Week 34

Here are mom and Baby Stock posing in front of our Christmas-card-collaged door. As she grows you can see she is blocking out a significant part of the cards! Baby Stock is weighing in at around 5 pounds now and measuring head to toe 19 inches!

She is still 6 weeks away from her due date but mom's body is apparently doing several labor test runs. Over Christmas Mandy experienced a few minutes of "false labor", which is a lovely combination of painful contractions and the baby seemingly trying to escape into mom's rib cage. No worries, say the pregnancy books and doctors...this is normal. Of course, I certainly wonder what anyone would consider abnormal for pregnancy. It seems this is a time of anything goes...swelling, skin changes, discomfort, more energy, less energy, sleeplessness, cravings, aversions, etc. Basically, I think the medical community concedes that anything weird that can happen to a woman's body may (or may not) happen during these 40 weeks.

Tomorrow we have our last every-other-week check-up and then we are in the home stretch of seeing the doctor each week! I know this doesn't sound fun to most people, but I suppose it seems like a milestone of sorts for me. Plus, you really can't have too many people telling you "yes, Mrs. Stock, that's completely normal". :)

InnerMission Girls' Night

By:Mandy

I had the joy a few weekends ago to attend our first STUDENT-LED gathering for the gals in our youth group. Two high-school senior girls, Kelsie and Magee, planned a great sleep-over encouraging the younger women to think about their identity in Christ. It's no secret most women young and old struggle with the conflicting pressures of the world to be promiscuous, aggressive, and to look like the latest airbrushed model on the cover of a magazine.

In the midst of facials and several fun games, we discussed what it means to be beautiful to God. We looked at the woman described in Proverbs 31. Her beauty stems from her fear of the Lord. We also encouraged these young women (and I was encouraged as well!) to remember that Jesus covers ALL our inadequacies and insecurities. We can strive to be like the perfect godly woman described in Scripture, but we will always fall short. Jesus picks us up when we fall and whispers to us, "you are beautiful...you are my beloved...I bought you with a price."

We also must work toward what God has outlined in Scripture in God's strength. When our identity and destiny are secure in Christ (aka: we are justified by faith alone and not by works) we are free to let that beauty shine before the world.

I pray these young women do just that. I pray they would know that if they are in Christ, they are secure and beautiful. I pray also that just like Kelsie and Magee they would take the command in Titus 2 seriously that calls older women (even HS seniors) to teach and minister to younger women...and do so in the freedom they have in Jesus Christ!

Seven Words...

for seven weeks left until my daughter enters into this world. These seven words are seven feelings that I have bouncing around my heart and mind daily:

Week 32

Just 8 more weeks! With the Christmas season upon us...and consequently the "baby shower season" for us, it seems like Baby Stock will be here before we realize it.

She is continuing to grow healthily and moves around her mom's belly freely, sometimes with a foot or two in the rib cage! Unlike her parents, this little girl seems most active at night now...perhaps because we eat dinner so late with Brian's work schedule. Hopefully she will adapt into our "morning person" household within the first few months of life...or maybe she'll just be different and love the nightlife like most of our extended family!

This weekend we have our debut baby shower at Mandy's mom's house in Sumter, SC. Baby and Mom are especially looking forward to a few hours at the spa which "Nana" slotted out for us before the shower. A prenatal massage sounds heavenly anytime!

Reading List for 2009

From elementary school through college, I could count the number of books I've read on one hand (maybe two). Then, God opened my eyes to the Reformed faith with the perspective that "All truth is God's truth" and "Everything was created by Him and for Him," so go and discover God's creation. This led me to seminary where I basically had to learn to read and write. Now at the end of my seminary career, my reading and writing have improved (though I have a long way to go). I had a goal to read 30 books this year. Well, by grace (and a little skimming), I've read 45.

Theology

A Primer on Postmodernism (Grenz , Stanley J.)

Christianity and the Postmodern Turn (ed. Penner, Myron)

The Israel of God in Prophecy (LaRondelle, H. K.)

