God Makes Things Grow!

2 Corinthians 3:5-11

5 Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers through whom you believed, as the Lord gave to each one? ⁶ I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase. ⁷ So then neither he who plants is anything, nor he who waters, but God who gives the increase. ⁸ Now he who plants and he who waters are one, and each one will receive his own reward according to his own labor.
⁹ For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, you areGod’s building. ¹⁰ According to the grace of God which was given to me, as a wise master builder I have laid the foundation, and another builds on it. But let each one take heed how he builds on it.¹¹ For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.

The Man In A Tree by Gretchen

Our daughter, Gretchen, age 8, wrote a paraphrase of the Bible story, Zaccheus. I told her I would publish it here, because I really like how she wrote it.

THE MAN IN A TREE

Retold by Gretchen Larson

copyright 2010

One day Jesus was going to a town to preach. Jesus was in the middle of a huge crowd of people. There also was a man who everyone hated, a tax collecter! He was very short. His name was Zaccheus and he was at the edge of the crowd. He tried and tried to see Jesus but couldn’t.

He looked around and saw a big tree. He could see Jesus from there! He quickly climbed the tree and saw Jesus coming down the road. Jesus saw him too! Jesus approached the tree and said “Zaccheus, come down for I’m going to your house today.” The crowd started mumbling. Zaccheus could not believe his ears. Jesus, a great teacher wanted to stay with him. He excitedly climbed down the tree.

when Jesus got to his house, he ate and drank, and during the feast Zaccheus said

“I will give back the money I took and will pay them 4 times as much.”Jesus liked this attitude and left the house.

we should be like Zaccheus by saying sorry for what we have done. We should be kind and forgiving just like Jesus was.

What Was The Purpose of Donna's Life?

I just returned from the funeral of Donna Nokes, a friend of our family, and the church secretary at my parent's church. The funeral was an amazing expression of a life well-lived. Though her life was brief, only 57 years, she lived it for Jesus, her Savior. I would like to share the main points from Pastor Dan's message, "What Was The Purpose of Donna's Life?" because this message is one that reminds us of what is important. I am challenged to live a better life because of Donna's example.

1. To remind us that God is Sovereign.

Isaiah 40:13-15

James 4:13-17

Ex. 34:23-24

2. To remind us that people are more important than things.

What would happen if we spent more time guarding our relationships than in guarding our stuff? Donna cared more about people.

3. To remind us of God's love.

Donna lived through many tragedies and disappointments, but she did not become bitter or mean-spirited. Donna was able to empathize with many people.

Rom. 5:6-7

4. To remind us that God wants godly offspring.

Mal. 2:15

Donna shared Jesus with her kids. Donna poured her life into her children.

5. To remind us there are better days ahead.

1 Thess. 4

Words of Wisdom for Fathers

I was so touched by these words of wisdom from C.J. Mahaney that appeared on The Gospel Coalition's website that I had to share them. They are all about how to communicate the Gospel, love, and discipline to your children. Here is the link to the blog:

How to Treat Your Children so That They Have Good and Right Thoughts about God

Recovery

I had surgery last week to hopefully help with some of the pain that I have been experiencing for two years now. I am grateful for the help that many have given us. My family has been a great dependable help with our kids this past week. My sisters and parents have really stepped up to help. Our church has also been so good to us to provide meals and help with prayer and childcare when needed. A few days ago Lizzy and Ethan got really sick with the flu and were incapacitated for two days. It was tough for me to be up and working more with the kids than I expected, but we made it through with the strength of prayer and help of family and friends.

The best part of my surgery is that it was done partially through a tube/scope (laparascopy) which helps with the recovery time. It has been very painful though with the carbon dioxide still stuck in my abdominal cavity. The bubbles roll around whenever I move. The most painful is when they reach my shoulders and it hurts a lot. I tried to go for a walk outside last night, but by the time I came back from the short walk, I felt pretty badly in my shoulders. I am going to try to walk a little outside each day so that hopefully the air bubbles will go away eventually.

I have enjoyed all the reading time I have had since last week. I have read biographies and some theology. It has been very nourishing to my soul, and has given me a new perspective. Being in bed also gives lots of prayer time. I am praying so much for my family (husband and kids) right now. Recovery from surgery has its advantages.

A Prayer for Sanctification

Dear LORD,

You are the Most Holy God. We praise you this morning and look to You for everything. Lord, make us holy like You are holy. Fill us with Your Holy Spirit that we may be full of the fruit and gifts of the Spirit for Your glory and for building up Your Bride.

We need help to be full of love for You. May we love you with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. May we love one another. We need help to be cheerful, Lord, when our flesh only feels grumpiness. We want to love You and treasure You more than anything else, so that we may walk in Your goodness and Your glory. With You is the fountain of life, and in Your light we see light. May Your light shine in our lives so that we may honor You and so that we may silence the critics. Thank you that we have the assurance of Your love. Thank you that we are redeemed by Jesus and His precious blood shed on the Cross for our sins. We are reconciled to God because of Jesus' blood that has made propitiation for our sins. We are approved by You, God, because of Jesus. Thank you. We love you. Sanctify us, Lord, for Your name's sake. Be glorified.

Amen.