Day 28: Christ's Body and You

Oh boy, Bible study makes me tick.  I'm so excited to dig into the rest of I Corinthians 12 with you today.  Let's start by reading it "together."

¹² The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ. ¹³ For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. 

¹⁴ Now the body is not made up of one part but of many. ¹⁵ If the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” it would not for that reason cease to be part of the body. ¹⁶ And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,” it would not for that reason cease to be part of the body. ¹⁷ If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be? ¹⁸ But in fact God has arranged the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. ¹⁹ If they were all one part, where would the body be? ²⁰ As it is, there are many parts, but one body. 

²¹ The eye cannot say to the hand, “I don’t need you!” And the head cannot say to the feet, “I don’t need you!” ²² On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, ²³ and the parts that we think are less honorable we treat with special honor. And the parts that are unpresentable are treated with special modesty, ²⁴ while our presentable parts need no special treatment. But God has combined the members of the body and has given greater honor to the parts that lacked it, ²⁵ so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. ²⁶ If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it. 

²⁷ Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. ²⁸ And in the church God has appointed first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, also those having gifts of healing, those able to help others, those with gifts of administration, and those speaking in different kinds of tongues. ²⁹ Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? ³⁰ Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues? Do all interpret? ³¹ But eagerly desirethe greater gifts.  And now I will show you the most excellent way.

There is much that one could go into here, a lot of which I don't know enough about to instruct well at this time.  So, we'll proceed like we did yesterday, with a bullet list of overarching points (and a few comments.)  I love lists almost as much as I love Bible study! And I know that you have a finite amount of time to be hanging out here at Life in the Valley.

• Diversity in the Unity - Christ's body, just as our own bodies, is a single unit made up of many parts that work together to make us whole.  The Spirit is our starting and unifying point; no matter what kind of body part we are, we all drink from the same source of life!
• You're exactly the body part God wants you to be. I'm sure you've heard people say things like (or you've thought them yourself), He or she has so much more to offer, so I'll just steps aside or not initiate....  Dare we mock God and deny that in fact He has arranged the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be (v 18) and not seek to glorify Him with whatever He's given us at the moment, no matter how mature or immature, qualified or unqualified, sure or doubtful we feel?  (I am so guilty of this.)
• You need all of the other parts of the body.  As my friend Kit pointed out in her post yesterday it's easy to hang with people like you, but quite another story to mix and mingle with those who are quite different ... or even a little different.  And yet, as we look around on Sunday morning or other places we interact with fellow Christians, we find more folks unlike us than like us, don't we?  And Paul strongly states here that we NEED each other.  We can never say, I don't need so-and-so in my life, they're too weird, too charismatic, too dry, too slow, too fast ...  (Guilty on this point, too!)  Perhaps they are the VERY with whom you or I need a relationship!

Dear Christian, not only do you need the church (the body), but the church needs you!  We're so united (whether it feels like it or not) because of the Spirit  that if one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it. (v 26)  I cannot write you off, nor you me!!  God's always taking it to the next level isn't he?

Questions to consider:

• How do I currently approach being part of the local congregation to which I belong?  How could this passage influence my future interactions with people and participation in the church?
• What are some of the gifts God has given me (spiritual gifts as well as talents, life experiences, etc.) and how can I put them to use for the edification of the body?
• How can I be looking out for others' gifts and affirming the "body part" that they are?

In the final verse of chapter 12, Paul says, And I will show you the most excellent way to desire the greater gifts, to be fully invested in and part of God's body.  We'll move that direction tomorrow; get ready!

Have a great day!

This is Part 28 of a month-long series you can learn more about by starting with Day 1 here.  There are many others doing super cool series this month as well, perhaps you'd like to see the list?

Day 27: The Spirit and His Gifts

As a follower of Christ, I know that His Spirit lives within me.  Jesus promised the disciples He would come; He arrived on Pentecost, enabling them to preach with boldness and in new languages.  A fire was lit, not only above their heads, but in their hearts.  Now, God's people had within them the power of the very Spirit of God.

