Saturday, in the Park

There we are, me and Ray Boltz, chatting in the park at the festival on Saturday. What a great time we had there and then in both services on Sunday. Franco and Ray loved our church and told me they will be back to see us when we least expect it. One day I will look up and see them walking in the door. I warned Ray that if I see him he will have to sing!

Pensacola Pride was a huge success. And we had many new visitors on Sunday that met us in the park on Saturday. So for all of the hard work it took to work the week, it was will work it.

I especially want to thank Doug and Donna and of course Tami for handling the Kids Korner.

All in all it was a great weekend.

Life, Abundant Life and Eternal Life

It's sad that so many people think that our time on earth is all there is to life - when just the opposite is true. The Bible says our days on this earth are but like a vapor. Yet we spend most of our resources on living in the here and now with little if any thought about eternity.
The last few weeks have been filled with death. We had three people in our church who had a parent die in the last two weeks, as well as a member who died very unexpectedly. And today a member sits by the bed of her mom who is dying.
Why do we see death as such a tragedy when in fact it is death that takes us back to God? Perhaps we need to focus more on eternal life. We are created to not only serve a purpose while we are on this earth, but more importantly to spend eternity with God.
So enjoy each day for truly it is a gift from God. But live with eternity in mind. Jesus came that we might have life...abundant life...and eternal life. May that truth make a difference in how you live your life today.

The Age of Accountabilty

When I was a kid the magical age of accountability was 12. One could be baptized and even though I did not understand how being dipped in that dirty Trout river was going to make me clean, I put on that while robe and down to the river I went with others who had turned 12.

It's a different world now. Ryan turned 12 yesterday, but Ryan has baptized when he was just months old. He cooks and cleans and can do his own laundry. He has a laptop, a Wii, a Play Station 2, a PSP and of course a cell phone. Just think how the world will be when Ryan has children...and I'm a grandma.

The cycle of life continues no matter what. Praise be to God!

Now that Summer is officially over, we prepare for a busy Fall. There's a different energy in the air. So before you get too busy find a place in nature, take a few minutes and breathe in and out. Then you will find your mind drifting to pleasant thoughts of colored leaves, apple cider, pumpkins, footballs games and getting together with family and friends.

Love, joy and peace are found in the moment.
Let go of yesterday
Do not worry about tomorrow
Enjoy this day that God has made for YOU!

What a Glorious Day!

Yesterday was like a little taste of heaven! We saw old friends and made some new ones. We had two great worship services followed by a feast of delicious food. And then Rev. Lee jumped for joy as he preached about his love and passion for Jesus the Christ. And how about news of Cornerstones new building which will seat 450 people! Thanks also to Alton and the Cornerstone choir for joining our choir for the re dedication service. That was some powerful singing!!!

I know God is an overwhelming God and was I overwhelmed yesterday!

Thanks to everyone who attended any and all of our glorious day. To God be the glory!

More Than Cool

Future quarterback!








The watermelon was so good Cindy had to have two! Thanks Maria!

Okay, so I thought I wanted to jump into 68 degree water but I was wrong! I made it up to my knees and I had to retreat back to dry land.

But for those who were brave enough to jump in, a good time was had by all.

Then there was the father/daughter bonding that took place!

And those who broke the rules!

And the beautiful bug we really didn't need to see!

All in all, it was a fun day! Thanks Outreach, we had a good time.

What Does God Want From Me?

If you find yourself asking that question then you need to be at church tonight as we begin a new Bible Study on Secrets of the Vine from the little book written by Bruce Wilkinson. He also wrote The Prayer of Jabez. We begin at 7PM and are finished by 8PM so take an hour out of your evening and come learn what it is that God wants from you.
I hope to see you tonight.

Vacations Are Good - Coming Home is Great!

Today I returned to work after my two week vacation. How marvelous is was to see the Christ window installed. What a difference you will see and feel when you walk back in. I know we are going to have a great day in worship tomorrow. There is so much to celebrate.

One of the joys of vacation for me anyway is the opportunity to read. I read three books that truly spoke to my heart and mind. I look forward to sharing bits and pieces over the weeks that lie ahead. One of them I hope to use as our next Wed. night series. Even while on vacation God speaks to my heart and leads me to resources we can use.

One of the off-the-road stops we made was to see Carrie's mom, Mrs. Hardwick. I promised her if I ever went to Arkansas I would stop and see her. It was only about two hours out of the way and we could only stay an hour but I am so glad we did it. She hugged and hugged me. Tears came to her eyes as she again thanked me for all Holy Cross did for her when Carrie died. She's excited about coming to worship with us when she come to visit Pensacola. Through our love in action she was reminded of God's love for her and her daughter. That's what it's all about.

I can't remember when I have been so excited about returning from a vacation. Maybe that's because I came back early and rested some. I know we will have a special time of worship together tomorrow. I thank God those who worked so hard to move things around and get things right today. After the finishing touches were complete and everyone was gone, I just wanted to sit with my eyes on Jesus and fall in love all over again. Never will anyone have to question if we are the church of Jesus Christ. It's obvious in a big and beautiful way. Thanks Ralph!