Surprise! (to us, too)

Family Vacation in San Jose & Lake Tahoe

I realize some of you won't appreciate looking at pictures of people you don't know. My advice then is ignore this post and look at pictures of people you do know. For the rest, these are photos from our vacation with my family in June. My sister Kathleen and brother Chris weren't able to be there, unfortunately. Lolo (Filipino for "grandfather") and Lola ("grandmother") met Grace for the first time. Lolo's gonna be 96 this August! Eating plenty of food and taking 14 naps a day keeps him going strong. Sydney, our 2 year old niece, thinks it's fun to dip in Tahoe's water sans pants. Like the baby seals, she has a protective layer of baby-chub to keep her warm.

How Deep the Father's Love

A couple of weeks ago, on Father's Day, I preached on 1 John 3:1a: "Look at how great a love the Father has given us, that we should be called God's children. And we are!"

During the worship time preceding the sermon, we sang "How Deep the Father's Love". It doesn't happen to me often while singing worship songs, but as we sang this song--a song which captures the heart of the very verse I had been studying, praying about, and preparing to preach--I wept. I think they are some of the most beautiful and wonderful words I have ever heard in song. They are because the Father's love, given in Jesus Christ, is beautiful and wonderful beyond all comprehension.

Please read the lyrics slowly. They are even more beautiful when set to the melody.

How Deep the Father's Love

How deep the Father's love for us,
How vast beyond all measure
That He should give His only Son
To make a wretch His treasure

How great the pain of searing loss,
The Father turns His face away
As wounds which mar the chosen One,
Bring many sons to glory

Behold the Man upon a cross,
My sin upon His shoulders
Ashamed I hear my mocking voice,
Call out among the scoffers

It was my sin that held Him there
Until it was accomplished
His dying breath has brought me life
I know that it is finished

I will not boast in anything
No gifts, no power, no wisdom
But I will boast in Jesus Christ
His death and resurrection

Why should I gain from His reward?
I cannot give an answer
But this I know with all my heart
His wounds have paid my ransom