HAVE YOU MET STEVE?

Full Name: Stephen Adam Maxon - firstborn.

Age: 24 - (25 on February 25 - his birthday's great for getting marked down Valentine's Day gifts! Next year is his special birthday! He turns 25 on the 25th!).

Occupation: Second Year Law School Student, DFF Worship Leader, Young Adult Group Leader.

Occupation that pays the bills: His Portfolioooooo.....

Married: Nope.

Family: Three brothers: Jeremiah John, 22; Thomas Andrew, 21; John David Carlton, 13. Two sisters: Rose Elizabeth, 18; Sarah Margaret Grace, 15. Dad you've met, and of course I'm Mom, over on the right there. He also has two grandmas, six Aunties, 7 Uncles, and 27 cousins - almost all of which he visited or saw this summer!

Favorite Scripture: I have absolutely no idea and he's at a U2 concert in Buffalo, NY!

Passions: Jesus, family, Missy, music, songwriting, regular writing, the Syracuse Orangemen, The Sackets Harbor Indians, all other sports, games, driving, humorous lists, and analyzing the world and political scene.

My favorite Steve personality traits: His intelligence, his sense of humor, his loyalty, his generosity and kindness.

My least favorite personality trait: his occasional overwhelming need to give me parenting advice on disciplining and raising his siblings.

The one thing you might not know about him: He won his first case already! And he writes amazing songs. Ok, you may know a couple, but most of you probably haven't heard them all.

The one thing he wants to do that he hasn't done yet: travel the whole world.

JOURNEYS

Our furnace is giving us some trouble, so I'm at work today...

Max Lucado has this to say about the book of Numbers:

"Every life is a Pilgrimage.

Every person is on a Journey.

Every journey has its Challenges.

The book of Numbers is a travel diary. Two million ex-slaves weaving their way through a desert. The trip could have been made in less than 11 days, but it took them 38 years. What they should have done, they didn't, what they didn't do, they should have. So God decided they needed some time to rethink a few things. He took them the long way. Maybe you're on a detour in your journey. Things seem slow. Roads seem dark. Maybe God is wanting to teach you a few things. Pay attention. You don't want to spend 38 years missing the point."

I have talked and prayed with a lot of people this weekend. This commentary seemed to speak to my heart on behalf of all of them.

My best friend is moving back to KY. She feels called back home to her family. She's leaving in under a month. She begins a whole new life (again!) with no job, no apartment, no church family, and no security - except for the Rock. I can't begin to tell you the gigantic hole that will result from her leaving us. She loved people like nobody's business. She simply cannot be replaced. I love her so much.

Another very close friend lost her Mom last Friday. Her Mom was very sick for a long time, and required constant care, for which my friend was the sole caretaker. What's worse than never having any time to yourself? Suddenly having all the time in the world to second guess what a lousy job you think you did over the last 14 years. You didn't do a lousy job, sweetie. You loved her like Jesus to the best of your ability. When you failed you went to Him and He strengthened you to get up the next day and do it again. You were a faithful daughter and servant, you taught me so much. I love you, honey.

Another friend talked to me from halfway around the world in China. We compared "things" that were on our hearts and discovered we'd been praying about the certain same things for some reason. Promises we had forgotten about- or perhaps surrendered back to Him as too "impossible" to ever happen. We're kind of excited! We're kind of hopeful! Luv ya!

Another just needed an ear, and a willing desire from someone to listen. I got to pray with her, and hopefully undo some of the world's indifference that she's been experiencing lately. Her faithfulness, perseverance and trust bless me. I love you, sweetie.

Another needed to vent about the unknown. He wants to "know" what to do with his future. I know God has a plan. His scripture is Jer. 33:3. Call to Me and I will show you secret things, which you do not know. He will speak, and I know you will hear. You know, I love you!

Another just needed me to listen and to pray. And protect his heart. It is my privilege. I love you more than you may ever know.

Know you are loved,

Mom

AMAZED
JARED ANDERSON

YOU DANCE OVER ME, WHILE I AM UNAWARE.
YOU SING ALL AROUND, BUT I, NEVER HEAR THE SOUND.

LORD I’M AMAZED BY YOU, LORD I’M AMAZED BY YOU.
LORD I’M AMAZED BY YOU… HOW YOU LOVE ME.

HOW WIDE, HOW DEEP,
HOW GREAT… IS YOUR LOVE FOR ME.