Don't Waste Your Life

I just finished reading John Piper's "Don't Waste Your Life". It was a great book and one that I plan to read again sometime. Piper talks about how most people...most Christians, slip by in life without a passion for God, spending their lives on trivial diversions, living for comfort and pleasure, and perhaps trying to avoid sin. The book is a warning to us not to get caught up in a life that counts for nothing. It challenges us to live and die boasting in the cross of Christ and making the glory of God our singular passion.

My Aunt Linda has been fighting breast cancer for the past 9 years. She will soon meet the Christ who died for her and be healed both physically and spiritually forever. Praise the Lord! She has had many years to 'come to grips' with her coming death. Her diagnosis of cancer caused a renewed commitment of her life to the Lord. She has been a testimony to God's greatness and goodness in the ways that she has responded to this trial in her life. And I am so thankful and encouraged by that.

My Aunt Darlene was just days ago, found to be infected with the West Nile Virus and has suffered severe brain damage as a result.  Just tonight, the doctors informed her family that she would not recover and end of life decisions needed to made. One day she was perfectly healthy, and the next she was completely incapacitated. I praise God that she knows and loves Jesus Christ and has lived her life for Him.

What a reminder this should be of the brevity of life (James 4:14). God holds our futures in His hands and only He knows the number of our days. We MUST live a life that counts for God. We must daily decide to live for Christ and be obedient to his Word. We don't know how much time we have, so we must make the most of every opportunity (Ephesians 5:16).

Please pray for both of my dear Aunts and their families during these last days. And remember to make the most of every opportunity God gives to you.   

Coming Soon to a Computer Near You!

Our sweet friend, Marilyn Burns, has put in countless hours working on all of our deputation materials. She has given of her time and talents and we hope the Lord blesses her for it! We got together with her last Monday, to begin talking about our dvd presentation. We were hoping to have it completed by mid-October. Our first meeting is in Florida on October 15th! If you know Marilyn, she is a very busy girl. She has her hand in so many things and is always on the go. We knew that this would add a lot to her already busy schedule.
As we were discussing the dvd, and old friend of mine came up in the conversation. He and his wife are leaving on October 3rd to go to the United Kingdom as missionairies. He put together a very powerful video presentation for their ministry which we wanted to mirror. It was decided that I would contact him, to ask him some general questions about his video to get a sort of starting point for Marilyn.
As we chatted on facebook, this friend graciously offered to basically put together our video for us. His career had him doing these sorts of things all of the time and he is good at it! It's so encouraging to know that the Lord had this planned long ago and intended to help us (and Marilyn) in this way. He is so good to us, and so often we don't even take notice of it. I praise Him for this answer to prayer and for this sweet friend who was so giving of his time and talents (like Marilyn). You can view his video on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zCplxXmIA7o .
Lord-willing, you'll be watching ours very soon! I'll keep you posted.