The magnitude of what Christ has done for us hit me in a new way this morning. Christ died for us; a horrible death on a cross; a barbaric and excruciating death. Why? So that we may be forgiven of our sins, be washed anew, deemed as righteous through Him, and have a relationship with our Heavenly Father.

“He committed no sin,

and no deceit was found in his mouth.”

When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly. “He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.” For “you were like sheep going astray,” but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.

1 Peter 2 – 22 - 25

Would you lay down your life for your friend? (John 15:13) Perhaps! I know I would. My best friend, yep, I’d lay down my life for her. My husband, you bet, I wouldn’t even think twice. And my kids, not a doubt, I would do it. These people are the center of my life and I would definitely give my life for their best interest.

But what about my neighbor? Well maybe. I don’t know them all that well, but they seem like nice people. I would at least consider it. What about the guy that cuts you off in rush hour traffic? Hmmm… let me consider a little longer. Or the boss at work? Or the uncompromising co-worker? What about the “just-mean” people in your life? It’s a little harder to say we would lay down our life for someone like that, right?

BUT Jesus, he gave his life for all! EVERY.SINGLE.ONE.OF.US. The entire lot! The whole mess! He gave his life for all of us. He gave his life for those who have it all together (I’ll leave myself out of this group!). He gave his life for those of us trying to get it all together, and thankfully he gave his life for those of us that seem incapable of getting it together! That’s good news brothers and sisters!!

 "This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief."

1 Timothy 1:15

What if we viewed everyone we came into contact with as someone worthy enough for Christ to DIE on the cross for? Would it change your viewpoint of them? Would we be able to judge less and love more? Would you be willing to introduce them to a Savior that laid down his life for THEM?

Is it summer yet?!

Gosh, it's been so long since I walked through the doors of my blog. Life has been busy to say the least! It's May, do you know what that means?! School is almost finished and summer has arrived! 

The boys are wrapping up loose ends with their work, and as mom/teacher/counselor, I am wrapping up writing course descriptions, updating transcripts, and considering closing the school doors for the summer! :) Nicolas took his first AP class this year and scored an A. He took the AP test and is awaiting the results due in July. Austin wrapped up the school year with a bang. Thankful to get through middle school, and more than a little excited to be considered a "high schooler"! 

 




Summer brings Driver's Education class, diabetes camp, grandparents visiting, and a mission trip to Honduras! Michael and I are leading a team of 19 to the Choluteca region of southern Honduras. Our team consists of family groups (moms with sons, mom with daughter, dads with sons, and a family of 4!). The week we are there we will work on construction projects in a local village, including building latrines and pouring concrete floors in homes. We also get the delight of spending a few hours each day with the local school children, pouring on them the love of Christ! Michael and I have had the opportunity to take our boys halfway around the world to serve those in need, and we are excited that these families will be able to experience the life change that happens when you go to serve as a family- loving God and loving others!

My health - I am really good. I am still looking forward to July, being my 1 year anniversary since my surgery. I have had some setbacks here and there along the way, but we seem to be getting the hang of this post-cancer life. God has been so good! I now can string a number of days together without thinking about my diagnosis and my season of treatment - a milestone I was sure would never come. I had decided at the end of 2014, that I was taking 2015 off for processing through and recuperating, but hearing a sermon that asked the question, "What breaks your heart?", I felt God really speaking to me about continuing my mission work, and so here I am packing for Honduras! He has been so faithful through every step of the way. 

Michael is great! I am so thankful for him. He's so patient, and he listens, and he encourages and supports. He's been through so much himself as the hubs of a cancer patient, and I just couldn't ask for a more caring and supportive husband than he has been. He just sweats and bleeds Christ's love for others.

Michael and Austin took part in a pig roast recently at our church. 8th grade boys and their dads/male role models just hanging out one evening roasting a pig, spending time together. The dads were given the opportunity to write a letter (and read aloud in a group) to their son encouraging them and lifting them up in their identity in Christ. What an awesome time to be able to pour into these boys rising into high school and going through such a transitional time in their life. I know that Austin was impacted, and will remember this time spent with his dad! 

Well guys, blog updated! Thanks for reading! If you feel led to give to our mission trip to Honduras, please visit our fundraising page: https://globalx.managedmissions.com/MyTrip/rhoades2