Merry Christmas to All and to All a Goodnight

Well...Sorry I did't post earlier. It's been a long day of traveling for Sal and I. We left VA this morning around 9 and arrived in Tulsa at 4. So here I am at the computer at 11:00. We were so excited about being able to come to OK. Though we are going to miss being with all of the Roth clan over the holidays, we cherish our time with these girls and Austin and Sally's parents.
I did want to share with you all a song that has been on my mind this Christmas season. I am convinced that this is the song the Shepherds probably sang as they left the manger to return to the field. It is entitled Hope Has Come. (the chorus is my favorite part)

Words and Music by
Stephen Altrogge

Let us join with the angel voices
Let us join their happy song
All of heaven and earth rejoices
For the Lamb of God has come
He has come to rescue sinners
Come to meet our desperate need
He was born to bring forgiveness
Born for Calvary


Alleluia, Hope has come
Alleluia, Christ has come
We once were slaves in misery
Till You appeared and set us free
Alleluia, Hope has come

Let us lay our gifts before Him
Let us magnify His Name
With our thankful hearts adore Him
For the Lord has come to save
He has come to break sin’s power
He has come to set us free
Hope was born that glorious hour
Christ the mighty King

Do you like it? Feel free to download the sheet music and an mp3 of the recording here.

Love you all...Merry Christmas.
Talk soon.

clif

Happy Birthday...

Sal!!!! And Dad!!!!
From my perspective...this is one of the most important days of year to me. Celebrating the lives of the 2 people who have had the most impact on my life. (mom, you are included since you and dad are "one flesh.") Dad and Sally, thanks for being soft in hands of the Potter as HE molds you and makes into pots of honor for HIS glory. It has certainly been amazing to watch my two best friends be changed by the work of the God in thier lives. Tears come to my eyes as I say that...and that is just the tip of the iceburg.

I would like to share this song with you two...(and with all of the family for that reason.) I listened to it on the way to work this morning and thought it perfect to describe the way i feel toward both of you.

Every Minute (by sara groves)

I am long on staying I am slow to leave
Especially when it comes to you my friend
You have taught me slow down
And to prop up my feet
It's the fine art of being who I am
And I can't figure out Why you want me around
I'm not the smartest person I have ever met
But somehow that doesn't matter
No it never really mattered to you at all
And at the risk of wearing out my welcome
At the risk of self-discovery
I'll take every moment
And every minute that you'll give me

And I can think of time when families all lived together
Four generations in one house
And the table was full of good food
And friends and neighbors
That's not how we like it now
Cause if you sit at home you're a loser
Couldn't you find anything better to do
Well no I couldn't think of one thing
I would rather waste my time on than sitting here with you

And at the risk of wearing out my welcome
At the risk of self-discovery
I'll take every moment
And every minute that you'll give me
And I wish all the people I love the most
Could gather in one place
And know each other and love each other well
And I wish we could all go camping
And lay beneath the stars
And have nothing to do and stories to tell
We'd sit around the campfire
And we'd make each other laugh remembering when You're the first one I'm inviting
Always know that you're my friend

And at the risk of wearing out my welcome
At the risk of self-discovery
I'll take every moment
And every minute that you'll give me
Every moment and every minute that you'll give me
Every moment and every minute that you'll give me
Every minute

"Think before you speak."

Just one of Dad's many quotes that comes to mind often...
Does anyone else have one of those to share????

Ryan Ferguson recites Hebrews chapters 9 and 10

This video is from the WorshipGod06 Conference Aug. 9-12, 2006. Ryan Ferguson is giving a memorized dramatic recitation of Hebrews 9 and 10 from the ESV Bible. God’s Word is powerful. Please share your thoughts. Peace. cwjr The Holy Bible, English Standard Version is copyright ©2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

A Little Comedy

Hello Everyome,

I hope you all made the transition back into normal life ok...

I came across this video yesterday and almost laughed my head off.

You must watch this...Just click on the picture below, when you get to the website you may have to scroll up, then just click the PLAY button in the center of the video screen. (Make sure you volume is turned up so you can hear it) ENJOY!!!

If you would like to read more about John, click here.

Let me know what you think.

Solo Girlia de Birthdia

That means today is the birthday of the only girl.

Happy Birthday

Cita Marie Halloran!!!!!!!!!!

I hope your day is great.

You have been testimony to God's sufficient grace to His children. Thank you for building your life on the ROCK.

If that is not you second from the right than we are all going to imagine that it is. Thanks for serving the body of Christ. I am sure those at ERBC would bear witness to that thanks.

Sis,

One thought from me to you on your birthday...

Philippians 1:6

And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.

Love you sister.

for my wifee...cause i love 'er

Well, i am not going spend much time qualifying this...cause most of you know me and know that i owe my life to my Creator and His work of redemption and He is "my everything." I heard this song today for the first time and had to share it. You all know how much of a miracle it is that i have a wife like Sal!
I edited a couple of words, but they were minor.(e.g. color of hair, and shoes, she doesn't wear "holey jeans", and she never gets tipsy.) So, I know most of you don't like country music, so just think of this as a poem. Hope you enjoy...

She's Everything
Will Nance/Brad Paisley

She's a gray pair of running shoes
A cute pair of jeans
She looks great in cheap sunglasses
She looks great in anything
She's I want a piece of chocolate
Take me to a movie
She's I can't find a thing to wear
Now and then she's moody

She's a Saturn with a sunroof
With her blonde hair a-blowing
She's a soft place to land
And a good feeling knowing
She's a warm conversation
That I wouldn't miss for nothing
She's a fighter when she's mad
And she's a lover when she's loving

Chorus
And she's everything I ever wanted
And everything I need
I talk about her, I go on and on and on
'Cause she's everything to me

She's a Saturday out on the town
And a church girl on Sunday
She's a cross around her neck
And a grumble 'cause its Monday
She's a bubble bath and candles
Baby come and kiss me
(some line about being tipsy)

She's the giver I wish I could be
And the stealer of the covers
She's a picture in my wallet
Of my unborn children's mother
She's the hand that I'm holding
When I'm on my knees and praying
She's the answer to my prayer
And she's the song that I'm playing

She's the voice I love to hear
Someday when I'm ninety
She's that wooden rocking chair
I want rocking right beside me
Everyday that passes I only love her more
Yeah, she's the one
That I'd lay down my own life for

And she's everything I ever wanted
And everything I needShe's everything to me
Yeah she's everything to me
Everything I ever wanted
And everything I need
She's everything to me

love you Sal.

cwjr

What? You think it's time for a new post or somethin'?

Ok, Ok...here.

To read the article that Caleb recommended click here.

To read dad's post entitled "How the Gospel Should Be Lived" click here.

You will notice the new format of the blog. Hope it does not throw you off too much. I just consolidated so that only one post appears at a time. To view past posts, simply click on the title in the list to the right. Try to keep your comments isolated to the post to which they pertain. Does that make sense? For example someone may start a discussion about a certain post. Let's keep that discussion isolated to that post. You can comment on any post at any time.
You all are getting great at this blogging thing. I am so thankful.

I love you all...

By the way...you should all check out GMAIL. Caleb, Sally, Curtis, and I have all set up accounts. There is a great chat feature and some other really cool little features. It is quite user friendly. If you have questions about it let me know...you can call me at work: 703-881-7229.

Merry Christmas to all and to all a Goodnight!

cliftonian

How the Gospel Should Be Lived

The good news is only as good as it looks. People were drawn to Jesus because of His compassion, humility, wisdom and the light He shed on life's dilemmas.
As body #2 the Church must, like Jesus, also present itself and it's message humbly, in love, with wisdom and with the answers to life's tough questions.
In specific the body of Christ on earth today is only as much a mimic of Christ as it's individual members. Every Christian must build a platform of "good works" upon which he can proclaim the Good News.
Someone has wisely said that "people don't care how much you know (including the good news) until they know how much you care."
Based on this premise the Gospel must be lived as described in Ephesians where it is labeled the "worthy walk."
The worthy walk has several elements which Paul carefully presents. The word worthy is a term of weight and balance. Having described our position in Christ and the doctrines related to our standing in chapters 1-3 Paul now approaches chapters 4-6 as a balance to our position. Our position must be balanced by our practice or our "walk". They should match. When they do the Gospel looks good. When the Gospel looks good, people are drawn to it and are willing to give credence to what it claims.
In short Paul lists 9 aspects of this worthy walk which point us toward specific attitudes and actions that should characterize those "in Christ".

Our walk is to be a walk of humility.
Our walk is to be a walk of unity.
Our walk is to be a walk that is different.
Our walk is to be a walk that is love(agape).
Our walk is to be a walk that is light.
Our walk is to be a walk that is wisdom.
Our walk is to be a walk that is Spirit filled, 5:18-6:9.
Our walk is to be a walk that is a warfare, 6:10-18.
Our walk is to be a walk that is a witness, 6:19-24.

