Well, we took quite a spontaneous road trip to the beach to visit family and briefly enjoy the sun and sand again. It was obvious we were back "home" at the beach instead of at the "highfalutin" beach we'd been to twice before this summer: there were 2 rebel flag swimsuits (bikinis and trunks), men wearing boots on the beach, cigs smoking everywhere, and an ALMOST fist fight where the cops came and everything. I had a good laugh over that! Still, I think the beaches here are the BEST for walking, having a breeze, water just the right temp, etc.
We had a lot of fun visiting with the cousins. My nephew has the best giggle and it was good to hear that sort of uncontrollable laughing this time of year when I can get so bogged down with work and business and cold weather coming. And, he played a good soccer game while we were there. Jeb loved taking his bike to a neighborhood and riding all over. He is really, really into bike riding now. We ate some good food , and the kids had so much fun running around and swimming in the ocean. My dad's sailboat was cool to see and visit and it is docked at a nice, peaceful marina. I hope he can enjoy it for many, many years.
Caleb got to meet one of his aunt's for the first time. She was crazy about how friendly he was and he was friendly that day. He was walking up to people all over the beach ( I mean right up to them) and smiling and waving at them. It was cute. I told them he was running for office next fall to look for him and be sure and vote.
We got to visit my sister's church while we were there and the message was great, as usual. I meet very few folks who love the written word as much as I do. Her pastor is one of them. He loves reading. There bulletin is about 4-5 pages back to front of text--things he's read and wants to share and other prayers, and church biz too, but mostly what he's read! WOW! Here is some good stuff I thought was poignant that I'd like to reflect on:
The end of a one of his prayers: "Holy Spirit we humbly ask that you might make Jesus more real to us this day that we might love him more dearly and follow him more nearly throughout our week. Amen"
Quest for Joy 15 statements in the Search--from John Piper...I took the ones I liked and I thought I'd chew on for a while....
2. Realize that joy must be fought for relentlessly. (it doesn't just happen all the time)
3. Resolve to attach all known sin in your life. (attack it not just see it/ask for forgiveness and move on...attack it...)
8. Preach to yourself rather than listen to yourself (I must memorize more of the Word to have it there to preach to myself!)
9. Spend time with God-saturated people who help you see God and fight the fight. (yup--it is time for Wed. morning study again-yeah!
14. Do the hard and loving thing for the sake of others (witness--yes, it is hard...yes, it is loving yes, I need to do better...Mercy--yes, be patient/forgiving with folks...
more in my next post...that is all I can chew on right now....
No comments:
Post a Comment