrel's 60th Birthday!

Texas District Council

2009-04-28T17:59:00.000+02:00

How FUN!
We love being in a ministry when we continuously run into people that we love & that mean so much to us!
We were able to connect with MANY pastors, friends, and fellow workers in the XA ministry!

What a good thing it is to be in The Body of Christ!

Jamie and Maclaren and Schaeffer Bell

Jamie and Schaeffer playing with Emma Robinson

Amy and Haven Hauck

Jennifer and Emma Robinson

Down by the Beach

2009-04-14T04:37:00.000+02:00

On our week trip down to the Valley, Steve & I were able to get a bit of time to ride bikes.

Here are some pics of Steve riding in Corpus Chrisi & taking pics at the port.

We really enjoyed our time down there & then our drive back home.

What a neat group of people that we would have never me otherwise.
Thanks for welcoming us!!

2009-04-14T04:08:00.000+02:00

I wish I could post date these bloggings of ours!
So much has been going on & I've hardly been good at keeping it up here on the Blog.

So, I'll start with our pics (those we've taken).

They're more fun to look at anyways!

We got to go to Corpus Christi's XA in February!
What a great group of people.
They're being such a sweet scent on that campus.

I remember Will telling us one time - him and his beautiful wife, Jennifer Robinson, are the campus pastor down there doing amazing work with the university students! -
that they need to make sure that they're making a difference on the campus.

Spiritually yes, but in general - they need to ensure that when they leave it is better than when they got there. - Student activities, international program, all of it needs to be served.

Here are some pics of these guys:

CHANGE

2009-04-08T21:46:00.000+02:00

So, our newest news is that we are expecting a baby!
Little Cuttino is expected October 3rd! And we are very honored that God would bless us like this.

We're excited to get to start our ministry in Prague with a little one .
We're believing that God will open doors because of this bundle of joy we get to have with us!

Thanks for your prayers - we certainly need them!

We'll post some pictures of our latest travels very soon ;)

Abiding Factors by Oswald Chambers

2009-02-18T16:56:00.000+01:00

Genesis 26:1-12

Commencement of Destitution: v1 "And there was a famine in the land, beside the first famine that was in the days of Abraham."

Isaac's history commences with the same trial as Abraham's, viz., a famine in the land. Abraham acted according to his own wits, not according to his faith in God: "and Abram went down to Egypt to sojourn there; for the famine was sore in the land"--destitution in the very land of promise. Watch the destitution of wits that follows quickly on the heels of a Divine revelation. Whenever you get a revelation from God you will be starved at once, starved, that is, in your wits, you can see no way out. Every time your wits compete with the worship of God you had better take a strong dose Isaiah 30:15-16--"In returning and rest shall ye be saved; in quietness and in confidence shall be your strength: and ye would not." Beware of restlessness and wits persuading you that God has made a blunder--"God would never allow me to fall sick after giving me such a blessing'; but He has! No matter what revelation God has made to you, there will be destitution so far as the physical apprehension of things is concerned--God gives you a revelation that He will provide, then He provides nothing and you begin to realize that there is a famine, of food, or of clothes, or money, and your commonsense as well as other people's says, "Abandon your faith in God, do this and that.' Do it at your peril. Watch where destitution come; if it comes on the heels of time of quiet confidence in God, then thank Him for it and stay starving and He will bring a glorious issue.

Command In Trail: v2 "And the Lord appeared unto him, and said, Go not down into Egypt; dwell in the land which I shall tell thee of:"

The command to Abraham was to depart; the command to Isaac is to remain. When the 'Isaac' life of quietness and confidence in god is born of the 'Abraham' life of strenuous separation, don't make any more separations, just be still and know that God is God. Those who educate you in the things of God will the first to pull you back when you obey the voice which came through them. God taught you the right thing through them, now you are obeying they come in with their own wits and say, 'Of course we didn't mean you should do that'; but God did. Beware of mixing quietness and confidence with other people's wits.

Confirmation of Truth v3-5 "because that Abraham obeyed my voice, and kept My charge, My Commandments, My statutes, and My laws"

Isaac is promised Divine blessing and protection because of God's oath which He swore to Abraham on account of his obedience. Abraham's obedience was far from perfect, but its great characteristic was it reservedness. Abandon in the profound sense is of infinitely more value than personal holiness. Personal holiness brings the attention to bear on my own whiteness, I dare not be indiscreet, or unreserved, I dare not do anything in case I incur a speck. God can't bless that sort of thing, it is as unlike His own Character as could be. the holiness produced through the indwelling of His Son in me is a holiness which is never conscious of itself. There are some people in whom you cannot find a speck and yet they are not abundantly blessed of God, while others make grave indiscretions and get marvellously blessed; the reason being that the former have become devotees of personal holiness, consientious to a degree; the latter are marked by abandonment to God. Whatever centres your attention on anything other than the Lord Himself will always lead astray. the only way to be kept cleansed is by walking in the light, as God is in the light. Only as we walk in that light is the holiness of Jesus Christ not only imputed, but imparted, to us.

Abraham's aberrations sprang not from disobedience, but from trusting in his own wits. Directly God's command was made known to him, he obeyed; when there was no command he was inclined to trust his wits, and that is where he went wrong. It is never right to do wrong in order that right may come, although it may seem justifiable from every standard saving one. In the long run you can never produce right by doing wrong, yet we will always try to do it unless we believe what the Bible says. If I tell a lie in order to bring about the right, I prove my own conviction that I do not believe the One at the back of universe is truthful. Judge everything in the light of Jesus Christ, who is The Truth, and you will never do the wrong thing however right it looks.

