How Did It Get Like This?

The economy is scary to many people. How did it happen? How can we find relief? And for some there is not a noticeable difference in their lives. It goes back to the basics; biblical principles. What got us into this mess is your basic greed. Of course this is a sin. We could also call it the 'love of money.' Which the bible says is a root of all evil. Well, we can see that the greed of many people has spiraled things out of control. Our economy has affected our nation and the world, too.

Many people always assumed that their home value would continue to go up. So, they were talked into buying homes that they could not afford. The lenders did not care about the families that they were possibly putting into jeopardy. They apparantly only cared about the up front money that they were going to make on the deal. Then the lenders sold off the subprime loans to investors. It was all riding on the hope that the homes would go up in value and the home owners could then refinance with a regular fixed rate loan because now they had some equity for the downpayment.

This shows us that we as a nation have become too greedy. Trying to get things that we cannot afford. Easy credit has made it too easy upfront. But, then the other shoe falls and its time to pay up. Well it's time to go back to the basics, the bible, and learn how to live with wisdom. Those that have been doing that may be wondering what all the fuss is about. They are secure as they have been saving money, keeping to a budget, keeping out of debt, and living within their means.

Instant gratification is what many have come to expect. Well, now, many are hopefully seeing the light and making some changes. Yes, change is one way to say it. Another is 'repent.' Let's use sound principles that will not fail us. The stress and heartache of not knowing how you are going to pay for all the stuff that you 'needed' is just not worth it. I know for me it has made me just want to downsize and live simply. Sometimes you can and sometimes you have to just stay with it; paying off what you already purchased. It's not so bad to do that. We are still so blessed in comparison to most of the world. Let's be thankful and ask God for wisdom to use what we have so we can be a blessing to others.

Are We There Yet?

You remember the story of the tortoise and the hair. We learned that sure and steady will win the race. Sometimes we just want to jump ahead and skip all the necessary steps to get to our destination. The steps seem so slow. How much longer until we get there. Are we there yet?

The Bible tells us that one of the fruits of the spirit is "patience." "We develop a willingness to stick with things," is how it says it in Gal 5:22 in the Message Bible. That is a great definition. You have to develop this by going through some things. Patience has to be tested. Otherwise how do we know if we have developed it yet?

We have to 'will' our way through the drudgery and the monotony that we sometimes feel. But, even though the spirit is willing, often the 'flesh' is weak. You know the drill. Up early, rush to get ready for work, drive too long in too much traffic, work too long, drive home in bumper to bumper in stop and go, prepare food, clean up, catch some news, help the kids with homework, talk on the phone, prepare for bed, go to bed too late -- then do it all again.

So, how do we make it through. Well we have to have a Godly goal. Something we are shooting for. Maybe it is spiritual growth. Maybe it is seeing our kids be all they can be for God. Maybe it is being a blessing to others. You have to have Godly goals. You have to have something that makes it all worth while, so that you can develop, with God's help, "a willingness to stick with things." Because the end result is worth it. And of course you need to smell the roses along the way. Let God infuse you with sweet aroma as you wait on His strength and keep the vision of what it is all about before you. Stick with it! It is worth it.

Take Courage

After Moses had brought the Israelites to the Jordan River, ready to proceed across to the Promised Land, he died. His successor, Joshua, had a huge job ahead of him. What a load upon his shoulders. How could Joshua rally the people to follow him across the Jordan and take possession of what God had promised them?

Remember that old hymn, "On Jordan's stormy banks I stand and cast a wishful eye. Oh, who will come and go with me? I am bound for the Promised Land." It must have been a daunting task to bring the people across after such a devastating blow of losing Moses, the only leader they had ever known for 40 years. What would Joshua do?

The Jordan River was no slouch. At times it had a vicious flow. I remember a video of my father-in-law being baptized in the real Jordan River. It was flowing so fast that he started to be taken down the river. Thankfully another minister grabbed his hand and pulled him back. This is the river the Israelites were to cross. This is a major reason why they had camped there and not moved forward.

God told Joshua three times "Be strong and courageous!" (And once he was told to be VERY courageous). He assured Joshua that as He had been with Moses so would He be with him. God said to lead the people to inherit the land. So, Joshua was given courage when He heard from God. We can often get ourselves all worked up with worry and doubt about the challenges before us. It is time for some encouragement from our Heavenly Father. He will give you the strength you need to proceed with what you know He is telling you to do.

