the babies are coming the babies are coming...

5 of them at least! All but Caely are coming to spend the night at Nana and Poohs' ......oh the fun!! Marla got us a cinammon cookie ornament kit for Christmas and I think we will make Valentine's Day ornanaments that should be a real mess maker.

Happy Birthday Cael James

1 year old today......Nana and Pooh love you!

Daddy is Home

from the hospital and I am thankful! We took Mom home about 6 and waited for Daddy's release to be signed....but the DR went home and Tim was finally able to pick him up at 10 PM.

Poor Mom after all this craziness with St Ann's and then her ER trip last Thursday and Daddy's Sunday night she ends up being looked over at her DR's appointment yesterday and waits for 2 hours to be the last man standing.....I finally went back in after about an hour and a half sitting in the car to find out if she was OK....she was furious with the office girls and was quite verbal in the halls...lol.

 Let's all pray that they have a New Year filled with nothing but peace and good health...  a little bit of down time would be a good thing too!!

Love and Mercy

By Max Lucado


He…loads me with love and mercy. Psalm 103:4


It’s time to let God’s love cover all things in your life. All secrets. All hurts. All hours of evil, minutes of worry.


Discover along with the psalmist: “He…loads me with love and mercy.” Picture a giant dump truck full of love. There you are behind it. God lifts the bed until the love starts to slide. Slowly at first, then down, down, down until you are hidden; buried and covered in his love.

Don’t Miss the Messiah

By Max Lucado


Happy are the people…who walk, O Lord, in the light of your countenance. Psalm 89:15
Jesus didn’t fit the Jews’ notion of a Messiah, and so, rather than change their notion, they dismissed him…

They expected lights and kings and chariots from heaven. What they got was sandals and sermons and a Galilean accent.

And so, some missed him. And so, some miss him still.

Have Faith

By Max Lucado


If your faith is as big as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, “Move from here to there,” and it will move. Matthew 17:20

Don’t measure the size of the mountain; talk to the One who can move it. Instead of carrying the world on your shoulders, talk to the One who holds the universe on his.

Hope is a look away.

The Hope of Christ

By Max Lucado

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases. Lamentations 3:22, NRSV

Our God is not aloof—he’s not so far above us that he can’t see and understand our problems. Jesus isn’t a God who stayed on the mountaintop—he’s a Savior who came down and lived and worked with the people. Everywhere he went, the crowds followed, drawn together by the magnet that was—and is—the Savior.

The life of Jesus Christ is a message of hope.

Family 2010

Happy Birthday!!

Kaeden's was yesterday and Kollier and Kristyl's are today.......I am so blessed by their love!!

Oh, to See Jesus

By Max Lucado

Glory to God in the highest! Luke 2:14
For the shepherds it wasn’t enough to see the angels. You’d think it would have been. Night sky shattered with light. Stillness erupting with song. Simple shepherds roused from their sleep and raised to their feet by a choir of angels: “Glory to God in the highest!” Never had these men seen such splendor.


But it wasn’t enough to see the angels. The shepherds wanted to see the one who sent the angels.

God at Work

By Max Lucado


God is at work within you, helping you want to obey him, and then helping you do what he wants. Philippians 2:13

As a result of being saved, what do we do? We obey God with deep reverence and shrink back from all that might displease Him. Practically put, we love our neighbor and refrain from gossip. We refuse to cheat on taxes and spouses and do our best to love people who are tough to love. Do we do this in order to be saved? No. These are the good things that result from being saved.

Changed by His Majesty

By Max Lucado

“We were…eyewitnesses of His majesty.” 2 Peter 1:16, NKJV

Have you seen Jesus? Those who first did were never the same.

“My Lord and my God!” cried Thomas.


“I have seen the Lord,” exclaimed Mary Magdalene.

“We have seen His glory!” declared John.


But Peter said it best. “We were eyewitnesses of His majesty.”

Magnify God in Worship

By Max Lucado
Oh magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt His name together. Psalm 34:3, NASB


Worship is the act of magnifying God. Enlarging our vision of Him. Stepping into the cockpit to see where He sits and observe how He works. Of course, His size doesn’t change, but our perception of Him does. As we draw nearer, He seems larger. Isn’t that what we need? A big view of God?

Happy Anniversary Marla and Mike

we are all blessed to have you in our family!