When I was in college, I had this phase where I was trying to figure out how to "get the Spirit."  The root desire was that when I got the Spirit, I'd have it made, I'd get "the Christian thing" right, I'd be a superstar believer.  Yeah, really honorable, I know.  I honestly did want to follow God passionately and understand His will, but I was looking for an end, wanting to skip over the process of sanctification and my daily need for the blood of Jesus.  In the midst of searching for some Spirit experience, I missed the fact that He was already dwelling within me.  He was there; I just didn't get it.

Over the last several years, the Holy Spirit has become very dear to me.  I'm in awe when I have an inclination to serve someone or when someone comes to mind who I need to call or write, because I know the Spirit is prompting.  I'm even more in awe when my proud heart feels convicted of sin.  That's not a sign that God's done with me, that's a sign God's at work in me, whispering, Hey, it's time to repent and believe, little one.  The more we're aware of the Spirit of God at work in us, in fact, the less we feel like a superstar and the more we're drawn to worship the God at work in our hearts.  It's cool and I wish I could dwell more in that place ... so looking forward to heaven!

But we're here now, given days to love and serve God on this side of heaven.  What should that look like?  

Over the next few days, we'll consider a couple of chapters of I Corinthians, 12 and 13.  Here's how this connects to what we've been talking about there rest of the month.  God calls us as individuals to believe and follow Him, but he calls us into a new community, a new family.  He's got work for us to do there.  In previous weeks, we've looked at our need to be saved from our sin, several specific sins and how the Gospel frees us to admit them & root them out, and ways that God uses our circumstances to shape us - all of these are means God uses to help us abandon the clamour of self-will.  Now we're getting into the becoming more yourself than ever part of Lewis' quote.  Who are you?   How has God knit you together?  What do you bring to the body?  Beyond the basic call of all Christians, what specific calling does God have for you?

That's too much for one post, for sure, but we'll get started today and see where it takes us!

¹ Now about spiritual gifts, brothers, I do not want you to be ignorant. ² You know that when you were pagans, somehow or other you were influenced and led astray to mute idols. ³ Therefore I tell you that no one who is speaking by the Spirit of God says, “Jesus be cursed,” and no one can say, “Jesus is Lord,” except by the Holy Spirit. 

 ⁴ There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. ⁵ There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. ⁶ There are different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all men. 

 ⁷ Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. ⁸ To one there is given through the Spirit the message of wisdom, to another the message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, ⁹ to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, ¹⁰ to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues. ¹¹ All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he gives them to each one, just as he determines.I Corinthians 12:1-11

Some overarching observations for consideration (verses in parenthesis):

• Spiritual gifts exist. (1, 4)
• There are a great variety of spiritual gifts. (4, 8-10)
• The variety of gifts come one source, the Spirit. (4, 11)
• Spiritual gifts are given with a purpose: the common good. (7)
• Spiritual gifts are given intentionally, just as the Spirit determines. (11)

Here are some things I think we can take away from those general points:

• If you call Jesus Lord, the Spirit lives in you and you have been given spiritual gifts.
• Though there may be some overlap, your spiritual "gift bag" will not be the same as others'.
• Our differences should bind us together and we should encourage one another in using our gifts, because the same Spirit has given these gifts intentionally for the good of the church.

Differences too often drive a wedge between us.  I love the constant reminder through these eleven verses that all of that great variety of gifting comes from ONE source.  The Lord expressing Himself in so many ways through His people.  I think it's neat, to say the least.  It also challenges me to think differently about how I interact with those next to me in the pews on Sunday or fellow believers I know in other spheres of life.  We'll move on to that tomorrow, taking a look at the rest of chapter 12 to consider our interconnection with the body.  Then we'll follow that up with chapter 13 on Saturday.  Sunday will be a day of rest, and Monday I'll conclude the series and announce the book winners - comment here if you want your name in the running!

There and Back Again

The weekend in photos, to be followed by a more reflective post that I wrote with pencil and paper on the plane as we were flying out.

McDonald's hotcakes at the airport and schoolwork on the airplane.

Reunion with friends at the end of their school day!

You can see Bjarney's excited little face in the window.

 

 Elizabeth spent the weekend with Martina and Bjarney and their parents.  I'm so thankful they were willing to have her; the girls had indescribable fun together!  Elizabeth was devastated when we had to leave.