Joshua made the order for his officers to "tell the people, 'Get your supplies ready. Three days from now you will cross the Jordan..." (Joshua 1:10-11). There was no indecisiveness in this command. You will cross the Jordan. Prepare to go forward. Are you making preparations to cross over your Jordan, a boundary that has stopped you? Joshua and the people obeyed and God did His part. They defeated the enemy and took possession of the Promised Land. When you step out, after receiving the assurance of God and proclaim that you are taking possession of the promise, courage will exude from you for you know God is with you.

God will do what you cannot do. But first you must do what you can do. You must step out and put your foot into the Jordan. When they stepped into the Jordan the waters were held back for the millions of people to go across. Joshua did not know that God would do that. He just said we are going. Later, when they needed more daylight to defeat the Amorites, Joshua prayed for the Sun and moon to stop in the sky. The Bible says that God answered and it stopped for almost a full extra day. This miracle gave them the victory. Joshua learned to expect God to be with him and do whatever it took to fulfill the promise.

I am telling you today to not be dismayed. No matter what the stock market is doing. No matter what the media is saying about the situation. Be strong and courageous for God is with you as He was with Moses and Joshua. Step out with assurance and go forward to your promise. Do your part and watch God do the miraculous. BE STRONG AND COURAGEOUS!

Prayer: Expect an Answer

Have you ever prayed expecting a real answer? I hope you have, because that is exactly how you are suppose to pray. Prayer is not some kind of nice religious duty. No, it is talking to your Father and He has good things He wants to tell you. He wants to answer your questions and He wants to lead you in the right path. Our Father God knows everything; what a source we can take advantage of constantly. It beats Google every time.

Where my house is, we can't get high speed Internet service. It is frustrating to go from the office to home and go to dial-up. So, I usually just wait until I get back to the office. The great thing about the Lord is you can link to Him at high speed anytime and anywhere. I can connect with Jesus and He will answer.

The thing is we need to ask Him. He tells us we must ask. John 15:77 says this, "But if you make yourselves at home with me and my words are at home in you, you can be sure that whatever you ask will be listened to and acted upon." (MB) Often we think that since He is God that He will just do for us what we need. No, this is a relationship. He wants you to ask Him about your need. He may have a question for you that will get you to see what the real deal is. We often want a quick fix and He is not into that.

Notice, too, that He wants you be at home with Him and He wants you to know what He has already said and promised in the Bible. I like how this translation says to make His words at 'home' in you. Sometimes we may mentally agree to something that the Bible tells us just so that we can get a quick rescue from God. But, that is just having the word be a passing stranger. No, we must have the word be at home with us. That means we know the word of God and we are very personal and familiar with it. It is a part of us; at home.

Pray, but expect an answer. You are able to know He listens and acts on your request when you have Jesus as your 'homey' and His word has you as its 'homey', too. I can't wait to hear about the answers to prayer you will receive. Start asking away. God can handle it.

Body and Soul

My neck was bothering me this morning when I woke up. I had a motorcycle accident a few years back and when I sleep on my neck wrong it can be very sore. When you have a nagging ache or pain it sure disturbs your soul, too. What I mean is that it is difficult to concentrate and of course feel like doing things that must be done.

I like the definition that your soul contains your mind, will and emotions. Of course you are a spirit made in the image of God. You will exist forever (hopefully with the Lord in heaven, but that is your choice). You have a soul and a body. The body likes to try to dictate to your soul and spirit what it desires to do. This is probably not news to you. Many times we know what is right to do in our spirits, but if our soul is persuaded by the body you will do what is convenient, comfortable, or even sinful. So, if I were to let my body tell me what to do today, I would lay around and let the aching be my focus.

It says in 3 John 2, “Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well.” This tells me several things. God is interested in you being well in all aspects of your life. We can’t pray for something that God does not will you to have. Secondly, we are to enjoy good health. God wants us well physically. When we are not healthy it can affect our ability to be all God wants us to be. (Realize that we can still be used mightily by God no matter our physical prowess or lack thereof).

