Have we lost the Word?

I was reading in 2 Kings 22 about how King Josiah is directing the repairing of the Temple. Verse 11 is rather striking: "And Hilkiah the high priest said to Shaphan the secretary, 'I have found the Book of the Law in the house of the Lord'". If it was "found" that implies it had gotten lost. Seeing how the secretary responded in telling the King about it, "here's a book we found", shows he had no clue what it was. How could the Book have gotten lost? I wonder who had tossed it where it was found. Had anyone picked it up before this and threw it down not realizing what it was? I probably should study this a bit more. But for now...
So the book - the Word of God- was lost in the midst of the structure. Could this be what is happening today? We have our stuctures of church, of what we define as church, and in the midst of those programs, traditions and schedules, the Word somehow gets lost. Sometimes it gets lost even when we are using it - I mean we use it to say what we want it to or to support our own little agendas. The whole Word directs us to God, it is understood with the help of God, it helps us think like God. Today the church is full of more world thinkers than kingdom thinkers. It easy to let our minds conform to the world, it takes the Word (with the Holy Spirit's help as our teacher) to transform our thinking.

The book of Zephaniah was written in the days of Josiah. There is a warning of the coming judgement because of man's pride. But ends with what God does so well, mercy. Zephaniah 3:17 - "The Lord your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing."
Josiah was in his twenties when they found the Word and his response to it ushered in a Reformation. I am hopeful that those in their twenties will find the Word and do the same today. I may not be in my twenties but I want to be a part of it.

Greatness

While we seek to encourage our children to go after their dreams, how do we not think like the world? What looks "great" to the world is not what looks "great" to God. Hebrews 11 is known as the "Hall of Faith" and seems to list people that did "great" things. Do I really what my kids to be great in God's kingdom? Am I really ready to cheer them on knowing that the world will not understand? It is a challenge to be transformed in the way we think of success.

How were the people of old considered successful? Let's see...Noah built an ark to the jeers of the world around him, Abraham went to place and didn't have a complete plan in place (he didn't even know where he was going), Moses considered the reproach of Christ of greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt, some conquered kingdoms, stopped the mouths of lions,received dead back by resurrection, suffered mocking, flogging, chains, imprisonment, some escaped the sword, some where killed by the sword and on it goes. The list in Hebrews 11 is rather sobering. But, gives me an encouragement knowing I am part of something much bigger than myself - and I am surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses. So, in my pilgrimage as a parent, I want to encourage and spur on my children to walk by faith.

Jimmy posted such a "great" blog http://jimmymccarty.theworldrace.org/index.asp?filename=a-moment-of-clarity.

Nurse Joy

It's really hard for me to believe...and yet it's not. Joy, in Africa comforting those suffering in the hospital, and being a nurse might give the ability to offer more comfort. I'm so happy to see my dear Joy branching out. I love you, my dear...and miss you sooooo much.

The Missionary heart

"The missionary heart:

• Cares more than some think is wise
• Risks more that some think is safe
• Dreams more than some think is practical
• Expects more than some think is possible.
  

I was called not to comfort or to success but to obedience. . . ."
from Lives Given, Not Taken: 21st Century Southern Baptist Martyrs, by Erich Bridges and Jerry Rankin

I've been thinking, since I have children serving as missionaries, that we all are missionaries. It's easy to romanticize going to another country and serving but what about right where I am. Do I see my present life as being on mission? Why do we miss going across the street and dream of going around the world? Missions tend to get messy in real life and I need to get my hands dirty today right here and right now.

Happy Birthday

I love you, Joy. Here's what I like about you:
I like your passion about God. I enjoy your creativity. The way you are learning to love others blesses me. I love being able to talk about issues with you. Sitting and sipping a cup of good coffee, reading or discussing what we are reading are some of my favorite times. I like the way you challenge me to think in new ways (maybe I should say stretch me!). I hope you have a blessed day - know that I am thinking of you today, missing you and loving you always.

Beach Baptism

On a beautiful afternoon an event that was memorable... a moment for several to make a statement to the world: "I want to identify myself with Jesus Christ". About a dozen people
came to get baptized at the beach. As we sang "the seas will roar" we could have been silent and just listened to the roar...truly seeing the waves and the spacious sky and just the wonder of creation all around us was a call to worship the Creator of it all.
Apart from the Pastor being compared to "Gilligan" due to his cool hat it was a fabulous day.

Rainbow Springs

Jason learned the tubing art quite well. It was at slow speed but he made his own excitement.
The water was crystal clear and rather cold...okay very cold!!!
So much fun: climbing and swinging from rope swings, snorkeling, boat and tube riding, making new friends, playing Taboo and eating great camp food. All in all a grade A spring break.

Twist and shout

Okay, So I finally did it. I joined a gym and started working out. To be honest, I think living in an area with a relatively high retirement population made me do it. I don't want to shuffle when I walk and start looking bent over. So, all that to say: it's not easy and at this point it really is not that much fun - I've heard it becomes fun at some point. I started a Pilates class. I will let you experience some of the fun: "feet straight up over your hips", "keep your hips on the floor", make little circles with your feet" and all this time being reminded to breathe, I am holding this little ball between my ankles and my legs are as straight as I can get them (I'm saying straight is relative) and they begin to shake and I am concentrating on using my "powerhouse" and not my legs or neck and so I tend to loosen the pressure on the ball (which, by the way, I am suppose to be squeezing as I exhale - or is it inhale?) and off it bounces to the other side of the room. Now, I am encouraged not to worry about this because it happens to every one. So the ball is tossed back to be placed between my ankles or knees and on it goes. Anyway, the good news is I think I feel my "powerhouse" oh, boy do I feel it today. I will take you with me to some of my other classes another day...step, aerobics and even learning those machines.

