Jonah -- Family Night

Hello!

This morning as I sat to do my bible reading I was feeling like I just wanted to read a story, so I read the book of Jonah. My heart was greatly touched by it. I realized that I am often like Jonah. I run from God's will for my life, I fall on my face, and coming running back like a puppy with my tail between my legs. I follow his will and then fall right back into a place of complaining and doubt. What it is about being human with our sinful nature that makes us think that we are better than God?

I was also stunned by what a powerful testimony Jonah was for God even in his running away from God. The others on the boat realized that God is THE God through the power and might that God put forth in the storm. In our terms today we would say that they "accepted". This also brought me a sense of comfort because even in Jonah's disobedience God still used it to bring others to Himself.

I pray that I have the strength and obedience to follow Christ now matter what and stop running in the other direction, but I know that God is with me and He is always at work!

Praise God!

Last night was the Family Night kick-off for the 2009 - 2010 year. Everything went so smoothly -- I think. I was in heaven. I walked in with two of my favorite children...Calvin and Shannon. After Dad left Shannon was having a hard time and was the one who got to calm her down. I love that girl so much! Shortly after she was born I went to Israel and I was afraid that she wouldn't get to know me the way her brother did, but those doubts were short lived. I feel so blessed to have those children in my life.

This is Shannon. Isn't she just adorable!

No Greater Love

This is Isaac Mathew Samuelson. Born to Mat and Anne Samuelson. September 17, 2009 1:35pm 6lbs 15oz 19inches. He is happy and healthy!

Today I was hit with a greater understanding of what love is. As I mentioned before, my very good friend, Anne, just had a baby. She and her husband, Mat, brought the baby into the church to visit everyone. After all the excitement settled Anne and I were talking about the overwhelming love that she has for Isaac, her son. It is unexplainable and overwhelming. I can't even imagine the amount of love that she has for him because I feel a great amount of love for him too. But what hit me even harder than that was the Love that God has for us is even greater than the love a mother or father has for thier child. It is overwhelming.

The book of I John keeps running through my head. The greatness of God's love is impossible to comprehend! I often times think, "Do I really love this person?" I challange myself with the thought...would I give my life for this person? I would say 90% of the time I'd say yes even if I am not really close with the person. But 100% of the time Jesus said Yes! He loves us more than we can humanily understand.

"This is how we know what love is, that Jesus Christ laid down His life for us!"

A Long Time

Well, It has been a long time since I have last posted. Almost a year! I am going to try to keep up with this again, but life has been so busy. Unfortunately blogging is the first thing to go.
Let's see...the last year in a quick over view. I am working part time at a preschool. I wish I were actually teaching but rather I am speech and language tutor. There are many children in this particular program who only speak spanish or spanish is thier second language. I come in and help them learn english and work on pronounciations etc... It is so much fun. The children are great! I know that I am not suppose to have favorites, but there are those few kids that hold a very special place in my heart.
When I returned from Israel last December I did not return to my home church and was church "shopping". In April my home church approached me about working part time because the woman they hired was pregnant and needed to change her hours. I took advantage of that. So, I am back working at Free Christian Church part time. It has been a blessing!
My summer was not very exciting. Although, the head of the Children's department was on Sabbatical so there were three part time workers who ran the show. VBS was a success! We had over 200 children and over 100 volunteers. God showed up and worked amazingly through everyone!
Lets see the other big amazing things are that the church has opened a second site and the family of God is growing.
This summer my dear friend, Sara got married to the man of her dreams! It was a beautiful wedding and it was tons of fun!
And right now the most exciting thing is that my friend Anne had a beautiful baby boy! He is so precious!
Other than that life is just going along. I am taking hebrew and planning a trip back to Israel. I should be graduating with my masters in May and only God knows what will come next.
I will keep you all informed on things and share my heart!
Blessings!