Finally, this scripture tells me that if I am thinking right, prospering in my soul, it will positively affect my health. Of course this has been scientifically proven that those that worry and are stressed will not be as healthy. Their immune systems will actually be adversely affected and you are more likely to be susceptible to sickness. Laughter is good medicine as the Bible says and they have found that it will cause your body to heal faster. Your mental state affects your body and vice versa.

Therefore I can apply some Godly medicine to my aches and pains by making sure my soul is prospering. How? By saying what the Bible says which fills my soul with good things. Thinking on the promises of God is good medicine. Are you taking your medicine?

Are You Doing Too Much?

It seems that the rapid pace of life in American society is swamping most of us. There is so much to do and so many places to go and so many people to see, text, email, phone, etc. You know exactly what I mean.

Many of us have a great work ethic, but this is not the problem. The problem is usually working too much, or having "too many irons in the fire." Can you keep juggling all the balls that you have in the air? Maybe it is time to let some of them drop before you do.

In Andy Stanley's book, Next Generation Leader, he says that the less you do, the more you accomplish. Now, he is saying this with leadership in mind because when you are leading others you must let go of things and let others do it -- thus, you get more done by doing less, but you enable others to accomplish more.

We must "focus" our energies so that we will do well what is our main thing. You've heard the saying, "a jack of all trades, master of none," right? If you are doing too many things then they are all going to suffer; none will be excellent. But if you are good at something and you have more time to give to it, well, it will be done with excellence and you will be more productive. You will also have greater satisfaction in your work and you will have a lot less stress in your life.

So, let's focus our energies and let others do what we are not so good at. Guess what? Now you are empowering them and they are actually good at that line of work and you see that it will multiply as that person focuses and so forth. I know that many of you are saying that there is no way that you can do that. You have to do all that you are doing. Really?

It was painful, yet fun for the staff here at ALC to look at this in all our work here. There was some who were really ready to let things drop as we discovered that some of the things we were doing were not the main thing for them, nor was it needed anymore. It maybe was a nice thing to do, but with the resources we have it was no longer a priority. It is good to periodically look at what we are doing to see if there is really any success in it. Maybe we can let it go and drop it. Maybe someone will pick it up or maybe no one will even notice. I bet many times no one will even notice.

Let's free up our time by focusing on what we are good at. Did you know that the most successful people are not the most "well-rounded?" The successful people are those focused on what they were gifted in. If we will do this, then our lives will be less busy and stressed out we will have time for relationships, ministry and, yes, even time for the Lord. It is also very freeing to know that you don't have to be good at everything, nor know everything. Somebody else will know and do it, and love doing it.

Remember in the Bible when the apostles were waiting tables for the widows? They discovered that they needed others to do it. Why? Andy Stanley says it this way, "Unlike the modern church, they did not ask for volunteers. They chose seven men who were equipped to handle the task. They were not shirking their responsibility by doing this. On the contrary, they were choosing in such a way as to ensure that the job would be done better than before." The result is recorded in Acts 6:7, "So the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith."

Dr. Howard Hendricks said, "... this principle of central focus. There are many things I can do, but I have to narrow it down to the one thing I must do. The secret of concentration is elimination." Are you having trouble concentrating? If so, then think of things that you can eliminate. When you do, I will be seeing more of you and you will be more carefree and successful, too. Less is more.

Suddenly Or Planned

Is it more spiritual when God moves or does things through people unexpectedly? Or is it more spiritual when God shows things for people to do or say in advance? I would say neither is more or less spiritual than the other. They are both equally spiritual and both equally God.

Sometimes we see in the Bible where God would do things suddenly and unexpectedly. It would be miraculous and people are amazed and blessed. Take for instance the appearing of the angels to the shepherds announcing the birth of Christ. This was so unexpected that they were pretty much in shock. God used this to glorify the birth of the savior of the world -- Jesus. But, also we know that His coming was prophesied about throughout the Old Testament. We know many things about the PLANNED coming of the Lord.

I believe that it is cool with the Lord that we plan things in advance -- messages, services, topics, ministry, etc. It takes planning and coordination for many things to even take place. Once we pray and ask God to lead us, guess what, He will. He will show us things that are to come in advance. Then, He often will do unexpected things that add to the planned and expected things.