When Christians' lives are conformed to Christ and show out His character, the Gospel looks good, because it is lived as Christ lived, body #1.

Caution : we are to be witnesses even in our weakness. But the better we live the stronger our platform, the stronger our platform, the bolder our message, the bolder our message the stronger our witness.

Love to you all,
Dad

How The Gospel Should Be Preached

Paul told Ephesus saints to speak the Truth in love.
The Truth without love is dead orthodoxy.
The Love without truth is sentimentality.
But truth must be our watchword. The truth must be clear, logical, understandable, reasonable and through, especially when it comes to the gospel.
The Gospel should be preached so that the lost person understands their need of salvation. If they don't understand why they weren't born right the first time, they will not understand why they must be born again.
Their need is based on Adam's rebellion which brought on his spiritual death and the consequential spiritual death of every human since. Every human has lined up behind Adam and followed his rebellious ways.
Having now identified himself with Satan, who also rebelled against his creator, man is fairly sentenced to the same fate as Satan. Hell. He has a great NEED.
God loves man and desires to restore him to a place of fellowship with Himself once again. God leaves man's freewill intact and devises a plan that opens the door of forgiveness to filthy sinners and places them in the heavenlies with God. The amazing truth of God's work and one that lost people must understand is that God is perfect in His holiness and justice and will not violate these to open the door of Heaven to sinners. God said the wages of sin is death and that's the way it is. For His holiness to be satisfied someone must bleed for the offenses since only blood can wash away sin. For His justice to be satisfied someone must die. No human is qualified to bleed and die because all are cursed with Adam's dirty blood and sinful nature. So God Himself took on human flesh so that a perfect human could bleed and die to bear the punishment and pay the price for sin. Jesus, the lamb without spot or blemish, suffered and died to take away the sin of the world. After dying on the Cross He rose from the dead, affirming His sinlessness. Death could not hold Him for He had no sin.
Lost people must know the Truth about how to accept the Good News. God sends a messenger to share the Good News and the Holy Spirit confirms the Word and convicts the sinner. The Holy Spirit speaks to a lost person and points out that he has ignored Jesus, that he has a load of personal sin and has disobeyed every one of God's Ten Commands and if he continues in rebellion will face the same fate as Satan -eternity in Hell.
Lost people must know the Truth that they can resist the Holy Spirit as Felix did before Paul, but now they should stop resisting and surrender to God who has rightful authority in their lives because He is God and Creator. When the lost person surrenders to God (lets God be God) God provides to him the faith which is "not of ourselves, it is the gift of God", to trust Jesus as his personal sacrifice for sin. Once the lost person rusts in Jesus he becomes alive to God, forgiven for his sin,and his eternal existence begins.
The Gospel must be preached in Truth and Love. The Gospel must never be treated flippantly, or lightly.
I have not always preached the Gospel well but in these days I try to present it thoroughly, logically, understandably and truthfully, while endeavoring to let the compassion of Jesus be evident.
Next I will write on how the Gospel is to be lived. But now I have three jobs and I'm feeling the pressure of time.
I love you all.
-Dad

Sermon about Neighbors

I have been listening to some sermons by Tim Keller lately.
Many of his sermons touch on the issues that we have been writing about here on the blog.
I know that most of you probably don't have 30-45 min to sit down and listen to a sermon. But...in case any of you break a leg or have to sit at your computer all day I thought i would tell you where you could go to listen to one of these sermons that i have found so helpful. This one in particular is called "Neighbors." This is the sermon that I got the phrase "Gospel neighboring" from. Enjoy...there are other free sermons at this site:
http://www.redeemer3.com/store/index.cfm?fuseaction=category.display&category_id=11&CFID=292785&CFTOKEN=45891453

But to download the one that i am talking about click here.

Love you all...

Lauren, hope you are doing well. How is the car?

Mom...did dad ever write anything? Let's go...where are those typing skills?

Have a great week.

Living the "Good News"

Sal and I have been discussing this a lot lately...
While the good news of what Jesus did is certainly the only way that we as sinners can relate to God, it should also effect how we relate to other people. Along the same line, while the good news of Jesus should be preached to all, it should also be lived for all to see. So...

Good news of Jesus: How we relate to GOD--How we relate to MAN
Good news of Jesus: How it should be PREACHED--How it should be LIVED

I think we are pretty clear on the first part of these implications (GOD/PREACHED), what I am wondering about is the second part of these implications. (MAN/LIVED)

I am posing this question to all of you hoping for your answer to be as specific as possible.

What does it mean to you to "live the Good News?" What are some specific implications of the "good news" in our everyday lives?

Happy Birthday Tina

The first daughter in-law in a line of some pretty awesome daughter in-laws is celebrating another full year of life today.
Tina, happy b-day from all of us. We are so thankful for you. Your down to earth attitude and always encouraging words do not go unnoticed or unappreciated. We love you very much.
Tell all of your "blessings" hello for us.

Cita, are you still alive...how are the husband and kids? Miss you girl.

Craigs List

You all may know about "craigs list" already. But if you don't...I am here to tell you it is fantastic. I have not bought or sold from this site yet...but I definitely intend to. Check it out for yourself...This is better than ebay...It is a giant online yardsale. Go ahead, click away...you will be fascinated by all of the amazing deals and items.

http://chattanooga.craigslist.org/ (for you chattanooga people)

http://geo.craigslist.org/iso/us/wi (umm...not sure what is closest, Caleb)

http://atlanta.craigslist.org/ (Cary)

YOU CAN EVEN GET A CRAIGS LIST T-SHIRT!!!!!!!!!!!!!

http://www.cafepress.com/craigslist_sf

Well...She took the plunge. Mom has gone "JAZZY!" Mom, just so you know, I think its great. I think it is a reflection of your desire to take care of the "temple." But I can't resist having a little fun with the whole idea. I am certain the bros and sis have all already enjoyed a chuckle or two. I mean what is not to love about this... Mom...no dishonor intended at all...just a little humor. We love you very much.
Well now that i have that out of the way...I should say, Hello ALL. Sorry its been such a long time since i have posted. You know the routine...BUSY.
Curtis, how are you? Lauren, how are you?
That is all i have for now...I know, not much substance, but at least its an update, a fresh start on the comments. Keep em comin...you guys are doing great. Lauren, welcome to the blog, by the way. Clair, uhhh, you are welcom too, or are you leaving that to Tina?
Anyway. Peace to all.

Curtis has arrived in the Middle East

Caleb suggested the following sites for maps, if you are interested:

http://www.marineparents.com/usmc/back-to-iraq-maps.asp

http://www.marineparents.com/maps/al-anbar-72dpi.jpg

The site below is the informational site for Curtis's unit. (not sure of the correct terminology for his group: unit, battalion, division, hmmm)...

http://www.marineparents.com/units/Print.asp?ID=375

Looks like they have not updated it in the last month or so. It still shows that his unit is in "late predeployment."

Labor Day???? We did not LABOR. April did though, oh no that was on Sunday, sorry.

Well...not sure what your Labor Day weekend involved,

Wait...on the second thought...Caleb's involved a new daughter, Cita went camping, and Mom and Dad visited every restaurant in Hixson. Not sure what Clair, Cary, and Curtis did but i am confident that all went well. Sal and I went with our friends Corey, Kristy, and C.J. to Georgetown in D.C. It was fun. We just walked around, in and out of shops with overpriced clothing, but we like doing that. We ate at Johnny Rockets...ummm not so good, but ok. It was just a relaxing evening. No adgenda, just chilling. We enjoy that sometimes. Oh...yeah, before we left, Corey and I watched Tiger win his 5th straight tournament. He is insane. That inspired us to go over the chipping green here in our community and try a few shots ourselves. We need help. Sal and Kristy had some great conversation and I am certain C.J. enjoyed the time as well. Not sure what he is thinking about in this picture, but it seems to be funny and confusing. Wait...Sally just said that he was looking at her...not sure what is so funny and confusing about that, but...anyway. Thought you would enjoy the pictures. We love you all and wish you could all come visit us NOW. Talk soon.

Peace, Love, and Peanut Butter.

clif

Cassia May

She is here!!!!
Cassia May Roth

Caleb and April got to the hospital at 4:50pm and she was born at 5:35pm on Sunday 9-3-06
She weighed 7lbs. and she is 19in tall.

Her initials are CMR...same as Cita's used to be.
Interesting...

Congrats Caleb and April. We are all thankful and looking forward to meeting her.

Forgive Me!!!!!!

