A Birthday!

Laura's birthday was Tuesday, July 28, and last Saturday was the family birthday party.  As last year, we went with a blue and white theme and cut fresh flowers from our backyard gardens.

At her request, I baked a three-layer lemon blueberry cake.  It was so delicious and enjoyed by all!!!

Here we are putting on the candles and getting ready to blow them out.  Brother Ben suggested I make a rectangular cake next year so that the candles aren't so close together - or maybe stop putting the exact number on! :)

Samuel enjoyed his bottle for dessert.  Don't you just love this little guy?

God has blessed Laura with a beautiful family, and we thank him for each and every one!

Local Government Initiative

I am thrilled to share with you a new ministry initiative that Capitol Commission is seeking to launch in the state of Indiana!  In recent months, God has given Matthew Barnes a growing vision to see ministry take place at the local government level.  The end desire is that churches and believers across the state will become involved in their communities through prayer and acts of service.  Hence, we are pleased to announce the Local Government Initiative sponsored by Public Servants' Prayer.

In a day and age when it might be tempting for Christians to shrink back and remain out of politics, the Local Government Initiative is an effort to encourage believers to engage in active participation in their local communities.  The challenge is straightforward:  Will you pray?  Will you honor your leaders?  Will you serve your community?  As we interact with our local officials in the spirit of 1 Peter 2:12-17, lives will be transformed by the gospel of Jesus Christ and our communities subsequently changed for the better.

Over the course of many weeks, Matt and several on his team (including myself) have been attending city council meetings in an effort to become aware of community needs and begin praying for officials who serve at city and township levels.  And the results have been staggering!  Matt himself has had several positive conversations with his own city mayor, and doors have opened for me to have encouraging interactions with my City Councillor.  

If you want to become aware of your communities' true needs and seek to make positive change, this is the way to do it!  Rather than being critical, begin praying for important matters and seek to gain a relationship with your leaders.  As John Knox wisely stated, "You cannot antagonize and influence at the same time."

If you would like assistance in knowing how to begin this initiative in your own community, feel free to contact me.  I would be delighted to share the simple steps I implemented which in turn have opened exiting doors for ministry.

Wisdom's Words

Summer Happenings Continued

This summer has been absolutely lovely.  The milder temperatures along with numerous rainstorms have created a landscape of vibrant colors.

This rainbow that appeared last week after a thunderstorm was just splendid against the backdrop of dark clouds.  It once more reminded me of the covenant promise God made with Noah that he would never again destroy the earth with a flood.  Oh that we would continually praise the Lord for his faithfulness and mercy!

Several weeks ago, Rachael and I enjoyed an evening on the canal downtown with some special friends.  We decided to rent two paddle boats and float on the water.  We had a blast together!  We worked up quite a sweat but cooled down afterwards with frozen yogurt.

I've been working on several graphic art projects the last weeks.  Two have been the Christmas card and birthday card we will send to all of Indiana's legislators in the coming year.  Here's part of the finished product for both:

In a future post, I hope to report on a new ministry initiative that I am very excited about and in which God seems to be opening new doors of influence.  I hope that others will catch the vision and test the waters wherever God has placed them.  

Wisdom's Words

Celebrating 41 Years

A remarkable couple

whose union in the Lord

blesses the world and glorifies the Lord God.

Salvation Testimony

God’s blessing and grace have been evident in my life since my earliest days.  I was born into a family with parents who loved God and shared a desire to raise their children in the fear and knowledge of God.   My sisters and I grew up in an environment where we were daily taught about Jesus Christ and His work of redemption on the cross, and my childhood days hold sweet memories of learning what it means to love and obey Him.   God worked in my heart and opened my eyes to see my need for a Savior at a young age, and I placed my faith in Christ when I was around seven years old.

My life since that time has never been the same as God has used His Word, experiences, and people to further His sanctifying work in me and make me who I am today.  My teen and young adult years in particular have been spiritually rich as God has shaped me through the trials of life.  Psalm 119:71 says, "It is good for me that I was afflicted, that I might learn your statutes."  Learning to fully trust God's goodness, love, and wisdom have been hallmarks of spiritual growth and depth for me as God has continually brought me to the end of myself in order to strengthen my faith and open my eyes to see Him for who He truly is.  It has been through heartache and sorrow that God has given me what I have needed the most:  a deeper understanding of His faithfulness and  an unshaken confidence in His promises.  I praise God for this work and thank Him for giving me above and beyond what I could ever ask or think.

My friends and pastors from Second Reformed Presbyterian Church have also held a significant role in my spiritual growth as they’ve challenged me in Bible study, offered opportunities for ministry within the church and surrounding community, encouraged my interests and pursuits, and most importantly, called me to live a Christ-filled, Gospel-focused life.   It has been a great privilege for me to be part of the staff at Second Reformed Presbyterian Church the last ten years and see first-hand how God is building His church.  I look forward to continue serving there as long as God allows.