Psalm 115

I just spent some needed time alone with God. It was good because I was reminded that his spirit is always with me. I have struggled with my attitude, feeling overwhelmed, selfish, feeling like I fall short, etc. over the past 8 months. This just felt like a much needed encouragement. I remembered a song I haven't sung in a long time based on Psalm 115. The words are:

Not unto us, not unto us

But to your name be all the glory and the praise

Because of your love and faithfulness

Be all the glory and the honor

All the worship and praise

All our deepest adoration

To your holy name we raise

All reverence and devotion

All blessing and power

Not to us but to your holy name be praise.

Thanks God, for sticking with me.

Not too long ago, Crispy was "Mystery Reader" for the 2nd grade class. He looked like this as he read the book "I know an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly." They couldn't figure out who he actually was. Yes!!! 

Please Pray

I've been given a great opportunity in a relationship I have with a 7th grade student of mine. It's probably not necessary, but I'm going to call him Ronald instead of using his real name. Ronald is from a Muslim family but has been going to VCS for a few years. He's met with a few different teachers over the years to talk about the Bible, God, faith, etc. Well, he's asked to meet with me recently. Today was the 3rd time, during lunch.

He has great thinking questions, many based on what he's been taught or read about in a booklet he has that compares Islam and Christianity from a Muslim perspective. He asked me to read it over the next week or 2, so I plan to do that. Then we can discuss more things.

Today he also told me that he is stuck in the middle of Christianity and Islam. He hears a lot from both sides, but says he truly wants to know the truth. He also said every time he prays, he starts with asking God to show him what the right way is and that God would show everyone in the world the right way.

So please pray with me for "Ronald" and myself as I read this book and interact with him on these things. Dankeschoen!!!!!

Interesting Perspectives

There were 3 good arguments that Jesus was Black
1. He called everyone "brother". 2. He liked Gospel. 3. He couldn't get a fair trial.

But then there were 3 equally good arguments that Jesus was Jewish
1. He went into His Father's business. 2. He lived at home until he was 33. 3. He was sure his Mother was a virgin and his mother was sure he was God.

But then there were 3 equally good arguments that Jesus was Italian
1. He talked with his hands. 2. He had wine with every meal. 3. He used olive oil.

But then there were 3 equally good arguments that Jesus was a Californian
1. He never cut his hair. 2. He walked around barefoot all the time. 3. He started a new religion.

But then there were 3 equally good arguments that Jesus was Irish
1. He never got married. 2. He was always telling stories. 3. He loved green pastures.

But the most compelling evidence of all--- 3 proofs that Jesus was a woman
1. He fed a crowd at a moment's notice when there was no food. 2. He kept trying to get a message across to a bunch of men who just didn't get it. 3. And even when he was dead, He had to get up because there was more work to do.

Change of Plans

Well, I'm no longer going to be playing the piano for the musical Seussical. I'm a little bummed because I thought it would be a lot of fun. Turns out that I'm just not experienced in the area of accompanying and playing extremely rhythmic music, like in this musical. There is even more a difference between classical piano and that style than I thought. I'm just out of my league - and it would have taken me way too long to learn all 28 songs. So now, I and a couple other people are looking for a good pianist to fill in. Not so easy. I'd appreciate it if you asked asked God for some help with this. Danke :)