A Day Together

This past Sunday, Melissa and I were able to spend the day with most of the girls in the Sunday School class that I have the privilege of teaching...it was really good to be able to just hang out with them in a casual setting. Be praying for Talia, Mayele, Karine, Ana Paula, and Larissa: Behind each smiling face is a story.

Larissa

Yes, we tried to play volleyball...I think we got more practice running after the ball instead.

(Myself, Talia, Mayele, Melissa, and Karine)

Samuel (Ana Paula's little brother) wanted to play too... Unfortunately, I don't have a picture of Ana Paula.

Mayele's adorable niece, Ana Livia.

Girls + chocolate cake = lots of laughter!

Our God continues to be faithful!

Karine (left) and Talia (right)

To think about...

Question # 1: Why is it that, more often than not, the way we act and the things we do are determined by the people we are with and place we find ourselves at the moment?

Question # 2: What determines ministry?

To Live as They did...

So I've been doing a lot of thinking: as of the last few days, one of the things that has been giving me some "food for thought" has been the subject of faith. I have been reading through the book of Hebrews during my devotions, and one of the most well-known chapters of this book is the chapter on faith, chapter 11. Reading this chapter has made me ponder a little this fundamental aspect of the Christian life. Maybe I think too much in concise definitions and clear-cut distinctions, but I guess one question in particular comes to mind as I mull over the application of faith in my own life: "What is the difference between a life characterized by true faith, as in the examples of the great heroes we read about in Hebrews, and a life marked by repeated acts of what could be called 'leaps into the darkness'?"

My Bible had a note that helped me to begin to understand the difference:

"The essence of faith consists in receiving what God has revealed, and may be defined as that trust in the God of the Scriptures and in Jesus Christ whom He hath sent, which receives Him as Saviour and Lord, and impels to loving obedience and good works (John 1.12; Jas. 2.14-26)...."

Faith in the believer's life is such an incredible thing; a jewel with many facets. It would be really cool to do an in-depth study of it....

"Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." Hebrews 11:1

The more touristy side of things...

We spent two days at the beach this week--just having time together as a family.

Of course, what else would we wear?

It has been a long time since I have walked on the beach...

Need I comment?

From the top of the sand dune.

Of course, we're only missing one person: Patrice!

This little guy was the cause for quite the experience (thanks Jared for your willing contribution!)

Breakfast and some more serious conversation at the cute little hotel that we had all to ourselves.

I really like this picture :)

We don't exactly have this in South Dakota.

Jared--complying with the adults in the group. :)

Teaching a new game: Catan!! I think there are a couple more Catan fans!