I spent the weekend here,

doing a little bit of this and a little bit of that,

in addition to catching up with so many wonderful women over meals and other activities!*

 My friend Kit gave us some great reflection tips.

(click on the photo to read the list)

We spent the remainder of the time at the McFadden's.

 

 

Frankie and Elizabeth got to catch up;

they had not seen each other since June.

 Their dog, Maisy, knows how to chill.

We met up with the Carters to play a little too!

What a blessing the whole weekend was: seeing so many people who we dearly love, getting to use some gifts to edify the body, eating lots of delicious food, engaging in such good conversations, meditating on the gospel and service, repenting and believing the good news.  Phew, it nearly knocked me out; my sappiness was fully engaged this weekend!

Praise be to God!

*Thanks to Jenny for taking the retreat photos.

God's Faithfulness: Meeting Dr. Mary Poplin

Who is like our God?

Here's the back story:

In college, I was involved with InterVarsity Christian Fellowship (IVCF).  Sidenote: Met Colin there, yup!  The first two years, Tom Grosh was our staff worker.  He trained us well in Bible study and alway encouraged us to seek the Lord, get to know the Word, step out in faith.  I learned a lot from Tom.

We've maintained a connection over the years through prayer/support emails for him and his family and seeing each other a few times.  This past summer, now that we're back in Pittsburgh, we were able to visit with the Groshes at a small bbq with other supporters and old IVCF friends.  I mentioned to Tom my desire to grow as a speaker and writer.  And, God bless him, he's taken my comment to heart and is offering me opportunities to develop through reading good literature and (maybe - it's in the prayer phase) doing some writing for the Emerging Scholar's Network blog.

With the retreat coming up in April, I asked Tom if I could borrow a book.  As God would have it, Tom was coming to town the following weekend, was able to stay a night with us, and

brought me FOUR books.

I started by reading one that I had not requested, but seemed to fit well with the retreat topic: service.  The book?  Finding Calcutta: What Mother Teresa Taught Me About Meaningful Work and Service by Mary Poplin.

I was so taken with the writing, Mother Teresa, and the challenging questions Mary posited throughout the book.  I was half way through before the middle of the following week.

And Mary Poplin was going to be in Pittsburgh that Friday!

Unfortunately, I was not going to be able to attend her talk at the CMU Veritas Forum.  But, Tom knew Mary's schedule, and arranged for her to come to our home for a brief interview.  If you're my friend on Facebook, you know I was just a little excited!

Wow, an author and scholar in my kitchen!  And what a lovely Christian woman.  You can read the story of her conversion (in her forties!) here.

I planned to share some of that interview with you here, but it will have to wait for the next post.  For now, I'll leave you with these thoughts:

• Praise God for the body of Christ, the Chruch, and how He uses us to sharpen, encourage, and spur one another on!  Meeting Mary would not have happened if Tom had not taken in interest in this young lady's heart's desire.  And, of course, there was Mary willingness to come to a strange girl's house for a chat.  I'm so grateful!

• It's been less than two years since I decided to try pursuing a dream, and God has been SO FAITHFUL in giving me experiences and speaking through His word into my life.  What do you dream about, how can you step out and develop and use your gifts starting TODAY, trusting that God will prove Himself faithful?

Stay tuned for a post about my conversation with Mary.  Until then:

The LORD bless you and keep you;

the LORD make his face shine upong you and be gracious to you;

the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace.

Numbers 6:24-26

Christ the King - Cambridge

For the last seven years we have attended Christ the King - Cambridge. If you are ever in the Boston area looking for a church, please visit. The gospel is proclaimed, the Bible is taught, and growth is inevitable.

This morning, we'll attend for the last time as residents of Cambridge. Sometimes I wonder if God's whole purpose in brining us here was to get us to this church and exposed to reformed theology. Of course, God can have many purposes in the journeys on which He takes us, and it's unlikely this was His only reason for bringing us here. I just sure am grateful that we had the privilege of Rick's preaching and dedicated leadership for so many years. Thanks, God!

What's a post without pictures?

