Awesome Creator

I took three of the kids to The Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago yesterday on a homeschool field trip. We've been there several time before, but the exhibit that always draws me is the stages of life for the human embryo/fetus. All along a wall they have preserved embryos/fetuses starting at 25 days all the way through almost full term. I think there are 30-40 throughout the exhibit. Then next to each one they describe what is taking place, what has formed, etc. Even at 25 days when the embryo is still tiny, most of the major organs are already there in miniature. It's fascinating to see what is really going on during those 9 months. How someone walks away from that exhibit pro-choice I cannot understand. They try to dehumanize the life into just a tissue mass or disposable blob, but in the exhibit the miracle of life is right there before your eyes. Wow! I'm still in awe each time I see it.

Tradition of the Day: After we bring the fresh cut (by all hands) tree (from Camelot) into the house (while listening to Russ Taff's A Christmas Song CD --see last few posts--) it is my job to put the lights on the tree. Sonya will then come in from the kitchen and say, "Can you push those lights further in?"

Be Refreshed!

Proverb of the Day: Proverbs 30:5-6 Every word of God is flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him. 6 Do not add to his words, or he will rebuke you and prove you a liar.

Scripture of the Day: Psalm 139:13-14 For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. 14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.

Quote of the Day: “The real question today is not when human life begins, but, What is the value of human life? The abortionist who reassembles the arms and legs of a tiny baby to make sure all its parts have been torn from its mother's body can hardly doubt whether it is a human being. The real question for him and for all of us is whether that tiny human life has a God-given right to be protected by the law— the same right we have.” President Ronald Reagan

Lion Alert

I used the lion analogy from 1 Peter 5:8-9 in Uth tonight where the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Here are a few nuggets to take home. (no charge)

-The lion hates fire, so don't let God's fire in your spirit go dim.
-The lion looks for the weak and crippled, so stay strong and know your weaknesses.
-The lion likes to separate it's prey from the pack, so don't wander off on your own.
-The lion looks for those who aren't alert or paying attention, so be ready at all times.
-The lion likes his territory to hunt in, so stay away from his strongholds.

Tradition of the Day: When we're out cutting down the Christmas tree, all the kids take a turn on the saw.

Be Refreshed!

Proverb of the Day: Proverbs 28:1 The wicked man flees though no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion.

Scripture of the Day: 1 Peter 5:8-9 8 Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 9 Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings.

Quote of the Day: Selfishness has never been admired. C.S. Lewis

Elizabeth Turns 8!

Happy Birthday to Elizabeth Carey who turned 8 years old today!

Elizabeth celebrated the big number 8 today. Still young enough to love dolls, candles, and the simple things, yet old enough to be able to add up her cash gifts. I'm sure her favorite gift was the new shirt she's wearing in the picture though. We love you Elizabeth!

We kinda thought three boys was a pretty good place to stop, but along came Elizabeth. At first another boy seemed like a pretty reasonable plan. We already had all the stuff, clothes and toys. A girl would mean a lot of needless duplication. But here she came, so we decided to let her stay. What a blessing. What a good God.

Tradition of the Day: We always celebrate Elizabeth's birthday on November 27th. (OK, so it's not really a Christmas tradition, but 30 days of tradition is going to be a stretch.)

Be Refreshed!

Proverb of the Day: Proverbs 27:21 The crucible for silver and the furnace for gold, but man is tested by the praise he receives.

Scripture of the Day: Matthew 18:1-6 1 At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, "Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?" 2 He called a little child and had him stand among them. 3 And he said: "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. 4 Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. 5 "And whoever welcomes a little child like this in my name welcomes me. 6 But if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a large millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea.

Quote of the Day: "Parents are often so busy with the physical rearing of children that they miss the glory of parenthood, just as the grandeur of the trees is lost when raking leaves." Marcelene Cox

Tradition?

As I was researching a tradition quote for yesterday I was reminded that tradition has a pretty bad reputation. Tradition can be a joy from our past that can help guide us as we move forward, or it can be an anchor from our past that keeps us from ever moving forward. As the old church joke goes, "We've never done it that way before." That can be an inquisitive pause or a cease and desist order.

