You guys go to church or something?

We're already seeing a big part of our mission field here....the neighborhood kids. It seems like they're always around to play. The boys love it, but Rachel and I are still getting used to it all. One particular boy is a challenge. Little (well not so little) Tyler, a nine year old boy that lives a couple blocks over has been at our house for 10 or so hours that last couple days. He is very demanding and not very polite. A few minutes ago, we found him inside helping self to snacks and the Play Station. When asked about it he said that he saw Caleb do it. Rachel calmly explained that Caleb actually lives here but she would gladly get Tyler something if he would be willing to ask first.

My office overlooks the side yard where Tyler has been loudly expressing his desires for how play time should go. Presently the kids are playing in the sprinkler. Well I should so that Tyler is playing in the sprinkler. He evidently thinks it is "cool" to lay on top of it and keep the others kids from the fun. I just about yelled, "Get off my sprinkler you chubby punk." In fact just seconds ago I had opened my mouth to express a slightly nicer version of the above statement when I heard Josh ask Tyler this question. "Tyler do you love God and Jesus." To which Tyler responded with a question of his own, "You guys go to church or something?" Caleb began to tell him about our church.

My boys' sensitivity to Tyler's spiritual needs was a strong contrast to my selfishness and the frustration I had over Tyler's loud interruptions to my sermon preparation instantly began to preach to my heart. God loves even the sprinkler hogs and it's no accident that Tyler lives nearby. Pray for him (and for us!) . Maybe someday soon Tyler will go to church or something!

Well guess what...Tyler just walked into my office....no kidding! Not sure how he got in here, but he's asking what I'm studying so I guess it's time to live out loud!

"Dad, guess what I prayed when I woke up"

I was welcomed yesterday morning by Josh nearly shouting, "Dad, guess what I prayed when I woke up." He didn't give me time to guess but continued, "I prayed, 'God thank you sooooo much for this house and can we please live here forever.'"

It was great to hear his excitement about our new home. Greater still to hear his gratitude directed to God. We had a good talk about God's goodness and provision.

"Can we please live here forever." Josh's request got me thinking. Later in the day I talked to Josh again about our utlimate forever home. If we are listening God will remind us every day that we are aliens and strangers here, and that we are to be living for more that what meets the eye. These are good reminders for us as we take nearly daily trips to Menards (something like a Home Depot). Kingdom perspective; that's our prayer these days for our family, for our church fellowship and for all believers.

All for Him!

Three cats + 1970's shag carpet = Major asthma attack

After a week of moving and a week serving as a speaker/music leader (Rachel led the music thank goodness :)) for a camp in Virginia the entire family is back home and settling in.

Sorry it's been so long for a new post. The last month has been crazy. We're finally unpacking the mountain of boxes in every room. Unfortunately the digital camera is in one of those boxes....so no new pictures yet. We should be able to find it soon.

The previous owner's three cats + 30 year old shag carpet = a major asthma attack on move in day. I was here working alone when my cat allergies set off the worst asthma attack I've every had. I crawled down from up stairs and passed out sucking air from an air condition vent in the living room. Somehow I woke up 2 hours later in our rental house 10 miles away with a major head ache. God was protecting in a powerful way.

All that to say that the major project has been "de-cating" the house. After a lot of man hours asthma medicine, itchy eyes, and hives, we're finally "breathing easy" and smelling french vanilla air freshners instead of kitty litter :)

Gasping for each breath reminds you how feeble you are. We're completely dependent on our Creator. We continue to learn this lesson in many ways and are grateful to be able to play a small part in what He's doing here in central Illinois.

More updates with pics coming soon. Thanks for your prayers.

All for Him,
Steve for the family