Biblical Studies

Biblical Words and Their Meaning (Silva, Moises)

Four Views on the Book of Revelation (Pate, C. M.)

*Jesus and the Old Testament (France, R. T.)

Let’s Study Hebrews (Jones, H.)

*More Than Conquerors (Hendriksen, W.)

Seeing the Psalms: The Theology of Metaphor (Brown, William)

The Art of Biblical Narrative (Alter, Robert)

The Right Doctrine from the Wrong Texts? (ed. Beale, G. K.)

Church Ministry

*A Better Way (Horton, Michael)

Advanced Strategic Planning: A New Model for Church and Ministry Leaders (Malphurs, Aubrey)

*Brothers, We Are Not Professionals (Piper, John)

Foundations of Christian education: Addresses to Christian teachers by Louis Berkhof and Cornelius Van Til. (ed. Johnston, Dennis)

Him We Proclaim: Preaching Christ from All the Scriptures (Johnson, Dennis)

In the Splendor of Holiness: Rediscovering the Beauty of Reformed Worship for the 21st Century (Payne, Jon D.)

*Preaching Christ in All of Scripture (Clowney, Edmund P.)

Preaching & Preachers (Lloyd-Jones, D. Martyn)

Spiritual Leadership (Sanders, J. Oswald)

Shepherding God’s Flock (Adams, Jay)

The Making of a Leader (Clinton, J. Robert)

The Reading And Preaching Of The Scriptures in the Worship of the Christian Church, Volume 4: The Age of the Reformation (Old, Hughes Oliphant)

*The Reformed Pastor (Baxter, Richard)

The Work of the Pastor (Still, William)

Who Runs the Church: Four Views on Church Polity (ed. Cowan, Steven)

Why Johnny Can’t Preach (Gordon, T. David)

Christian Life

*A Quest for Godliness (Packer, J. I.)

Christian Spirituality: Five Views of Sanctification (ed. Alexander, Donald)

Eschol: A Cluster of the Fruit of Canaan (Owen, John)

*How People Change (Tim Lane and Paul David Tripp)

How do I Change? (C. J. Mahaney)

John Owen on the Christian Life (Ferguson, Sinclair B.)

*John Newton: From Disgrace to Amazing Grace (Aitken, Jonathan)

*Of the Mortification of Sin in Believers: The Necessity, Nature, and Means of It (Owen, John)

*The Prodigal God: Recovering the Heart of the Christian Faith (Keller, Tim)

Transforming Grace (Jerry Bridges)

The Death of Death in the Death of Christ, with an Introduction by J. I. Packer (Owen, John)

The Duty of Pastors and People Distinguished (Owen, John)

The Gospel Mystery of Sanctification: Growing in Holiness by Living in Union with Christ (Marshall, Walter)

*The Pilgrim’s Progress (Bunyan, John)

*When Sinners Say "I Do": Discovering the Power of the Gospel for Marriage (Harvey, Dave)

Worldly Saints (Ryken, Leland)

Missions

*A History of Christian Missions (Neill, Stephen)

The Missionary Movement in Christian History: Studies in the Transmission of Faith (Walls, Andrew F.)

(* recommended)

Giving Thanks Together

Fourteen adults and one toddler...in our little townhome!

At first I (Mandy) didn't think this feat possible for a sit-down pre-Thanksgiving dinner we hosted for our Bible studies. Somehow, with a little maneuvering and a lot of "excuse me"s it worked. These brothers and sisters in Christ pictured here really made our house feel like a home to start off the holiday season a few weeks ago.

We are grateful for the influence, encouragement and accountability they all have provided us this past year. We look forward to growing together as a church family for 2010.

