God's Amazing Creativity by Theresa Zuber

God’s creativity continually amazes me. It was apparent to me once again as I gazed across the bottom ground after dark and saw a multitude of lightning bugs flashing. God’s glitter on a beautiful summer evening for us to share with our two-year-old granddaughter.

Glittering lightning bugs on a summer night.
Rainbows of flowers in yards and along country roads.
The sing-song of a variety of birds on a early morning.
Who but God could direct this choir and arrange the harmonies?!
Shape-shifting mounds of fluffy cotton in the sky
That change from a baby to a rabbit.
Wind that can gently carress you and
Wind that chases you as you run for cover.
Spindly-legged colts that stand shortly after birth.
Butterflies with stained-glass wings doing a ballet
As the float from one bloom to another.
Trees bloom, fruit forms, And God turns garden seed into edible blessings.
In the summer, green is greener and blue is bluer.
What a WONDER You are, oh God!

Mission: Assimilation (Week 4) by Theresa Zuber

Hebrews 3:13 says we are to “… encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness.” Jesus’ life was spent spurring others on to be better, to be more, to become all God designed them to be. Look at his encounters with Zacchaeus, Matthew the tax collector, the woman caught in adultery, and Peter, just to name a few.

Having Christian friends and the support of a church family is vital as we grow in our walk with God. Not only is it an encouragement when times are hard or perhaps disheartening, but it also gives us accountability when straying from the straight and narrow.

Following Jesus’ example, we must commit to regular church attendance. 16He went to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, and on the Sabbath day he went into the synagogue, as was his custom. And he stood up to read. (Luke 4:14) “as was his custom” Jesus went to church regularly and so should we. We can’t stay connected with people we don’t spend time with. Also, we need to participate in worshipping together, communion and hearing the Word preached/taught.

Hebrews 10:25 “Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” You see, even in the first century “42They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” Acts 2:42 While driving, taking your eyes off the road for a few seconds can allow you to drift into the oncoming traffic. We need this encouragement to stay on course.

But this isn’t just a Sunday commitment. Remember the words of Joshua 24:14-15 14 "Now fear the LORD and serve him with all faithfulness. Throw away the gods your forefathers worshiped beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the LORD. 15 But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your forefathers served beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.” I try to remember to place emphasis on THIS day, since daily I have to choose.

Whom will I serve today? Myself? Money or work? My hobbies? Sports? TV shows? The internet? (I don’t know about you, but this hits close to home for me!) Or today, will I choose to serve the Most High God? Will I choose to serve His people in His name?

3Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. 4Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.” (Philippians 2:3-4)

I want to encourage YOU today to stay committed to God, to His people - your Christian brothers and sisters, to completing the race. “24Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.” (1 Corinthians 9:24) I pray that these scriptures will fill your heart with a desire to be steadfast for the entire race. When you become discouraged or tired and want to step back – remember to choose daily to serve the only true God – Jehovah!

Mission: Assimilation (Week 3) by Theresa Zuber

Now that we’ve (hopefully) gotten into the habit of focusing on some “power” verses that can help us in our day to day struggles, we are going to focus this week on prayer. Again, using Jesus as our example, the book of Luke 5:16 tells us “But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.” Don’t think of “lonely” as a sad place. Think of it as a quiet retreat where there are no other distractions; a place that would allow someone to “Be still, and know that I am God;” (Psalm 46:10a)

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 says we are to “16 Be joyful always; 17pray continually; 18give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.” Wow. Pray continually? The King James Version says “Pray without ceasing.” Another version, the NIRV says it this way, “Never stop praying.” How are we to pray continually? We have to work, right? And shower, cook, pay bills, do laundry. But while doing all these things we can be in a constant state of communication with God! Talk to him about what’s bugging you at work. Pray for your children while you’re sorting their socks. Ask for help with your finances as you balance your checkbook. God wants to be a part of EVERYTHING!

Just be certain that your prayers are genuine and not just meaningless babble. 5"And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. 6But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. 7And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. 8Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.” Matthew 6:5-8 (Don’t panic… I know it’s a long passage. If it’s too much just memorize verse 7 or the one that speaks to you.)

God isn’t concerned with our format or our fancy words. God is concerned with our hearts, our intentions, and our sincerity. “16Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.” James 5:16

There are many, many verses that guide us as we try to follow the scriptural instructions on prayer. This week as you study these verses, begin to “pray continually” not just at meal times or when a crisis arises. "6Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7

Are you curious what Jesus’ prayers would have been like? Take a little time to read his prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane in John 17. He prays for himself, his disciples and then for all believers. If you believe in Jesus Christ, that’s you and me! Continue to refresh yourself on the previous weeks’ verses. If God’s word is truly going to be a lamp to our feet and light to our path then we have to make sure we pick up the lamp and hold it out to shine the way - every day. Pray for one another this week and take some time to be still and know that He is God.

