simply grateful

I (David) just finished a book called Scandalous, The Cross and Resurrection of Jesus, by D.A. Carson.  I intended to read it all over Easter weekend, but it was to heavy to read lightly.  I love books that make me process.  In the last chapter he quotes a poem written by Edward Shillito that I thought was amazing and worth a blog.  Shillito wrote this poem from the viewpoint of the maimed and suffering British soldiers returning from WWI. Jesus of the Scars If we have never sought, we seek Thee now; Thine eyes burn through the dark, our only stars; We must have sight of thorn-pricks on Thy brow; We must have Thee, O Jesus of the Scars. The heavens frighten us; they are too calm; In all the universe we have no place. Our wounds are hurting us; where is the balm? Lord Jesus, by Thy Scars we claim Thy grace. If when the doors are shut, Thou drawest near, Only reveal those hands, that side of Thine; We know today what wounds are; have no fear; Show us Thy...

I love Saturdays! I especially love the first Saturday of each month! A group of us from Northside Baptist Church gather together to hang out with some terrific kids from the neighborhood.  We usually have around 14 kids who walk here...although last month we only had around 6. I mean, really, how can I resist going to see these guys and gals? It is often quite a mixture of people... but we are greeted with smiles like this... and this... We play...  listen to a Bible story... learn a Bible verse and make a craft... Our prayer is that they leave having seen more of Jesus... If you are interested in starting a Good News Club in your neighborhood, go for it!  It is really easy and does not take a lot of prep time.  We found resources from Lifeway  (click for a sample lesson).  It is such a joy and the kids have continued to be so receptive.  We have had two pray to receive Christ.  Some are walking to join us at other service times and we...

Reason #3348889 why my life rocks.   Dancing kiddo's on a Saturday morning. 

Ke bo Kae. ¿Cuánto cuesta? Combien? These are translations of some of the first words I learn wherever my travels take me. They mean, “how much?” They are the words that came to mind as I was recently reading Luke 9:55 and following. The title given to that passage of Scripture is “The Cost of following Jesus”. I struggled with the exchange rate on our recent trip to Zambia. Currently one US dollar is equal to 4,838.87 Zambian Kwacha’s. I have been used to exchange rates that are a little easier to convert, for example, 7 Pula for 1 US dollar. So, whenever we were in Zambia it took quite a bit of time for me to think about what the actual cost of something was and if it was worth it. There are many “costs” to following Jesus. In Luke 9:57-62 Jesus gives us three of them. It may cost you your attachment to your home. It may cost you your attachment to your family. It will cost you time and effort as you follow Christ. Notice that Jesus is not telling these to the “spiritually elite”...

Green Bay Packers coach Mike McCarthy had his team fitted for their Super Bowl rings on February 5th… the day BEFORE the Super Bowl. It was a bold move he made to motivate his team that seemed to work! The 45th Super Bowl was a great one that we will remember for probably… two or three years. Not to be negative, but how many of us even remember who played three years ago in the Super Bowl? Before an impending battle in The Gladiator, the main character Maximus says, “Brothers, what we do in this life echoes in eternity.” Another great motivational ploy, but simply not true. Only things of eternal value echo in eternity. Bragging rights about Super Bowl victories vanish with a new season. The new car smell is only temporary. The promotion and raise at work only satisfies for so long. None of those things have eternal value. I have heard someone say, “Evaluate your day by thinking what you have done that had eternal significance.” Let me encourage you to take it one step further. In...

18...that is a good amount of anything...18 kids, 18 cupcakes, 18 percent increase, $18 would get us to the movies :)... Today marks 18 years since I really surrendered to God...this is why I am so grateful.  All that I have is because of Him.  Anything good in me is because of Him.  My life has never been the same since this day 18 years ago... My story, like so many others, is a story of one who was transferred from a life of darkness and confusion to a life of light and hope. I grew up knowing about the Lord. I remember going to Sunday School and Vacation Bible Schools. As an adolescent, I participated regularly in a great youth group at church. All throughout my growing up years, I can look back and see ways that God wove His truth into my life through people and experiences. I knew about God and Jesus.  I knew stories. I sang songs.  I even prayed "the prayer", but I didn't know them personally. It was all action and no heart... In high school an...

Not really. :)  I am ok that this snow happened about two weeks ago.  I mean, it is definitely beautiful but I am not really a fan of being cold.  With so many friends around the country getting snowed in, I wanted to share in the fun of snow pictures... The kids were so excited!  They loved trying to catch the snowflakes on their tongues.  Going for rides with Daddy in our laundry basket...er.."sled"  Eating the snow...  Cutest snow angels ever... being spun in circles!   David had fun too... and around...and around...   by my Prince Charming...  Makayla trying to pull Elijah...not so effective!  This is how Karissa rolls... She bends over like a duck to the step...  to get a bite of snow...  apparently she was tired of her hands being cold...but she still looks cold.  Don't worry...we went in shortly after!  This is Mama Petro's favorite way to play in the snow. :)   Karissa was still busy eat...