(Pictured from left to right: Jeff, Jennifer, Amy, Ben, Erika, Michael, David, Rachel, Brian, Mandy, Amanda, Dana, John, Amy, and Stacy)

Prayer for Ben in the War Zone

We just got news from our brother-in-law, Ben. He is stationed with the US Navy in Spain until March working with the construction battalion. Even though this area of the world is not a literal war zone (like Iraq or Afghanistan) Ben is facing a "war zone" of his own. He is going through some very difficult circumstances basically alone and away from family. We ask our friends to pray for Ben and his wife, Becky (Mandy's sister). Pray he would be encouraged, that he would know that he is loved and not alone. We truly appreciate his service to our country, his love for our sister, and his heart for justice.

Week 30

Just 10 more weeks until we meet our little Baby Stock. According to our pregnancy books, she is about 3 pounds right now and if she stretched all the way out (and Mandy is praying she doesn't for the sake of her rib cage) she would measure 17 inches in length! Her movements now can be SEEN if you watch Mandy's abdominal area closely. She is either getting restless or just enjoying a little swim. Either way it's pretty phenomenal to watch and feel our little girl move around.
We have also decorated our house for Christmas (notice our little Christmas shrub in the picture here). We certainly look forward to next year, celebrating Christ's birth with our little 10 month old girl. This year we rejoice in this wonderful gift of a little life given to us and the greatest gift of all: God's son, Jesus Christ who is God but made Himself nothing in order to save His people from our sins.

28 Thanks!

A season of thanks! I have so much to be thankful for! As I am 28 years old, here are 28 things that I am thankful for from the past year. God is so good.

1. I am thankful for God’s sovereign love for me. Oh how He loves me. Oh how he is jealous for me so that I might be jealous for Him. His relentless passion for His glory is my satisfaction.
2. I am thankful for chocolate milk. 3/4 milk and 1/4 chocolate. I like it thick.
3. I am thankful for having a great family. I have great parents, good in-laws, and fun siblings. I hope this coming year I will have more

time with them as we always have a good time together.
4. I am thankful for Cheetos. During the first trimester of wife’s pregnancy, she was very sick to the stomach. The only thing that kept her stomach settled was Cheetos. Imagine that!
5. I am thankful for running. In some way, it is my “sanctuary.”
6. I am thankful for the blessing of a little daughter who will arrive in this world this coming February. I can’t wait to meet her and love her. I already love her so much.
7. I am thankful for MTW’s wisdom to slow down our timing to the missions field. The past three months, we have grown in grace through and by their decision.
8. I am thankful for the book of Psalms. For about a year, I have been mediating upon one Psalm a week. They have taught me how to sing better, have given me grace to cry, and pointed me to Christ every time.
9. I am thankful for my Proverbs 31 wife. I remember a couple of weeks ago in one day she cooked dinner, went to the bank, did the laundry, and putty and painted the wall. She is truly a treasure to me.
10. I am thankful for sweet peppers from the garden. Though they weren’t what I expected, it was really fun picking (a lot of) them, figuring out what they go with, and giving them away to parents and friends.
11. I am thankful for the three gentlemen in my covenant group. They have a desire to change to Christ. They want to study the Word, memorize Scripture, and learn from godly books and each other. I am glad we are walking this season of life together.
12. I am thankful for having two opportunities to preach the Word of God this past year. One of those opportunities was at CCC which was very special. It is truly a blessing to herald the great Gospel of Jesus Christ.
13. I am thankful for Reinhardt College and my job. I love my job and I love hang out with the guys I work with. What fun we have!
14. I am thankful for the God who works out all things for those who love him. This year has been crazy with so many things. Yet, all these things are bring Mandy and I closer to Christ and His image.
15. I am thankful for old and new friends. It was awesome spending time with the Fishers this summer. This year it has been great getting to know new friends like the Goodrichs and Andersons.
16. I am thankful for my church family at Christ Community. Every Sunday it is a joy to join together in worship of Jesus. It is great that we can sing, laugh, listen, and break bread together.
17. I am thankful for marriage counseling. This was recommended by MTW to Mandy and I. It has been so good. I feel more connected to my wife and I know that I so much to learn about her and myself.
18. I am thankful for John Calvin. On July 10, 1509, Calvin was born and this year we celebrated his 500th birthday. Calvin has taught me two truths: the majesty of God’s Word and the centrality of Christ in all things.
19. I am thankful for spaghetti. The greatest meal ever. I can eat so much of it.
20. I am thankful for music especially music directing my heart to Jesus. There is nothing like it. It stirs up my heart to the highest joys to glorify Jesus.
21. I am thankful for a long drive to work. I have so much time to think and pray. I get to drive through the North Georgia Mountains every morning! It is beautiful.
22. I am thankful for God’s love is better than unconditional love. This refers to one of the sermons I preached. The text was 1 John 4:8-11. God’s love is active, sacrificial, intrusive, and covenantal.
23. I am thankful for playing cards. This is one of the fun activities Mandy and I do regularly. She probably wins more, but that is because I let her (j/k).
24. I am thankful for 24. It is so good and intense! Jack Bauer does it again.
25. I am thankful for the Palmer Home in Mississippi. This year I was able to spend two weeks helping build the Oak Ridge Home for children. The Palmer Home has such a great ministry loving on the unloved.
26. I am thankful for men who preach the Word of God. I am thankful for Pastor Mike who week in and week out, preaches the Gospel to my sinful and needy heart.
27. I am thankful for the men and women who serve this country overseas to protect this country and fight for freedom. May justice, truth, and mercy prevail!
28. I am thankful for the Christmas season. I absolutely love it! The anticipation! The Incarnation! The songs! The joys! The feast! The festival atmosphere everywhere! There’s nothing like it.