Unfortunately a church or Christians can be some of the worst. I'm sure we all know someone who serves out of tradition or worships out of tradition but is spiritually drier than a desert wind. We do it because we've always done it and that's how we do it. We stagnate at our spiritual highpoint and prefer that we never leave that place. Keep the songs the same, keep ministry the same, let's leave things the way they are right at that time.

So with that in mind, I hope our traditions are traditions that allow us to move forward yet reminiscent of where God has brought us. Hopefully the Mills Christmas traditions won't be an anchor to my kids, but a reminder of the joys of family and the hope of Immanuel, God with us.

Christmas Tradition of the Day: When we bring our tree into the house to set it up, Russ Taff's CD, "A Christmas Song" is always playing in the background. This is my favorite Christmas album of them all. It has sort of a smooth jazzy feel to it. Mellow with a nice bass. Check out a sampler at CBD.

Be Refreshed!

Proverb of the Day: Proverbs 26:17 Like one who seizes a dog by the ears is a passer-by who meddles in a quarrel not his own.

Scripture of the Day: Matthew 17:1-4 1 After six days Jesus took with him Peter, James and John the brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. 2 There he was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light. 3 Just then there appeared before them Moses and Elijah, talking with Jesus. 4 Peter said to Jesus, "Lord, it is good for us to be here. If you wish, I will put up three shelters—one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah."

Quote of the Day: "Tradition is a guide and not a jailer." William Somerset Maugham

TRADITION!

Just one month till Christmas! We have lots of family Christmas traditions, so I'll be sharing a "Tradition of the Day" for the next 30 days. They range from very trivial, to events, to things that will make no sense to you. Some even have multiple layers. But to us it's Tradition! I hope your Christmas season is filled with joy and tradition too.

We had a great morning together in God's house today. It was a long weekend for many, so we kept it simple with "Finding Rest." Jesus said in Matthew 11:28, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." Have you entered His rest?

Tradition of the Day: We headed out to Camelot Trees for the cutting down of the Christmas tree. We have gone there every year but one of our thirteen Christmases in Sycamore. The one year we went somewhere else the kids cried all the way home because they didn't have free cookies and hot chocolate. Elizabeth had wanted to wait till it was snowing to go get our tree, but she changed her mind after grandma and grandpa left some presents to put under the tree. After we cut the tree and were headed up to the chicken coop to pay and get our hot chocolate and cookies it started to snow. By the time we headed home the flakes were HUGE. Cool God.

Be Refreshed!

Proverb of the Day: Proverbs 25:13 Like the coolness of snow at harvest time is a trustworthy messenger to those who send him; he refreshes the spirit of his masters.

Scripture of the Day: Matthew 11:18 Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.

Quote of the Day: “What an enormous magnifier is tradition! How a thing grows in the human memory and in the human imagination, when love, worship, and all that lies in the human heart, is there to encourage it” Thomas Carlyle

Huskies Down

Took the kids to the NIU-Ball State football game this afternoon. My sister-in-law and nephew joined us as the Huskies fell short of a victory. We came within 6 with a minute and a half to go, but the onside kick was caught and Ball State was able to run out the clock. The Huskies really struggled with injuries and victories this year. There's always next year...

Time to gear up for Sunday. It's the end of the Thanksgiving weekend, so we'll keep it pretty simple tomorrow morning. Next Sunday we'll take the turn towards Christmas.

Are you expecting?

Be Refreshed!

Proverb of the Day: Proverbs 24:14 Know also that wisdom is sweet to your soul; if you find it, there is a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off.

Scripture of the Day: Ephesians 2:8-9 8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no one can boast.

Quote of the Day: A great many people are trying to make peace, but that has already been done. God has not left it for us to do; all we have to do is enter into it. Dwight L. Moody

The Day After

Hope you had a blessed day yesterday of giving thanks. We spent the day at my brother's house with my sister and boys, mom and dad, an aunt, uncle and cousin. A total of 18 plus the dog. It was a classic day of food, football, and some games in the evening. We're heading in again this afternoon for round two.

My quote of the day is for all of the power shoppers out there. Sometimes the best wisdom is the old wisdom.

Be Refreshed!

Proverb of the Day: Proverbs 23:17 Do not let your heart envy sinners, but always be zealous for the fear of the LORD.

