DADS … HOW FAST A LIFETIME FLIES
BY! I remember as if it were just
yesterday – being that little girl walking across the yard hand in hand with my
dad! I adored him and I loved to please
him. It was such fun helping him with the chores on
the farm and he taught me so much that I barely felt like I was working. I loved hearing his stories and there was always
a life lesson included – even if it was just that we should never forget how to
laugh. I respected him so highly because
he gave me countless reasons to do so. And
it was my joy to just be with him! If
you cannot tell, this little girl absolutely LOVED being with her daddy! Someone has said, “A father is God’s image in
the eyes of his children.” That should
be a compliment to you dads – it shows you how much you are valued and looked up
to! And at the same time, it shows what
a great responsibility you carry within that role – to show your children that
they can trust you to be the godly example that they credit you with. Of course, once we grow up a bit more and add
some maturity to our lives, as children we realize the staggering privilege
that is yours … and while we have often hung on every word and every action of
yours as if it were “gospel truth” – we see that you are human. We come to know how important it is that you
are finding your strength in the Heavenly Father. We come to understand just a little bit that
you often must feel overwhelmed in that role of being daddy, playmate, provider,
fixer of any and everything, teacher of not only life lessons, but spiritual
lessons, and being that example that we follow.
That’s huge … and I am only scratching the surface, I know! So much rests on your shoulders; that is why
it is so awesome to see a dad who is strong enough to go to God with his
weaknesses and find help there. There is
no better example than that, dads! And
every dad I know who does that is ultimately a dad more highly treasured
because he went beyond the scope of earthly advice to be all that he can be for
his children! What a priceless gift,
dads! And … if some of you had or have
dads who do not fit into the category of “Hall of Fame” for fathers – then there
is still another opportunity to discover that kind of relationship. Your Heavenly Father longs to be your “daddy”
– and He doesn’t mess up like human dads do once in a while. You can always
count on Him to be everything you’ve ever longed for in a dad. Sure, He probably won’t show up in your
backyard to play ball, but He will be the best listener you’ve ever had. He can fix more things for you and about you
than you ever imagined. Once He’s your
Daddy, He will bring more smiles to your face and more laughter to your days
than you ever thought possible. And yes,
you can walk hand in hand with
Him! He can even fix your dad – if your
dad will let him! And that’s the
beginning of a whole new story – which you will be writing! I just want to applaud the dads in this world
who live out their special role with eagerness and passion … who author years
of memories that impact us and gift us with unforgettable experiences! In that group of dads, I include every
generational dad in my life, past and present:
my grampas, my dad, my husband’s dad, my own husband, and now our
sons. I am so blessed by what I have seen
and now see being lived out in their lives as they embrace their role of being “dad”
with such integrity and adventure. They
teach by example and live out lasting lessons in such amazing, fun ways! And in years not too far in the future, we
will add grandsons to that list. For all
of them, my prayer is that they will always look to God as their Father whose
example they will always be able to trust and follow! You are loved, dads, and we celebrate
YOU!
IN A NUTSHELL . . .
A SPECIAL
WELCOME to Sara and her sons, James & Jr,, who worshipped with us
for the first time this past Sunday!
A HUGE “GOD
BLESS YOU” to those who have spent many hours this past week in the second
phase of enlarging our sanctuary; things are taking shape and we are trusting
God for provision for each step we take!
May God bless each one!
ELEVATION
NORTH SPOTLIGHT!
The walls
have come down and the sound booth has been built, the drywall is almost
finished and the carpet work completed, with carpet cleaning and final trim all
coming together before Sunday! All that
will remain of this phase will be the painting of the extended area. Amazing, isn’t it … when God’s people come
together to share their time and talents to make sure that the House of God is
ready for all who continue to come through the doors! We are so excited and encourage everyone to
participate by sharing just a little extra to help cover the costs of this
interior change in the building that God has provided for us! We know God will bless you for being about
His Kingdom work here on earth in our community, and we will be so grateful!
THIS SUN, JUN 16: HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!
10:00 A.M. - PRAISE & WORSHIP / SPECIAL SERVICE HONORING OUR FATHERS!
10:30 A.M. - KIDZONE CHURCH
THU, JUN 20:
6:00 P.M. - SUMMER POTLUCK DINNER at Kay Knutson Apartments
Let's plan on joining our friends there for some great food and an evening of great fellowship! You won't leave disappointed! Add your name to the sign-up sheet to list what you will bring.
FRI, JUN 21:
7:00 P.M. - LADIES NITE OUT
Come join us for some fun hiking at Lake Kohlmeier and girl time; plan to bring walking shoes, insect repellent, a light sweater, and some yummy snacks!
SAT, JUN 22:
7 A.M. - NOON - RELAY FOR LIFE table at the Farmer's Market in Central Park
If you can help with making hand-made items, bring home-grown or home-baked items, or work at the table, please contact Tine or Wayne & Verla!
NEXT SUN, JUN 23:
10:00 A.M. - PRAISE & WORSHIP
10:30 A.M. - KIDZONE CHURCH
REMEMBER . .
. “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your
soul and with all your strength. These
commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when
you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind
them on your foreheads. Write them on
the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.” ~ Deuteronomy 6:5-9
Joyfully Serving Christ . . .
Pastor Doug and Debbie
