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October 21, 2005
Happy Birthday Christa
Today is my eldest daughter's birthday. Christa Marie is 21 years old. It is hard to believe that 21 years has gone by since that day when I first held her. Since that time, God has molded her into a servant of the King.
As a child, Christa always had a sensitive heart. She was the first to provide a soothing hand to injured or lost puppies, kittens, birds - even turtles! This heart remains just as sensitive today as she helps her mother care for her younger siblings.
As a growing young lady, Christa became interested in music. Her fingers produced soft notes from piano or flute, while her sweet soprano voice blended in harmony with the notes of her sisters singing praise. God uses this talent now as Christa often plays piano during worship at home and at our church.
Christa has always been a servant leader in our home, seeking to help with the most challenging of duties! She is determined and thorough when a difficult job needs completion.
Christa's outward loveliness reflects her trust in a Sovereign Lord. She has learned to take joy in the small things while waiting for God's direction in the future.
Christa, you are a blessing to your family! God has graced you with many talents and abilities, but above them all is a pure heart. We love you dearly, daughter! May you always follow Christ and His will for your life!
Posted by jm at 05:11 AM | Comments (0)
October 19, 2005
Monsters, Pirates, and Ghosts? Oh My!
Originally printed in the Katy Sun
The celebration of Halloween presents problems for Christian families, as most of the day’s characteristics are rooted in a pagan past.
Some Christians, fearing these sinister origins, hunker down in darkened homes praying for daylight to come. To these families, the day is owned by evil. Do they forget that when the Book of Psalms tells us, “The Earth is the Lord’s,” this would include even October 31?
Other Believers insist our unique American experience would be dampened if we abstained from celebrating the day. Costumes are donned, bags are prepared, and parties are planned. Certainly, most of these families would not allow their children to wear blatantly evil costumes, yet that may be the limit of their restrictions. Do they forget Scripture’s warnings against participating in the deeds of darkness (Eph 5:11)?
Still others claim this day as a ministry opportunity! Many churches choose to host community harvest parties bedecked with pumpkins and suspiciously familiar orange and black banners; passing out gobs of goodies to eager little hands. But why develop an alternative under the guise of outreach when we should preach the Gospel in season and out of season – reaching our neighborhoods for Christ everyday?
So, what should we do? I believe it is no accident the Lord ordained October 31, 1517 as the day a courageous monk would challenge Christendom to recall the glorious truth of the Gospel: we are saved by faith alone. We should join the saints of old and take dominion of this day! Teach your children our rich Christian heritage! Relive the drama through stories, songs and feasting! Experience a family reformation this Reformation Day! Remember the beauty and joy of God’s Truth!
For a great resource to help you understand the truth of this day, consider From Dark to Dawn, our first book!
Posted by jm at 07:41 AM | Comments (0)