Today, I received a wonderful surprise and blessing. I had written previously that two families in our church has blessed us with surprises in November and December. I was at a loss for words then and can just say, "Praise the Lord." These families' generosity reveals a picture of what Jesus wants the church to be.
Back to today-I left for lunch and got in my van and found an envelope taped to my steering wheel. I thought "this is strange." I opened the envelope and it contained a note and cash that was to be used to help us pay double mortgages this month. I truly don't know why our house in Iola has not sold, but what I do know is that God has provided for us in amazing ways over the last 14 months. I want to say thanks to my anonymous donor and to give praise to God. I laugh to myself as I think that I will be preaching this Sunday and one of my points is that we need to "get giving".
Here is my testimony today: life does not always work out as we have planned, but we have an awesome God who knows our needs, hears our prayers, and provides for us in ways that we cannot even fathom or imagine.
Praise Be To God!
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Monday, January 4, 2010
2010 Family Goals
Yesterday, we spent the day at home and had our first family worship of the year. I decided that I would challenge the family to 2 specific goals in 2 areas of our lives. Above our front door, Bethany has put up the following phrase, "Love God. Love Others." It is a great reminder as I leave the house each day. I decided to pick two ways that we as a family can do both of those things in 2010. Here is what my goals are for the Martin's in these areas:
- Love God--As a family, we are going to strive to spend time with God alone at least 5 days of the week in prayer and Bible reading. Our challenge is to pray for each member of the family during our prayer times and to get into God's Word on a regular basis. We will also strive to have a good attitude during family worship as well as corporate worship. We will seek to learn as much as possible during these times of worship.
- Love Others-The two areas are respect and service. In the area of respect, the kids are to honor and obey us as parents. We, in turn, will respect and love them as we discipline and teach them. The kids are also to respect their siblings. We are also to respect others in our world whether that be teachers, neighbors, friends, leaders, etc. The second area is to be a servant. We are to look for opportunities to be a servant in 2010. This can come in many shapes and sizes, but we want to be generous and giving more than we were in the previous year. We hope to start supporting a Compassion or World Vision child as a family. I hope we can develop an attitude of others first in our lives.
I look forward to these goals for 2010. The kids seem to be ready for the challenge. I intentionally did not call them resolutions because they seem to be too easy to break. I will share how things are going with these goals throughout the year.
What are your spiritual goals for your family this year?
Saturday, January 2, 2010
Happy New Year!
Happy New Year to everyone!
Here I am back in Hesston typing on my "new to me" laptop-thanks to Bethany's Uncle Bob. Both Bethany and I are now able to spend our time on the computer at the same time and we don't have to share.
I have not been posting for the last week as I was on vacation. I spent the last week in Yates Center. I enjoyed the relaxing days and especially the time when I took my kids and nieces sledding 5 days in a row. For those that are interested, we went to 3 different hills-one on north side of vo-ag building at high school, one on northwest corner of new high school gym, and the last was at the old water plant. The kids had a great time. It was really cold the last two days, but we spent an hour each day the previous three.
I also enjoyed getting to see the Abbott's while in Iola for a brief visit on Wednesday. We had to check on the house and wanted to give give Mitchell and Mackenzie some time to spend with our neighbors across the street so we went to the square and caught Eddie and Jeannette. It was a great visit!
New Year's Eve was a quiet one. I didn't even make it to midnight. I am getting old. The kids really wanted to make it, but they went to sleep around 11:30. On New Year's Day, we showed our house in Iola again. We are hoping for a contract very soon. Please pray with us for that house to sell.
I look forward to another year of blogging. I am thankful for so many things and am ready for a great 2010. Stay tuned!
Here I am back in Hesston typing on my "new to me" laptop-thanks to Bethany's Uncle Bob. Both Bethany and I are now able to spend our time on the computer at the same time and we don't have to share.
I have not been posting for the last week as I was on vacation. I spent the last week in Yates Center. I enjoyed the relaxing days and especially the time when I took my kids and nieces sledding 5 days in a row. For those that are interested, we went to 3 different hills-one on north side of vo-ag building at high school, one on northwest corner of new high school gym, and the last was at the old water plant. The kids had a great time. It was really cold the last two days, but we spent an hour each day the previous three.
I also enjoyed getting to see the Abbott's while in Iola for a brief visit on Wednesday. We had to check on the house and wanted to give give Mitchell and Mackenzie some time to spend with our neighbors across the street so we went to the square and caught Eddie and Jeannette. It was a great visit!
New Year's Eve was a quiet one. I didn't even make it to midnight. I am getting old. The kids really wanted to make it, but they went to sleep around 11:30. On New Year's Day, we showed our house in Iola again. We are hoping for a contract very soon. Please pray with us for that house to sell.
