Youth Update

Hello All,

I am so excited that God has brought myself and Michelle to this wonderful Church. We are so blessed to be around people that want to see the Kingdom of God grow and multiply. Thank you so much for the support as we begin our ministry here in this Church. For all of you who never get to be with the youth, I would like to give you an update on where we are at as a group. Every Wednesday we are averaging around 40 students and 6 adults, but we are also seeing new faces every week. Sunday mornings are also growing, weather it be the free donuts or just great kids there beginning to get behind our vision. We have recently started a youth praise band that 7 students are faithfully coming to. We also started something called Silent Praise which is kind of a mix between drama, sign language, and worship. Next on our list is to begin a youth leadership program that will enable some of our young people to take an active role in ministry. Overall I am very pleased with the support of the students and families, the sky is the limit to what could be, here at FBC Nevada.

P.S. - If you signed up for a youth pray partner, I hope you recieved your student and that you are actively praying for them and their families.

God Bless
Garrett

What if Jesus Had Not Come?

As the Advent Season approaches (November 29 is first Sunday in Advent), I pulled out an article by Marcus Norris, an attorney from Amarillo, Texas. He starts a list of things that would not exist if Jesus had not come; things we take for granted: No angelic announcements, no invitation to humble shepherds, no star to guide the wealthy and wise, no model of obedience in Joseph, no miraculous healings or feedings, no Sermon on the Mount, no washed feet, no cross, no empty tomb, no church, no New Testament, no Christian orphanages, no church-initiated or sponsored hospitals, no Salvation Army, no Christmas carols, no songs like "Amazing Grace," no hope beyond cemeteries, no great concepts of the dignity and worth of each individual. I am sure you can had to the list. But I was reminded of how different the world and we would be if Jesus had not come. That's a good thought going into the Advent Season.

Pastor Cox

Garrett's idea

I just checked my office mailbox and found a note from our youth pastor. I am assigned the name of one of our youth and it is my joy to pray for this person every day for six months. Garrett provided a list of needs for students and I will use that as I pray. I am so happy to do that! I would love to tell you the name of the young man but it is suppose to be a secret. I think the idea is great and I hope other adults will join with me in praying for students.

Pastor Cox

Ugly the Tomcat

Here is a story a friend emailed me 2 years ago that I found in my office the other day.

Ugly the Tomcat.

Everyone in the apartment complex I lived in knew who Ugly was. Ugly was the resident tomcat. Ugly loved three things in this world: fighting, eating garbage, and, shall we say, love.

The combination of these things combined with a life spent outside had their effect on Ugly. To start with, he had only one eye and where the other should have been was a hole. He was also missing his ear on the same side, his left foot appeared to have been badly broken at one time, and had healed at an unnatural angle, making him look like he was always turning the corner.

Ugly would have been a dark gray tabby, striped type, except for the sores covering his head, neck, and even his shoulders.

Every time someone saw Ugly there was the same reaction. "That's one UGLY cat!!!"

All the children were warned not to touch him, the adults threw rocks at him, hosed him down, squirted him when he tried to come in their homes, or shut his paws in the door when he would not leave. Ugly always had the same reaction.

If you turned the hose on him, he would stand there, getting soaked until you gave up and quit. If you threw things at him, he would curl his lanky body around your feet in forgiveness.

Whenever he spied children, he would come running, meowing frantically and bump his head against their hands, begging for their love.

If you ever picked him up he would immediately begin suckling on your shirt, earrings, whatever he could find.

One day Ugly shared his love with the neighbor's dogs. They did not respond kindly, and Ugly was badly mauled. I tried to rush to his aid. By the time I got to where he was laying, it was apparent Ugly's sad life was almost at an end.

As I picked him up and tried to carry him home, I could hear him wheezing and gasping, and could feel him struggling. It must be hurting him terribly, I thought.

