Change, change, change

Life has been very fast paced for us and change is in the air. First, a big praise that Bethany got a position working evenings/nights for the hospital. She enjoys it and I've even been able to join her a couple of nights. It also makes it easier on us having one vehicle, although we are still adjusting to a crazy sleep schedule. Another good change is literally in the air... Fall! I am really enjoying the first couple of days of what should be at least one full week of Fall in Southern Indiana. Who doesn't enjoy Fall!? You've got the leaves changing, crisp, cool air, and more. It has always been my favorite season and Bethany is warming up (or cooling down) to it. Anyway, we continue to appreciate your prayers as we charge through the final semester here at Southern while balancing these other areas.

One last random note of change that caught our attention. Veggietales has hit the TV lineup. I was surprised at this until I found out the circumstances surrounding their debut. Bob the Tomato has officially been censored. The group that bought out Veggietales has watered them down to nothing more than a moral anecdote that can't even mention God anymore. Bob's signature line, "God made you special and loves you very much!" has been changed to, "Thanks for coming over to my house, kids. See you next week." Apparently the First Amendment doesn't apply to produce. Dr. Mohler had some good thought provoking analysis (as always) on the veggie take over on his site. You can read the full article but here is a sample that I thought summed it up well:

NBC fears that Bob the Tomato is a zealot -- a clever televangelist seducing children with his radical theology of God's love -- and with his theology made less threatening by his vegetable charm. Larry the Cucumber was evidently unavailable for comment. Many news sources contrasted the decision about VeggieTales with the network's decision to run a special starring notorious pop star Madonna -- a special that may feature her in a mock crucifixion scene. Is NBC willing to offend millions of Christians with a mockery of the cross? Stay tuned.

I guess all change isn't good after all. I'm glad they can't censor Autumn. *Sigh*, at least there's still silly songs with Larry.

Prayers for a saint

We want to ask our friends out there to pray for Bethany's grandmother Becky. She is in the latter stage of Alzheimers and has not been eating lately. We want God's will most of all in this situation, whether that means a healing of her body and mind here and now or a permanent healing through Christ's redemption in death. She is a wonderful lady who has faithfully served the Lord for many years. Her husband, Paul, could especially use your prayers as well. We will try updating you on this and other things in life later this week.

Down in My Heart

I remember as a kid singing about the joy joy joy joy down in my heart and when the teacher responded musically, "Where!?" we would always follow... "down in my heart!" Maybe as we get older the question goes from where to why. We talked in our Bible Study tonight about what true joy is and how it differs from what the world around us is selling. I would define joy as an unconditional and ever present assurance of God's sovereignty and acceptance of us in Christ. It isn't always demonstrated by a big smile on someone's face and isn't absent in the midst of tears. I believe the Bible teaches that God is glorified most in our joy when it remains steadfast in the midst of persecution or tribulation (Lk 6:22-23, Phil. 2:14-18). True joy sees past present circumstances and personal comforts to the greater good that God is bringing about by conforming us into the image of Christ (Rom.8:29). We can rest assured that God knows exactly what it takes to make us like Jesus. This kind of joy challenges believers to faithfulness and makes those who refuse Christ uncomfortable to say the least.

It is also a good reminder for us that our God is joyful. How cool is it that we who are in Christ are a joy to the God of the universe!? In that sense we find our deepest joy in seeking to be a joy to the Lord. I do not believe that God is that concerned with our happiness, but does care about our joy. In fact, God cannot desire anything greater for us than what would bring us the greatest joy of all... Him. Anything less would not be truly loving us. Joy is intimately tied to resting in God's sovereignty. He is in control of the cosmos and doesn't need our help holding it all together. Believers are secure in His strong hands (John 10:29) and with that assurance comes a joy that no one can take away, "and if the devil doesn't like it he can sit on a tack."