A LITTLE HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENT

Mat 12:36-37
I tell you that on the day of judgment people will have to account for every careless word they speak. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.

On Sunday we talked about why our words matter and how, in the scripture quoted above, Jesus was saying that our words…the things we say…reveal the true condition of our hearts. We also explored how being careless with our words can mean that we care less…about God and about others. So, considering that we live in a world with constant chatter, it is absolutely critical that we learn to be intentional about what we say and how we say it.

And here’s where the homework assignment comes in. Let’s find as many scriptures as we can that give us instructions about our speech and I’ll post them on the blog. Look at your Bible concordance; do a search on http://www.biblegateway.com/ or http://www.blueletterbible.org/ or pull out some scriptures from memory. Email me or leave it as a comment.

I’ll get us started:

Proverbs 15:23
A man takes joy in giving an answer; and a timely word--how good that is!

Proverbs 25:11
A word spoken at the right time is like golden apples on a silver tray.

James 3:1-2
Not many should become teachers, my brothers, knowing that we will receive a stricter judgment; for we all stumble in many ways. If anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a mature man who is also able to control his whole body.

Connect 6 October!

Scavenger Hunt Extravaganza!

For those who missed the scavenger hunt, here is a recap.

Saturday, we left the church at 5:25 in two groups. Off to the races...The guys headed one direction after reading their clue to the destination. the girls headed in a different direction. Once we arrived at our locations, we received a task which had to be completed. We were to take a picture of the location proving that we made it to the right place and another picture of us performing the task. Then, there was the third picture...It could be either video or picture of something creative relating to the location. The boys returned to the church first but with the girls not too far behind. We then headed to the Rathweg's house for pizza and dessert, as well as a slideshow.

We enjoyed the following pictures while determining that the two teams tied in points--although there was some debate of how closely the directions were followed by one of the teams ;)

I have given the clues and tasks below in the order that the girls performed them (which was the opposite direction from which the boys performed them)

First Clue:This is a place to shop, eat, and spend
For a day of fun that girls would recommend.
There’s lots of people, and always a crowd,
And around the holidays, it can get very loud.

Task:Take a group picture in front of your favorite store
A Girl's best friend...

The Boys' favorite store...flex those tool muscles!
The girls show their creative side:


Clue: This is a place to go for a jog,
Play some soccer, or walk your dog.
Fun is a past time of this neighborhood,
But be careful to not get lost in the “wood.”


Task: Picture this: There is a tie in the game, and you must score the winning goal.
The boys combined their creativity with their task.
Creativity not paying off: (we were walking a stranger's dog)


Clue:This next location has your garden’s best,
Lots of gourds and pumpkins for fall’s harvest.
But don’t be too hasty, Louetta is the way.
You could go here on a crisp autumn day.

Task: Use the $5 provide to buy a pumpkin and draw on your own creative design, then take a picture with your pumpkin
In case you missed it the first time, a close-up of Sean's talented drawing of a "Transformer" pumpkin.

The Girls Get Creative:


Clue:This is a place to gain some knowledge,
To prepare you for your trip to college.
We know of a friend, the youngest of three,
Who attends this cornerstone of the community.

Task:Take a picture of a fond High School memory
Soccer
First driving
The girls' creative video:


Outtakes:

Clue:For several occasions we have gathered here.
There’s always good friends and yummy treats near.
We’ve studied the Bible had some good times
This is the last clue we wrote, so we’re all out of rhymes.

The Girls get Creative again:



Task: Take a picture outside of the house portraying one of your favorite events that you have attended here.

Valentine's Dinner

Surprise! (voted the best...watch Adrian's face!)

'TIS THE SEASON...FOR PUMPKIN EVERYTHING

I made this dip for our Bible Study on Sunday night, and it was well received (SOOO glad you like pumpkin as much as I do, Sean!). It's a great appetizer for this wonderful fall season, so I'm sharing it with love and placing the credit where it belongs...

with Southern Living Magazine.