Everlasting Mercy

By Max Lucado

His mercy is everlasting, and His truth endures to all generations. Psalm 100:5, NKJV

Jesus died…on purpose. No surprise. No hesitation. No faltering…

The journey to the cross didn’t begin in Jericho. It didn’t begin in Galilee. It didn’t begin in Nazareth. It didn’t even begin in Bethlehem. The journey to the cross began long before. As the echo of the crunching of the fruit was still sounding in the garden, Jesus was leaving for Calvary.

Look Around

By Max Lucado


You are all around me—in front and in back—and have put your hand on me. Psalm 139:5

We wonder with so many miraculous testimonies around us, how we could escape God. But somehow we do. We live in an art gallery of divine creativity and yet are content to gaze only at the carpet.

The next time you hear a baby laugh or see an ocean wave, take note. Pause and listen as His majesty whispers ever so gently, “I’m here.”

God Loves a Humble Heart

By Max Lucado


God…. gives grace to the humble.

The apostle Paul was saved through a personal visit from Jesus. He was carried into the heavens and had the ability to raise the dead. But when he introduced himself, he mentioned none of these. He simply said, “I, Paul, am God’s slave” (Titus 1:1, The Message).

God loves humility.

Divinity Arrived in a Moment

By Max Lucado

God’s grace that can save everyone has come. Titus 2:11


As moments go, that one appeared no different than any others…It came and went. It was one of the countless moments that have marked time since eternity became measurable.


But in reality, that particular moment was like none other. For through that segment of time a spectacular thing occurred. God became a man. While the creatures of earth walked unaware, Divinity arrived

Jeremiah 29:11, The Message

I have it all planned out—-plans to take care of you, not abandon you.


We have a Father who is filled with compassion, a feeling Father who hurts when his children hurt. We serve a God who says that even when we’re under pressure and feel like nothing is going to go right, he’s waiting for us, to embrace us whether we succeed or fail.


He comes into our hearts like a gentle lamb, not a roaring lion.

You Have Intrinsic Value

By Max Lucado

With your very own hands you formed me; now breath your wisdom over me. Psalm 119:73, The Message
Listen closely. Jesus’ love does not depend upon what we do for him. Not at all. In the eyes of the King, you have value simply because you are. You don’t have to look nice or perform well. Your value is inborn.

You are valuable…not because of what you do or what you have done, but simply because you are. Remember that!

Giving thanks

Week 2: Share the Joy

Day 9: A Celebration of Giving

"These are the feasts of the Lord,

holy convocations which you shall proclaim at their appointed time."

Leviticus 23:4

Situation in Leviticus 23:1--25:55

In the Old Testament, God established several holidays that symbolized the Israelites' special relationship with him. 

Observation

Special holidays remind us of the past and give us joy in the present. Feasts help renew our commitment to God. In the New Testament, the celebration of the Lord's Supper reminds us of Christ's sacrificial death on the cross for our sins and calls us to renewed commitment.

Inspiration

The idea of a holiday that emphasizes giving (and giving back) is not new to Christmas. Ancient Israel was commanded to celebrate the year of Jubilee. Beginning on the Day of Atonement, all the fields were allowed to rest. No farming permitted. The fallow land could then recover from forty-nine years of planting and harvesting.

In addition, all the slaves were freed. Anyone who had been sold into slavery or who had sold himself into slavery to pay off debt was released. Bondage ended.

And as if the soil sabbatical and slave emancipation weren't enough, all property was returned to its original owners. In an agricultural society, land was capital. Families could lose their land through calamity, sickness, or even laziness. The Jubilee provision guaranteed that every family, at least twice a century, would have the opportunity to get back on its feet.

Consider the impact of this Jubilee decree. A drought destroys a farmer's crop and leaves the family impoverished. In order to survive, the farmer decides to sell his property and hire out as a day laborer. A sharp investor swoops into the region and buys the farm and also a neighbor's. Within short order the developer has a monopoly, and the farmer has nothing but a prayer.

But then comes the year of Jubilee. . . . God shakes the social Etch A Sketch, and everyone is given a clean slate. This injunction was intended to prevent a permanent underclass of poverty and slavery. People could still be rich, very rich, but they could not build their wealth on the backs of the very poor.

So far as we know, the people of Israel never regularly practiced the year of Jubilee. Still, Jesus alluded to it in his inaugural address. What does this say about God's heart? At least this: he values a level playing field. In his society the Have-a-Lots and the Have-a-Littles are never to be so far apart that they can't see each other.

We don't live in ancient Israel, and we don't celebrate the Year of Jubilee. But who says we can't incorporate some of their festivities into our holiday? Who do you know that has fewer resources than you? How might you be able to give them a little jubilation this Christmas through your generosity? You don't even have to tell them it came from you. Hey, 'tis the season--blame it on Santa.