Then I felt a familiar tugging, sucking sensation on my ear. Ugly, in so much pain, suffering and obviously dying, was trying to suckle my ear. I pulled him closer to me, and he bumped the palm of my hand with his head, then he turned his one golden eye towards me, and I could hear the distinct sound of purring.

Even in the greatest pain, that ugly battled scarred cat was asking only for a little affection, perhaps some compassion.

At that moment I thought Ugly was the most beautiful, loving creature I had ever seen. Never once did he try to bite or scratch me, try to get away from me, or struggle in any way. Ugly just looked up at me completely trusting in me to relieve his pain.

Ugly died in my arms before I could get inside, but I sat and held him for a long time afterwards, thinking about how one scarred, deformed little stray could so alter my opinion about what it means to have true pureness of spirit, to love so totally and truly.

Ugly taught me more about giving and compassion than a thousand books, lectures, or talk show specials ever could, and for that I will always be thankful. He had been scarred on the outside, but I was scarred on the inside, and it was time for me to move on and learn to love truly and deeply. To give my total to those I cared for.


Many people want to be richer, more successful,
well liked, beautiful, but for me...

I will always try to be Ugly.

How did this story affect you?

Steve

Steve and Lisa

Wow! Steve and Lisa Russ did a great job helping us look at our relationships this past Sunday morning. As they discussed how we can be loving in relationships, I thought there is hardly anyone to whom this topic would not apply. I would be interested in your comments. How did this impact your relationships? How did God speak to you through their sharing? If any of you were not able to be here this past Sunday AM, I would strongly urge you to listen to the sermon. The 40 DAYS OF LOVE has impacted my life. I hope that each of you are also becoming better lovers.

Pastor Cox

A LITTLE CHILD SHALL LEAD THEM

Earlier this year our daughter, Amanda Fisher, told me that she and Brandon were going to start giving Colson, age 8, a consistent allowance. He had to accomplish some chores to receive the five dollars. The parents told Colson that one dollar would go in the tithe envelope for God, two he could spend, and two he would put in savings. Amanda said she figured he would be disappointed that only two dollars were allowed for spending money. Instead, he said, "I would rather put two in the tithe and three in the savings." Amanda teased, "Where did he get his big heart? Certainly it can't be from Brandon!?" Of course the point is that we all inherit some selfish genes. A big heart comes from God. No wonder Jesus said that a little child shall lead them. Giving is seldom a pocket book matter. It is more often a heart matter.

Pastor Cox

Faith, Hope, and Love

Since we started the 40 DAYS OF LOVE last Sunday I spoke on "What Matters Most." Speaking of Paul's three verities, I mentioned faith and hope but the greatest is love and it reverberates forever. On the way out of worship, Dick Hacker asked, "But can you have love without faith and hope?" I love it when people ask questions like that. It is hard to answer while greeting a line of people but it got me to thinking. In our life on Planet Earth, I think the three definitely are intertwined. So, I think Dick is right. Without faith (trust) in others it would be hard to love. And without some anticipation or vision it would be hard to love. I suspect what the Apostle means is that beyond our life time, hope and faith will no longer be necessary. As our lives are swallowed up into eternity, there will be no longer any need for faith or hope. But since God IS love, love is forever and ever.

Pastor Cox

DO I NEED TO BE MORE LOVING?

On the way to Rotary at noon, I thought of a conversation I had with someone. Since we are entering 40 DAYS OF LOVE, I mentioned that I want to become a more loving person. This person laughed, "You? You can't be more loving!" If I think of myself as a loving person, does that mean all the bases are covered? If others perceive me as a totally loving person, do I not know areas of my life better than they do? If I should think as a pastor that I don't need to grow in love, then that's probably all the more indication that I need 40 DAYS OF LOVE! I am a part of the rank and file of humanity that needs to be more loving. That's surely what life is all about-- to continue to grow in love. I think if any persons, including myself engage in 40 DAYS, they will becoming more loving

Pastor Cox

A safe place to rest

In my quiet time this morning I read Psalm 46. I love the description of how God is our refuge and our strength!