Well...I am asking forgiveness for not updating this blog. Sal and I have been pretty busy lately. Most of my spare time has been spent watching lectures, reading books, and going on walks. We were able to spend some time 2 weekends ago with some of you in Chattanooga. While I was super happy to see my family, I have to say that the time that I was able to spend with my mother-in-law was probably of the best quality yet. I am thankful for that. What a blessing. All of my little sister-in-law's and Austin are very dear to me and I was so glad to spend the weekend with them too.
I love you all...I don't have much to add right now, but I am hoping that this new post will inspire you all to comment and update us all on your lives. CALEB???? Any baby yet?
CLAIR??? How is the job bro? CARY??? Been fishing lately? CITA??? How is the business going? CURTIS??? When you leaving man? Mom and Dad, WHAT IS THIS I HEAR...YOUR GOING TO VEGAS??????? What is the world coming too?
Love you all...I look forward to getting this thing back up and running.
Talk soon.

Happy 9th Birthday to Evelyn!!!!

She had a great weekend. We actually all did too. Friday, we pack up and went over to Chester Frost Park to camp out with a few people from church. It was a very hot afternoon as we set up camp. As soon as we got the tents set up. Clouds were coming in so I started to get everything put away and organized -- I took my time. Just as soon as I was done with everthing the rain came!!!! This about 5:30. The kids had a good time play in the rain at the playground. We were going to get ready to eat. But that was put on hold until about 8:00. It was still sprinkling a little but we were able to get a fire going and we had a gas burner to use. So we made chicken fajitas. Yummy!! They were so good. About 10:30 the rain pretty much stop and we were able to roast marshmallows and have smores!!!We went to sleep at midnight!!Everyone slepted well consider we on the hard ground. Had pancakes, eggs, sausage, bacon for breakfast. We cleaned up after that. Took all the tents down. Packed up and headed to the beach for the afternoon. The kids and I along with a couple of girls from church swam for the afternoon. Sun and swimming that tires you out. But we all had fun. We headed home about 3:00. Gwen, Ros, Jenna were all sleeping by the time I reached Hixson Pike which is not far from where we were. Came home and put them all to bed and started the wonderful thing of putting everything away!! Because of the rain we had alot of wet clothes and bedding. So off to the laundry mat to get that all done quickly.Evelyn went to Grandma's for the night -- she wanted to help Grandpa with his paper route. There is alot of steps involved with that route. So she had good excerise. Sunday we had a great service. Then we had coupons for Applebee's. All the kids ate free and Clair had a gift card from his birthday. So we had a great birthday lunch for Evelyn. Wherever you all are at today. Have a great one!!! Love you all!Praying for you April as time comes near.

Tina

kingdom thoughts

ATTN: See the post below…pictures from Curtis.

The following has been on my mind…

I saw what mom said about them doing a thing called "Understanding the Kingdom." I am interested in hearing more about that, as I have been thinking along these lines this week...

Our pastor has started a new series going through the “Beatitudes.” Seeking first God’s KINGDOM, is our goal. This song is one that we will be singing in church over the next few weeks. I am learning more and more everyday to be praying, as Jesus taught his disciples, for God’s kingdom to come. As kingdom people, we must constantly be seeking for opportunities to enlarge God’s reign in our own hearts and preach His good news so He might reign in the hearts of those around us. HIS CAUSE must become our cause. Let me know your thoughts on the song.


Your glorious cause, O God, engages our hearts.
May Jesus Christ be known wherever we are.
We ask not for ourselves but for Your renown.
The cross has saved us so we pray, Your kingdom come.

Let your kingdom come, let your will be done,
So that everyone might know Your name.
Let your song be heard everywhere on earth,
‘Til Your sovereign work on earth is done.
Let Your kingdom come.

Give us Your strength, O God, and courage to speak.
Perform Your wondrous deeds through those who are weak.
Lord use us as You want, whatever the test.
By grace we’ll preach Your Gospel ‘til our dying breath.

Let your kingdom come, let your will be done,
So that everyone might know Your name.
Let your song be heard everywhere on earth,
‘Til Your sovereign work on earth is done.
Let Your kingdom come.

Pictures of Curtis at 29 Palms

Family Planning

Tonight, Sal and I were leaving our care group and I told a group of folks around the table that Sally and I were going home to do a little "family planning." One person commented, "ohhh, that's what they call it now!" (of course insinuating that I was saying that we were going home to make love.) Well...while that may happen, what I was trying to say, is that Sal and I were coming home to sit down and scope out our week. Make a few goals, look at the calendar, and balance the checkbook. Anyway, maybe i gave you too many details, but i thought that was a humorous story and I wanted to update all of you on our life here in VA. You may know that we just moved. We moved from Manassas to Gainesville, into a retirement community. It's pretty sweet. We live in a bsmt apartment. Pretty quiet i might add. (these retired folks dont have too many wild parties.) I should share with you the reason that we moved. Sal and I have been praying that the Lord would give us wisdom to handle the money that He has given us, and that we would be able to get our debt paid off very soon. Our rent went from $1130 to $620 when we moved. And we moved into a much newer and larger place. We were also able to lose the electric bill and the internet bill. What a giant chunk of cash to deal with. We will now, Lord willing, be able knock out our debt in less than a year. All we will have remaining is about $4000-5000 in school loans. We also recieved another financial blessing when we found out that the SBC here in VA awarded us a scholarship for my seminary. It should pay for two classes this semester. We are very grateful for the Lord's provision. We surely don't deserve this, and we are all the time mindful that He has told us "to whom much is give, much shall be required." I am consistantly having to go back to the ant to "consider her ways." Anyway...I must go. I know this is a bit rushed, but i think it communicates the highlights. We will be in Chattanooga on the 18-20 of August, if anyone is around and would like to say hello. Caleb, shoot me an email this week man, its been a while. Love all of you.

Peace and Chicken Grease.
clif

FREEDOM!!!!

Happy Independence Day!!!!!
Just thought I'd write a few thoughts down early July 4th morning before the chores and the chow begins.
Our God intends for His creatures to be free! He is not a tyrant nor does He want His creatures ruled by tyrants.
Our creator gave us a will just like His that is free to operate and decide based on it's own counsel. He gave us a mind to think and a will to decide. This is Freedom !
This freedom then trickles down to the daily operation of our lives where we consider each other in relationships and realize, because of sin, that we need rules to reign in our freedom.
Then we decide whose rules those will be, the ones we conjure up on our own that are accordng to our best interest or the ones our Creator has commanded for the best interest of all His creation.
The true freedom we have is to choose under whose authority we will be. We'll choose the tyranny of selfishness or the soverignty of a loving God.
On this Independence Day may we use our freedom to decide to be mastered by our Creator, who has complete rights to us, but offers us freedom to choose.
May we praise His soverign grace in placing us in the USA where liberty under God's law has been our fundamental and foundational principle and one which we must defend and protect for the sake of our gracious Creator and for our children.
How sad to accept the gift of freedom from His benevolent hand and then become indifferent and uninvolved in it's maintainance .
May our family be a patriotic party of people who promote and protect freedom. Let's wave the Flag, sing the songs,be at the polls, be on our knees in prayer and when necessary on the street exercising the gift our Creator has given us in particular as Americans.
FREEDOM!!!!!!

Curtis Promoted to Corporal

I got a chance to talk to Curtis today. He seems to be doing well. After returning from an 8 day stint out in the field he was promoted to Corporal. Well done, Curtis. He said that basically the promotion means that some of the stinky responsibilities that he has now will be replaced with a different set of stinky responsiblities. And he will get a pay raise. Curtis did say that there are some guys out there in CA that he knew from Chattanooga and one guy he remembered from playing soccer in high school. Lauren is going to be visiting him in a few weeks and will be staying with this dude's girlfriend. The four of them are going to do a little traveling. He said Disneyland and the beach. Sounds fun. Just wanted to let everyone in on his good news. I know he is pretty good about calling us...but I am sure it would be encourageing to give him a call. Love to you all from VA. Have a good Lord's Day...
-Clif

Home Again, Home Again Jiggity Jig

Don't be fooled by the title. While we are glad to be back in our home sweet home, there is absolutely no jigging going on. Two reasons....First, we were sad to leave Turkey. Though we did want to come back home, we were not excited about leaving Turkey. So many reasons...I could not begin to tell right now...but the main thing is just the harsh reality of desperate need for workers in that country. And second, we are dog tired and jigging would certainly require too much energy right now.
The trip was fantastic. We ended up with 14 rolls of film to be developed. We can certainly see the value of a digital camera at this point. We are looking forward to sharing our stories with you all in the days to come. I will post and email pics as they become available. Looking forward to hearing what each of you have planned for INDEPENDANCE DAY!!!! I am certainly thankful to be an American. I love you all...talk soon.

clif and sal

Our Vıew from our hotel room ıs the beautıful Mount Ararat.

