Seeing things

"Mom, if you close your eyes you can see things!" This profound statement came from Esther after our evening prayer time. "Yes, Esther, that is called imagination.: "Mom, close your eyes and tell me what you see." Our little girl is growing in mind and body!

The imagination is an amazing thing, given to us by God. With the imagination we can see what is not; we can hope, dream and create. But, even more powerful than imagination, is God-given vision. In the book of Revelation, the apostle John had a vision for a purpose: The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show to his servants the things that must soon take place. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John, who bore witness to the word of God and to the testimony of Jesus Christ, even to all that he saw. (Revelation 1:1-2) 

In 1 Corinthians 2:9-10 we are told "But, as it is written, 'What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him'--these things God has revealed to us through the Spirit". God has given his people great gifts; his word, his spirit, the fellowship of believers. He has given us the promise of his coming. A beautiful part of John's vision captures the scene: Then I heard what seemed to be the voice of a great multitude, like the roar of many waters and like the sound of mighty peals of thunder, crying out, "Hallelujah! For the Lord our God the Almighty reigns. Let us rejoice and exult and give him the glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and his Bride has made herself ready; it was granted her to clothe herself with fine linen, bright and pure"--for the fine linen is the righteous deeds of the saints (Revelation 19:6-8).

As we wait for that glorious day, our daily task is to make ourselves ready by repenting of sin, responding in faith, loving others, growing in the grace and knowledge of God. Lord, have mercy on us and incline our hearts towards you!

Ed has completed online Greek and participated in three intensive weekend classes. He still has 2 papers to complete before his semester's work is done. He has been privileged to have professors who are in the "golden years" but still actively ministering and working to train the next generation of ministers. Dr. Randall Toms drove from Baton Rouge, LA to teach on Eschatology and the Book of Revelation. If you want to find spiritual encouragement listen to Dr. Toms devotionals! Dr. Curtis Crenshaw drove from Somerville, TN to teach on Exodus, Leviticus and Hebrews. And, the rector of our parish here in Dallas taught on Biblical Theology 2. The weekend class format allows for mentoring and fellowship. Since they are together for meals there is time to learn outside of the classroom setting.

Mel and Esther are enjoying life here. Days are spent in chores, learning, grocery shopping, outside play, library storytime. Esther makes friends everywhere she goes and she keeps us hopping. We are thankful for the RV park and we have met some very kind people here. We also enjoy our church family and have been starting to become a bit more involved.

So, we press on...

Spaghetti of highways nearby, pic doesn't do it justice!