From the Senior Pastor...

What does it mean to be in an attitude of prayer? I would like to begin answering the question by repeating Charles Swindoll’s well-known comment on “attitude.

"The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of attitude on life. Attitude, to me, is more important than facts. It is more important than the past, than education, than money, than circumstances, than failures, than successes, than what other people think, say or do. It is more important than appearance, giftedness or skill. It will make or break a company... a church... a home. The remarkable thing is we have a choice every day regarding the attitude we embrace for that day. We cannot change our past... we cannot change the fact that people will act in a certain way. We cannot change the inevitable. The only thing we can do is play the one string we have, and that is our attitude... I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% how I react to it. And so it is with you... we are in charge of our Attitudes”

If Swindoll is correct then to be in an attitude of prayer means that I choose to spend 90% of my life in prayer. If 90% of my life is spent in an attitude of prayer I will be more than adequately equipped to cope with the 10% of seemingly random events that assail me on a daily basis.

If 90% of my life is spent in prayer I will forgive more easily, love more fully, complain less bitterly and live more joyfully.

It is impossible for churches to meet the needs and expectations of all people all the time. It is decidedly easier to complain than to celebrate. An attitude of prayer changes my griping into loving, my complaining into forgiving, my sorrow into joy.

A church that is in an attitude of prayer is a welcoming, loving, forgiving and joyful family. It is a place where people experience grace rather than criticism; forgiveness instead of judgment; a place exuding the joyful presence of God’s love.

The church will be open of a day of prayer on Saturday, September 11 from 7am – 5 pm. You are encouraged to stop by for an attitude adjustment-it will change your life.

Prayerfully,  

Jim

From the Associate Pastor...

R&R&R!

As of this writing I’m finalizing my vacation plans and very much looking forward to some R&R&R! Now I’m sure you’re wondering; “Why so many R’s?” Well, the first “R” is of course rest and I’m sure we all know that the second “R” is for relaxation. But that last “R” I’ve added meaning restoration. Restore actually means to renew, rebuild and that’s exactly what I hope will happen during my vacation time. Not only will I read several books, take some very longs walks, swim in a crystal clear lake, spend time with friends, but spend time with our God as well. It is my hope that with the rest and relaxation the restoration will follow. I say this because I have to admit I’m a bit tired and looking forward to my time away as I always find it fun to go someplace different, to have new experiences, and meet new people. It is such a blessing to be able to go camping with friends, to talk, laugh, and eat way too many S’mores.

My hope for you is that during these summer months you had time for some “R&R&R.” That your time off from work or school gave you the much needed rest and relaxation so you too can return fully restored in God’s spirit. May we always realize that God calls us to take time off, to rest and renew our spirits in order to continue to do his work. May we all learn the importance of a little R&R&R!

Pastor Karen