Sunday School

So our church has a toddler ministry for 2-5 year olds. We were going to wait until he turned exactly 2 in about 2 weeks to send him there, but he actually wanted to go in last week and play with the other kids. We were really surprised. The teacher told us that he didn't even cry once, he played really well and ate a lot during meal time. He's the "baby" in the class and they're actually going to try to find another teacher so that they can have one class for the 2-3 year olds and another one for the 4-5 year olds. The age gap and maturity level between the 2 and 5 year olds is such a big difference and they have different needs. Dan and I are just so thankful and happy that we can now worship together without one of us always missing service to babysit him in the "cry room" outside the sanctuary. We're also thankful that he adjusted so well without any resistance...God really answers prayer. Maybe staying at home all the time without seeing any other kids on a regular basis put a desire in him to socialize with others? We know at times he's really bored at home. He's just so happy to see other boys and run around with them. We're glad because Dan and I were both pretty shy and reserved when we were kids. Our little boy is growing up so fast!

Laying Bricks or Building Cathedrals?

Another good devotional and reminder for those of you who have children:

"Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, so are the children of one's youth. How blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them." ~Psalm 127:4,5

Parents today need God's perspective of children. I think many of us can relate to the story of a man who went door to door asking for donations for a new children's home. At one house he met a tired, beleaguered mother who responded, "I'll tell you what I'll do. I will give you two children."

That is how many people feel about children some days. On one hand we say, "We sure love kids." And then we turn around and complain, "They sure cost a lot, and man, you have to deny yourself to raise kids." It's as if we don't really believe that we are "blessed" when our quivers are full of children.

Children are divinely placed gifts, not accidents. They are a privilege. Barbara and I may sometimes feel that kids get in the way of life, but in reality they are part of the life that God is bringing to us everyday. They are on loan with a divine purpose.

A man saw three men working with mortar and bricks. He went to the first man and said, "What are you doing?" The man replied, "I am laying bricks." He went to the second man and asked him the same question and the worker said, "I am building a wall." But the final bricklayer had a different answer: "I am building a cathedral."

In the process of raising kids, it is very easy to feel like you are just laying bricks. In reality you are building a cathedral, a child whom God has given you to train up to carry on in the next generation. There is no greater privilege in life.

Discuss: Why is it easy to forget that, as we raise children, we are "building cathedrals" and not just "laying bricks?"
Pray: That you would develop a vision for what God wants to accomplish through you as you build into your children.

Excerpted from "Moments Together for Couples" by Dennis and Barbara Rainey. Used with permission. Copyright 1995 by Dennis and Barbara Rainey. All rights reserved.

The Root of Bitterness

Got this from a weekly devotional from my church. This still is an issue for me as I have not forgiven those in the church who've hurt me. Showing grace is much easier said than done. Just when I think that I've forgiven certain people, I have to constantly and daily forgive them. It's really been affecting me in my new church as I don't want to be hurt again, so therefore I'm withdrawing and not socializing. Please pray for me.

"See to it that no one misses the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many." - Hebrews 12:15

"The enemy of our souls has a very specific strategy to destroy relationships. Whether these relationships are in business, marriage, or friendships, the strategy is the same. A conflict arises, judgments are made, and feelings are hurt. What happens next is the defining point of whether the enemy gains a foothold, or the grace of God covers the wrong. When a root of bitterness is allowed to be planted and grown, it not only affects that person, but it also affects all others who are involved. It is like a cancer. Breaking satan's foothold requires at least one person to press into God's grace. It cannot happen when either party "feels" like it, for none of us will ever feel like forgiving. None of us feel like talking when we have been hurt. Our natural response is to withdraw or lash out at the offending party. It is only obedience that allows God's grace to cover the wrongs incurred. This grace prevents the parties from becoming victims who will seek compensation for their pain. The next time you are hurt by someone, realize the gravity of the crossroads where you find yourself. Choose grace instead of bitterness. Then you will be free to move past the hurt, and a root of bitterness will not be given opportunity to grow." By Os Hillman

Animal Pics

Nathan loves animals. First 2 pics are from the Philadelphia Zoo 2 months ago. Last 3 pics are from Messiah College's new science center museum.

"Eeeww, Nathan, stop picking your nose and look at the elephant!!"

Daddy was happy to be at the zoo too..like father, like son.
"Look Mom....Lion! Why isn't it moving?"

"Awww." He loves touching soft materials, especially stuffed animals.

"Look Nathan, touch the fox." I figure it's the only time I'll ever touch the fur of a fox. There also was a skunk too (not shown).