Elizabeth's baptism, 2004

Brian's baptism, 2008

Worship

DISCLAIMER:

This post is a little wandering; brace yourself for a journey through

the many thoughts that have been swirling around in my head!

With the approaching Martin Luther King Jr. holiday, I requested some picture books from the library about Dr. King to read with Elizabeth and looked up activity ideas online. One suggestion was to make a paper chain using skin colored papers or the standard "red and yellow, black and white." Using an idea from Christmas, a wreath made from green paper hand prints, we made a wreath of different colored hands and I hung these verses from Revelation 7:9-10 in the middle:

After this I looked and there before me was

a great multitude that no one could count,

from every nation, tribe, people, and

language, standing before the throne

and in front of the Lamb. They were wearing

white robes and were holding palm brances

in their hands. And they cried out

in a loud voice:

"Salvation belongs to our God,

who sits on the throne,

and to the Lamb."

Another suggestion was to visit an alternate house of worship: if you're Methodist, attend a Baptist church or if you don't go to worship on Sundays, try a church. I thought this was a fascinating idea, there's a large African Methodist Episcopal church around the corner from ours I'd be interested in attending sometime. Unfortunately, this week I was helping out in a kid's class, so we couldn't miss being with our congregation. But I've got the idea in the back of my head for the future.

Yesterday as I was preparing to go to church, I was thinking about the idea of worshiping with other believers of different nations, tribes, peoples, and languages, reflecting on Revelation 7:9-10 and thinking about what Dr. King fought for during his short days walking the earth. And I was thinking about how we're often drawn to local congregations that have an order of worship and style of music that's comfortable for us, often influenced by what we grew up with. I don't think there's anything wrong with this, as long as you're not accusing the brother's and sisters up the street of being "wrong" if they do or don't use an organ, a band, or only sing a capella.* The reality is that none of it approaches the perfection that will be achieved in the worship of our Great God when we're all standing before His throne with all of the believers, from all of time, from all over the world!

This set me to wondering what it will be like, when we're before the throne of God. What will the tune be? Will we all be worshiping in the style that comes naturally to us and they'll create the most beautiful harmony, bringing great glory to God? Or will we all be worshiping in Spirit and in Truth in a blissful way we never even knew possible this side of heaven - more beautiful, more glorious, exactly as God would be and should be worshiped by His redeemed people?!

We don't know.

But we do know we will worship!

We will no longer be distracted by the things of this world, by the sin that so easily entangles, by the fears and doubts that prevent us from loving the Lord our God with all of our heart, soul, and mind, and loving our neighbor as ourself.

Hallelujah!

For the time being, we will continue to look to the Scriptures and the guidance of the Spirit to instruct our hearts and minds and guide our worship. We will repent of our sin and believe the Good News - Jesus died once for all, that we may be brought near to God. And, thinking about Dr. King and loving our neighbor, we can get to know believers of other nations, tribes, peoples, languages, ... and even denominations, and learn more about the depth, breadth, width, and height of God's love. We'll be spending eternity together, right? Might as well start getting to know each other now!

Even apart from Martin Luther King Day, the Spirit's been impressing upon me lately that Christians are bound together by Christ, no matter where they're from, what church they attend, what work they do, how smart they are, or what kind of car they drive. We are connected on a deep level and we need each other. It's worth saying a few embarrassing things and having our minds stretched a little, to get to know more of the heart of God and be bound together with fellow believers, with cords that cannot be broken. Without Christ, there's no other hope for this kind of connection. He is the great Reconciler, the great Healer, the Prince of Peace.

Dr. King and those who bravely would not accept the evil status quo amaze me! So much progress was made in such a short time. Today I'm thankful for God's work in and through Dr. King. But as we look at the state of inequality & injustice that is still prevalent in our nation, one can feel angry or hopeless or both. Thankfully, our God promises to make all things new (Isaiah 65:17 & Revelation 21.) Resting on this hope, we can move forward to bring a little more peace, a little more justice, a little more equality, as we, His people, focus on loving God and our neighbor, and we keep praying, "Come, Lord Jesus."

*I'm thinking here more about how we're divided my matters of preference, and not usually defending standards of worship clearly established in the Bible.

