13 April 2011

Creation?

For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities-his eternal power and divine nature-have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse. Romans 1:20

Today is a beautiful day outside, with sun shining bright and temperatures that allow the flowers to bloom and smell wonderful. It is one of those days that make me ponder on what it was like on that first day of completed creation. The beauty we see now in the world is probably only a glimpse of the glorious perfect first day of life.

The verse mentioned above was written by the apostle Paul. It was written probably within 60 years after Christ ascended into heaven. Which means Paul was not there to see day one of life, matter of fact he did not see the death and resurrection of Christ with his own eyes. So what sort of credentials does Paul have to write about something he didn't experience first hand?

Paul did experience the beauty of creation first hand because he lived and traveled all throughout the middle east, Europe and Asia. With all that travel he saw the beautiful mountains and valleys, rivers and waterfalls, animals of all sorts and so much more. Paul also saw Jesus with his own eyes when Paul was traveling on the road to Damascus. Jesus miraculously changed Paul's life and the way he saw the world and its beauty. Even with Paul's glimpse of true beauty through creation and the creator it was enough to change his heart and mentality of whose will to follow.

Paul was without excuse because his eyes were opened to beauty, love, compassion, grace, joy and all the fruits of the Holy Spirit. Paul believed in Christ and the grace he lavishly poured out, that he wrote, all of us are without excuse. Paul was only following the will of God through the grace of Christ being led by the Holy Spirit. Sometimes I wonder why we make up excuses. Have your eyes been opened?

-T

11 April 2011

Faithfulness.

We recently passed through the 80% mark of raising our initial support to get out into the field! Three cheers! It is really surreal to look at our goal percentage. God is faithful to complete what He has started! Throughout this whole process, we've had goals and dates when we've liked to be moved to Indy. It looks like God is preparing us for a summertime move.

You can check out our latest update/prayer letter here: March 2011

Thanks for taking this journey alongside of us!

"Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it." 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24

Tony & Jonelle

08 April 2011

Photo Friday: Cakealicious

My sister is getting married next month! Her bridal shower is this weekend, so off to BG we go. My aunts and I are throwing her the shower, and I'm in charge of the cake. I have an idea in my head of how I want the final product to turn out - and this idea needed a 12" round cake pan to do it. I've never baked a cake in something that huge - scary! I was very pleased, when I checked the oven this morning to see how things were progressing...



Mmmm, chocolate. I hope it makes it until Sunday!

-J

02 April 2011

Photo Friday: Mr Dignified

Oops. It's Saturday. Sorry.

Sammy is special to us. We lived with his parents and older brother for nine months, all while he was cooking in his momma's belly. He's a very lovey boy. Sometimes when I hold him, he gives me a big bear hug and cuddles. I appreciate Samuel's concern, because my husband simply does not like to cuddle.

I like to entertain the thought that Sammy will be a high ranking government official one day, possibly even the President of the United States. In the midst of a crazy fun moment, he many times has the most dignified little look on his face.




Remember us when you're big and famous, Samuel!

-J