One of my favorite verses comes from this Psalm in verse 10, "Be still, and know that I am God."

Many times I get so busy and things become hectic and I wonder why I feel 'off'. For me it is because I am trying to do too much, to fit too much into one day. God did not design us to go all of the time, but to take periods of rest in Him.

Take a break today and be still and connect with God. It will do wonders for you!

Blessings,
Steve

FIRST IMPRESSIONS

FBC was very kind to provide a weekend get away for Marie and I to Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, to see the Cards play the Pirates at PNC Stadium. I always thought of Pittsburg as an industrial city with steel factories. I was wrong. The city is nestled in a river valley in which the Alegheny River and the Monga something, something river converge to form the Ohio River. The former baseball park was called "Three River Stadium." We took the tram up to the top of Mount Washington and could view the entire city. It was beautiful. The home of the last Super Bowl Champs, the Pittsburg Steelers, is on the river. Also PNC Park is on the river. Both games were good. Cards lost one and won one. PNC is a beautiful ball park. In Pittsburg one of the local treats is a Pittbuger. It is so large you can't get your mouth around it. In between two buns are the meat, cheese, onions, tomatoes, slaw, and french fries. Huge sandwich. I was so wrong about Pittsburg. First impressions about people, places, and events are often wrong.

Pastor Cox

INTERRUPTIONS

I announced last Sunday that the church offices would be closed Thursday and Friday (August 20 and 21). So I planned my weekly schedule accordingly. Early in the week Judie, our church administrator, said that might not happen because of rain. Well, even without the rain the concrete workers didn't get their job done so the electricians could do theirs. So we are in the office and I suppose we will be shut down a couple of days next week. At first, I was not pleased and then I reminded myself about how I have had to learn about life's interruptions. "Bill," I said to myself, "it is better to relax and let people do the necessary work so the project can be completed." Most of us deal with life's interruptions. The Gospel accounts of our Lord's daily life can be helpful. It was often when Jesus was interrupted on his way to somewhere that some amazing ministry happened. Still true today, isn't it? So my goal is to fret less and look for God's work in the interruptions. Sort of.

Pastor Cox

Leadership Summit Next Step

If you attended the Leadership Summit last week here is a link to the next step for many of the speakers you heard: http://www.willowcreek.com/nextsteps/
Tomorrow is a Q & A with Tim Keller on the Prodigal God.

Blessings,
Steve

financial peace

I just saw on our blog page under our picture a section for 'wisdom from scripture' and a verse from Proverbs 14:8 is listed. What really caught my eye was the heading of 'reduce your debt over 60%'. Agencies like the one listed there only take care of the surface issue-the debt. The real problem is how we deal with money.

Financial Peace University is a great class that is starting up again next Sunday night at FBC. Lisa and I took the class last year and both of us gained a lot out of the class. We were at different places in terms of how we viewed money and at different ends of the spectrum. Through the class we were able to come closer together in our views on money and communicate more effectively about our financial issues.

I really think this could be considered a marriage enhancement class. I have heard that financial issues are the number one reason for divorce. I would encourage any and all members to take the class. It is based on biblical principles and can provide a new marriage with a great foundation to build on and an ongoing marriage a great opportunity on how to change some things for a healthier financial future.

Blessings,
Steve

Cat Confessions

Kim Ray told me Sunday that she was glad that I used a comment about cats in my sermon Sunday because I had not done that in awhile and she was afraid that I was not normal. In case you missed it, I surmised the fish that swallowed Jonah was probably a "cat" fish because cats are naturally evil. I do have a confession to make-- we have an outdoor cat by the name of "TT." (Our daughter, Bonnie Paquin, had a cat named Tangy and Marie thinks this cat resembles Tangy so she named it Tangy Two, TT. Cheesy huy?) Here is the confession. I had not been very encouraging, nice, etc. to TT because well, she is a cat. But besides that she always makes this whiny "meow" when I feed her. It is pathetic and I have told her to quit it. And then I read this quote that appeared in LIVESCIENCE: "For the first time scientists have proven that house cats make a different sound when they are hungry-- one that imitates the cry of a human baby. This particular cry only seems to happen when there is a one-to-one relationship between the cat and its owner." Man, I have a relationship with TT. I apologized and have tried to be a better owner to the whiny feline.