I look forward to another year of blogging. I am thankful for so many things and am ready for a great 2010. Stay tuned!
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
St. Nick's Tears by Greg Stier
The following is a poem by Greg Stier of Dare 2 Share Ministries. I follow him on his blog and really enjoyed this post. I always enjoyed Dare 2 Share Youth Conferences while in youth ministry. Greg has a great heart for reaching people with the gospel. Read on for great thoughts on St. Nick.
St. Nick's Tears
Can you hear St. Nick crying?
His tears fall softly on the ground.
They’re hard to hear beyond the hustle
Of holiday cheer and Christmas sounds.
Before we transformed him into Santa
He was a real man of flesh and blood.
Only one thing about him was different,
It was a heart that beat strong for God.
When he was young he lost his parents.
They left him all their worldly wealth.
But young St. Nick had no concern
About his own financial health.
He used his money to feed the poor
To help those in real need.
He chose a life of selfless service,
Instead of worldly greed.
He took care of impoverished children
By giving them coins of gold.
He slipped the gifts under doors at night
And from this act his legend grows.
It has grown as wide as Santa .
And deep as North Pole snow.
From flying reindeer to little elves
Or so the story of goes.
The modern Santa loves children too.
He gives them gifts at night.
He drops the presents and flies away,
Before we catch a sight.
But behind the fable lies the truth
Of an amazing boy called “Nick,”
Who gave up his earthly riches
To help the poor and sick.
The real St. Nick should be the hero,
He gave it all to follow God.
He helped others in secret,
And not for man’s applause.
A persecution against Christians
Spread throughout the land.
Although tortured and imprisoned,
For Christ he took his stand.
He refused to bow his knee to idols.
Though tortured, he would not give in.
He would rather lose his own life
Than disown the One who died for Him.
And now from heaven St. Nick cries
He sees our selfish greed,
How we’ve forsaken our Christmas calling
Of serving those in desperate need.
He cries because he sees us bow
To the naughty, not the nice,
For we serve the god of wrapping paper
Instead of the true Lord, Jesus Christ.
The One who gave up untold riches,
The One who lived to die for sins,
The One in whom we put our trust in,
The One in whom new life begins.
Can you hear St. Nick crying?
Do you have his broken heart?
Are you ready for something deeper?
Do you want a brand new start?
If you’re sick of yuletide fables,
If you’re tired of Christmas greed,
Then put your faith in Jesus,
And reach out to those in need.
With each present that you open up,
And each present that you give,
May you remember the One who died,
So that you and I could live.
The spirit of St. Nicholas
Is alive and well today
It began 2,000 years ago
In a manger filled with hay.
St. Nick's Tears
Can you hear St. Nick crying?
His tears fall softly on the ground.
They’re hard to hear beyond the hustle
Of holiday cheer and Christmas sounds.
Before we transformed him into Santa
He was a real man of flesh and blood.
Only one thing about him was different,
It was a heart that beat strong for God.
When he was young he lost his parents.
They left him all their worldly wealth.
But young St. Nick had no concern
About his own financial health.
He used his money to feed the poor
To help those in real need.
He chose a life of selfless service,
Instead of worldly greed.
He took care of impoverished children
By giving them coins of gold.
He slipped the gifts under doors at night
And from this act his legend grows.
It has grown as wide as Santa .
And deep as North Pole snow.
From flying reindeer to little elves
Or so the story of goes.
The modern Santa loves children too.
He gives them gifts at night.
He drops the presents and flies away,
Before we catch a sight.
But behind the fable lies the truth
Of an amazing boy called “Nick,”
Who gave up his earthly riches
To help the poor and sick.
The real St. Nick should be the hero,
He gave it all to follow God.
He helped others in secret,
And not for man’s applause.
A persecution against Christians
Spread throughout the land.
Although tortured and imprisoned,
For Christ he took his stand.
He refused to bow his knee to idols.
Though tortured, he would not give in.
He would rather lose his own life
Than disown the One who died for Him.
And now from heaven St. Nick cries
He sees our selfish greed,
How we’ve forsaken our Christmas calling
Of serving those in desperate need.
He cries because he sees us bow
To the naughty, not the nice,
For we serve the god of wrapping paper
Instead of the true Lord, Jesus Christ.
The One who gave up untold riches,
The One who lived to die for sins,
The One in whom we put our trust in,
The One in whom new life begins.
Can you hear St. Nick crying?
Do you have his broken heart?
Are you ready for something deeper?
Do you want a brand new start?