PUMPKIN PIE DIP

1 (8-oz) pkg cream cheese, softened

2 cups powdered sugar

1 15-oz can pumpkin pie filling

1 tsp. cinnamon

1/2 tsp. ginger

Gingersnaps

Beat cream cheese and sugar at medium speed with electric mixer until smooth. Add pie filling, cinnamon and ginger, and beat until smooth. Cover and chill 8 hours. Serve with gingersnaps and apple or pear slices. Garnish with cinnamon or cinnamon sticks if desired.

ONWARD CHRISTIAN SOLDIERS

Ephesians 6:12-18

My home is a fortress against intruders. Security alarm. Check. Video cameras. Check. Motion lights. Check. But my neighbor gave me some startling news last week. When her tennis team met for a game, the ladies in the group counted six families in our neighborhood they knew personally who had fallen victim to daytime robberies. Someone has been kicking in back doors, entering homes, and stealing cash. I was stunned. Disarmed. Aghast. In the daytime? The back door?

We prepare for the crises. We anticipate emergencies. We even make accommodations for losses. But, as Oswald Chambers pointed out in today’s entry in My Utmost for His Highest, those are seldom the instances that pose the greatest threat to our Christian walk. Instead, it is the day-to-dayness of our lives…the ordinariness…the “drudgery” or sameness that lulls us into a state of ignorance that we are, in fact, in a 24-hour-a-day, seven-day-a-week battle against unseen spiritual forces.

(12) For our battle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the world powers of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavens.

We oppose a strong enemy. He has a government. He has an organized strategy. He rules over an expansive domain. He is powerful. Deceptive. Awake.

That’s why we need the armour of God.

(13) This is why you must take up the full armor of God, so that you may be able to resist in the evil day, and having prepared everything, to take your stand.

So we can stand against the enemy. Aware at all times. Ready to resist. On our own, we have no sufficient strength, defense or security. We are an open invitation to the destroyer of our soul. But we have been given the full suit of battle gear that will allow us to win against the devil.

(14) Stand, therefore, with truth like a belt around your waist…

Last night Alia gave a wonderful illustration of this belt of truth. She likened it to the thick, sturdy belt that enables employees at Home Depot to lift heavy items and still stand up straight. That is what the Truth of God does for us in every situation. Regardless of our racing thoughts, uncontrollable emotions, or strong desires, we are able to stand up against the attacks of the enemy when we consider Who God is. His authority. His purpose. His love. His protection. His mercy. His redemption. His sovereignty. His wisdom. His plan. His purpose. The unsearchable truths of God give clarity to our circumstances and restraint to our emotions. But it only works if it is truth that we have accepted. Not just acknowledged. We must come to grips with the fact that only the Truth of God is reality. Everything else is make believe. And the lies are everywhere.

…righteousness like armor on your chest,
The breastplate of righteousness is who we are in Christ. In right standing with God through our faith in Christ. Redeemed. Accepted. Forgiven. Loved. Adopted. Positioned with Christ in the heavenlies. A visitor on this earth and a citizen of heaven. Transformed. Destined for glory. The full condition of a heart surrendered to God.

(15) and your feet sandaled with readiness for the gospel of peace.

If you’ve ever been on a long walk in uncomfortable shoes, you know how miserable the journey is and how unlikely it is that you’ll be willing or able to make it to your destination. When our spiritual feet are shod properly, we can walk steadfastly in the peace and strength that God provides. When we rest in the Truth of Who our God is, and who we are in Christ, we are strengthened and ready to march.
Isaiah 26:3: You will keep in perfect peace the mind that is dependent on You, for it is trusting in You.
Philippians 4:7: And the peace of God, which surpasses every thought, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
As Andy said on Sunday, good shoes allow a soldier to get “from Point A to Point B.” Walking with purpose. All the way to victory.


(16) In every situation take the shield of faith, and with it you will be able to extinguish the flaming arrows of the evil one.

Faith is total dependence and trust in God. Leaning on Him. Resting in Him. Claiming His promises because He is trustworthy.


