Hi Mike,
I think you hit it on the head when you said regarding the uncertainty of whether to speak or not, "this is really how it is all the time." It's just that the looming end date makes it feel more pressurized. I think people are the same way with death. The actual death rate is 100%, and nothing can increase it. However, when until it comes close, unexpectedly, or involving large numbers, it suddenly seems so "real." But it's "real" all the time. We just aren't aware of it.
Anyway, I think the answer is the one we should use all the time. Make ourselves available to the Lord, and pray, asking him what to do. I find the Spirit leads us whether to speak or remain silent at a given time. And you are right to question the appropriateness of certain overtures.
I think you and Katie have done, and are doing, a great job. Keep it up.
Love,
Tim/Dad
I know that you're not looking for someone to boost your ego, but I just thought I'd pass this along...
Everytime I hear this song I think of you and how proud I am of you and it makes me cry. I am so proud to call you my brother and I am so proud to have Katie as a SIL. This is truly how I feel about you and I know that you and Katie will be abundantly rewarded in the only place that matters for all of your work done through Christ.
Continued...
from above...
"...One by one they came, far as the eye could see, each life somehow touch by your generosity, little things that you have done sacrafice is made.. unnoctied on the earth, but in heaven now proclaimed.
I know up in Heaven your not suppost to cry, but I'm almost sure there where tears in your eyes. As Jesus took your hand, you stood before the Lord, he said "My child look around you, for great is your reward!"
Thank you for giving to the Lord, I am a life that was changed...... Thank you for giving to the Lord... I am so glad you gave."
"Thank You" by Ray Boltz
I love y'all!
"If I'm not being real with these kids on a daily basis, one superficial Christian high note at the end isn't going to have any credibility to it."-- That's so true Mike. I know that that is something I have to remember daily. The things is, I know we shouldn't have to strive for it... Christ should just flow out us naturally, but still... it's tough sometimes. Many prayers are being sent your way...
Wow, thanks for the song Sis. I love you much and can't wait to see you again soon. You've always been an encouragement when I needed it most.
And thanks Jay and Tim for the thoughts, they do help.
wow--great song lyrics! made me tear up! As to the question at hand--glib, pressured responses are rarely heard from the people who most need to hear them. Christ's Life, dripping one day at a time, is what matters. And, that is what you two have done. I, for one, would not cheapen it now by some pat letter, or challenge. They already know. You have dripped God consciousness into them. He is at work. Love, deb.
I love what Tim taught me long ago, witnessing for Christ is "sharing Christ in the power of the Holy Spirit and leaving the results to God" If it was any other way, we would think it was our ability or our super-spirituality that leads other to a saving knowledge of God through His Son Christ. You were open to the leading, prayed about going, worked to obtain the support, left everything and everyone familiar and went.....you went. That is what your call was. Unless you were hurting for these lost people, your time would have been wasted in most ways. All of us should be sad and hurting for those who are our neighbors, co-workers and fellow Crossroads people who have not yet found the LIFE in Christ that we have. I believe you
and Katie will spend the rest of your lives sharing Christ with others. Love, nana
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