Amazıng...Awestrıkıng...Incredıble...














These words just dont cut ıt for descrıbıng the sıght of Mount Ararat. Sal and I agree that there ıs just somethıng that sets ıt apart. Though we have not seen Everest and some of the other hıgh elevatıons of the world, ı thınk ıt ıs safe for me to say that thıs mountaın ıs set apart fromthem all. I dıd learn a few thıngs about ıt that ı dıd not know...ıt ıs a volcano and as you can see ın the pıcture ıt ıs snowcapped. Very cool...
We dıd a lot of travelıng today and saw some other amazıng sıghts. We saw the border of Armenıa and we are currently 25 KM from the Iranıan border. Great lıfe experıence, obvıously. Anyway. We are havıng an ıncredıble tıme.

We are learnıng much. We are amazed agaın at the fact that not only do we have the opportunıty to be mınısters of the Gospel but that whıle we are mınısterıng, we too are contınuıng to be changed by ıts power. These people need ıt. Thıs ıs truly a dark, dark land. Pray.

Hospıtalıty and Kındness that You could not Imagıne

Hello all! I thought you mıght be ınterested to know that these people are amazıng! You would not belıeve how kınd and frıendly they are. Even wıthout the language ıt ıs absolutely possıble to communıcate wıth the women. They are so beautıful, theır colorıng and blue or green eyes are just breaktakıng. The ınteractıons we have had have been AMAZING! One day we sat ın a park for 2 hours and talked wıth a famıly of women. The told us all about theır lıves and asked lots of questıons of us. They offered us chaı and dessert. We talked about theır relıgıon as well and they were ınterested to hear about our faıth. At the end they hugged and kıssed us lıterally and saıd thıngs lıke, we wıll never forget you, we love you, you are our dear frıends. Another day we sat ın a lınen shop where two young gırlş embroıdered table clothes and napkıns and bedspreads. They were a delıght as well. They love takıng pıctures and they tell you how pretty you are over and over whıle they stare at you and look you rıght ın the eyes wıth such affectıon and wıth super bıg smıles on theır faces! Yesterday we met a famıly of ladıes whose mother had passed away. We were able to pray for them and just relate as women do about those thıngs and then today before we left town we brought them flowers and chatted more. They gave us theır headcoverıngs so we would always remember them! Everywhere we go people are so kınd and frıendly. It ıs so easy to strıke up a conversatıon just standıng on the street or ın any shop! If only we treated our vısıtors and communıty as well. I thınk I wıll do my best to start. Anyone I meet I wıll offer chaı and ask to come over and chat the afternoon away! We love you all!
Sally

Bloggıng from Erzurum

Well we flew from ıstanbul to erzurum today. great flıght.
we had a delıcıous lunch and then went to a park and spent about 3 hours.
successful conversatıons and a fun tıme wıth the kıds kıckıng the futbol.
sal ıs feelıng some better. we are so thankful for thıs opportunıty. I have a feelıng we wıll be back to thıs town some day ıf God wılls.
love and peace to you all. wıll check ın later. please comment so ı know you are readıng.
cwjr

Sal and I leave tomorrow

We are pretty pumped. We are leaving tomorrow for Turkey. We will be gone for 11 days.
We will be in Istanbul for the first day then flying to Eastern Turkey and touring small towns and villages for the next 6 days, spend another day traveling, then 2 days in Istanbul before heading back to VA. We are just praying that the Lord will use this time not only to take the LIGHT into the darkness, but also to bring about CHANGE in our hearts, making us more like Him. We love you all and ask for your prayer. We also encourage you to check out the blog that we will be updating from Turkey. Not sure how often we will get a chance to do that, but evidently there are many internet cafe's in the places that we will be touring. The link to that blog is to the right. Love you all...we will check this blog as well and comment when we get a chance.
Peace Out...
clifton.

"Preaching Around the Gospel"

I recently had a conversation with a man that I love dearly. Oh...you guys know him...Dad.
Anyway, during this conversation, Dad said something that I will never forget.
He said, that often times we have been "preaching all around the Gospel, and not on it." That phrase will stick with me forever, I have no doubt. I would love it, if dad would write down more of his thoughts about that conversation that we had, as i know it would be beneficial to all of you and for me to hear it again.(HINT, HINT DAD)

Anyway, I came across this quote today...

"Find the books that are blood-earnest about God, and you will discover they know the path that leads to joy more accurately than many contemporary guides."(The Supremacy of God in Preaching, pg. 61)

-John Piper

"The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away."

Blessed be the name of the Lord!
God has helped us, by using the words of Job, as we strive to keep perspective about all of life. Sal and I are certainly trusting God's soveriegnty over all creation. Over the last 7 days we have recognized His hand in both the giving and taking of life within Sally's womb. We are just grateful that He has given us the grace to trust Him. While we are saddened by the loss, we are confident in His timing and thankful that we know that He has gifted us with the ability to concieve.
Please pray that we will remain in His grace.
Love you all...goodnight.

Caleb's 5th...Smiling?

This one courtesy of Caleb and April. Is this child smiling? Looks rather happy to me.

Ummmm...Well....

Approximately 5 Weeks??? We think.

May look something like this...

We know you all are pro's, but Sal and I are pretty pumped about it. We sure don't deserve this privilege.

Pray...please pray.

Love you all.

Clif-n-Sal

2 things...

First of all...Dad, Click Here for the link that Caleb wants you to read.

Secondly, my heart tonight...

Well, Sal and I cried tonight. We are learning so much being here in Virginia. I think that this song below captures our conversation best.

If You Want Me To
by Ginny Owens

The pathway is broken And The signs are unclear
And I don't know the reason why You brought me here
But just because You love me the way that You do
I'm gonna walk through the valley If You want me to

Chorus:
Cause I'm not who I was When I took my first step
And I'm clinging to the promise You're not through with me yet
so if all of these trials bring me closer to you
Then I will go through the fire If You want me to

It may not be the way I would have chosen
When you lead me through a world that's not my home
But You never said it would be easy
You only said I'd never go alone

So When the whole world turns against me
And I'm all by myself
And I can't hear You answer my cries for help
I'll remember the suffering Your love put You through
And I will go through the darknessIf You want me to

When I cross over Jordan,I'm gonna sing, gonna shout
I'm gonna look into Your eyes and seeYou never let me down
So take me on the pathway that will lead me home to You
And I will walk through the valley If You want me to
Yes, I will walk through the valleyIf You want me to.

Longing for heaven is something that we have both been thinking about lately. While we are striving to rest in grace of our Lord, we are longing for the day when we our striving is over and we can experience true, eternal rest. We have both been learning so much about putting our trust in CHRIST ALONE. SOLUS CHRISTUS as the reformers said. This world and the people in it are shifting sand I tell you, SHIFTING SAND. I include myself in that, mind you. Is there one man in this world that is worthy of our full trust. NO...No, there isn't. Why do I try to figure stuff out on my own? Why do I continually look to others to trust? I recognize Proverbs 11:14 "Where there is no guidance, a people falls,but in an abundance of counselors there is safety" and 15:22 "Without counsel plans fail,but with many advisers they succeed." But I am not talking about counsel or guidance, here. While we must be careful who we seek counsel from and always, always, always, compare it with scripture, I am talking about a TRUST that I so often put in men that belongs to GOD ALONE. I guess one way to describe it is a trust for righteousness. Looking for a man to live a life of TRUE Godliness in front of me, so that I can look at him and say "that is RIGHT I will do that." OHHHHH, WAIT A SECOND, that was JESUS. The "GOD MAN." Have I forgotten? His is the only righteoness that is trustworthy. I remember now...He is the only righteousness any man on this earth has. Why do I forget? I NEED THE GOSPEL, PEOPLE!!!!! Will someone please PREACH IT. I am so sick of empty words, flowery words that we have been using to comfort and encourage one another. Can we please encourage one another "IN CHRIST." His righteosness and HIS GOSPEL are all that matters. HE has wrapped HIS perfect robe of RIGHTEOUSNESS around our whoring, perverted, disgusting, flesh. Can I get a witness???? I need you folks to remind me of this. I am consistently letting down and being let down by my "PEEPS", and I am consistently having to remind myself of what JESUS did. I take too long in reminding myself, so could someone try to remind me? Beat me to it. I need you to. My email address at work is cliftonr@colemanfloor.com. A reminder???? Anyone???? What has HE done for you? Could you please tell me in the most graphic and specific language possible? That would be encouraging to me. We haven't forgotten have we? I love you all...looking forward to seeing most of you this weekend.