So Much To Study, So Little Time!

Last summer I launched into a personal study of the book of Joshua; the posts can be found here and here. And, as God would have it, in the fall I was given the delightful privilege of leading this year's Tuesday morning women's Bible study. We have been marching our way through Joshua, learning about God's faithfulness, judgement, mercy, holiness, and promise fulfillment. It has been good, very good. We are now nearing the end of or time in the book and, as I have studied very little other than Joshua for the last 7 months, I have been looking to move on.

In these early days of the new year, I read through the book of John, a few chapters a day, preparing for another wave of study. I plan to follow the same pattern as I did with Joshua: read the whole book once, read through chapter by chapter using the New Bible Commentary (published by IVP), then read through it again with a more in-depth commentary by James Montgomery Boice. (Little did I know last June that I was preparing to lead a group of wonderful women through the book! God is gracious, isn't He?)

A few days ago, I was wondering how long it would take me to do the same with all of the books of the Bible. I calculated that if I spent 3 months in each book, I would be (almost) 47 when I finished! Now, I know that some books in the Bible are quite short, so perhaps the time is a bit overestimated. But it doesn't make 16.5 years seem any less overwhelming! The goal, however, is to get to know the Word by reading, meditating, and taking advantage of the study of scholars with more knowledge than I'll ever have. Making time to do it would be invaluable, even if it is L-O-N-G! And truly, I'd like to spend whatever days God gives me getting to know Him, before I'm standing (what?! I mean, falling on my face!) before Him giving an account.

In addition to starting up with John, our pastor recently brought to our attention Ad Fontes (which means "to the sources"), a full year of daily readings in Calvin's Institutes. A group from church will meet weekly (at a pub, over a pint - and I'm not kidding!) to discuss the week's readings. I just read today's reading. I have not read anything from The Institutes since the one and only seminary course I've ever taken (Systematic Theology I) that I took the summer before Elizabeth was conceived. Have you ever read any of Calvin's Institutes? I remember been AMAZED at how accessible they are & how invigorating to one's faith! And it was brought back to my attention today, as I checked out Ad Fontes. I hope I can stick with them. The readings are short and just started today; let me know if you decide to read, too. And if you're free on Fridays at 4pm and live near Cambridge, MA, there will be folks gathering for discussion with our pastor, Rick Downs,at The Field on Prospect St.

Oh, so much to read, so little time! Fortunately, the Christian's hope is built on nothing less than Jesus' blood and righteousness, so if I fall behind or never make it through another thorough study of a book of the Bible, I need not fear. But for the time, I'm thankful to God for His Word, the desire He's given me to study it, and wise saints who have gone before us and left their words behind to guide us through the Scriptures. In the craziness of life with kids, family, and other obligations & commitments, I sure feel the need to have my feet grounded on a solid rock. How about you? God's Word offers that sure place to stand, loving arms in which to rest, and hope and peace for our weary souls. Praise God from whom all blessings flow!

Christmas Story Party

I haven't posted in a while because I've been spending my free-ish time getting ready for this morning's Christmas Story Party that our church is sponsoring here where we live.

Around Thanksgiving, the Lord placed on my heart the desire to share the real Christmas story with my neighbors. I had entertained the idea of an Advent Bible study, of sorts, but when one of the pastors mentioned the excellent story telling in the Jesus Storybook Bible, it occurred to me that we could do a kids event! (Thanks, Bradley!) My dear friend and Children's Ministry director, Lydia, jumped right in with me to get it planned. (Thanks, Lydia!)

So this morning from 10-11:30am, we will be making crafts, sharing the Christmas story, singing some carols, and icing cookies with at least 20 kids and their parents. I'm very excited! A handful of MIT connected church members will also be there to help. (Thanks, Andy, Sam, Jenny, & Chris!) Two neighbor friends of mine helped to get all of the crafts cut and ready. (Thanks, Katie and Liz!) And every family will go home with a Jesus Storybook Bible. (Thanks, John!)

The Spirit has really guided this whole endeavor from the very beginning and has used my community to mold and shape it with great ideas. (Thanks, Lord!) Here's to God's Word going out and not returning to Him void. Please pray for this event with us!