(Adapted from Outlive Your Life by Max Lucado)

What is gratitude

Gratitude is a choice – a choice to see things differently. 

 When choosing to be grateful, you are focusing on all
 the things that are good or right in your life, as opposed
 to the things that are not.


Have a blessed Thanksgiving 
I am so thankful for all of you!

Luke 10:25-28

How easy it is to love the mind, body and heart of God, whom we have never seen. How much harder it is to love the mind, body and heart of those people that are in our everyday lives. We are without excuse and it is commanded of us to love God with every fiber of our being and to love all people as much as we do ourselves. Only then can we draw others into the love that God wants all to share.

Worship

By Max Lucado

Being kind to the poor is like lending to the Lord; he will reward you for what you have done. Proverbs 19:17

When you take food to the poor, that’s an act of worship. When you give a word of kindness to someone who needs it, that’s an act of worship. When you write someone a letter to encourage them or sit down and open your Bible with someone to teach them, that’s an act of worship.

God’s Choice

By Max Lucado

You are…God’s own possession. I Peter 2:9
God loves you simply because He has chosen to do so.

He loves you when you don’t feel lovely.

He loves you when no one else loves you.

Others may abandon you, divorce you, and ignore you, but God will love you. Always. No matter what.

Stand Strong in God’s Grace

By Max Lucado
This is the true grace of God. Stand strong in that grace. I Peter 5:12

Up the hill we trudge. Weary, wounded hearts wrestling with unresolved mistakes. Sighs of anxiety. Tears of frustration. Words of rationalization. Moans of doubt…

Jesus stands on life’s most barren hill and waits with outstretched, nail-pierced hands. A “crazy, holy grace” it has been called. A type of grace that doesn’t hold up to logic. But then… grace doesn’t have to be logical. If it did, it wouldn’t be grace.

Ephesians 4:25-32

Be honest with tact, it is OK to be angry BUT let it go forgiving others so that you can be forgiven; get a job and work hard so that you can help others who couldn’t find a job or who are unable to work; if you are going to say something let it be decent, without hatred or prejudice letting it lift up others in the process; be nice and in a world that sometimes only cares about itself love others and yourself!

Ciarnan's 3rd Birthday

Ciarnan's Birthday Party

What a marvelous time we had! The dinosaurs were everywhere and the food delicious as always. Today is your birthday sweet Ciarnan may God bless you richly all the days of your life!

3

Women of Winter

by Max Lucado

I

THE MOURNERS DIDN’T CAUSE HIM TO STOP. Nor did the large crowd, or even the body of the dead man on the stretcher. It was the woman—the look on her face and the redness in her eyes. He knew immediately what was happening. It was her son who was being carried out, her only son. And if anyone knows the pain that comes from losing your only son, God does…. (Luke 7:11-17)

II

His plan was to catch a few winks while the boys went to town for food. And what better place to rest than a well at noon. No one comes for water at this hour. So he sat down, stretched his arms, and leaned against the wall of the well. But his nap was soon interrupted. He opened one eye just wide enough to see her trudging up the trail with a heavy jar on her shoulder. Behind her came half a dozen kids, each one looking like a different daddy… (John 4:1-42)

