I am sorry I am so long between updates. Life has been really crazy and busy. I was very happy to see that Walker came into the world safely and I can't wait for Isabella to arrive. Life is such a beautiful thing and it makes me very proud to be part of this family which is so full of new life.
Things in my life have been somewhat difficult in the past few weeks. Once in a while you just get such a reminder that ministry (whether it is vocational or not) is hard work and that life isn't always a breeze.
For those of you who don't know, I am involved in several inner city ministries down here in Chicago. If you've never been in the midst of poverty and urban sprawl it is hard to believe that such places exist in the US. One of the things that I do is the big brother/big sister program. I have a "little sister" named Selena. She has a lot of faith and inspires me in so many ways, because I didn't have that much faith as a child and I never had to face such circumstances.
Last week, I found out that this summer she attempted to commit suicide. I think it really just shocked me to the core, even after three years of this setting, to think that someone so young could do something like that. I see God's hand in that she was not successful, but on the same note I know that it is because she is only seven and her childish mind does not know how to carry it out. All of this has been on my mind so much,but I pray that God would turn this evil into good of those who love him-- even her.
Our church in Arizona has also been having many problems. It makes me sad to see it, but reminds me that even the church is corrupted by sin.
Well, I think the tone of this post is a little down, but my spirit really isn't. As Thanksgiving approaches all of these trials serve to remind me how much I really do have to be thankful for. God has been so gracious to our family and I so soon forget that. Well, I can't wait to see so many of you at Thanksgiving and I love you all very much.