goodnight, kevin.

So we watched our second Christmas movie of the season.

(Philip, in my mind you were watching it with us. I can actually only here half of Kevin’s lines in your voice.)

One quote I never caught before… “This house is so full of people it makes me sick. When I grow up and get married, I’m living alone.”

I sincerely hope that you are enjoying the opportunity to break out the Nat King Cole and the Macaulay Culkin.

Say goodnight, Kevin.

buried.

With Christ in baptism, and raised to walk in newness of life…

How was it?

Two themes from Sunday. [1] Thankfulness for the Lord being faithful in his promises. He has been true to himself these past ten years. [2] What a vivid picture of identifying with Christ and the body. It is etched in my mind going under (in death) and being raised (in resurrection).

Thanks for all your intercession.

mum’s visit.

I had such a great time with mom last week. We made circles around the city and pretty much did everything I hoped we would get to.

Thanksgiving held much to be thankful for.

This morning, I drank a chai tea latte with whipped cream and no water from Starbucks because the baristas remembered her favorite drink. You should try one if you get a chance.

3 more days.

Mom is coming here on Saturday! Are you kidding? Nope.

full of windows.

They surround us. What would it be like to count them? Each one lit up or darkened haphazardly. I sometimes wish I could type with them like the Pru when the Sox are playing. More often than that, I wonder about the stories of stories “and how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard?”

 

…and sometimes I even think about other stories…

aren’t you going to introduce us?

Glad you asked. You deserve a proper introduction. I wish you could meet all of our friends in person.

These are a few of the guys from the Turkish restaurant: Michael, Erdem, and Kerem (from left to right).

And our team hanging out with our Chinese friends at The Peak. This roll call might be a little too complicated.

We are so thankful for the doors God has opened here, the relationships He is ordaining, and the favor that He has given us with our friends.

welcome back.

Craig and Kelley Stevens came to visit this past week and should be back home to Knoxville by now. They were such a blessing to our team, showering us with gifts, book, candy, and smiles. It was a joy to be with you guys. Thanks for all the encouragement. Katie, thanks for the letter. It was great to hear about your hobbies and heart for the Lord.

Let us know if you need anything.

good read.

Friday night, the football pitch was empty so I came home and read The Great Divorce. As usual, Jack weaves an incredible tale full of dialogues that indirectly confront me.

On goodness:

There is but one good; that is God. Everything else is good when it looks to Him and bad when it turns from Him.

On resurrection:

Nothing, not even the best and noblest, can go on as it now is. Nothing, not even what is lowest and most bestial, will not be raised again if it submits to death… Lust is a poor, weak, whimpering, whispering thing compared with that richness and energy of desire which will arise when lust has been killed.

On compassion:

It’s a weapon on the other side. It leaps quicker than light from the highest place to the lowest to bring healing and joy, whatever the cost to itself.

Thank you, Jesus, that you had compassion on us. Leaping from the highest place cost you everything. I am not healed because you were beaten and mocked and suffered a deplorable death on a Roman cross. I am healed because you drank the cup of your Father’s wrath to the dregs and said, “it is finished.”

 

 

about that time.

Tuesday morning, I had to break out the chap stick and open up the box of long sleeves. So glad. It’s a bit of wishful thinking though seeing as it is back up to 29 (that’s 85) during the daytime. Nights are good though.

rob and rick.

Sounds like a radio show, but these guys were way more entertaining. Rob McDowell and Rick Everswick from North Metro Church in Marietta, Georgia have been visiting us this week. What a blessing it was to be around them even for a short time. These are men that love Jesus and have a heart for his renown. They cherish their wives and light up when you ask them about their kiddos. And, man, were they funny. Thank you both for your time spent here.

Rob’s daughters made cards for our team. Annie heard I liked “Turkey.” Thanks so much girls. I sure do appreciate your kindness.