Some friends of mine are planting a church. They're reaching out to a community that is far from God and for the most part have no interest in drawing very close. Because of the negative experiences that they've had with the church and/or church folk, it's no wonder. I'm so excited that my friends have decided to dedicate their lives to helping these folks know that the God of the Universe, the Creator of heaven and earth, the God who created each and every one of us, loves them deeply and passionately and longs to know them.
I can only imagine the difficulty of the task that lies before my friends. Listening to them describe it, I think they are overwhelmed by the enormity of it, but absolutely and passionately committed to giving the rest of their lives to letting their new friends know how much God loves them.
They know that the reality of them making a difference in their new community will only happen by the grace and presence of God. In fact, they believe this so strongly that they've decided to name their church plant based on this very fact. It's called Immanuel. God with us. I love this. It isn't some gimicky way of trying to get God to bless whatever they feel or decided to do. Instead, they humbly recognize that without God, it doesn't really matter what they feel or decide to do. It only matters that God is with them. And if He is, then they will go and do whatever they must to let His children know how much He loves them.
And so my friends, may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him. May you be a blessing to your community, to the new friends that He will bring into your lives, and may they see the truth, the power, and the reality of the love of Jesus living in you. I love you and am praying for you.
Monday, September 25, 2006
Thursday, September 21, 2006
Back in the saddle
Well, to say the least it's been awhile. I got out of the habit of blogging, I guess that is a sign of my lack of discipline or of being a true blogger. But I'm back in the saddle and ready to give it another go. I also have had a lot going on lately and I'm needing a place to sort some stuff out so I thought, why not do that on the internet? What better place could there be?
Gabe is growing up way too fast. He is now speaking in word combinations, like "Dada choochoo", which depending on where we are is either, "Dad, there's a firetruck" or "Dad, theres a choo choo train." Either way that phrase is typically followed up with "Scare you." He is a smart little rascal. He really puts stuff together quickly, and when you tell him something, he remembers. I think he gets that from his mom, she has an amazing memory.
He has also become a jumper. Just today I came home to find him waking up from his nap and K had gone in to get him up. They were joking together, he was holding on to the side of the crib and jumping up and down on his mattress. At some point K would say, "We all fall down" and he would crash down onto his bed. It was really cute, he's a funny little guy.
I also get a kick out of him because I am beginning to see some of the same dynmaics between he and I that I have with my own dad. I love to hug and kiss on him, just like my dad did on me. But what's funny is that he is not a snuggler. He never has been. Even when he was really little, about the only time he'd snuggle with you was when you were feeding him a bottle. But I love to grab him now and hug and kiss and he squirms away, laughing and giggling. I guess I can see now why my dad did that to me all the time. Something about holding your kid and kissing on him and laughing together, it's an amazing thing.
And Hallie? Holy guacamole, that girl has got me wrapped. Now, she is a cuddler, just like her daddy. She loves to be held and to snuggle and to pull in close to you. Sometimes K will bring her in and lay her down with me in the morning when I'm just waking up and Hallie will just talk. She's really trying to learn to sit up, it's really cute. She looks like she's making a commercial for Ab Crunches. She's ready for solid food to, she watches K and me like a hawk whenever we're eating. She is ready to take on a new challenge!
I must confess that I sometimes get sad, I've even shed a tear or two when I think about how these days won't always be around. One day Gabe and Hallie will be too cool for dad, one day there will be friends to see and events to go to, just like when I was a kid. They will grow up and move to new stages in life. Somehow, though, I don't know if I will ever grow out of this stage as a dad. I have a hard time imagining myself not looking at Gabe as my little boy that I can hug and kiss on, that I can tackle and roll around with on the floor as he squirms out of my arms. Or seeing Hallie as my baby girl that I can sweep up in my arms and hug and squeeze and cover with kisses on those precious little cheeks. But you know, I'm okay with that. I love being a dad. I love kissing on my son and snuggling with my daughter. They are both so precious to me, I wouldn't trade these days for ANYTHING!
Gabe is growing up way too fast. He is now speaking in word combinations, like "Dada choochoo", which depending on where we are is either, "Dad, there's a firetruck" or "Dad, theres a choo choo train." Either way that phrase is typically followed up with "Scare you." He is a smart little rascal. He really puts stuff together quickly, and when you tell him something, he remembers. I think he gets that from his mom, she has an amazing memory.
He has also become a jumper. Just today I came home to find him waking up from his nap and K had gone in to get him up. They were joking together, he was holding on to the side of the crib and jumping up and down on his mattress. At some point K would say, "We all fall down" and he would crash down onto his bed. It was really cute, he's a funny little guy.
I also get a kick out of him because I am beginning to see some of the same dynmaics between he and I that I have with my own dad. I love to hug and kiss on him, just like my dad did on me. But what's funny is that he is not a snuggler. He never has been. Even when he was really little, about the only time he'd snuggle with you was when you were feeding him a bottle. But I love to grab him now and hug and kiss and he squirms away, laughing and giggling. I guess I can see now why my dad did that to me all the time. Something about holding your kid and kissing on him and laughing together, it's an amazing thing.
And Hallie? Holy guacamole, that girl has got me wrapped. Now, she is a cuddler, just like her daddy. She loves to be held and to snuggle and to pull in close to you. Sometimes K will bring her in and lay her down with me in the morning when I'm just waking up and Hallie will just talk. She's really trying to learn to sit up, it's really cute. She looks like she's making a commercial for Ab Crunches. She's ready for solid food to, she watches K and me like a hawk whenever we're eating. She is ready to take on a new challenge!
I must confess that I sometimes get sad, I've even shed a tear or two when I think about how these days won't always be around. One day Gabe and Hallie will be too cool for dad, one day there will be friends to see and events to go to, just like when I was a kid. They will grow up and move to new stages in life. Somehow, though, I don't know if I will ever grow out of this stage as a dad. I have a hard time imagining myself not looking at Gabe as my little boy that I can hug and kiss on, that I can tackle and roll around with on the floor as he squirms out of my arms. Or seeing Hallie as my baby girl that I can sweep up in my arms and hug and squeeze and cover with kisses on those precious little cheeks. But you know, I'm okay with that. I love being a dad. I love kissing on my son and snuggling with my daughter. They are both so precious to me, I wouldn't trade these days for ANYTHING!
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