SOLUS CHRISTUS,
cwjr...sjr

Walkington D.C.(or Taxington D. C. if you get lost)

These feet did some walkin' this past weekend. Along with about 9 other pair. We had a great time. All together it was Dad, Mom, Curtis, Lauren, Sterling, Carolyn(Lauren's parents), April, Barenise(our friends), Sally, and me. That makes 10. On Friday we took the Metro to the National mall and saw the WWII Memorial, Capital, Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, Korean, and Vietnam Memorials. Along with a sweet sculpture of Albert Einstien. Next we headed to the corner of 8th and I St. Just as the group was saying kind things about my tour guiding skills we realized the Marine Corps barracks that we were looking for were nowhere to be found. It was at that point I realized what had happened. I had forgotten that there are 4 intersections of 8th and I St. NW, SW, NE, SE. We needed to be at 8th and I SE. It was at that point it went from Walkington to Taxington(sorry for my cheesy comedy). We took 3 taxis and arrived at our destination just in time to get seats on the 5th row of a concert by the Marine Corps band and the "President's Own." The Silent Drill team also performed. After the concert (10:30 PM) we ate at "Popeye's Chicken." (I do not recommend the Popeye's on Capital Hill...bad news) All tired out, we caught the Metro to Fairfax, and arrived home around midnight. Fun times...
Saturday we met Uncle Paul and Aunt Karla, as well as Steve, Ben, and Brandon. (Will have a picture later.) We ate at Chili's in Rockville, MD. Then all of us, except Sally and Mom, went to Arlington to see the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, JFK's tomb, and the Iwo Jima Marine Corps Memorial. Of course that meant a lot to Curtis. By this time we were incredibly pooped. We headed home again, via the Metro, and celebrated Curtis' Birthday with hamburgers, hot dogs, and ice cream cake. It was great. Curtis got a couple of books from Lauren's parents and the rest of us went in and bought him a hard metal case for his laptop so he can take it to Iraq and update the blog. Sunday was church. It was great to have everyone at Grace. We heard a fantastic message about honoring our parents. (Rod has been preaching through the 10 commandments and providentially the 5th commandment fell on Mother's day) We had lunch at China Inn, Curtis got his haircut, and home we all went. Sal and I crashed for about 4 hours. We desperately needed the rest. Mom and dad took our friend April home this weekend too. If we have not told you all about April let me know and I will fill you in. Soooo...that is basically how it all went.
Love you all...thanks for you continued interest in "C" Roth Blog. It has indeed been the source for much joy in my heart to hear how each of you are doing on a more regular basis. Let us intercede for one another this week. We all need it. Love you Clair...miss you bro.
Sally has gone to bed already, I have failed this evening in going to bed with her and reading our chapter from the NT. Please pray that the Lord will give me the grace to discipline myself to be more faithful in that.
Peace Out...
cwjr

An update on our weekend

here we are...we are leaving now...so i have to go...
this is curtis and lauren...yesterday. Bye

Welcome to our world!

Layla Elizabeth McCay was born May 3rd at 10:10pm. She was 7lbs 7 oz, and 19 inches short.
Layla is the daughter of Rob and Beka McCay who are some of our best friends. Rob is home from Iraq for 15 days. He arrived just in time to be with Beka and witness the birth of his new baby girl. How awesome it is...
Our only hope now is that Beker doesn't pinch Layla's cute little face. It is so tempting Beka, I know.
Congrats to both of you...She is beautiful.

Aaannnddd Happy Birthday to you too Edster!

Well, Edwin...why in the world did you have to be born in May. I mean couldn't you have waited until August or something. We can't keep all these birthdays straight, man. Maybe you could change yours? I think August 13 sounds like a good one. Could you do that for us, buddy?
Just kidding you pal...Happy Birthday from all of your Ants and Unkels, Aunts and Uncles, Onts and Unks. Well anyway... from all of us. I want everyone to look at the picture above...you are looking at the future of our family. Don't forget it. Love you all. Eddie, happy b-day guy. Come see me sometime up here in the VA. We would love to see you...you could ride your bike, it's not that far. JOKE>>>>>HELLO!!!!!!!!!

Could You Imagine a Different Mother?

Don't try it is SCARY!!!!

I am thinking about what a birthday is…and finding that it is impossible for me to imagine that the lady that gave birth to me was actually born in the same fashion. Wait a second…now that I think about it…I don’t think mom was ever born. I think she’s pretty much been a mom her whole life. Just observe her mothering skills and you’d think she has never done anything different. Amazing, I say, truly amazing. The mom of all moms in my estimation.
All six of us have experienced some of God's immeasurable Grace in the fact that we were born to Donna Roth. What a testimony to God’s sovereign plan that we should be born this amazing lady. How did it happen??? I am so grateful that I was spared from being born to any other woman. I can’t imagine not having Donna Roth as my mother. I mean…what would we do? I know God would have worked it out and granted each of us grace to deal with the likes of some other mother out there, but WOW…how hard would life have been if we had to have been sons or daughters of another woman. (To borrow a word from my wife)Weirdish, I tell you, wierdish!
Anyway…She is a blessing from above…
Mom, we love you so much. May we each beg GOD for the wisdom and grace to know how to honor you as God wills and has commanded. Not with vain words, but with our lives and attitudes. May our gift to you this year be more than material, may it be the JOY of knowing “your children are walking in the TRUTH.”

Love you Mom…I am sure there are more words to come from the others.

Update on our own "Few and Proud"

Well I guess it is my turn to write on this blog. I apologize for my delinquency. I have a very busy month ahead of me. This weekend I am going to Florida to see my friend rob. You probably remember as my friend who lost his leg in the motorcycle accident a couple of months ago. I promised him I would go down and kayak in the gulf, one of our favorite pass times when I lived with him. He continue to pray for him and his wife. The next weekend is our missions conference. I asking God teach me a lot. This trip to Iraq is not only to serve my country but also to be able to witness to my fellow marines. War changes people and softens hearts. As dad puts it,"there is never an atheist in a fighting hole." the following weekend is a mandatory drill for medical screening. That Sunday is my last at comm. bapt. We will be having a little get together after church. Then the following weekend we are off to d.c. to visit clif and sally. Lauren will also be coming down. Mom and dad will be able to meet her parents for the first time. I am really looking forward to that. Some other people will be there to so I am sure we will have fun looking at all the sights around our capital. On our way back I am going to get dropped off in Knoxville. The following day I go on active duty. I am sure looking forward to getting over there and getting back. I am really going to miss everyone and the planning of my wedding. Which I am not to sad about. But I know in the long run this time in my life will only make me stronger as a man and the leader in my home. Your prayers are much needed and appreciated not only for me but also for Lauren and mom and dad. I love you all and will be in contact with you.

Lcpl. Roth, Curtis J. USMC

Dad's Report

Hi Gang!
I'll try not to be too verbose since I will be imposing on your Mom to type this in. I really enjoy reading all your comments on the blog. And as I get more familiar around the web it can only get better.
We had a great trip. It really could not have been better. Weather was warm and clear. The bus was a brand new Mercedes , the guide had 20 years of experience and spoke English you could understand. The hotel accommodations and food were excellent. No one lost any luggage. There were no "jerks" in the group of 32 and we saw a multitude of interesting historical, Biblical and memorable sights.
A day would start at 6:15 AM with a wake up call. Breakfast at 7 and bus departure at 8:15-8:30. Then we would travel from site to site, eating lunch away from the hotel. We would finish about 6 PM. Eat at 7 PM and drop into bed about 8-9 PM and go again the next day. The schedule was packed, but that is why we went. We were satisfied that we saw as much as we possibly could in the time allotted.
Historical sites included ruins of old cities never rebuilt after earthquakes complete with Roman arenas, bath houses, etc. We saw Massada, Cumerfon, Maggeddo. All with very interesting stories. Bible sites included the towns around the Sea of Galilee like Capernum, Tiberius and locations of the Sermon on the Mount. From there we went to Mt. Carmel, Valley of Armageddon, Mt. of Olives, Gethsemene,Golgotha, Garden Tomb of Jesus, Jerusalem and Bethany.
We tunneled down under layers of civilization to the Roman streets that Jesus would have walked on and walked along the west wall of the city (the wailing wall). According to the scholars the real Ark of the Covenant is just a few feet from that wall under the "Dome of the Rock" which is a Muslim mosque built defiantly on the site where the Temple was (Mt. Nebo) where Abraham sacrificed Isaac.
There is so much there!!! Since Abraham-4000 years of civilization have occupied that pice of real estate. It's hard to keep; track of the era you are in and what happened to the Biblical sites-some now completely covered with layers of other eras, Roman,Byzantine, Muslim and Turks.
But we caught the high points and had a wonderful time looking down from the Mt of Olives, over the Kidran Valley and imagining the triumphal entry which will be transformed when Jesus comes again, not meekly nor in peace, but valiantly, conquering and taking back the title deed to the world to rule from Jerusalem for 1000 years and ultimately forever.
Thank you for praying for us and taking an interest in our trip. Pictures will follow.