Pastor Cox

Grattitude

I need to make a grattitude list today. It has been a while since I have made one. I used to make them all the time. I was told that was a good way to help me get out of feeling sorry for myself or get out of the 'blues'.

Today I have a much deeper appreciation for what I am grateful for. It used to be that my list consisted only of those things in my life that brought me joy, happiness, security, etc. Today I still have those things on my list. But I have something on my list today that I didn't used to have on it.

I also have on my grattitude list today the hard times, the tough situations, the struggles in life that have helped me grow. A scripture verse I really like is James 1:2-4 "Dear brothers and sisters,when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing."

Why don't you try making a grattitude list today for yourself. Maybe #1 could be the gift of grace that God has given us!

Blessings,

Steve

"Mr. C's" Baptism

This coming Sunday I will be baptizing our oldest grandson, Colson Fisher. I baptized all of our children-- Buffie Mock, Bonnie Paquin, Amanda Fisher, and Jamin Cox. However, I have really encouraged lay people to baptize other people. A father has recently baptized his son. A person baptized a friend whom he had invited to church. I think it is a good idea-- very "Baptist" by the way because we have never believed, unlike some churches, that sacerdotal powers are invested only in the ordained. We believe in the "priesthood of the believer." I think it is special when people in our church family baptize others. I encourage all persons to consider it! However, I have to admit I was pleased when Colson chose me. It will be a special moment.

Pastor Cox

Story

Today I will be giving my 'testimony' to our Celebrate Recovery group. This is the 3rd time I have done this and I always look forward to sharing my story of how God has worked in my life. I can honestly say that I have not always felt comfortable in sharing my story with others. My pride and fear would get in the way of me sharing the 'real' Steve with others.

We can paint a picture for others when we tell our story. We can leave some things out to make us look better, or we can add some things to the picture to make us look better. The bottom line is we want to look better in front of other people. That is our pride at work!

The journey to accepting ourselves as God has made us can be a tough one. Can we let others see us as we really are and as God sees us. Lisa and I are reading a really good book titled "When People are Big and God is Small". It is a challenging look at how we can value what others think before what God thinks.

I am finding so much freedom in caring less about what others think of me and focusing on what God wants of me. I would love to hear from anyone who has thoughts on this topic.

Blessings,
Steve

Are You Uncomfortable?

Are you uncomfortable? Kind of a strange question to ask right? Especially in a culture which values being comfortable with our air conditioners, easily accessible water sources, and technology at every turn. I guess the question really is...Are we ever uncomfortable? One of the biggest things I took away from our CIY experience this past week was that I’m too comfortable. I’ve grown too accustomed to my TV, my clothes, my car, and I haven’t felt uncomfortable in a long time. As CIY called us to be kingdom workers, that will take getting uncomfortable to grow the kingdom of Christ. That doesn’t mean that we all must commit to an overseas mission trip next summer or entering the full time ministry when we graduate, but it does mean we need to start doing some things to further God’s kingdom that get us outside our box. We need to start inviting friends to youth group/church and talking about Jesus with our football or softball team. We need to start praying over our choirs, our clubs and our schools. We need to give up those things we’ve deemed so important and reorder our priorities so they reflect God’s glory in us. We need to become uncomfortable so that God becomes greater and we become less. Are you uncomfortable yet?

*This is my article for the youth group newsletter (August edition). However, as I read I thought maybe it applied or our adults as well. I look forward to your comments!*

-Erin

Spending time with God

As I reflect on the sermon from yesterday I am praying that everyone who heard it will follow up and participate in spending time with God in silence with His Word.

