For All Of You Racing Fans

Furniture Row, a furniture company based in Denver, Colorado, is using the hood of its #78 Nextel Cup NASCAR race car this weekend to promote the National Day of Prayer coming up on
Thursday, May 4.

Thoughts from Acts 2: Social Gospel?

The blogging community has impacted my walk with the Lord, because it has impacted my thinking. I stumbled across Larry James' Urban Daily and from there was introduced to the call of Jim Wallis and Sojourners. Those of you who are up-to-date with current Christian movements will recognize that I am flirting with the "religious left".

Why am I so vulnerable to the influence of these leftist? Because prior to getting acquainted with these voices, I was sensing a disconnect between my desire to reach out to some specific people and my understanding of how to accomplish it. I wanted to help but I did not know how. I felt that unless I could meet some of the pressing practical needs, I would not be given an opportunity to meet greater spiritual needs. To that dilemma, the religious left does have something to offer.

Lately, I have been looking closely at Acts 2. You are familiar with Peter's great sermon on the Day of Pentecost. His message was focused on Jesus. His entire message funnels to one definitive statement, "Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah." (Acts 2:36 TNIV) But then look at the immediate fruit of that message: All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. (Acts 2:44-5 TNIV)

Peter, a leftist? Peter preached Jesus. The fruit of that message materialized in a myriad of ways. Clearly, some of those ways involved the practical world of economics and social needs.

What do you think about them apples?

You Are There For Me!

I want to thank all of you bloggers who have been so wonderfully supportive of me during the rough time I've had recently. Those of you who have comforted me with your words of encouragment and warm hugs know exactly what I'm talking about too.

I wasn't able to hear Jamie's sermon this morning because I was back with the kids in Children's Bible Time. I did find out some bits and pieces that made me think to myself that God was talking to me about the same things He was talking to Jamie about for his sermon, and Terry for his evening lesson. I get so excited about this kind of thing because it proves that God is pulling us together to think a common thought and act in a common way. From what I can gather between what Jamie and Terry were talking about and what I've been working on in my head for my thoughts to all come together for this blog seem to be about Family and teamwork. A cord of three strands is not easily broken! When I was feeling down, God sent several of you bloggers to stand alongside of me and strengthen me (a single strand). Oh, how proud I am to call you guys my family.....my brothers and my sisters! You behaved in such a way that you proved to me that we are ALL in this battle together. NO ONE stands alone in THIS family!

Thank you for holding my hand through it all. I love you!

Junior Devos

I wanted to tell you all that the Junior Youth Group Devo, scheduled for Thursday, April 27th, has been changed somewhat. The new location is at Mary Collins' house. The time is still 6:30 till 8pm. We are hoping for outside activities, so if the weather is nice, you might send your kids in outside clothing.....to save good pants from getting grass stained. Again, I will ask anyone that has a child with ANY ALLERGIES (inside like mold, dust, animals, foods OR outside like grass, bees, whatever) please, let me know.....I don't want any surprises....I'm a nurse, I can handle it. THANKS!

Directions are really easy but I don't want to post them on here.

Any questions or direction, just email, call or ask me.

The Potter's House Ministries

This is a sample menu of what you can get through this program. The menu changes each month and you can purchase more than one of the $25 units. I have been told that they are trying to get 700 people's signatures in order to get this ministry going around here. My neighbor just handed this paper to me today and I told her that we were talking about it on our church blog recently but I hadn't seen a menu yet. So, I thought you all would be interested in reading the paper as well. Even if we don't use the food for ourselves, I think it would be great to buy the units for others who may not be able to pay even the $25 needed.

If you click on the picture, you will be able to see a better and more close up picture. It's easier to read.

Hope For Orphans article

I found this article and thought I would post it on here for future reference. I think it would be in Sunshine's good interest to get involved in orphan ministry on a larger scale that what we already do. Supporting a children's home is great but I feel Sunshine could do more and I see this being something we do in the future.

No feedback is necessary. Just something to read and think about.


