Loving my wife

Have you ever thought to yourself, "how does the resurrection effect my marriage?" Even deeper, "how does it effect me as a husband to my wife?"

These are deep thoughts that I had last Easter 2008. We were flying home from Portland, Or. when all of a sudden I had a deepining thought overcome my entire mind. This thought was of course the resurrection and how it effects every area of our lives, even so much as to pinpoint how we are to love our spouses. While sitting on the airplane next to my wife Chenille, I began to brainstorm some thoughts. Before I reveal them, I have to say first, that Chenille had no idea I was writing these thoughts while sitting right next to her. Unfortunately, it isn't until now that she will see these thoughts. I am glad that I can share that with whoever will take the time to read it. My thought is brief, but it hits to the heart of the matter quickly.

"I was thinking earlier today how much I love my wife. I began to think of how my role as a husband will effect her eternal worship. As I absorb the resurrection on this Easter day, I can't help but think of my love for my wife and how the resurrection effects me as a husband which effects her as a wife, mother, and follower of Christ.

How much deeper should my love for her be considering I am to be responsible in the home for her knowledge of Jesus?

Because of the resurrection, I must love Chenille as though the glory of God depends upon it. Jesus rising from the dead is my only base for being the husband and father I must be. The glory of Christ demands it!"

Christ, be glorified in my words, and Chenille be encouraged that your Savior has caused me to love you more than I could ever know.

Greg

The Standard by Which we are Judged.

Voddie Bachum, Jr. preached at First Baptist Euless this last Sunday for their Encourager Conference. Chenille, Ethan, and I along with friends were able to attend his sermon which addressed expository preaching. His sermon was an encouragement for future Pastor's as myself. His main input for the evening was that the word (God's word) is "the standard by which we are judged." His Sermon through 2 Timothy 4: 1-5 made me incredibly anxious to preach. It is definately encouraging to hear other God fearing men who want to expose the truth of Christ, rather than shying behind a "feel good" gospel (which is no gospel at all). I hope that if I live to be his age (39) that I can still look at the scriptures and say, "it is sufficient."

After the service, we were all able to wait and then hang out with Voddie and his son for a late night dinner. We were able to recieve this "hook-up" because of a good friend of ours. Anthony Moore had met Voddie a couple years ago at another conference. Ever since, him and Voddie have kept in touch. Therefore, we were able to meet him and have dinner. Dinner was fun. I got to ask him some questions about his latest book Family Driven Faith, and some advice for a young minister.

The evening was fun, and at the same time we were able to meet a man who literally preaches the gospel to the entire world.

Israel 2007-08

Things to know before watching the video:

1. The title page plays for 30 seconds and then the video starts. So be patient, or move the play bar forward to the 30 second mark.
2. Click play and then pause quickly to let the video load. This is to help avoid constant pausing while watching the video.
3. Lastly, no I did not create the video. Some guy I know at my school did it within a couple of hours (without much notice). Yeah, he's good at this stuff.

This video is for all those who supported us so that I could go to Israel this last winter. It was a great trip and I learned a lot. The video is arranged to give the viewer the idea of how we have come from the "wilderness" to redemption through the cross of Christ. The song that plays to the video is a song that I heard for the first time while on the trip. I immediately loved the song and thought it perfect for this video.