III

By the time she got to Jesus, she had nothing left. The doctors had taken her last dime. The diagnosis had stolen her last hope. And the hemorrhage had robbed her of her last drop of energy. She had no more money, no more friends, and no more options. With the end of her rope in one hand and a wing and a prayer in her heart, she shoved her way through the crowd….Luke 8:43-47)
Three women. One bereaved. One rejected. One dying. All alone.
Alone in the winter of life.
Though we don’t know what they looked like, it would be fair to assume they had passed the peak of their desirability. The only heads that turned as they walked down the street were heads shaking with pity. One of the three was widowed and childless; another had lost her innocence six bedrooms back; and the third was broke, desperate, and dying.
Had Jesus ignored them, who would have noticed? In a culture where women were only a grade or two above farm animals no one would’ve thought any less had he walked silently past the funeral or closed his eyes and leaned back against the well or ignored the tug on his robe. After all, they were only women!
Worn,
wrinkled,
weary women.
Winter women.
Let them alone, Jesus, one could reason. Find someone with a bit of springtime about them.
By the world’s standards these three could give nothing in return. They’d served their purpose: borne their children, fed their families, pleased their men. Now it was time to push them out into the cold until they died, making room for the young and spotless.
That’s where Jesus found them. Shivering in the icy sleet of uselessness.
The raw winter of life.
Sound familiar? Sure it does. We have our own people of winter. People who for the lack of good looks or sufficient earning power wander around like porcupines at a picnic, unwanted and unapproachable.
Hard to believe?
Visit a high school sometime and look for the teenagers already feeling the chilly winds of rejection.
Or try Miami Beach. I don’t mean the north beach where tourists pay $150 a day to get sunburned. I mean the south beach, a city deliberately built for the exhausted. Watch them shuffle aged feet down the sidewalk. They have come to their burial ground. They fill their nights with dreams of the granddaughter who might come next Christmas. And though the Gold Coast is warm, in their souls blow the winds of winter.
Or consider the unborn. Every twenty seconds one is taken from the warmth of the womb and cast into the cold lake of selfishness..
The paragraphs could go on and on. Paragraphs about quadriplegics, AIDS victims, or the terminally ill. Single parents. Alcoholics. Divorcées. The blind. All are social outcasts. Lepers, mutations. All, to one degree or another, shunned by the “normal world.”
Society doesn’t know what to do with them. And, sadly, even the Church doesn’t know what to do with them. They often would find a warmer reception at the corner bar than in a Sunday school class.
But Jesus would find a place for them. He would find a place for them because he cares. And he cares unconditionally.
No, no one would have blamed Jesus for ignoring the three women. To have turned his head would have been much easier, less controversial, and not nearly as risky. But God, who made them, couldn’t do that. And we, who follow him, can’t either.

From the newly released
God Came Near: Deluxe Edition
Copyright (Thomas Nelson, 1987) Max Lucado

Poo Bear's First Video

Dinner at Nana and Pops'

The food was delicious and the company.......talkative!!!  If the sign of a healthy family is the ability to discuss anything and still remain speaking I guess we pass that test.

The babies were their adorable high energy selves and even though Mike, Mom and Dad were locked into their own little financial world for most of the afternoon the rest of us managed to have some together time!!

  David still did not manage to get rid of that darn rabbitt :)  

From Outlive Your Life: You Were Made to Make a Difference

Satan keeps you and me from prayer. He tries to position himself between us and God. But he scampers like a spooked dog when we move forward. So let’s do.


Let’s pray, first. Traveling to help the hungry? Be sure to bathe your mission in prayer. Working to disentangle the knots of injustice? Pray. Weary with a world of racism and division? So is God. And he would love to talk to you about it.



Let’s pray, most. Did God call us to preach without ceasing? Or teach without ceasing? Or have committee meetings without ceasing? Or sing without ceasing? No, but he did call us to “pray without ceasing” (1 Thess. 5:17).

Did Jesus declare: My house shall be called a house of study? Fellowship? Music? A house of exposition? A house of activities? No, but he did say, “My house will be called a house of prayer” (Mark 11:17 NIV).

No other spiritual activity is guaranteed such results. “When two of you get together on anything at all on earth and make a prayer of it, my Father in heaven goes into action” (Matt. 18:19 MSG). He is moved by the humble, prayerful heart.

Max Lucado

Ciarnan September

Cael James

Celebration of Times Past

Yesterday afternoon the girls and their families came to Alley Park to experience the Frontier Spirit 1799. Kollier was captivated by the wealth of animal skins....they scarey Nana!. Kamden and Caitlyn were busy taking pictures with Nana's camera..I cannot wait to process those pics! The girls and Ciarnan were busy playing with the rocks. Caitlyn was hunting for skippers! Ciarnan and Cale were their sweet smiling selves! Kaeden alone was impressed by the significance of the village and the Indian trails complete with Injuns.

You can visit the website here - Frontier Spirit 1799

Mom, Dad, David, Kyle and Phillip came and just missed Ashley and Mitch who, I am sure get lost in the Nana Nana that come with the grandbabies...it is an instant madhouse!

I talked a long while with Sharon Chandler who took Kristyl to this very event complete with overnight camping when Kristyl was probably 9 or 10 years old. She and her husband Jim have been doing "Frontier Spirit" for 26 years...OM! Tim made the paper in his proper attire and was busy Saturday and Sunday explaining his craft of horn making.

Jamey's birthday is always so emotional for all of us that we try to do something together to ease the bitterweet memories and our loss. Another year and still so painful. My heart goes to all of my little family and Marvin and Charlotte.

Happy Birthday Jamey

The Girls and Nana

OMG what fun...Friday in the morning with Kollier Louise and Kamden and then an overnight with Caitlyn and Kami. I am so thankful that I am in good health they think that Nana is one of the girls!

