WOW-My kids are old

This week my daughter graduates from high school. I've spent a few hours putting her slide show together, which is no easy feat for a non tech guy. Besides shedding a few tears, which is no surprise to those who know me, it's also been a great time to remember... and to reflect.

I fully realize God intends for us as parents to raise our children so that they will grow, and go. We do not consider it a normal or healthy thing when grown children are still living at home. However the "change" that occompanies this growth is not necessarily easy. It's only natural and right to want to spend time with those you love and cherish. I enjoy being around my kids. They're great kids! Not perfect, but then I'm not a perfect parent either.

As I've worked on the slide show, here are a couple thoughts regarding this milestone in our lives:

1. Life is a process. The slides remnd me of her growth. From baby to little girl. Growing thru elementary years. Then making the cheer squad and all the hard work and anxiousness of tryouts. Learning to drive. Boys. Varisty tryouts. Working through relationship hassles. All the stuff that comes with growing up. And graduation is simply another step in the process. Nothing is really ever final is it??? Until Jesus comes... we're all a work in process.

2. Lots of pictures with friends, both past and present. This reminds me that much of life is lived in relationships with others. It starts in the home, but then moves outside the home to friends of the parents, to friends at school, to best friends, crushes, dates and if God leads a future husband and then maybe children of her own. But through it all, life is meant to be lived with others. And all of that God uses to teach us truth about ourselves, about love, forgiveness, acceptance, letting go, moving forward.

3rd thought- there are some relationships in life that are meant to be permanent! The love of Jesus towards us is forever. The commitment and love of family is meant to last a lifetime. Parents, our kids should always have our love, acceptance and compassion. That's the way God treats us. Hopefully you've come to know this truth in your live as well.

But you are a forgiving God, gracious adn compassionate, slow to anger & abounding in love. Nehemiah 9:17

On Sunday May 3rd we noted that Nehemiah remembered God's promises and that was the basis of his confidence that God would be gracious and hear his request. I thought I would post other promises that God makes to his people. These are in no particular order.

John 3:16 "For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life"

Isaiah 40:31 but those who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.

Phil 1:6 I am confident of this, that the one who began a good work among you will bring it to completion by the day of Jesus Christ.

Phil 4:19 And my God will fully satisfy every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
do not fear, for I am with you,

Isaiah 41:10 do not be afraid, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my victorious right hand.

Hebrews 13:5-6 for he has said, “I will never leave you or forsake you.” 6So we can say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can anyone do to me?”

Psalm 103:8-13 The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. He will not always accuse, nor will he keep his anger forever.
He does not deal with us according to our sins, nor repay us according to our iniquities. For as the heavens are high above the earth, so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far he removes our transgressions from us. As a father has compassion for his children,
so the LORD has compassion for those who fear him.

I John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he who is faithful and just will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

John 11:25-26 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life.£ Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?”

Matthew 11:28-30 “Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

Jeremiah 33:3 Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known.

Ephesians 2:4-8 But God, who is rich in mercy, out of the great love with which he loved us even when we were dead through our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ£—by grace you have been saved—and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the ages to come he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God.

Romans 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.

2 Chronicles 7:14 if my people who are called by my name humble themselves, pray, seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.

Hebrews 6:10 For God is not unjust; he will not overlook your work and the love that you showed for his sake£ in serving the saints, as you still do.

Matthew 6:5-6 And whenever you pray, do not be like the hypocrites; for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, so that they may be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward. But whenever you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.

Philippians 4:6-7 Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Romans 8:37-30 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Week of May 3

This has been a really great week. The men launched a new Bible Study on Monday & we had 17 guys show up for Tony Dungy's Study entitled "Quiet Stength". 8 men at the morning & another 9in the evening. All men are invited to join the groups at either 6:30 am or 6:30 pm.

Also this is teacher appreciation week here in OFallon & we were able to provide Bandana's lunch for the 2 elementary schools near us. We fed roughly 150 teachers and staff. This has been a great way to say THANK YOU for their influnence on the lives they touch.

Also on Saturday May 9th the women's ministry team sponsored a luncheon with about 50 women attending. Shari Wilson shared a message on the importance of building meaningful friendships. Many of the SBCC women invited friends and family and they had a great time together.

Finally we're looking forward to this Sunday May 10, Mother's Day. We will honor all the moms attending. Being a mom is one of the most rewarding & challenging endeavors a woman can take on upon themself. This Sunday we will also recognize 6 sets of parents willing to dedicate themselves and their children to the Lord. Here at SBCC we encourage parents to make public their desire to raise their sons & daughters to honor God and follow after Jesus Christ. Hannah did this after the Lord provided her with Samuel (see I Samuel 1&2). This is no way "saves" a child, but is the opportunity for a mom/dad to publically thank God for the gift he has given and for us as a church to pray for these families as they seek to follow Jesus.

Thanks for looking in-