For some reason I couldn’t post to your blog. Maybe, only the elect can
comment. Either way, here is my entry…
Just a thought...maybe you could hash these thoughts out on an excursion to East
Asia. Pondering these deep truths and how they affect your life don't always come clear on that dimly lit wooden table. Sometimes you need to "catch" the movement of the Sovereign God on the field. The teaching only pushes the envelope, but the "going" seals the deal. We love you guys! We are asking on your behalf as you wrestle with these core truths!
FGGAAN,Sully
We had the joy of having one of Abigail's good friends over to our house this week for the night. Knowing that we wanted to try the "sleep-over" thing soon, a perfect opportunity came up this week with the Willem family having to move into their new house by Saturday and needing some help with childcare. Karis was able to come stay with us on Wednesday night and of course the girls had a blast. Getting to have a play-date is great in Abigail's mind, but to spend the night is the high of all highs. We were able to get a quick picture for the baby book before we had to seperate into different rooms...I'm sure you see where things were going. 
Okay, so I know this is really random but I have to post on this great experience. I must say that since we have moved to Louisville, the local Super Wal-Mart has been my grocery of choice. But I have found a new love.
Three posts from John Piper in a row is a little out of control, I know, but with the recent happenings in Minneapolis just a few blocks away from Bethlehem Bapitst Church, I can think of no better commentary. Watch and listen as Piper discusses why the bridge collapsed.
"All of us have sinned against God, not just against man. This is an outrage ten thousand times worse than the collapse of the 35W bridge. That any human is breathing at this minute on this planet is sheer mercy from God. God makes the sun rise and the rain fall on those who do not treasure him above all else. He causes the heart to beat and the lungs to work for millions of people who deserve his wrath. This a view of reality that desperately needs to be taught in our churches, so that we are prepared for the calamities of the world..."
"The meaning of the collapse of this bridge is that John Piper is a sinner and should repent or forfeit his life forever. That means I should turn from the silly preoccupations of my life and focus my mind’s attention and my heart’s affection on God and embrace Jesus Christ as my only hope for the forgiveness of my sins and for the hope of eternal life. That is God’s message in the collapse of this bridge. That is his most merciful message: there is still time to turn from sin and unbelief and destruction for those of us who live. If we could see the eternal calamity from which he is offering escape we would hear this as the most precious message in the world."
"We prayed during our family devotions. Talitha (11 years old) and Noel and I prayed earnestly for the families affected by the calamity and for the others in our city. Talitha prayed “Please don’t let anyone blame God for this but give thanks that they were saved.” When I sat on her bed and tucked her in and blessed her and sang over her a few minutes ago, I said, “You know, Talitha, that was a good prayer, because when people ‘blame’ God for something, they are angry with him, and they are saying that he has done something wrong. That’s what “blame” means: accuse somebody of wrongdoing. But you and I know that God did not do anything wrong. God always does what is wise. And you and I know that God could have held up that bridge with one hand.” Talitha said, “With his pinky.” “Yes,” I said, “with his pinky. Which means that God had a purpose for not holding up that bridge, knowing all that would happen, and he is infinitely wise in all that he wills...”
"Jesus said, "I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die.” Talitha is sleeping now. But one day she will die. I teach her this. I will not always be there to bless her. But Jesus is alive and is the same yesterday today and forever. He will be with her because she trusts him. And she will make it through the river."It is, no doubt, this same pinky of God that upholds our own homes and offices above our heads, that keeps the wing on the airplane and the tire on the car and oxygen in the lungs. The sheer mercy of God is responsible for our continued existence, our time extended that we might repent and believe and trust and treasure Jesus Christ.
In two days (Saturday), Kedra will be 35 weeks pregnant and one week away from dramatically increasing the likelihood of Nathan avoiding NICU altogether. That has been and continues to be our prayer.He will tend his flock like a shepherd; he will gather the lambs in his arms; he will carry them in his bosom, and gently lead those that are with young. Who has measured the waters in the hollow of his hand and marked off the heavens with a span, enclosed the dust of the earth in a measure and weighed the mountains in scales and the hills in a balance? (Isaiah 40:11-12).How relevant is his nearness, so long as it is accompanied by his might.
Well, I have taken a much needed break from Martin Luther for about a week or two to read an excellent book recommended by “Girl Talk” (a blog by Carolyn Mahaney and her three daughters). The latest book they have started for their book club is “Doing Things Right in the Matters of the Heart”, by John Ensor. “Intriguing”, I thought. Well, after receiving the book in the mail, I quickly learn that it is a book designed for singles. I read it anyway, and let me tell you it has been an excellent reminder on the biblical design of manhood and womanhood. It discusses the desire of both the heart of men and women, their pursuit of each other, and their biblical mandate for the relationship. It has been a true encouragement for me as a wife and mother, but also a beautiful reflection as I have thought back to all the amazing things God did during Tory’s and my courtship. How He prepared our hearts even before our dating began and how clearly He spoke to each of us individually as we took steps towards marriage. And as I lay here on bed rest and think of how we as a couple have been forced to take up new and somewhat awkward roles in our family over the past four weeks, I am reassured of God’s grace and love for me to have given me much more than I could ever have asked for in a husband. Tory has lovingly, without thinking twice about it, set aside his summer classes, his job, and much of his study time to make sure that his family and his home are cared for. He has worked hard to make sure that his daughter’s schedule remains as normal as possible, that food is available, that money is used wisely, that his wife continues to be “nourished and cherished”, and that our home remains full of happiness and grace. Thank you Tory for being that “desire fulfilled” and for your continued pursuit of me. Your leadership and love for your family continues to amaze me everyday. It is a beautiful picture to see the way you love your daughter through teaching her about her Creator. Thank you most of all for loving your Father above us, and your continued pursual in knowing Him more and making much of who He is. I love you.