White With 2 Sugars Please by Steve Turner

2009-02-07T00:01:00.000+01:00

Coffee gives you

a legal shot of
energy when your
eyelids are feeling
down.
Coffee kills time
when you're washed
ashore on the streets
of London.
(Coffee can even
help rainstorms
disappear.)
Coffee is something
to dangle your lips
in when conversation
is scarce.
Coffee is a good
place to take a
new friend.
(Coffee is an excuse
to stay half an hour
longer.)
Acquaintanceships end
on the doorstep but
friendships begin
with a coffee.
Coffee can be
appreciated by all
generations.
Coffee is multilingual,
multi-racial, liquid esperanto.
Yes
There's something quite
religious about coffee.

Can A Homosexual Person Live A Sincere Christian Life?

2009-02-02T05:05:00.000+01:00

Ravi Zacharias' response to the question.

Christianity Without Christ by Dietrich Bonhoeffer

2009-01-22T17:48:00.000+01:00

DISCIPLESHIP means adherence to Christ, and, because Christ is the object of that adherence, it must take the form of discipleship. an abstract Christology, a doctrinal system, a general religious knowledge on the subject of grace or on the forgiveness of sins, render discipleship superfluous (overly excessive therefore it will become legalistic), and in fact they positively exclude any idea of discipleship whatever, and are essentially inimical (harmful) to the whole conception of following Christ. With an abstract idea it is possible to enter into a relation of formal knowledge, to become enthusiastic about it, and perhaps even to put it into practice; but it can never be followed in personal obedience.

Christianity without the living Christ is inevitably Christianity without discipleship, and Christianity without discipleship is always Christianity without Christ. It remains an abstract idea, a myth that has a place for the Fatherhood of God, but omits Christ as the living Son. and a Christianity of that kind is nothing more or less than the end of discipleship. In such a religion there is trust in God, but no following Christ. Becasue the Son of God became Man, because He is the Mediator, for that reason alone the only true relation we can have with Him is to follow Him. Discipleship is bound to Christ as the Mediator, and where it is properly understood, it necessarily implies faith in the Son of God as the Mediator. Only the Mediator, the God-Man, can call men to follow him.

Remember we follow a Person, not our creeds or our doctrines as helpful that they can be, but they are no substitute for the Living Christ. When He calls us to follow Him, he is calling us into discipleship (the laying down of our live-obedience). When we take this call seriously, we will then start being conformed into His image and become the person who the Lord wants us to be in Christ. The need of this world is not our doctrines or our creeds but a real demonstration of the living Christ to be seen and that occurs by entering true discipleship under Christ the person.

Lord help us to truly to follow you. Forgive us for making you just a creed and not treating you as a real person. Help us by your grace to be real women and men of God who show people that you are a real living being. Protect us from ourselves, that we will not separate Christ from discipleship therefore separate Christ from Christianity.

Blessings,

The Rock Outreach

2009-01-20T20:18:00.000+01:00

Jennifer and I during our travels went to the Rock Outreach Center in Port Arthur, TX and we had such a wonderful time there. The people there are some of our heroes. The Lord is moving in this place, where most people and society have given up, but the Lord hasn't given up on this community. The Rock Community Outreach is being used by God to bring restoration to lives and ultimately the community, doesn't that just sound like the Lord. Only He can bring restoration and show us again that in the Kingdom of God there is no Little People and no Little Places and everything is significant and is irreplaceable.

Pray for this outreach along with us that the Lord will continue to restore the lives and ultimately the community and that the Lord will send more laborers to bring in the harvest of people who are made in the precious image of God.

Enjoy the video!

Skeleton Bones by John Mark McMillan

2009-01-19T18:53:00.000+01:00

Peel back our ribs again
And stand inside of our chest
We just want to love you
We just want to love you yeah

Peel back the veil a time
Let us see you with our naked eyes
We just want to love you
We just want to love you yeah

Skeleton bones stand at the sound
Of eternity on
The lips of the found
Grave stones roll
to the rhythm of the sound of you
Skeleton bones stand at the sound
Of eternity on
The lips of the found
Yeah so separate those doors
Let the sun of resurrection in

Oh let us
Adore the son of glory
Dressed in love
Open up your gates
Before him
Crown him
Stand him up

We want your blood to flow inside our body and
We want your wind inside our lungs
We just want to love you
We just want to love you yeah
We want your blood to flow inside our body and
We want your wind inside our lungs
We just want to love you
We just want to love you yeah

Skeleton bones stand at the sound
Of eternity on
The lips of the found
Grave stones roll
To the rhythm of the sound of you
Skeleton bones stand at the sound
Of eternity on
The lips of the found
yeah so separate those doors
And let the sun of resurrection in

Oh let us
Adore the son of glory
Dressed in love
Open up your gates
Before him
Crown him
Stand him up

Everything that breaths
Everything that breaths
Everything that breaths

Jennifer and myself as we are traveling across the state of Texas sharing our hearts with so many churches and God's precious heart for people, at times we get fatigued, but when we listen to this guy(John Mark) our hearts get charged again and the Holy Spirit through this music refreshes us and renews us. This artist really walks with God and thinks deeply upon our Lord and is able to see through the superficiality of this world and see what is really going on and sees what is really needed, Resurrection of Lives.

When somebody asked him, about the role of faith in his music, McMillan responded, "Christianity has to have a place in my art because it's who I am. If it didn't then I'd come across as pretentious. People can see through facades easily." But he adds, "The gospel has been abused so often that people hear the name of Jesus and they think of a used car salesman. We've got to change that. There are so many completely broken and devastated people in the world. I think we ignore this as artists and as Christians. I didn't want to do that. I wanted to put something out there that people could relate to. That's what the album's all about, the song that comes out of falling apart."

