This one hit home!

Talk to People Rather than about ThemJohn Piper
Recall that in Luke 18:9, Luke introduces the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector like this: "He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and treated others with contempt." It may seem minor at first, but notice that it says that Jesus told this parable TO some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous. It does not say he spoke this parable ABOUT them. Jesus was looking the Pharisees in the eye and telling them a parable that implied that they were self-righteous. He was not talking about them but to them.
Though it may seem minor, it contains a lesson that is huge for the health of our church. Let's be like this. Let's not talk to others about people's faults. Let's talk to them about their faults. It is easy - and far too tasty on the tongue of our sinful souls - to talk about people. But it is hard - and often tastes bitter - to talk to them. When you are talking about them, they can't correct you or turn the tables and make you the problem. But if you talk to them about a problem, it can be very painful. So it feels safer to talk about people rather than talking to them.
But Jesus does not call us to make safe choices. He calls us to make loving choices. In the short run, love is often more painful than self-protecting conflict-avoidance. But in the long run, our consciences condemn us for this easy path and we do little good for others. So let's be more like Jesus in this case and not talk about people, but talk to them, both with words of encouragement, because of the evidences of grace we see in their lives, and with words of caution or warning or correction or even rebuke. Paul urged us to use the full range of words for the full range of needs: "Admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all" (1 Thessalonians 5:14).
I don't mean you can't criticize President Bush without calling him on the phone first. And I don't mean you can't discuss my sermon, both negatively and positively, without coming to me. Public figures put themselves on the line and understand that everyone will have an opinion about what they say. That's okay. What I mean is when you know a brother or a sister is in the grip of some sinful attitude or behavior, take the log out of your eye, and then go to them and try to help them with humble biblical counsel.
Perhaps tell them a parable. That's what Jesus did in Luke 18:9-14. And it's what Nathan did for David, after his sin with Bathsheba and toward Uriah (2 Samuel 12:1-4). But you don't have to be that creative. Caring about the person you confront matters more than creativity.
My longing for our church is that we be free from gossip. Let's be forthright and honest and courageous and humble. Jesus was amazingly blunt at times. Love sometimes sounds like that. He could have easily been accused of callousness or lovelessness. But we know he was the most loving person who ever lived. So let's follow him in this matter. He died for us so that all the logs and specks in our eyes may be forgiven. That should give us both courage and care in dealing with others. Especially when we realize that the faults of our brothers and sisters have also been forgiven by Jesus.
What an amazing standing place we have for relationships. A forgiven, justified, Spirit-indwelt community of people who love to grow in grace. Thank you for loving to trust and follow Jesus in the way of talking to each other rather than about each other.
Pastor John
By John Piper. © Desiring God. Website: www.desiringGod.org. Email: mail@desiringGod.org. Toll Free: 1.888.346.4700.

Yo-Yo

Okay. Here I am again. Back at 170 pounds! I am not one of those women who won't say their weight. It will not change it to not say it. Anyway, my mom told me one time to expect weight gains in life, but set a maximum weight and never let your self get above that or you would be gone. I never really set a maximum weight, but a couple of years back before we left for South Carolina I got on the scale and weighed 170. I cried. Seriously. I decided that was my maximum weight. When we got back, I went on the Adkins diet and lost 33 pounds. I was so happy. I gained back 15 later and went back on Adkins and lost it. Now I have gained all of that weight back and I am back at 170. Well actually 167.8 but close enough. I did not follow his lifetime maintenance plan like I should. I just started eating like I had before and what do you know? I look like I did before. I know. I know. I know. It has got to be a lifestyle change! Who really doesn't know that? Well, I am starting Adkins plan again, but I will follow each step as I should. His goal was for us to lose weight slowly and keep it off. Now, for those of you who don't like the plan because he died of a heart attack. Well, everyone has to die somehow. Look at Dr. Bill Chadwick. I took health advice from him. He seemed to be the healthiest person I know and he had a heart attack and passed away. We all have to die of something. There are also those that say low carb is not good for you. Dr. Adkins in his book expected your diet to consist of fish, chicken, and yes some pork and the rest was fresh fruit and vegetables. Isn't that the basis of most diets? Fish and chicken, fruits and veggies! We all know that. Anyway, I will try to let you all know how it goes. I will be weighing every Monday morning about 10:00 am. I started this morning at 167.8 so we will see how it goes. By the way, in case you wonder what I have eat today it is this. Breakfast- 3 devilled eggs and bacon
Lunch- Polish sausage and green beans I have also had a few pickles. Not sure about supper yet. Need to go rebuy groceries!
BTW- My goal weight is 132 this time. That is what I weighed when I got pregnant with little Michael.

