Luke's Baptism 3/6

 A few weeks ago we had the sweetest Sunday morning for Luke's baptism. 

It is always the sweetest seeing Dad get to baptize his grandchildren. Luke makes for his fourth grandchild baptism and it never gets old seeing this special moment take place. 

I think he was excited to get in his baptismal gown that Mimi made. It's such a special gown made with some of Mom's tatting from her family line. 

The Jussely family, ready for the big morning!

So, Aaron & Blair were talking about if James would come on the stage with them or not so when it got close to time, Aaron had him come to the front row with them and the following is what happened.

He wanted some solo time and while he didn't make it to the stage with the family--he gave us the funniest, best laugh that I've had in a while. That little mischievous face!

Someone didn't want to be in the picture...at first!

Ann Hatten LOVES some "Baby Luke". I mean, every time she's around him she wants to hold him, kiss him, talk to him, so, so cute. 

Praise The Lord for His faithfulness from generation to generation. 

We are praying that there’s never a day sweet Luke doesn’t know the vast and deep love The Lord has for him and pray that Luke will seek Him all the days of his life!

James Baptism 8/30

What a sweet & special Sunday this was!

Little James was baptized and it was such a sweet moment and such a picture of Aaron & Blair's commitment to raising James & trusting The Lord with him.

My Grando (Dad's Dad) was able to baptize all of us and now, James' Grando was able to baptized him. Another thing that made it so special is that Mimi made the gown that he wore. The tatting on the dress is from his great, great, great (maybe even one more great) Grandmother. It is a stunning dress and Mom did such a fantastic job with it--something to be treasured for many years to come. Ann Hatten wore it for her Baptism and next up will be Bennett. Mom is hand stitching the date each grandchild is baptized into the dress (on the inside, of course).

It was also Bennett's first time to church! 

James with both sets of Grandparents. 

Three generations of Jussely men. 

James, your Uncle Jason & Aunt Ellen love you so, so much and we are incredibly thankful that we were able to witness such a sweet & special day. Our prayer for you is that there will never be a day that you don't know Jesus and His deep, unending love for you!

And just because this picture made me laugh, we will end on it!

Promise Keeper

I was walking to the office this morning with my mask on, without my usual “errand buddy” to limit the amount of people in the halls, and it was pouring down rain just seconds before. ⁣⁣⁣

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My teacher friends understand when I say this—it hits you at different times—how different this year is. Eating lunches in our classrooms, wearing face shields and masks, not getting to see our students smiling faces, having to plan virtual lessons, zones at recess—we’re working through a loss, honestly. ⁣⁣⁣

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This first week with kiddos has been incredibly different than years past but, it has been sweet. Even amongst the changes, there are threads of familiarity throughout the day and we press on & continue to invest in, love, care for & teach these children. ⁣⁣⁣

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You see, all of these changes and all of the unknowns, while difficult to navigate, haven’t changed our spirits. While today was dreary, The Lord so gently reminded me of His promises when I saw this rainbow. It reminded me of how as far back as when the first rainbow ever appeared (and even before), that He’s continued to be The Promise Keeper, The Protector, The Provider, and The Rock of Salvation for His children & that hasn’t changed just because the first week of school has. ⁣⁣

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This year, I’m choosing to look for the rainbows and clinging to His promises—and you know what, it could be the best year, yet. ⁣

"Good, Good Father"

Yesterday's sermon was good--like, really good. 

Dad was preaching on Luke 11:1-13 and had two main points:

1. When you pray, assume the WILLINGNESS of God (vs. 5-10)

According to Psalm 121:4, The Lord never sleeps, never slumbers--He is always there. 

He does not need to be pestered into listening to our prayers, He is gracious, He is always willing to answer prayer, anytime. 

In this passage, we have The Lord's Prayer and this is what we're praying when we recite it:

"Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name."--for His preeminence--start with God, not ourselves.

"Your kingdom come. Your will be done On earth as it is in heaven."--for His program--that we will live under His authority. 

"Give us day by day our daily bread."--for His provision--we are acknowledging that we are dependent people and need what only He can provide. 

