Good Seeds . . . Good Heart . . . Good Crop

This morning in Sunday school we'll study Jesus' stories in Matthew 13, including the one about the Planter who scattered seeds (which he identifies as his words) on different kinds of soil (human hearts). The first soil he mentions is packed hard and the seeds don't penetrate at all. That's probably what happens on the days when we fail to read his words or be quiet and listen to him. The second soil is so shallow that when the heat comes (trouble and persecution), the tender plant withers. I don't experience that, but I surely do empathize with young believers in societies where that kind of heat is harsh and deadly to faith--like our friend in West Africa whose family is trying to find and kill him for his faith in Jesus. The third soil is more familiar: too many weeds (cares and preoccupations) crowd out the growth of a good crop. And the fourth, which I know is Jesus' preference, is soft, good soil that produces a good crop. I was thinking how to describe a good crop, and I came up with three factors: (1) good deeds that relieve the pain and trouble of others; (2) growth in character and similarity to Jesus; and (3) helping other people love the words of Jesus and come to love him. I'm sure Teacher Tom will blow my mind open as he usually does when he teaches the Bible.

Yesterday as the day wore on I felt better and better. I guess chemo simply takes its time to wear off. Last evening a good friend, who is also Lisa's friend, came for dinner. A week ago Chuck and I had bought a new cookbook of African recipes, so we tried Mango Couscous and it tasted as good as it sounds. This afternoon we're driving up to Blowing Rock to meet another dear friend for lunch. She's been a Bible translator in Central America, Congo, and Botswana. Now her husband works with Samaritan's Purse in Africa, and since he's traveling back today, we'll miss seeing him this time. More than 20 years ago, Lisa babysat for their first son, and has continued to be their friend. We're really looking forward to this time together.

And not looking forward to Lisa's leaving us again tomorrow morning--too soon! What a sweet 2 days it's been.

Could you join us in praying for South Sudan? It was devastated by decades of civil war, and in 2005 they signed a peace accord with the government in the north which had been bombing, taking slaves, etc. A couple of days ago the southern leaders pulled out of the peace agreement citing border problems. SIM is in South Sudan trying hard to rebuild the church and nation; we need to pray that the fragile peace will hold. It's impossible to imagine the suffering the people there have endured, and continue to do so. Thanks for praying.

Love,
Carol