Saturday, April 28, 2007

Appreciating my wife

This is the second weekend in a row that Jennifer has been away from the family. Last week she ministered and spoke at a Walk to Emmaus women's retreat, and this week she is participating in the FBC Harlingen women's retreat in Corpus Christi. I had the privilege of spending three days with my children last week and now two days this weekend in intensive "daddy time." I am loving it.

In Jennifer's absence, I find myself recognizing how much she does for our family. I mean, I see it all the time, but when she is not here, there are so many things that are missing. I hope you understand that I am not talking about housework. I have three children and when I am listening to one, who is going to listen to another child? When two children run into each other and both are crying, who holds one while I hold the other? When they each need attention and my eyes cannot cross any farther; who is going to watch their next learned trick?

My wife brings a great deal of love into our home as a vessel of God's love. She pours His love into each of us and does it so often without notice or even a thanks. The Hood family is blessed indeed to have a great wife and mother in Jennifer.

During our current sermon series, so many families have discovered the treasures in their families; we too have found ours. Praise the Lord for our Jennifer.

Proverbs 18:22 (NIV)
"He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from the LORD."

humbled by God's love,
Wade

Wednesday, April 25, 2007

Changed Lives

Changed Lives is more than just a phrase or logo that we use at First Baptist Church Harlingen. It is the purpose of our existence, the goal of everything we do, and the joy of God's heart. I have the special privilege of serving a great church that experiences the testimony of changed lives each week. I love to hear the stories from so many of how God has intervened in their lives and changed them through his grace.

I love to hear our children laugh and share "high-fives" and hugs as they move through the halls of our church buildings. I love to see our youth pray together in their small groups and worship the Lord with a new song during their group times. I love to see our adults encourage each other through prayer and fellowship. I grow excited when I hear of how God has used the Sunday School lesson, or a 5:14 Home Group session, or a sermon, or song to change someone's life.

This week we have heard of marriages that have been healed, adults who have been saved, children who have shared their faith, and others who have found a new "family" at FBC Harlingen. There have been so many testimonies lately and with great joy I know there will be many more to come. So join me in praying for God to continue to use us to change the lives of those around us.

"And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit."
2 Corinthians 3:18 (NIV)

From one whose life has been changed,
Wade

Tuesday, April 24, 2007

Labor prompted by love

I find it quite appropriate that my first words on this blog are in reference to the unheralded servants who assist me daily. I have the distinct privilege to serve alongside of some of the best people in the kingdom of God, and our church family is blessed to be served by these special ladies. I am thankful for those who serve First Baptist Church Harlingen as secretaries. Kathy, Alice, Emily, Melaney, and Sally are each such a blessing to our church and the many people who come to our office each week. They are servants, who help us all to do the work God has called us to do. They are examples of Christ in their commitment, love, and attitudes.

If you are a part of FBC Harlingen, please help me to express to these special people how much we love and appreciate them. Join me in praying for them, encouraging them when possible, and serving them as the opportunity arises.

On this national Administrative Professionals Appreciation Day we remember the words Paul shared with the church in Thessalonica and make them our own as we remember those who serve us out of love.

"2 We always thank God for all of you, mentioning you in our prayers. 3 We continually remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ."
1 Thessalonians 1:2-3 (NIV)

Laboring in Love,
Bro. Wade