Sunday, March 28, 2010

Happy Birthday, Lindsay!



We recently celebrated Lindsay's 9th birthday. We had a family party, with cake, ice cream, presents, and a game. On another day, we had a seminary family over for supper, and ended up with a lot of kids (12) over, while their older siblings went next door for a dance.

Some of Lindsay's favorite gifts were: a pack of blank paper (a hot commodity at our house), and a bug cage.

Happy Birthday, Lindsay!

Sunday, March 21, 2010

Variations on Curious George

Since KU lost in the second round of the NCAA tournament, I think it is time for a little humor. My children are a never-ending source of funny stories, and here is one of my recent favorites, as we sat around the dinner table:

Serious George was a very somber monkey, and always very serious.

Delirious George was a dizzy little monkey, and always very delirious.

Hilarious George was a funny little monkey, and always very hilarious.

Furious George was an angry little monkey, and always very furious.
(my favorite)

"A cheerful heart is good medicine." Proverbs 17:22

Friday, March 12, 2010

Thoughts on Communion

I come, O Savior, to Thy table,
for weak and weary is my soul;
Thou, Bread of Life, alone art able,
To satisfy and make me whole:
Lord may Thy body and Thy blood
be for my soul the highest good!

I can recall an instance before I was Lutheran when I felt guilty for taking communion. As a confessional Lutheran, I realize that I was really receiving nothing when I took communion back then, whereas now I am receiving His Body and Blood. Why then, when I am receiving so much now and not feeling guilty for taking it, did I then feel guilty for receiving communion when it was nothing?

Now, when I receive communion, I no longer feel put under the Law. I know that I am forgiven all my sins, and I am so thankful that God's mercies are never-ending.

Sunday, March 7, 2010

On My Heart Imprint Your Image

On my heart imprint your image,
Blessed Jesus, King of grace,
That life's riches, cares, and pleasures
Never may Your work erase;
Let the clear inscription be:
Jesus crucified for me,
Is my life, my hope's foundation,
And my glory and salvation!


by Thomas Hansen Kingo, 1634-1703 (Lutheran Service Book, 422)

This is my kind of song. It is not full of verses about what I am going to do, but is full of Christ's work for me. What is it that I can do that avails before God? Absolutely nothing, so why bother singing a song about it? Christianity is unique because it is not about what we do, it is about what Jesus has done, and continues to do on our behalf. With songs such as this we praise the Lord, "proclaiming thanksgiving aloud, and telling all your wondrous deeds." Psalm 26:7