Grow Up by Julie Short

When I was a child I acted like a child, unfortunately I still find myself at 49 acting like a child at times. I want to grow in my spiritual walk with God so, I need to put away childish ways. (I Corinthians 13:11 When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man I put childish ways behind me.)

I still can laugh and enjoy life, I just need to stop having tantrums and fits. A 49 year old having a 3 year old's tantrum, isn’t pretty and it doesn’t glorify God. I have spent a lot of time crossing my arms, sticking out my lower lip, crying and stomping my feet yelling, "I can’t , it’s too hard" or "I don’t want to do what I know is right."

My job is to observe children and their environments. I often think that if the adult just saw how they were interacting with the child (through the use of a video camera) no words would be needed they would simply stop.

I often act childish when I’m out in public with my husband. Well, by public I am referring to taking a walk and complaining the entire time about this or that. Then I remember “you may be the only bible someone reads” Ouch! Will they see a 49 year old proclaiming to be a Christian and acting like a spoiled 3 year old, or will they see a woman who is walking in love, full of self control and gentleness?

I praise God and thank Him for being a merciful God, but that does not mean I need to continue in my sin. (I John 5:18 We know that anyone born of God does not continue to sin…) It means I need to make a strong, determined effort wrapped in constant prayer to be a vessel that God can use to show His love. Anything good in me comes from God. In my weakness I am a mess. When I stop acting like a child, God can do amazing things through me.

Mission: Assimilation (Week 2) by Theresa Zuber

This past week, we’ve focused on scriptures that remind us that God’s word is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path. Hopefully, we have hidden that scripture in our hearts and have begun to make these words a part of who we are. If you have a difficult time with memorization, just read the passages every morning and night. They will become familiar.

This week we are going to focus on some “positive thinking” scriptures. We talked last week about how Jesus stopped Satan’s attack by quoting scriptures. One of Satan’s favorite tactics is belittling us. He whispers, “You aren’t good enough.” “You don’t matter.” Whatever dark lies Satan is whispering to you this week, expose them to the light of God’s truth.

God designed you. He shaped your nose and ears just the way he wanted. God doesn’t make mistakes and God doesn’t make junk. Psalm 139:13-14 tells us “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. 14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” Not only did he choose your sex and your hair color but “Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered.” (Luke 12:7)

Our heavenly Father chose the character traits that made that special mix of “you!” Perhaps you can sing, perhaps you can’t carry a tune in a bucket! You may be a leader or a follower, quiet spirited or fun-loving. These things are not by chance. God created all of who you are. God wants you to use who you are for His purposes. “For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” (Ephesians 2:10)

You see, God has a plan for you and his plan is bigger and better than any you could imagine for yourself! He knows what you are capable of and he also knows the desires of your heart! “For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11)

Why would the Almighty God have plans for YOU? It’s because he loves you. " The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing." (Zephaniah 3:17)

Don’t fall for all that negative talk! You are a child of God, created just as he designed you. He loves you with an everlasting love and nothing can take that away from you! “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:38-39)

This week bask in the glow of God’s love for YOU – his special creation!

Answered Prayer by Donna (Ensign) Woods

I want to celebrate answered prayer with you.
Once again, God's awesome love comes shining through !!
So very thankful He heard our heartfelt plea.
And for allowing us, His great mercy to see.
We sing praises of joy, with glorious song.
Our hearts dance in celebration all day long.
Fervent prayer avails so very much...
It empowers the Master's wondrous touch.
It's so awesome, to hear Him say "Yes"
I always stand in amazement, I must confess.
There's joyful excitement, when He wipes away pain.
Faith is energized, and prayerful we shall remain.
Even if God's answer had been,"No"...
Or if His answer had been agonizing and slow...
Whatever His plan reveals, we can rest assured,
That His grace accompanies all that is to be endured.
Answers to prayer....great and small...
Our Father in Heaven sends them all !!!

Mission: Assimilation by Theresa Zuber

“I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” (Psalm 199:11)

If someone were to ask me to memorize scripture, I would immediately think, “Oh, no! That sounds boring and I don’t think I could do it.” But, before you discount the thought, bear with me for a moment or two.

I purposely titled this Mission: Assimilation because that is what the goal is. Encarta Dictionary defines assimilation as “the process of becoming part of or more like something greater”. Now I like the sound of that. We want to assimilate the information, the scriptures, until God’s word becomes a part of us. Don’t we all want to become more like Jesus?

When Jesus faced Satan’s temptation in the desert, what did he do? He used scripture to refute Satan’s lies. He didn’t have a concordance, or a search engine like biblegateway.com (both of which I love and use regularly!) Jesus referred back to the teachings he had learned as a child in Jewish temple, the studies that he had done with his family, and the scriptures that he knew from heart.

