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Photo by Sean Stratton on Unsplash May God, who gives this patience and encouragement, help you live in complete harmony with each other, as is fitting for followers of Christ Jesus. Romans 15:5 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/rom.15.5.NLT The idea of complete harmony is beautiful to consider. In music, harmony can stir the spirit and emotions taking the content of the music to a whole new level. In creation, the harmony of life draws a sense of awe and wonder that leads us ...

Photo by Simon Maage on Unsplash “Were the whole realm of nature mine, that were a present far too small. Love so amazing, so divine, demands my soul, my life, my all.” Sacred Hymn, When I Survey the Wondrous Cross written by Isaac Watts. Gratitude requires perspective and insight. A view on our own lives is needed to see all of the help given to us by others in order to make life work. In the pressure of a production ...

Photo by Kobu Agency on Unsplash A just king gives stability to his nation, but one who demands bribes destroys it. Proverbs 29:4 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/pro.29.4.NLT There is a direct relationship between a just and honest leader and the overall health and stability of the community being led. The integrity of a coach, president, CEO, pastor, teacher, manager, or head of household is significant to the well-being of the people in their sphere of leadership. People thrive where stability in leadership ...

Photo by Jonathan Zerger on Unsplash So do not throw away this confident trust in the Lord. Remember the great reward it brings you! Patient endurance is what you need now, so that you will continue to do God’s will. Then you will receive all that he has promised. Hebrews 10:35-36 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/heb.10.35-36.NLT What do you need right now to continue to follow God in your life? There are many possible answers: More joy would be nice. Less temptation to ...

Photo by marcos mayer on Unsplash Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise. Hebrews 10:23 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/heb.10.23.NLT This morning was an early morning of no sleep. I have learned, that often, the Lord has something He wants me to pay attention to, and for me, the best time to get my attention is when there are not very many distractions – EARLY MORNING. This morning was no ...

Photo by Richard Ciraulo on Unsplash All nations will come to your light; mighty kings will come to see your radiance. Isaiah 60:3 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/isa.60.3.NLT  Do you wait with a sense of longing for God to restore and make things right? Do you long for others to show appreciation and value to you and yours? Do you desire God’s abundant presence and blessing in your life? At face value, this verse of scripture seems to be written about God and ...

Photo by Jon Tyson on Unsplash For we live by believing and not by seeing. 2 Corinthians 5:7 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/2co.5.7.NLT As seasons of life move along, I find that more time is spent trying to overcome the challenges presented by the increasing limitations of my own body. It’s true for all of us. For me, each day now starts with flexibility and core strengthening exercises. I want to be able to live and serve people with physical endurance and freedom. ...

Projects during the month of October include: Parking areas for The Lights of Christmas are being cleaned and lined. Lights, scenes, and sets for The Lights of Christmas are being set up. Curb stops and landscaping will be installed in the Cedar Lodge loop. The berms alongside the W-Bar-B road next to the Special Friends Day Camp field have been landscaped. Architectural work and preliminary meetings with Snohomish County regulators regarding new Chinook Cabins, Chinook Meeting Room, and Outdoor Pools ...

Nearly fourteen years ago I arrived at Warm Beach Camp after driving three days cross-country to be the Dinner Theatre cook for The Lights of Christmas. I didn’t know it then, but Warm Beach Camp would become my new home. My first two years at Camp I spent my holiday seasons cooking prime rib and slowly simmering French Onion soup. I even helped set up the ponds in front of Cedar Lodge and hauled out the gnome village. After my ...

Photo by Aaron Burden on Unsplash “Listen, O Israel! The Lord is our God, the Lord alone." Deuteronomy 6:4 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/deu.6.4.NLT The Israelite people were about to make a significant transition that had taken several decades. The journey from being slaves in Egypt was about to change upon entering the promised land. The promised land was abundant in nearly every way. Good soil, plentiful water and established infrastructure were awaiting the people of Israel. In the promised land were also ...

Photo by Debby Hudson on Unsplash Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives. Galatians 5:25 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/gal.5.25.NLT Even in following Jesus, it is easy to get fooled within everyday life about what is right and true. There is a profound need to be intentional throughout the day about God and His ways. Religious structure can unintentionally become more important than the life giving freedom provided by the Holy ...

Photo by Helena Lopes on Unsplash Jesus replied, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ Matthew 22:37, 39 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/mat.22.37-39.NLT   In Matthew chapter 22, the religious leaders were trying to trap Jesus with “gotchya” questions intended to discredit him. With each one, Jesus responds with words that have taught everyone who has read or heard them the truth ...

Photo by Elaine Casap on Unsplash By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence. 2 Peter 1:3 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/2pe.1.3.NLT God is incredibly generous. His way of being and living constantly challenges and encourages me. God’s divine power provides everything needed to follow Him and live for ...

But you, dear friends, must build each other up in your most holy faith, pray in the power of the Holy Spirit, and await the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ, who will bring you eternal life. In this way, you will keep yourselves safe in God’s love. Photo by Guillaume de Germain on Unsplash Jude 1:20-21 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/jud.1.20-21.NLT Kids are taught from an early age what needs to be done to stay safe. Do any of these sound familiar?: ...

Photo by Free To Use Sounds on Unsplash 2 Corinthians chapter 3 tells of a new way. As you read below, the scripture is in plain text. My reflections are presented in bold italic.  Are we beginning to praise ourselves again? Are we like others, who need to bring you letters of recommendation, or who ask you to write such letters on their behalf? Surely not! We are so vulnerable to seeking our own praise. We want endorsements. The challenge ...

By Jeannie Patterson Grateful. This is the first word that comes to mind when I think about the Kids 2 Camp Benefit Day. Grateful for those who donated such fun and amazing items. Grateful for all the volunteers and staff who contributed time and energy to make this day happen. Grateful for generous bidders.  Most of all, grateful for a God who brings so many together to work and give for the sake of His Kingdom. It was a beautiful ...

Photo by Julian Hochgesang on Unsplash “You can enter God’s Kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose that way.  But the gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it. Matthew 7:13-14 NLT https://bible.com/bible/116/mat.7.13-14.NLT Everything about God’s Kingdom is available to anyone, anywhere, anytime, through Jesus Christ. He is the way, truth, and life. Ultimately following ...