Love that surpasses knowledge – four-photo Monday – Derek Maul: Words, Photographs, and Food for the Journey

For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.- Ephesians 3:14-21

Well, the grandchildren are camping at Maul-Hall this week. So I’m not sure how much writing I’ll be able to get done! Their parents are heading to Hilton Head, so Rebekah and I will be up to our eyeballs in David/Beks for five days.

The good news is there will likely be many fun photos to share. So, I’ll kick off the week with another Four-Photo-Monday edition to get the ball rolling.

Worship at WFPC: Praise. Teaching. Communion. Powerful. Yesterday’s message was one of Rebekah’s strongest sermons to date. You can check out all of her recent messages at this link – “Sermons at WFPC” – (this Sunday’s should post by Tuesday noon).

There is so much joy at our church; such belief, anticipation, enthusiasm, and promise in this place. It feels energizing just to arrive on the campus, enter the sanctuary, or walk into the CLC.

There are many signs of renewed and vibrant life here; but the most compelling is the impossible to miss evidence of the presence of Jesus in so many people, and the way the Gospel of Love is transforming lives. This is a place where grace abounds, and where we are defined by gratitude, by life, by renewal, and by the hope of promise.

Here come the grandkids! Sunday afternoon, while Rebekah was teaching the new class of elders and deacons, Naomi and Craig rolled in with David and Beks.

Beks is 16 months, and David just turned three. They’re all energy, noise, curiosity, tender hearts, and constant attention.

Having them just two hours away in Richmond is an amazing blessing, and it makes this kind of experience possible. Their parents have only been gone a few hours, and we’re exhausted already!

Sunday evening we had my parents over for dinner. Four generations around the table, sharing stories and love. I feel so privileged to have the opportunity of proximity that makes it possible to enjoy such a rich family connection.

Before bedtime, David presented Rebekah with a book to read. It’s the children’s classic, “Love You Forever.”

And there, watching Rebekah and David pour over the story together, entranced by the book, by the moment, and by his grandmamma’s voice, I realized – again – how impossible it is for me to enumerate or to even vaguely begin to account for all my blessings.