Check him out and allow the Lord refresh you through his(John Mark) ministry of music.

God Bless

New Chi Alpha Missions Video

2009-01-17T04:54:00.001+01:00

Expeditions: GO, GIVE, PRAY from XA Missions on Vimeo.

An Essay Written by Our Friend Mark Shockley Called What is Christianity, Really? For those who wonder

2008-12-17T16:28:00.000+01:00

What is Christianity, Really? For those who wonder

Some people have made Christianity only an action, a set of morals to be followed, a list of checkboxes on my weekly to-do list. Go to church; don't smoke; don't drink. These are not bad. But this leads to no inward change. It puts the cart in front of the horse--how can I change the way I live if I don't change the way I think?

Some people have made Christianity only an idea, a set of concepts to be accepted. But the gospel is more than a view of life or a way of thinking. It is a worldview, but it is not meant to be only cerebral. The word "gospel" doesn't mean "good views"; it means "good news". That means that it's something it's okay to be excited about.

Some people have made Christianity only an emotion, an excitement. But what is excitement without purpose? It's great to be excited about Christianity but I need more than that to go on. The excitement might get someone through a Sunday but I want a purpose that can motivate me through the entire week.

So I'm supposed to be excited, but it's not about the excitement. I should think deeply, but it's not about the -isms. I need to act on my faith, but it is not the actions that it is really about.

Ultimately your view of Christianity comes down to your view of love, because Jesus himself told us that the greatest commandment was to "love the Lord," and, the second is like it, "love your neighbor."

Some people think that love is an action: I love her because I took out the trash for her. I love him because I bought him chocolates.

Some people think that love is an idea: I love her because I think like her; I love her because we both read Vonnegut. I love him because we are both conservative.

Some people think that love is an emotion: I love him because he makes me feel good; he makes me feel right. He loves me because he smiles when he sees me.

Christianity is about being loved by God and loving God. And what is love?
"Love is an unselfish choice for the highest good of God and His Kingdom." If loving God is a choice, then it can affect the way I act towards His Creation, because after choosing for His good shouldn't I choose for His Creation's good?
If it's a choice, then I can think deeply about that choice; I can examine it, I can study all the ins and outs and dos and don'ts and I should come out with the same answer--that it only makes sense to love God and choose for His highest good.
If it's a choice, then I can be happy about it. I can feel good about it and I don't have to hesitate. I can turn all my affection in His direction and run with a smile on my face the track that He has put in front of me.

I know He loves me because He has always chosen for my highest good.
And if he loves me, it only makes sense to love Him back.

So the most important question in Christianity is not what do you know, but what do you love? It is possible to know about Jesus for many years without really loving him.

If Jesus is who he says he is, and if he died for me, how could I not love him back? How could I say no to an unselfish God? He is worthy of our love and worship, and he is worthy of our lives. We will never outlove him or outgive him; he has twice paid the price of our lives--first by creating us, and second by redeeming us.

The Bridge

2008-12-16T16:53:00.000+01:00

Central AG-Angleton, TX

2008-12-04T22:11:00.000+01:00

Jennifer and I went to Central AG last night in Angleton. We had a wonderful time and it was so encouraging to see young people hungry for the Lord, and seeing them really love each other. It was really an honor to be with Guillermo and Bethany who are the youth pastors there. They are amazing, and we are so thankful just to know them.

Jennifer with Bethany & her Mom Tammy

Steve with Guillermo and his father-in-law Brad

Milestones

2008-11-25T00:16:00.000+01:00

We hit a mark this past weekend & had to document it!

PS sorry the pics are out of order, our odometer really does count UP.

Nutrcracker Market

2008-11-25T00:06:00.000+01:00

A tradition.
Just like Going to Fair on the Square in October, this is something I LOVE to do, especially with family. It's always fun.
Jessi & Me.

2008-11-14T01:05:00.001+01:00

I love seeing these.

hmmm..

Sights from around South Texas.
Go Figure.

2008-11-12T02:26:00.000+01:00

We love getting to visit youth groups!
We went to a Royal Rangers meeting in Rosenburg & here is a pic of the awesome wall! Too bad I didn't get a pic of the people actually there.
Steve asked what it meant to 'be poor'. And a middle-school er answered: 'to be without God'. To get it at the age is pretty sweet!

2008-11-06T16:50:00.000+01:00

Weddings!

It's such a great pleasure to be a part of some many weddings... college ministry lends itself to that.

Steve with Kyle & Ryan at Murff's wedding.

We were visiting recently Hi-Way Tabernacle in Cleveland, TX. Michelle, the missions director there asked something that has really stuck with us.
She explaining how in some countries, and even long ago in the USA, brides offered a dowry to her husband and his family as a wedding gift. Even today, I know some girls who've put sweet, meaningful gifts in their trousseau.
Then she asked us: When our bridegroom comes back to get His bride, what will be our dowry to offer to Him? With tears in her eyes, she said souls... that's what she wants to fill dowry.

IKE

2008-10-12T00:09:00.001+02:00

Ike has come & gone, but people are still talking about it.

I've uploaded a few pics for those who like to take a gander.

Steve & I have visited a few cities that were hit pretty badly. Their attitudes are incredible! They're working together with their communities to help rebuild & replace.

We traveled to Bridge City last week and saw 9 alligators! (not alive, but still!) They were right there on the side of the road. (We didn't have our camera)

It has been so very neat to talk with so many of you and hear they stories about how the Body of Christ has continued to be in action. Thanks for being our heroes.