HOPE FOR ORPHANS
By Shana Schutte

An article about FamilyLife's Hope For Orphans by Focus On The Family

Paul Pennington believes that loving orphans is like catching a virus. And once you've caught it, you can't help but infect someone else. Pennington, a former manager for Kraft foods, and his wife, Robin, are well acquainted with the "Orphan Love Bug." Not only did they catch it, but they adopted the kids that gave it to them. Six kids and five adoptions later, they launched Hope for Orphans, a three-year-old ministry of FamilyLife, a division of Campus Crusade for Christ. When Paul became acquainted with FamilyLife President Dennis Rainey and his wife, Barbara, he approached them about FamilyLife being their mentor to help launch their basic vision for Hope for Orphans. After several meetings, and with the passion that Dennis and Barbara had for adoption, FamilyLife ultimately adopted Hope for Orphans. The working relationship has led to a dynamic effort to encourage and educate Christians about caring for orphans and considering God's call for adoption, as mandated in scripture. "Our goal is to help 1,000 churches establish an orphan care ministry by 2010," says Pennington. The task may be huge, but is not impossible. Why? Because orphans are at the center of God's heart. James 1:27 defines caring for orphans as "pure and faultless religion." Furthermore, adoption was instituted by God. Anyone who belongs to Him has been adopted by Him.
(Ephesians 1:4-5, NIV)

New York City full of orphans?
New York City could be repopulated seven times with the number of orphans worldwide. According to Pennington, statistics show there are roughly 50-70 million orphans around the world. In the U.S. foster care system alone, 135,000 children are currently available for adoption. "Fundamentally, we believe the problem of orphans can only be helped if we get the entire church involved," says Pennington. "This Sunday, 40 million Americans will attend some 300,000 church services. This year, the total number of kids adopted from countries outside the United States will be only about 23,000. Of those 23,000, I would be surprised if more than half went to Christian families."

Churches get involved
Pennington's passion has been caught by numerous churches. In fact, last year, Hope for Orphans worked closely with 20 churches that have, or are in the process of launching, orphan care/adoption ministries. The varied approach of each church is a plus, since Hope for Orphans wants to maximize its collective knowledge to help launch effective orphan care programs. Adoption is often seen as a way to help someone else. Pennington has a refreshing perspective: "The church needs orphans as much as orphans need the church. It's not about what I get on Sunday morning. It's about being available to how God wants to use you for investing in the lives of others. And what happens when we love orphans? It reconnects us with
authentic Christianity."

How it happens
Hope for Orphans provides information by PDF download on how to start orphans ministry in your church in the resource called His Heart Our Hands. Hope for Orphans also provides a very practical introduction to a Biblical view of adoption in its Welcome Home resource (also available by PDF), and adoption education thru its If You Were Mine workshop.


Information on the above is available online at www.familylife.com.
Or you can call 1-800-FLTODAY.

Perhaps God is calling you to catch
the "Orphan Love Bug" and pass it
on.


Copyright © 2005 Focus on the Family.
All rights reserved. International copyright
secured. Used with permission.


http://www.heartlink.org/beavoice/

Soft Christianity

As I have mentioned before, I regularly check the Barna Group website. I just noticed the results of a recent study. George Barna is labeling a trend he has followed as soft christianity.

Here is a piece:

“These figures emphasize how soft people’s commitment to God is,” Barna explained. “Americans are willing to expend some energy in religious activities such as attending church and reading the Bible, and they are willing to throw some money in the offering basket. Because of such activities, they convince themselves that they are people of genuine faith. But when it comes time to truly establishing their priorities and making a tangible commitment to knowing and loving God, and to allowing Him to change their character and lifestyle, most people stop short. We want to be ‘spiritual’ and we want to have God’s favor, but we’re not sure we want Him taking control of our lives and messing with the image and outcomes we’ve worked so hard to produce."

You can read the entire write-up here.

Personally I think he has hit the nail on the head. What do you think?

Encouraging Words

I found this on the KLOVE website and thought it would be good to share here.



"Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows.

But take heart, because I have overcome the world."

