May 2015 Newsletter

The Heart
“You shall not make for yourself an image in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below.” –Exodus 20:4

Children often have a tendency to emulate traits or mannerisms of their parents. My sons have picked up one of my traits that I can’t stand, and that I wish they hadn’t: obsession. I, like so many people, suffer from obsession. I easily fixate on things, and it often takes over part (or a good majority of) my life. My kids obsess as well.

The other day I was talking to my boys about obsession, and the problems it holds. I quoted Blaise Pascal’s famous quote to them, “There is a God shaped vacuum in the heart of every man which cannot be filled by any created thing, but only by God, the Creator, made known through Jesus.” I explained that trying to fill this God shaped hole with things other than God was like trying to fit a square block into a round hole; you might be able to cram it into there, but it does not belong.

John Calvin once said that our heart was a “perpetual factory of idols.” The more I have examined my own heart, and seen my personality reflected in my kids, the more I realize just how right Calvin is. We were all made to worship God weather we realize it or not. I believe it is engrained in us since birth. The problem is that we have been filling that God shaped vacuum with things that do not belong there. We cram idols into that hole again and again and again. We all worship something.

You can probably guess that when I was talking to my kids, I was actually talking to myself. That is why the Gospel is so important to hear, even if you have heard it a million times. Hearing the words of Christ’s death and resurrection refocuses our heart and helps us do some “spring cleaning,” preparing our hearts for the only one is truly worthy of worship.

Meet the Students

Meet Julianna “Jules” Saviola, a Junior Industrial Engineering student from Olney, MD. Jules is one of the prayer team leaders whom I oversee. Her energy and organizational skills bring a lot to the team. Read more about her:

1. What is your favorite movie, book, and band/music? Some of my favorite movies are You've Got Mail, Pride and Prejudice, The Bourne Trilogy, and the Underworld series; which seems like a weird list but they're my favorite in their different genres. One of my favorite books is The Lotus Eaters by Tatjana Soli. My favorite band is The Fray, but I also like most types of music.

2. What has been your involvement in Cornerstone? So my freshman year I didn't go too often to Cornerstone in the fall because of a night class recitation I had, but I went to Freshman Bible study. In the spring I started going more and participated in a Bible study. I wasn't on leadership for the first half of my sophomore year, but now I'm on Prayer Team, co-leading with Nick Lotz.

3. How has Cornerstone helped you during your years at Pitt? Being a part of the Cornerstone community has really been helpful with my mindset throughout the school year and how I have prioritized my life. Consistently being with other Christians at least three times a week: Sunday Church, Cornerstone, and Bible studies help me to constantly refocus towards God more and pull me out of the 'school is only thing that I can give time to' idea. It also has shown, with the help of older friends of mine, that in my college experience yes, sometimes you will hate almost everything and will feel burnt out but you're allowed to feel that way if are also willing to acknowledge that these waves of loathing school and doubting everything are temporary. That God has lead you, or in some cases dragged you like a child throwing a tantrum, to this point and will keep making sure you will end up where you're supposed to be.

Financial Update

For the past four months, we have included a financial ask letter to go along with our newsletter where we asked you to “tithe your tax return.” We thank everyone who responded, going above and beyond anything what you may have felt comfortable doing. We are so overwhelmed at your kindness, selflessness and generosity that we are at a loss for words. It seems that all too often that we step out in faith financially, and (admittedly) expect little in return. I am glad that I am wrong! Thank you all for making everything possible!

Our financial journey is not over, however. For the first time in approximately four years, we are receiving a raise of an extra $300 a month. It is hard receiving a raise, mainly because the burden of raising the extra money falls on us asking you all for more help. We are stepping out in faith again, and knowing the God will provide financially. We could always use financial help, and if you are interested in supporting this ministry (or giving extra), I would love to meet with you. Please contact me using the information on the front of this newsletter or email me at amoore@ccojubilee.org.

Moore News

Baseball season is in full swing (pun intended), as I continue to be the assistant coach for Ben and Josh’s team. After some early struggles, mainly with fielding, our team is finally coming around. Benjamin has been our team MVP. His fielding is outstanding, but his batting is even better as he is hitting close to .900. That’s right, .900! What Benjamin lacks in athleticism, he makes up for with intelligence. He knows how to choose pitches, and where to place himself in the field. Joshua is just a pure athlete. He struggled getting used to a different pace of baseball, but now has adapted very nicely. He is batting .750 (remember that this is coach pitch), and has become quite the fielder. His arm is a force to be reckoned with, and when he gets hold of a ball it soars. Of course I say all of these things as a doting and biased father. I can’t wait to teach Asher all of these things!

While baseball has been all that Josh and Ben have been up to, Asher has been busy with soccer. Asher is way more of a homebody than the other two, so it’s good to see him get out of the house and do something athletically. It’s hard to gauge how good he is, because it just depends on his motivation for the day. He seems to have an interest in both soccer and baseball, so I can’t wait to see him really get into them.

Emily is preparing for the transition with all three boys back at home as the school year starts to come to a close. She is still continuing to work for AYPT (Auctions Your Possessions Today) as well as manage our household. Both of us participated in the Pittsburgh Marathon relay earlier in the month. She ran 6.4 miles, and I ran 6.2. It was a really fun activity that we got to participate in together. She has been a great equalizer for me, and I am very thankful for her.

We pray that this Newsletter finds you well! God Bless!

In Christ,
Andy Moore