Good-bye My Friends

We have to say good-bye next week to a family that we love dearly. David, Coleen, Reilly & Maddison are heading out for Texas on Sunday, August 3rd. Oh I know it’s not really good-bye it’s just see you later, but my heart sure feels like it’s good-bye.

One of my fondest memories of David was during Dreamer, you Mt. Freedom alum know what I’m talking about. David and Coleen invited everyone over to the parsonage after that evening’s fabulous event (only after being run off by the Salvation Army nazi, I mean sweet lady). We were all driving in a caravan when the lead car, one blue jeep, ran a stop sign, and of course the Wilmore police were out in full force that night. Poor David had to suffer the humiliation of his flock driving past, waving and laughing as they went. And yes, we were all standing in their front yard still laughing like crazy when they finally made it home.

Oh the memories we have of those days at Mt. Freedom. I look back to when we were “forced” to gather before Sunday school to sing praise music, only to now realize what a blessing God made that to be. I remember being really angry at the time but in retrospect that was seriously the sweetest worship I have ever experienced. I feel like we’re all saying good-bye to a time of innocence and growth, like we’re leaving our carefree days of childhood behind us to step into our adult lives. But if that’s the case, then we certainly were forced to grow up before our time. To many of you this may sound very strange but I find myself seriously thanking God for the people who caused so much pain, because the result of that pain is our unbelievable connection with each other. A connection that I think we will all take to our graves. I certainly pray that we do.

So to our very dear brother and sisters - the Hewitt’s, we know that God has great plans for your future and we can hardly wait to see where He takes you. Know that we will be praying for you every step of the way. I hope you can somehow comprehend what a difference you’ve made in our lives. Thank you so much for your service to our Lord and for the countless ways you’ve loved us. We are forever changed for having the opportunity to serve along side you and we certainly count it a privilege.

Godspeed!

The Power of Love

A few years ago I happened upon a blog by a woman whose young son was battling cancer. I was so very intrigued by Heater’s blog because through her son’s battle and ultimate death her faith in and love of Christ never wavered. Oh, let me tell you, she suffered. She suffered something I hope none of us ever has to go through, but she never lost her faith and I just find that so inspiring. Anyway, today when I went to her sight and read her blog I was prompted to share it. I’m not really sure why, I just know someone who reads my blog needs to read this today. So whoever you are, here it is and I’m happy to share it with you.

Heather’s blog

Our little Jack was finally attacked.

Yes, it happened on our walk last night. Now as you know, Jack thinks he’s a mini-cujo and is ready to take on any dog regardless of size. I’m sure he thinks he’s protecting us but somehow it always ends with us protecting him. Anyway, Chris and I were just walking along talking while Jack was prancing down the sidewalk, little did we know we were being stalked. Suddenly from out of nowhere comes this vicious animal and he’s on top of Jack before we even know he’s there. After the initial shock of it all Chris and I almost hit the ground laughing. Our cujo has been attacked by a half-grown kitten. It’s hopping all sideways hissing with its back arched while Jack is standing there looking at it like ‘what the heck’. He didn’t know rather to bark at it or try to play with it. The cute little critter stalked us until we left his street. Jack happily went back to prancing and just hoping to find another adventure along the way.

What keeps you from Jesus?

Last night as I was doing my Bible study I started thinking about all of the things that get in between us and Jesus. I guess mostly its sin. Don’t you just feel terrible praying when you have sin to confess? I know I do. Honestly, that’s when He wants us the most, when we need to repent. For the Jews it was the law. But really, what is our excuse when we have no laws to bind us?

In reference to Mark 1: 35-39 the following is a quote from “Jesus – 90 Days with the One and Only” by Beth Moore.

Day 21 Jesus in the Morning – Jesus in the Evening

Christ primarily had been ministering in various synagogues to Jews. It was unlawful for them to carry the sick on the Sabbath. But God-fearing people counted the moments until the sun set over the Sea of Galilee, marking the close of day. So as darkness fell, they bundled their sick and brought them to the Light. It was as if they watched the clock of the law tick until it finally struck grace.

My friends, thanks to our Savior our clock is forever stuck on grace. Isn’t it time to go to the One who treasures you more than anyone else is even capable of?