Scripture of the Day: Psalm 33:12 Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, the people he chose for his inheritance.

Quote of the Day: "He that goes a borrowing goes a sorrowing." Benjamin Franklin

Blessed Thanksgiving!

An early morning Thanksgiving to everyone! I just took the Chex Party Mix out of the oven, so I thought I'd do my Thanksgiving blog now since we'll be busy most of the rest of the day. I'm a late night person so I stayed up to do the Chex. Sonya is early morning, so she'll be up at 5 to bake and clean.

I pray you'll have a great Thanksgiving today. Take time away from the buffet table, TV, and turkey to meditate on God's blessings and faithfulness. It is easy to become complacent and even selfish when we live in such a blessed country. Take a step back and look around the world and then give thanks.

About 11 p.m. I realized we were out of butter for tomorrow (I made a double batch of Chex mix and I always add extra seasonings:) so I went to buy more. It was snowing, the streets were wet, not too many cars out, the Christmas lights were on downtown, and it was beautiful. I think I'm ready for winter now.

Be Refreshed!

Proverb of the Day: Proverbs 22:9 A generous man will himself be blessed, for he shares his food with the poor.

Scripture of the Day:

A psalm. For giving thanks.

1 Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth.

2 Worship the LORD with gladness;
come before him with joyful songs.

3 Know that the LORD is God.
It is he who made us, and we are his ;
we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.

4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving
and his courts with praise;
give thanks to him and praise his name.

5 For the LORD is good and his love endures forever;
his faithfulness continues through all generations.

Quotes of the Day: "It must be an odd feeling to be thankful to nobody in particular. Christians in public institutions often see this odd thing happening on Thanksgiving Day. Everyone in the institution seems to be thankful 'in general.' It's very strange. It's a little like being married in general." Cornelius Plantinga, Jr.

"Nothing purchased can come close to the renewed sense of gratitude for having family
and friends." Courtland Milloy

"The Pilgrims made seven times more graves than huts. No Americans have been more impoverished than these who, nevertheless, set aside a day of thanksgiving." H. U. Westermayer

"Thanksgiving puts steel into our patriotic veins. It reminds us or our great heritage. It carries us back with numbing nostalgia to that first dreadful winter at Plymouth where less than half the handful of people survived. It speaks in clear, crisp tones of forgotten terms, like: integrity...bravery...
respect...faith...vigilance... dignity...honor...freedom... discipline...sacrifice...godliness."
Charles R. Swindoll

Pre-Shopping Checklist

I read an interesting article today that looked at a survey saying that many parents will buy media items for their kids this year even though they are not comfortable with the content. Here's a quote...

"Millions of Christian parents want to appear to be relevant in their children’s eyes, and to provide gifts that fit within the mainstream of postmodern society," George Barna, lead researcher of the latest study, noted. "The problem is that many of the entertainment products that meet those criteria conflict with the moral precepts of the Christian faith. Parents have to make a choice as to what is more important: pleasing their kids’ taste and sensibilities, or satisfying God’s standards as defined in the Bible. When the decision made is to keep their children happy, the Christian parent is often left with a pit in their stomach."

As the frenzy of post-Thanksgiving shopping builds to a head soon, take time to make sure your gifts will build up and not tear down the foundations of your children's lives. Eternity is at stake.

You can read the entire article HERE.

Just one more day of rejoicing before Thanksgiving!

Be Refreshed!

Proverb of the Day: Proverbs 21:3 To do what is right and just is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice.

Scripture of the Day: Psalm 118:28-29 28 You are my God, and I will give you thanks; you are my God, and I will exalt you. 29 Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever.

Quote of the Day: "How sharper than a serpent's tooth it is to have a thankless child!" Shakespeare in King Lear

Fa la la la la la la la la

I heard the first Christmas songs in a store a few days ago. At first I thought it was too early. (My personal preference is all Christmas music the day after Thanksgiving, then 25% the next week, 50% the next, and then building to 100% the week before Christmas.) But with the warm fall and early Thanksgiving it really helped me start to get in the mood for the holidays. It was also one of the great worship songs, so it lifted my spirit too.

If you're looking for your Christmas music fix in the car or at home over the next few weeks turn to 104.7 WBGL. They will be playing all Christmas music beginning after Thanksgiving. WBGL is also owned by the IL Assemblies of God, so you know it has to be good:)

Just 2 more days of rejoicing before Thanksgiving!