If you’re sick of yuletide fables,
If you’re tired of Christmas greed,
Then put your faith in Jesus,
And reach out to those in need.
With each present that you open up,
And each present that you give,
May you remember the One who died,
So that you and I could live.
The spirit of St. Nicholas
Is alive and well today
It began 2,000 years ago
In a manger filled with hay.
Sunday, December 20, 2009
Martin Christmas Letter 2009
We decided to do things a little different this year and post our Christmas letter on my blog. Another difference will be that it is written by J.L. this year instead of Bethany. So, here goes.
Greetings Friends and Family,
The Martins have had a great year in Hesston, KS. Here are some highlights for each member of the family:
J.L.--I am loving my new ministry position of Associate Pastor of Family Ministry at Hesston MB Church. I don't know that any ministry has been as great of a fit for my passions and spiritual gifts. For those who are unfamiliar with my position, I oversee the children's ministry at the church by providing training, curriculum, and encouragement to a great group of volunteers who lead the specific ministries such as nursery, Sunday School, VBS, Children's Church, and our mid-week program. I spend most of my time focused on couples and families. I have personally visited with more than 30 couples over the last year to get to know them and see how the church can equip and minister to them. A few highlights would be starting a prayer group once a month, implementing a new ministry for 5th & 6th graders, and starting D6 Dads (a group for dads who learn, pray for, and challenge one another). Some other favorites include mentoring at the elementary school, lifting weights, and playing basketball over the noon hour. I still love the opportunity I have to take the kids to parks, swimming, playing in the yard, walks, and learning about God together at home.
Bethany--Bethany is keeping busy as a wife and mother. One of my favorite parts of the day is to hear what Molly has done while they stay home together. I think my favorite quote of the year was "living with my two year old is kind of like living with a monkey---always entertaining, but exhausting and very messy :)" She is very busy with music at the church. She has been organizing special music for the worship service as well as singing in the worship team. She is also leading music for Hide N Seek (our mid-week program for children). Right now, she is busy being creative and making presents for Christmas. She has also been leading a small group of moms on Tuesday morning for our community Mom 2 Mom ministry. She is a great leader and I have loved watching her prepare and lead that group. She is also involved with HELP (Hesston Elementary Parents). We both enjoy hosting and leading our parents' small group.
Mitchell-I cannot believe that Mitchell will be 10 this year. He is a very active boy who loves school. He has been in Mr. Lafferty's class for two years (looping-same teacher for 2 grades) and loves him as a teacher. He has become quite a reader. We cannot keep him supplied with good books. He continues to love math. He still loves Legos! He has also participated in several sports over the last year (indoor soccer, baseball, outdoor soccer, and basketball). His favorites are basketball and soccer. One of his highlights of the past year was our vacation to Tennessee and Branson. He was able to spend time with cousins in Tennessee and rode his first roller coasters (Thunderation & Powder Keg) at Silver Dollar City. He is already talking about riding Wildfire this year.
Mackenzie-Mackenzie turned 7 in 2009. She continues to be a great helper in so many areas. She is our caring one who loves to help with Molly. She is in Mr. Schrag's class again this year (looping) and enjoys him as a teacher. She enjoys school too and loves helping in her class. She will probably end up either as a nurse or teacher. She has also been participating in sports this year (coach pitch and outdoor soccer). She also enjoyed our vacation this summer spending it with Katelyn and Aunt Judy and water rides at Silver Dollar City. She has become quite the seamstress this year. Bethany worked with her on her "kiddie" sewing machine and she quickly moved up to the bigger machine. She made a pillow for one of her friends at school and came home the next day with orders for more. She ended up making pillows for every girl in her class. Her quote was "it was the best day of her life" being needed to make pillows.
Megan-Our little redhead turned 6 this year and continues to have spunk. She is in Mrs. Lafferty's class (yes, her teacher married Mitchell's teacher this year). She enjoys reading. She has one friend that she is very close to at school. She loves spending time with her cousin, Morgan. Often you will find Megan entertaining herself (singing or talking to herself) in her bedroom or outside. She learned to ride her bike this year which motivated Mackenzie to learn as well. Megan participated in t-ball and outdoor soccer this year. One of her highlights is going swimming either at the Wellness Center or city pool.
Molly-Molly continues to make us laugh on a regular basis. She loves to have books read to her throughout the day. She also loves playing with friends from church. She started Sunday School this fall and loves being in Mr. & Mrs. Roth's class. Molly loves to go next door to her buddy, Jacob's house even when they he is not home. Jacob and Molly love playing together on his fort. They get so excited when they see each other! She enjoys going on walks to the "edge of Hesston" with daddy or as a family to the Arboretum. She loves to talk and being outside. As the quote above shows, she is into everything right now. She has no fear. She loved going on the big water slide in Branson with daddy this summer. She transitioned from the crib to a "big girl" bed this fall as well as saying goodbye to her pacifier. She seems to love taking off her diaper and being naked during nap time which has caused some laughs and messes too. Molly's personality and smile brings joy to many on a regular basis.