"And forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who is indebted to us."--for His pardon--forgiveness. "The entire life of a believer is to be a life of repentence"--Martin Luther

"And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.”--for His protection--not if, but when we are pulled down the wrong path. 

2. When you pray, assume the TRUSTWORTHINESS of God

Trust is a major component of any relationship. 

Our demeanor towards a person totally transforms when we know that we have someone we can trust, someone to love us completely. 

If we cannot trust someONE, we can always trust THE ONE, our Heavenly Father. 

Throughout time, one of the most transformative relationships you can have is with your father--our earthly father's should be reflective of our Heavenly Father and how He loves us. 

If these imperfect fathers can give good gifts to their children, how much MORE will our Heavenly Father give us good things?

God has already graced us with the ultimate good--His Son and our salvation--what can He do that is possibly better than what He's already done for us?

He is willing and He can be trusted. 

This line right here is what really struck a chord with me: "If these imperfect fathers can give good gifts to their children, how much MORE will our Heavenly Father give us good things?"

My Dad is a good Dad. 

I am so incredibly thankful for my Dad and the constant love, support, and guidance he has shown to our family. 

I have childhood, teenage, and adult memories that all involve him--intentional time that was carved out specifically for spent together (and is still being spent together to this day).

My Dad is a good, good Dad. 

I will not ever take for granted the parents that I have and the feeling of security and love they have instilled in our family. I know that not everyone can relate when I say how much I love my parents and how good, merciful, and full of grace they have been to my siblings and me. 

I've learned that truth in a very tangible way since becoming a teacher in a "high needs" school. 

I have many (most) students that walk into my classroom each and every day that do not have "good" parents or "good" feelings when talking about their parents. They do not have parents that show interest, that help them, that tell them they are cherished, safe, and cared for. 

But even so, even when we do not have earthly fathers that are good and even when the best fathers do all that they know how and we at times still feel unloved, we can rest assured that our Heavenly Father loves us. He cherishes us. He helps us. He is interested in us. We are safe in Him. We are secure in Him. He cares for us, for every part of us. 

"Good" Dad or not, you are a child that is cherished and valued more than you can fathom and that is "good". It's hard to wrap my head around the fact (and it's a sure-fire fact) that the God of the universe, the very one who knit together the skies, the lands, and all that's within it loves us (YOU) and is willing and trustworthy. 

Praise God for earthly Fathers that show us how much we need the love of our Heavenly Father and how sometimes, that's all we have

and

Praise God for earthly Fathers that reflect the love of our Heavenly Father and give us the tiniest tastes of his never-ending, never-stopping, unwavering, humungous love for His children. 

I want to end with the lyrics to Chris Tomlin's song, "Good, Good Father"

I've heard a thousand stories of what they think you're like

But I've heard the tender whispers of love in the dead of night

And you tell me that you're pleased

And that I'm never alone

You're a good good father

It's who you are, it's who you are, it's who you are

And I'm loved by you

It's who I am, it's who I am, it's who I am

I've seen many searching for answers far and wide

But I know we're all searching

For answers only you provide

'Cause you know just what we need

Before we say a word

You're a good good father

It's who you are, it's who you are, it's who you are

And I'm loved by you

It's who I am, it's who I am, it's who I am

Because you are perfect in all of your ways

You are perfect in all of your ways

You are perfect in all of your ways to us

Oh, it's love so undeniable

I, I can hardly speak

Peace so unexplainable

I, I can hardly think

As you call me deeper still

As you call me deeper still

As you call me deeper still

Into love, love, love

You're a good good father

It's who you are, it's who you are, it's who you are

And I'm loved by you

It's who I am, it's who I am, it's who I am

You are perfect in all of your ways

It's who you are, it's who you are, it's who you are

And I'm loved by you

You are perfect in all of your ways

It's who I am, it's who I am, it's who I am

"Let Freedom Ring"

Happy 4th of July to you all! 

Thank you to all who have fought for our freedom both in the past and now--we are forever grateful. 

I hope that today has been full of family, fun, and thankfulness for our freedom. 