Love,
Dad

HAPPY B-DAY to the Eldest of the Grands

Today is Justin’s birthday…Happy Birthday, bud!

Justin, I remember holding you when you were a babe.(heavy little thing, you were…)
There is picture somewhere of me holding you…I am wearing a Chicago Bulls hat.
I’ll never forget that trip to WI to see you and your mom and dad. I got to go with Cita.
We traveled with Philip Doolittle. Cita was really sleepy b/c we had driven all night, and I remember looking up once and seeing a semi coming at us head on.(remember that Cita?). Justin, I basically sacrificed my life to come and see you man. (kidding)

Anyway…you play a special role in this whole Roth family thing. You are the oldest one of your generation. That means you have a pretty big responsibility. Don’t shy away from it man, be strong!!!! Be like Daniel...in the Bible. It will require that kind of strength and trust in God to face what you are going to face as you get older.(it has for us…I am sure it will be even harder for you.) But…We are praying for you buddy. Listen to your dad and mom. Follow their counsel. AND FOR HEAVEN’S SAKE READ PROVERBS, WILL YA!!!!!!!! That book is so full of stuff for guys like you and me. We have to do that if we are planning on following Christ and not ourselves. We are fools when left to ourselves. Read Proverbs you will get it.
Anyway…I love you man…Happy Birthday!
And when are you going to start Blogging?

uncle clif

"Perspective Is Everything"

Our church has been in a building program going on 6 years. The Lord has been good, though at times it has been a slow and tedious process. Over five years ago we went to a two-service format, which enabled our congregation and visitors to be less cramped in our Sunday morning service. Our church owns 11 acres of prime real estate (worth over $1 million) here in West Bend. It is all paid for; but, in order to build, we were waiting for the city to approve water/sewer and for our current building to sell. It seemed that things would be on hold for a while. But in February we received an offer on our building and were told the water/sewer was likely to be approved in April. It appeared the Lord was opening doors that had been closed for some time. We had a special meeting to vote on selling the church. This then raised the question, “Is the church financially ready to move forward?” Giving had been slightly down for the past few months, but it was in keeping with the trends we had seen in the past. Our financial officers are very involved in the business world and tend to see things through that lens. While we respect their business expertise, a church is not a business but a ministry. The financial officers felt we were not financially ready to move forward while the pastor and deacons recommended selling the church and moving forward. The vote was 85% to sell and move forward. One big issue for the financial officers was staff salaries. We believe God provides for all of our needs, and we would much rather see the church built than to have a raise. We had to explain to one couple in our church (who told us we had a responsibility to ask for a raise) that the Bible tells us that having food and raiment we should be content. As long as God is providing for our needs, we will never ask for a raise. Obviously, having a little more money every month would make it easier to meet our budget, but somehow the Lord always sees us through. The more we trust Him, the happier we are. One loving person brought up the fact that we were being paid below poverty level. Ironically, the very next week we had a missionary to China point out that we live in luxury compared to the rest of the world. Our family has been blessed and though there are times when we go without things we would enjoy, we remind one another that if we only had our children we would have been blessed beyond measure. Keeping perspective is so incredibly important! Dad has an incredible sense of perspective on every topic I discuss with him. I remember the many times he reminded us that we had no choice about where we were born or what family we were born into. The first time that struck me, I was riding on a bus through Poss homes (the projects) in Chattanooga. I was incredibly annoyed at the behavior of some of the children on the bus, when God seemed to say, “think of your upbringing ----- now think of theirs.” It is so easy for me to forget that and be judgmental. I am reminded of Luke 12:48, “For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required.” It is a humbling thought that though God expects a lot more out of me than what I’m giving Him, He loves me anyway.

Awesome Blossom Opossum

(no opossums involved here only blossoms, it just rhymed)
Well, Caleb...I cut in front of you bro...hope you can forgive me. I am at the church office waiting for Sally who had to go to a "baby shower" this afternoon and so I decided to use my time to go ahead and put these pics on here.
Last weekend Sally and I went with Corey, Kristy, Barenice, Paul, and Amy(all people from Grace) downtown to see the beginning of the Cherry Blossom Festival. (follow link for more info) This year marks the 94th year of the gift to the U.S.A. from Japan of 3,000 cherry trees from Tokyo. The blossoms were just beginning to make thier appearence as the actual peak day was on Thursday the 30th. After taking in the blossoms, as well as the Jefferson and FDR Memorials, we headed to Cosi(a new favorite of mine) and Starbucks(an old favorite of mine) on Capital Hill. (by the way...If you come and visit us, we will take you to Cosi and Starbucks on Capital Hill, they are the best.)
Despite the fact that the wind picked up and gave us quite a chill and the fact that we missed Mason beating UConn, we had a great time, and we plan to do it again. I am trying to talk Corey into letting us have our "Care Group" on the National Mall one warm Sunday evening. (we'll see) Anyway...here are some of the pictures from last weekend. Enjoy...

Mom and Dad Experience the “Best of Israel”

Mom and Dad are off tomorrow for Israel. This trip will no doubt change thier lives. Dad expressed some of his thoughts in his previous post. Mom asked me to put this stuff on here so we would all have somewhat of an idea of what they will be doing. (thanks Tina)

DAY 1- Monday, March 27: DEPARTURE FOR ISRAEL(map)
We depart Atlanta aboard our Luftansa Airlines jumbo jet bound for the Holy Land! A delicious dinner & breakfast will be served aloft. Our adventure has began!

DAY 2- Tuesday, March 25 ARRIVAL IN ISRAEL
Staying at the Renaissance Hotel(pictured at right) located on the beautiful shores of the Mediterranean Sea. A delicious welcome dinner is followed by overnight rest at our hotel.

DAY 3- Wednesday, March 29 NORTH TO TIRERIAS
After breakfast we tour (Caesarea, Herod’s port city and once the capital of Israel. Continue north to Megiddo, chariot city of Solomon and Ahab. Explore the impressive excavations. Ascend Mount Carmel, visit El Muhraka for a magnificent view of the Plain of Jezreel. From here the road winds down to Tiberias on the shores of the Sea of Galilee.(pictured at left) After dinner we attend a beautiful multi-media show ‘The Galilee Experience “Overnight at Ein Gev Holiday Hotel.

(click here for sweet info about Caesarea.)

DAY 4- Thursday, March 30th VISIT BIBLICAL GALILEE (click here for sweet pics)
Begin the day with a morning cruise on the lovely Sea of Galilee and tour Capernaum, the town of Jesus. Visit the Mount of Beatitudes and Chorazin, then have a St. Peter’s Meal at Ein Gev on the shores of the Sea. Visit the excavations at Beit Shean, Close the day at the Spring of Herod, where Gideon chose his 300 men. Dinner and overnight at Ein Gev Holiday Hotel.

DAY 5 - Friday, March 31: NORTH & WESTERN GALILEE
Drive north to Caesarea Philippi and Banias,, situated in the foothills of Mt Hermon, source of the Jordan River. Drive to Safed, and old Jewish community perched on a high mountain top and at 3,000 feet Israel’s loftiest city. In the heart of the old city we visit the 16 synagogue and stroll through the quaint artists’ colony. On south to the historic seaside town of Acre to tour the Crusader Castle. End the day at “Yardinet” the baptism site at the Jordan River. Dinner and overnight at the Ein Giv Holiday Resort

DAY 6 – Saturday, April 1: THE DEAD SEA AREA (click for pics)
We visit Tiberias Hot Springs and Harnat Tiberias not far from Maagan. The synagogue was built in 341 A.D. The town occupied a special place in Jewish life during the period of the Mishna and Talmud. Then we head south through the Jordan Valley, stopping for an interesting visit at at Qumran, where the Dead Sea Scrolls were found. On to the Dead Sea, lowest spot on earth. Enjoy shopping or sightseeing at your leisure. Dinner and overnight at the Novotel Hotel

DAY 7- Sunday, April 2: UP TO JERUSALEM
After breakfast, our group will visit Masada, the fortress retreat of King Herod, and ascend by cable car to the top of the mountain. We will tour the amazing excavations. Then we drive up the Jericho Road to Jerusalem, the “city of the great king”. Visits include the Temple Institute, Mt Zion and King David’s Tomb. See the Model City of Jerusalem, and excellent model depicting first-century Jerusalem. On to the Shrine of the Book to see the Dead Sea Scrolls, and Yad V’Shem, a memorial to the six million Jews who died in the Holocaust 1913-1945. Dinner and overnight at the Olive Tree.