Happy Birthday

A first time at real paintball...several bruises as badges of honor.
It was great having everyone home who could come home. And yes we when around the table and said what we liked about the man of the day.

Hard to believe...this is my baby!

Nature

Nature has always inspired me. I think that's why I enjoy science so much. I also think that when I hear my kids moan about hating science, it grieves me so. To me, science makes me stand in awe and wonder at the creative powers of a loving Creator. I was reading My Utmost this week (Feb 10) and thought it was put so well. It is entitled: Is Your Imagination of God Starved? It references Isaiah 40:26 "Lift up your eyes on high, and behold who hath created these things."

"Nature to a saint is sacramental. If we are children of God, we have a tremendous treasure in Nature. In every wind that blows, in every night and day of the year, in every sign of the sky, in every blossoming and in every withering of the earth, there is a real coming of God to us if we will simply use our starved imagination to realize it."

Don't miss God coming to you today!

Mexico

The first leg of the race is coming to a close. Here's a summary of the last month.

Everyone was together for training for the first week. Then the teams went to different areas. It looks like a lot of ministry was with the kids. I know both teams had difficulty with translators, or the lack thereof. Love is a universal language. My guess is the teams are dealing with developing their own community among themselves. The surrounding landscape is beautiful. There was a lack of joy found among the residents but the children could still smile. Joy did share that her missionary calling is getting confirmed. Since both of their teams were out away from town I haven't many details. But it was fun seeing the pictures. I'm thrilled to see the smile on Joy's face- I think she's doing what she was meant to. Jimmy's team encountered much oppression. He mentioned that the people live "oppressed, apathetic, religious lives that show no apparent joy or understanding of Christ saving power". I think that could be said about many churches in America. Oh, that we could truly see us all begin to "...proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners".

God is working through this race here as well. Revival winds are beginning to blow!

Beliefs

I've been reading a book called Blue Like Jazz. Here's what I read today:
"The trouble with deep belief is that it costs something...it carries responsibility."
"If you believe something, passionately, people will follow you." - whether what you are passionate about is good or bad.
"passion is tricky...can point to nothing as easily as to something."
"What people believe is important."
What I believe is not what I say I believe...it's what I live. I've heard it said, "you live out what you truly believe , all the rest is just religious talk."
"...if I live what I believe, then I don't believe many noble things. My life testifies that the first thing I believe is that I am the most important person in the world. My life testifies to this because I care more about my food and shelter and happiness than about anything else."
"I'm learning to believe....Jesus is the most important figure in history...the gospel is the most powerful force in the universe..."

It is important what people believe, I agree. What we truly believe will be what we live. I do believe in Jesus ... I want to live like it!

Welcome to Moe's!

First job! He can already make a mean burrito. Job satisfaction is good at this point - especially since it will pay the car insurace and put gas in the tank. Yes, thanks Joy for the car, he is totally enjoying it. And look how responsible he is being!!

How Sweet it is

Talk about culture shock...after living in G'ville for so long where virtually everyone is a Gator fan, the newspaper headlines reflect what happened at the weekly game, gas stations and McDs are orange and blue, it has been strange to move to an area where there are fans of other teams. Image that!! Here we have encountered, yes, even Ohio State fans. But, this year, it will be sweet and we don't have to say "wait 'til next year". Way to go Gators!

We're off and running

Here is squad A. Even though J and J aren't on the same team they are at least on the same squad.
I think this year God is going to reinstate my prayer life. It's been interesting that when you prayer fervently for something and God tells you no for a long time that it's easy to faint in praying. It's like why pray. I guess the enemy just loves that. I have been so encouraged to read other's prayers and by the faith of others. This thing called Chrisianity really isn't about living it alone - we really do need each other. I've missed some of my old friends that would be regular encouragers. I'm glad to have reconnected because of this race - even if it is over distance. So, the racers are off on their adventure and I'm off on mine - back into the adventure of prayer. Here we go!
"All these with one accord were devoting themselves to Prayer..." Acts 1:14

The Journey Begins

December 31 - Jimmy and Joy flew out of Tampa to Texas to begin their race...

Before they left they walked with their packs to get things adjusted and to cut down on the weight.

We were excited to let them go, but also a bit sad to know we would not see them for a long time and started missing them already.

I found the words to a song that I think somewhat sums up how I feel:

Mark Harris - Find Your Wings From the album The Line Between The Two

It's only for a moment you are mine to hold The plans that heaven has for you Will all too soon unfold So many different prayers I'll pray For all that you might do But most of all I'll want to know You're walking in the truth And If I never told you I want you to know As I watch you grow Chorus:I pray that God would fill your heart with dreams And that faith gives you the courage To dare to do great things I'm here for you whatever this life brings So let my love give you roots And help you find your wings May passion be the wind That leads you through your days And may conviction keep you strong Guide you on your way May there be many moments That make your life so sweet Oh, but more than memories Chorus:It's not living if you don't reach for the sky I'll have tears as you take off But I'll cheer as you fly
Label: INO Records