Can you imagine what would happen in our church if everyone found their place in serving and allowed God to work in them in serving others? I love to see lives transformed by moving from the self centered place we all know to a place of being God centered and others centered.

It really is all about our hearts! Where is your heart at today? Spend some time with God every day this week and allow Him to have more and more of your heart. Give him those things you are holding near and dear, like your dreams, your desires, your insecurities, your pride. Let Him have your desire for comfort, for success, for pleasure, and have faith that He has something much better in store for you.

Blessings,
Steve

Leadership

As we go through our leadership series of sermons and come up on the leadership summit that will be at FBC on August 14-15, I wonder what is going through peoples minds as they hear messages of how we are all leaders in some sense. I read a definition of leadership that I really liked that says 'anyone who influences others is a leader'. We all have areas of influence in our lives. We can be a positive influence or a negative influence on others. What kind of influence are you for other people? What gets in the way of being a positive influence on others? Is there certain people or certain situations that are difficult for you? What can you do to change that? Have you asked God for help in that area? Have you slowed down to listen to what He is telling you? Spend some time today with some of these questions and let me know what God is telling you!
Blessings,
Steve

Edds Field

I am getting ready to write an article in THE MAINSPRING about Jessie Edds. Yesterday when folks were playing softball on the Edds field I had an emotional moment as I thought of Mrs. Edds who devoted much of her life to children and youth. How many of you out there remember her? She was a delightful lady and had the gift of giving. May her tribe increase! I only hope more people could have known her. If you have any memories about Jessie, please post them to this blog.

Pastor Cox

Loss of a Former Family Member

Just received word that Bill Chadwick, my sister Betty's first husband, died unexpectantly. He was mid-seventies and still worked every day as a chiropractor. Although he and Betty have been divorced for many years they still lived in the same town (Clanton, ALA). Betty is a retired nurse. They have two children: Leah and Rachel. Leah and her husband, Glen, and their two children also live in Clanton. Rachel lives close by. In recent years, Bill and Betty and the girls have had great family times together. (We have always said that Bill and Betty got along better without being married!) Bill was kind of radical-- about everthing. In religion, a died in the wool Calvinist-- double-edged tape. In the sixties, he was a member of the John Birch Society which saw a Communist behind every tree. In his practice, he thought chiropractors could cure about everything. But he was unique. And he was a great practioner-- an old style chiropractor who spent a lot of time with each patient-- (not like others who pop or crack and they are done in 3-5 minutes). But mostly I will miss him because he was in several chapters of our family history. We visited Betty and family year before last and I got to re-c0nnect with him. Glad for that time.

Pastor Cox

Where's Your Place?

This will be my last blog for a few weeks as I get ready to head to my first week of camp on Sunday. I will be taking anywhere from 4-10 (our numbers keep growing!) students to Bennett Spring Christian Church Camp, the little church camp I have attended since I was little. While many people dislike the idea of bugs, late nights, skits, no air-conditioning, and a week with middle school and high school students, it is truly something I look forward to all year. I am a camp girl! Camp for me is a place to refocus and reconnect. It is my place where I feel most connected because of the guidance I have received, the truths I have learned, and the relationships I have fostered there over the years. It is a sacred place for me. What about you? Do you have these sacred places that help you to get back to what matters? Do you find strength and peace on a fishing boat somewhere? Over a glass of iced tea on your Grandma's back porch? Where is your place?

Summertime and the livin' is easy!

"Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day." -2 Corinthians 4:16

While many of us spend the summertime at work, it is often a time where our pace slows just a little, we spend a few more hours at the ballpark, we're a little later getting to bed, we spend a little more time on the back deck just soaking in the summer evenings. The pace is quick, yes, but summer is often filled with things we only get an opportunity to do once a year. Families often take vacations and we all take (or at least do our best to take) some time to relax and renew. How in the pace of the world today do we do this? What ways in our church are families or individuals taking time to renew? What benefits of this time do you see for yourself and your family? Share with us your stories of finding time to renew relationships, families, and yourself this summer!

