.:. Ken's Live Journal: December 2007

"16"

December 23, 2007 was a milestone for Daniel as he celebrated his 16th birthday. It was a day filled with blackberry cake, friends, soccer, cemitas, gifts and apple pie. You long time readers will recall that on his 13th birthday we had a pre-manhood ceremony and challenged him to live by the following definition: "A real man stands strong and courageous, accepts responsibility, provides leadership, acquires honorable character, and lives for a transcendent cause."

Looking forward to the time when he will carry the full responsibility of manhood, we revisited this definition and reaffirmed it through godly young men talking with us in West Virginia, Florida, Maryland and North Carolina. Here are some photos of the day:

Only part of the delicious day

The party - catered by mom

The tall one in the middle

Tyler's dad, Dawn's husband, our friend, God's ambassador

The super cool birthday plates - selected by dad

Of course Chelsea joined the party

Small Little Victories

Over the last few months we have had opportunity to give away coffee around the neighborhood “in the Name of Christ.” This is a continuation of a ministry we had for a number of years before we came to Mexico. In those days the pastor and I would set up a canopy in the church parking lot on Fridays to serve early morning commuters.

These days it means filling up a couple of thermoses, grabbing some supplies, and heading out the door to the surrounding neighborhoods. It’s fun to serve others and interesting to watch their reactions. First there’s a look of skepticism, which necessitates clarifying that it’s a FREE cup of coffee in the name of Christ. Next comes a look of disbelief that someone is giving away coffee. That then gives way to appreciation and kind words.

The idea is to show loving acts of kindness in order for God to open hearts and open doors in His timing. It isn’t necessarily an opportunity to share the gospel message. It isn’t necessarily on a grand scale, but more often than not it does lead to what I will call – small little victories. And just what might these victories be?

* A hand of appreciation on the shoulder
* “You are very kind”
* A return gift of tortillas
* A warm smile and friendly reception
* Sharing of candy covered pecans
* “Would you teach my children English?”
* Being able to share greetings when we meet again
* “Where is the verse of the day?”

While it’s not the prize, we certainly celebrate these small little victories and look expectantly for a mounting wave of others to follow.

Day Of Guadalupe - A Photo Journal

"I will not give My glory to another..." Isaiah 42:8

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28

"Dear children, do not let anyone lead you astray..." 1 John 3:7

"'We will burn incense to the Queen of Heaven'...Then Jeremiah said to all the people...'Because you have burned incense and have sinned against the LORD...this disaster has come upon you...'" See Jeremiah 44:15-23

"For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified." 1 Corinthians 2:2

"Man looks at the outward appearance but the Lord looks at the heart." 1 Samuel 16:7

"You shall not bow down to them or worship them..." Exodus 20:5

"It is for freedom that Christ has set us free." Galatians 5:1

"Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God..." 1 John 4:1

"Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations..." Psalm 46:10

Why Me?

These lines have lain dormant on my computer for months:

Why me? Why am I the one You have sent to this foreign country? There are many others who are more talented in language and get it quickly. There are many others who have more abilities and can be far more useful. There are many others who know You more intimately and would show others the way. There are many others who are better parents and could lead their family through these land mines of life. There are many others who are natural leaders and can provide strong leadership. Why me?

These are not the ranting of a malcontent questioning the Lord with, “Why have you done this to me?” but the searching thoughts of someone who feels inadequate to accomplish the mission. The answer has been lurking in the back of my mind for quite some time, but in a flash this week it came a little more into focus.

“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 about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.’”

There’s the answer - “my power is made perfect in weakness.” But is there something more here, a grain of truth that challenges my spiritual perception? Yes, it’s wrapped up in that little word – delight. It's the word that turns my questioning on its head and gives room for His power to rest upon me. Oh, for the grace to delight!

(Above Ken enjoys a few grasshoppers.)