Announcing a New Arrival

May we introduce Isaiah Daniel Spies!

He finally arrived on September 12 at 9:21 am. He was 6 lb, 8 oz and 20 inches long. In perfect health.

We would have notified everyone sooner, but it's a lot harder to have a baby than some people make it look. We're home and starting to get the hang of things. All is well and we are very much enjoying this new part of life.

I'm still working on thankyou cards - with all the free time I'll have I'm sure I'll get this done soon. We're are so grateful for all of the love, support, and gifts we've received. We have the best dressed and most well equipped baby every, because of all of you. Much love - Dawn, Dan and Isaiah.

Enslaved to what??

We've been talking about Christian freedom... and that sounds like a great deal. To be free in Christ, to be free from the threat of death, to be free from sin... and that's where it all falls apart. I can understand not feeling threatened by death. I guess I don't think about death all that much. But freedom from sin seems to be another issue.

To be free from sin would seem to be a state were I would not be tempted to continue sinning. Perhaps this begs the question: what is sin? I've heard it defined so many different ways. To me, anything that goes against God's will for me is sin. That might seem a nebulous definition, but it covers so much. So, if I'm so free, why do I continue to gossip and use foul language and doubt God's wisdom or power...

If I'm so free, why do I continue to be bound by sin?
Don't like my definition of sin? How would you define it?

Does Christianity Really Work?

Well, as some of you know I'm all twisted up about this new Worship Series we're starting called The Exchange. We'll be kicking off this week, Sunday night at 6pm! And the question of the day is "Does Christianity Really Work?"

If you think about it... it's supposed to be so amazing to know Christ and all... but most of us still live the same life we lived before. We still struggle with peer pressure and looking cool. We still make foolish decisions... you know the drill. So, what is life supposed to be like? And if it really does look just like everyone elses, why would we go through the trouble of getting up so early on Sunday to do the church thing?

Exchange Comming

I'm very excited... which on most days doesn't take much... but we have just started planning for a new study that will start April 15th! It's called The Exchange and its about how we live our life for God... or if we even need to. One of the topics for the first night is how hard we work to "get in" or be accepted by God. The big question: Do we have to do anything?

So, here are the details: Sunday Nights starting April 15 at 6pm - 7:30pm. Includes worship with live worship band, large and small group, and tasty snacks (no, I am not above bribing you with food). Register by emailing dawn@deeperwater.org or call 715-425-8540.

The question for the day: What do you have to do to earn God's favor?

Amazing and Sleepy

When you're learning stuff, does it make you tired? Well, I've spent the last few days at a conference called LeadNow. Very cool. Lot's of great stuff. And, sadly, I can't even bring myself to process it all right now. The teachings have been thought provoking and challenging and I look forward to pulling them apart with you soon.

Is it supposed to be like this?

Well, Saturday was super cold. It was nice to stay inside... unfortunately, the result was that I totally forgot to pick up the little table tents in the University Center. They charge you $10 if you forget. The super cool thing was... they are also gracious. Once we repaired our mistake we were freed from our fee. (I would have totally paid $10 to not have to do that again.)

But Saturday was done, and Sunday we had church and an Annual Meeting. And it went so well. Everyone seemed to behave themselves and I didn't get all edgy. It's an odd thing. I'm the first to say that we should expect people to act like people. Even people who follow Christ are still people. I, of course, am usually perfect... but other people...

We all act like creeps at times. We can be mean and narrow minded, selfish, impatient, and totally lacking in grace. We gossip and... we'll, we're human. So, why is that? When did acting like the rest of the world become ok in the Kingdom of God?

Any thoughts?

Ice Bound Saturday

Yes, I know we live in Wisconsin and we're not actually encased in ice. And, if I wanted to, I could put on a hat, gloves, mittens, and a down coat that reaches the floor. Then I could go into my garage and load my sleeping-bag encased self into our car and wait for 20 minutes for the heater to catch up with the -20 degree weather outside...

But really, why do I need to leave the house again anyway? 4 Weddings and a Funeral is on tv. I have wi-fi and hot coco. I will not be leaving the house today.

Do you think there would be a way we could cancel church tomorrow and make everyone else stay home too? I didn't think so.

Tomorrow is the annual meeting at church. It usually goes well, but it's hard to sit around knowing what I'm so passionate about... waiting to everyone to make decisions about budgets and constitutions and such. It's got to be done, but I'd rather not watch it. It's kind of like watching surgery. Very important, but not really for the faint-of-heart.

Well, I should probably read a few email and "work."

Hope you are warm and cozy wherever you are. Peace! - Dawn