The Soul of Knowledge is OBEDIENCE

2008-09-20T17:04:00.000+02:00

Men would understand; they do not care to obey. They would try to understand where it is impossible they should understand except by obeying. They would search into the work of the Lord instead of doing their part in it...It is on them that do His will that the day dawns. To them the day stay arises in their hearts. Obedience is the soul of knowledge. -George MacDonald

John 15:9-14
"As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father's commands and remain in his love. My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command."

The key to remaining in our Lord is obeying His commandments, and the Lord's command is this: that we would love one another. I believe that means laying our life down for one another. Since we are made in the Image of God, therefore to retain that image in ourselves we must lay our lives down for our neighbor. When we honor the image of God in another human being we protect the image of God in ourselves. It is when we do this, we are being truly human, and when we don't we are being less than an animal. This is our Lord's commandment to us and if we don't we will fail to understand His ways, His purposes, and most importantly Himself.

Obedience is prerequisite for further Revelation. Jesus in the above passage is telling us how to remain in Him, and it by laying down ourselves so that our fellow human beings have a chance to be near the King of Kings, Lord of Lords. It is what Jesus did for us, He layed down His life, so that we can have a chance to be reunited with our Heavenly Father. It is through our obedience that our knowledge of Him will grow because we are remaining in His love and through this we will know Him more than we ever thought or imagine. The key to understanding more of God's creation or ways, is the word obey.

Biblical knowledge=Responsibility(Obedience)
Responsibility neglected(Disobedience)=Guilt

Some people long to feel God's presence in a time of worship or prayer or some other religious experience, but I am coming to believe that the most awesome presence of the Lord comes when we lay down our lives for our neighbor and it when we do that is when our Lord is most near.

If we want to know more of the Lord, his ways, his creation, then we must begin with Obeying what He has already spoken. It is the true way of knowing Him correctly. Intellectual deception always follows moral rejection. When one rejects what God says and fails to act in obedience, that person will create new parameters to justify the way he/she lives because they have rejected the Lord by rejecting what He has spoken.

Oh Lord help us to do your Will and to will to do your will. We need your Grace, which is the will to do your Will. Lord we long to remain in your love, so we can have the correct perspective of Who you really are and to be know You and be known to you.
In Jesus Name, Amen.

The King and His Kingdom by W.A. Pratney

2008-08-05T18:59:00.000+02:00

All studies of the Kingdom of Heaven must begin with the King Himself. No kingdom is greater than its king, nor more wise or powerful than the one who is best qualified to rule it. The Bible tells us about this King, the greatest Ruler of all, the King of all Kings. If we study it carefully what does it tell us about this Creator-God of all men?

Introducing the King of all Kings

The Ultimate Reality that lies behind our universe is a fellowship of three Divine Personalities that the Bible calls the Godhead (Acts 17:29). These three Persons have always existed unmade, uncreated and uncaused. This total Reality we call "God" are shown to be distinct and different from each other, and are called in the Bible the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. The Bible God is revealed as three Personalities, able to love each other and talk with each other. They have been together before time began, always in harmony and unselfishness. (Eph. 4:4-6; Gen. 1:1, 2, 26, 3:22; 11:7; 19:24; Dan. 9:17; Zech. 10:12; 2:8,9; Ps. 45:7; Isa. 48:16; Num. 6:24-26; Ps. 2:7; Acts 13:33; Ps. 72:1, 89:27; Lk. 3:21-22; Matt. 28:19; Jn. 14:23, 16-17; 1 Cor. 12:4-6; 2 Cor. 13:14.)

This fellowship of Divine Persons are one in substance, essence, and nature. They are coequal in power, in being, and in love; whenever the Bible refers to the Reality we call God, it refers to unity of three personalities. This concept is hard to see at first, but it could be illustrated by a simple mathematical formula:

1x1x1=1

In this formula, there are three distinct, though interdependent entities, three "ones". Considered on the left hand side of the equation, there are three, considered on the right side, they equal one. In this formula, not one of the entities can be left out without changing the whole. In other words:

1x1x0=0

Think about one simple idea, like time. It consists of three interdependent, though distinct and different entities:

Past x Present x Future = Time

Past is not Present nor Future, but Past is Time.
Future is Time.
Present is Time.

We can say that in essence, or in nature, Past, Present and Future are all "Time", but they are not each other. There are many such illustrations of this scattered right through all of nature. God too, is like this. Each member of the Godhead is different and distinct from the other, but they are not separate nor independent, and they are all one in nature and substance. This oneness is emphasized right through the Bible. (Ex. 20:3; Deut. 4:35, 39; 6:4; 2 Kings 19:15; 1 Kings 8:23; 2 Sam. 7:22; 22:32; Deut. 32:39; Ps 86:10; 35:10; Isa. 27:16, 20; 40:l8; 43:10, 46:9; Mic. 7:18; Isa. 45:5, 6, 14, 22; Hos. 13:4; Jer. 10:6, 7, 10; Ex. 8:10; Jn. 10:30; 17:21-23.)