DAY 8 - Monday, April 3: TOURING IN JERUSALEM
This morning we drive to the Mount of Olives for a panoramic view of the Kidron Valley and the City below. Descend by the Palm Sunday Road to Dominus Flevit, a tear-shaped chapel with its breath-taking view of the Eastern Gate and Old City. Other visits include the Garden of Gathsemane(left), the Church of All Nations, the Old City, The Church of St. Anne, and the Pool of Bethesda. We will visit The Temple Steps at the Then a fascinating walk through The Western Wall Tunnel.

DAY 9 - Tuesday, April 4: FINAL DAY IN JERUSALEM
Today we visit the Upper Room and Church of St. Peter in Gallicantu, built over the traditional house of Caiaphas, the High Priest. We conclude the morning with a visit to The Garden Tomb and the site of Gordon’s Calvary. The rest of the day is free time for last-minute shopping, packing, or visiting a favorite site. Tonight enjoy a nostalgic farewell dinner and a good night’s rest at the Olive Tree Hotel.

DAY 10 - Wednesday, April 5: HOMEWARD BOUND
From now on the Scriptures will “come alive” as we read them and as we share lasting memories with our friends and loved ones. Shalom . . . Welcome Home!

First from Dad

Blogging is certainly a new concept. Now with wireless internet I can take the laptop with me and read the comments then write something Donna can type in-key boarding is much to tedious for me.
We leave Monday for Israel. We are really excited about this trip. The Church has been so gracious to us.
We will take the shuttle to Atlanta and fly from there to Frankfort and from Frankfort on to Tel Aviv. Tina will send our itinerary.
I really can't imagine the experience. I can relate to the emotion more. It will be incredible to contemplate the O.T. stories at the actual site of the event. It will be unbelievable to stand on the sites of Jesus’ miracles and messages-then probably more than my heart can hold to witness Gethsemane and Golgotha.
It truly is the Holy Land. It conjures up awe and wonder at the sovereignty of God calling out a people for His name, giving them a land, special blessing, the scriptures, the ceremonies, the distinction and the opportunity to show God's grace to the whole world. But even more the grace of God in opening the door to heathen Gentiles by establishing the Church and in the process "breaking down the middle wall of partition" making one new man a Christian! It all started in the Holy Land! We that were afar off are made nigh by the blood of Christ, even called the "sons of God".

Near to God? Nearer I could not be!
For in the person of His son
I'm just as near as He!

Dear to God? Dearer I could not be
For in the person of His son
I'm just as near as He

I love you all,
Dad

Free Advertising

I am excited to say that I have become a independent consultant for a fabulous company called Tastefully Simple. Some of you may be familiar with there gourmet food products. If you are not, you just wait, I will help you become familiar.:)

If you do not know let me take a moment to tell you. Tastefully Simple is "the original" Taste Testing company. Founded in Alexandria,Minnesota in 1995,Tastefully Simple,Inc. is a national direct sales company with over 30 scrumptious, convenience-driven gourmet foods for everyday enjoyment or special occasions. The products are marketed primarily through home taste-testing parties by consultants who offer samples, easy meal ideas, recipes and serving suggestions.
We also do business presentations, and fund raisers. There are many avenues to share these products with the public.

I had pondered the thought of joining the Tastefully Simple business for about 2 years. I signed up the last week of January. I was ready to make this commitment. Chuck is also very gung-ho about it all. He has been VERY supportive. He also has really liked every product he has tasted.
Well, I just couldn't wait for my start up kit to arrive; when it did arrive I stacked up the boxes and prayed over them and gave my little business to Jesus and thanked Him for allowing me to stay home and also give me a means to help our family. I gave my bus. to Him and told Him how much I wanted to glorify Him through it. I then open the Word and asked God to please show me through His word that I can do this for His glory. I have not read in Jeremiah in long time. I just opened the Bible and that is the book I first looked at. I came right to a highlighted verse and it was one of my very favorite ones." Jer. 33:3 Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not." WOW! that was it I knew then that God indeed has His blessing on this endeavor.

Well a couple of days later I looked on the TS website to see if I could find any other consultants in my area (my sponsor lives in Atlanta) . Well I found a list and just randomly picked one. Her name is Suzanne. I called her up and introduced myself and asked her if she would allow me to shadow her at a couple of parties. She told me a little about how she ran her bus. and said she would love to help me in any way. That was that. then a few days later I got a call it was Suzanne. She said " I was planning on doing an exhibit at "The Taste of Chattanooga". Something has come up. Would you like my spot?" Well, I wasnt sure what to say (being so new with the product). The Taste of chatt. is held at the chatt trade and convention center. It is a large gathering of Restaurants and catering services and other food related businesses. Each of them feature there best food Item and serve it to those attending the EXPO. OK! Well It was going to cost me $200 . I called my sponsor and she was so excited. She said I couldnt ask for a better way to kick off my TS business. So Chuck agreed and we came with the money. Well, my sponsor talked me through what to get a hold of for my display and what products to sample. I pulled some resources together (I only had less than a week to get this together). I did it! By myself I went and set it up and maned my station from 10:00 to 8:30.( Chuck came and kept me company for the last few hours.) WOW! it was a hit! I had so much interest. I received so many leads. and have already booked partys from my leads. OH, yes! I also got to do a TVspot on the 12:00 news. They really took me by surprise. Every one that saw me said I did great. I talked about two of our best products. :) :)
The biggest thing that came out of it is this. There is a Restaurant in our town called Bone Fish Grill. They are a very upscale rest. They have won the Chattanooga Taste Award for the past two years. ANYWAY, Their owner and manager were so impressed with my products. They want me to do an exclusive Taste Testing party in thier restaurant for some of there best clients. They will also do a wine tasting of there products with mine. Isnt that so amazing? This will take place in May or June. Now, what I'm saying is that God is blessing me already. Monday actually starts off the real Kick off of my party's I will be doing what we call "6 in a dozen" I will be having six parties in 12 days. Guess who is hosting my first one. Yes, MOMMY. She has never hosted a home party of any kind. Im so glad she is doing this. Her testimonial will be the best- that "This really is a home party you will want to do again". I have sold over $150 in product before any partys.
So my goal at this moment is that through these 6 parties I will be able to pay off my investments, Also that I will get many bookings.
As you can tell I am so pumped about these products and my new Bus. Please call me and I would love to talk more about it.
YOU KNOW WHAT YOU WILL BE EATING AT THE NEXT FAMILY GATHERING! HAAA HAAA!

I Love you all and ask for your prayers .

Cita Marie

Put a Face with the Names

For those of you that have been reading the blog, but have never had the opportunity to meet the fam, here is a picture of the kids.



Starting from the bottom and going clockwise, Cita(the only girl), Clair(the oldest), Caleb(the 4th), me(cwjr), Curtis(the youngest and a marine), Cary(the 3rd).

Does the "C" Roth Blog thing make any more sense now? Hint: all of our names start with "C".
This picture is actually the last time were all together to have our picture taken. (i think) Was it???? Well, I just thought this blog should have a picture of us all on it somewhere and I could not figure out how to post it any other way. I will put a picture of Mom and Dad Roth on the next post. I have a great thought to share with everyone, one that may stir up some emotion. I love you all,(family), and for those of you who are just getting to know us, let us know who you are. Comment sometime. We would love to hear from you.

Peace, Love, and Joy,

I am out to lunch and the Post Office.

cwjr

Fatherhood

My little girl turned one year old March 1st, so I thought I might share with you, my family, a little bit of my perspective on being a father.

When Amanda and I were married, we had agreed together that we did not want to have any children, and we were content. As we grew in our relationship and got older, our perspective started to change and questions started to arise like: Who would take care of us when we get old? How will we feel sitting in the pew as they recognize mothers and fathers on their respected days? Would we ever regret the decision? What is it like to experience the joy a child brings? We started to talk. I think Amanda was ready for children before I was, though. I guess the turning point came for me during our fifth anniversary trip to Savannah. I had come to this realization that to be a good father, I had to be a good son. In other words, to be a good father, and have the right relationship with my children that I wanted, would only be a reflection of the relationship that I have as a son with my Heavenly Father. That’s what was holding me back from having children: the lack of a good relationship with my Heavenly Father. So, I had some work to do. God really worked in my life and helped me turn my gaze on earthly things up to gaze on that which is eternal.

Then came Christmas 2003. I had made my decision and gave Amanda prenatal vitamins for Christmas. We cried. We were happy and scared. What would God do? In May, we conceived, and had a little girl in March 2005. I remember holding her for the first time, and the flood of emotions that washed over my soul. For the first time, I experienced the other side of the father/child relationship. Then, I knew how my Heavenly Father felt for me, though on a smaller scale. How He loves me unconditionally. How He wants the best for me. How He wants me to grow in a relationship with Him. How He wants to share all He knows with me. How He wants me to learn from Him. How He wants me to obey. How He misses me when I am gone from His presence. And, the joy He must experience when I come back.