Week 29

Here is Mandy with more than a bun in the oven....we had ham, green bean casserole, mashed potatoes, and more. This Sunday we both had our small group Bible studies over for a family-style dinner. In total there were 14 adults and one baby...and of course Baby Stock. That is not the most we've had at our house before but this time it was a little different since we decided to not do buffet-style, but to have everyone crowd around 2 long tables. It was a challenge, but the close quarters made the fellowship better and more "cozy". It was well worth the tight squeeze.

This week, of course, we are also in for more eating and fellowship time for Thanksgiving. We have so much to be thankful for this year: our growing daughter, our family who loves us, and of course all the wonderful holiday food God provides! Praise the Giver of all things, how He loves us!

Week 28

Sorry, no picture this week. We just ran out of time when I felt like having my picture taken and we were both home together! Promise there will be one for week 29. New things this week in the developing baby Stock world include a new "scooting" motion rather than simply kicks and turns (although those are still there as well). She also is very excited about the holidays...I can tell this by my urge to sing Christmas carols already...oh, wait that happened even before I was pregnant!

Baby Stock is healthy and growing. We are in prayer that God is growing her spiritually even in the womb. We pray she would be a baby, young girl, and eventually woman who is so in love with Jesus and lives in reverent fear of God. Pray along with us for her to come to know Him as her Savior, Lord and Treasure at a very young age.

Week 27

We have officially entered the third trimester!

Baby Stock has grown to a little over two pounds and can (according to the baby book) open her eyes. Although, I'm not sure what she is seeing since it's dark in there...unless my kidneys are giving off an orange glow after that ridiculously strong Tang I drank at youth group last night!

Our doctor's visit last week confirmed she is still growing healthy. Mandy does NOT have gestational diabetes...another test involving something very much like strong Tang. She is precisely within the weight-gain guidelines (even with all that Halloween candy!) and, perhaps most exciting, the doctor predicted no stretch marks!

Last week we attended our first "birthing class" at the hospital. The labor and delivery nurse that teaches left nothing to hide from all these rookie parents. We passed around an epidural needle, fetal monitoring kits, and a baby vacuum puller-outer (which she assured us they rarely use). The video was not as graphic as you would expect but did show the true emotion, frustration and sheer exhaustion of a laboring mother. As Brian said, he has the easy part...and true labor looks nothing like they make it look in the movies!