John 16:33 (NLT)


A Deeper Look:

God doesn't promise to protect us from problems on this earth.

Instead he promises to give us the courage to face our problems with his strength.

A thought from Acts 1

When I was in college, I used to love reading F.F. Bruce. A study group, of which I am a part, has began a study of Acts. In preparation, I pulled an old commentary off the shelf. Here is a little gem I came across:

At Chist's first coming the age to come invaded this present age; at his coming in glory the age to come will have altogether superseded this present age. Between the two comings the two ages overlap; the people of Christ live temporally in this present age while spiritually they belong to the heavenly kingdom and enjoy by anticipation the life of the age to come. F.F. Bruce, The Book of Acts, The New International Commentary on the New Testament.

J. Paul Sampley wrote a book on this concept entitled, Walking Between the Times.

I am fascinated with the idea of living in the overlap of two competing realities. This thinking is very helpful in explaining how we can live in a world that is so negative, and yet live as hopeful, optimistic people.

Do you remember looking at one of those optically challenging pictures, the kind that you can see either two faces or one cup? I used to alternately concentrate on seeing the faces, then the cup, and then back to the faces, etc.

Spiritually, we have the ability to see a different picture of our reality. We can attune to the worldly reality with all its pain and depression. Or, we can see the Holy Spirit still advancing the Kingdom of God, seeking its culmination when Christ will come again and reign- unopposed.

That does not mean we detach ourselves from the happenings of our world, but rather, we seek a source of power, motivation, and direction that transcends this world. I believe the Holy Spirit is still seeking to guide the disciples of Jesus. I do not want to live my life on the basis of my own strength and wisdom when so much more is readily available. That is why I am so motivated to make prayer a regular discipline in my life and seek to share in it with as many as possible.

Pray For My Dad

I just found out on Easter Sunday that my dad has been having trouble with his left eye. He said he didn't know what was wrong with it but he can only see what is straight in front of him and nothing on the sides (kinda' like tunnel vision I suppose). Monday, he went to the eye doctor and he was told that he mostlikely had a stroke. My dad's sister called me this morning at 10:00a.m. and told me that she took my dad to the emergency room this morning and the doctor says he's going to admit my dad for a while. This is all of the information I have at the moment.....other than the fact that my dad told his sister to tell me that he wasn't paralyzed or anything (dad is always being silly). I heading to the hospital right now to see him. I don't know if he's in a room yet.

So, having said all of that, I want you to pray for healing and for God to use this situation for His glory by bringing more people to Him.

Thank you so very much, everyone!

He Lifts Me Up!!

There are times when I feel like the world is pressing in on me. It's during those times that I realize that I can't handle things alone. I need a helper; someone to save me from the torture I bring upon myself or accept from Satan.

I choose not to stay in misery. I choose to become victorious in all battles but I cannot win alone. I need a hero. My hero. Jesus Christ!

Here is a song that I have listened to for years during the darkest days of my life. It's by Audio Adrenaline.


Get Down

Lavishly our lives are wasted
Humbleness is left untasted
You can't live your life to please yourself , yeah
That's a tip from my mistakes
Exactly what it doesn't take
To win you've got to come in last place
To live your life you've got to lose it
And all the losers get a crown

CHORUS:
I get down and He lifts me up
I get down and He lifts me up
I get down and He lifts me up I get down

All I need's another day
Where I can't seem to get away
From the many things that drag me down, yeah
I'm sure you've had a day like me
Where nothing seems to set you free
From the burdens you can't carry all alone
In your weakness He is stronger
In Your darkness He shines through
When you're crying He's your comfort
When your all alone, He's carrying you

CHORUS

This valley is so deep I can barely see the sun
I cry out for mercy, Lord You lift me up again




Have a great day everyone! When God reaches out to you, grab on to His hand and allow Him to lift you up. You'll be glad you did.

Make Every Moment Count

Time doesn't stand still no matter who you are. It doesn't matter how much you wish you could have time back. You have to make every moment count and treat it like it's your last. The time you are spending now will never come again. How are you spending the time you've been given? Are you spending it on yourself or are you spending it on others? Is God invited into your life when you are spending your time?

