Compassion

Pastor Bruce Frank @ Biltmore Baptist Church just started a new series this past sunday: Jesus Loves People. We will be looking throughout the new testament, studying encounters Jesus had with people. Not just people who followed him but sinners too.

Sunday, we began to look at Matthew (Levi). He was a tax collecter and when Jesus came upon him he decided to become one of his disciples. Jesus came to dine at Matthews house; where Matthew had invited his associates (sinners-tax collecters). The Pharisees could not understand why the son of God would be dining with the unworthy. Jesus responded by saying "It is not the healthy whho need a doctor, but the sick. But go and learn what this means: 'I desire mercy, not sacrafice. For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners." (Matthew 9:12-13)Pastor Frank explained; as Christ followers we need to be passionate for people who are far from God.

If you are passionate about Jesus you will naturally want to spread your passion to those around you (especially those who need it most). But how do we lose our desire to reach non-Christians? We forget how it feels to be lost. We get set in our ways. So, how do we regain a love for people? We pray for them, spend time with them, we invite them to church and fellowship opportunities, and we help meet their needs for their thirst for compassion-through directing them to Christ.

Everyone needs compassion especially those who are far from God. As a Christian we need to have Passion as a character trait. Jesus loves people. So should we.

related readings: Matthew 9: 9-13, Romans 5:8

BBC services live sundays @ 9:15, 11 & 6 www.biltmorebaptist.org

Happy Birthday Grandma

Adley is so lucky to have so many people who love her. Today is Andrew's moms birthday, Adleys Grandma. She is an extra special person in Adley's life. One of Adley's absolute favorite people. We are so blessed to have such a Godly, kind and loving women in our lives and so happy that Adley has such an amazing role model for a Grandma! So, Happy Birthday Grandma! We love you!

Welcome Spring and Good Feelings

Andrew and I were sitting in our living room yesterday and were discussing how much we love the weather when its warm and sunny. It's just one of those "feel good" moments. The atmosphere changes to a happier one, and it makes moods brighter and smiles wider. I love winter, dont get me wrong, but something about sunshine and blooming flowers makes me a happier, more excited person. We have been able to go outside and do more active things as a family. I love that. For example; we bought adley a little plastic set of golf clubs the other day. If you know my husband you know he loves the game of golf. Anyways, behind our house is a large open field. We all 3 went outside and practiced our golf swing and hit balls into the open field. It was so much fun. Great family moment. Spring gets me so excited and enthusiastic. It just feels different. Something about being couped up inside and having to layer clothing to even get out seems so unappealing. The freedom of sunshine and 70 degree weather is just unbeatable. Thank you, Jesus for the springtime. Truly a wonderful gift to show off your beautiful creations. Happy Spring!

By Faith

Have you ever thought to yourself what does having faith really mean? Well, if you read Hebrews:11 you will have that question no longer. It tells the tales of biblical heroes who by faith conquered their fears and succeeded in God's plan for them, including: Noah, Abraham, Samuel, Moses and many many more.
These men of God truly lived by faith alone. My prayer is that i may be so obedient.

Milestones

It is so amazing to watch a childs progression. From a little tiny helpless newborn to a toddling toddler each accomplishment is as great as the first in a parents eyes. Here are a few of Adley's milestones and ages:

3 months-rolled over from front to back
4 months- rolled over from back to front
6 months-began to crawl (army style)
7 months-began to crawl on her hands and knees
8 months-began to pull up & got her first 2 teeth
9 months-began to walk with help (always held on to someones fingers)
10 months-walked on her own

These are only a few of her milestones so far; but i think its amazing how much babies do in such a shortammount of time. I am a proud mommy! I'm so greatful to God that she is healthy and happy and so smart. What a blessing.

Old School

Andrew, Adley and I have been attebding BBC since we moved to Fletcher and we love it. Because andrew works most Sunday's we cannot attend church in the mornings, but BBC offers an awesome worship service at 6pm with the same sermon as the morning service. It's called vertical and we love it!

Over the past few weeks Pastor Frank has been teaching on the subject of "Old School"-classic characters from back in the day. It's nice to focus on the old testement, because i myself dont tend to stray to that part of my Bible. I need to change that. There were so many important characters and stories and teachings from God even before Jesus came that can teach us great lessons. It's nice to study those old school characters.

Last night we looked in the book of Judges and the story of Samson. I had always been familiar with the whole story of Samson and Delilah, but i had never looked further into it past the whole "femme fatale" and such.

Anyway's, Pastor Frank taught on the aspect of how Samson continued to stray from God through his marriage and sentuality. But, Samson always thought he was invincable. Although he kept doing all these unholy things he still had Gods favor. In Judges 16:20 when the Philistines were coming for Samson he awoke from his sleep and automatically thought he could revert back to his old ways and "shake himself free, or get out of this mess with the help and strength of God. "But he did not know that the Lord had left him". --When it says the Lord had left him it does not mean he forgot about him or left him stranded it simply is saying: God will let us go to show us how futile it is without him. This is why some Christians struggle with the same issues as non-Christians or why Christ followers stray from what is right. But, if you read later in the chapter God came back to Samson and gave him strength. He never really leaves us. He only wants us to see how hateful life and the world is without him.

Biltmore Baptist Church streams live sundays at 11am and 6pm. To view sermons click here

Thank you Lord for being ever faithful.Even though we stray from you, you are always there for us when we want to return. Praise God for his commitment to us. If only we all could have the same commitment to Him.

Happy March

Well, March is here and I have set a few goals to try (fingers crossed) to accomplish this month:

1-Send Adley's Birthday Party Invites.
2-Send My BF's wedding shower invites.
3-Finish planning both events.
4-get adleys 1 year photos made.
5-Organize all of my missed match socks. Don't judge-you know you need to, too.
6-Read a good book.
7-Get a new bathing suit.
8-Exercise daily.
9-Devote at least 30 min. per day to my awesome God.
10-Keep my head on straight.
(The above are in no specific order lol)

Hopefully I will accomplish all 10. Top priority: God time. Bottom priority: Socks-for sure.

Wish me luck-prayer needed at the utmost!