the jesus storybook bible

I bought this Bible for George on the recommendation of Angie Smith.  I knew it would be good....but WOW! 

What I love most is the foreshadowing at the end of each and every Old Testament story.  Basically saying that God had fixed this situation for now but...one day he will fix it for good and forever. 

An example from the story of David and Goliath (George's favorite):  "David was a Hero!  Many years later, God would send his people another young Hero to fight for them.  And to save them.  But this Hero would fight the greatest battle the world has ever known."

All that building up of excitement as you read the well known stories of David, Jonah, Daniel and others will have you and your child just about bursting for joy when Jesus makes his debut on page 176 in "He's here!"   I highly, highly, HIGHLY recommend this for your favorite little pre-Christians.  :)

wow

Make sure your life insurance is paid up before you read it this book because it will blow your mind and break your heart at the same time. 

Referencing Mark 10:21, David Platt challenges us to take a look at our lives and to forsake everything for the Gospel.

if your van has to break down there is no better spot than our church parking lot

One of the pitfalls of a large church is that it can often take a long time to get connected. The regular attenders have no idea who is new unless they speak up. And even when they do, unfortunately it may always seem like someone else's job to make sure they continue to feel welcomed and accepted, and find a spot that is a good fit for them.

But the upsides are huge.

Like when you have car troubles in the parking lot.



Yesterday, due to Kevin's marathon and a slew of non-communication from my daycare moms, it was only George and I in the van. One block from the church I noticed a bunch of smoke coming out from underneath and an engine running so hot the needle was touching red. I turned the heat on high to cool it off but it was really smoking as I pulled into a parking spot.

I texted my neighbor (who was already at church) that George and I would most likely need a lift home.

After making sure it wasn't on fire, I dropped George off at Sunday school. Jeff, a member of my Life Group, was helping in the kindergarten room. When I mentioned the car issue, he said it was probably just a radiator gone dry and to fill it with water after it cooled off.

After the service I went out to do just that but there was a huge puddle of watery tan stuff which I knew was not good. Jeff came out and confirmed that it looked like transmission fluid and I should get a tow. He and his wife would take me home if my neighbor didn't see the text I sent.

While waiting for the tow truck (AAA to the rescue AGAIN...best investment we make) a young mom I didn't know came over to offer assistance. She had a vanful of toddlers and was on her way out. She wanted to know what she could do to help. She offered me her mechanic husband's phone number and made sure I had a ride home.

When I stopped in to let George's teachers know what was going on, I was also offered a ride home if I could wait til after the second service. He just promoted to this class a couple of weeks ago so this woman didn't know me. I live in the complete opposite direction, at least a one hour detour for her after a full morning at church, yet she was still offering to help us out.

My neighbor eventually delivered George and I safely to our front porch. (Thanks Michelle for checking your phone!) And thankfully, all those growing boys (and girl) I left home unattended for the entire morning did not trash the house or eat all the food.

I was not surprised at the multitude of offers of help I got from people I am already acquainted with and those I call friends. And I don't think surprised is the right word to describe my happily confirmed suspicion that a stranger in obvious need would be offered assistance at our church.

It's the strangers not in OBVIOUS need I worry about.

"Thou shalt not steal" Exodus 20:15

To some extent, the rising incidence of theft in our community is expected. These are difficult times and people are getting desperate. What I don't understand and what pains me the most is being robbed by a "Christian". And I put that in quotes because these are just people professing to be Christian, only God knows their hearts and I'll leave that for him to decide.

Last month, on Wednesday night I was rushed leaving church and forgot to fetch my yoga mat from the school coat room. Sunday morning I stopped by to pick it up and was shocked to find it gone. First of all, why would you steal someone's exercise mat? With all their germs and sweat on it? But secondly, in a church? Despite my plea, it has yet to be returned.

More recently, a fellow child care provider I know from an online group, requested an item I had for sale on craigslist.com. She's a Baptist Sunday school teacher with a link to her church's website on her web page. She signs all her posts "Have a Blessed Day". I sent it media mail out to Columbus. She claims to have sent 2 separate money orders for the item, but I have neither.

Lesson (FINALLY) learned.