Happy New Year!

Blessed be your New Year!...and Decade


Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness; for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance. For to this end we toil and strive, because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe.
(1Timothy 4:7-10 ESV)

CHRISTIAN READER,

The soul being so precious and salvation so glorious, it is the highest point of prudence to make preparations for another world. It is beyond all dispute that there is an inheritance in light, and it is most strenuously asserted in Holy Scripture that there must be a fitness and suitability for it (Col 1:12). If anyone asks, ‘Who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord?’ (Psa 24:4). To describe such a person is the work of this ensuing treatise. Here you have the godly man’s portrait, and see him portrayed in his full lineaments. What a rare thing godliness is! It is not airy and puffed up, but solid, and such as will take up the heart and spirits. Godliness consists in an exact harmony between holy principles and practices.

So sublime is godliness that it cannot be delineated in its perfect radiance and luster, though an angel should take the pencil. Godliness is our wisdom. ‘The fear of the Lord, that is wisdom’ (Job 28:28). Policy without piety is profound madness.

Godliness is a spiritual queen, and whoever marries her is sure of a large dowry with her. Godliness has the promise of the present life and of that which is to come (1 Tim 4:8). Godliness gives assurance, yes, holy triumph in God, and how sweet that is (Isa 32:17). It was old Latimer who said, ‘When sometimes I sit alone, and have a settled assurance of the state of my soul, and know that God is my God, I can laugh at all troubles, and nothing can daunt me.’

Godliness puts a man in heaven before his time. Christian, aspire after piety; it is a lawful ambition. Look at the saints’ characteristics here, and never leave off till you have got them stamped your own soul. This is the grand business that should swallow up your time and thoughts. Other speculations and quaint notions are nothing to the soul. They are like wafers which have fine works printed upon them, and are curiously damasked to the eye, but are thin, and yield little nourishment.

That the God of grace will effectually accomplish this shall be the prayer of him who is.

Yours in all Christian affection,
THOMAS WATSON

The Ochoas Arrived

The Ochoas arrived safely to Oahu on Wednesday. Clint, Megan, Bella and Liam all arrived in one piece. They are good friends of ours from Texas that we've attended Church with, played music with, witnessed birth of our children with, and many other intimate experiences for the better part of 4 years. Welcome to Hawaii!

Great to be back to visit!

What a great two Sundays to be with you Grace Bible Church! Thanks be to God.

We're Back

What a time of Thanksgiving we had! We were able to see our parents, brothers, sisters, aunts and uncles in both Alabama and Texas. We had a great trip that started out in Huntsville, AL. Noah and his Grandpa (Stanley's dad) had a great time. Noah helped Grandpa in every way possible as festivities were being prepared for and heavily anticipated. The twins were back together as well as their wives and children. There was much food to be had and of course you can't leave out the family drama. But atleast it keeps life amusing - though some mature peace would be nice every so often...okay, all the time.





Thanks to all our dear and close friends who took extremely good care of us while in the wonderful state of Texas. It was great to be back with loving hearts as we convened in fellowship after 4 months apart. There was much singing as well that was shared with the faithful GBC music crew. Thelma's parents were every bit gracious and hospitable to our relieving visit as we convalesced from island fever. We were together with them for about a total of 3 days due to spent time, dinner, and nights with friends. They also celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary.





And now that we're back we face several exciting challenges by way of Church, parenting, work, school, and all things else. Work in the office have finally started to pick up for both of us. Noah is talking more so that stirs discipleship on behalf of what flows from behind our teeth. So if you keep a prayer journal, please remember us when you have the opportunity.

We are excited for the arrival of our friends from Texas, Clint and Megan. They arrive next week and will be across the street at Wheeler Army Air Field.

There will be some e-mails sent out notifying blog updates if you are interested. Just let us know from time to time if you are interested in being informed as the 'glog' is updated. We miss you and we love you.

And now, we recover:

Change of Venue

Our small group partook this year in putting together shoe boxes enclosed with gifts for children overseas; 'twas an enjoyed break from the rigors of studying together. We were entertained by twin musicians Jordan and Taylor. It was a fun and productive time.

Our Back Yard

My dear friend Kyle, and I went for a hike in my back yard here on Schofield. Here's what we found. We didn't get to go any further because we didn't want to miss dinner. What a beautiful place this is!

A Time of Clarification

We come now to a time of needed clarification regarding our Mawage post. Here goes:

1. We try to be as transparent as necessary with this blog as we want to display the power and testimony of God in our fragile and desperate selves. If God sees that we are struggling, why also not our believing brothers and sisters; mothers and fathers? When we achieve our goals know that we have experienced some sanctifying trials that have molded us to usefulness for the Lord.
2. Regarding the separation term: in the midst of the intense downs and difficulties it is in-fact easy to secretly want to throw in the towel, to quit, and perhaps even separate. We have never discussed divorce or separation. The point is that though things got difficult, sure the temptation was to just come home and say “I’m done.” But that was not the case. The Good News that our Lord conquered evil makes significant the power of the Lord and His Gospel in the nitty-gritty of two sinful people in a perfect institution. There’s nothing wrong with marriage; it’s the people in it who have the problem. SIN!
3. “Consider it joy brothers and sisters when you encounter various trials, for you know the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” If ever you feel like giving up – DON’T. Don’t miss out on what God has in store for you – especially in marriage; parenthood; work; school; everything.

Taken from Come Weary Saints
As long as You are Glorified by Sovereign Grace Music:

“Shall I take from Your hand Your blessings, yet not welcome any pain?
Shall I thank You for days of sunshine yet grumble in days of rain?
Shall I love You in times of plenty, then leave you in days of drought?
Shall I trust when I reap a harvest, but when winter winds blow then doubt?

“O Let Your will be done in me, in Your love I will abide. O I long for nothing else as long as You are glorified.

“Are You good only when I prosper? True only when I’m filled? King only when I’m carefree? God only when I’m well?

[NO]

“You are good when I’m poor and needy! You are true when I’m parched and dry! You still reign in the deepest valley! You’re still God in the darkest night!

“O Let Your will be done in me, in Your love I will abide. O I long for nothing else as long as You are glorified.”