Often the culture of a church will determine how messages are delivered, received, and prepared or not. I remember a coworker of mine at UPS back in 1984. He was working there part time. He loved the Lord and sometimes would speak at his church. This church was accustomed to having no planned things, but to just let the Spirit move as He chose. The ministers would not use notes but maybe come with some scriptures (though they did study the subject they were to preach).

This man, however, chose to write out his messages word for word in advance. He would then speak at church what He believed the Lord was bringing to them through this advanced prepared message. He took a lot of flack for doing that. He was pressured to not use notes. Apparently God was just not moving as He should because it was preplanned. I do not know how things went for this man, but I still remember him and how God used him to bless and strengthen my life.

Over the years as pastor of this church, I have given messages that were not preplanned, at least in detail. I believed that God would move and if I had a right heart that He would say what the people needed to hear. I still believe that. But, I have come to learn that He will move through a message that I pre-write most all of it, even as much as three weeks ahead of time (I did this when I went on vacation). To my amazement He can still transform lives by a preplanned message. The Word of God will still inspire people to live Godly lives though it is not inspired just at that moment, but was inspired days, weeks, even years earlier. Now, I have found that I actually have better messages and people remember them more than before by preparing a message in as much detail and forethought as possible.

Now that does not mean that one is better than the other. I think it depends on the man or woman God is using and what occasion and purpose the meeting is about. The point is that God is bigger than how things are delivered; they just must be delivered to people in the best way possible, so they can receive it and retain it.

Remember Joseph? He was sold into slavery and ended up in prison in Egypt. This seemed so random and bad. But, later Joseph told those brothers that it was God's plan to get him in that place to save peoples lives. Joseph had interpreted a dream of Pharaoh and caused a plan to be put in place to store food for seven years and then sell it for the coming seven famine years to all the world. It was a "suddenly" of different God events that brought forth a plan that was supernatural, but perhaps later seemed mundane to implement day after day all those years. I am sure that there was a lot of planning and organizing and writing things down before hand to make it all happen.

So, God is still in the business of saving all the world through Jesus Christ. Let's not get bogged down in the methods, but lets get busy with the message. As sojourners, missionaries, in this world, we are to relate the Truth in a way that the culture can most avidly accept it, so their lives will be transformed. It is different how God uses me today. I love being used how He wants at this time. Maybe He wants to use you in a new way, too.

Glimpses

Do you ever get impatient? I usually am able to be calm and wait. But, sometimes it seems I've waited long enough. Where is the result or reward I am looking for? I can almost feel it. I can almost taste it, yet it is still just over the horizon. I know I am going in the right direction. I know this is the right path, yet I am still waiting.

I may see glimpses of what is to come. This is just enough to keep me going. I believe that is called HOPE. Yes, God gives us hope! I like the scripture in Heb 11:1, NOW FAITH is the assurance (the confirmation, the title deed) of the things [we] hope for. (AMP)

We have to keep our hope alive. It keeps us alive. Our faith in God cannot be sustained without hope. Hope keeps us looking; keeps us stretching toward our goal. The bible tells us that we receive God's promises by faith and patience. All of these work together. No hope equals no faith. No faith means no receiving from God. No patience and we will quit too soon. So we must keep our hopeful patience going.

I am encouraged by those glimpses of the future I am longing for. I have seen too many people unable to see the light at the end of the tunnel. They become hopelessly in the dark of their tunnel of adversity. Sometimes they will turn to God and He will renew their hope. Sometimes it takes the support of others; their encouragement by pointing out where the tunnel ends and how bright that future light really is.

How are you doing today? Are you hopefully patient? Are you patiently hopeful? Do you see a glimpse of what you are longing for? Grab hold of God and don't let go. You can depend on Him to get you through. He is the light at the end of our tunnel - Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for thou art with me! (Ps 23:4)

Going to the Game

Tomorrow I am going to a Twins baseball game. We were blessed with the tickets. I looked online and found that the pitcher Francisco Liriano will be playing. This guy had an injury and was out last season and had surgery. He came back early this year and lost three straight. They sent him down to the minor leagues. He came back and has won five games with no losses now. What a comeback.

Sometimes I feel like that has happened to me. How about you? You are going along and all seems well. Then, it all goes south and you wonder why? Why did this have to happen? You feel like you got sent down to the minors. Then, with God's help you come back and you are rolling again.

