Wednesday, September 08, 2010

remembering why.


There's a map in our flat that is a steady reminder of the big picture. In many ways, what we see on the map is at the heart of why we left Auburn and now live in Hong Kong. As we adjust to a new year, a new job, and school with the boys, it can be very easy to lose heart and lose perspective. Funny thing is that's the first sermon I preached at Island ECC. Now - it seems I'm being tested in that very idea. God is redeeming people from every tribe, tongue, nation, and people. Will we participate? Will we give our lives? Will we love people and serve people well?

The other night, we had friends over for dinner and Caleb (5) prayed before dinner. In his prayer, he prayed for the people around the world (including those people groups in the photos above) who don't have access to a bible in their language. Caleb prayed God would make a way and encourage their hearts. Pretty sure there wasn't a dry eye in the room.

We are NOT perfect parents. So when I hear our children having a heart for Jesus and his fame throughout the earth that brings real joy to our hearts. The other night on the phone, a trusted friend and mentor challenged us with this thought: The true test of faith is what happens when there is no emotion to accompany your belief.

thankful.



Sunday, August 01, 2010

seven


Even though we have already celebrated all three boys' birthdays back in America -- it's our tradition to have pancakes on birthdays... and Josh wanted to go Stanley Beach on the south side of Hong Kong, followed up by xiao long bao for dinner (his favorite). I'm so proud of who he is and absolutely honored to be his dad. This is the verse I most often think of about being a father:

"Sons are a heritage from the Lord, children are a reward from Him. Like arrows in the hands of a warrior, are sons born in one's youth. Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them." Psalm 127:3-5