In ancient days whenever something big had happened some stones were stacked up on each other. In the Bible these were called altars. Anytime God showed up altars were built and new names were given to signify, something significant just occurred.
If we still did this my arms would be very sore. Last week we had many significant things occur. Ean graduated from kindergarten, Jake graduated from elementary school, Ean turned 6 and Grace turned 9. Julie was asked to serve as the full time Pastor to Children, Youth and Families. Oh yeah and Father's Day was in there somewhere. It was one celebration after another. We actually had to put off celebrating Jake's graduation till this week because there was no room.
The thing about stacking some big rocks is that it takes time, time and effort not a whole lot of thought. So what was going through Jacob's (from Genesis 28, not my son) mind when he made the altar at Bethel? What were Moses and Abraham pondering when they built their altars. I would imagine they were reflecting on what God had done and how thankful they were to Him.
Stone one:
Julie has had the call to ministry since I have known her. When I met her she was serving the families of Belmont Street in Washington DC. When she went back to San Diego she went not only to finish her education (BA in Religion, Christian Education and Youth Ministries), but to serve in a local ministry called Kids at Heart. She has been serving along side me and raising our kids along the way. When GGCC asked her to formally serve as an Associate Pastor it was a confirmation of her call to ministry and a big day. Thank You God.
Stone two:
It seems like yesterday we were in the NICU with Jake. He was very sick and we were unsure if he was going to make it. Last week he graduated from elementary school. He will attend Hoover Middle School in the fall. He is going on the Ensenada trip with me next week to serve the folks there. God has given him a servant's heart and a heart for others. He wants to learn his guitar so he can play with the worship team someday. He is really growing into a great young man. Thank You God.
Stone three:
Grace is amazing. To watch her at her birthday party was a thing to behold. She drifted between friends from her worlds: church, school and gymnastics class. She was attentive to the little brothers and sisters at the party and making sure everyone was having a good time. She is growing up so fast. Her latest project is her girl rock band called G.O. G., that's right Girls of God had practice this week. I cannot wait for their first performance. She is also writing a book, a movie and in the middle of a couple of paintings. Thank you God.
Stone four:
Ean turned six and graduated from Kindergarten. If that is not enough he is reading everything in sight. This is an amazing thing to watch. A child for the first time able to decode the words around him. It is fun to hear and see him put the pieces of the puzzle together. He asked me at breakfast the other day. "How do you spell Jake?" I told him. He said, "then make is, m.a.k.e." He then proceeded through a whole list of "-ake" words. How did he know how to do this? He is also the most social of us all. If you are not his friend, it means you have not met him. Thank you God.
As I pile on my stones in my mind I am reminded of all the things I am thankful for: my church family, my new friends, my extended family, different ways God has worked this year, and I become more and more thankful remembering new things new blessings.
I will remember the deeds of the LORD;
yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago.
I will meditate on all your works
and consider all your mighty deeds.
Psalm 77:11-12
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