Fresh Start

Well, we made in through the holidays. December was a tough month for us. We battled the respiratory flu bug, twice. The snuffly, sneezy, fever-so-you-can rest medicine helped us sleep it off the first time. The second time, we megadosed ourselves on vitamin C and tried to keep away from other people.
I am so thankful to the Lord for the work He is doing in us. We both really have sensed a different feeling since returning from vacation back in August. Prior to vacation, we knew we planned to stay here for a good long time, but we didn't think anyone else believed it. After returning, the atmosphere in church and in the community seems to be much more accepting of us. Or maybe, it's just our perception of how others see us. I don't know if we will ever be able to figure that one out. I'm just glad to feel more a part of the community here. I really feel like "home".
We have switched our Sunday evening service to the afternoon. After AM service, we have a lunch together then, what I am calling, "Second Wave". We are using DVD curriculum for bible study. We just got finished with God is Closer Than You Think by John Ortberg. Very good series! Next week we will start Sacred Marriage by Gary Thomas. I hope even the single people from the church will stay for this important series. More and more I realize how much marriage is a reflection of Yeshua's great love for His Bride, the church. So many young people don't see any value in marriage at all. The fault for that should be placed at the feet of those of us who haven't reflected the goodness and blessing found in marriage. We have done such a poor job of showing how good it is to be married that is seems a whole generation is ready to dismiss an entire institution, not to mention a commandment of God. Lord forgive us! Give us the kind of marriages that reflect You!