[from our adoption blog]
Technically, we did visit America today. By stepping inside a far-flung US Embassy, we found ourselves standing on a little patch of American soil. Our embassy visit went great. I’m happy to report that the kids’ visas were approved. We pick up their visas and passports Thursday morning and then fly home late Thursday night. We’ll be on a much bigger patch of US soil Friday, Lord willing. After the embassy, it was a great day. Ice cream, soccer, dinner, baths, and a whole lot of flipping through an Amharic phrase book. The day went smoother than we could have hoped for and we are so grateful to God to be here with our children. Can’t wait to do it all again tomorrow. Thanks again for all your prayers that have made this happen!
[from our adoption blog]
After 30+ hours of travel, we have arrived safely in Ethiopia. It is so good to be back! We have an exciting couple days lined up, starting tomorrow. In the morning, we go to the transition home to pick up Kassa and Mulunesh. We CAN NOT WAIT! After lunch we go to the embassy for an appointment related to their visas. We are thrilled to be here and so grateful to be bringing our kids home. Thanks for all your prayers and support that have brought us this far.
From John Piper’s biographical sermon on J.C. Ryle:
Ryle was outspoken in his zeal for women in the various ministries of the church. He drew attention to Romans 16, where 11 of the 28 names mentioned are women, and said,
The chapter I have mentioned appears to me to contain a special lesson for women. The important position that women occupy in the Church of Christ—the wide field of real, though unobtrusive, usefulness that lies before them . . . I cannot go away with the common notion that great usefulness is for men only, and not for women. . . . It should never be forgotten that it is not preaching alone that moves and influences men. . . . Humanly speaking, the salvation of a household often depends upon the women . . . [and] men’s character is exceedingly influenced by their homes.73
There are countless needs in the community, and needs on the mission field, Ryle says, that cry out for the ministry of women.
There are hundreds of cases continually rising in which a woman is far more suitable visitor than a man. She need not put on a peculiar dress, or call herself by a Roman Catholic name. She has only to go about, in the spirit of her Savior, with kindness on her lips, gentleness in her ways, and the Bible in her hands, and the good that she may do is quite incalculable. Happy indeed is the parish where there are Christian women who “go about doing good.” Happy is that minister who has such helpers.74
2012 at 9:44 pm | by Nicole Whitacre
Filed under
Homemaking
I keep finding myself thinking back to a post from Justin Taylor last week called “Hospitality and Generosity in the Luther Home.” Read this excerpt and imagine what it must have been like:
The house was filled with the sound of children. The Luthers had six children in their first nine years of marriage—three sons, and three three daughters (one of whom died at a few months of age, another at the age of 13). And then a few years into their marriage, the Luthers took into their home the six children of Luther’s sister. They also raised Katherine’s nephew. Martin often told them stories, taught them songs and games, played melodies on his lute, and instructed them in the faith.
University students often ate and boarded there, and Luther’s letters make reference to a steady stream of guests either coming or going.
There was a waiting list for those who wanted to room and board with the Luthers—no doubt because of the stimulating theological education and conversation, but also because for many years the Luther didn’t charge anyone for room and board.
As Martin lectured and wrote and debated and preached and traveled, Katie drove the wagon, took care of the field, bought cattle and put them out to pasture, brewed beer, prepared food for the graduation banquets, rented horses, sold linen, served as Martin’s publishing agent, and often nursed him back to health during his frequent illnesses. (You simply must read the whole article!)
Martin and Katherina’s intentional, joy-filled, self-denial for the sake of the kingdom is provoking to say the least. Their happy, hectic home life—so full of service to others—is an example I fall so far short of, but want to imitate. Their lives push me to ask myself what legacy I am leaving for my children: Is it one of hospitality and generosity that reflects the heart of our Savior? May God give us grace to make our homes more like this.
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