Tonight, we were coloring Easter eggs with one of my little neices. There was some discussion about whether or not she was going to be allowed to cover the beautifully colored eggs with silly stickers. To an adult, stickers would typically ruin the looks of an Easter egg. Too a child, stickers would only enhance their beauty. The stickers were set aside in hopes she would forget about them and not want to use them on the eggs. She found them anyway and begged to use every one of them. My neices' grandpa announced that it would be fine for her to go ahead and put the stickers on the eggs afterall because it's really all about her anyway. I added that I agreed because there would come a day when we would all wish that we had this time back to let her use all the stickers she wanted. Well, my neice was thrilled and went totally wild with the stickers! She had a blast and Easter is a success as far as she is concerned.

This egg coloring situation got me to thinking and I just wanted to share this with all of you. Make sure you use your time wisely and you do nothing that you will regret years from now.

HAPPY EASTER!!

Out-reach resources

I have linked several times to Larry James' blog. You may wonder why I would pay so much attention to a blog about an inner-city ministry in Dallas, TX. I do so because I see it as a success. And, out-reach success is rare. Many of the issues with which Larry wrestles are applicable to a wide range of outreach situations. Today, Larry writes about a foundational philosophy that underlies his work. I especially like his choice of canned corn over human dignity. You can read it here.

"Life is Complex"

Stemming from my personal struggle to make sense of life and out of the recognition of how little progress I have made, comes a motto, "Life is complex." This may read like an expression of surrender or agnostic depression but it is not. I say these words with a sense of relief and joy. It is a relief to acknowledge that my difficulty in making clear judgements about people, issues, and everything in between, is less a reflection of my critical thinking skills and more to do with the raw complexity of reality. Along side this, runs an abiding faith that all things are in God's hands. His critical thinkings skills are sufficient for the task. And, He is with me.

Admitting life's complexity leads me to a place of humility. The information age has resulted in a paradoxical effect. The more I know, the more I realize how much I do not know. History is full of examples of people making assertions with full conviction only to have time bear out the error of the position. This is especially true in religious history. The CofC is no exception here. Humility leads me to avoid unilateral judgements. Remember the advice you received about using words like "never", "always", "all", and "every".

People, issues, and things in-between are rarely good or bad, right or wrong, righteous or unrighteous, etc., but rather, they are a composite of opposites. For example, I look in the mirror and see a man who is both good and bad, mostly good I think. Can you trust me? The answer is: most of the time. You see, I have let people down in the past, and I will let people down in the future. So I strive for the grace of God to expand the good, right, and righteous in me, not losing sight that the bad, wrong, and unrighteous are still at work. There is great strength in humility. The strength of not losing sight of one's own weakness.

We can apply this humility of thinking to things outside of ourselves. Each day we are confronted with opportunities for judgement. Factors like societal trends, political issues, and influential people are constantly impacting the course of this world in which we live. We are tempted to judge things unilaterally. Is Tom DeLay a good man or bad? Both. Jesse Jackson? Both. Benny Hinn? Both. We can argue all day as to how the good versus bad is weighted, but, it is important to acknowledge that both are present.

If you have read this far, you are wondering, "Where is he going with this?" I am currently reading a book, "A History of Fundamentalism in America" by George W. Dollar. By the strict definition of biblical fundamentalism, I would count myself as one. Yet, I cringe at the thought of being wrapped up with the current expression of American Fundamentalism. A true fundamentalist would judge me a liberal. There are many in my own brotherhood that would judge me liberal. I abhor the underlying principles of biblical liberalism. I am not a liberal and yet I am not at home with the conservatives. What is the X-factor? Humility.

I am striving for a conservatism that is humble. Can we simultaneously seek truth and maintain awareness of our limits? Can we acknowledge the work of God in others without obsessing over differences? Can we trust that God is sufficient for the task? And, that He is with us?

I think we can. We have been making great strides.

Mike Cope has posted some thoughts that humbly deal with the complexity of homosexuality. You can read it here.