21st Century Princess

There is no wicked step-mother going to mess with this princess!!!

Friendly Friday!

Emma

Hanna and Sarah

Michael and Dustin

Whew! We are keeping Hanna a few days, the little boy down the street is over, and Jacob and Emma are here for the night. Having fun now because school is starting Monday!

Chef Sarah!

Thursday is now Sarah's official day to cook the main meal of the day. So far we have had chicken, spagetti, and tacos. She lets me know what she needs from the grocery store the week before so she will have all her ingredients! She is a very good cook.

Prayer Request

Our neighbor, Sargent Danny Stewart, was involved in a serious car accident Wednesday night after church. His legs and hips were crushed and he had to be flown by Life Saver to the hospital. He had an immediate surgery that night and another surgeon is being flown in for more surgery. This special surgeon is going to put in rods and "piece" together what he can. It is going to be a long road for him and he is looking at possible a year before he could get back to normal. He was supposed to be deployed in August to active war as a gunner on a helicopter for the third time. Obviously, this will not happen. So even in all of this, I am sure there is a thankfulness for this.

Also, his 15 year old grandson was driving and he is very shaken up. This has been very traumatic for him also.

For those of you who went on the aviation tour with my activity group, Sargent Stewart was the nice man who volunteered his time to make arrangements and lead that tour.

Please keep him and his family in prayer.

Dr. Bill

Last week we lost a sweet, sweet man in our church family. He was a chiropractor who loved helping everyone. Things I will remember about Dr. Bill:
* Julia loved when he sang the grizzly bear song to her.
* He said Michael and I have beautiful kids, we should have more.
* He insisted I never got enough rest.
* He never took no for an answer when I said I really didn't need to be worked on that day, but I was always glad for that when I got off the table feeling better.
*His face this past Father's Day when he got to bring his daughters and their children to church with him.
* How handsome he looked, especially the week he came back from Mexico with a tan!
* His smile
* How uncomfortable he looked sleeping upside down hanging off of his chiropractor table with a garbage bag over him to hold in the body's heat.
* The variety of his meals. He ate everything greens, beans, meat (not pork), salad veggies, fruit, bread, dessert, and especially chocolate.
* The absolutely HUGE bottles of water he brought for his church family so we wouldn't have to drink the city water with flouride in it.
* His love of Christ and His Word!

I'm Still Here

Wow! Where have I been? Sorry, I haven't posted in a while but Michael has been off of work for a while so we've been busy. We got most of the stuff on his list done, had a great July 4th with friends, and also took the two oldest kids to six flags! July 4th we went to Gadsden and tailgated during the fireworks show with 'Ashley and Joao' and 'JJ and April' and their two children. Lots of fun! His wife and kids had just got here the day before so it gave us time to meet each other and talk before Sunday. Also Sarah had read in Six Flags' Read to Succeed program and got free six flags tickets so we took advantage of our live-in babysitter, Ashley, :) and took the oldest ones to Six Flags. That was a lot of fun and a great way to end his time off. Okay for those of you who caught the word "live-in" above, I will explain. Our friends Ashley and Joao are currently living here with us until work comes available in South Carolina where there is a job open or until a job becomes available here. Which ever comes first. So....if any of you know of a job opening please email me because we would love to keep them in Alabama!