MiKemple

There was an interesting approach to ministering the Word of God last night at L3.
For one, we began in an open forum setting, which we had done before. But we did
not have any music from our worship band. My initial thought, when I was told the
band wouldn't be needed for this service, was that it wasn't right and it wouldn't work.
Thankfully, the band was able to set aside their gifts for a night and we proceeded to
improv a "Rundown" on a handfull of touchy subjects. Because it was a first for us, I think
we tried to stay middle of the road, semi-controversial on two of the topics and very
controversial on the other two. Our hope, with a couple of disclaimers, was to see people
uncomfortable in the approach we took to discussing these topics. The entire situation was
like something that had only happened at home, with those we love the most, those that
know us the best. Not like anything we would want to be seen in public, much less church.
I think it worked to bring glory to our God! Our hearts became tender, repentent even sorrowful (even while practicing). I hope we will be willing to talk about tough issues as
a family of the Living God. Our LORD Jesus was willing to put it out there and He showed us
a way...with love and in truth. From envy to finances to divorce and abortion...we need to
search the Scriptures, the Holy Word of God and learn by the leading of the Holy Spirit to
gain knowledge and understanding of these issues that challenge our relationships.

We have conversations in our "Worship Evangelism", Christian Living Class, that prompt some soul searching and truly some Scripture searching for answers. Who is truly seeking the One True and Living, Holy God? Who is there to stand in the gap and represent our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ? We are empowered by the Holy Spirit to be light in this world...to make a difference and reflect the glory of God. "Reflect" His grace, His love and His compassion for this world of suffering, and experience His joy for His joy is my strength.
Are people coming to the saving knowledge of Jesus, and being healed from their afflictions?
Are we being changed and renewed daily, and growing deeper in our love for God, the Father? These are questions that are regularly coming to mind. How are we going to evaluate and determine a change of course or maybe just an adjustment to better present the Gospel?

These are the some of the reasons for thanksgiving, for rejoicing. Because God has allowed this
beautiful family and these great kids to be a part of my life. They are so great to live life with and I am thankful for the privilege to be here with them. My prayer is that they grow in their faith and walk daily with the Lord. That Jesus is their hope and that all they do brings glory to the Father. Holy Spirit pour out Your love on all they do and say and feel and know. Thank You and I love this blessing You've given.

Smiles of joy and wonder!

Family together and encouraging with love.

Wondering how it is that we rush though life sometimes and miss the moments of purpose, of emphasis. Looking ahead to the next event, the next appointment...failing to listen because our minds are elsewhere, at the next stop. The folks we come in contact with during these brief encounters must have some sense of our detachment. That is not how i want to be with family, friends or strangers ( maybe your next best friend) and yet it seems as though i catch myself looking past people, looking to the next thing. Please forgive me, Father please forgive me, help me to be amazed at the whole thing of life, of relationship, of loving people and of getting to know them. Show me how to listen to You and apply that to the rest of what my purpose is in You.

I was reminded tonight at L3 ( our worship experience on Sunday nights at Lighthouse CC )
that I had a blog and I should post something new. Please forgive me for my lapse of memory. Thank you Holly and Jennifer for the encouragement to blog-on. We had an amazing time tonight at L3 with Pastor Jason Grate ( Holly's husband and Elijah, Emelia & Ezekial's dad) teaching us on the 10th Commandment, "Thou shall not covet"...with some great envy talk blended in like only Jason can do. Greenhouse Ministries...God bless you and your impact in Eastown.
These are two of my beautiful daughters, Liz and Jamie on our recent camping trip over the Fourth Holiday. We had a great time on the bike trails, in the lake and weathering the storms. Isn't it just like living life with joy of family, friends and challenges that make you really appreciate this gift we've been given. Glory to God in the Highest and peace to His people on Earth.