I hope you have had a great year in 2009. We, as a family, are blessed in so many ways. We look forward to 2010. We hope you will celebrate the true reason for the season, Jesus, this Christmas. As I posted in a previous entry, "All I Need to Know About Christmas I learned from Jesus." He offers us peace, joy, hope, and love. We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Greetings Friends and Family,
The Martins have had a great year in Hesston, KS. Here are some highlights for each member of the family:
J.L.--I am loving my new ministry position of Associate Pastor of Family Ministry at Hesston MB Church. I don't know that any ministry has been as great of a fit for my passions and spiritual gifts. For those who are unfamiliar with my position, I oversee the children's ministry at the church by providing training, curriculum, and encouragement to a great group of volunteers who lead the specific ministries such as nursery, Sunday School, VBS, Children's Church, and our mid-week program. I spend most of my time focused on couples and families. I have personally visited with more than 30 couples over the last year to get to know them and see how the church can equip and minister to them. A few highlights would be starting a prayer group once a month, implementing a new ministry for 5th & 6th graders, and starting D6 Dads (a group for dads who learn, pray for, and challenge one another). Some other favorites include mentoring at the elementary school, lifting weights, and playing basketball over the noon hour. I still love the opportunity I have to take the kids to parks, swimming, playing in the yard, walks, and learning about God together at home.
Bethany--Bethany is keeping busy as a wife and mother. One of my favorite parts of the day is to hear what Molly has done while they stay home together. I think my favorite quote of the year was "living with my two year old is kind of like living with a monkey---always entertaining, but exhausting and very messy :)" She is very busy with music at the church. She has been organizing special music for the worship service as well as singing in the worship team. She is also leading music for Hide N Seek (our mid-week program for children). Right now, she is busy being creative and making presents for Christmas. She has also been leading a small group of moms on Tuesday morning for our community Mom 2 Mom ministry. She is a great leader and I have loved watching her prepare and lead that group. She is also involved with HELP (Hesston Elementary Parents). We both enjoy hosting and leading our parents' small group.
Mitchell-I cannot believe that Mitchell will be 10 this year. He is a very active boy who loves school. He has been in Mr. Lafferty's class for two years (looping-same teacher for 2 grades) and loves him as a teacher. He has become quite a reader. We cannot keep him supplied with good books. He continues to love math. He still loves Legos! He has also participated in several sports over the last year (indoor soccer, baseball, outdoor soccer, and basketball). His favorites are basketball and soccer. One of his highlights of the past year was our vacation to Tennessee and Branson. He was able to spend time with cousins in Tennessee and rode his first roller coasters (Thunderation & Powder Keg) at Silver Dollar City. He is already talking about riding Wildfire this year.
Mackenzie-Mackenzie turned 7 in 2009. She continues to be a great helper in so many areas. She is our caring one who loves to help with Molly. She is in Mr. Schrag's class again this year (looping) and enjoys him as a teacher. She enjoys school too and loves helping in her class. She will probably end up either as a nurse or teacher. She has also been participating in sports this year (coach pitch and outdoor soccer). She also enjoyed our vacation this summer spending it with Katelyn and Aunt Judy and water rides at Silver Dollar City. She has become quite the seamstress this year. Bethany worked with her on her "kiddie" sewing machine and she quickly moved up to the bigger machine. She made a pillow for one of her friends at school and came home the next day with orders for more. She ended up making pillows for every girl in her class. Her quote was "it was the best day of her life" being needed to make pillows.
Megan-Our little redhead turned 6 this year and continues to have spunk. She is in Mrs. Lafferty's class (yes, her teacher married Mitchell's teacher this year). She enjoys reading. She has one friend that she is very close to at school. She loves spending time with her cousin, Morgan. Often you will find Megan entertaining herself (singing or talking to herself) in her bedroom or outside. She learned to ride her bike this year which motivated Mackenzie to learn as well. Megan participated in t-ball and outdoor soccer this year. One of her highlights is going swimming either at the Wellness Center or city pool.
