Greetings from Stockholm, Sweden! Eternity is not a topic that consumes the thoughts of the average person. And yet it is a reality that each person must consider eventually. So many in this postmodern age think only about the now and how one can fill the spiritual emptiness with everything but God. There are some that might say that the successful life is the one filled with plenty of material possessions, corporate success, admiration of those around you, and whatever makes one feel good. But those are temporary and still leaves one aching for a spiritual void to be filled. Swedes have this saying, "When the devil gets old, he gets religious." But God is not seeking for religion, but a relationship with Himself that He offers to people of all ages! In a culture where God's existence is doubted and Jesus is only a story figure, our family's prayer is that Swedes will come to experience God's love and grace personally in a way that will affect them both now and for eternity. Our heart's desire is that Swedes will spend eternity with God!
We thank the Lord for his provision of a few days at the New Jersey shore. In Sweden, the shoreline is mostly rocky so the kids enjoyed the sand and finding seashells, sand fleas, one live starfish, and numerous wild hermit crabs. It was a double blessing as we made lasting memories with grandma and grandpa! It was incredulous to see that America now sells 'deep fried oreos' and 'deep fried peanut butter and jelly sandwiches' as if they weren't already unhealthy enough!
"For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses his own soul?" Mark 8:36
