Thursday, February 27, 2014

Elder Gherkins Update

Some days or seasons are just monumental for a family. 

Big things are happening this week with our adult Gherkins and we love cheering them on. Here's a quick update!

  • Jamin placed first in both the 1 mile and 5K races at his first track meet of the season - 22 Feb. 
  • Jared was hired by a San Angelo Law firm! Woot! He will have to continue working at his service job for a bit longer - but this is a step in the direction he wants to head. It should look good when he applies for law school. 
  • BreZaak as well as CyBee love being married (just thought I'd throw that in). 
  • Krista was nominated for "Classified of the Year" - this is through the school district. She says she won't win -  it is nice to be recognized and nominated all the same! 
  • Jamin is writing a thesis for his graduate studies with a working title of, "The Effect of Human Trafficking on National Security." He interviewed a former Ambassador to NATO yesterday. All went well and he may have help getting it shown around when he is done with it. We think this is a God thing as the topic is one which concerns us both as Christians and American citizens. 
  • Krista is going on a mission's trip this summer and will spend approx 6 weeks living at an orphanage in a foreign country. Arielle will be joining her. 
  • Jared is speaking at the above event on his college campus on the 5th of March. It's hard to believe it's been nearly 3 years. 
  • Jamin broke the University's 10K record on the cross country course...today in workout he ran even faster. Since he graduated in December, and immediately enrolled in the University's masters program, he is allowed to race this last track season. Maybe he'll beat his record at a track event. 
It's been a good week to be a Gherkin. ::snort:: 

Choosing Joy!
©2014 D.R.G.
~Coram Deo~
Living all of life before the face of God...

Blessed Normalcy

I realize blessed, heavenly, normal days are slipping away as I don't make time to blog. 

We are double timing on school for a couple of more weeks. That take significantly more time than normal. 

We ARE making time to enjoy this for at least an hour most days of the week: 

Yikes - need to call the optometrist for contacts


and This...
 


We all enjoy the park differently. 

And....even when the weather is 70 degrees outside, and we are enjoying the bright sun...Japan is not far from our hearts and minds as evidenced by the sidewalk art I found. 

Yes, even though we love and are content with the bright sun - we can't help missing this...
The snowiest air base in the world in Northern Japan.  

We've had a couple of friends over to make logistics easier for their Mom and Dad. 


Wednesdays are always full. Our day began with a shared ride to base with Michael so we could go to PWOC.....then we had lunch and a commissary run...and PICKED UP OUR VAN with a brand new fuel pump. Michael says the van is a work of art....wait for it....a Van GO. 

Wednesday night we enjoyed Family Bible Study at the chapel. Well.....five us enjoyed the discussion of Romans 15 and one of us played quietly at the table with her band-a-loom - it works. 

Late at night - finally home again - I remembered the clean sheets needed to be put back on the bed. This cracks me up - the lengths we go to try to make the sheets play nicely with the new mattress topper. 

It is raining today! This makes me happy. We need to do lots of school today so we can visit the state capital tomorrow! ::grin:: We won't be tempted by the perfect weather. 

Oh yes, we've had DMV issues this week - maybe that will be another post...or not...and great things are happening with the older Gherkins....that needs to be another post....but for now...time to hit the books...table school is over and it's time for couch school. 

Choosing Joy!
©2014 D.R.G.
~Coram Deo~
Living all of life before the face of God...

Temptation

Luke 4:1 - 13; I John 2:15 - 16

I have a few thoughts on temptation. 

Temptation is not sin. My response to temptation may be sin. 

I'm struck by a few facts in this passage. 

Via Google Images
1. Jesus' fast was most likely over! It would not have been "sin" or breaking a fast for him to have turned a few stones into bread.  It would have been indulging the cravings of His flesh, looking to another to provide His needs other than Abba, God. 

2. Jesus knew the Word. He didn't argue with Satan. He simply quoted the Word. 

3. Resist - and he'll leave you alone. The tempter leaves - but he'll be back. (4:13)

This reminded me of another passage. After warning about loving the world, John goes on to say this in I John 2:16, "For everything in the world, the cravings of sinful man, the lust (cravings) of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does comes not from the Father but of the world." NIV.


While studying I John, I reached the conclusion that Satan often tempts us in three areas:

  • Cravings of our flesh
  • Cravings of our eyes - what looks good to me
  • Boasting - which tries to meet my needs outside of God's provision
I've watched this pattern as I come across other temptations in the Bible - Adam and Eve's Fall (Gen 3), David and Bathsheba (2 Sam 11) and Jesus' temptation, here in Luke 4. 
  • Satan appealed to the cravings of Jesus flesh (4:2-4). Just turn a few stones to bread. Satisfy the craving. 
  • Satan appealed to Jesus' eyes (4:5-8). He attempted to lure Jesus with the world's glitter. 
  • Satan attempted to get Jesus to do God's will outside of God's purpose and provision  (4:9-12). 
Since temptations will come - from my own flesh or from Satan's hand; since I see this pattern in several cases of Scripture; it is wise for me to be alert! 

What appeals to my flesh? What looks good to me? Where and how do I try to meet my needs apart from God?  I must deal ruthlessly with these areas in my life...to keep temptation from becoming full-blown sinful habits.  Your areas of cravings and temptations will certainly be different than mine - but that's what I love about the gospel. It's about relationship. Walk with Him and He will show you where your areas of weakness are - and then you are wise to alert. 


Choosing Joy!
©2014 D.R.G.
~Coram Deo~
Living all of life before the face of God...