Have fun in Florida!

In case you didn’t already know, Mildred, Ellen, Donna, Jeff, Dawn and John are on their way to Florida to visit Mildred’s sister. I would like to ask everyone to pray that God would watch over them to keep them safe, and to also bless them in a very rich way as they travel and visit with family.
I really think it’s great that Mildred and her family are going to Florida, and I hope it’s a blast …but I sense something sneaky is afoot here. You see the last time Mildred visited with those “folks from Maryland” (Donna, Jeff, Dawn and John) they kept her in Maryland for a month. Not a few days, or a week. I’m talking an entire MONTH! I’m sure they truly love and miss her, and I know they will take good care of her – her being their mother and grandma. But we still have to lay down a few rules to be strictly followed if they are going to be spending time with OUR MILLIE.

1. You have to be sure that Millie has a blast.
2. You have to tell her at least 3 times a day how much we love and miss her.
3. When the trip is over, we want her back – and in good condition immediately.

Now I’m sure this may sound a little bold if you happen to be one of those “folks from Maryland.” But what can I say? She may be your mother, but she’s our Millie.

BTW – If you happen to be one of those “folks from Maryland,” thanks for sharing Millie with us – we love all of you and we’re praying for your trip. Oh yeah, congrats on the Maryland lady basketball team winning the NCAA National Championship. I was definitely rooting for them!

Listen! Do You Hear That?

When I was little, I always remember hearing people saying that God told them something. I always pictured a kind of conversation back and forth between the person and God. I thought to myself, "I don't hear God talking to me. I don't hear anything. Maybe these people are just nuts. Maybe God doesn't want to talk to me and that's why I don't hear anything."

Now that I am a christian, I hear Him speak.

Sometimes I hear Him speaking to me softly. So softly in fact that I need to stop what I'm doing and really concentrate in order to hear Him. I'm sure this is exactly what He means to do....get me to stop what I'm doing long enough to discuss it with Him before continuing.

Sometimes I hear Him speaking to me loudly. When this happens, it will often cause me to cry for reasons unknown to me. There have been a few times when He spoke loudly to me and I knew exactly why I cried. The most recent example of that is when God told me to go to China and adopt a baby girl. I would say that is cause for emotion. ;)

I am learning, the more I hear His voice, what exactly it sounds like and feels like to hear Him. I no longer question whether God wants to talk to me or not, like I did when I was little.

I have often found myself trying to explain to others what happened when God spoke to me. It's so difficult. I am a word person (duh) but my vocabulary just isn't THAT good. Still, I do my best to explain it to others because I know it does everyone good to hear someone talking about God's voice. Interestingly enough, I have noticed that when I start telling my story of how He sounded when He spoke to me about Zoe and China, I always smile and end up crying. I'm not someone who enjoys crying. I generally try to avoid it. I really don't enjoy watching sappy movies (a.k.a. "chick flicks") mostly because they're stupid but also because I'll end up crying. That's just un-female like isn't it?.....haha

My best explaination for what God sounds like when He speaks to me is this:

It is like hearing a voice in your head almost. I also feel it in my very being. It's not a physical feeling. I guess it would be my soul that He talks to. So, as complex as it is, I hear a voice but at the same time, I feel it deep within me. It's as though God is having a conversation with my soul and The Holy Spirit inside of me. Once the spirit gets the message from God that is intended for me, The Holy Spirit speaks to my soul and my soul moves me to tears. There is no other time in my life that I feel this strange and wonderful inside.

You know, it feels like my body and soul are bowing down to their master and creator everytime God speaks to me. If you can imagine what that might look like, try to imagine what it might feel like while that's happening. And there you have it. That's my explaination of what it is like to have God speak to me.

Now you also know why we're going to China to adopt a baby girl....hahaha! It's not a good idea to tell God "No." ;)


OK. Now I would like to hear what you all think. What is it like when God speaks to you? Do the best you can. None of us are going to really get it right. Afterall, He is God. Words can never truly describe Him. Let's give it a shot anyway! This is fun stuff right here!