We spent the evening at Aaron and Blair's partaking in an amazing meal prepared by Aaron. It was delicious! Per usual, we always enjoy spending time with family. 

I will leave you with Scotty Smith's prayer for The 4th of July: 

Our True and Lasting Freedoms

Jul 04, 2017 | Scotty Smith

     It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. Gal. 5:1 

Lord Jesus, it’s the Fourth of July--a holiday set aside in the USA to remember and revel in our many freedoms. As broken as she is, we're still thankful for our country and for the privileges we enjoy.

But the gratitude we feel for our USA citizenship pales in comparison with the joy generated by our citizenship in heaven (Phil 3:20). We praise you today for making us members of the “chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession“(1 Pet. 2:9). This is our true and lasting identity--our consummate passport and eternal liberty.

Indeed, Jesus, only those you set free are really free (John 8:36). You took our guilt and gave us your righteousness. We're no longer condemned for our sin or in fear of death. Hallelujah! Sin's dominion has been broken in our lives; never again will it be our master (Rom. 6:14). We obey you because we love you--not because of pride, pressure, or pragmatics. Holiness is beautiful, and no longer a burden. And the only reason we even love you is because you first loved us.

We now run freely and boldly to the throne of grace--into your holy presence, where we only experience your welcome and joy. We're free to own our sin and brokenness, and to repent with joy, for you bore our shame and we don't have to pose or pretend anymore. Hallelujah, on steroids!

You've set us free from seeking fool's gold and a fool's reward, by making us characters in, and carriers of, your story. Our tiny fiefdoms of self are being crushed under the grace of your all-things-new kingdom. We're now free to love others as you love us--forgiving and forbearing, encouraging and hoping. Take us WAY deeper into this particular freedom, Jesus.

By the power of the gospel, we will seek to stand firm in these and the many more freedoms you’ve won for us, until the Day you return to usher in the new heaven and new earth. So very Amen we pray, in your liberating and loving name.

Resurrection Sunday

We have had a really great Easter Weekend. 

It was full of fun activities, family time, and reflection on the fact that we serve a Risen Savior. 

Mom bought an egg dying kit and Grant and I were the only ones that were able to come and dye with her. We had such a fun time doing something I haven't done in many, many years.

Our cute little assistant

Last weekend, we had our Easter Cantata at church and it was such a sweet night.

It was 2014 when I participated in my first Cantata, it was the Christmas Cantata. 

My Uncle Edd was the narrator that year and I remember thinking to myself how neat it was to share in that with family. And boy, was he a great narrator. 

Last Sunday night, less than a month after his passing, I was chosen to stand in the place where he stood as the narrator of our Easter Cantata. Those sweet memories, along with the powerful words that were read and beautiful songs that were sung made for an emotional night.

The Lord really used that night to prepare my heart for the week leading up to Easter Sunday.

I'll share the lyrics to one of the songs from this evening: 

"Look to Christ, the Man of Sorrows. See His suffering, feel His pain. 

Share the joy of love that changes greatest loss to greatest gain."

That night, as I stood where Uncle Edd had, I was overwhelmed with thankfulness over the fact that he shared in the joy of love that changes greatest loss into greatest gain.

This Easter season I am thankful that Uncle Edd is sharing in THE greatest gain with Our Savior who took our loss, bore the cross, shared His love and saved us all. 

Praise God for His Risen Son, our Savior, our Greatest Gain.

I just love this picture of my Dad 

 Next Easter, Baby Russell will be here!

I want to end this post with Scotty Smith's prayer for Easter Sunday:

"The Lord is Risen! He is Risen Indeed!"

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. In all this you greatly rejoice. 1 Peter 1:3-6a (NIV)

Risen and reigning Lord Jesus, we join the Apostle Peter’s bold declaration of living hope and great joy. For you have risen from the dead, and this isn’t just a game changer; it’s an everything-changer.

Because of your resurrection, we’re neither afraid to die nor fear-full in life; we’re not hapless vagabonds on earth, we’re hope-filled children of our Father. We’re no longer enslaved to our sins; we’re now robed in your righteousness. Those who’ve “gone to sleep” in you, aren’t slumbering in the void; they’re rejoicing—fully alive in your presence.