1956

Grandparents Day

Kaeden's first video shooting

Grandparent's Day at Sts. Peter and Paul

We so enjoyed being with Kaeden and being a part of his day.....he is quite the gentleman and will always be Nana's baby.....keep that a secret!!

I will post pics later!

Kami's Big Catch

Labor Day at the Moloney's

Marla is quite the cook and yesterday was no exception!!

It was a so good to see my little group and Mike's Uncle John's family they are so nice!

The new swing set was a huge success!!

Happy Birthday Barbie!!!!!!

Cook Out at the Fulton's

We had a wonderful time at Kristyl's playing witht the 6 Grandbabies, the 4 dogs, the cat and her 4 kittens and of course eating!! And Daddy even got to play cards......a big plus to him you know.

the Huber Family Reunion

Kami's BIG catch!!

Yikes

August 10th

Happy birthday...happy birthday...happy birthday...happy birthday

It was fun seeing the NC and the TX families over the weekend!!! We are going to Eric's Lancaster Community Band Concert tonight.....Barb and Ron left this morning and Cyndi and Art leave in the morning.

Creative Thoughts to Get you Going!

When I get an idea for a song it would gel in my mind for weeks or months, and then one day just like that, I’ll write it. ~ Johnny Cash

If you’re going to be an artist, real life is your inspiration. ~ Madonna

A person creates what they defend against. ~ The Buddha

Criticize by creating. ~ Michelangelo

Happiness lies in the joy of achievement and the thrill of creative effort. ~ Franklin D. Roosevelt

Sometimes I think creativity is magic; it’s not a matter of finding an idea, but allowing the idea to find you. ~ Maya Lin

Creativity involves breaking out of established patterns in order to look at things in a different way. ~ Edward de Bono

When the spirit of child’s play enters into the creative process, it’s a wonderful force and something to be nurtured. ~ Joni Mitchell

In my experience, the best creative work is never done when one is unhappy. ~ Albert Einstein

The whole difference between construction and creation is this; that a thing constructed can only be loved after it is constructed; but a thing created is loved before it exists. ~ Charles Dickens

Sometimes we become so entangled in the mundane facts of our lives that we forget about our creative nature until it starts nagging us with reminders of its needs or until we feel so fractured we know something is wrong. ~ Anne Hazard Aldrich, Notes From Myself, 1998

Creativity is the firing of my soul. ~ Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

True creativity often starts where language ends. ~ Arthur Koestler

Cookout for the Vela's Visit

Sunday, July 25th at 1pm at Mom and Dad's

The Huber Reunion

August 1st at St. Mark's Shelter House...be there or be square!!

Cards!!

Mom and Dad stopped by last night and we played cards....OMGoodness! They stayed for supper and we played some more cards. Although it is not always my favorite thing to do I am so thankful for the time we spend together.

The Fulton babies are spending the day tomorrow and if the rain holds out we will go fishing again at Rising Park!

Hopefully today I will finish the latest still life painting that I started Friday.I might even finish the taping for the Tier 3 program this week...

Virginia Beach

A beautiful place to visit....but There is no place like Ohio to call home!!! A busy week ahead with my art work but I am glad to be back in my own little studio.

Nana plus 6

Babies, babies and more babies

I spent yesterday with all 6 of my grandbabies at Marla's home......we had a ball. They are all so sweet and fun to play with. If children are a blessing from God wow what a double blessing are Grandchildren!!

Happy Father's Day

We had Mom and Dad over for dinner last night and played cards...Daddy's favorite thing to do!! I am thankful to have him.

The Fulton kids are spending the day today and we plan on fishing at Rising Park...fun!

We are back from Tim's graduation in NC

What a great time and the weather was perfect for the kids to swim! It is good to be home...especially since the online classes Tier 2 went live yesterday and when I tried to log on my entire desktop was gone from my computer. 2 hours later and a lot of stressing I finally retrieved it....strange!!!

How is it that it is so good to go on vacation BUT sooooooooooo good to return?

Tim and I planted a tree in Jamey's memory

Kaeden's School Play

Mother's Day

Spring Fling 2010

Ecole Francais

Togetherness

Grandparents Day Ecole Francais

Healthcare passes Congress...go America!!!!

Sunday was a day for celebrating America, all of America, and to think hard about those who blindly vote their political party. What does God require of us? To love Him above all others AND to love our neighbors as much as we love ourselves!!!!!

