Freedom to Worship

Thankfulness Day 12

Yesterday our church observed the International Day of Prayer (IDOP) by gathering with a few other churches from the community and praying for the persecuted church throughout the world.  Specifically, we prayed for Turkey, Iran, and North Korea.  In these places, Christians, who are quite scarce, can't worship publicly without consequence.  They preach the Gospel knowing it may cost them their life.  They preach the Gospel knowing it could cause them torture and assault.  Despite the hatred that is shown towards Christians in those countries, Christians still seek to spread the Gospel of Christ.

A man from Turkey shares his testimony of his salvation and the beatings and torture that came along with it.

Now picture this.  I was in the IDOP service and the worship music started up.  It was loud.  Louder than I am used to.  I have to be honest, during the first song, I was somewhat distracted with a feeling of anxiety because it was so loud.  Perhaps it was the drums.  Perhaps it was the smoke machine.  Perhaps it was my pride.  Just because these folks were using a different and louder means to worship God, doesn't mean it was any lesser of a worship to God!  Right then and there, I was convicted.  My pride was pierced.  How could I be so critical of worship because it was loud???  I mean, these fellow Christians, my brothers and sisters in Christ in countries like Turkey, Iran, and North Korea can't worship like that!  I have a freedom to do just that in our country---and in a very safe place, for that matter.  So, today, and hopefully everyday, I am thankful for the freedom we have to worship God in this country.  I pray that I don't so easily take it for granted!

Thoughts for the Lord's Day: Help the weak.

Photo credit: http://www.sunday-school-ideas-for-new-teachers.com/thessalonians-bible-study.html

Troy spoke on this passage during a school Chapel a few weeks ago, and I believe is preaching on it next week at church. So, naturally, he has been bringing it up often. I decided to look at it to experience the richness of the passage myself. Paul is writing to the the Thessalonians---encouraging them and reminding them of some really good things for us as Christians to remember. The whole book of 1 Thessalonians is filled with good reminders to Christians. Take a look:

(Final Instructions and Benediction) 1 Thessalonians 5:12-22

[12] We ask you, brothers, to respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, [13] and to esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves. [14] And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all. [15] See that no one repays anyone evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to everyone. [16] Rejoice always, [17] pray without ceasing, [18] give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. [19] Do not quench the Spirit. [20] Do not despise prophecies, [21] but test everything; hold fast what is good. [22] Abstain from every form of evil.

Now, there are several good reminders in that passage, however, the verse of Troy's focus is verse 14. This has been a challenge of mine lately. I think of things I can do more for people at our church, our food bank, the neighbor down the street. But, I admit, when I read this verse, I mainly I think of my mother who is very ill right now. She is currently out of my reach, as she is away from home in Washington right now. My brother and sister-in-law are taking care of her. She is very weak physically, and just a call or video chat from the kids, Troy, and I lights up her day. I am challenged to encourage her more spiritually as well. I need to pray with her on the phone. I need to encourage her more with scripture. She can't see that well right now, but could use a good devotional on CD perhaps.

In the busyness of the day, it is so easy to forget these simple things. I pray that, with the Lord's help, I remember them.

I Needed the Quiet

****I came across this poem on a blog I read. It is such a good reminder of the need for quiet time with God.****

I Needed The Quiet

I needed the quiet so he drew me aside
Into the shadows where we could confide,
Away from the bustle where all the day long
I hurried and worried when active and strong.
I needed the quiet tho at first I rebelled,
But gently, so gently my cross he upheld,
And whispered so sweetly of spiritual things,
Tho weakened in body, my spirit took wings
To heights never heard of when active and gay,
He loved me so greatly he drew me away.
I needed the quiet, no prison my bed,
But a beautiful valley of blessings instead –
A place to grow richer in Jesus to hide
I needed the quiet so he drew me aside.

– Alice H. Mortenson

The Quotable Jackson

This morning while Troy was praying for our food, Jackson started to say, "Ask God for..." After we finished praying, I asked Jackson what he was trying to ask God for. He looked down at his waffles and said, "Syrup!" :) Needless to say, I poured on the syrup---the real stuff, of course!