Be Refreshed!

Proverb of the Day: Proverbs 20:1 Wine is a mocker and beer a brawler; whoever is led astray by them is not wise.

Scripture of the Day: Psalms 113:4-6 4 The LORD is exalted over all the nations, his glory above the heavens. 5 Who is like the LORD our God, the One who sits enthroned on high, 6 who stoops down to look on the heavens and the earth?

Quote of the Day: "Thankfulness is not something God gives us. It is not a spiritual gift and it is not a spiritual fruit. We can receive God's peace, joy and love, but thankfulness is something that we give to God and to others. It is a choice that we make. Let us thank Him today with songs of celebration, hearts of strong devotion and acts of admiration." Roy Lessin

Speeding the Light

Our youth went up on the auction block after our church carry-in dinner yesterday and raised over $1,100 for Speed the Light in their Servant Sale. STL provides our A/G missionaries with cars, trucks, boats, bikes, camels, A/V equipment, etc. to assist them in their missionary work. Since its humble beginnings in 1944, the youth of the A/G has give over $207 million to STL! Our youth here at Bethel have given over $2,000 a year for the last 5-6 years. One of our youth gave over $100 of their own hard earned money just this last week. Way to go Uth!

Just 3 more days of rejoicing before Thanksgiving.

Be Refreshed!

Proverb of the Day: Proverbs 19:3 A man's own folly ruins his life, yet his heart rages against the LORD.

Scripture of the Day: Psalms 84:1-2 1 How lovely is your dwelling place, O LORD Almighty! 2 My soul yearns, even faints, for the courts of the LORD; my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God.

Quote of the Day: "Thanksgiving is an important ingredient in praying...If all we do is ask, and never thank God for His gifts, we are selfish. Sincere gratitude to God is one of the best ways to put fervor into our praying." Warren Wiersbe

Hay Friends

The sprinkles cleared out just in time for a great hayride tonight. A couple of wagons, roaring fire, chili & dogs, s'mores and more. Good Times.

It's time for the weekly sports updates to begin again. Ethan has just had one game so far and his season gets going more regular next week. Isaac has been going 4 times a week for the last couple of weeks. They've gotten off to a pretty slow start, but got their first win today. They finally played well as a team and guess what... it worked! I think there is a sermon illustration there somewhere.

Be Refreshed!

Proverb of the Day: Proverbs 17:17 A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.

Scripture of the Day: Psalm 30:11-12 11 You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, 12 that my heart may sing to you and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give you thanks forever.

Quote of the Day: "Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it." William Arthur Ward

Thanksgiving Countdown

We're going through the Psalms on Wednesday nights, so the hardest part of last night was trying to narrow down which Psalms of Thanksgiving we were going to try and get through in one night. I think we made it through 12. (9, 30, 32, 34, 66, 67, 92, 100, 115, 116, 118, & 138) The wide variety had an interesting mix of thanksgiving for provision, healing, deliverance, hope, the nation, the individual, the coming Messiah, and more.

Take some time in these Psalms this week and then write your own Psalm of praise. He is worthy!

Be Refreshed!

Proverb of the Day: Proverbs 15:17 Better a meal of vegetables where there is love than a fattened calf with hatred.

Scripture of the Day: Psalm 30:11-12 11 You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, 12 that my heart may sing to you and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give you thanks forever.

Quote of the Day: "Perhaps it takes a purer faith to praise God for unrealized blessings than for those we once enjoyed or those we enjoy now." A. W. Tozer

Pentathlon Week 1

The guys had week one of the BAMM Men's Winter Pentathlon last night. Our spiritual theme for the night was Discipline of Perseverance and the event was Checkers. We hadn't done checkers in a couple of years and everyone bad mouthed it, but it always gets the most intense night of action. It was about 11 before I made it home. Kris B. was the checkers champion on the night and is off and running to defend his first place trophy of 2006-07.

Speaking of competition, it's about time for more Sports Week in Review. Both Ethan & Isaac are playing basketball at Cornerstone this winter and games are underway now.

Be Refreshed!

Proverb of the Day: Proverbs 13:11 Dishonest money dwindles away, but he who gathers money little by little makes it grow.