Cael James

The Choice

by Max Lucado

He placed one scoop of clay upon another until a form lay lifeless on the ground.

All of the Garden's inhabitants paused to witness the event. Hawks hovered. Giraffes stretched. Trees bowed. Butterflies paused on petals and watched.

"You will love me, nature," God said. "I made you that way. You will obey me, universe. For you were designed to do so. You will reflect my glory, skies, for that is how you were created. But this one will be like me. This one will be able to choose."

All were silent as the Creator reached into himself and removed something yet unseen. A seed. "It's called 'choice.' The seed of choice."

Creation stood in silence and gazed upon the lifeless form.

An angel spoke, "But what if he … "

"What if he chooses not to love?" the Creator finished. "Come, I will show you."

Unbound by today, God and the angel walked into the realm of tomorrow.

"There, see the fruit of the seed of choice, both the sweet and the bitter."

The angel gasped at what he saw. Spontaneous love. Voluntary devotion. Chosen tenderness. Never had he seen anything like these. He felt the love of the Adams. He heard the joy of Eve and her daughters. He saw the food and the burdens shared. He absorbed the kindness and marveled at the warmth.

"Heaven has never seen such beauty, my Lord. Truly, this is your greatest creation."

"Ah, but you've only seen the sweet. Now witness the bitter."

A stench enveloped the pair. The angel turned in horror and proclaimed, "What is it?"

The Creator spoke only one word: "Selfishness."

The angel stood speechless as they passed through centuries of repugnance. Never had he seen such filth. Rotten hearts. Ruptured promises. Forgotten loyalties. Children of the creation wandering blindly in lonely labyrinths.

"This is the result of choice?" the angel asked.
"Yes."
"They will forget you?"
"Yes."
"They will reject you?"
"Yes."
"They will never come back?"
"Some will. Most won't."
"What will it take to make them listen?"

The Creator walked on in time, further and further into the future, until he stood by a tree. A tree that would be fashioned into a cradle. Even then he could smell the hay that would surround him.

With another step into the future, he paused before another tree. It stood alone, a stubborn ruler of a bald hill. The trunk was thick, and the wood was strong. Soon it would be cut. Soon it would be trimmed. Soon it would be mounted on the stony brow of another hill. And soon he would be hung on it.

He felt the wood rub against a back he did not yet wear.

"Will you go down there?" the angel asked.

"I will."

"Is there no other way?"

"There is not."

"Wouldn't it be easier to not plant the seed? Wouldn't it be easier to not give the choice?"

"It would," the Creator spoke slowly. "But to remove the choice is to remove the love."

He looked around the hill and foresaw a scene. Three figures hung on three crosses. Arms spread. Heads fallen forward. They moaned with the wind.

Men clad in soldiers' garb sat on the ground near the trio. They played games in the dirt and laughed.

Men clad in religion stood off to one side. They smiled. Arrogant, cocky. They had protected God, they thought, by killing this false one.

Women clad in sorrow huddled at the foot of the hill. Speechless. Faces tear streaked. Eyes downward. One put her arm around another and tried to lead her away. She wouldn't leave. "I will stay," she said softly. "I will stay."

All heaven stood to fight. All nature rose to rescue. All eternity poised to protect. But the Creator gave no command.

"It must be done … ," he said, and withdrew.

But as he stepped back in time, he heard the cry that he would someday scream: "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" (Mark 15:34) He wrenched at tomorrow's agony.

The angel spoke again. "It would be less painful … "

The Creator interrupted softly. "But it wouldn't be love."

They stepped into the Garden again. The Maker looked earnestly at the clay creation. A monsoon of love swelled up within him. He had died for the creation before he had made him. God's form bent over the sculptured face and breathed. Dust stirred on the lips of the new one. The chest rose, cracking the red mud. The cheeks fleshened. A finger moved. And an eye opened.

But more incredible than the moving of the flesh was the stirring of the spirit. Those who could see the unseen gasped.

Perhaps it was the wind who said it first. Perhaps what the star saw that moment is what has made it blink ever since. Maybe it was left to an angel to whisper it:

"It looks like … it appears so much like … it is him!"

The angel wasn't speaking of the face, the features, or the body. He was looking inside—at the soul.

"It's eternal!" gasped another.

Within the man, God had placed a divine seed. A seed of his self. The God of might had created earth's mightiest. The Creator had created, not a creature, but another creator. And the One who had chosen to love had created one who could love in return.

Now it's our choice.

From In the Eye of the Storm
Copyright (Thomas Nelson, 1997) Max Lucado

Cael and the girls