Thursday, June 14, 2012

ELEVATION NORTH has NEWS for YOU!

FATHERS!  They’re the heroes of our homes … and if not, how their families wish they were!   Living in a world that is filled with so much apathy and a lack of courage to stand for what is right – has left women and children aching to see their husband and dad rise to the challenge of becoming the hero they are longing for.  Children want a daddy they can run to who will be their protector from the bullies.  And children of all ages want a father who is rock-solid strong against the storms of life; who can share wisdom beyond their own from a longer span of experiences.  And of course, all kids want a dad who will laugh and play with them, tease and tousle with them – and in the next breath assure them how much they believe in them!  Dads who have learned to cushion their sons and daughters from some of the ills of the world, also are smart enough to know that their children must experience some of the bumps and bruises that come their way to strengthen their minds and set their wings soaring!  Wives secretly wish that their husbands will love them beyond their imperfections to their fullest potential, you know – like Christ loves His church (that’s us!).  Women want their men to have strength as unshakeable as the Rock of Gibraltar – yet who will express love and devotion with tenderness and emotion!  Wow, dads!  It sounds like your wives and kids want it all.  They want you to be Mr. Perfect with every attribute in the dictionary wrapped up in the heart and soul of what you see as just a body of faltering flesh and bones at times.  How are you supposed to do it all?  How are you supposed to be everything that they want you to be?  Well, let me tell you.  Godly wives will not want you to do it alone or to have to be everything to everyone.  They will recognize and desire for you to lean on the wisest Father of all, drawing from His strength each day of your life.  They will want your example to come not from self-sufficiency, but from knowing the Lord Jesus Christ and following Him daily.  They will graciously allow for your humanity when they see you on your knees, asking God for help to be the man He wants you to be – and that YOU want to be!  They will want to be right beside you in your quest to be courageous … and will admire your commitment to become a more devoted follower of Christ than ever before!  You think they were in love with you before?  As your love for Christ deepens, so will their love for you deepen even more!  And the same goes for your children – only in a different way from child to parent.  Their respect for you will increase, they will choose to hang out with you, and you’ll be able to tell how secure and loved they feel when they are with you!  And you know what?  As you step up to become more courageous, your family will learn more about what their Heavenly Father is like as they watch you!  Yeah, you have big shoes to fill … but we are confident that you can do it!  We believe in you, dads!  You are our special gift from God!  I celebrate the example I’ve been given through all the dads in my life … my dad and my husband’s dad – both now in heaven and who taught me so much, our sons who are incredible dads to our grandchildren, and my amazing husband, who loves his family deeply and who is constantly and courageously stepping up the pace to be the man that God has planned for him to be.  Happy Father’s Day, dads; you truly are our heroes!
IN A NUTSHELL . . .

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY blessings to Merv & Kathy on June 21st!
SPECIAL THANKS to Matthias and Liz for leading the Re: Fuel Youth Lock-In / To those who helped w/Kidz event!

SUN, JUN 17:  10:00 A.M. – WORSHIP & PRAISE, with a message & pledge for “Godly, Courageous Men”, and Happy Father’s Day to all our dads!  You are loved and prayed for!  (No Sunday School classes today).
THU, JUN 21:  7:00 P.M. – MISSION HUDDLE with Seykoras; location will be announced – let us know # coming!
FRI/SAT, JUN 22/23:  MEDFORD CITY-WIDE GARAGE SALE, including Elevation North; we’ll need your help!!
SAT, JUN 23:   4:30 P.M. – MEDFORD PARADE – come and see our fantastic church float for the community!
SUN, JUN 24:  10:00 A.M. – WORSHIP & PRAISE, focusing on “The Power of the Holy Spirit” from God’s Word!
SUN, JUN 24:  11:15 A.M. – KINGDOM CONNECTION CLASSES & PUPPET MINISTRY; let’s all learn more!

PRAYER OPPORTUNITIES … Praise God for answered prayers, provision, harvest of souls, Seykoras, & Lundstroms
REMEMBER . . . “I will trust and not be afraid, for the Lord is my strength and song.”  Isaiah 12:2


Serving Christ Joyfully,

Pastor Doug and Debbie









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