Scripture of the Day: Acts 10:44-45 44 While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message. 45 The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astonished that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on the Gentiles.

Quote of the Day: "A spirit of ingratitude is he first step towards apostasy." Ammon S. Kauffman

Persecuted Church

How ironic it was that yesterday was Veteran's Day here in America and it was also the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church. As I shared yesterday, here I felt no fear and never thought about it twice other than giving thanks for the freedoms our veterans have fought for us to enjoy. Unfortunately that is not true for many of our brothers and sisters around the world. Many live in harms way. Many are persecuted or imprisoned. Others will give their lives for their faith. Here are a couple of links for you to find out more information on the persecuted church.

http://www.persecutedchurch.org/
http://www.persecution.com/


Be Refreshed!

Proverb of the Day: Proverbs 12:28 In the way of righteousness there is life; along that path is immortality.

Scripture of the Day: Hebrews 13:13 Remember those in prison as if you were their fellow prisoners, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering.

Quote of the Day: "In ordinary life we hardly realize that we receive a great deal more than we give, and that it is only with gratitude that life becomes rich. It is very easy to overestimate the importance of our own achievements in comparison with that of others." Dietrich Bonhoeffer

Thanks Veterans!

Thanks to all of our veterans who have served this country. What a privilege we have to live in America. This morning we gathered on the corner of Maple and Elm in our church to worship and never once did the thought of fear cross my mind. No one was arrested. We have a church sign out front. All of our information is in the paper and yellow pages. My sermon wasn't being monitored by the state. Even some of the people there didn't listen:)

I have the privilege of having a family who have served our country.

My dad joined the Navy the year after WWII ended. He later was called up by the Navy out of college to go to the Korean War. Thanks Dad.

My oldest brother Roger was a Marine. Or should I say, Once a Marine, Alway a Marine. Thanks Roger.

My other brother Robert was a career Navy man. He was just finishing 20 years when he passed away. He served on a carrier in the Gulf during the first Gulf War. Thanks Robert.

Sonya's brother Rodney has been in the National Guard for 20+ years and was on the ground in the first Gulf War. He now is full time in the Guard and will head back to Iraq early in 2008. Thanks Rodney.

Be Refreshed!

Proverb of the Day: Proverbs 11:28 Whoever trusts in his riches will fall, but the righteous will thrive like a green leaf.

Scripture of the Day: Psalm 33:12 Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, the people he chose for his inheritance.

Quote of the Day: "Thanksgiving like contentment is a learned attribute. The person who hasn't learned to be content will not be thankful for he lives with the delusion he deserves more or something better. " Robert Flatt

Surplus or Sacrifice?

I received an e-mail yesterday from one of the missionaries our church supports and he had a great tag line on the end. It read, "Not just Pity but Prayer, Not Indifference but Involvement, Not Surplus but Sacrifice." What a great challenge in just a few words. Do we just admire or feel bad for our missionaries who leave it all behind to serve God or do we join them on the front lines with prayer? Do we forget about them after they leave the states or do we stayed involved and engaged? Do we really sacrifice for the Kingdom of God or do we just wait and see what we have left over after we've fully satisfied ourselves? Make that challenge part of your meditation this week.

We had a beautiful night last night for the youth hayride. Beautiful dark blue skies, thousands of stars, and not a cloud in the sky. The temp was in the upper 40's, so just cool enough to stay close to the fire but not freeze either. Don't forget our all church hayride next Saturday at 5:30. It's a great way to get together with the Bethel family and celebrate the harvest and God's faithfulness.

Be Refreshed!

Proverb of the Day: Proverbs 10:19 When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise.

Scripture of the Day: Philemon 1:4-7 4 I always thank my God as I remember you in my prayers, 5because I hear about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints. 6 I pray that you may be active in sharing your faith, so that you will have a full understanding of every good thing we have in Christ. 7 Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the saints.

Quote of the Day: "If a fellow isn't thankful for what he's got, he isn't likely to be thankful for what he's going to get." Frank A. Clark

More Ninjas Please

We had a fun time putting the adults and youth together last night, although the participation of the adults in the Blind Ninja game was woefully lacking. My lovely wife did take a couple of blows to the head though, so I better give her credit. One of the adults even said we should do it again sometime. (The evening as a whole, not necessarily that game)

Thanksgiving is just two weeks away. Have you begun (or hopefully continued) your season of giving thanks?