I am so happy to be rolling along and our church is rolling along. We are seeing so many new people that I am really amazed. I so enjoy the church services. The worship is so dynamic. The music team must be the best around. I sure enjoy them. The team is so talented - definitely they are major league. I love the messages that God is bringing to the church and I love giving them. It feels like I am in the right place and pitching for the win every time.

So, if you are feeling like you've been sent down to the minor leagues, don't give up. Keep going and let God help you find your pitch again. Keep rolling to the majors again. Give it time and see what God can do. I sure am looking forward to seeing Lariano pitch for the win tomorrow. Win or lose he has already won because he stayed with what God gave him to do. With Christ we already win if we don't quit.

Finding Your Sweet Spot

Yes, I can feel it, that sweet spot, when the club hits the ball and you know it is perfect. It is like you know the ball is going exactly where it is supposed to go. I remember a few years ago when I was playing the 18th hole. I had not exactly played well, just OK. I had hit a good tee shot. I still had about 250 yards to the hole. I went for it. I took out my 3 wood and hit the sweet spot. It rolled onto the green. I had an eagle putt. I did end up with a birdie. But, hitting that sweet spot is what made that whole golf game a thrill and made me want to play again.

I have not played golf at all this year, but I can still feel the sweet spot. It is like your work. When you are not in the right place you are not doing so well. You don't want to go to work. It feels like you are wearing the wrong clothes - they don't fit right; awkward. But when you find the right fit you know it and it is so sweet. When you are working in your sweet spot it is like it isn't work at all. You love what you are doing. Even though it may be challenging, it is envigorating and you want to keep doing it.

Eccl 2:24 A man can do nothing better than to eat and drink and find satisfaction in his work. This too, I see, is from the hand of God, NIV

Have you found your sweet spot? Is your work satisfying? Is it your passion? If not then keep looking for it. God has made you to have it, use it, and find it. The world is in need of it and you are in need of expressing it. Don't give up. Your first 17 holes may have been mediocre at best, but here comes your 18th hole and you will even make an eagle putt. SWEEEEET!

Do you hate your job?

I found an amazing statistic from an '05 Gallup poll that says that 77% of people dislike or hate their jobs. What about you? Do you get up in the morning excited to go to work? Or are you like three out of four Americans who would rather skip work?

This Sunday at church we will talk more in detail about what work is all about. God works and He made us in His image. We are made to work. That at first sounds bad, but when God works it is always good. It is very good for us when He works. So, when you are productive and are working you honor the Lord. You are working for God and for those He wants to serve through you. God is the creator and we need to be creating, too. It is in our nature.

Think of what you do as a service or ministry to others. Even if you sit at a desk all day pushing paper or you have your cubicle and a computer screen, you are doing work so others can have something they need. You are making someone's life better. God is all about making things better and good for us.

Then there is the money aspect. You can have your needs met and you can have extra to help serve others. The best is to help others hear the gospel. To take someone to heaven with you is eternal. And this happened because you worked on a job and gave some money. That money enabled them to hear a message about Jesus in some form and they were able to respond. Spending your money on just stuff down here on the earth is so fleeting. How much stuff have you tossed into the garbage that was the thing you needed. Now it is yesterday's news.

Look at what Eph 6:7 says, "Work with enthusiasm, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people." (NLT) It takes the right mindset, the right attitude, to work with enthusiasm especially if you hate your job. You notice it doesn't say to have enthusiasm if your boss treats you right and your co-workers are sweet to you. It says work for the Lord. There are benefits that come to us with this right way of thinking about our work.

I have heard about people that finally retired from their job and then they died right away. Retirement did not give them life, but the other way around. I think we need to be producing, to be useful. Feeling valued and useful goes a long way. Most think they would love to just sit around and lay by the pool. But, after awhile you would feel bored and become depressed. Now don't get me wrong, we do need some down time, too. All work and no play makes Kevin a dull boy and we don't want that.

So, love God by working for Him. Let Him be your boss. Blow all the people at your work's mind by your enthusiasm. Love people by serving them, ministering to them by and at your work. You will reap the benefits (come and hear this Sunday's message to find out what they are). OK, now my work is done for today. I can't wait until I am back to work tomorrow. How about you?