-Erin

My First Blog

"God intended the Law to reveal sin and to drive us to Christ; Satan uses it to reveal sin and to drive us to despair. God meant the Law as an interim step to human's justification; Satan uses it as the final step in our condemnation God mieant the law to be a stepping stone to liberty; Satan uses it as a cul-de-sac deceiving his dupes into supposing that from its fearful bondage there is no escape" John Stott, The Message of Galatians

In his book, God was Here and I was Out to Lunch, James W. Moore quotes Jack Anderson's rules suggested as a response to the moral decline in the nation:

If it isn't right don't do it!
If it isn't true, don't say it!
If it isn't yours don't take it!

As our world continues to change, what sort of response do you personally or should we as a church have to these quotes?

-Hubert

Laughter Really is the Best Medicine

The Green Room is finally open thanks to the help and donations of many and the faithful prayers of our congregation. A special shout out to Lynette Grant who was a rockstar in designing and painting at the Green Room-We couldn't have done it without her! As we opened the Green Room last night and spent much of the evening sitting in a circle on our awesome couches playing a game called catch phrase, laughter could be heard ringing from the rafters. We laughed as Carly pretended to be a gazelle, we laughed as Aly seemed to know every character from Star Wars before anyone had described them, we laughed as the Brian continued to lament that this game was "exhausting!", we just laughed! After many days of feeling nervous and wound-up about whether it would all come together, an evening of laughter was such an incredible and joyous release. It was a subtle yet poignant reminder of God's control in my life. One of my greatest struggles as a Christian is wanting to call the shots, make my own decisions, and "memo" God later. As the kids laughed last night I felt that God has a part in that. He had watched me try and "handle" it while he was watching over us all along. Their laughter was his and it truly was the best medicine.

-Erin

Lord's Supper

Any body wonder why we are doing Lord's Supper each Sunday in the contemporary service? Some may think we are trying to follow the latest trend. Others may think we are trying to become like other denominations which have the LS each Sunday. Actually, it is my bias. Since study in college and seminary days, I have felt the Lord's Supper was a very important part of worship as evidenced in the scriptures. Some Baptist churches have celebrated LS once a year, twice a year, or once a quarter. When I came to FBC in 1979 the Lord's Supper was celebrated once a quarter. I led the church to do the suppper once a month. If the Lord's Supper was more a part of worship on an on going basis, why have Baptists not done it more often? After all, we have always claimed to be "people of the book." I think it is because we have over-reacted to other denominations who make Lord's Supper an official Sacrament. We follow Urich Zwingli, the Swiss reformer, who felt the LS was symbolic. However, it is not JUST symbolic; it is a powerful symbol and so we have incorporated the supper in each Sunday's contemporary services. We are keeping it the same in the traditional service-- once a month-- by consensus of the deacons who feel it is the more "traditional" way. What do you think?

QUIET TIME

For my very first blog I decided I would write about what I love the most-my quiet time with God. A couple of years ago I was introduced to lectio devina, which is a latin phrase that sounds very Catholic, but really means 'sacred reading' and is something Christians did for centuries before the Bible was readily available to all.

It basically is a form of contemplative prayer, where a verse of Scripture is repeated slowly 4 times and there is a period of silence for 4-5 minutes between each reading. In the silence I am able to reflect on how the verse touches my life today, what God is inviting me to do, and then to just sit and rest in God's presence and experience guidance through His Word.

I would love to hear what you with your quiet time with God! There is not any one way that it needs to be done or supposed to be done. I have found that quieting myself and letting God speak to me through His Word has been the most meaningful way for me. Let me know if you have a different way of spending time with God or would like to know more about this.