The King's Natural Abilities

God is not matter/energy, but Spirit. The Godhead are in their essential nature nonphysical, the Ultimate Reality beyond energy and matter. All truth is centered in God's own being; this is the final cause behind the created universe. (Deut. 32:4; Ps. 100:5; Jer. 4:2; Zech. 8:8; 1 Jn. 5:6). He cannot be discovered by unaided human research, (Job 11:7-8; Isa. 45:15) but has promised to reveal Himself under certain conditions. (Isa. 59:1-5; 55:6-7; Heb. 11:6). No member of the Godhead will reveal Himself to man unless that man can be trusted with the truth he is given. (Lk. 10:21-22; Deut. 29:9; Prov. 1:23; Isa. 45:3; Matt. 18:3; Jn. 12:36-40). God is the "invisible God" (Col. 1:15; Jn. 4:24, Ex. 20:4; Jn. 1:18; 1 Tim. 1:17). Thus, no man can "by searching" find out God; He must reveal Himself to us, and has.

The Godhead live in eternal time. Because God is uncreated (no-one or nothing else made Him), He is self-existent; no-one or nothing else keeps Him. God depends on no other source than His own limitless energies to exist, but the upkeep of the entire created universe depends on His care! He holds together the very fabric of space, time, energy that we are a part of, if He withdrew His upholding power from creation it would fall apart; it would "uncreate" into nothingness! (Jn. 1:1-3; Heb. 11:3 Col. 1:16-17). Because the Godhead have no beginning, they are able to experience succession of time without limit; God has always, and will always live forever. (Ps. 90:2; Gen. 21:33; Deut. 33:27; Ps. 9:7; Ps. 41:13; 93:2; 103:17; Isa. 24:6; 40:28; 44:6; 48:12; Rom. 1:20; 16:26; Heb. 9:14; Rev. 4:8). He is able to make decisions in time without the finite limitations of His creation: (Gen. 6:5-7; Ps. 102:24-27; Ex. 2:23-25; Num. 11:1-2; Deut. 2:25; 11:12; Josh. 10:14; 2 Kings 13:3-4; 2 Chron. 7:12-16; Ps. 95:10-11; Isa. 12:1; Jer. 44:21-22; Ezek. 16:42; Zech. 1:12-16).

God has all the elements of personality. Because we are made in His image we too have real personalities, and are not just machines. The Bible shows us that God has a mind and thinks. (1 Sam. 2:35, Isa. 1:18; 41:21; 55:8-9; Jer. 29:11; Ex. 32:7-14; 2 Kings 19:14-28; Jer. 2:1-13; Mic. 6:1-3) He has real emotions, and feels. (Gen. 6:5-6; 2 Chron. 16:9; Ps. 78:38, 78:58-61; 95:10-11; Isa. 12:1; Ezek. 6:9-10; Mic. 7:18-19; Zeph. 3:17; Zech. 1:14-16; Matt. 18:23; 18:27, 34-35; 23:37; Lk. 15:7,10; Jn. 4:23; Rev. 3:20) and He has the power to create choice without anything or anyone behind His choice directing it. (Gen. 1:26, 3:22-24; 6:6; 6:12-13; 9:11-12; Ex. 32:7-14, 30-33; 2 Kings 20:5-6; Isa. 12:1; Acts 1:7) God made us in finite, miniature likeness to His own great Being. When we think, feel or choose, we can understand just a tiny part of the way that God feels or thinks or chooses because He has made us like Him in these abilities. When we see in the Bible that God is hurt or happy, we can feel in a tiny, finite scale, what God must feel like on an infinite scale when we also experience grief or joy. God is not alien to ourselves, but far greater.

The Godhead have unspeakably great powers, and have always had them. Because the nature of God is profoundly wonderful, there are many things that He can do that would be quite impossible to us, His loved creation. He has the power to be present in all places of His Creation at once; it is, indeed, the very energies of His infinite Being that hold that creation together. He fills all the universe without limit to His extension or compass. (Jer. 23 :24; Ps. 139:7-10; Prov. 15:3; 1 Kings 8:22-24, 27; Isa. 57:15; Acts 17:24, 27-28; Eph. 4:6; Heb. 4:13) He has complete knowledge of all knowable things, both actual and possible. (Job 27:16; Ps. 147:5; Isa. 40:28; Rom. 11:33; 1 Jn. 3:20) His knowledge is infinite, or without measure. He also has no limits to His energy or power of personality; He has the power to do all that which is practically or morally possible. (Gen. 17:1; Ex. 6:1-3, 6-7; Job 33:4; Ps. 91;1; Ezk. 10:4-5; Joel 1:14-15; 2 Cor. 6:16-18; Rev. 1:8; 4:8; 11:15-17; 21:22). All these things are naturally true about God. He did not choose to have them; they are inherently true about Him. What He does with these powers is, however, under His control.

All these qualities of God's Being do not tell us what kind of person He is. They are not moral in character; they do not reveal to us what use God has made of His powers. We can call these His "attributes of Being", or descriptions of what is true about God's wonderful Being. These are natural attributes of God; they inherently belong to His nature. What is even more wonderful about God is what the Bible tells us He has done with all these involuntary powers. The next class of Bible descriptions really reveal just how loving and great this Creator is. They tell us what God has CHOSEN to be like, what He has volunteered to do with His mighty energies, and we can call them His MORAL attributes. They are not fixed, static things, but God's personality in action; they are the results of the Godhead's intelligent and wise choices; they are the active decisions of His will. They do not flow uncreated out of His Being like His natural attributes, but are made by the choices of His personality. Nothing MAKES God act like the Bible reveals He does; these are the things He has actually chosen to do with the vast array of powers that He has.

