This is a poem by Kevin Hartnett (a man at our church).

He who places faith in Jesus
Gains a hope which cannot fail.
Weak and brokenhearted souls will
Through God’s faithfulness prevail.
Rise up to embrace His promise;
He works only what is right.
Joy returns unto the righteous;
Into darkness, He brings light.

Faithful love He keeps forever;
Mercies new appear each day.
By His Spirit, through His people,
Grace will carry griefs away.
Lift your heart to study Jesus,
He has walked this way before.
Painful loss came to the Savior,
Yet He trusted God the more.

We, the sheep, have Him as Shepherd!
He will guide us day and night.
Worry lurks at ev’ry turn but
Perfect Love dismisses fright.
Place His loving yoke upon you;
Know His presence at your side.
He will help you through the trouble;
Ev’ry step, Himself provide.

I talked to Nana today and we did some online research concerning her specific brain tumor (meningioma). Based on what we read it is almost always benign and in extremely rare cases it’s malignant. The symptoms she’s been having are most likely caused from the pressure the marble-sized tumor is placing on the other part of the brain. She has an appointment in Dallas on Friday, the 25th, with a neurologist. Thanks for praying!

Earlier today I got an IM from my mom saying, “Has Nana told you what’s going on with her?” After waiting all day I finally got to talk with her. She informed me that Nana had an episode last week where she went to get the juice from the fridge and got dizzy and her leg shrunk up under her and she couldn’t straighten it. She went to the doctor and he did an MRI and discovered a brain tumor. It’s 2 cm in the top of her brain. It’s called Meningioma and it supposedly a slow growing tumor. The doctor told her if you’re going to have a brain tumor this is the kind you want to have.

So, then he sent her to the heart doctor for a CT scan to check her carotid arteries…they were fine, praise the Lord! He called her heart doctor in Dallas who is setting her up an appointment with a neurologist in Dallas. That’s all we know at this point…

I love my Nana…please pray for her health as well as her salvation. She is the sweetest person and everyone loves her, but her “faith” is very private and I’m just not sure of her eternal state.

This past week Nate attended soccer camp at our church. It was from 8:30-12:30 everyday and he started the week off really struggling because it was sooo hot! The day started out under the trees with a devotion and worship song. Then, they went right into learning soccer. He got to experience what discipline and authority look like outside the home as boys were asked to do push-ups for any form of disobedience. There were seven rules that Coach Bronson presented to them each day. By the end of the week he decided that he was glad he had experienced soccer camp! The week ended with his 8th birthday where his Daddy really presented him with some new responsibilities. We’re looking forward to the year ahead as he develops and grows in some specific areas.

Trusting in the Savior!

Galatians 6:7-10
“Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.”

I just had the desire to go to this Scripture…as I was typing it I realized that this is the very Scripture that my friend’s pastor preached on when I was with her last. And, it was a powerful and intense sermon. I remember sitting in the row with her, her husband and their kids…I can only imagine that her husband was very uncomfortable or his heart was completely hardened to God’s truth. In any event it did not lead him to repent.

Then, verse 8 is the Scripture that one of my friends here in Maryland gave me for my friend earlier this week.

Thank you, Jesus, for reminding us that Your Word is TRUTH and you never lie. Help us all to sow to the Spirit and keep watch on ourselves lest we too be tempted to dishonor your name.

Today we received some most devastating news…one of my dearest friends found out that her husband has been committing adultery for over half of their marriage! I want to acknowledge from the outset that the Lord is good and He has graciously been preparing her, He’s surrounded her with His people. She is in a wonderful church where she’s experiencing the Lord’s care and I am so THANKFUL for that! I just can’t stand it that she is hurting and I can’t be there to just hug her…I LOVE YOU FRIEND!! I know you’re about the only one who reads my blog so I’m speaking directly to you.

I am coming to see you on the weekend that you need me…just let me know and I’m there! Jeremy already said I could come and that we would definitely fly you out early next year if you can get away!