Those Long Hallways

It was a year ago last week that Mark got into his accident. The day was Friday, December 12th. I had been Christmas shopping and preparing for our annual Christmas party we were to have that evening. I forgot my cellphone. So many frantic messages from Troy greeted me when I got home. I called him right away. It didn't look good, he said, and I needed to come right away. I immediately canceled any plans that we had for the rest of the day and headed to the hospital. It was a long, tear-filled journey. My heart sank to the pit of my stomach. All I could think of was Angie and Nolan. What it would mean if we lost Mark...if they lost Mark. I continuously prayed for them as I drove toward the hospital and away from the setting sun. For Mark, his earthly journey ended just beyond those long hallways at Mission Hospital. For Angie and Nolan, their journey of life without Mark began just beyond those hallways. I know that life without Mark may seem very much like those long, seemingly never-ending hallways at Mission. This time of year is extremely hard for everyone who experienced loss with Mark, but especially Angie and Nolan. Please keep them in your prayers this holiday season. Please pray for comfort through this seemingly never-ending grief that they are experiencing. If you haven't visited it lately, Angie writes of how she is dealing with life this time of year at PrayfortheLamberths.com. Some other dates to keep Angie in your prayers are December 19th, which is what would have been their 11th wedding anniversary, and January 8th, the first anniversary of Mark's death. While you are lifting Angie and Nolan up in prayer, please keep it in mind to pray for the comfort of Mark's parents, Jimmy and Barb, and siblings, Matt, Amanda, and Amy. The Lamberth family has been through quite at bit this past year, but God has blessed them with enough strength and perseverance to get through it. I thank God for those daily blessings.

"Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted."
-Matthew 5:4

Catching up!

Oh! I have been terrible about updating this blog lately! I have been so busy that the blog has been put on the "back burner," so to speak, and I always seem to forget things on the back burner! Well, not to worry! I just uploaded some *brand new* photos from my camera and am about to display them here! These photos are of Jackson just being silly!Concerning Jackson, he is 20 months old now. I can hardly believe that he is 4 months away from turning 2 years old. It almost seems absurd the way time has flown by so fast! Jackson's personality is coming out more and more everyday. He is showing himself to be more and more like Troy, and that is a good thing! He is very, very social and loves the world around him. He gets excited over things that may seem ordinary to anyone else, just like Troy. I think that is one of the things I like most about Troy, so to see that trait in Jackson is a joy! Jackson is also recognizing letters and colors now. His favorite letters are "H" and "T". His favorite color seems to be yellow. He also has an obsession with Disney Pixar's Cars and anything and everything having to do with that movie! If you ask him what Lighting McQueen says, he immediately replies, "KA-CHOW!" Jackson has just become found of Thomas the train. He asks Troy and I to tell stories about Thomas before bedtime and nap time. He loves when we include Jackson and all his friends in the story. His eyes light up when we mention his name. It is sooooo sweet!Jackson has also started to attend the toddler Sunday school class at our church. The class technically is for 2 and up, but when Jackson turned 18 months, I decided I would sit in there with him. Its worked out pretty well. As long as he sits in my lap, he stays put! He is starting to sit an listen longer. He loves to listen to the Bible stories and color with the other kids. He even has learned the answer to the first Shorter Catechism question, "Who made you?" If you ask him that question, he responds, "God!" On that note, I am pleased that is he learning these things. Troy and I pray everyday for him! So far, Jackson has taken a liking to praying. I think it comforts him. He always prays with us before bed time and always prays with us before meals. If we forget to pray, even if we are half-way through the meal, Jackson will make sure we pray! He holds out his hands and says, "Pray! Pray!" very urgently! It seriously melts my heart. I pray that this interest in listening to God's Word and praying to God continues as he grows!

MIA

I'm sure those who read my blog have noticed that I have been MIA for quite some time...something like 6 weeks! I don't know if I have ever gone that long without posting! My life has been extremely busy, and somewhat hectic lately. Troy's life has been the same. I keep telling him that it is only a season. I need to remind myself of that fact often!

So, here is a "quick" update of what has been going on the last 6 weeks:

~Troy, Jackson and I all got sick with a stomach virus at the same time. It was miserable. I got a shot to keep me from vomiting and to help with the nausea. It really worked. I lost 4 lbs in the process of being sick, and Jackson lost 2. We have gained the weight back since then.
~Our friends, Matt and Tiffany just got married a couple weeks ago. They are a wonderful couple that we have seen grow from "just friends" to husband and wife. Tiffany was so thoughtful to ask me to be in the wedding. I will have pictures posted soon, but for now, you can go to our photographer friend, Marlin Munoz's blog, to see photos of the bride and groom. Marlin take beautiful photos! He was assisted by Jeret Slack, who also posted photos on his blog.
~We went camping in Joshua Tree last over this past weekend. It was great weather while we were there, although David and Robyn said it was extremely windy the night we left. Jackson loved camping and being able to sleep in a tent. He also loved spending time with his cousins, Luke and Ellie, and playing in the dirt. It was more of a challenge, however, for me, being tired and pregnant, and having to keep Jackson in one place! Good thing Troy watched him a whole lot! I will post pictures of that trip soon as well!
~Our computer went ker-plunk. I was doing so much work on it (most of the reason for my busy-ness), and Troy did a bunch of work on it as well, we think the hard drive may be somewhat fried. Hence, the reason for me not posting any new pictures up yet. I can't put anymore on our computer until we wipe out the hard drive!
~Concerning the pregnancy, I am no longer feeling sick. It has been such a wonderful improvement! I am still tired ALL THE TIME, but that is better than being tired and sick all the time. My hip also spasms all the time as well. This is from an injury that I had in my first pregnancy that never went away. So, its back with vengeance. I really do thank the Lord for Icy Hot. It is a life saver! I have an appointment for a pre-natal check up next Wednesday, which is when I will be scheduled for THE ULTRA SOUND....yup, that is right! The one when we (hopefully) get to find out the sex of the baby. I will be absolutely shocked if it is a girl, seeing as they are a rare occurrence in our family. We shall see!
~Michael (my twin brother) and Genevieve (my friend from high school) are getting married in a few weeks. I have been busy planning her shower and bachelorette parties. I am anxious to see how they turn out! I will update you!
~Here are some pictures that I haven't posted yet from the end of February and the beginning of March:

This is the smile I get when I ask Jackson to "say cheese!"

Jackson's favorite food is fries. He asks for them all the time, although I don't give in all the time. I did find a healthier way to make them. I bought organic fries and cooked them in olive oil. That way he gets a healthy fat!This is Jackson when he was sick. His first Curious George stuffed animal was a casualty to his first throwing up experience. So, this George that Di gave him has come in handy! They even got to wear their pj's all day together!Jackson also loves ketchup...can you tell?

One of Jackson's favorite things to do when he is happy is dance. Here is a picture of him breaking out some moves!

Its about time...

...to give you all an update! Of course I am speaking of an update (mostly) about Jackson. He is now 15 months old! He is no longer a baby! He is a little boy! (Boy---is he ever!) It seems Jackson's vocabulary grows by at least 5 words a week. It is pretty amazing. This boy is like a sponge. He sucks up everything! His favorite words lately are "house," "Noah," "Nolan," "teeth," "bath," "duck," "meow," and of course, "Mama," and "Dada." That is just to name a few. He is on his way to being a very good communicator. I wonder where he got that from?

Some of his favorite things to do right now are brushing his teeth, watching "Mo" (Elmo) on TV, reading books, especially books with Elmo, Big Bird, and Abby in them, singing the "Rubber Duck" song from Sesame Street, doing the "Itsy-Bitsy Spider," and cuddling on the couch with a blanket, a good book, and his mommy and daddy. Here are some photos with more about what Jackson (and Troy and I) have been up to lately...

Jackson cuddling on the couch with "Mo" and a good book. It turns out that his buddy "Mo" is a good reading partner!One of Jackson's favorite things to do is "drive." He loves to get in the driver's seat and move the steering wheel. Don't worry, though...he doesn't do this without very close supervision, and without the car on, I might add. It is really cute, though...when we get in the car he says, "keys...drive!"One of Jackson's favorite toys is a ball-popper thing. It has a fan in it that makes the balls pop out of it into the air. It is pretty cool, actually! (Thanks, Di!)

One of Jackson's favorite places to sit now is the bear chair. My grandpa made each of us kids one when we were little, and now Jackson is using mine. That means a lot to me!

Jackson is very, very fond of Nolan. He will wake up saying his name over and over again. He will randomly ask for him. It is really cute, and I think Nolan is very honored that his cousin likes him so much. Troy mentioned to Nolan a few weeks ago that Jackson really liked his toys, and Nolan replied, "It's probablly because I'm his favorite cousin." I am pretty certain he takes pride in that. Speaking of Nolan, please remember to continue to pray for him and Angie, as they are still going through such an immense transition to life without Mark. They need to be lifted up in prayer daily. For updates on how their lives are going, visit www.prayforthelamberths.com.
Jackson loves Cassie, and Cassie is like his nanny. She gets worried if he cries, but, sometimes will keep a safe distance. She lets Jackson pet her, though. She is a good kitty to have around little ones! Instead of cat (pronounced "at"), Jackson is now calling Cassie "Meow" because he knows we think it is cute.