Computer Medicine

This past Saturday Mandy and I went over to my parent's house on an emergency visit: My parent's computer was on its deathbed. It had an extreme case of malware/spyware on it. Was there hope? Could this computer tread on the brink of death yet still live? In this case, yes. I was able to save the computer but I couldn't have done it alone. In these types of situations (malware/spyware issues), there are only two programs I will use and they work great (and FREE):

1) Malwarebytes (http://www.malwarebytes.org/)

2) SuperAntiSpyware (http://www.superantispyware.com/)

So, if you are having virus, malware, or spyware problems, save your money and don't buy Norton or Mcafee (they don't work anyway and they are system hogs!), go with these two programs.

One last note: Using Windows System Restore to take your computer back a couple of days sometimes works as well. This is a good place to start and then install these programs and scan your computer.

Evil, Stubborn Heart: A Devotional Thought on Jeremiah 18:12 and 29:11

By:Mandy

My daily Bible reading today led me to Jeremiah 18. In this passage, God is showing the prophet how the people are like clay in His hands to be formed and re-formed however He chooses...and since He is the master potter, His way is best. While reading this I was reminded of probably the most quoted verse in all of Jeremiah: "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper and not to harm you, plans for a hope and a future" (Jer 29:11).
"Well," I thought, "that is reassuring. I just needed that extra little reminder that in the midst of what seems like uncertainty and chaos to me is all planned out with love from God." Right, but then I got to 18:12, the people's reaction to the Lord's plan of sanctification and a call to repentance. They say "That [repenting, following God's way] is in vain! We will follow our own plans, and will every one act according to the stubbornness of his evil heart."
Honestly, I have never told God verbally that I think His way is vain and pointless and I would like nothing more than to follow my own evil and stubborn heart. But I knew as I read this that is what my heart says more often than not. God says to put our house on the market and I say "No! I'm comfortable here...we've got the baby's room all planned out, I like the paint colors here, I have worked so hard on my garden. You don't really want me to leave all this?" He asks me to submit to my servant-leader husband and I say "Let me complain and nag first! He doesn't know what he's asking of me. I'm pregnant and emotional...just let me have my own way!" He asks me to study His Word, to pray, to serve others sacrificially and I say "Why can't anyone serve me? I have too much to do. I need to rest. I deserve to do my own thing."
Funny how all these words start sounding a lot like what the Israelites said. The point is I believe 29:11 and yet echo 18:12 in my heart. My prayer is that I would truly and fully believe that God's plan is loving and right. My plan, when it breaks with God's commands and leading, may look better at first, but in reality is for my harm and NOT to prosper me or God's kingdom.

"For Sale"

Well, this morning made it official. Our house is on the market. We know, we know...it's a horrible time to sell a house. We are trusting God, if He indeed wants our house to sell, to do so even in a bad real estate market.
Brian has truly felt God leading him to move from the Cartersville area to the Kennesaw/Acworth area, just a bit further south. This would mean we would be in the same community as our church and most of our friends. Honestly, we commute there nearly daily anyways. While a 30 minute drive does not mean much for most home-owners, this move will mean we can reach out to our community AND invite them to our church. We can invite our neighbors to game nights and cookouts hosted by friends without asking them to make such a commute. Cartersville is isolated from metro Atlanta, which is something we've always liked, but we now see this location is isolating us.
We are praying specifically that our house would sell quickly, especially before Baby Stock arrives in February. We also pray that we would find a lovely foreclosed or inexpensive property very close to Christ Community Church.
If you know anyone looking for a cute townhouse in NW Georgia, give us a call!

25 weeks

No picture this week. Our camera has a manufacturer's defect that is being repaired as we type and it's promised arrival is next week.

Just imagine a slowly expanding Mandy, not unlike Violet who turned into a grape after a tragic candy incident in Willy Wonka's Chocolate Factory.

Baby Stock is about 1.5 pounds according to our baby book. There is apparently not much she can't do since the book has stopped listing her weekly skills (such as sucking her thumb, swallowing, etc). Despite this, her possessions have grown considerably with a few visits from the grandparents. She now has a huge bin of clothes with many more to come and a brand new running stroller for outings with Dad.

