God Grant Me the Serenity...

...to accept the things I cannot change...

While I would never wish a hurricane on any populated area, there is some relief in knowing one is not headed here. But the winds and rain are already here. And my family is at a condo at the beach and they just called to tell me how much oil this storm is bringing in and how sad it is. While BP has people on the beach cleaning it up, we all know that it will be years and years - if ever - before the beaches are completely clean.

As the oil continues to gush and the situation worsens, let us take comfort in knowing that God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in times of trouble. While we cannot change what is happening, Almighty God can still bring forth good from this bad situation. Join with all of those around the globe who are praying for God's help in the Gulf of Mexico.

In case you haven't heard, we have a guest singer int he 11:00AM service this Sunday and a cookout to follow. If you want to bring anything bring something to go with hot dogs and apple pie. I hope to see you Sunday.

We Made It

Well, we made it through our first week without Bea! At least I almost have. We have new office hours [Monday - Friday from 10:00 to 3:00]. Miriam will now be working on Wed, Thursday and Friday and my days off remain the same [thank you Jesus] I am off on Thursday and Friday.

We also have a new voice-mail system so that when the phone is not answered you can choose the voice mail box of the person you are calling and leave a private message for them. I think you will like it once you get used to it.

And last but not least, thank you for a great offering on Sunday. I said I didn't want to have to worry about money this week and you came through! I am grateful. To those of you out-of-towners who keep up with our church, if you have thought about sending an offering to the church this would be a great time to do so. Like most other churches in the USA, money is tight right now and it's usually tighter in the summer when the utilities are at the highest. So, if you love my ministry and/or the ministry of Holy Cross MCC, pray about giving an offering to the church.

Thanks for the many prayers you offer up for me and Holy Cross. There are days I feel those prayers helping to sustain me. There is nothing like the Body of Christ and the people of God. Thank you for being a part of our church.

Milestones

Well last Sunday I celebrated surviving 10 Memorial Day Weekends on Pensacola Beach. And what a great time we had.

Yesterday I survived my son's first date! I wonder how many people in our city have had that first date at the same place....the Silver Screen?

Yes, Ryan is growing up and I am growing older and life is good. Praise be to God!!!