Prayer

We all know that prayer is a very powerful thing. This afternoon a friend of ours who is a missionary with the Mission Society is leaving for Peru. She will be doing ministry throughout Peru for the next four and a half weeks. Please join us in praying for her and the people of Peru who she will be ministering to.

Father God,
I just ask you to be with Sue today as she leaves for Peru. I ask you to go with her, to give her a peace while she travels. Allow her time to rest. Please God be with the people of Peru as they finish preparing for Sue's arrival.

Cousins living in one house

At the begining of March our cousin Justin came to stay with us. It has been a great time and a learning experience for all of us. Corben and Justin have enjoyed some quality time (that's what they say at least) playing video games. They have also enjoyed some long talks. Justin and I have had talks about forgiveness, truth, and grace. He has given me a lot to think about. He might not relize it, but he is living like Christ in ways that some of us strive for on a regular basis. While Justin has been here the past few weeks Pearl has started to understand the concept of school. She has also learned to say his name, up until yeterday she has called him Just all the time. When Justin came so did his drum set. Pearl really enjoys that addition to the house. Both Pearl and Justin love to play the drums. We have all enjoyed having Justin around and will mess him greatly when he leaves for the Navy. However there is alot to be done till that time. We are planning on hosting Easter dinner for the family, a trip to a Pirates game, family vacation to Canada including my sister Dottie and Justin, Justin's graduation from high school, a trip to Dolly Wood with my parents, grandparents, and Justin.

Spring...I Think it is Here!!!

I think spring is here. This morning I could here the birds singing while I was making the beds and getting ready for the day. When I went out to get the paper this morning Pearl ran out the door with me and did not yell cold. So I said to her do you want to take a walk. She of course said with a huge smile and jumping up and down yes. Pearl than ran inside told her Dad we were taking a walk and gathered up her dolls and bears to join us. Daddy could not join us this morning, because he had to go visiting. We walked down to the newspaper recycle bin dropped off our newspapers and than walk down to the river. On the way to the river I saw a robin. I told Pearl that the bird over there was a robin because it had a red tummy and that when we see a robin that means spring is here. She started singing bird has red tummy. The last time we were at the river was about a month ago when it was frozen over and covered with snow, and she asked where are the ducks. We told here they would be back when it got warmer. Well, this morning when we got to the river the ducks and geese were back she was so excited. Tonight after dinner Daddy was able to join us for a walk. We walk back to the river and the ducks were still there. After walking to the river we walked down to Bruster's. Pearl is just barely short enough (40 inches or shorter and you get a free baby cone)39 inches for a free cone. She got purple dinosaur, it was just the right size for her. The next time we will have to take a picture. On our way back we even got to stop and talk to Mr Anderson, and Jean Lopes from church, who were also out enjoying the nice spring weather.

Partnersteps!

Is this a plug for another one of Conferences one size fits all program to rebirth dying churches or is there a different way of thinking then what we are used to that can help us be, act, and do in a way that is more God centered, Jesus focused, seeking to specifically do whatever God wants his followers to do right here and right now and do it together. I know this togetherness thing is different then the way we have always done things, different then the way we are used to thinking, but maybe, just maybe this whole one body thing with many parts in the New Testament is an old idea and not a new one. An opportunity to work together, utilizing each of our talents, skills, abilities, gifts, and graces in the way God intended, sharing in Ministry.

I like to reflect on I Corinthians 12 when thinking of working together.