Congratulations!

Congratulations!

II Peter 3:18 --- Isaiah 43:7

A squalling cry...soft and silky skin, touch of velvet hair, teeny tiny little finger nails, eyes squinting in the light of this new world, a unique fragrance...ahh...the overwhelming joy of holding a newborn baby in my warm arms!

As I proudly held the small bundle that God created and entrusted to our daughter and son-in-law, I watched his eyes search this new world that he had burst into.  His arms stretched, his long slender fingers poking himself in the eye.  Sometimes a finger accidentally popped in his mouth.  As he lays on his Daddy's chest, he is so relaxed as he sleeps, secure in his Daddy's love and dependent on his protection.  My thoughts have been challenged by a spiritual analogy.

Consider a newborn Christian.  the Heavenly Father is just as well pleased with His "newborn child".  As a newborn baby desires milk, so a new Christian desires the nourishment of the Word of God. As a newborn baby requires the closeness of his parents' bodies, so a newborn Christian requires the Holy Spirit's abiding closeness in his heart.  As a newborn baby is dependent upon his Daddy to ensure his security, so a newborn Christian is dependent on Jesus Christ for eternal security.  As a newborn baby recognizes his Daddy's loving voice, so a newborn Christian recognizes the tender voice of the Savior.

However, babies do grow up, becoming independent, mature adults (hopefully!).  And so should "spiritual" newborns grow up, becoming nurturing, mature Christians, sharing God's truth, wisdom and love.   Are we still newborns?  Have we "grown up"??  Perhaps we need to meditate on the newness of life we experienced as a newborn believer, rekindling that energy and passion for our Creator.

Three's Company

Three's Company

Genesis 6-9 --- II Kings 5 ---  Judges 4

Who do you keep company with?  Those who uplift and encourage you?  Do you reciprocate in kind?

Consider this "company" of three women --- sharing their lives --- sharing their values.

Noah's wife -- The Extreme Organizer...supports Noah unconditionally...faithfully follows Noah's leadership...trusting God's promises.  Enter the unrelenting rain.  Noah's wife...organizing.wife...organizing...cheerful...patient.  Did she not have a part in encouraging everyone for this long journey?  She shared her passion for obedience to God.

Naaman's wife's servant girl -- The Personal Assistant...adjusting quickly to her new home..serving her new mistress...searching for other ways to serve.  Enter the dreaded leprosy.  Servant girl...thoughtful...loving...brave.  Did she not uplift her master when she spoke of a cure for leprosy?  She shared her belief in God's healing.

Deborah -- The Facilitator...comfortable in her role...imparts God's plan to protect her people...bravely goes to the battle field.  Enter the enemy warriors.  Deborah...wise...discerning...fearless.  Did she not provide confidence to the small army?  She shared her faith in God's omnipotence.

What values will you share with your company when you meet again?  Will you communicate God's gift of salvation freely given and His powerful work in your life?  Will you be gladly welcomed because you uplift and encourage everyone?

"For the perfecting of the saints for the work of the ministry for the edifying of the body of Christ, Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ."
                                                           Ephesians 4:12, 13

Three's a Crowd

Three's a Crowd
Genesis 3 - Esther 5 - Judges 16

What type of "crowd" do you associate with?  Do they bear any influence on you?  What do you contribute to the "crowd"?

Consider this "crowd" of three influential women --- three lives --- three legacies.

Eve - The Power Broker...perfectly created...no weight loss program to follow...no financial worries...no aging issues...perfect husband...a perfect life!  Enter the serpent with his wily ways.  Eve...disobedient...covetous...power hungry.  Eve's actions greatly influenced Adam as he too disobeyed his Creator.  The legacy of sin was laid on the shoulders of the world.

Zeresh - The Mastermind...wife of Haman...enjoying life in royal circles...wealth and prestige...basking in her husband's promotion.  Enter sinful desires.  Zeresh...jealous...conniving...hateful.  Zeresh instigated murder for Mordacai but her husband died instead.  The legacy of hate and violence is now written in history.

Delilah - The Deceiver...attractive...soothing confidant...patient...loved by the strongest man.  Enter the sin of greed.  Delilah...deceitful...nagging...demanding.  Samson capitulated to Delilah's constant whining, ultimately killing thousands and himself.  The legacy of deceit and greed never forgotten.

What legacy will you leave with your "crowd"?  Will yours be noted as a godly, righteous legacy, someone who shared Jesus and lived Jesus?  Or will yours be an ungodly, unrighteous legacy, someone who shared the world and lived for self?

"And whatever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father of him."  Colossians 3:17

Cash and Change

 
October was a crazy, busy month -- too much going on to concentrate and write anything that made sense!!!

You see, we became grandparents again!!!!  Once again jetting to San Diego!  Long day as usual but I survived!

October 12th at 12:52 pm Justin and Abigail Tanner became the proud parents of Cash Ryan Tanner, weighing in at 7 lbs. 5 oz. and 20 1/2 inches (I think that is the right length!).  Abigail required a C section because of a placenta previa, a concern for all of us.  But everything went smoothly, Abigail did great with the surgery and afterwards, praise the Lord!  Little Cash took such a deep breath at his birth that two air pockets formed, one near his heart and one near a lung that poked a small hole in his lung.  He spent the first 24 hours in NICU but then was perfectly fine.

Now that there is Cash, change begins!!  JT and Abigail are adjusting to life with an infant!!  They both want to hold this little peanut all the time!!!!  I enjoyed being there to do laundry, shop, fix some meals and whatever else I needed to do to insure that Abigail did not over do it.  Cash has already changed so much  and I miss him!!!

Being in San Diego for 5 weeks was a long time!  But it went quickly and I was able to spend time with our daughter, Amanda, have some meals with our son, Jason.  And babysit Amber's little guy, Xander.  He is almost one year old!  And so much fun!!!!  Grandma was so delighted that he took his first steps before I left and Cash smiled!  I so love being a Grandma!!!!