Pick Me Up!

There were seven of us present for the devotional at the Innermission building, Monday night. Initially, I was not in a good mood for a heart-searching discussion. I was tired that evening. The day began with an early meeting and was active throughout. By the time we gathered downtown, I was lacking in start-up energy. When the evening concluded, I had learned a powerful lesson about community.

I was usually the lead-off hitter (back in the softball days). My role was to start a rally. I was to poke a little hole in the defense, that the others would bust wide open. I did not always go as planned. Sometimes I would pop-up or ground-out. That shifted the lead-off role to (most often) Dewey. There was a common team phrase employed during these times, "Pick me up." As I would walk off the field and Dewey would approach the plate, we would make eye-contact and I would say, "Pick me up, Dewey." That was the strength of our team. We understood that we were a team.

Monday night, it was Aaron McCray that picked me up. He lead-off our devotional. What was started was quickly enjoined by the others and a rally commenced. We concluded with a chain prayer. With each prayer, the momentum grew. We quickly escalated to praying big prayers. We were in it together. It was not a collection of individual prayers, it was a team prayer. When the last Amen was spoken and we raised our heads, one guy exclaimed, "That was awesome!"

I believe the team-minded chemistry (and fun-loving spirit) that so-characterized our softball team can be truly realized in our common efforts to advance the Kingdom of God. The Kingdom of God is so much greater. It involves everyone of us. Everyone adds something to the team. Let us grow in faith to recognize what potential we have together.

Wednesday Evening Bible Class -- The Story of Samson...

So, I’m teaching the Wednesday Evening Adult Class this month. The scripture for tonight is Judges 14 – and I just thought I would run a few things by everyone before tonight.

The main character is Samson – well it’s always God – but the focus of the story is Samson at this time. I confess that I have the same struggle reading Samson’s story as I do when reading several other stories in the Bible, or consider my own life for that matter. You just can’t read the story and not think of what could’ve been, if only he had been more committed to God. I mean, because of God this guy had an amazing gift of strength! With God on his side nothing was impossible for him. Right?!
The problem? Samson was #1 to Samson, for most of his life. So much of what he did was for himself. He took the amazing gift of God and used it for practical jokes or to get himself out of the trouble he had gotten himself into. It seems like such a waste of talent.
But the beauty of the story is…that after Samson had squandered God’s gift for so long and things had backfired on him, God still heard him and gave him another chance. But this time things were different, with God’s help Samson took full advantage of it by killing more uncircumcised Philistines when he died then the whole time he lived.

I can totally see myself in the story of Samson – so often using the wonderful gifts God has given me for only myself, instead of using them for others and to His glory. How about you? Has God blessed your life in amazing ways? How are you using the gifts He has blessed you with?

The story of Samson is full of excitement and disappointment. It also has several good lines like…
1. “Must you go to the uncircumcised Philistines to get a wife?”
2. “I have seen a Philistine woman.”
and everyone’s favorite…
3. “If you had not plowed with my heifer you would not have solved my riddle."

Please pray for Sunshine and all her teachers (myself included). What a blessing, honor, and responsibility to attempt to teach/share the awesome word of God with each other.

Oops, Junior Youth Group dates

Somehow, I got the dates wrong when I listed them before. So, here they are again...CORRECT this time. ALL of these dates are open, so just let me know if you want one....believe me, you won't be stepping on anyone's toes. Tell me at church, call me at home, comment on this blog, or email me at stephyrenee24@yahoo.com. When someone takes a date, I will update this blog. I hear from people that they don't want to take a date because they don't want to take it away from someone else. Well, we need homes.....everyone can't be shy about stepping up. Nobody wants that, because THE KIDS LOVE IT and need somewhere besides sports and school to create friendships.