Be Refreshed!


Proverb of the Day: Proverbs 8:13 To fear the LORD is to hate evil; I hate pride and arrogance, evil behavior and perverse speech.

Scripture of the Day: Ephesians 5:18 Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.

Quote of the Day: "Pride slays thanksgiving, but an humble mind is the soil out of which thanks naturally grow. A proud man is seldom a grateful man, for he never thinks he gets as much as he deserves." Henry Ward Beecher

All Thanksgiving, All the Time

Thanksgiving comes early this year. Thanksgiving is the 4th Thursday of November, so with the 1st being on a Thursday, this is the earliest it can be. I occasionally challenge my church that Christians should be the most thankful people on the face of the earth. In a world of the unsatisfied, lawsuit filing, and my rights generation, we should shine like stars in the universe.

I read recently that, "An unthankful Christian is a defeated Christian for he/she has lost their joy." So set aside not just a day this month, but every day this month to regain your victory and joy through thanksgiving.

Be Refreshed!

Proverb of the Day: Proverbs 6:6-8 6 Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise! 7 It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, 8 yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest.

Scripture of the Day: 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 16 Be joyful always; 17 pray continually; 18 give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.

Quote of the Day: "We would worry less if we praised more. Thanksgiving is the enemy of discontent and dissatisfaction." Harry A. Ironside

General Superintendent

A few weeks ago I put a link to the testimonies of our national Assemblies of God leaders. Click Here Since that time, our General Superintendent George Wood has put together a web page for his office. I thought you might enjoy getting to know him a little better. With 11,000+ churches, he'll probably never make it to Sycamore, but now you can get to see some of his life and heart for the A/G. There is also a special family testimony on there of God's faithfulness through a very hard time of their lives. Check it out. Click Here

Be Refreshed!

Proverb of the Day: Proverbs 5:18 "May your fountain be blessed, and may you rejoice in the wife of your youth."

Scripture of the Day: Ephesians 4:29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.

Quote of the Day: "The Christian ideal has not been tried and found wanting; it has been found difficult and left untried." G.K. Chesterton

Get Your Goat

This is an old story, but I told it tonight during the evening sermon. It's a good reminder as we move into November and Thanksgiving.

There is a man who goes to the rabbi and complains, "Life is unbearable. There are nine of us living in one room. What can I do?" The rabbi answers, "Take your goat into the room with you." The man in incredulous, but the rabbi insists. "Do as I say and come back in a week." A week later the man comes back looking more distraught than before. "We cannot stand it," he tells the rabbi. "The goat is filthy." The rabbi then tells him, "Go home and let the goat out. And come back in a week." A radiant man returns to the rabbi a week later, exclaiming, "Life is beautiful. We enjoy every minute of it now that there’s no goat -- only the nine of us."

Be Refreshed!

Proverb of the Day: Proverb 4:14-15 14 Do not set foot on the path of the wicked or walk in the way of evil men. 15 Avoid it, do not travel on it; turn from it and go on your way.

Scripture of the Day: Matthew 6:31-34 31 So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' 32 For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

Quote of the Day: Such a blessed people should be a thankful people. Cotton Mather

Wild, Wild West

We had our Hallelujah Party last night for the community. The theme this year was Wild, Wild West. Elizabeth was an Indian girl and Jeremiah was Teddy Roosevelt (he's been studying him in school). We had games, stories, music, candy, food, and lots of fun. The majority of kids aren't from our church, so it's a great opportunity to connect with others.

Yesterday was a party with the kids. Today I had lunch with the Senior Saints. Tomorrow I leave for the statewide youth convention. I guess I should have planned something for mid-adults to complete the generations.

Be Refreshed!

Proverb of the Day: Proverbs 1:32-33 For the waywardness of the simple will kill them, and the complacency of fools will destroy them; but whoever listens to me will live in safety and be at ease, without fear of harm.

Scripture of the Day: John 3:17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.

Quote of the Day: A pharisee is hard on others and easy on himself, but a spiritual man is easy on others and hard on himself. A. W. Tozer