We took the time this weekend also to brave the corridors of Babies R Us. The registry is online for your viewing pleasure. Please feel free to tell us what we erroneously left off it or the things that will be a complete waste of space (eg. wipe warmer...not on there, but an option for the most scrupulous babies). Please do not think the presence of a Nintendo Wii and its accessories is a mistake. In fact, we believe Babies R Us stocks these for the specific purpose of luring dads into the store. Brian is hoping some kind person will take it upon himself (as we assume it will be a man to have sympathy) to buy the Wii and serve Baby Stock in this compassionate way. I think we all know if it came down to the tummy time mat and an extra controller which Baby Stock would pick for her new life of fun and entertainment. Maybe it's more for the parents' sanity. :)

24 Weeks

Here we are introducing Baby Stock to her new crib. The nursery is coming together with a barnyard theme. Daddy's books and computer are getting crammed into one limited space to make room for a crib, new dresser, baby book shelf, and a glider.

Our friend Sarah may even paint a little farm mural on one of the walls! Why not make it fun right!? Mandy is still trying to convince Brian to get a real chicken to put in a little hayloft. Not sure that's actually going to happen. :)

23 Weeks

Little Baby Stock has made it to the one pound mark! Her mom has gained quite a few more as well. With this new weight accomplishment she has also decided to kick and squirm much more, especially when mom is just laying down for bed.
The picture is getting out a little late this week. We had a little unexpected car break-down issue. Thankfully this "very rare mechanical problem" is being fixed and the car is back to health. The mechanic's bill may deplete Baby Stock's college fund, but we're hoping she's smart enough or a good enough runner to get lots of scholarships! :)

22 Weeks! (and 22 apples)

For the first time this week I noticed this belly getting in the way of things! Bending over and getting up are not super-difficult...but definitely have a different feel than they did a few pounds ago. I am feeling much better than I was the first few months and now my biggest concern is the closest bathroom and the nearest snack!
Baby Stock is growing fast. She is about 12.5 ounces now and 7.5 inches long (according to our pregnancy book). She also has apparently developed eye brows and fingernails as well. We have a doctor's appointment this week where we will be able to find more about our little girl. Pray she is continuing to grow healthy.


Brian also wanted to show the world how he is developing. Here he is "at 22 apples" we just picked in Ellijay.

An Apple Pickin' We A Goin'

My (Brian) last post was on how I love this fall weather and it reminds me of God's glory. And you know what else fall weather brings -- apple picking in Ellijay. Load up the car, pack a lunch and head up I-575 and then turn on Hwy 52 and you will find B.J. Reece's Apple Farm. Mandy and I have found this one to be the best.

We suppose it's much less effort to just pick up a bag of apples at Ingles, but this way is much more fun. You have many different kinds of apples to choose from: Red Delicious, Golden Delicious, Rome Beauty, Mutsu, Yates, Arkansas Black, etc. I (Mandy) love watching Brian climb to the tops of the trees for the hard to reach ones (it seems we think those are usually the best!). We also saw the Cargo family too!

Of course, the best thing is the half bushel of apples sitting in our kitchen now! These will soon be turned into apple crisp, apple pie, apple cake, and whatever else we can think of. Maybe we will have an apple party!

A Moment of Glory

I love the fall weather. Yesterday, as I was leaving work, I stepped outside into a moment of glory. Moments of glory are hard to come by. That is, they are always there but hard to be awakened to. As the creation is always telling the glory of the Creator, yesterday, I was awakened to His glory in creation. I was in awe of how perfect the weather was that I stepped into. It was the kind of weather where you could wear t-shirts or long-sleeves, jeans or shorts, flip-flops or shoes. The sun warmed you up as the cool breeze refreshed you. The grass was dark green and oak tree was turning autumn. It was a great moment.

