DILIGENCE FOR TIME AND ETERNITY

This past weekend our youngest child Elijah and his friend Sierra came for a visit. Elijah took on quite a challenge for the month of September; he set a goal (in competition with his friends, of course) of pumping out 10,000 push-ups! That would be pretty much 330 every day; I feel worn out just thinking about it. But his determination to put in this great effort and stick with the challenge caused me to think about whether I am putting out the energy I should toward what matters for time and eternity.

I am challenged to be more diligent in studying God’s word, praying for my family and friends, reaching out to those who need encouragement and to those who do not know their Creator. In light of that I hope you are involved with our wonderful study on Psalms on Thursday mornings. This week we will be doing chapter 2 on Psalm 16. What great encouraging words we read from the heart of David that should be our soul’s song as well. “I have set the LORD always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken.” Psalm 16:8

Patricia Hubbard will be teaching this week while Mark and I are flying to Switzerland. I’ll be praying for a great study. Child care is provided, so bring along your little ones.

REFRESHMENT FOR THE SOUL

Tandem bike riding in Cannon Beach.

Have you breathed in the misty air found along the coast of Oregon as you listened to the rhythmic crashing of the waves? Oh what a refreshing situation that is! Last week Mark and I, along with the Rogers, Hayes, and Stigters, not only found refreshment from our surroundings, but also soaked in five sessions of worship and teaching during the conference at Cannon Beach for pastors and wives.

Although it might be hard to believe someone could preach five sermons on just one verse—we were blessed beyond words to receive that teaching from Romans 8:28. This Thursday morning as we get started with our fall study I’ll be sharing with you the highlights of the highlights from those messages. Then we will jump right into the first chapter of our books on the Psalms.

Although the Bible is full of good verses to encourage and aid us in our daily life, most often I find myself recommending the Psalms to the distressed. So, with great delight I look forward to exploring all the richness of this great Old Testament book with you. If you take it to heart, it could very well be a life changer for you. Please plan to join us this coming Thursday morning from 9:30 to 11. There will be child care for the little ones. I want you to be there.

GOD'S BLESSINGS

Every day the Creator of the Universe pours countless blessings on our lives. In general, these gifts go unrecognized with no thought given to the Giver. But some gifts just cannot be overlooked.  This week Mark and I received a special blessing from God in the birth of our first great grandchild.  Philippa Jane arrived in Chile to her joyous parents Jorge and Naomi.

How blessed by God we are to be given children, grandchildren, and now a great grandchild.  Our greatest longing and prayer for our descendants is that they would know, love, and serve the wonderful God who gave them life, sustains their lives, and gave His life so they could have eternal life.  Having been in ministry for nearly forty years we have seen the unnecessary heartache and brokenness that results when people ignore their Maker and live as they please, as well as, the beauty of lives lived in humble love and obedience to Him.

My daily prayer for my children, grandchildren, and now little Pippa, is that they know, love, and serve the One who loves them with the greatest love of all.

3 John 1:4 “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.”