Feeling Better... Thanks for Praying

I have the privilege of pastoring a great group of people who love the Lord and have been supportive friends over the years.  Yesterday was a day that was a blessing.  Although still recovering from a bug, I went to services prepared to preach.  The people had prepared a lunch for pastor appreciation day.  Inspite of not feeling good, the love and support of God's people warmed my heart.  I appreciate the love, expressions of support and gifts.  I'm feeling better... not 100% yet... but am busy getting things done for classes tomorrow.  I continue to marvel at God's blessings and grace toward me; not just through Cathy and the kids, but my extended family at Landmark.  I thank God for each of you... and pray that God will continue to bless our church and efforts as we work for Him.

Contemplation

I am awed at the fact that God has blessed me as He has.  I'm thankful for a wife who is supportive; a strong Christian woman who is my partner in life and ministry.  I'm thankful too that my children are saved and in service to the Lord.  I have a great son-in-law and daughter-in-law who are saved and committed Christians as well.  God has blessed Cathy and me with two wonderful grand-daughters and a grandson we've yet to meet.  (He's expected to make his entrance in January 2010.)  As richly as God has blessed, I find I'm also much in prayer for them; for their continued commitment to Christ; for their health and safety; for their future.  Truly God has blessed me far beyond my expectations.  I pray that He will continue to bless them as well as the ministries of each of us.  My desire is that through my life, and that of my family, God might be honored, and the Kingdom magnified in them and through them and me.  I serve a great and awesome God... what a privilege!

Into the 21st century

We've discovered the video cam for family time.  We've had the capability for a while but not necessarily the motivation... that is until grandkids.  We get to see the family with realtime video.  It was need to see Nora and see her reactions to our voices.  It is also a way that missionaries are able to keep up with their families.  But seeing isn't the same as being there.  And when you see the smiling face of your loved one, it isn't like getting to hug them... at least so says Cathy, and she's right; but it's more than just a phone call especially when one of them can't really carry on a conversation.

They're Here!

Well, Jonathan, Kristine and Niah are in transit in the move to Pennsylvania.  In the meantime, they will be staying with us this month as they visit churches on deputation.  We are praying that there will be a growing list of monthly supporters for them, and that their house sells back in Arkansas.  The good news is that there was a bid finally on the house.  We're praying that it can be worked out.  We know that God is in control, and appreciate your prayers.  In the meantime, Memaw and Poppy are enjoying their company and the opportunity to spend time with Niah.

On another note, we had the webcam set up and got to see Andy and Nora.  It was such fun to watch Niah and Nora react to each other on the webcam.  I have a feeling that Cathy will be learning how to use the webcam and Skype so that she can see all her grandchildren live...