And in this moment of glory, Jesus was shining His goodness on His creation and I saw a glimpse of His glory. But these moments aren't the only moments of glory. His glory needs more than four seasons or hundreds of different climates, more than sunrises and sunsets, more than all of that. What this moment of glory drew me up to was in all moments, in all places, and in all seasons whether the sun is shining or the earth has just shook, all these moments reflect the vast array of diverse glories in who He is. Each moment wherever you are or I am shouts, "Glory to Jesus". I am thankful that I was awakened for a moment to His glory just a little bit more.

our blessing is a GIRL...

The joys of daddy dates, family walks in the park, cooking with mom in the kitchen, going to ballet dance recitals... it will be a beautiful sight.

taking on shape...

by the hands of our wonderful Creator, He is shaping our little one with great glory and detail.

Our first look... at eight weeks

New life beginning from the Giver of Life.

Remembering Lynn Wofford

Our sweet friend and sister in Christ, Lynn Wofford went to be at home with her Creator this past Saturday. It was a surprise to us all. Lynn was "into everything" at church with her sweet husband, Phil. We sang together on the worship team, served together to encourage missionaries, and even went all the way to Thailand together.
I hope I can always think of this picture and smile. Lynn leading the pack of us in Bangkok with laundry on her head. Love it! A friend told me Lynn had just said she was so excited our baby was a girl. She could not wait to meet her! I pray this little baby is an encouragement to us all as we see one life end here on earth, we have the joy of seeing another begin. All to God's glory.

21 Weeks

The tummy is getting bigger and she is moving a lot more! The pregnancy books say little baby stock is the size of a large banana. I think they are going to soon run out of produce to compare her to.
I went to get my teeth cleaned the other day and either she didn't like it too much or she was really happy. Either way she was tap-dancing the whole time. I didn't like the dentist appointment much either. Who really does?

Hearts Wide Open: Devotional Thought from 2 Cor 6:11-13

By: Mandy
These verses caught my eye...and heart the other day. Paul, addressing the church at Corinth, says "We have spoken freely to you, Corinthians; our heart is wide open. You are not restricted by us, but you are restricted in your own affections. In return (I speak as to children) widen your hearts also."
Paul and his "ministry team" as it were have spent long hard hours and effort pouring themselves into the lives of the Corinthians. They have given time, money, service, and not to mention the letters of 1st and 2nd Corinthians! I wonder if the Corinthians were complaining much like us: "I could grow so much more if Paul was just more compassionate." "Why doesn't he preach as good as sermons as Apollos?" "I just can't get into the worship at this church...we need a new cymbal player like the Macedonians have."
I find myself comparing my preacher and church leaders to just about everyone else, especially the "famous" preachers and worship leaders. I put together pieces of so many different ministries and expect Christ Community Church of Kennesaw, GA to be the perfect image of my creation. I blame my lack of spiritual growth (or boredom at church, wandering thoughts, lack of motivation to serve, etc) on these "failings". I wonder if instead I may be just like the Corinthians, "restricted in [my] own affections." If I am not a conduit (note: not consumer only) of grace (see 6:1) then my heart is closed to be ministered to no matter how spectacular the sermon is, how empathetic the elders are, how profound the music is, or beautiful the church building.
I am like a Corinthian...I am like a child...I suspect many of us are. We need to open our hearts to what God is giving us through our church. This is the only way we can savor Jesus more fully and serve His people with His grace.

She's a GIRL!

We got to find out on my (Mandy's) birthday that we are going to have a daughter. It's amazing what they can see with ultrasound...most of it looked like gray smudges to us! Dresses, bows, and everything pink is already in the shopping carts of the grandmas and friends. We are looking forward to meeting her.
My love for her has grown so much already, especially now that she is not consistently making me sick and I can feel her moving. Apparently she likes Brian's voice, music, and yoga...these things all get her dancing, or at least doing a few kicks!

20 WEEKS!!!

This is at 20 week in Mandy's GameDay "Future Clemson Tiger" Maternity T-Shirt.

i love my wife

yes I do.

brian loves his wife. She is the most amazing woman he has ever met. He love her with all heart and wants to grow old with her in love under Christ's amazing love.

how to blog....

Just signed up for a blog. Now I have to figure out how this works....