Ephesians 6:17
(17) Take the helmet of salvation…

The helmet of salvation is the hope we have in Christ because of His work of redemption. Not only will He finish the work He started in us
Philippians 1:6: I am sure of this, that He who started a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
but we can have full confidence that God is working out every situation and every circumstance for His good purpose.
Romans 8:28: We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God: those who are called according to His purpose.

and the sword of the Spirit, which is God's word.
The Sword of the Spirit is scripture that is fitted specifically for any and every situation.
Heb 4:12: For the word of God is living and effective and sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating as far as to divide soul, spirit, joints, and marrow; it is a judge of the ideas and thoughts of the heart.


(18) With every prayer and request, pray at all times in the Spirit, and stay alert in this, with all perseverance and intercession for all the saints.
Pray at all times, in all situations, constantly talking to and depending on the One who has all power and all authority over every created thing. The truth is, prayer, in itself, can involve a spiritual battle. So suit up. Get dressed before you get on your knees. And, as we are learning in our Sunday night study of The Power of a Praying Wife/Husband, we need to pray for our spouses, our families, and each other.


Truth? Check. Redemption? Check. Peace? Check. Salvation? Check. Word of God? Check. Faith? Check. Prayer? Check.

Let’s roll.

AN AMAZING DAY OF MINISTRY

On Saturday several members of our class carved a few hours out of their weekend to love on people they had never met. The warm fuzzies came right back at us...we were incredibly blessed by the very ones we were privileged to have served.

CFBC HOME CARE MINISTRY

Cleaning gutters and meeting new friends....all in a day's blessings at the church home care ministry on Saturday.

APARTMENT MINISTRY

We had a great time cooking up omelettes and dishing out pancakes at a local apartment complex where we were able to visit with residents and make a few new friends.

Our new friends in ministry

Michael stands guard over the bacon!

PUMPKIN PARTY

We were incredibly blessed at the Ronald McDonald House.

Last night a group of us took pumpkins and all manner of orange cupcakes and cookies to the amazing residential center for seriously ill children who are undergoing treatment at nearby hospitals. We carved pumpkins with children and visited with their family members. It definitely came in handy to have so many teachers with us! Under their leadership, we whipped out carving knives and paints, scooped pumpkin innards, and put smiles on faces with lovingly carved jack-o-lanterns. It was a night to remember.

Special thanks to Alia and April for the excellent preparations.

(We were joined by Todd and Kim- neighbors of Michael and Margaret, fellow church members, and ace pumpkin carvers)

HERE I AM...SEND ME

Class, I want to encourage you to step out this Saturday and grab hold of one or both of the great opportunities we've been given to serve others in our church and community.

The HOME CARE MINISTRY of our church is asking for volunteers to do a number of small home repair jobs from 8:30 til 12 for members of our chuch who are single, widows, disabled or needy.

We also have the privilege of connecting with an APARTMENT MINISTRY from 10:45 til 2 and all we have been asked to do is simply show up, hang out and help serve lunch at a cookout where we can greet guests, make conversation, and be available to tell them about our church or class if the opportunity arises. No pressure. We will meet at the church parking lot and carpool together.

This is ministry, and it is a wonderful opportunity for us to serve as missionaries in our own neighborhood. No doubt Saturdays offer loads of other choices for how to spend your time, but I can guarantee you this... if you are willing to give up a couple of hours to join us in one of these missions, you will be blessed and you will grow in spiritual maturity. Great dividends.

If you can serve, please contact Eric.

ONE MORE OPPORTUNITY: Our class will carve pumpkins with children who are guests at the Ronald McDonald House in Houston this Thursday evening from 6:30 til 8:30. We'll meet at Michael and Margaret's to carpool or you can meet us there. Contact Alia for more information or to let her know you can help.

"Come to Me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. All of you, take up My yoke and learn from Me, because I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for yourselves.

For My yoke is easy and My burden is light."
(Mat 11:28-30)

We've been talking about rest in Sunday School. Not as in a lazy Saturday morning with a newspaper or a lounge chair at a beach resort, but as in the kind of trust and confidence in God that brings peace when life dishes out what, apart from Christ, could only result in turmoil.

