Happy Saturday!

Today, our niece Asenath was honored with a baby shower. It was an awesome baby shower! Baby Holly will be the most fashionable dressed baby on the beach. There were several pairs of sandals and sun glasses. She also received several blankets, which begs the question, “Do people in Hawaii use blankets?” Each of the mothers in the room was asked to give a piece of motherly advice as their gift was presented to Asenath. My advice was first, a little rice cereal in the night bottle and the baby sleep through the night. Next, (since she is having a girl) it always comes down to hair. And last, to teach your babies that family comes first.

Asenath will complete school at Texas Tech in two weeks. Her graduation will consist of standing in front of the Texas Tech statue of the Rough Rider in her sister’s graduation gown and cap with diploma in hand, then she will be on a plane to join her husband in Hawaii. He is stationed at Pearl Harbor. Ken and Sheena already have planned visits for the fall when the baby comes and then all of the family including her sisters will go at Christmas.

Jeremiah 26: 13 “Therefore now amend your ways and your doings, and obey the voice of the Lord your God.”

Well, now, here’s an admonition! In short, “Clean up your act and do what I say!” I think one of the hardest things for we who believe in God through Jesus to be is obedient. I am 54 years old and having been living a daily walk with Christ since I was 15 years old and I would love to tell you that I am an obedient child. I am obedient in some ways, but still struggle with that whole obedience thing.

Obedience is the greatest sign of faith we can show. When we are obedient to God even when the world tells us “no, do it this way,” or “its okay to do this, no one will know.” When we stand steadfast in our obedience in the face of temptation or adversity, then we show the world and God that we have faith in God and not in the world. God richly rewards and blesses obedience in His children. This kind of obedience does not happen overnight. This kind of obedience comes from daily spending time with the Father and learning to listen and hear what He expects of us. God speaks to us in prayer, through His Word and through His people. Obedience is the truest expression of the believer’s relationship with the Father. When we exercise obedience God dwells within us.

Asenath and Cody have an amazing adventure ahead of them as the raise this precious little one. They will struggle with their own obedience and when this child defies them (and she will) they will learn to lovingly teach her right from wrong and as Geni’s advice today said, “Be safe and make good decisions.” God lovingly guides us down the path of obedience and rejoices when we are safe and make good decisions.

Take joy in the journey. Wear comfortable shoes, count your blessings and say your prayers. Love you all and see you in worship, Bruce, Gaylene, Geni and Travis.

Gcapplenotes@aol.com

I am not moved by what I see. I am not moved by what I feel. I am moved only by what I believe and I believe God.