A Father's Role

 In this article, found on the Gospel Coalition website today, it talks about how important the father's role in church attendance is to the spiritual growth and church attendance of his children as they mature into adulthood.

There are some sobering statistics cited.

The Struggling Economy Hits Home

I was privileged to see God at work the Body of Christ on Sunday. It was, what most would call 'normal', quite ordinary. There were no bright flashes of light or angels. It was amazing.

Our eldest son lost his job on Thursday. It was totally unexpected. He is the father of our two little grandsons and husband to a beautiful, loving wife. He is a hard-worker and a good provider. He called me on Thursday morning to share the news and said to get the word out. It is important to spread the news early and often. It seems that trying to find a new job is helped by spreading the information among friends and family who would have connections to other opportunities.

Being an obedient mother, I promptly called and emailed some friends and family. Many offered prayers for another position. Some offered ideas of places that may be hiring.

On Sunday, right after church was over, I had two people--ones that I had not called or emailed--offer prayers and one offered employment information. There are two other families that I know of who have also lost their jobs recently. My husband spoke with one gentleman and I called an other's family member with job opportunities that we had heard about that may be best suited for their skill set.

It was one church family member helping another. It was genuine care and concern for the members of the family.

Our church has had a rocky ride for the last several years. Sometimes it has been difficult to see God working. It was so refreshing to be part of how God is working. It shouldn't amaze me or surprise me when God's people do what they are called to do. It happens all the time with no fanfare or bells or whistles. Just people who have the right stuff doing the right thing. These folks never make the front page or get interviewed for the TV news. They are quietly doing God's work.

Often, it is the people with the right stuff doing the wrong things that get all the attention and give Christians and church members a black eye.

Is this a huge deal? Probably not in the big picture, I guess. But for one who was able to witness how the Body of Christ is really supposed to work, it was wonderful.

"My Saviour wept that all tears might be wiped from my eyes, groaned that I might have endless song, endured all pain that I might have unfading health, bore a thorned crown that I might have glory-diadem, bowed his head that I might uplift mine, experienced reproach that I might receive welcome, closed his eyes in death that I might gaze on unclouded brightness, expired that I might for ever live.
O Father, who spared not thine only Son that thou mightest spare me,
All this transfer thy love designed and accomplished; Help me to adore thee by lips and life.
O that my every breath might be ecstatic prise, my every step buoyant with delight, as I see my enemies crushed, Satan baffled, defreated, destroyed, sin buried in the ocean of reconciling blood, hell's gates closed, heaven's portal open.
Go forth, O conquering God, and show me the cross, mighty to subdue, comfort and save."

excerpt from Love Lusters at Calvary from The Valley of Vision

Weekend Snow and Tieing Up Loose Ends

Saturday we received eight inches of snow here! To some folks that might not seem like much, but that is a lot for us, especially all at once! My husband and I spent a good part of the day plowing and shoveling out the driveway and trying to find the car. As soon as the snow was off everything, is began to rain--freezing rain. How lovely. It took us 15 minutes to clean off the car and even get in the doors on Sunday morning. Never a dull minute. It really was a pretty snow to watch. Sometimes it was coming down so hard that it was hard to see across to the neighbor's house. The snow piled up on the pine branches and that always makes a beautiful winter scene. The sun is shining a bit today and has helped to melt off the remaining ice on a large part of the driveway.

Our church voted last Sunday to call our new pastor. The church is filled with anticipation and excitement. While there are a couple of hurdles to clear with Presbytery, he is well on his way to beginning service to God and our congregation early this Spring. Where will God take us next?!

Spring and Summer Arrive at the End of December...Along With the 1040 Form

The last day of December brought color to the mailbox, even if it also brought the tax forms. My first seed catalog of the season: Johnny's Selected Seeds. They say they have varieties for Northern gardeners, but most of their seeds, I believe, are pretty adaptable. The descriptions are very helpful. I have ordered from Johnny's for several years. I like their variety. The catalog is very helpful, too, with gardening and planting tips for each flower or vegetable. Last year I tried edemame for the first time...it was wonderful. I called Johnny's with some questions and they were very helpful (and they didn't think I was dumb...at least they didn't act like it).

I have been looking forward to this since I tilled the garden for the winter. My garden needs to be better organized. While I think that I remember where everything was last spring, I am not always sure. It would also be helpful if I get things written down...what I ordered, how much, and from where. I bought a recipe box to keep things in there as a file, but it is just sitting. So, I am determined to be a better organized gardener.

The hope is that we can make the garden a bit bigger again this year. I have not grown sweet corn since we moved here, so I would like to have a plot just for the corn. Carrots are also a possibility to add to the garden. My husband and I have also considered sweet potatoes. He and I just love them and since I can now can them, it takes the worry out of storage. I just need more room! When the kids were home they found it amusing that the garden is about the same size or bigger than when all three of them were home!

I need to spend some time on line checking out sites that may be helpful in garden planning. I'll get back to ya on that one.

On another topic...our potential pastor arrives today to candidate. There is a dessert reception tonight, a big tureen (covered-dish) dinner tomorrow and then he preaches on Sunday. The excitement within the church is wonderful! Our church family is so anxious to see what God has planned for us in the future. Our whole committee is excited and thrilled! God willing, the last step on Sunday will seal the deal. As I said in the past, I have had a front row seat to see God work in an amazing way, and I am indeed grateful.