At her finest

This sums up some of the things that Elena enjoys right now: food, hanging out with mom, being outside and not just stuck in her car seat doing errands all day long. Hmmm, I like all these things, too.

NOT a Box

I suppose one test of the quality of a children's author is how a book they've written effects the little reader. Well, Elena has been inspired by Antionette Portis' book "Not a Box". We've recently discovered the treasure that the Chula Vista library is for children's books. Elena, like most children, has always been a fan of boxes. Right after reading this book, which is about a bunny who uses an ordinary box for extraordinary adventures, she went for the closest empty box-looking object she could find (in this case, a laundry basket). She sat in it and proudly looked through her new book. I suppose she was not actually in a box, she was really in a boat or spaceship.

"Its my Not-a-Box!"

Come unto Me

I've been very encouraged by this short message from Amy Carmichael. As I reflect on it, I realize that the Lord has placed many of these souls (compassionate, caring souls) in my life. My life has been enriched by you so I post this hoping it serve as an encouragement to you in return. You know who you are if these words resound within you.

Sometimes we think of the invitation of Matthew 11:28 as if it had been spoken to sinners burdened by their sin. It is to them, of course, but not only (perhaps not chiefly) to them. That is why the words over the door of the House of Prayer are "Come to Me." Those dear words are to us all, and each time we cross the threshold of that House, our Lord says to each one--calling him or her by name--Come to Me.

In the Aramaic it is "Come unto Me all you who are tired out and carrying burdens." Perhaps the burden that is tiring you out is not your sin (for that has been forgiven) but the sin of another, a soul dear to you. Sometimes it s the weariness of illness, or the tiredness after pain. Sometimes it is the inability to help others as you long to do; the burden of a loving heart can be a heavy burden. The words come fresh as dew to us every morning, "Come unto Me, all you who are tired out and carrying burdens, and I will give you rest."

Edges of His Ways, January 18

Thank you for being examples to Ryan and me and showing Christ to us through your lives. May this rich piece of truth spurn us on to share with and pray for those yet to know a Savior who is waiting to carry their burdens, too.