Molly-Molly continues to make us laugh on a regular basis. She loves to have books read to her throughout the day. She also loves playing with friends from church. She started Sunday School this fall and loves being in Mr. & Mrs. Roth's class. Molly loves to go next door to her buddy, Jacob's house even when they he is not home. Jacob and Molly love playing together on his fort. They get so excited when they see each other! She enjoys going on walks to the "edge of Hesston" with daddy or as a family to the Arboretum. She loves to talk and being outside. As the quote above shows, she is into everything right now. She has no fear. She loved going on the big water slide in Branson with daddy this summer. She transitioned from the crib to a "big girl" bed this fall as well as saying goodbye to her pacifier. She seems to love taking off her diaper and being naked during nap time which has caused some laughs and messes too. Molly's personality and smile brings joy to many on a regular basis.
I hope you have had a great year in 2009. We, as a family, are blessed in so many ways. We look forward to 2010. We hope you will celebrate the true reason for the season, Jesus, this Christmas. As I posted in a previous entry, "All I Need to Know About Christmas I learned from Jesus." He offers us peace, joy, hope, and love. We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Friday, December 18, 2009
Books I Am Reading
Here are the books I am reading right now:
Think Orange by Reggie Joiner
Deep Church by Jim Belcher
Grace Based Parenting by Tim Kimmel
God, Marriage, and Family by Andreas Kostenberger
Crazy Love by Francis Chan
Unfashionable by Tullian Tchividjian
Raising a Modern-Day Joseph by Larry Fowler
Parenting in the Pew by Robbie Castleman
They Call Me Dad by Ken Canfield
If you are thinking, he has been reading some of these books for months. You are right! Some I am reading a second time. Others I prefer to read a chapter each week and think about more deeply. Any of these would be good reads for you. Happy Reading!
Think Orange by Reggie Joiner
Deep Church by Jim Belcher
Grace Based Parenting by Tim Kimmel
God, Marriage, and Family by Andreas Kostenberger
Crazy Love by Francis Chan
Unfashionable by Tullian Tchividjian
Raising a Modern-Day Joseph by Larry Fowler
Parenting in the Pew by Robbie Castleman
They Call Me Dad by Ken Canfield
If you are thinking, he has been reading some of these books for months. You are right! Some I am reading a second time. Others I prefer to read a chapter each week and think about more deeply. Any of these would be good reads for you. Happy Reading!
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Sing
This week, has been full of singing in our home and church. Last Sunday, Bethany and Jennea Heinrichs led our children in great music to worship Jesus as part of our Christmas program. The kids did a great job and they had so much joy singing the songs. It was great to watch each of them. That evening, we continued our singing as we went caroling at Schowalter Villa (our local nursing home). It was great hearing the harmonies and singing of multiple generations sharing the gift of song as an act of service to the elderly.
This week, our family has become hooked on Sing Off on NBC. It is a singing competition that started with 8 acappella groups. Each night some of the groups are eliminated. I have to admit it is the first time I have actually voted for anything on TV. The kids were so into it. These groups have tight harmonies and have all been great. It is amazing how all of the music is from their voices alone. Absolutely no instruments! We look forward to the finale on Monday, December 21st.
This Sunday, I am looking forward to our worship service at Hesston MB that will include a praise choir. This choir has been working for the last several weeks to share some special numbers as part of our worship. I heard them practicing last night and we will be blessed on Sunday. One of the songs that they are doing is called, "Sing" and includes a solo by Amy Turner. If you are looking for some place to attend church this Sunday and are in the Hesston area, come to Hesston MB Church.
All of these examples remind me of the power of song. It is not surprising that we are told in Psalm 100 to "make a joyful noise." Our house has been full of music the last few weeks with carols and Christmas music almost non-stop. I love this time of year. So, as we prepare for Christmas, with a joyful heart to Jesus, Go and Sing!
This week, our family has become hooked on Sing Off on NBC. It is a singing competition that started with 8 acappella groups. Each night some of the groups are eliminated. I have to admit it is the first time I have actually voted for anything on TV. The kids were so into it. These groups have tight harmonies and have all been great. It is amazing how all of the music is from their voices alone. Absolutely no instruments! We look forward to the finale on Monday, December 21st.
This Sunday, I am looking forward to our worship service at Hesston MB that will include a praise choir. This choir has been working for the last several weeks to share some special numbers as part of our worship. I heard them practicing last night and we will be blessed on Sunday. One of the songs that they are doing is called, "Sing" and includes a solo by Amy Turner. If you are looking for some place to attend church this Sunday and are in the Hesston area, come to Hesston MB Church.
All of these examples remind me of the power of song. It is not surprising that we are told in Psalm 100 to "make a joyful noise." Our house has been full of music the last few weeks with carols and Christmas music almost non-stop. I love this time of year. So, as we prepare for Christmas, with a joyful heart to Jesus, Go and Sing!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
