Two teeth and all smiles

I don't know if either Randy or I could express how much we love this little guy. His warm nature, so quick to smile and snicker...he really is an absolute joy and gift from our Lord. We are so blessed to get to experience the wonders of childhood a second time.

More Snuggles!

Every time we put Liam in his room for a nap or bedtime, the immediate request is always "more snuggles!" Now that we are working on his manners, the request has become "More snuggles, please!" Who can resist this face? Certainly not I!

Cashiers, NC

We spent the 4th of July weekend in the mountains with Shelly's family. It was a great time and Liam really enjoyed getting out there in nature. He even slid down a rock into the icy cold water with Randy.

Authentic Love, sermon July 20, 2008

This sermon was given by our lead pastor, Randy Pope, yesterday. I pray I communicate it well, my notes are kind of messy!

Authentic Love-
Corinthians 13

All gifts of the spirit fall behind love. Love is the most important, central part, of how we grow and live as Christians. Galatians 5:22-23 lists the fruits of the spirit (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control). All of these fruits are before the gifts of the spirit as well.

A relationship with God falls into one of two categories-the "do" and the "done" side. On the "Do" side, we are performance-oriented, operating from a place of self-righteousness to do work for God. On the done side, we are operating in grace, in Christ's righteousness, which flows naturally to love. From love, we begin to perform works for the Lord. Without the grace of Christ, we will never reach love and never fulfill the work for God because we don't have the proper foundation.

The mark of maturity if the ability to love the unloved and the unloveable.

Love is based on something we do. Does it have emotion? Yes. Does it require emotion? Absolutely not.

The nature of children is to squabble over gifts, but the real issue is "Do you love?" The most important message Jesus delivered was to love God and to love your neighbor.

The difference between inauthentic and authentic love is : inauthentic love is a natural emotion and authentic love has a supernatural quality.

Romans 5:5 The fruit of the spirit begins with love. Our prayer to God:

"I cannot love without You. I surrender and ask You to impower me. I am committed to love and looking for Your power to enable me to love."

"The Stand"-a beautiful song we sang
So what can I say?
What can I do?
But offer this heart, O God,
completely to You.

So I will walk upon salvation,
Your spirit alive in me.
This life to declare Your promise,
My soul now to stand.

So, I'll stand
With your arms high and heart abandoned.
In awe of the One who gave it all.
I'll stand
My soul Lord to You surrendered,
All I am is Yours.