amazing

Father of love, who planned the way

To rescue me, who'd gone astray

Sending your son, forever blessed,

To live my life and die my death

For me who'd raised my angry fist,

For me whose life is like a mist

I broke your law, You gave me grace

Jesus became my hiding place

Blinded by sin, I hated light

I loved the dark, my soul was night

I ran toward hell at fright'ning pace,

So smug without a hiding place

I fled from You, but You decreed

And almighty love arrested me

You broke my heart, drove me to grace

Jesus became my hiding place

How I recall awakened fear

My guilt would not let me draw near

I looked to law, but found no friend

No hiding place, I stood condemned

But then I looked upon a tree

There Jesus hung, instead of me

My heavy load gave way to praise

Jesus became my hiding place

Though thunder roll and lightening crash
They cannot move me from your grasp

And though outwardly I wast away,

I rest in You, my hiding place

Though mountains fall into the sea

You will not lose Your grip on me

Until the day I see the face

Of Jesus Christ my hiding place

candid photo: beks

and yes, wales is coming...

memorization

(photocredit: ? from dad's computer)

"All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God. Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all."

2 Corinthians 4.15-17

children.

(last photo by beks)

Children. They're such living examples of God's goodness, are they not? That He would choose to create humans so as to start life so small and precious...

They're incredibly creative. I love their crazy logic. Their nonsensical thought process. Sometimes trying to figure out how to answer thier question is difficult, as you can't figure out exactly what they're asking you about. It's like walking through your best friend's house in the dark. It's familiar and you know it; but you're thrown off because you're so used to "seeing" it. (i'm not making sense. forget the poor analogy.)

Kids display God's patience in growing us "big people". Haha. How often when dealing with their sin do I find my own is just as involved in the problem! I'm amazed at how my attitude is reflected in their behavior. The days when damaris comes to work not relying on His grace? Those are the days I wonder how much sleep they got...disruptions and delights fall on both days, but when I am full of His joy; the roughest day can run smooth.

I feel so blessed to have kids a part of my job. I've come to love both "my familes" dearly. I think they teach me more than I teach them...we'll see if I remember any of it when I have my 5. or 6. ;)

"Jesus called them to him, saying, "Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God." luke 18.16

{my apologies for ripping that verse out of context,but i think we all know background}

15

Well Josiah. Tomorrow "little" brother can get his driving permit. Or could, if it wasn't a sunday. Busy season, eh? Piano, bass lessons, art lessons, high school, serving Grace Church, keeping the fam in constant laughter...I think you're too busy to start driving. Maybe next year. (just kiddin').

Brothers [and sisters. but they don't come into this post] are the best things since chocolate.

Happy birthday kid. You're a good egg.

"kangeroo"

a reprieve

{thanks to mum wells for the photo}

2 months ago, Grandma Benjamin's CEA counts were in the thousands. The cancer had become immune to the chemo. Doctors assigned an intense new chemo. We prayed. And while hoping, wondered if it would do much of anything. She got her latest CEA reading today: 52.5!!! Can you say GOD? How revealing it is to have your prayers answered in a way you never expected.
Hence the song. Even though it's been posted by others before. I'm putting it up too, because it has been our "theme song" for a long time now.

Still I wonder. Is this the beginning of a miracle? Or just a small reprieve? I wonder, but it's not a nervous wonder. I know that whatever happens next, God is trustworthy. He is faithful. It's a truth that doesn't change. Whether hope shines as brightly as it does now; or whether it's a glimpse of light seemingly overshadowed by darkness. Either way it's a chance to remember the great comfort: HE is SOVEREIGN.

Even though I walk through the valley
Of the shadow of death
Your perfect love is casting out fear
And even when I’m caught in the middle
Of the storms of this life
I won’t turn back I know You are near
And I will fear no evil
For my God is with me
And if my God is with me
Whom then shall I fear?
O no, You never let go
Through the calm and through the storm
O no, You never let go
In every high and every low
O no, You never let go
Lord, You never let go of me
I can see a light that is coming
For the heart that holds on
A glorious light beyond all compare
And there will be an end to these troubles
But until that day comes
Still I will praise you

.spread His grace
dams.