God Bless!
Steve

Ministry

Which definition of “Ministry” do you like best?

min·is·try (m n -str ) verb. “The act of serving; ministration.”
verb. “The profession, duties, and services of a minister.”
noun.“The Christian clergy.”

I like the first one! “Ministry”, to me, is service – which can be done by anyone who is called by God according to their talents and gifts. Ministry is a verb. Ministry is action. I am blessed to be able to work alongside talented, willing & loving ministers – nursery workers, snack providers, recreation leaders, teachers, story tellers, financial providers, prayer warriors, craft leaders...

We are a family working together for one common purpose – and that’s to bring children to Jesus and help them grow in Him.

Those working in the nursery with tiny babies are providing a ministry to parents who know their little angels are loved and safe while mommy & daddy absorb much-needed encouragement and teaching. Rocking those babies is also building a foundation of trust and love – on which a knowledge of Jesus is built.

Those of you who give so generously to the budget and building fund acknowledge that all we own is from God and therefore provide so much for the children… I often ask the kids if they are glad to have new toys in their classroom, or new crayons on the tables – and when they yell, “YES!” I tell them to hug an adult on the way out of the church and tell them, “Thanks for giving!”

So we have Ministers of Babies and Ministers of Finance – as well as Ministers of Recreation, Snacks and Prayer... 1 Corinthians 12:4-6 says, “There are different kinds of spiritual gifts, but they all come from the same Spirit. There are different ways to serve the same Lord, and we can each do different things. Yet the same God works in all of us and helps us in everything we do.”

What’s your Ministry?

In His Love,
Jeanette Hawkins
Children's Minister

Let My Lifesong Sing to You

Do you ever have a song that just keeps circling in your head? I often do. Sometimes it's something the Praise Team is working on or something I've heard on the radio. Today when I woke up, I was singing "Lifesong." Over and over I'm hearing the words, "may the words I say and the things I do make my lifesong sing, bring a smile to You." One of the reasons that particular song is in my head today (besides the fact that it's one of my favorite worship songs) is because I am going to Bentonville, AR tonight to see Casting Crowns in concert. I am SO excited! I love their music and I love the relevance of the lyrics they write. So all day today I will be singing in my head--"The Voice of Truth," "East to West," "Slow Fade,"--but mostly "Lifesong." Let my lifesong sing to You, God.

Debbie

It's Not Just for Thanksgiving!

As I write my first blog, I am headed up to the Green Room to decorate, paint, and get things ready for our youth to really enjoy the building.  Our church has been incredibly generous both financially and with the things they have given or the time they have donated.  Even in the craziness of summer, you've come aboard and made an incredible investment in making the Green Room a great place for our kids.  It is a tradition in my family at Thanksgiving to go around the table and share what we are thankful for, so even though there is no turkey or mashed potatoes, at my table my church family is the center of my thankfulness right now.  What about you?  What are you most thankful for this summer?

-Erin

I read recently that the well-known author and leader of FOCUS ON THE FAMILY, James Dobson, defended the use of torture from a Christian perspective. I did a double-take on this one because regardless of how persons feel about the use of torture, I wonder if one can justify that from Christ's point of view. In other words, WWJD? What would Jesus do? I thought of the torture that Christ went through before and during his crucifixion. I think maybe Dobson needs to rethink his position as one based on the life and teachings of Jesus. What do you think?

Pastor Cox

Attributes of God

I am currently producing a video for my upcoming overnight camp at Kamp Keirsey. The theme of the video is "Attributes of God". I have asked several people (of all ages) what God looks like and have gotten some really good answers - along with a few crazy ones as well. One gal at the gas station was honest and just said, "I dont know". My favorite answer was from a sweet preschooler named Kylie. She said that God looks like children... And dogs. The more I think about that, the more I like it. Other than horses, dogs and kids are Kylie's favorite things. Is God your favorite thing? Or do you think of Him when you think of your favorite things? What do you think?

-Jeanette