S1

My eldest: D1 is married, and lives out of state. This is our second: S1, and he was on a short-term missions trip last week, helping the still-suffering victims of Hurricane Katrina. Before anyone accuses me of painting the picture of a super-saint, let me say that we are a normal family, and I sometimes understand why animals sometimes eat their young.

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DW snapped this shot just moments before they drove away. Right after he left, our dog got real sick, and I was concerned that she might keel over while my son was away. If that happened, the others at home would have a chance to "say goodbye" and begin to process the grieving, while he would be completely unaware of it all until his return. All last week, I was hoping the dog would make it through until S1 arrived. He's back now, and the dog's condition has stabilized; I'd say she is in fair condition right now.

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Sometimes I think about how good it would be when our kids are able to successfully leave the nest. (I mean that in the most positive way and in a realistic way as well.) I suppose that's normal, but this past week, I found myself missing this one a lot. Not just because he was incommunicado while our Cocker Spaniel had one foot in the grave, but I really, really missed him, and could hardly wait to see him back home again.

remembering Judge Lore

In 2005, I went with a handful of people from my church to visit the Philippines and Japan, and to lend a hand to those churches in any way they saw fit. We were greeted at the Manila airport by the Honorable, Judge Lorenzo Veneracion and a welcoming committee. They hung a banner just past customs, saying "mabuhay" (welcome). We were treated to exceptional hospitality from the poorest people we've ever known. They were rich in the Fruit of the Spirit, and in prayer and servanthood. That trip moved me profoundly and this man was a big part of the whole experience. The picture above was taken outside of the Lighthouse Mission in Quezon City. Judge Lore (pronounced loree) is next to the "W" in "Welcome."

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Judge Lore housed us at the school and soup kitchen he established for the poor children of Quezon City. He arranged for transportation to see all kinds of work that was being done on the island of Laguna, and even a tour of the garbage village outside of Manila. His program for us included appointing us as ambassadors, that we might have more lasting opportunities to continue the work that was done while we were there.

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I learned today, that at the age of 74, he was called to be with the Lord. I hope that his work has inspired and paved the way for others to carry on the acts of compassion that he so craved. May God comfort all of those who mourn in his family as well as those friends and co-laborers who grieve at the loss of this honorable servant of the Lord.

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He was a selfless man of action, always doing things for other people. It is hard to find people like that. I think it's safe to say that he cared because God cares, and Jesus' example is what kept him going.

sufficiency

This picture (which I took) is from a real home, which is built on top of a garbage dump. The people living there, are the most poor I have ever seen. They got a whole lotta nothin’.

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Over the weekend, I worshipped as I lifted my voice to the Lord, singing Your Grace is Enough. Then I wondered, is God’s grace really enough for me? I have soooo much of all kinds of stuff. What if God stripped everything away? Would His grace still be enough for me?

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“But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”

2 Cor. 12:9

kumo san

When I was in the Philippines, I caught a humungous live spider. It was not quite as large as my open hand, but definitely bigger than my closed fist. I put it in a Ziploc baggie so I could show everyone, but when I got back to the room two hours later, there was a big tear in the bag, and Kumo (Japanese for spider) was gone!!

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I expected that I would not sleep well that night because this guy was going to return with a few of his brothers for retaliation. The fact is, that we worked so hard that when it was time for bed, I fell asleep in no time at all.