April 13 (Minford kids are out of school the day before and the next day for spring break) REALLY need someone for this one....QUICKLY
May 25
June 8
June 22
July 6
No devo July 20-Sunshine's week at Fort Hill
August 3
August 17
August 31
Spet. 14
Sept. 28
Oct. 12
Oct. 26
Nov. 9
No Devo Nov. 23-Thanksgiving Day
Dec. 7
Dec. 21-maybe, since its so close to Christmas

So, my request of you is simply this: if at all possible, host a Jr. Youth Group Devo in your home. They are every other Thursday evening from 6:30pm to 8pm. All that you need to do is fix something to eat....and they will eat almost anything. You would be welcome to do the devotional (10 minutes, max) itself, but if you are shy about group speaking, you don't have to do that part. I have high school kids willing to step in when needed for that.Please consider opening your home to host a devo and please continue to pray for this wonderful project.

Come Back

I was just watching "The Waltons" on t.v. and became inspired to write. There was a man on the show who walked with a limp and had a cane. I saw his wife looking through the window from inside of the broken down old house they lived in. John Boy was talking to the man about buying a car that the man no longer used. The man was kind of a hard man who I later found out lost his son. He and John Boy agreed to a price, which was John Boy working on the house and cleaning things up. After John Boy left their place and headed home, the man went inside the garage where he kept the beautiful car and began to shine it up with a cloth. He paused for moment as he started remembering old conversations with his son and wife.

It was at that point that I became inspired to write about the thoughts going through my head. I thought about how it must have killed the man to not have his son around any longer. It must have hurt him terribly to have John Boy coming to his home asking to buy the car that carried so many memories of his own son. The man seemed to have allowed the fact that his son was gone to eat him up inside and it caused him to be bitter toward the world.

I was thinking. How hurt is God when He loses one of His sons or daughters? We are His pride and joy and He showers us with gifts beyond anything we can imagine. He provides jobs, cars, homes, food, water, peace, joy, etc., etc., etc. Some of His sons and daughters take advantage of this tremendous love and decide they are going to leave and go out on their own. They think they know what is best for them and that they don't need God. How do we get to that point? How on earth can we actually begin to believe that we don't need Him? Without Him we are nothing and we will accomplish nothing worthwhile unless we are in Him and He is in us. Without Him, living becomes futile.

Have you noticed that no matter where you go, you always seem to end up right back at Jesus' feet? Nothing can separate us from the love of God! We can run and run and run from Him but He never gives up on us. He's always watching and looking for us to come back. Remember the prodigal son? Remember how the father was watching for his son and saw him coming from far away? Oh how wonderful he felt when he saw his son returning!!! The biggest party was thrown and the best food was prepared and the best clothes were put on the son who had now returned to the father!

Are you running? Do you think you'll ever come back? Maybe you've been gone so long that you've forgotten where home is. If this is the case, you have a big brother named Jesus and He knows the way home. He can show you and walk with you. It's always easier to go back to the place you left if you don't have to do it alone. There's an awful lot of family waiting there for you. Oh what a wonderful, wonderful day.....day that you'll never forget! God loves you and He's waiting for you to come home.

REMINDER

Just wanted to remind anybody that wanted to come, that we are going to meet down at Campus Ministry Monday night to watch the NCAA Championship game. The game does not start until 9, but we were going to meet down there between 6:30-7:00 to have some Pizza and a devotion time. If you cannot stay for the game, just come down and have some pizza and some time with the LORD with us. If you have any questions just give me a call on my cell tomorrow, 352-8319. Hope you can make it.

SUNSHINE WOMEN'S CONNECTION

At 10:00 a.m. today ladies that are involved in the Sunshine Women's Connection met in the fellowship hall for a craft and hobby day. Besides a lot of chatter going on some of the women sewed, some of them played games and some of us gave cooking lessons. Vivian Woodworth and I helped Kim McCray make a Blackberry-Apple Pie. I showed the young ladies how to make homemade noodles and how I freeze them to use at a later date. We ate the pie for our lunch and at a later meeting we are going to cook a chicken and make a pot of noodles using the frozen noodles.

It was a very nice day and God has blessed us with being able to get together with Christian ladies and fellowshipping together.

There are a lot of future plans for Women's Connection. If you were not able to attend today make plans to meet with us for our next get together.

LOVE ONE ANOTHER