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.
Monday, June 23, 2008
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
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.
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.
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