Because you were raised, Jesus, we’re less to be pitied than anybody, and more to be grateful than everybody (1 Cor. 15:14-19). You are the firstfruits and guarantee of a whole new order—the “new creation” world of redemption and restoration. “Everything sad will come untrue,” and all things will be made new. How we long for that über-glorious Day.

Because of your resurrection, you are already reigning as King of kings and Lord of lords. All evil dominions, wicked authorities, and malevolent powers now stand defeated; and one Day they will be fully eradicated. “Hallelujah!” we shout with joyful anticipation.

Jesus, your death is the death of death, and your resurrection is for the renewal of all things. You died for our sins and have been raised for our justification. Oh, the wonder, marvel and gratitude that fills our hearts today. We are forgiven, we are beloved, and we are yours!

In light of this living hope and compelling love, this measureless grace and eternal inheritance, free us for spending the rest of our days living and loving to your glory. 

So very Amen we pray, Jesus, in your triumphant and grace-full name.

He is risen, He is risen indeed. 

Edward Armstrong Jussely II

Last night, my Uncle Edd, Dad's oldest brother, peacefully entered the presence of The Lord after battling cancer. 

Kristy, his daughter, shared such a sweet post this week about him and how their family has been walking through this time and I wanted to share the verse that mentioned:

I know that my Redeemer lives,

    and that in the end He will stand on the earth.

 And after my skin has been destroyed,

    yet in my flesh I will see God;

I myself will see Him

    with my own eyes—I, and not another.

    How my heart yearns within me!

-Job 19:25-27

I am thankful that he spent his last days on earth being surrounded by his family and loved ones coming and going to share their love with him/them. I am thankful that they were surrounding him and reading scripture aloud in his room, reminding one another that he would soon be at the feet of Jesus and that we serve a Redeemer who lives and because of that, we too get to live in eternity with Him. 

I loved looking through some of Edd's pictures that he had posted on his page over the years--these older pictures of their family. Edd was proud of his family. His precious wife, his two children, his grandchildren, his brothers, his parents. He was always posting a good "oldie". 

This sweet wedding photo of him and Aunt Gail.  

At our wedding, all married couples were asked to hop on the dance floor and the couple that had been married the longest was the last one standing. I chose to share this picture because that's them. They had been married the longest out of all the people at the reception. I thought it was a sweet moment to get to share with them on our wedding day. They had been married 45 years at that time. 

One of the things that I loved most about Uncle Edd was that he was larger than life. 

That's why I love this picture. That huge smile you see there--that's what you were always greeted with. Even this past Sunday when we went to visit him in the hospital, I saw that same big, Uncle Edd smile, come across his face as we talked to him and held his hands. 

As sad as we are, we are rejoicing that he is completely healed, in no more pain, and is now in eternity. He's in heaven and what a joy that is. We find comfort in the assurance that we will see him again one day and I find comfort in the thought that he's joined the chorus with his Mom & Dad now. 

Do you not know?

    Have you not heard?

The Lord is the everlasting God,

    the Creator of the ends of the earth.

He will not grow tired or weary,

    and his understanding no one can fathom.

 He gives strength to the weary

    and increases the power of the weak.

 Even youths grow tired and weary,

    and young men stumble and fall;

 but those who hope in the Lord

    will renew their strength.

They will soar on wings like eagles;

    they will run and not grow weary,

    they will walk and not be faint.

-Isaiah 40:28-31

Here you have my Uncle David, my Dad, my Grando, and Uncle Edd. I love this picture of these men and I love how much it represents. Deep, deep seeds of faith were planted in these men from the first days of their lives and it has been a privilege to have them as a father, as uncles and a grandfather. Today, I am choosing to praise The Lord today for Godly men that stand as the foundation of the Jussely name. As we lay Uncle Edd to rest here on earth, we celebrate the fact that he is in eternity with our Lord that led and shaped the full life that he lived. Praise God for life after death and praise God that we will all be reunited one day.