Every now and then moments hit us that take our breath away or disappoint us or threaten to demolish our hopes and dreams. They are inevitable. Sooner or later, they come. So, when our circumstances swirl around us and waves of doubt and despair come crashing, where is our anchor? What lifeline do we grab to keep us from drowning?

Jesus calls us to learn from Him because if we know Him as our Creator, Sustainer, Redeemer, Everlasting Father, our Rock, the One Who Has Held Us, and the One who has a plan for us that stretches throughout eternity, we know that He is the One who will rescue us. He knows the outcome. He has a plan. And in His economy, nothing can happen to us that will not end in glory. Nothing.

How can we rest in Him? How can we NOT rest in Him? Life is filled with uncertainty. But He is certain.

A MOUNTAIN OF PRAISE

When Mike and I moved with our daughter Lia to Houston three years ago, we came because we believed with all our hearts that God was sending us here. It was a difficult move, since we were leaving our home of 22 years, a married daughter and brand-new son-in-law, parents, friends, beloved ministries, and life as we knew it. We were also uprooting our 14-year-old daughter and bringing her to a place unlike anything we had ever experienced (Texas is NOT the Deep South!). We had no idea what God had in mind for us, but we had made up our minds to trust Him. For exactly one year I seemed to be in limbo as I spent my energies helping with Lia's transition and praying for the other members of my family. I studied my Bible and prayed for hours every day, but I had no idea what kind of ministry God wanted me to do here. I tried out various opportunities, but found it difficult to pour myself into anything. Then one day God met me on the pages of Deuteronomy. In my journal I wrote this:

Deuteronomy 1:6: "You have stayed at this mountain long enough."
The Israelites had camped out for a year at Sinai, where God gave them His commandments, dealt with their disobedience, met with Moses face to face, and allowed them to build a tabernacle of meeting. Now it was time to move on. God was calling them onward. He had allowed them to stay just long enough to show them and teach them all they needed for the journey ahead. But they had to get up and put their faith in action. I have been in Houston for a year now. I have experienced fear, wonder, anxiety, awe, and disappointment in measures that have threatened to overwhelm me. In the midst of hosting a wedding, a 50th wedding anniversary party and a graduation party, selling our home of 22 years, buying a new one in Houston, watching my daughter Alyssa struggle with her career and a move, crying through the heartwrenching months of Lia's loneliness, seeing Mike's back healed, and waiting for a godly friend, the Lord has held me, taught me, encouraged me, convicted me, and finally brought me to this place where He is saying to me, "you have stayed at this mountain long enough." But I am like the Israelites. I am hesitant to go forward. There are liable to be obstacles or even battles in my path. I know what THIS mountain looks like, but I don't have a clear picture of my future. And sometimes it's easier to sit in my comfort zone (even if it's not a pretty picture) than to go where I may have to step out and fail. Lord, don't let me fail like the Israelites did. They struck out on the path You set out for them, and they failed to trust You. You had it all planned out...a plan to bless them...and they depended on themselves rather than on You. I don't want to take a step, Lord, without fully trusting You. And I CAN trust You, because You are trustworthy. You will not fail to take care of me....You will keep my heels from wearing out and You will carry me like a father carries his child. I'm ready. I'm movin' out.

A couple of months later I was surprised by my own decision to contact the newly married minister at our church and volunteer to teach a class. He said he had a need for a teacher of young married couples with no children. Mike agreed to take the class on with me, and the rest (along with three new babies and six pregnancies) is history.

Yesterday, when I arrived home to a stunning surprise 50th birthday celebration, I was overwhelmed. First, I felt unworthy to be the recipient of such a generous gift of love. Secondly, I was overcome with love for a God who would allow me to be a teacher and friend to a group of such incredible men and women. I am grateful God called me to move away from my comfort zone into a classroom where I have been challenged, loved, and encouraged. Through it all, He has held me. Thank you, my dear class, for being His arms.