Moving Day

Today I had the opportunity to help Jonathan and Anne move! They just got a great deal on a house in St. Paul when a church had to unload it. We got them totally moved in except some unpacking in the spare bedrooms. I stayed around while they had the satellite guy come out to install a dish on the house. He was quite an interesting guy who moved here five years ago from Kenya. I wished him "Mungu aku bariki," (God bless you - Swahili) a phrase I learned several years ago while working at Family Christian Stores. Bill, the satellite guy, was surprised that I knew any of his language. We had quite an interesting conversation, I know he believes in God but I don't know if he is a Christian. It surprises me how much one can know of the Bible but not be a believer. Today I learned that I'm not always sensitive to what God is doing in other's hearts that He wants to use me to encourage toward Him.

Friendships Reunited

I am always amazed how God provides commonality and community for those who share the Faith. Last evening, Dec 26th, I was reunited with some friends from years ago. I probably haven't seen them in 10-12 years, I'm not quite sure how long. Well, we had plenty to fellowship and catch up on. While together, I was able to find out about their kids lives and interests, as well as what they were doing in life. We shared joyful experiences and concerns about life's troubles and worries. I was greatly encouraged by their Faith and dedication in perseverance. One of the things that most impressed me was their attitude about raising their children. They seek to honor and glorify God in "training up a child in the way he should go." They take stands that some might not agree with because it's "too conservative," and yet I consider it something to aspire to. May God bless their commitment to each other, but most importantly to Him. As I discovered while talking with the wife, she exemplifies the Proverbs 31 woman, what a blessing to see someone who doesn't leave the Old Testament behind and conform to modern society. Then again I am blessed with that from several of my "mothers" around here as well. It's amazing how God knits the bonds of love and fellowship within His body, I pray that you have also experienced this as deeply, and more so, as I have over the years. May God bless you and yours in this coming year.