Tomorrow I make my “official” transition to Rockford, IL for my visit there. I actually went down on Saturday to be there for my niece’s baptism, though… a quick turn around, but well worth the trip. (Having a new vehicle has already proven to be a major blessing!) Once again, I’m thankful that I can be close enough to home for some of these milestone events for family. Being overseas… and even being 12 hours away in Tulsa when I’m stateside… causes me to miss out on certain family celebrations like birthdays and anniversaries. A baptism only happens once, though, and it was a touching service for all who were involved. My Grandpa, who turns 90 this November, was in tears to be able to witness his first great-grandchild make a public declaration of her faith in Jesus Christ. He wasn’t the only one… And we look forward to the day when the others will make that most-important life-decision, too.
Preparing the soil to sow the seeds!My final days here in Wisconsin have been spent focusing on the yard, although there have still been some odds and ends around the house. Really this is phase one, but it’s been a very fruitful time. There have been a number of things that my Dad could not physically do by himself, and it meant so much for him to allow me to come and do those things for him that he could not do on his own. I know it was not always easy for him, but his being willing to receive what I came to offer actually ministered to me and brought me joy… and I believe blessed him as well.
It’s been yet another parallel that God has shown me through my time here. In so many ways, that’s why God sent Jesus. He came to do spiritually what was impossible for us to do on our own. It’s genuine humility to come to the point of realizing that we can’t do things on our own and to receive the gifts He offers to us, but in doing so, we actually minister to the Lord and bring Him joy simply because we receive the love He so freely gives. And dependence on Him is not just for our salvation, but a daily necessity… that brings daily delight… both to Him and to us.
Now that I’m leaving, what my Dad will need to do is to maintain… that is that part that he CAN do. But I’m so grateful that when it comes to spiritual things that while there are things that God asks us to do that we CAN do to maintain our fellowship with Him, it’s still His grace and strength and indwelling presence that enables us TO do what we CAN do. Philippians 2:12-13 “Therefore, my dear ones, as you have always obeyed my suggestions, so now, not only with the enthusiasm that you would show in my presence but much more because I am absent, work out your own salvation with reverence, awe and trembling. NOT IN YOUR OWN STRENGTH, for it is Christ all the while effectually at work in you, energizing and creating in you the power and desire both to will and work for His good pleasure, satisfaction and delight.”
Thank you, Father, for this time you have given to me, for the lessons you have taught me, and for your presence that goes with me even as I leave this place…
Preparing the soil to sow the seeds!My final days here in Wisconsin have been spent focusing on the yard, although there have still been some odds and ends around the house. Really this is phase one, but it’s been a very fruitful time. There have been a number of things that my Dad could not physically do by himself, and it meant so much for him to allow me to come and do those things for him that he could not do on his own. I know it was not always easy for him, but his being willing to receive what I came to offer actually ministered to me and brought me joy… and I believe blessed him as well.
It’s been yet another parallel that God has shown me through my time here. In so many ways, that’s why God sent Jesus. He came to do spiritually what was impossible for us to do on our own. It’s genuine humility to come to the point of realizing that we can’t do things on our own and to receive the gifts He offers to us, but in doing so, we actually minister to the Lord and bring Him joy simply because we receive the love He so freely gives. And dependence on Him is not just for our salvation, but a daily necessity… that brings daily delight… both to Him and to us.
Now that I’m leaving, what my Dad will need to do is to maintain… that is that part that he CAN do. But I’m so grateful that when it comes to spiritual things that while there are things that God asks us to do that we CAN do to maintain our fellowship with Him, it’s still His grace and strength and indwelling presence that enables us TO do what we CAN do. Philippians 2:12-13 “Therefore, my dear ones, as you have always obeyed my suggestions, so now, not only with the enthusiasm that you would show in my presence but much more because I am absent, work out your own salvation with reverence, awe and trembling. NOT IN YOUR OWN STRENGTH, for it is Christ all the while effectually at work in you, energizing and creating in you the power and desire both to will and work for His good pleasure, satisfaction and delight.”
Thank you, Father, for this time you have given to me, for the lessons you have taught me, and for your presence that goes with me even as I leave this place…
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