We can’t always have our Bible handy but if we hide God’s word in our hearts, then “out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks.” (Luke 5:45b) As we move from an infant Christian to a more mature Christian, God’s word must become a part of who we are. Sermons, small group studies, devotions will feed us as we grow, but we also need to commit to personal study, Bible reading and meditation as well. We don’t want to be like the Hebrew people who were scolded, “In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God's word all over again. You need milk, not solid food!” (Hebrews 5:12)

As we study and commit to memory these precious words, I pray that “the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.” (John 14:26)

“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness,” (2 Tim 3:16)

“May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.” (Psalm 19:14)

“You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” (Jeremiah 29:13)

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.” (Psalm 119:105)

Spend this week studying these passages and committing them to memory. Assimilate them into your heart and mind, so that you can draw on them when needed. May the living, breathing Word of God be a lamp for your feet and light for your path!

A Mother's Heart by Tana LeMay

In Luke chapter 2, there are two references to Mary storing up treasures of Jesus in her heart:
2:19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.
2:51 Then he went down to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them. But his mother treasured all these things in her heart.

As mothers, how often do we to hold within our hearts the precious memories of our children’s years with us? The days pass so quickly from birth to the empty nest. When they are young and require so much of our time and energy, it seems as if they’ll be with us forever. But I have learned that those days pass in the blink of an eye.

I was never disciplined enough to write down the things they said (out of the mouth of babes) or the silly games they would invent. But I have the snapshots of those moments and much more stored within my memory and heart. Those times when I said to myself “I want to remember this forever”. Some of these memories are of good, pleasant things, but some are also of difficult situations. Those times when I knew they would eventually learn from the event, no matter how painful.

It won’t be long before my husband and I become empty nesters. I look forward to those days with some expectation and also with some despair. The house will be quieter (and cleaner). The calendar will have more empty spaces than ever before. The memories will be sweeter. But this next chapter of our lives and theirs will also be an opportunity to store up more memories. Memories of graduations, new careers and homes, and maybe even weddings and babies. And so, the circle continues.

Mother's Day by Joyce Schafer

May 10th is the day set aside on the calendar to honor mothers. Over the years I have been honored on Mother’s Day in various ways.

It started with an “I love you, Mommy” and a fistful of dandelions from a toddler. I have never understood why anyone would spray their yard to kill dandelions. These flowers hold so many precious memories for me.

Then, when the kids were in grade school, I was honored with lots of handmade gifts on this special day. I especially loved the handprint pictures and the flowers in milk cartons.

The teenage years were a bit more hit and miss in the honoring department. I remember one Mother’s Day coming home from a weekend trip and finding flowers from my teenage sons. I felt so honored and proud of my boys. Years later, I heard the rest of the story. My little darlings had bought the flowers at a gas station because they had stayed out way past their curfew and figured if I found out about it, the flowers would soften the punishment. Why do these kids feel the need to tell all and spoil our illusions once they are out of the house?

The Mother’s Day gifts of flowers, cards, and eating out are nice, but they are the world’s view of how to honor mothers. God’s view can be found in Exodus 20:12, “Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you.” It says nothing about once a year in May to do this, but this is something we should do every day.

How do we honor our mothers every day? I think all mothers want the same two things from their children – Love and Respect. I also think all mothers should be treated this way not only because it is the right thing to do, but more importantly, because God commands it.

In God's Hands by Donna (Ensign) Woods

Our children grow up so very fast
Creating colorful rainbows for our past.

When they were little, I watched over them day and night,
Trying to teach them everything good and right.

As babies I carried them to and fro,
Taking them wherever I wanted them to go.

Holding a toddler’s hand, I could easily lead…
Out to play, or in to bathe and feed.

I could scoop them up in my arms each day,
To rescue them from the path of harm’s way.

As a mom, I could chase away all fears,
And a tender hug could dry up tears.

I bathed them in love, right from the start.
I had the miracle cure for a child’s broken heart.

They soon grow up and leave mom’s protective wings,
With a future to explore with many exciting things.

I can no longer carry them, or hold their hand…
Only God can lead them through what He has planned.

I don’t have all the answers, as it seemed before.
That’s why I kneel before the Father’s door.

He can guide them safely, day and night,
And shield them from the evil they must fight.

A praying parent is divinely armed,
Finding peace in knowing they won’t be harmed.

Mama holds their hands for just a little while,
But the Lord is there, through every earthly mile.

I want for my babies the very best.
I want them to be healthy and richly blessed.

I can’t be with them every step of the way,
…But I can pray for them, many times each day.

Please, dear Lord, prepare each child for your perfect will.
Be there for them as they climb each dangerous hill.

They no longer need to hold my hand,
But they do need my prayers to help them stand.