The King's Moral Abilities

God is MORAL, and has moral abilities. When we say a person is "moral" we imply that they have at least four qualities; a mind, with the ability to think; feelings, and the ability to experience; a will, with the creative ability to determine their own decisions and choices; and lastly, the ability to both possess and understand what is both true and valuable. If a person has these abilities, and by a wise use of these powers conforms his or her life to that which is truly seen to be the most valuable possible decision, we can call that person "good". If, on the other hand, they refuse to live intelligently, and choose instead something less valuable or more harmful, we can label their action or choice "bad". Now God is a moral Being and the Bible tells us some of the beautiful aspects of His character:

The basic distinguishing mark of the Godhead's moral character is the word LOVE. This is the basic way He acts; this sums up His every action, and it is the reason behind His every decision. (1 Jn. 4:8,16). Now Biblical love, God's kind of love is not just a feeling. It is basically an attitude of will to show kindness and care to others as directed by true and perfect intelligence. It is an unselfish choice for the highest good of all persons and all things. The entire Godhead have forever chosen to be directed by love: they fulfill all that they know they could and should do without showing favorites to anyone outside the law of absolute wisdom. This is the most profound revelation of the Scriptures. God IS love! (Deut. 11:1, 13, 22; 13:3; 7:8; 15:16; 23:5; 30:20; 2 Chron. 2:11; 9:8; Isa. 63:9; Jer. 31:3; Ezk. 16:8; Hos. 3:1; Zeph. 3:17; Jn. 3:16; 3:35; 8:42; 13:35; 15:10; 17:26; 17:24-26; Rom. 5:5, 8; 8:39; 2 Cor. 5:l4; 6:6; Eph. 2:4; 3:19; 5:2; 6:23; 2 Thess. 3:5; Gal. 2:20; 1 Thess. 4:9; 1 Jn. 3:1; 4:7; 1 Jn. 5:3; 4:16; 4:8; 4:10; 4:20; 5:1; Rev. 1:5). Everything God does flows from love.
Because God is love, and God is the measure of perfectly intelligent conduct, God's own manner of living is the standard by which all moral beings may measure their lives. To conform to what is true in one's relationships, or to live up to what you know to be right, is called "light" in the Bible. God is LIGHT, because He lives in perfect accordance to what absolute intelligence can see is most wise; He is "in the light", or doing every thing that He knows He ought to do. (I Jn. 1:7). To be "in the light" is to do what God shows us to do when He reveals to us what the way of wise conduct is, and this is true living. (Jn. 8:12; 12:35-36; 3:19-21; Ps. 119:130; 27:1; 36:9; 43:3; 112:4; Isa. 2:5; 9:2; 60:3; 60:20, Dan. 5:11,14; Matt. 4:16; 5:14-16; Lk. 11:34; Jn. 1:9; 9:5; 5:35; 12:36; Eph. 5:8-13; 1 Thess. 5:5; 1 Tim 6:16; Jas. 1:17; 1 Pet. 2:9; 1 Jn. 1:5-7; 2:10; Rev. 22:5). This is why God asks us to do what is most wise; He Himself has done it first. He has set us the ultimate example He has not asked us to do anything that He Himself has not been willing to do.
Think about these two marvelous preceding attributes, or things that are true, of God. How moved our hearts ought to be to worship and love Him! The Bible tells us that God is HOLY; this sums up His love and His light, and means that out of His love, God has freely chosen to live in full accord with truth and to accurately channel His energies of Being to help His world according to their true values. (Lev. 11:44, Isa. 6:3; 1 Pet. 1:15-16; Rev. 4:8) God deals rightly with every moral being; this is called RIGHTEOUSNESS, and means that God will treat all men in the most just, wise and merciful way He can find possible. (Gen. 18:25; Deut. 32:4; Job 36:1-2; Ps. 11:7; Dan. 9:7,14; Hos. 14:9; Jn. 17:25; Rom. 14:17; Heb. 1:8-9; Rev. 15:3). God must be strictly fair, and render to every man according to his deeds. (Rom. 2:6, 11). He is strictly impartial, never prejudiced, completely just.
MERCY and loving-kindness is another profound moral attribute of the Godhead. The Bible is filled with passages that describe God as compassionate, forbearing, forgiving, gracious kind, patient, long-suffering and merciful. God's heart is tender; He finds great joy in being able to pardon a rebellious rebel out of His love. He has not only stooped to our smallness, but to our guilt and defilement. No one in the universe has as much vulnerability to being morally hurt as God; no one else has invested so much in our well-being and happiness, and no one else cares so much about us, and wants to see us happy. Imagine how greatly God has been grieved and hurt by His creation, man! We are hurt in direct proportion to how well we know and love (and invest trust in) the person who fails us. No one knows us better than God and no one has trusted us more than He has. When we hurt God, we have the power to hurt Him more than any other Being in the universe. (Ps. 51:1; 78:38; 86:15; Lk. 1:78; Phil. 1:8; Matt. 9:36; (Jn. 1:18); Eph. 4:32; Jas. 5:11; Lk. 9:41; Rom. 2:4; Nahum 1:3; Ex. 32:32-33; Jer. 36:3, Ex. 20:7, Ps. 40:13, Lev. 10:17; 17:11; Isa. 38:17; Jer. 31:34; Matt. 6:12; Lk. 6:37; Rom. 3:25; Acts 3:19; Jonah 4:2; Heb. 10:29; Prov. 28:13; Luke 6:35; Rom. 12:1, Gen. 6:3; 2 Thess. 3:5; 2 Pet. 3:9; 2 Sam. 22:26; 2 Cor. 4:1; Isa. 63:7).
WISDOM also characterizes God's moral Being, which is the loving, intelligent use of His powers. Divine wisdom is the net product of God's love, knowledge and creative energies. It is the composite thrust of His loving purpose, His thinking ability of design, His emotional ability guiding and evaluating, and His incredible energy to carry things out. (Rom. 11:33; Ps. 104:24; 136:1-9; Prov. 3:19; Jer. 51:15; I Cor. 2:7 (1-10); Eph. 3:10; Col. 2:3).
God is perfectly TRUTHFUL, truly trustworthy in all His dealings with us. All that He says and does is the sum of absolute righteousness, perfect wisdom and total unselfishness. God "cannot lie" or commit any act of selfishness, because only He really sees the stupid and harmful consequences any act of sin brings into the universe, and He has never made an unwise choice. We can trust what God has given us in His Word and through His Son; we can do it with absolute confidence, because it is the truth of the Living God Himself. (Ex. 34:6; Ps. 25:10; Isa. 65:16; Jn. 14:6, 17; 17:3, 17; 1 Thess. 1:9; 2 Tim. 2:15; Rom. 2:2).