This is random amoungst all the Jackson stuff, but Troy and I FINALLY got to go out on a date after months of going without one. Under the circumstances of the last several months, we never got to go out together. At the end of January, we had the oppurtunity to go out to for dinner at PF Changs and a movie. We went to see Mall Cop, which was a clean, and silly comedy. That was just what we needed to see.

Due to the circumstances of December, our annual Citrus Group Christmas Party was postponed until the end of January. We all had a great time, and I was amazed that Kimm kept her Christmas decor up all through January just for the occasion! At the end of the night, Jackson took it upon himself to snag a whole wall of the ginger bread house. Don't worry folks...after a few bites, I threw it away!

This is just a cute picture of Jackson taken at Polly's Pies. I had to include it somehow.This is the first sonogram of our little baby # 2. The two "x's" mark the crown and the rump. The baby's heartbeat was happy and healthy! This was taken two weeks ago at 8 weeks.

Jackson has become a fan of dips and sauces. Int his photo, he had just discovered ketchup. He loves Cholula, a mexican hotsauce, on his eggs. I tasted the stuff and it is spicy! But, he loves it and begs for more! When Jackson is dipping his food in something, he loves to say "dip" over and over again.This little boy has recently discovered his old car seat. We have it sitting on the office floor due to lack of storage space. He will climb in it every chance he gets, while giving us a silly grin!

Jackson has the most beautiful eyes (at least I think so!). I had to put this picture up to show them off. Also, his hair is getting thicker and blonder as it grows, and, as a result, he gets pretty crazy hair after a nap (as shown above!).

This first photo is from 6 1/2 weeks along in my pregnancy, and the second was taken today, at 10 weeks. I think I started to show overnight (and, no, I am not sticking out my stomach...I am actually holding it in...) I thought it was just me, but when I walked into the MOPS meeting today, my table leader/friend said "oh wow...you are showing!" I suppose this picture is proof. I am glad to say I still have only gained 3 lbs, and 1.5 of those pounds was just in the last week and a half.

So, there is a pretty long update! I am sorry I haven't been posting blogs as often. Quite frankly, sometimes I would rather be sleeping! :)

Jackson is going to be a....

So, after much thought on how and when to tell folks this news, Troy and I decided to just tell people. We know that there is a chance of miscarriage. We don't take that lightly at all. This is why we are telling people. In the event of a miscarriage, we would want people to know that we were pregnant in the first place so we don't have to keep two secrets from them or explain the pregnancy and the miscarriage to them. We want people to know so they can join us in prayer for this little one in my womb. We very much value the prayer, concern, and comfort of God's people. (We also respect those who take the position of not telling people due to concerns of a miscarriage.)

So, on a lighter note, WE'RE PREGNANT!!!!!! WOOOOOHOOOOO! :)

At the Cross

On Saturday morning, our whole family and many, many others trekked up to the cross on Mt. Rubidoux in memory of Mark. It was a good time of remembrance, prayer, and worship...we sang "Blessed be the Name of the Lord," and "How Great is Our God," which were very appropriate songs.

Making the hike up to the cross.

People gather at the cross to remember Mark.Troy shares some words about his cousin's testimony.

Let it be said of us....

As of about 5:30 last night, Mark went to be with the Lord, as his family and close friends stood around him. It is never easy to watch someone pass away before your very eyes. However, the fact that Mark knew Christ as his Lord and Savior put a bit of sweetness into the bitterness of sorrow that we feel. We know that he is with his Lord, and he is rejoicing in His presence. But, still, there is the grieving...grieving for Angie's loss of a husband, for Nolan's loss of his daddy, for Jim and Barb's loss of a son, for Matt, Mandy, and Amy's loss of a brother, for our loss of a cousin and a friend....the list of Mark's roles here on this earth go on and on. I know that God has a plan, and for whatever reason, He called Mark home to be with Him. I cling to that. I know Angie is clinging to that. I pray that others will cling to that. The huge amount of prayer that the family received from Christians all around the world was astonishing. Christ was definitely glorified through this all. Mark would have been thrilled about that. I thank the Lord for the Godly example Mark was. I only pray that my testimony here on this earth would reflect the same qualities. I pray that the presence of Christ would be evident in my life as it was in Mark's. There is a song that I posted in a comment on Mark's blog and that I will post here because the lyrics are what I desire of my life and what Mark showed in his.

"Let It Be Said of Us

Let it be said of us that the Lord was our passion,
That with gladness we bore ev’ry cross we were given,
That we fought the good fight, that we finished the course,
Knowing within us the pow’r of the risen Lord.

