we are we with the update?

Here are some requested pics of where the Roses are at with our home update. Enjoy!

Tuesdays

For many months now I have been discipling a man that has recently accepted Christ as Forgiver and Leader. This man is eager to learn and quick to listen. We meet every Tuesday @ 5 pm and it amazes me that every Tuesday he's maintained the same enthusiasm for learning about the things of God as when we began our journey. 

In case you're wondering...this man is in my life group and when I found out that was a new Christian I immediately offered my services to him. My heart for this type of ministry is rooted in the biblical teaching of the dangers "baby Christians" live with every day. For, Scripture refers to Satan, (the already defeated foe of man...not God Satan and Man were both created! Sorry, that's a pet peeve of mine.) as a roaring lion ready to devour. Also, if you carry our the metaphor of "baby" then you have a person like the guy I meet with every Tuesday needing nourishment, needing to be loved on, needing instruction against things that will hurt them, like false doctrines etc. This man's growing up fast!

So far, we've covered the doctrine of God, Holy Spirit, Jesus, Union with Christ, Atonement, Satan, Angels, Original Sin, and Predestination. It's been a fun road and God teaches me something every week....sometimes I feel like so inadequate despite the training I've received. But God is faithful as always and never fails. 

To close, a song that has a special meaning in my life lately is written below. It's by Desperation Band's Jared Anderson. By the way, if you've never checked out Desperation Band...then in my opinion, you're missing out on the guys who'll be leading worship when we get to heaven! They're that good!!

Unfailing God by Jared Anderson from New Life Worship: Counting on God

Though my eyes may fail me

I will follow after you

Though your promise seems forsaken

I'll remember the words in Your hands

Then you'll find me singing

You are unfailing God

Your love's unending

And Your Word is eternal

Firm in the Heavens it stands

Oh sorrow's my condition

And pain holds back no blow

Though this be my darkest hour

Your Lamb is leading my home

And you'll find me singing

You are unfailing God

Your love's unending

And Your Word is eternal

Firm in the Heavens it stands

Eyes can't see but they feel you near

I know you're working through my tears

I trust you Lord I trust for you never walk away

You are unfailing God

Your love's unending

And Your Word is eternal

Firm in the Heavens it stands

They seem like magical words to me...may God bless Tuesdays.

Some pics of X-mas

Will and the X-mas tree.
The Rose/Preston/Hanna X-mas
Kate playing with her new REAL LIFE digital camera!
Gotta love the snotty drool...
Kids with their loot from Santa.

New Playset

Our children have benefited from their Gigi and Mike big time this week! Kate has a way to shmooze her way and melt her Gigi's heart...not sure how it happens but she has Gigi and Mike wrapped around her finger...too cute. Well, Kate decided she wanted a new swingset and Gigi took her seriously...and my are we thankful for them! It's absolutely beautiful! It will last us a long time as Will will benefit from it when he gets older and Kate will definitely use it for a long time. 

It brings me great joy when my daughter is this happy....she was so giddy that she couldn't decide what to do because she wanted to do everything at the same time!

Appreciation

Whew! It's been a while since I've posted but such is life...Having 2 kids definitely makes the world go by in a blink. One minute I'm changing diapers, the next wiping puke off of my shirt, then I turn around and my wife and I are discussing what preschool we want Kate enrolled in next September! I wake up Monday morning and turn around on Friday morning wondering what happened that week. 

Sometimes appreciating life (especially with little kids) can be harder than trying to catch smoke with your bare hands. It's a noble pursuit that I try everyday to implement but something always seems to get in the way....dishes...laundry...bath time...feeding..dinner...crying.  It's only those times when I force myself to stop and say  that there will never be another December 1, 2008 again. Make the most of it because today may be the last time this pursuit will ever pass my way again.

On the flip-side I think I have every cause for cheer. My wife and kids are happy and healthy. I have a job I love, I'm developing a hobby! Well, at least I think I am, but more on that at another post. I have a wonderful, warm home. I've never went to bed without the opportunity to eat. I have a full closet of clothes and plenty laughter in my life. Maybe I'm not doing so bad after all??? Wow...was I taking time to appreciate?

Here are some pics of recent moments. Enjoy.

Halloween

Here are some pics of Halloween. Kate loved the Burleson Boo Bash...too many people for our taste though! All in all my little cowgirl and cowboy collected loads of candy and were quick to go to sleep that night! Yipppeeee!

Willow Creek

I (Josh) recently went to a conference for my work in Chicago. It was an unbelievable time of worship, refreshment, refocus, and growth both professionally and personally. Here are some pics of where I went. The guy in the pic with me is one of my leaders, Mark Smith.

Can't see much but there's the stage.
The coffee shop. Woman in center holding coffee was one of the conference main speakers and is at a mega chuch in DC.
The book store.
 A wonderful depiction of what color all of the trees are in Illinois.
Me and Mark with about half of the Willow Creek campus in the background
Oops duplicate
Worship leader.....incredible! Right up there with Tomlin, Hall, and Crowder