Un-Decorating 1-10-2002
Last Monday I spent the day “un”-decorating the house. The ornaments were carefully boxed, lights wrapped, and all of the “pretties” stowed for another year. It was an emotional time – first Christmas without Mom and Dad, however, it is always a joyful time.
The celebration of the birth of Jesus reminds me of just what He was born to accomplish – saving me (and you) from sin, death, and the power of Satan. The wrappings and trappings of the season may be boxed away, but the joy of celebration lasts all year.
Another reason to rejoice was the news that Bunny’s cancer count went from 41 to 14! We thank God, her doctors and especially we thank you for all of your prayers. We continue to request prayers for her as she faces pain in her bones, not fun.
The celebration of the birth of Jesus reminds me of just what He was born to accomplish – saving me (and you) from sin, death, and the power of Satan. The wrappings and trappings of the season may be boxed away, but the joy of celebration lasts all year.
Another reason to rejoice was the news that Bunny’s cancer count went from 41 to 14! We thank God, her doctors and especially we thank you for all of your prayers. We continue to request prayers for her as she faces pain in her bones, not fun.
The Church Growing 1-17-2002
What a privilege I had last weekend to visit with Rev. Karl Heimer of San Pablo Lutheran Church and Ysleta Lutheran Mission of El Paso, Texas. He took me to visit Santisima Trinidad.
This mission began as an effort to provide a suitable worship space for the crowds attending services each Sunday at the San Marcos house-church.
I was there when the church was just a line drawn in the dust in a barren landscape. There were no people, no buildings, no town. Now there is an educational building with worship there each week. The sanctuary is currently being built with the help of servant events. There are paved streets and homes surrounding the church.
What a joy for me to see how the Gospel is being spread throughout the community.
I was struck by the fact that this type of success is happening throughout the Synod – in cities, in suburbs, and in the country. God’s people are reaching out and introducing their friends and neighbors to Jesus Christ.
Where there was no church, now there is an active Christian witness. I felt humbled when I thought of how powerful the Holy Spirit works in the lives and hearts of people and how inadequate I am when I try to accomplish anything on my own. Thank you for all you do to spread the news.
This mission began as an effort to provide a suitable worship space for the crowds attending services each Sunday at the San Marcos house-church.
I was there when the church was just a line drawn in the dust in a barren landscape. There were no people, no buildings, no town. Now there is an educational building with worship there each week. The sanctuary is currently being built with the help of servant events. There are paved streets and homes surrounding the church.
What a joy for me to see how the Gospel is being spread throughout the community.
I was struck by the fact that this type of success is happening throughout the Synod – in cities, in suburbs, and in the country. God’s people are reaching out and introducing their friends and neighbors to Jesus Christ.
Where there was no church, now there is an active Christian witness. I felt humbled when I thought of how powerful the Holy Spirit works in the lives and hearts of people and how inadequate I am when I try to accomplish anything on my own. Thank you for all you do to spread the news.
God Cares 1-24-2002
Today in our chapel service we heard the Beatitudes read. I was thinking, would they read differently today? Would we see, “Blessed are the Geek – for they will inherit the earth.” I’m sorry, but I worked on that for a long time and had to use it.
Thank you for your prayers regarding Bunny. She appreciates them. She needs them. She treasures them. They are working. Thank you.
It has been warm here, up to 66 degrees yesterday. That is not normal for St. Louis at this time of the year. It was also appreciated. It reminds me that God is indeed in charge. He orders the seasons, He orders the rain and He commands the wind. He is indeed an awesome God.
What is so very humbling for me is that He cares for me – personally - each day! Every day He provides me with not just what I need for the day – but more than what I need. He also knows my future – the plans He has for me. He not only prepares me for service this day – but also for future service. I thank Him for that.
Thank you for your prayers regarding Bunny. She appreciates them. She needs them. She treasures them. They are working. Thank you.
It has been warm here, up to 66 degrees yesterday. That is not normal for St. Louis at this time of the year. It was also appreciated. It reminds me that God is indeed in charge. He orders the seasons, He orders the rain and He commands the wind. He is indeed an awesome God.
What is so very humbling for me is that He cares for me – personally - each day! Every day He provides me with not just what I need for the day – but more than what I need. He also knows my future – the plans He has for me. He not only prepares me for service this day – but also for future service. I thank Him for that.
Bible and Football 1-31-2002
I thank you again for all of your prayers on behalf of my wife and her battle with cancer. I am brought to tears when I realize how many of you are storming the throne of heaven for my wife. It is appreciated.
I am now realizing what an awesome network of people we have in this List. It is a joy to be able to share with you. I write this just before I leave for home and lead a Life Light Bible class.
It is fun to share insights and questions with one another as we sip tea, Coke, and coffee. Bunny makes a great dessert and we share. The best possible fun I could have in heaven is to be able to share like that with lots of people. It is good to be with the children of God.
How much football talk is allowed in this format? May the best team win this weekend. I pray all stay safe - players, fans, and everyone watching around the world. In a time of war, perhaps the best thing for the country is a good football game - after CHURCH on Sunday. (On my computer the font is blue and gold, but I have no favorite team.)
God bless each of you.
I am now realizing what an awesome network of people we have in this List. It is a joy to be able to share with you. I write this just before I leave for home and lead a Life Light Bible class.
It is fun to share insights and questions with one another as we sip tea, Coke, and coffee. Bunny makes a great dessert and we share. The best possible fun I could have in heaven is to be able to share like that with lots of people. It is good to be with the children of God.
How much football talk is allowed in this format? May the best team win this weekend. I pray all stay safe - players, fans, and everyone watching around the world. In a time of war, perhaps the best thing for the country is a good football game - after CHURCH on Sunday. (On my computer the font is blue and gold, but I have no favorite team.)
God bless each of you.