Weeping with you,
Min

Thursday’s Thoughts for Parents from www.marriedlifeblog.com

How do I know if my parenting is grace motivated? If you are like me, you sometimes wonder if the training and correction you bring your children is born out of a godly desire and carried out in a godly manner.

At a recent meeting for our pastors and wives, we were discussing our parenting. At one point, Josh asked Grant to share how he discerns his motives in parenting. As is typical of Grant, he was not looking to exalt his example. But he was persuaded to share the questions he asks to identify both grace and self-righteousness in his parenting.

• Am I asking questions of my child or simply bringing my conclusions?
• Is this a conversation or is this a lecture?
• As I address them am I talking too long?

Our answers to these questions can help us discern if we are self-righteously judging our children…or leading by grace.

Grant reminded us that our goal is to ask questions in a manner that allows and helps our children to see their sin. Obviously for younger children, they will need us to introduce them to sin categories and explain in simple terms where we carry concerns for them. But older children, when responding humbly, can learn to receive our questions and allow God’s Spirit to guide them to conviction.

And where they respondhumbly, let’s celebrate that evidence of the Spirit’s work in their lives.

He also encouraged us to ask, “Are they aware of my encouragement? Are they soaked in my encouragement?”

Remember that our children usually don’t respond to correction the first time…nor are they usually convicted the first time. Surprise, they are like us.

Our temptation is to respond quickly and harshly out of fear or self-righteousness. Our children need to be shepherded. That will require our training and correction. But let it be done in grace. Thanks Grant for giving us discernment and an outstanding example to follow.

Posted by Brian Chesemore under Parenting

Today during roomtime Justin asked me to start his Johnathan Park story on the computer. I said, “Just a minute.” Then, he said, “Mommy, your ‘just a minutes’ are long.” Ya know, he’s right…I oftentimes get distracted and forget that he’s waiting. Oops!

If you do, then send them to www.therebelution.com. It is the blog of Josh Harris’ 17 yr. old twin brothers. It is awesome…

“I am so glad Alex and Brett are using their blog to proclaim a biblical worldview for teenagers… The Rebelution is one of the few blogs I can encourage my young teenage son to visit.” — CJ Mahaney, author of “Humility: True Greatness”

Nuff said,
Mindy

This is a poem written by a man in our church for the mom’s at a Family School’s Program (FSP) Time of Refreshment Tea back in 2005.

Come Now, Look to Me

Come now, look to Me, My precious daughter,
I know all that’s coming you can’t see.
Rest in faith for I have planned tomorrow,
And will lead you to it faithfully.

I know all the worries that you carry,
You can trust that I will answer prayer.
All the things that you call limitations,
Are to Me, broad avenues for care.

It was I who planned the generations;
I have wisdom working even now.
Ev’ry act of love done for your children
Forms a model to them I’ll endow.

Do not shrink from loving confrontation;
Discipline is truly work of grace;
Lessons from the book of gospel living
Lay foundations time cannot erase.

See, your efforts carry far beyond you;
Seeds of virtue planted home today
Yield a harvest long into the future;
You advance My Kingdom in this way.

Raise these treasured children, loving daughter,
Time is short; make joy your memory!
Is this not the best life I could give you?
Love and purpose in your family!

by Kevin Hartnett 1/2005

We are proud to announce that we are now the proud owners of not TWO, but ONE HOME!! Our house in Texas sold yesterday and it is such a relief. God has been so faithful to provide for us these past 3 yrs…He has taught us many valuable lessons concerning finances and trusting in Him.

Thank you all for praying!!!

This week in Maryland it is in the upper 90’s and 100’s!! This is not normal for Maryland, they say! We are taking advantage of staying indoors and going to the pool. Last night we met Daddy at the pool and he brought pizza for dinner. Nate enjoyed jumping off the diving board and Lela and Justin especially enjoyed being with Mommy and Daddy in the “deep water”.

Tomorrow we are going to meet Daddy again at the pool, but we’re gonna go a little early and meet some friends there first. The weather said it’s supposed to be 102…whew! That water sure does feel good. Wish all of you could join us!