Back From the Brink

Yes, we are back safe and sound from the brink of the Grand Canyon. What a drop; one false step and you are a 'gonner.' Anytime someone, especially one of my family, would walk close to the edge of the canyon, the hair on the back of my neck would rise.

We did enjoy the beauty of the vast and great creation we call the Grand Canyon. It sure makes you appreciate God and how awesome He is, to have created this. What a majestic God we serve. I want to tell you if you ever get a chance -- go see this.

We had a great vacation. We were hot, but it made the pool even more inviting. I did get to sit by the pool a bit and read a good book. I am reading "Next Generation Leader" by Andy Stanley. It is very good. One nugget -- find what you are good at and focus on that. More on that another time.

We stayed in Sedona, Arizona. It was a beautiful spot. The mountainous red rocks were in view from our balcony. Very therapeutic to sit there and look at God's creation in technicolor. It was good to be with our kids. Grant loved Slide Rock State Park, and so did my wife, Susan. It was fun, but slippery as a couple of us took a fall. We all went sliding down the rocks with the rushing creek water. Susan and Grant jumped from some cliffs, too. Jenessa really enjoyed the sunset at the Grand Canyon.

Back to work and school is almost upon us, but we will not forget the great trip we had together.

We're Off to the Grand Canyon

One of my wife, Susan's, dreams has been to take our family to see the Grand Canyon. Well her dream is becoming a reality. We will be heading out soon to Arizona to see the great spectacle.

It is definitely hot in Arizona. It will be 109 degrees when we arrive. Thank God for good AC. I am looking forward to a nice relaxing time as well as see some sights. I think a nice pool is in order and maybe a good book, too. We will of course do a lot of hiking around the canyon and seeing other things that I will let you know about.

Rev. Tasha Schuh will be speaking this Sunday on "Setting Boundaries for Your Mind". It is going to be a fantastic message as she has been doing a great deal of study on the subject. She is also a fine speaker.

The following Sunday Pastor Ted Marsh will be speaking as he starts our new series on "Back to the Basics." His message is on "Going and Sending." This is right up his alley so be inspired to go or send others. This message is Pastor Ted's forte as he truly has a heart to reach people for Christ.

I will miss you all, well, not too much. But, I will return with stories to tell.

Pleased as Punch with our Church

Last night as I was just commenting to the Executive Leaders of ALC about my feelings of where the church is at, Jeff (Knowlen, Director of Worship) said I should blog it. I thought that was a great idea, so here it is.

Though the church could be at a better place financially and reaching more people, I am pleased as punch (is this a southern colloquial expression?). I love how our church is organized with the executive team that has taken ownership of their church. They are passionate about reaching the churched and unchurched with a relevant message from the Word that will transform lives. We truly work as a team with each part giving something that the others lack.

Our leaders (heads of ministries, we meet monthly) that serve the Lord and the church are doing an outstanding job. They are onboard with the vision and have stood firm with us to serve God, the church, and those that need a church home. I thank them for making our church operate with excellence.

Our church services and messages are the best ever. The services are prayerfully prepared to be the best they can be. We let each other know if we are missing the mark and try to make constant improvements. I certainly enjoy the preparation and style of the messages now. I believe that people are able to receive and retain more of the Word of God because of keeping relevance in the forefront. You know that Jesus was very relevant in His messages using stories that connected people to the spiritual principles.

Our worship is certainly vibrant and impacts us to open our hearts to the Lord. We are enjoying having some new faces on the team as well as those that have been with us for decades using their awesome talents to allow the church to worship God fully.

Another thing that I am pleased as punch about is our newly ordained Pastor -- Pastor Ted Marsh. What a faithful minister and blessing he is to me and all of us at ALC. He is stepping up to the plate and knocking it out of the park. We constantly hear of the impact he is making on the church and those outside the church. He is gifted in connecting with people in a way that they open up and respond to him. Many have been invited to church and some have come. We are only beginning to see the grace of God operate through Pastor Ted and his wife RaeJean. She is now starting Financial Peace University. This will totally transform many lives, marriages, and finances.

