WE’VE BEEN EVERYWHERE, MAN! “We’ve been everywhere, man” … wasn’t that a popular song some years ago?! Well, this week, it became our theme song! We were SO excited to head out on the road for a few days … because it meant bringing our 15-year old grandson back with us to stay for a little over a week! We’ve never had the joy of having a grandchild stay with us before … so we were like two little children anticipating a special present all wrapped up and waiting to be opened! We met our son, Dana and his wife, Stacey, in Chicago – as they were flying from there to Europe for their 20th anniversary cruise. Dylan would be coming home with us … and we could hardly wait! It was so great seeing them, as we hadn’t been together for over a year! During the course of the evening, the four of us left the hotel to run an errand in their car, while Dylan went up to the room. Barely down the street, we realized there was some bad weather going on. Thanks to internet on the cell phone, we discovered there was a tornado in the area we were staying in. Dana was driving aggressively through the toppled street barricades, as if on an obstacle course. The wind was strong, rain was pelting, it was dark, and we weren’t sure but that the car wouldn’t be hit by some moving object. Stacey, following her intuition, reasoned that we should turn around and get back to the hotel as soon as possible. At that moment, Dana’s phone rang and Dylan was letting us know that the power was out at the hotel. Everything was dark. Upon our return, we had to take the outer stairs at the Hyatt to get back to our room – since the elevators were out of order. Again, the cell phones provided a bit of light so we could see where we were going. The generators would not cooperate … and so we spent all night in the dark. When early morning came, we had to pull the window covering open to get ready by the bit of daylight that provided a shadowy reflection in the mirror. Taking to the road, we drove home through cloudy skies and rain. The next day, we hit the road again to attend a ministry board meeting a few hours away. Talking with some friends and sharing some health news they are facing, our hearts just wanted to “fix” it all … the diagnosis, the upcoming surgery, the temporary change in both schedules and lifestyle. We could understand the dilemma, the pull of heartstrings, the desire to continue to pour their hearts into ministry while the necessity to pull back for recovery screams loud and clear. Lord, why are the decisions never easy? Life can get so very complicated. If it was just for you that you were making the decision for, it would be so simple. We want always to do what is best for our family, and yet this strong call to bring hope and life-changes to people through the message of Christ compels us to keep going, even when it seems irrational. Darkness seems to overshadow the decision born out of deep struggle. I’m so glad that God knows our hearts, and will always come through for us … revealing what His perfect will is in each life event. And when He does, there comes that unwavering peace. Suddenly, it’s all clear. We get to take a glimpse at the big picture … God has something so much greater in store than we ever could have visualized. It may come through totally different venues and methods than we originally anticipated – but it will be even better … far better! Sometimes retreating for a bit gives God opportunity to renew and replenish and re-fire us beyond what we’ve previously experienced! We thought we were strong before, passionate and purposed … but watch out, world! What God has done, no man or devil can thwart! Friends, we just want to encourage you that God WILL bring you to the right decision. Of all the voices and advice coming your way, may you hear God’s voice booming louder and clearer than all the rest! You are truly His chosen vessels, and He is just doing some re-shaping of the clay right now. What may seem like a weakness in the body or at the least, an inconvenience for ministry schedules – I believe are pottery tools in His nail-scarred hands, and you are getting detailed hands-on attention right now. May you be gifted with oneness in spirit, and harmony in your guided decision – that God might be lifted up and glorified! How I thank God that He always comes through for us … how He always knows the desire of our hearts! As a postscript to our grandson’s visit, I had specifically prayed before he ever came, that we would be able to bless him, impact him in godly ways, and touch his life with our love and care. And you know what? The very first evening back home, we spent hours just talking and sharing our hearts about things of God. We talked about heaven and hell, about our faith and so many experiences, and how others have made a real difference in our lives. God … you answered even before we asked! Of all the fun things we’ve been able to do together … this chat will be my highlight! Thank you, Dylan … we love you so much! (And for all of you listening in on these family and friend experiences, we hope they will remind you to “keep on” in the storms and the darkness … for His light will always shine bright enough to light your next step!)
IN A NUTSHELL . . .
IN A NUTSHELL . . .
- GOD ALWAYS KNOWS how to brighten our lives, and His Holy Spirit truly enlightened our hearts through the powerful message Pastor Doug shared with the congregation on Father’s Day last Sunday! How we praise God for His presence in our midst!
- A SPECIAL WELCOME to Dennis and Betty who worshipped with us for the first time on Sunday; you truly encouraged us, and we pray that you were blessed, as well! We look forward to having you join us again!
- WE WELCOME our grandson, Dylan, who is with us at Elevation North today! Thank you for coming … and may God be with you as you travel home this week!
- LOVING BIRTHDAY WISHES to Pastor Doug as he celebrates this Tuesday on June 28th! May your life be filled with as much joy as you bring to the lives of all who know you! We all thank God for you!!! You are loved!
- LOOKING AHEAD . . .
- THIS SUNDAY, JUNE 26TH: 10:00 A.M. – PRAISE & WORSHIP with a message that draws us into sweet communion with our Lord as we participate in Communion, remembering what Christ did for us on Calvary!
- NEXT SUNDAY, JULY 3RD: 10:00 A.M. – PRAISE & WORSHIP, celebrating our nation and the freedom that Christ came to give! We are so excited to begin the new sermon series on “Two Words to Change the World” – as we take a look at scriptures to help us become believers who WILL change our world as God empowers us! Don’t miss a Sunday!!!
- SUMMER & AUTUMN ministry schedules will be printed and ready for you next Sunday … mark the events on your calendars and plan to be active participants in the life of Elevation North!
- PRAYER OPPORTUNITIES . . .
- WHAT A JOY IT IS to see God at work so personally in our lives and in our church! How we praise Him for His incredible touch in Ernie’s life this past week; and we continue to lift up those who need God’s healing touch, others who need financial provision, those who have unspoken requests, and for wisdom and completed miracles for the new church home for Elevation North! Let’s bind our hearts together, in Jesus’ Name and for His glory!
- REMEMBER . . . God is saying to you, “Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in every way and (that your body) may keep well, even as (I know) your soul keeps well and prospers.” 3 John 2, (Amplified Bible)
Serving Christ Joyfully . . .
Pastor Doug and Debbie
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