A Very Sad Day

A very sad thing happened within our church yesterday. Craig Lawless, our church administrator and the minister who has really been leading us and holding us together since we lost our pastor two years ago, died of a heart attack. He was 48 years old and leaves his wife, Lisa, and sons Chris and Mike, Chris's wife, Erica and their baby, Hannah.
Everyone is in shock. He was fine Sunday night at the Thanksgiving meal and he and Lisa gave a special testimony. He was fine at staff meeting Monday morning. And by 1:00 pm he was with the Lord.
Life is so fleeting, such a vapor. I've been thinking about this because everyone I talk to has questions. Why Craig? He was such a godly man, such a sweet husband and daddy, so essential to our church. Why now? He was so young. Why did God do this? Some have expressed anger at God. Those are always the questions and the anger is typical for us as well.
But here's the thing. Death is the result of sin in the world -- this is the curse. When sin entered the world, so did death. We forget this as we live our merry, superficial lives focused on worldly things and worldly endeavors. We know there is sin. We experience some of its results when we face problems, have relationship issues, or deal with other difficult circumstances. But we can't really understand the depth and pain of the Curse until death itself hits home. Right now those who loved Craig the most are experiencing the curse and it is unbearable, unspeakable.
That is the simple, harsh truth.
But here is the wonderful truth.
There is hope. Just as God judged the world because of sin, He also justified those who believe through Jesus Christ His Son. We have been redeemed from the curse. Craig is not dead. He lives with His Savior. Lisa, Mike, Chris, Erica, and Hannah will not grieve as those who are without hope because they have a Comforter who knows their every thought and loves them as no other. They will not grieve as if this is the end because they will one day and for all eternity celebrate around the throne with their husband, daddy and granddaddy. The day will come when they along with all who believe will be glorified, out of this nasty mess of earth, forever and ever.

But here is the reality of living in the middle of the curse even with the Hope of glory -- they do grieve because they don't want to live without Craig. They don't think they can live without Craig. I don't blame them. Their hearts are broken and their future seems dim. They, and we, don't understand. But we trust our God because He is sovereign and He is good, and He is full of lovingkindness.
Please pray for this devastated family and for our church as well.
Even so Lord Jesus quickly come. We long to be saved finally and forever from the curse.

I will give thanks.

I realize it has been quite a long time since I've posted. I'm sure you understand that I've been busy working on my Mimihoodship. There is much to do in that realm. First of all I must spend every possible moment with Walker and his mommy, helping all I can and holding when I can't help. I have had a delightful two weeks going over to Wyatt Street every day and just basking in the presence of this precious little boy and his dear mommy.
This Tuesday and Wednesday will be our last Precept classes for the fall. We finish Joshua and will begin to study Judges in January. I will stay home tomorrow and finish my study. I don't know how I'll be able to keep away from Wyatt Street -- perhaps by God's grace I'll have strength!
I had a car accident on Saturday. I was on my way to pick Ben up from wrestling and was rear-ended. The car will need to be repaired on it's back side and my back side hurts more than usual. I'm not sure if it is the accident or just my achin' back!
Thanksgiving is coming soon. This is Rick's favorite holiday -- not for the eating so much as for the simplicity of celebration (although he admits to enjoying the food and football). The family will come together and this year as always we have much for which to give thanks. In addition to all the many rich blessing of this life, we are particularly grateful that Rick is cancer-free and strong again, that Kara has come through pregnancy safely, and that we have a new family member, Walker Christian Morris. God's grace toward us is amazing. We are so undeserving of His goodness and are continually humbled by His dealings with us. Most of all I am grateful that He has provided a Savior and that our family knows and serves Him. What could be better? Nothing! His lovingkindness is better than life.

Unto Us

We had a wonderful day with Walker yesterday. In fact, we realized at the end of the day that the little guy had not been in his crib once. There was a steady stream of visitors and admirers from about 10:00 in the morning until -- actually I'm not sure when because when Rick, Ben and I left at 7:00, Aunt Lindsay was holding him. I'm not planning to rush up there this morning. I'm going to wait until 9 or so!
He is a little darling. He's eating well and doing all the other things babies are supposed to do. His cry is more of a little squeek right now, but I'm sure he'll get that worked out soon. He wore a white terrycloth newborn sleeper yesterday and was totally lost in it, but was so cuddly and precious.
Kara is doing well. She's a little sore but is moving better already. She was worried that she might sleep through his cries because she has always been a sound sleeper. But not to worry, she said his breathing woke her up several times last night. I guess the "Mommy" kicked right in!
Aaron is just as sweet as he can be with both Kara and Walker. He changes diapers and discusses type of poop and all those kinds of things.
We are pretty certain that they'll get to go home today. I know that Kara and Aaron are anxious to get little Walker home and start living together as a family.
What a miracle God has shown us in this precious new life. I so desire to be a mimi who teaches my little Walker and all the grandchildren who follow to love the Lord with all their hearts and to serve Him only.
"I will sing of the lovingkindness of the LORD forever;
To all generations I will make known Thy faithfulness."