A Mother's Tears - by Donna (Ensign) Woods

Much of life is seen through a Mother’s tears,
Flowing from the heart over the years.
Beginning with tears of joy, at her baby’s birth,
The most precious delight, found on Earth.
Followed by tears of prayer-filled fatigue,
As she struggles to meet each child’s need.
As the bus drives away on the first day of school,
Mom stands waving good-bye, in a tear-fed pool.
Her tears console many little heart-breaks,
Through many twisting turns each life takes.
When her child is hurting, tears fall as she prays
Asking God to heal them, as He blesses their days.
Flowing over disappointments, pain and fears…
Is a Mother’s love, reflecting through tears.
When teenagers seem to forget all that they learned,
A Mother cries tears, that frustration has earned.
Pacing the floors, she fights back tears late at night,
Prayer filled tears that combat the evil they must fight.
As children grow up and leave her home,
A Mother’s tears fall….when she is all alone.
Her tears remember each wonderful child…
And each little face that lovingly smiled.
Mother’s tears are often very hard to explain…
They are wrapped in joy, desperation and pain.
But a Mother’s tears always mean love….
Another gift, from God above!!!

Lookin' out my Window by Donna (Ensign) Woods

Riding down life's highway,
In one place, we cannot stay.
Lookin' out my window
Watching time fly by...
Fighting the urge to cry.
Speeding by...nearly out of control
...Daily trials take their tole.
Lookin' out my window
To a peaceful, woodland scene...
Rolling pastures...lush and green.
Homes, each with a story to tell,
...Some being built and some to sell.
Crossing lazy rivers and streams,
Lost in my own hopes and dreams.
Lookin' out my window
Framing scenes and changing fast
...No moment is made to last.
Roadside flowers...and a wooden cross
...In memory of precious lives lost...
With my destination no where in sight,
There's food and lodging, the very next right.
...But onward my journey goes,
On paths only my Lord knows.
Lookin' out my window
At trash along life's highway,
Old tires and food wrappers, tossed away.
...Like garbage in my very own past !!
...And memories...forever to last.
I pray for people in cars I meet,
Especially for children in each back seat.
As I listen to my engine hum...
I wonder what each is running to...or from.
Lookin' out my window
A big rig is broken down
Waiting for a tow, from nearby town.
Row after row of beans and corn
...And new baby calves that have just been born.
Drivers with families ...and some all alone
...A bicycle fastened to a motor home.
Old cars and new... trucks big and tall
...I wonder about the treasures they each haul.
A homeless man holds a sign...
Tugging at this heart of mine.
Through the window, I hand him a bill...
Praying for him as I top the next hill
A beautiful sunset comes into view.
God's promise....that tomorrow will be fresh and new.

A Sacred Privilege by Tana LeMay

I love communion time during our worship service. I think it is so important, it was one of the factors I considered when searching for a church home years ago. I’ve never understood churches that only practice communion once a month or once a quarter. Why would they give up an opportunity to experience this sacred privilege each week?

Reflecting on my actions and attitude of the previous week isn’t always comfortable. Sometimes, I’m tempted to pray, “Lord, forgive me” and leave it at that. Why put my failings into words when he already knows what they were? His blood has already washed me clean. Is it really necessary to voice what I’ve done wrong, the things I should have done or said, but didn’t?

The answer is yes. By facing my sins, naming them, remembering them, they are more real. I did those things. If I’m truly sorry, I should be honest with myself and Jesus. 1 Corinthians, chapter 11, verses 23 through 32 states it best:

23For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, 24and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, "This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me." 25In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me." 26For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes.

27Therefore, whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord. 28A man ought to examine himself before he eats of the bread and drinks of the cup. 29For anyone who eats and drinks without recognizing the body of the Lord eats and drinks judgment on himself. 30That is why many among you are weak and sick, and a number of you have fallen asleep. 31But if we judged ourselves, we would not come under judgment. 32When we are judged by the Lord, we are being disciplined so that we will not be condemned with the world.

Communion by Joyce Schafer

I always associate communion with community. My personal definition of communion is the community of Christian believers coming together to receive the body and blood of Jesus.

This is one area of worship all Christian churches observe. These churches are very diverse in the ways they practice communion. Some worship places offer communion every day, others offer it once a week and yet others offer communion only on very special occasions. Some religions offer wine and wafers and others use grape juice and bread, but what really matters is not the form, but the Lord’s Supper itself.

In 1 Corinthians 11:28 it reads “A man ought to examine himself before he eats of the bread and drinks of the cup.” We need to confess our sins and ask forgiveness. This is the way we personally prepare our bodies to receive communion.

We also need to prepare ourselves to receive communion as one body in Christ. We do this by living in harmony with our fellow Christians. Only then can we come together for communion as a true Christian community.