Thimble Thoughts: Outlines, Parties, and Brain Freezes

Yesterday, our Pastor preached a sermon and the devil was so upset he was causing MANY distractions in the service. Pastor had to stop at one point and ask one of our ushers to see what the distraction was going on in the foyer. Then our dear Pastor's wife had to get up and take care of a certain matter during the sermon right there in the sanctuary. Bless her heart. She should not have HAD to do it, but she was making sure the devil didn't use this situation to distract others. It was really terrible. Not to mention other distractions taking place. One right after the other. So since the devil didn't want our church to hear it, I thought I'd share it on the Internet as well. This is a very short outline of the sermon, but to the point.

Text: Ezekiel 47:1-7

I must confess that I thought his sermon was going in another direction. Facing trials and tribulations. The waters of life. You know. But it actually went a different direction.

The text read about being led to the waters at the ankles, then the knees, the loins, and then so high he could not pass over and had to swim.

To the ankles was RESOLVE. Resolve to go deeper into the work of the Lord. To do whatever He would ask of you.
To the knees was RESPONSIBILITY. Take on responsibilities in your church.
To the loins was REPRODUCING OURSELVES. Be involved in soul-winning.
To the swimming was REVIVAL. Get in so deep that you're swimming in the work of the Lord. Forgetting about everything else and focussing only on Him. Totally consumed in God's will, God's WORD, and God's way.

After the morning service, we went to Sis Shirley and Brother Ron's home to celebrate Brother Ted's birthday. I still can't believe I'm older than he is.
This is Brother Ted, his mother Sis Shirley, and Harrison.

This is Sis Tammy. She is Brother Ted's baby sister and the one who beautifully sings "He'll Do It Again." You can click here to hear that.

This is Sis Rebecca. Brother Ted's wife.

This is Sis Tammy holding her little Abigale. She was still so tired from the family retreat.

Cameron and Naomi found some labeling stickers and were caught in the corner putting them on each other. Lil' stinkers!

Praying the blessings over the food. Close your eyes, Nicole! Shame on you!

Diggin' in!

Paw Paw Ron loves to play with the baby!

Can't say that I blame him. Look at that little face.

Sis Amy made the cake and it was sooo yummmy!

Brother Ted trying to bring back the youth. Sorry, Brother Ted. I've tried it....it doesn't work!

Wow, look at those candles, would ya? Good thing the fire marshall was on vacation.

Don't worry folks, we had oxygen tanks ready and waiting for when he was finished blowing out his candles.

This is Brother Ted's brother. I can't remember his name. Sorry.

Naomi and Emily were having fun just being cousins.

The older girls were playing in Mrs. Shirley's hats. Hannah really loved this one.

Brother Ted loved his cake. It was a big hit. I think his biggest birthday present was his new job. He's very excited about it and we're excited for him. He'll be managing the Pizza Hut in Shelby, cleaning it up, and then finding a replacement before he becomes a district supervisor. Way to go, Brother Ted! We're so happy for you. The Lord continually answers prayers.

This is Brother Ted's sis-in-law. Again, I do not remember her name. Sorry.

After the party we made it home in time to sleep a good two solid hours before evening service. There were no practices last night so we didn't have to be back until church time. Pastor preached out of Ezekiel again. I'm going to share that outline with you tomorrow because it's a bit longer, but one I think you'll enjoy. After church, Hannah went home with a friend of ours for a few days. We brought Justin home to pack, changed our clothes, and headed out to drop him off at a friend's house. We took Harrison out to eat and he wanted to do a "before and after" picture of him eating a big scoop of ice cream.........