Back to Joshua

A while ago, I posted some of my thoughts on my recent study of the book of Joshua. I left you hanging with the truth that God is holy. I have not contemplated it enough myself, but the Lord is gently working this reality into my thinking. For that, I am grateful. And I apologize for taking so long to follow up, this post has been long in the making.

Some comments on how I've been studying Joshua: I've now finished reading through Joshua section by section using the commentary I purchased by James Mongtomery Boice. It is excellent. (Made only slightly more excellent by the fact that I learned today that he grew up in McKeesport, outside Pittsburgh! But I digress....)

So this has been my method of study:

1. read through a book of the Bible chapter by chapter
2. read through it again with a companion commentary
3. work through a Bible study on the book

Currently I'm into #3, using a Life Changes study guide. It's got lots of questions, plenty of additional questions you can read/think about, definitions of Bible terms, and many helpful Bible study tips throughout. I've gotten through a few studies and appreciate it's thoroughness and desire to lead the reader to understand the text, learn about who God is, and apply the Word to life.

Now, where did we leave off last?

Ah yes, God is holy.

He is holy, holy, holy. And this is serious business. This holy God calls people to Himself, guides them, protects them, and keeps them. God made promises to Abraham that he kept and fulfilled in the days of Joshua. But in the process, He also called them to obedience. This holy God cannot be in the presence of sin, He is too holy.

This brings me to the second major thing that has been impressed upon my heart, soul, and mind through the book of Joshua: God's Word is of utmost importance to the believer. The "B-I-B-L-E" really does need to be "the book for me." All of life needs to be lived out of and in response to the Word of God. I don't understand how to do this, but I think that's because I make it too complicated. I want to live on some ethereal, super-spiritual plane that doesn't have much connection with reality. The bottom line is that to live by faith, the Christian must live in obedience to to Word of God. Through the hearing and doing of the Word, we are transformed.

My shortcomings with respect to the Scriptures are many. I don't think about them or treat them as living and active (Hebrews 4:12), therefore I rarely go to the Bible when life is good, to praise and thank God, or when life is tough, to seek His counsel and lean on Him. I don't meditate on it day and night (Psalm 1:1-2), therefore when I do find myself in need of wisdom, there's not much Scripture in my heart for the Spirit to use to instruct, comfort, guide or give me hope. I often let my mind wander during Scripture readings on Sunday mornings ... or give a silent cheer in my heart when the passage is short. (Seriously people, if there is a woman in need of God's grace, I'm she!)

Being in Joshua has encouraged me not to take The Good Book so lightly. In conjunction with teaching about 10 Commandments to Kindergarten and First Graders this summer, I'm so very thankful to have been forced to think about the place of God's Word in my life, and in the life of all believers. When Jesus sums up the commandments, He puts them in two categories, and I'll leave you with these verses on which to meditate until next time.

Jesus replied, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it; love your neighbor as yourself." - Matthew 22:37-39

Today, by God's grace, because of the blood of Jesus, and through the power of the Holy Spirit, may you too find some time to get into God's Word and consider its place in your life. And may you be surprised at the good that comes of it!

VBS 2009

This year I (with several wonderful helpers!) had the privilege of being with and caring for the two year old class at VBS. What an amazing week it was! We had 16 in the class, and they made it through the week like stars. They got to participate in all of the activities, just like the bigger kids, but stayed in their classroom for everything but music and a little recreation.

The theme was The King is Coming! And the sets were wonderful. This board was quite popular.

Craft time!

Play time!

Bible time!

Recreation!

While the week was fun, it was also quite exhausting! I couldn't even relax when we got home Friday afternoon because I was too wound up after the wild closing assembly. I think I've calmed down now, but still may have some rest to catch up on!

I close with our memory verse, Psalm 100:1 -

SHOUT WITH JOY TO THE LORD ALL THE EARTH!

It's VBS Week!

Vacation Bible School (VBS) is running this week. There has been and will be a considerable lack of posts as I'm spending my mornings with this wonderful little group of tots:

Please pray that even the little ones will be responding in faith to our great, big God!