Speaking of Pastor Ted, you should see the incredible float he is making right now. It will be used in the River Falls parade this Friday at 6:30pm. You won't miss this huge western covered wagon that the music team will be on. It is awesome. Pastor Ted is incredible at this type of creative building. Hey, come on out and be in the parade with us, too. Hand out candy and let people know you love your church and they can be a part of it, too.

Well, I am pleased as punch with all God is doing here at ALC. See you at the Yippee ki yaa parade.

Too Busy?

What a beautiful day it is. I am sitting at my desk wondering how I could go outside and enjoy this and still get my work done. Sermons do not write themselves. Summer for me is longed for. I grew up in a much warmer climate in Carolina. Going to the pool and beaches was a welcome summer activity. You can actually enjoy the beach well into October. Susan and I took part of our honeymoon to the Myrtle Beach area during October. The weather was great and the water was still warm enough to swim in.

Now that I have lived here in Wisconsin for the last 22 years I have grown a little thicker skin. When the family went to Florida at Christmas time (thanks to God providing free airline tickets due to being bumped) my son, Grant, and I braved the ocean water. Yes, it was cold, but not so bad once you got used to it. Of course we were the only people in the water.

Well the point I am getting to is that often our summers here in Wisconsin get so busy because we try to pack so much into them. They are relatively short you know. We plan all our recreation and vacation. We plan all our outdoor projects. Everyone invites you to graduation parties, cookouts, sporting events, family get-togethers, etc. How do we fit it all in? We get so busy that we don't have time for the spiritual things that are most important. We don't take the time to slow down and enjoy the summer with the wife and kids. Like it has been said, "if you don't schedule your time, someone else will."

I encourage you as well as myself to enjoy the outdoors and schedule as much time as possible with God and the people you love. That is what it is all about anyway. May the Lord Jesus give you wisdom to say "NO" to some things and do what they do in Carolina -- sit out on the porch and sip some sweetened ice tea. Of course make time for your church, too. See you this Sunday.

Rainy days

I am looking out the window watching the rain come down and the forecast is more of the same. It has been a cool and wet spring and summer so far. It sure makes you appreciate the sunny nice days we have.

I remember a couple of years ago when the church was in the River Falls Days Parade. It was a nice hot day. We had the music team and float all prepared. The music team plays music live as we drive down the parade route. It's pretty amazing. We had my truck full of water bottles to hand out to thirsty parade-goers. We began the parade and handed out a few water bottles when the heavens opened with a huge downpour. People scrambled for cover. The parade was cancelled. We were soaked. But thankfully Pastor Ted had built a shelter over the float saving all the music equipment from being nice wall art at Applebee's or somewhere.

When it rains on our parade what do we do? We must realize that adversity causes us to grow stronger if we will put our trust in God. It means we will have to call upon Him to help us get through it. It tests our faith and being found genuine it will grow. We know that with God's help the rainy days will end and because of it the bright sunny days wll be filled with the green growth that fills our lives with delight.

The next day my son and I took the truckload of water bottles and handed them out to people at the other festivities in town. People were so appreciative as it was a hot one. My son was changed as he saw the people respond to his kindness. What a great church to supply the bottles of water to touch people with Christ's love. I'm looking ahead to the sunny days!

By the way we can use you for the ALC float this year on July 11th. Mark it down and help us celebrate our church and reach out to River Falls. Be blessed.

My prayer this morning.

In prayer this morning I prayed for God to show me who I can invite to come to church. All the staff yesterday talked about us, the staff, getting with it and praying who we can invite. We have a great church and we know that people come primarily because they are invited. Many times we interact with people, some strangers, and some acquaintances, and family, etc., that need to know that we do want them to come to church.
Once they are there the Lord Jesus can do the rest. We have prepared the message and all the staff and volunteers are working hard to create an environment so that everyone can hear God speak to them. If people don't come then they won't hear the message. What do I have to lose to ask someone? They aren't coming now anyway. They can't not come twice as much, but they can come and be transformed by the powerful message of God's Word.
So, I am excited to see who God will send my way and who will respond to come to ALC. Who will you invite to come to church today?

Hi! Just begin and blog.

Starting to blog is exciting and also challenging to think that people will be reading the thoughts and comments that I have. I hope that people will see that a Pastor is just a person that feels and thinks like everyone else. I do have a responsibility to lead people to Christ and feed the people that are following Christ. Stop in later and see what God helps me say!