FAITHFULNESS or unchangeableness is that attribute of God that tells us that all the members of the Godhead have, and always will unselfishly choose the highest good of all moral beings. God is love, has always been love, and will always be love. God is absolute in His stability, He has promised that He will always act the way He acts now. We can have full confidence that God will always be just, always be merciful when possible, always be perfectly wise in all actions and always be perfectly truthful. (Deut. 7:9; Ps. 102:25-27; Lam. 3:23; Mal. 3:6; 1 Cor. 10:13; 2 Tim. 2:13; Heb. 13:8; Jas. 1:17, 1 Pet. 4:19, Rev. 1:5-6). What a thrilling Person God is! How much men should praise Him for all that He is!

SUMMARY: We can say that PERFECT LOVE must treat all creatures in ABSOLUTE RIGHTEOUSNESS, which will be tempered by MERCY and LOVINGKINDNESS (as long as righteousness is not sacrificed by such a tempering). This love will use the WISDOM of God's faculties and endowments, in absolute TRUTH, and this whole expression is called God's HOLINESS. This is the way God wants us to live. (1 Pet. 1:15-16)

The Kingdom Of the King

God is the KING of all the universe. His kingdom is His whole creation, and like all kingdoms it is controlled or directed by laws. In God's universal rule, He uses two great modes of control. One set of controls is physical and operates by the law of cause and effect, with God providing adequate causes for every resultant effect; the other set of laws is moral, and operates by moral motives, or appeals to intelligent free action. These two sets of controls are the basic directives of God's universe. They are both laws, but differ in that physical laws are rules of action, or ways in which a things always does behave and moral laws are rules for action, or ways in which moral beings ought to behave. The first set of laws are force laws, and operate by physical energies; the other are laws designed to govern free will, and operate by mental and moral light to beings who are able to weigh intelligently the issues at stake and decide creatively on that basis. (Ps. 22:28; Dan 2:42, 44; 4:17, 25, 32; 5:21; 7:22, 27; I Chron. 17:14; 28:5, Ps. 103:19, 145:11, 145:13; Matt. 4:8, 17, 23; 5:3, 6:10, 33; 8:11; 9:35; 11:11, 12; 12:28; 13:19; 16:28; 19:23; 24:14; 25:34; Mark 4:11; 12:34; 14:25; Luke 8:10; 9:2; 9:62; 10:9,11; 12:32; 13:29; 16:16; John 3:3, 5; 18:36; Acts 8:12; 14:22, 19:8, 20:25, 28; 23; 28:31; Rom 14:17; 1 Cor. 4:20; 6:9; 1 Cor. 15:50; Gal. 5:21; Eph. 5:5; 1 Thess. 2:2; 2 Thess. 1:5; 2 Tim. 4:1; Heb. 12:28; Rev. 12:10).

How did our "natural laws" originate? When time itself began, God was already there, making it all happen. He said, "Let there be light!" and power beyond imagination exploded into reality, fiery energies spun into being, in atomic chains. Undreamed of forces molded matter into actuality, and creation began. God set up forces, forces of incredible precision to guide His new universe. We call them the "laws of science" and their awesome testimony to God's wisdom is studied in the laboratories of the world. The Bible reveals to us this in verses like: (1 Chron. 29:11-12; Job 37-38 and Isa. 45:5,7, 12.)

God made a special world. There were already billions in His universe, but this tiny, blue-green planet was to be very special in His eyes. God called His new and beautiful little world Earth. (Gen. 1:1-10; Isa. 45:18; Ex. 19:6; Ps. 24:1). God upholds and controls His own vast creation with perfect direction and wisdom according to His own great love and care. We do not invent the laws of science with their marvelous accuracy and precision; we can simply discover them. God's force laws do not change; they are steady, and behave with consistency. Because they do not alter, we can build concepts of reality from them, or extend our knowledge of the universe by studying how they behave, and carrying our thoughts further, knowing that a thinking, logical Person constructed them according to patterns. The Bible shows us God alone is the Upholder of the universe. (Gen. 6:7,13; 9:11; 19:24, 25; Ex. 14:21-29; 1 Kings 18:38; 1 Chron. 29:10-12; 2 Chron. 7:12-14; Ps. 50:1; 62:11; 93:1-4; 135:5-9; Dan. 4:34, 35; Jonah 1:4, 14, 15; Matt. 5:45; 8:24-27; 24:29, 30; Col. 1:16-17; Heb. 1:1-3; Rev. 11:17; 2 Pet. 3:10; Rev. 16:1-4, 8, 12; Rev. 16:18,21). The science laws are all force laws.