Let the cross be our glory
And the Lord be our song,
By mercy made holy,
By the Spirit made strong
Let the cross be our glory
And the Lord be our song,
‘Til the likeness of Jesus
Be through us made known.
Let the cross be our glory
And the Lord be our song.

Let it be said of us: We were marked by forgiveness,
We were known by our love and delighted in meekness,
We were ruled by His peace, heeding unity’s call,
Joined as one body that Christ would be seen by all.

Let the cross be our glory
And the Lord be our song,
By mercy made holy, by the Spirit made strong
Let the cross be our glory
And the Lord be our song,
‘Til the likeness of Jesus
Be through us made known.
Let the cross be our glory
And the Lord be our song."

I feel immense sorrow right now for the loss of Mark. But, I am so very thankful for the sweetness there is in the hope of Christ, and through this all, that still remains. Through this tragic event (humanly speaking), our great God is still on the throne. Christ still died for sinners. He still rose from the tomb. He still is in glory with God the Father. Mark is now with Christ experiencing that glory that is beyond our earthly comprehension. Those truths still remain true. Praise God for that!

PLEASE PRAY

We woke up to a call with some very horrible news this morning. The bleed in Mark's brain has increased in size and the doctor said it was catastrophic. Angie will be having to make the decision to take him off the ventilator. Please pray for comfort for Angie and Nolan at this time, and visit the blog http://www.prayforthelamberths.com for more details and updates. Thanks for all you prayers.

A Setback for Mark

Mark didn't go into surgery as planned today. The doctor discovered in the CAT Scan that he has rebleed (a place that was injured before is bleeding again). PLEASE keep praying for Mark, Angie, and Nolan. I don't know what God has in store for Mark, but it is comforting to know that God knows. Please pray for comfort for Angie. There has been so many ups and downs! http://www.prayforthelamberths.com

Great News!

I am sure that most of you read that Mark moved his hands yesterday in response to pain!!!! We are so excited and encouraged. The Lord has been so merciful! You can read more about it at http://www.prayforthelamberths.com

URGENT PRAYER REQUEST FOR MARK

Please pray for Mark...he was taken into emergency surgery this morning because the pressure in his brain is going up. Please pray and spread the news to pray...thanks!

Hang in there....

So, for all of you who read my blog, and are missing having pictures of Jackson up here, please hang in there! I hope to have time for a good post before Christmas! Thanks for your patience! So, until then, here is a picture of Jackson (I hope I didn't post this one already!) ...And, please keep praying for Mark! His pneumonia isn't clearing, and until that happens, they can take him off the paralytics or sedation he is under, which means they can't test for any brain activity. The nurse said tonight that it is going to "be a while" before we will see anything. Sigh...

Keep on Praying!

(Photo by Scott Montgomery)

Mark has been transferred to Mission Hospital in Mission Viejo. He had a Craniectomy (the right side of this skull was removed) today and it went well. We are still praying for a miracle. For more of an update, please visit www.prayforthelamberths.com ....the site name changed to make it easier to access. Thank you again for all your prayers!

A Second Opinion

Please keep praying for Mark. We just got news of a second opinion. For for info, and to leave comments for the family, please go to http://prayforthelamberths.wordpress.com. Troy and a few friends are trying to keep the site updated. Thank you for all your prayers! God is truly glorified when His people cling to Him in prayer!

PLEASE PRAY FOR MARK

Troy, Jackson, and Mark

Our cousin Mark was in a severe motorcycle accident yesterday (I am writing this slightly after midnight, so it was just today for me) and has serious head trauma. He is on life support right now. The doctors have a grim outlook on his chance of survival. Christians, please pray that he Lord will perform a miracle----that Mark would wake up and be completely healed. And, if the outcome is as grim and the doctors expect it to be, please, please, please pray for comfort for the family. Mark is a Christian. He is married to Angie and they have a 6-year-old boy named Nolan (some of you may remember him as the little boy who pulled the wagon up the aisle in our wedding). It is a very difficult situation. Those words don't do it justice. Please pray. Thanks.

"Oh, death, where is your sting?"

Troy's grandpa passed away yesterday. He was a Christian. I say that with great joy because we can rejoice in his death. We can rejoice that because Christ died, Troy's grandpa is in the presence of our glorious God. There is no better place to be. What an immense comfort this is in such a time of grief! Please pray that Troy's family is comforted by this reality and that their grief is met by the precious comfort of Christ.

“O death, where is your victory?
O death, where is your sting?”

The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain."

1 Corinthians 15:55-58