Family
January 14, 2010
TCOC, I love you. Just thought I’d let you all know that today.
I’ve been thinking a lot about family these past few weeks. It’s a research interest of mine always and now I officially have my own! During this whole process of getting married, I’ve been able to interact with and communicate with and rely on my various families: my family of origin (Multiple families of origin, really!), my new in-laws, the TCOC staff, Clark, and of course all of you, my church family.
I owe my salvation and relationship with the Lord to two institutions that I believe in so strongly that it is hard for me to articulate my feelings- The Church and The Family. Although both in my experience are far from perfect, I know without any hesitation that they are the most effective way to deliver the Gospel, the hope of humanity, to a hurting and dying world.
Reggie Joiner observes it this way:
There are two powerful influences on the planet-
the church and the home.They both exist because God initiated them.
They both exist because God desires to use them
to demonstrate His plan of redemption and restoration.If they work together they can potentially
make a greater impact than if they work alone.They need each other.
Too much is at stake for either to fail.
Their primary task is to build God’s kingdom
in the hearts of men and women, sons and daughters.
This past Fall, Pastor Jeff challenged us all to incorporate family devotions into our daily routines. Well, this past week has been my first week to experience such a thing! We’re reading through our Daily Message bible, starting in Genesis and the Psalms. We’re keeping it simple, reading through the passages before bed and starting with a few reflection questions listed after the text. Just in a week, it has given us opportunities to touch on topics ranging from grace, sin, the characteristics of God, how He chooses to reveal Himself to us, doubts, questions, faith. We’ve been able to share perspectives, encourage one another, pray together. It’s not some big ordeal, we don’t have to sit down and have an in-depth bible study curriculum to spend time together as a family, reading God’s word, and drawing closer to Him and one another.
I guess I just wanted to encourage you all, remind you of the responsibility that we have to one another, to our families. To encourage you to continue the practice of coming together to read God’s Word, to discuss with one another, to find ways to apply it to daily life, to pray. Or if you’ve gotten busy, to pick the practice back up again, or to start for the first time! We owe it to our families, to those that we love.
Again, I love you my TCOC family. I cannot imagine what my life would be like without all of you.
~Sesalle McDaniel
Jeff’s Favs
July 15, 2008
I got hooked on Cashew Chicken when I was in college.
Springfield, MO had some unique Asian fast food eateries which specialized in a cashew chicken that picky college students would enjoy. Now that my taste buds have refined, this dish is my absolute favorite at Sweet Basil. All the food is good at this Thai restaurant, but their most popular menu item is Cashew Chicken. I think it is their sauce (I guess I am a sauce man). I usually get it with extra sauce. Try it and tell me what you think.
Last week
June 18, 2008
A special thanks to all those who participated in the Wednesday night service at District Council at SAGU in Waxahachie last week. It was a great night of worship. I enjoyed ministering with you.Thanks as well for your prayers for Shawn & Brandee. I know it means a great deal to them and helps them to bear this difficulty know so many are standing with them.
Apology
November 30, 2007
With some computer changes at the church and being gone on vacation, I have been unable to post my blogs for a couple of weeks. I have written a few that will be edited and posted over the next few days.
Viewpoint of a Shepherd
November 2, 2007
A shepherd of a flock was once asked about the most difficult aspect of his position. Without hesitation he responded, “The way in which some sheep are lost.” The interviewer asked for clarification. Turning the table around, the shepherd asked the man if he had any children. He replied that he had a sixteen-year-old son that he had partial custody of due to a divorce. The shepherd replied with this analogy… “I am sure that you love your son because you have been there from the beginning of his life, nurturing and caring for him. What if a new stepfather came along and your son, who was now old enough to choose where he lived, went with this new man without so much as asking your advice.” “That would hurt me very much” replied the interviewer. “Not so much because he went, but because he didn’t even consider my input. And the stepfather did not consider my investment prior to his involvement.” The shepherd went on to explain that he feels the same way about his sheep. “Many times I am there when they are born and watch over them as they grow. I am there as they learn to walk, when a thorn pierces, and when they are weaned. I do my best to keep them healthy, to guide them through life, and protect them with prayers and comfort them with song. I sheer them in the summer and lead them to greener pastures in the winter. I am there when the path leads through storms and valleys. I watch them celebrate the mornings and laugh with them in the warmth of the springtime. I listen to their ‘baaing’ when the rest of the flock ignores. I am there when they are shunned and when a black sheep is in the midst. I warn them of danger and keep a lookout for wolves and other predators. I pour much energy and life’s work into every little lamb, yet sometimes, they will respond to another voice and leave the flock without even looking back or seeking my discernment. It is all part of the job, but it never gets easy as long as I still care.”“Just as shepherds watch over their sheep, you must watch over everyone God has placed in your care. Do it willingly in order to please God, and not simply because you think you must. Let it be something you want to do, instead of something you do merely to make money.” 1 Peter 5:2 CEV
TCOC Anniversary
October 11, 2007
Thanks to everyone for making our 8th birthday an incredible day! It was estimated that there were about 350 at the concert Sunday night! And the Deacons and wives did an awesome job serving and cooking. I look forward with anticipation for what God will do in this upcoming year. It is a joy to serve with you!
