Desiring God Blog
Economic Stimulus Payment & Christ
Posted: 28 Apr 2008 07:35 AM CDT
(Author: John Piper)
For a moment, forget the political puzzle of getting money back when the country is nine trillion dollars in debt. The more immediate question is: How will you make much of Christ with your "economic stimulus payment"? The president says it will be in the mail in time for Cinco de Mayo.
Clue: Nobody in the world will see you spend your money on yourself and conclude that Christ is your treasure. They will assume you are just like them, no matter how loudly you thank God for this boon. That doesn't mean you shouldn't spend it on yourself (the way we do with most of what we earn). Not everything we do can look different from the world—eat, pay utilities, fill up the car, wear clothes (even thrift-store clothes). And yes, we hope (somehow) that spending on ourselves in some way contributes to our being more Christ-exalting people.
But do we really need this money? Very few do. We would have gotten on fine without it. If we didn't know it was coming, we wouldn't even be feeling the desires we are feeling right now.
May I encourage you to be radically creative and hedonistic. Jesus said, "It is more blessed to give than to receive" (Acts 20:35). And those crazy Macedonians in a "severe test of affliction" and in "extreme poverty" had an "abundance of joy" that overflowed in a "wealth of generosity." They even begged Paul "for the favor of taking part in the relief of the saints" (2 Corinthians 8:2-4). They really believed what Jesus said. Really.
Before the check comes dream of some person or ministry which might make much of Christ because you treasured him above your next home project.
The reason God created money and enabled us to earn it is so that we could show by the way we use it that money is not our treasure, Christ is. That's why the checks are coming. So we can make Christ look great.
"Be content with what you have, for he has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you'" (Hebrews 13:5-6).

The Bees Are Here!

Papa brought the bees home on Sunday.
There are about 10-15,000 bees in each hive.

Mr Wagner came over to help get the bees in their

hives. Mr Wagner brought two of his sons. (Tim

and Matt) The kids had a great time. Tim played

catch with Cade. The other kids jumped on the

trampoline with Matt.

First we had to get the hives ready. We had to get

some sugar water ready for the bees. Secondly, The guys had to get dressed for the bees. Then we put the queen in the hive and dumped the bees in.

The gray hive is the north hive. This hive belongs to Queen Victoria.

The south hive is the white one. This hive belongs to Queen Isabella. Mr Wagner dumped the bees into the first hive. Papa dumped the bees into the second hive. It was so great to see God's amazing creation this close up. We were really pushing the limit with how cold and late it was. But God was gracious. The bees just stayed in their hives and buzzed away. One bee climbed on my chin. And one bee got up Papa's pants. (It stung him) I guess he is an official bee keeper!

KY Kin

We had such a nice visit with Mamaw and Papaw, and U. Larry and U. Zeke. We haven't seen these uncles for a few years. We have always enjoyed being with them and their families. And as always, we love spending time with our grandparents.

Time with G. Nana

After John's party Mom, Yesenia, and I went to my cousin

Crystal's bridal shower. It was fun seeing family that we don't

get to see often. I think Yesenia's favorite part was taking

Grandma home. Yesenia said, " I just love 'er! I want to

squeeze 'er!"

Bye John!

We all had a Great time at
John's going away party.
The kids had so much fun
playing. They didn't want to
leave. We will be praying for
you as you are gone. We
already miss you.

Uncle Mardin is My Hero

"Mama, do I look like U. Mardin in this hat?" "Mama, I wish U. Mardin was here. Do you?" Mama, does my hair look like U. Mardin's?' "Mama, Is it warm outside? yes. Then, I can play golf with U. Mardin! He said they have little clubs, that are my size." "Mama, do you know who my favorite golfer is? um, Tiger Woods? Yeah, and U. Mardin." If I printed all the things Cade says about Martin, there just wouldn't be enough room. I'm glad that he looks up to a family member, rather than some worldly rock star figure. I don't mean to put some heavy weight onto Martin's shoulders. It's not really up to me. Cade just Loves Martin. I hope that they can have great conversations about the Lord as they play golf together. (Well after all you are right up there with Tiger!)