Dear Family,
I
must admit, my favorite blessing this week made me wiggle with joy at first but
then cringe a bit as I became saturated.
McDonalds Monopoly is happening and I still have about 10 free items to
claim (from using digital entries). Yet,
I will have to admit, there is too much of a good thing even from my favorite
restaurant. I can only eat so many free apple-pie
pastries before I’m done.
Ahhhhh,
but youth group always has so many fun instances of silliness and learning
about God in the best ways. Several new people came, and I loved that during
lesson time one young person was eager for their friend to hear the gospel
message. Bobby asked, “What is a reason we can rejoice?” Their answer was, “We can rejoice that being
saved only means you have to believe.”
There it is folks, grace. Our salvation is through God’s grace. Bobby did take that and run with the
explanation of Jesus dying for our sins.
Yay!!
Bobby
then talked about how happiness is external – about something you just got
(like my free McDonalds food) and joy is internal. Joy lasts.
His illustration was, “How do you think Rich would feel if I gave him a
new truck?” Rich said, “Uhhh, awkward.” I piped in, “Because he would be wondering
what your wife thought of this purchase.”
I was not shy about my disapproval.
Bobby’s retort, “You are ruining my example.” I think our youth did understand what he was
talking about though. He went on to say
that if the new truck was scratched the joy might be lost.
The
illustration went over much better during High School group when Bobby
mentioned, “What if I was to buy Everest a new truck.” Now that person, he lit up with evidence that
this action would give him much happiness.
It was fun to watch.
Sometimes
Bobby’s fill in the blanks are such big college words people say, “I don’t like
that word,” or, “Stupid word!” Bobby
countered with, “I’m rejoicing in your presence – even though you are wrong.” I am glad we have fun with the youth. They are a blast to be around.
This
weekend was the Seaside pastors retreat.
Rainy thought it was we praised God in heartfelt worship, soaked in
God’s word and even had some fun private aerobics early in the morning. Also, the picture above was a lovely time with
the pastors of West Hills.
During
the conference I enjoyed hearing how other churches are doing, what God is
doing in their places of ministry, AND what God can do with missions and NAB. God is truly at work, and I am excited to be
part of it. Also, it was fun to play Azul with friends. They loved the game and so did I.
May
you find that each adventure God gives you is a blessing. May your life reflect how much God loves
you. May you enjoy life, be a giving
person and find strength in knowing you are loved quite dearly.
Hugs, Cristy
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