Crossway Life

How should the average American on Main St. view the recent economic turmoil that has unfolded on Wall St.? In an excellent commentary that includes a lesson in Economics 101 Al Mohler states that although we should be concerned there is no cause for panic. Read the entire article.

Last week we had an opportunity as a pastoral team to take our wives and to retreat to a conference center near Valley Forge, PA–all 14 of us.  Now you might question my math: 5 pastors + 5 wives = 14?  No, but when you add in 4 babies, you see that our retreat had a unique dynamic this year.  We not only filled the church van to overflowing with luggage, pack-n-plays, bassinets & car seats, but we also filled up the Plank’s van as well.  We should have included photos of those two vehicles…

As you can see from the picture above, we are a blessed pastoral team.  Between our 5 families we have 21 children (10 boys, 11 girls), ranging in age from 1 month to 31 years old.  We have all experienced God’s kindness over and over again; but here I want to highlight our wives.  These 5 ladies have consistently sacrificed many times for their husbands, and for the church.  They have willingly chosen to forego many of their own desires for the sake of the gospel–and we don’t say that lightly.  It is no small thing to move your family out-of-town for a year’s training, to completely re-imagine your understanding of a “work week,” to release your husband for evening meetings, conferences, and emergency hospital visits.  Yet these ladies do it joyfully.

Had you joined us on our retreat, you would have seen these mothers (and grandmother!) tenderly caring for babies, engaging in fellowship, and loving their husbands.  You would have seen them losing sleep to care for their newborns, yet fully involved in our meetings and ministry.  You would have been impressed by their energy levels!  Thank you Grace, Cynthia, Brenda, Barbara and Lori for how you love your husbands, love your children, and love God’s church.  We are so grateful for you.

“Can I help you please,” said the lady behind the counter in a rather annoyed manner, making obvious her displeasure for the man that was in front of me.  You would have thought that he was rude or impatient, but all he did was walk away before receiving his change.  She shook her head and scrunched her face up because he couldn’t hear her yelling after him.  Wow, I feel so warm and fuzzy to be received as her next customer.  Could you please show me the same hospitality that you showed that older gentleman?

Sadly, our hearts are not naturally inclined to want to serve people other than ourselves, and to serve with joy is an even tougher order.  I know a woman in our midst that is an AMAZING servant filled with joy!  That special lady is know in our household as Aunt Tracy, (a.k.a. Tracy Guyer).  Tracy is significant to me in a number of ways, but I want to highlight her loving heart to serve.  She is an example of loyalty–always faithful to step in and help me with my children.  She is the reason Doug and I can go out on dates as often as we do because she just wants to serve us, receiving no payment in return.  She is the reason my son just fulfilled one of his childhood desires–Chuck E. Cheese for his birthday.  She is the reason I can support my husband during special events like onesingleday.

We don’t easily give out special titles to people who are not  part of our family, but Tracy’s heart for my children has been so precious and meaningful that it was a no-brainer.  Tracy is always asking me how she can help me, and begs me to take my kids for any and all babysitting needs.  She gets giddy with excitement when things step up a notch to a sleepover.  I cannot express what this means to me as a mom, knowing that she is watching over them when I am unable to.  She is wise and experienced, fun and adventurous, patient and merciful.  You know, we might as well call her Mary Poppins–“practically perfect in every way!”

The even more amazing thing about Tracy is that I know she serves way more people than just me.  She has a sharp eye that looks for the needs around her, and willingly jumps to them with both feet.  When people see me somewhere without my children, they usually ask who has my children.  More often than not, I tell them that it is good old Tracy–what would I do without her.

Christ came not to be served, but to serve and give His life as a ransom for many (Mark 10:45).  Tracy follows her Savior closely in her life and service to God’s people.

I love you dear friend and so do my children.  Thank you for all that you do for the families at Crossway.

If I were to have only five songs to celebrate and remember the cross by, here are my faves:

1. When I Survey the Wondrous Cross (words by Isaac Watts, Celtic melody version)

2. Before the Throne of God Above (words by Charitie Bancroft, music by Vicki Cook)

3. Jesus Paid it All (words by Elvina Hall, music traditional)

4. How Deep the Father’s Love for Us (Words and music by Stuart Townend)

5. Let Us Love and Sing and Wonder (words by John Newton, music by Laura Taylor)

Which 5 would you choose?

Sports like life can be a wonderful means of growth for the believer if they approach it with faith. Stephen Altrogge has written a new book Game Day for the Glory of God that provides parents with an excellent resource for helping their son or daughter view sports from a truely biblical point of view. From the opening chapter this which starts with the gospel this book goes on to encouage Christians to enjoy every aspect of sports. From talent, to winning and losing to character building, all is meant to be engaged in to glory of God.

CJ Mahaney recently interviewed Stephen and you can listen to it here.

Have your quiet times have been a little dry lately? Take a few moments to read and watch this amazing description of the universe God created! Click on this post. Be sure to wait for the video to load.

Thanks to Justin Taylor

Let’s allow faith to rise in our hearts for the launch of OneMission on Sunday, October 5th.