Over at GirlTalk, they have posted a recipe booklet of summer meals. Enjoy!

Last night in small groups, I was really encouraged with the chapter that C.J. wrote on “Why Small Groups?” One question in the chapter that stood out above all was this one — “Is there someone who can (and does) question your motives and ask for an explanation of your actions when appropriate?” I am so thankful that God, in His grace, has given me a spouse who can and does do this very thing. This isn’t to say that Meg is perfect, but she is a faithful friend in that regard. Many times she is my Nathan, there to point me back to the truth.

Is your spouse able to do this in your life? How do you react when he/she points these things out? What is your reaction to the process of holiness being furthered through your spouse? These questions really reveal our hearts. Allow your spouse to be able to be used by God for your holiness.

I didn’t get to attend New Attitude ’08, but have been benefitting from all the helpful things they have been putting up on the website:

All the Messages…
Ripping, Burning, Eating: A Right Response to God’s Word
Josh Harris • Saturday, May 24

The Authority of Scripture
Mark Dever • Sunday, May 25

Bible Q&A
Al Mohler • Sunday, May 25

The Troubled Soul: God’s Word and Our Feelings
C.J. Mahaney • Sunday, May 25

What’s the Point?: Growing in Vision for Diligent Study
Eric Simmons • Monday, May 26

William Tyndale: A Life Transformed By God’s Word
John Piper • Monday, May 26

Fighting for Faith with God’s Word
John Piper • Monday, May 26

God as Father: Understanding the Doctrine of Adoption in God’s Word
C.J. Mahaney • Tuesday, May 27

They also posted these two helpful articles:
Hermeneutics 101 .3 mb PDF
(hur-muh-noo-tiks) n. [Grk.]: the craft of interpreting Scripture. A short guide to print out and keep in your Bible.

Application 101 .3 mb PDF
A concise resource for individuals and small group leaders on how to apply the Na 2008 conference messages to daily life.

As you can see, there is just a wealth of great information (for free) available online. Why not go to NA ’08 after all…

JT urged us to utilize this helpful checklist from Seth Godin.

JT reported this AM that Christianaudio.com is offering a free download of Pilgrim’s Progress. If you’ve never read this book, you are missing a treat and some incredible theological reflection. This unabridged audio would be a welcome thing for easy listening. Oh, and if you are planning a family vacation, this would be a good thing to listen to on the road.

When was the last time you encouraged your spouse? I know most of us are grateful to God for our spouses. I remember living in my apartment (pre-marriage) all by myself (cue Celine Dion) praying that God would intervene and give me a spouse. It seems though that as life goes on, I have drifted from the encouragement that God has given me a spouse to thinking that she was what I deserved. This is demonstrated in my lack of gratefulness to God for her and my lack of expressing to her exactly what a blessing she is to me.

For many families, having another child (or a first one) is a time where emotions are high and relationships don’t deepen, but I am asking God to do something great in our lives in these days as we get into life together with Gabriel. One subtle direction I am trying to walk in is to encourage my wife. I seek to do this in word and deed. I know I can do much better in this area. As I lay down my own selfish desire to be served and give myself fully for her, then God can use this to deepen our relationship with one another. God has given me the ability to open my mouth and life in a way that encourages my wife. Therefore, it is a matter of being faithful to Him and watching God bless us through this path.

Related to this idea were some recent posts from C.J. on our role as men to plan the family vacation. These thoughts get at some of the same things. Look for ways to serve your spouse and children, men. You are the leader and set the tone accordingly.

Here are C.J.’s posts:

Part 1
Part 2
Part 3

Also in church related news, we had a great day at Vacation Bible School today. We are using the Friendship Trek curriculum. For more info on this study, visit the Friendship Trek Website. Our VBS is running from June 2-6, 9:30AM – 11:30AM.

This coming Lord’s day, we are going to start a new small group study from Sovereign Grace Ministries. Entitled Why Small Groups?, this curriculum will help us deepen our relationships with one another and foster Biblical fellowship. Chapter 1 is available at the church’s website.

This Sunday (Lord willing) we begin an exposition of the book of Ruth. In vv.1-5, we see elements of what I’m calling a frowning providence. I borrow this phrase from William Cowper.

To read a bio of Cowper, visit Piper’s conference bio of him in 1992.

To hear the hymn God Moves in Mysterious Ways, visit the Cyberhymnal.

T.J. will be leading a new arrangement of this from Sovereign Grace Music.

Our 2nd son, Gabriel Phillip, was born today (5/27) at 1:12PM. He weighed 8 lbs., 4 oz., and was 20 1/2 inches long. We are grateful to God who blessed us with favor throughout the day. In studying Ruth, I came across this verse that brought forth some faith-inspiring principles — “The Lord gave conception and she gave birth to a son…” (4:13). We know that God deserves all the praise from start to finish. We are also thankful for the great ones (nurses, doctors, family, friends) who inspired and encouraged us along the way. We are glowing because God is so good.