Sunday's Service

Yes, it was somewhat cool and a bit windy, even wet; nevertheless, we gathered and worshiped and it was good--very good. My message from John 17 was probably a bit different from what you might have heard in the past from that passage; to be honest, it was very fresh truth for me.

I find it very encouraging to know that even Jesus had times of anxiety, times when, having done everything He could do concerning some particular situation, He went to His Father in prayer. I find it especially encouraging to know that is really does care for us, so much so that He prayed for us!

Take a few minutes to reflect of the specifics of His prayer for us (you have them from your notes yesterday) and then "cast all of your cares upon Him" for He really does care for you, which at this point should be very obvious.

Your Pastor

A Bad Weather Night

From all indications, we will have some "bad" weather tonight--mostly rain and wind, with the possibility of hail, even a tornado. Even a casual look at the radar makes one want to stay inside tonight--dry and safe. We have all seen enough of the devastation "bad" weather can bring to know that it is wise to be prudent regarding the warnings we hear.

I find it a bit strange, however, that so many ignore the ancient, yet ever present, warnings that God has given to us in and through His Word regarding the devastation that will come upon those who disregard them.

As I write this, I can hear the rustle of leaves in my front yard and the rumble of thunder in the distance, and I feel confident that most of my neighbors are inside their safe houses for the night; however, I must wonder if anyone is hearing the "rustle of leaves and the rumble of thunder" as God prepares to send His Son for His Bride. I also wonder how many of God's children realize that Jesus is their "safe house" and are, therefore, consciously abiding in Him.

We gather together tomorrow morning to worship and I really hope to see you then. I am expecting Him to visit us and prove Himself strong!

Your Pastor

Kevin, You de Man!!!

Our 'Tee' time was 8:00 AM on hole #5 at Healy Point and we (Dudley Bluhm, Aaron Burrough, Kevin Daniel, and yours truly) were on time and eager to play the great game of golf--a four man scramble! Just for your information, Aaron is Debbie Bluhm's son, and we found out today that his Mom is the greatest Mom on earth. How did we find out? He told us and made no bones about it!

Actually, the tourney was a fund raiser for the Museum of Aviation, for which our own Dudley Bluhm is the main-most-man, well almost, anyway. It is my understanding that this tourney raised over $100,000, which ain't bad by anyone's standards! The really good news is this: Kevin, Aaron, and I were guests and that means that it didn't cost us a cent--talk about grace! To top it off, we had a scrumptious lunch following our round, which will be followed by another fine mean tonight. Annis & I will join Debbie & Dudley for an incredible evening of, you guessed it--EATING! Wow! I can hardley wait!

For the record and for your viewing pleasure, I have enclosed the above pictures--ENJOY!

Oh, yes--Kevin, he is de man! I mean he even made a long putt, even a terrific drive or two; truth is, we used his ball several times! I am afraid that he might quit counseling and start playing golf! Of course, I also noticed that he ain't too bad at eating, either.

Your loving pastor!

Karen Purnhagen's Great News!

The following is a copy of the email I received from Karen regarding today's visit to the Doc and in my humble opinion it is an answer to prayer and, I might add, it is incredibly good news:

Hi all,

The doctor says things are going along very well. There should be no need for chemo or radiation, just the simple surgery to increase the clean margin, which he expects to be done with a local anesthetic in about 20 minutes. The fact that the area is hurting is very good news and will probably get better as time goes on and the nerves calm down. He will do the surgery in around 3 weeks to allow more healing, and since 2 weeks I already have appointments for other doctors.

I'm getting used to the idea and he did give me a Rx for valium, if I get too nervous the day of the surgery, but after talking with him, I think it will be fine without it.

I'll let you know the surgery date when I find out.

Karen

HALLELUJAH is what I want to say about that!!
Love,
Your Pastor

Is A Spring Work Day Needed?

Sometimes the obvious is so obvious that we miss it, or maybe it is that we no longer see what we see so often; in either case, I am wondering if a Spring work day might beneficial. I am offering some pictures of the "beauty spots" around the GCF building for your perusal. Hopefully, you will be willing to take one of them and improve it somewhat. Remember, we might not notice them but rest assured that our visitors do; in fact, it is their FIRST impression of us! Anyway, feel free to come on out and improve the looks of your chosen "beauty spot." I promise not to tell anyone that you did it!!

The Evidence!

There can be no mistaking it because the evidence is in--Syd is about to be a grandmother for the fourth time! If she shows up missing anytime soon, not to worry, as she will be busy "grandmothering" and "mothering," even mother-in-lawing"! I am guessing but I would bet money that Rick would pay her big bucks to drive on up NOW! What in the world is he going to do with two children at 2:00 AM, when Leigh says, "It is time to go--now!"? Heavens, now that I have seen Leigh's picture, I am surprised that he hasn't already sent a limo for Syd!

Anyway, just thought you would want to know!

Much love,
Your Pastor

Home Again!

The older I become, the more I realize that true friends (the ones who travel the distance) are few and far between; consequently, I am purposing to spend as much time as possible with the few I have. Yes, I still love to make new friends but I must admit that I am a bit (well, more than a bit) doubtful about the longevity of the relationship; if you will be honest, you will probably admit that the same is true for you. Anyway, Annis and I spent this past week with several true friends and we had an incredible time playing golf (the men), eating (both), and shopping (mostly the women). I told them we could sleep after we are dead, so we tried to enjoy as many waking hours as we possibly could. One night, I fried 3 1/2 pounds of fresh, local shrimp and five pieces of fresh fish, and we almost ate every piece of it. As you might imagine, with that many shrimp and fish swimming around in one's stomach, staying awake that night was rather easy.

If you would like, you can meet these friends (at least the men) in the attached picture: (l-r) Jack Faniola; Brer Russell; Phil Bumpus; and, well, I think you will recognize the one on the far right; the hat should be a dead give away.) Anyway, Jack (a retired dentist from Connecticut) is a relatively new friend, especially in light of the length of time I have known Brer and Phil, but a true friend non-the-less; Brer (a retired Pharmacist) and I grew up together in Reynolds (if we ever grew up), so we are lifetime friends; and I met Phil (a now-retired Pharmacist) in 1960, when I began my Freshman year at Asbury College in Wilmore, KY. Of the four, I am the only one who is not retired--go figure!

Anyway, I want to encourage you to nurture your true friendships, even if it means traveling from Missouri or Connecticut or the South Pole. When you get right down to it, they are priceless and more-than-worthy of being nurtured. All I can tell you is this: when we are together, life is easy and we have fun!

Just thought you would want to know!

Much love,
Your Pastor