I have so much more to learn about fatherhood, but oh how sweet it is.

Cary D.

A Day in Dairyland

Routine! Wow! - Now there's a tough one! I have found routines are great but in the ministry they need to be adjusted quite often. One never knows what the next day/hour may bring. I struggle with speaking to others need for specific routines though I would stress their importance.
Our mornings tend to be a little rushed with Ryrie in School for the time being and me having to teach a class at 8:15 3 days a week. I'm usually up by 6:45 though I would prefer 6:00. We try to eat breakfast when we can by 7:30ish. If we get started any earlier we will read our 1 year New testament, sing the congregational songs for our next Sunday's worship service, and try to fit in a quick catechism finished by prayer and hugs and kisses before I run out the door. Ryrie gets done with school at 11:45 and he and I leave for lunch at that time. We do the same routine at lunch just not with the rush and I'm usually back at the office by 1:15. I'm usually done around 5:00 at which point I come home and HELP with supper (at every meal I try to help as much as is possible seeing we have 4 small children). Usually that means entertaining the kids so April can finish cooking it. The kids and I will sometimes wrestle or read some Chr of Narnia, tonight we played a matching game that they really enjoyed. Supper is usually on the table by 6:00 - give or take depending on what is going that night - visitation/awana. We follow the same meal routine as breakfast and lunch with scripture/songs/catechism/prayer. Pretty much after supper is clean up time both of the meal and the kids rooms and play area. That wraps up hopefully around 7:30-7:45 and then we do the same routine at the end of the meals depending on the time. Tonight we read a short Bible story rather than our whole NT reading. We are almost through the NT for the first time. It has been a blessing. I'm debating what to do next. We actually read the same passage at every meal so by the end the kids will have heard it about 2-3 times. Repetition is way up there in my book especially at the age they are right now. I may try to get them through the whole Bible. I would read a chapter per meal. Starting in Gen at Breakfast, Job at Lunch and Matt at Supper - something like that. The kids are in bed at 8:00 or a few minutes after. I have decided that is the best time for April and I to run over any music we might need to - 15-20 minutes. After that April and I both have our Bible reading times - She's reads a Spiritual growth book and her Bible, I read 7 pages of the NT along with my 3 chapters of through the Bible reading. Sometimes there are other chores to do like cleaning the kitchen or writing an email. Friday's are my day off so if April and I ever go out we try to do it on a Thursday night. Friday Ryrie obviously still has school so we can't be together as a family the whole day. I try to help April with stuff in the a.m. like cleaning or just getting Caedrin and Regann out of the house for a few hours. I like to do my Bible reading during the kid’s naps in afternoon. We take the kids to the Library for some books and a video because Friday is pizza night and their one chance a week to watch a movie.
Here's the deal. I like our routine - I praise the Lord for a wife who encourages and cooperates with it and for His grace to keep it going. It takes an incredible amount of discipline every day and it doesn't always go as planned. I seek not to flaunt what we do before others outside of encouraging some of these practices in their own lives. I hesitate somewhat in sharing it with everyone, due to the fact that not all of you have it as easy as I do. I honestly believe that the greatest keys to the success of our routine are the absence of Television reception in our home, a very limited appetite in movie watching, and no internet access.

Caleb

Georgia On My Mind

Well, as a matter of fact we have had a death in the family and have had diarrhea not to mention filling the waste basket at the same time. I'll try
to do a better job at keeping you up to date.

CDR

On My Mind

This song has been on my mind all day. I'd love to hear your thoughts...

I NEED YOU
by josh bales
My heart is restless in me My wings are all worn out
I'm walking in the wilderness And I cannot get out
I need You, oh, I need You Blessed Savior come
I need You, oh, I need You
Fill the every longing of my soul
Oh, how I need You, Lord
I need Your perfect word
With tearful eyes to see The sin that I afford
I need to weep and pray
For all the thousand ways
That I have failed You just today

My bed is soaked with sadness
My sadness has no end
A downward spiral of despair That I keep falling in
I need You, oh, I need You
To You my soul shall fly
I need You, oh, I need You
Ywh, how I love you more than life
Oh, how I need You, Lord I need Your perfect word
With tearful eyes to see The sin that I afford
I need to weep and pray For all the thousand ways
That I have failed You just today

Your silence is like death to me
So won't You hear my desperate plea
Your silence is like death to me
So won't You hear my desperate plea

Today my soul is soaring Way over mountains high
Though I can see the valleys They're all just passing by
It's not that I am stronger, Look at my feeble wings
But I've been lifted higher Ywh's lifted me in His own strength
Oh, how I love You, Lord I love Your perfect Word
With tearful eyes to see The God who always will endure
Now I will celebrate
For all the thousand ways That You have shown me grace
And made my heart in grace to stay
You've made my heart in grace to stay
Lord, make my heart in grace to stay

I need You, oh, I need You

Obsessiva Magnificat (at least it sounds Latin to me - I'm clueless!)

ClifWJ wrote the other day concerning the obsession many have with this cultural phenomenon that is the blogosphere. I for one have been semi-sucked in - though the blogs I read mainly pertain to the position I hold at our church and I have found an abundance of help from them. However, the amount of gossip and often thought provoking discussions that go on can steal a person’s time and thus be a problem. As humans many things can be obsessive for us. The definition of obsession is a persistent DISTURBING preoccupation with an often unreasonable idea or feeling; broadly : compelling motivation. Unfortunately most of our obsessions are harmful either to our physical bodies, our relationships or our spiritual lives. Certainly now that you all are participating in this dialogue I am anxious to hear what is going on in your lives and what things are on your hearts. That too can become an obsession for us all. Ours is to do our best to keep it at the interested level. I find I have to guard the amount of time I spend reading blogs - even helpful ones because usually one leads to another and before you know it an hour is gone. Why all this talk of obsessions? Clif asked me to write something short/emphatic (short? Ha/emphatic? You decide.) concerning what should be our true obsession or as he says magnificent obsession. Truth be told any obsession we have is in our eyes magnificent. That then leads us to the question of what is truly magnificent or exceptionally fine? The answer is in what God sees as magnificent. Is His view our view? Certainly as believers it should be! I am of the conviction that the only thing God sees as magnificent is His Glory and our Glorification of Him. I wish I could say that is my obsession as well. While I think of it often it does not consume me the way I would desire. What then are the things I can do to fuel my desire to see God Glorified and to make His glory my obsession? We all know the ‘simple’ answers of Bible reading and PRAYER/PRAISE (the reason I emphasize this is because I believe that as we praise God for who He is we will have a better idea of what brings Him glory and the more we show our dependence in Him the more He is glorified) and simple as they may seem we often find them impossible to do. What then are we willing to sacrifice to make sure that gets done? Is there some change we should make in the amount time we spend in front of the television/computer/blogs/good books or even with our children? I'll tell you this there are many days I am thankful we no longer have TV reception or an internet connection in our house. I find it much easier to find time for God's Word and praise/prayer when those distractions aren't there. Consequently, the more time I spend in God's word and in praise/prayer the less I have a desire to get those things back into my home. Some weekends I will get a DVD movie to watch with April on my laptop but usually it keeps us up too late and we are too tired the next day and I regret having watched it. Then I ask myself was it even edifying in the first place? Going back to the idea of time spent with children our parents truly gave us the heritage of eating meals together. I can’t tell you what a blessing that is to me – I am blessed in the fact that I am able to eat every meal every day with my children. I know not everyone can do that. But what of the time we spend with our children – of what quality is it? My kids love to wrestle with me and while I don’t mind that I would much rather be reading to them. I am blown away by the questions they ask and the words they want defined as we read through the NT at mealtime. My goal is that God would be glorified in the lives of my children both in the example our family must model at our church as well as in their own personal walk with God.
I read a challenge the other day regarding Bible reading. It is one I intend to act on starting today - being the first day of March. Every month for the rest of this year I plan to read through the entire New Testament that month. I think it is like 11 pages a day in my Thompson chain and only about 5 in the other little Bible I have. It will be a challenge - My days can be very busy but by God's grace before I lay my head down at night I will run the check to see if I have been faithful to my commitment. I would desire to say with the Psalmist:
O how love I thy law! it is my meditation all the day.
Is your magnificent obsession with God’s Glory disturbing anyone today?
I hope this was helpful – I only bring to the table struggles with which I grapple with on a daily basis. God is so merciful to me. As James 5:16 says Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.
Let us pray one for another.

c caleb