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.