Man’s maker was made man,
that He, Ruler of the stars, might nurse at His mother’s breast;
that the Bread might hunger,
the Fountain thirst,
the Light sleep,
the Way be tired on its journey;
that the Truth might be accused of false witness,
the Teacher be beaten with whips,
the Foundation be suspended on wood;
that Strength might grow weak;
that the Healer might be wounded;
that Life might die.

~Augustine of Hippo (Sermons 191.1)

Non nobis, non nobis, Domine
Sed nomini tuo da gloriam.

Not to us, not to us, O Lord,
But to your name give glory.

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Happy Thanksgiving!

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This year’s theme was a race car theme titled “Rev It Up!”

A team of teens and adults from Northwest Valley Baptist came to run the event. Most of them had helped us last year, so they knew what to do, and the week went smoothly.

Silas and I attended on Thursday and Friday. We sat in on the music practices, Bible lessons, crafts, games, snacks, and visits from the puppets.

Every day the children were visited by a “race car mechanic” named Speed Bump. He helped introduce the Bible lesson the children would learn that day.  We thank God that 14 children put their trust in Jesus Christ for salvation during our VBS.

For the final day, the parents were invited to a mini music program where the kids showcased the Bible songs they learned. Each child was given a pencil box filled with school supplies, a gospel tract, a Hot Wheels car, and a Wordless Book bracelet.

We’ve already been able to have some follow-up with two families whose children attended VBS as they came to our worship services on Sunday. Hopefully several other families will visit our church as a result of our Rev It Up Vacation Bible School.

I’m learning that perhaps the most amazing and the most sobering task we are given as parents is to give our child an accurate view of God. I pray that God will give grace to Stephen and me as we venture forth on this amazing journey called parenting.

See what a morning, gloriously bright,
With the dawning of hope in Jerusalem;
Folded the grave-clothes,
Tomb filled with light,
As the angels announce Christ is risen!
See God’s salvation plan, wrought in love, Borne in pain, paid in sacrifice,
Fulfilled in Christ, the Man, for He lives:
Christ is risen from the dead!

One with the Father, Ancient of Days,
Through the Spirit
Who clothes faith with certainty,
Honour and blessing, glory and praise
To the King crowned
With power and authority!
And we are raised with Him,
Death is dead, love has won,
Christ has conquered;
And we shall reign with Him,
For He lives, Christ is risen from the dead!

~Stuart Townend

Crossroad happily welcomed the Sereno family into its membership. This couple, with their 6 children (including a set of triplets), began attending CBC during the summer of last year. It’s been a joy to see their faithfulness, friendship, and thirst for a knowledge of God. Three of their children placed their faith in Christ this past January, and then two more trusted Christ a few weeks ago after Children’s Church. As I look back over our time at Crossroad, the Serenos are the first members we’ve had join since Stephen and I came to Arizona. It’s so encouraging to see concrete steps of growth.

Sunday, we also held a baptismal service in which the Horkavys’ son and the five Sereno children were baptized. I think our church has one of the most beautiful baptismal pools. (Thanks to a family in our church who let us use their outdoor jacuzzi.)

How exciting to see six little ones profess their faith in Christ before a body of believers. I know Pastor Ryan counted it a special privilege to be able to baptize his own son.

With the addition of the Serenos, we now have 8 families in our membership along with 3 other families that are regular attenders. We’ve also enjoyed several first-time visitors and repeat visitors this year. Our typical attendance on Sunday mornings is around 30 people. Thank you to those who regularly pray for the ministry at Crossroad. Please come visit us if you’re ever in Phoenix!

Believe me, if all those endearing young charms,

Which I gaze on so fondly today,

Were to change by tomorrow and fleet in my arms,

Like fairy gifts fading away

Thou would’st still be adored, as this moment thou art,

Let thy loveliness fade as it will;

And around the dear ruin each wish of my heart

Would entwine itself verdantly still.

Silas is now 4 months old, 2 feet tall and weighs 14 pounds. Yes, he’s as smiley as ever, adding a new “happy scream” to his repertoire. We go for walks around the neighborhood with Silas in the stroller or strapped to us in one of our many baby carriers. He looks a little confused when the wind blows.Silas has been trying out his Bebe Pod seat for the first time. He has plenty of wiggle room in it, as evidenced by his tilting posture!We love our little guy and are incredibly thankful for these four months we’ve had with him so far.

This most recent gall bladder episode has given me a front row seat in “Compassion Class.” I’m pretty sure that’s at least one reason God saw fit to allow my gall bladder to stop functioning. Being so far away from family has been hard, but my loving church family and friends have stepped in and taken such good care of us! I’ve been able to see first-hand what compassion truly looks like. It looks like friends making meals for us—for the THIRD time, doing dishes, washing and folding laundry, rocking my baby to sleep, feeding and changing Silas, picking up needed items at the store,and the list goes on. Last week, Ryan and Jen gave up their entire Wednesday to take me to the hospital for some tests, feed and play with Silas while I slept, make lunch and supper for us, do housework, and help me survive the pain. They also kept Silas overnight for two nights so Stephen could give me his undivided attention immediately before, during, and after surgery. It’s so nice to have friends we can call anytime day or night!

Duane and Glenda came over one morning at 6:15am to make us breakfast, and they stayed most of the day to help me out. Glenda was there at the hospital for my surgery and stayed with me that afternoon since Stephen had to return to work.  She even cleared her schedule for a whole week just so she’d be available to help me. Her willingness to see me at my worst and love me still is true friendship. So many others have reached out with prayer, encouragement, and help. One friend managed to send dinner to us via her husband while she herself was in the ER! I’m overwhelmed with everyone’s compassion, and I sincerely want to repay the favor and learn to show compassion to others.

Perhaps the most compassionate, self-sacrificing one of all has been my patient husband, Stephen Andrew. He has been my personal care-giver ever since last March when morning sickness became a daily reality. His cooking skills and housekeeping abilities have been utilized quite often during my pregnancy, postpartum, gall bladder attack, and surgery recovery days. I’m thankful for a man who gets up in the middle of the night to feed our son, helps me with lowly tasks like putting on my socks, washes dishes, sterilizes bottles, does laundry, and overall makes me feel loved. Silas and Stephen have developed a priceless bond during the days when I couldn’t lift Silas. I love to see my man loving my baby boy!

And so, this new year has begun with a vivid lesson in compassion. With God’s grace, I hope to be more thoughtful and kind to others who are in need. My hat goes off to my family and friends who struggle with chronic pain, fatigue, or illness. My heart has been stirred to pray for them more often now that I’ve suffered just a little of what they must go through on a daily basis.