God gave Earth life, filling it with plants, fishes and birds; He made the insects and the animal kingdom, an astonishing display of His love and wisdom. To these creatures He gave built-in control systems, all geared to signals from the world around them. Each tiny creature without ability of mind was carefully programmed to carry out its tasks without mistake or error, from generation to generation; each performs complex actions in a mindless testimony to the Genius who built them. We call these guiding forces "laws of instinct" and see them operate right through the whole animal creation, in all creatures that were created without moral ability, but are able to grow and move themselves around. The Bible shows that God has not only designed these force laws in the animate world, but actually directs these creatures at times by Divine impulse to help us wake up and see His protection and wisdom in His creation. Many of these creatures mindlessly accomplish feats that were humanly impossible or unknown before the last century, without mistake. How wonderfully God has programmed them, and how much glory they give Him in life! (Gen. 9:2, Num. 11:31; 22:22, 23; Deut. 32:11,12; I Kings 17:4,6; Job 35:10,11; Ps. 104:16-18; Dan. 6:22, 24; Jonah 1:17; 2:10; Matt. 6:26; 8:20; 10:29; 17:27, 23:37; 26:74,75; Mk. 5:11-13)

Then God was ready to crown His creation with His most wonderful work. No one knew the love that existed in the fellowship of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. There was no one like Them in the whole universe; no one else had experienced moral happiness. The whole beautiful creation was waiting for another creature who could share something with God. And so the Godhead decided to extend their love. They said, "Let us make man in our image". (Gen. 1:26). Mankind was formed from the elements of the dust in supernatural creation, in finite miniature likeness to God Himself. The first lovely pair of human people were created to begin a race destined for greatness as a part of God's very own life and family! Man was made a beautiful being, perfect in every respect.

For His ultimate creation, God made a special set of directives. Because we are made in finite, miniature likeness to Him, we are able to choose; free to do right or wrong. God gave us another set of rules to govern our freewill decisions. They are rules for action that will be presently shown to be perfectly suited to our moral nature. These laws have their foundation in the one great law by which all moral decisions are measured, the wonderful law called love, by which God Himself gauges all of His own moral decisions.

How these laws function, and what the foundation of value and right is, we must make the subject of separate study. But it is necessary in passing, to mention the one special control that involves force in a moral creation. This is His emergency control. It has been necessary to bring this into effect since the fall of mankind. Here, God can specially overrule man's free will in emergencies to accomplish His purposes. The Bible calls it "hardening the heart". (Ex. 11:9-10; Duet. 2:25; Josh. 11:20; 1 Kings 22:19-23; Ps. 22:28; 66:7; Prov. 21:1; Jer. 32:27-30; 50:9; Dan. 4:17, 32; Zeph. 3:8; Jn. 7:30; 18:31-32; 19:9-11, Rom. 13:1; Rev. 17:17). In such "will-freezes" God does not hold men responsible; His judgments only apply to men's free choices. The will-freeze is used to govern, or to fulfill some of His prophecies. It is His special measure that ensures a complete control over the affairs of history so it will not get out of hand, and guards His universe from harm.

See also:

Commissioning Service

2008-07-17T20:51:00.001+02:00

We spent the last 3 weeks at a Missionary Training & Renewal time in Springfield, Missouri. Our favorite time was connecting with some veteran & new missionaries. We sat through many interesting sessions, learning about the culture in Europe, conflict-resolution, finances, taxes, insurances and the like. They created it to introduce us to what the life of a missionary is like. We had a great time! Steve especially enjoyed being back in the dorms.

Our Call

2008-07-02T03:23:00.000+02:00

Matthew 28:18-20
(New International Version)

Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

The Lord has called us to make disciples in His name, and it is a wonderful command and privilege, and promise that Jesus has given us.

1. The Command: Go & Make Disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.

2. The Privilege: All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me...therefore when we go in His name all of that power and authority comes to us and that is a great privilege. With great power there is great responsibility.

3. The Promise: Surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age. That is a wonderful comfort that the Lord is near and will always be near to those who believe in Who He really is.

The Lord is calling us to go to the country of the Czech Republic, one of the most atheistic countries in all the world. Around 97% of the country holds to the belief of atheism. How did this occur? Well, the Soviets held the view that government and humanity together could solve all the problems that faced mankind, so therefore that they didn't need the belief in God. Francis Schaeffer said this, " When there are not absolutes to which to judge society, the result will be that the society will become the absolute." The Soviets tried very hard to persuade all of their countries that they occupied to ascent to this belief that there is no God. They use propaganda, education, and other forms of manipulation to get these countries to hold to the same beliefs as they do. They understood that if they could achieve this, they could better control the people. The Czech Republic was their most successfully in eradicating the belief in God. Now that the Wall has come down and freedom has come to the Czech people, instead of turning to God they turned to heathenism and humanism. They are a hard people who have been trodden over and ruled by varies people groups over the centuries.

There is hope...the most open people in that country are University Students and they are the key to seeing an awakening, and that is why we believe that our Lord Jesus is calling us to go there. To go and make disciples and to see a nation changed with the transforming power of the gospel of our Lord. Our hearts desire is to give students a chance to fall in love with Jesus and be transformed by His love and therefore share that love with all whom they may be in contact with.

It is truly a privilege for us to go to this place, and we know that our God has all power and has given it to us and wants to bring back this nation to Himself through us, and that is a privilege.

We are grateful for the promise of Jesus that He will be with us to the end and that is a great comfort for us in going to a very dark nation, spiritually speak.

New Space For Friends & Family

2008-06-20T03:39:00.000+02:00

Now that we are heading back to Europe...

we wanted to share with our friends and family...

our latest news....

so....

here is our new prayer card done by my friend Evan.