STORIES

I recently shared a story about one of our grandchildren with you. Please bear with this joy-filled grandpa again!

Not too long ago as Joyce and I returned home from an event, we walked in the door to a room full of many of our family gathered for an evening together.

Our daughter Kyrie was holding their seven-month old son Lewis (grandchild number five). He was snuggled up on her shoulder, but as he heard our voices he turned his head and smiled. Oh, our hearts! He then twisted his body to face us and started twitching his legs and arms in excitement at seeing us.

I have been house-hunting here in Colorado with our daughter, Kyrie, and son-in-law, Jake. Well, our six-month-old grandson Lewis also tags along! Having moved from Oregon over Thanksgiving week, they have begun the challenging task of finding a home that is a good fit for their family at an affordable price.

One of the important criteria for the home they will choose (among many things) is the element of light—both natural and spiritual. Some houses are darker than others, in both senses. We’ve walked into some and known immediately the lack of light would not be conducive to the atmosphere they desire in their home.

“Grandma, I’m coming to you.”

Our four-year-old grandson, Davey, scurried along the church row to nestle in Joyce’s lap during the service this past Sunday. We love being grandparents to five dear ones, and these many small moments of affection and connection warm our hearts!

It strikes me just how often love takes the initiative to move toward another.

In Anne Wilson’s song My Jesus, she sings: “Let me tell you ‘bout my Jesus. His love is strong and His grace is free. And the good news is I know that He can do for you what He’s done for me. Let me tell you ‘bout my Jesus, and let my Jesus change your life.”

The gospel of Jesus Christ is mentioned 93 times in the New Testament. Seven of those references are in the first chapter of the book of Philippians. Here are two of them:

“Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you.” Philippians 1:27–28

“Could you make my Grandma’s Green Jell-O Surprise?”
That’s not a question any of us expect to be asked. But it does make more sense when you consider the setting in which this U.S. Army Sergeant was asking it. My wife, Aimee, and I were talking with him at the hospitality house we led near the U.S. Army base of Grafenwoehr, Germany. Thanksgiving was a month away and, as always, Aimee had offered to try and make any Thanksgiving dish for the Soldiers that would make it feel more like home for them. Green Jell-O Surprise was what he wanted!

At the end of Acts, Luke gives us a glimpse into the last few years of Paul’s life, telling us that he welcomed all who came to him, “proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching concerning the Lord Jesus Christ.” That phrase, “kingdom of God,” is used around 75 times in the New Testament, and the “kingdom of heaven” is mentioned 34 times.

Joyce and I recently participated in the 50th celebration of the Travis Hospitality House ministry near Travis Air Force Base in Fairfield, California. Fifty years! Not only has this hospitality house been a beacon of hope for this military community for 50 years, but the ministry has been located on the same five-acre property and facility the entire time. This property was purchased by Cadence in 1973 under the direction of one of the mission’s founding couples, Tom and Dotty Hash.

Around 80 people attended this celebration, and we heard stirring stories from our Travis Hospitality House alumni of how God transformed their lives during their time in that place.

Psalm 84:10a says, “Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere.”

This Psalm was written by the Sons of Korah who were responsible for the worship at the temple of God for the people of Israel in Old Testament times. The psalmists focus on the beauty of dwelling in the presence of God and the reality of pilgrimage for God’s people.

America just celebrated its 247th birthday on the Fourth of July. Joyce and I hosted over sixty Cadence-connected people at our house for dinner and fireworks. Our home affords a wonderful view of our city’s firework show, and this gathering has been an annual tradition for most of the past twenty years.