The above picture of our beloved former Pastor, Chuck Obremski was done by Lyn Ferdig…a member of Kindred Community Church. Chuck’s work and life inspired many, including Lyn.

In talking about her art work…Lyn said that she likes to draw but doesn’t consider herself an artist.

As you can see God has gifted and blessed Lyn with artistic talent. She really captured Chuck’s spirit of happiness, joy, peace and love of life.

Thanks Lyn for letting me share your work with others!

So you’ve been hurt, somebody did something or said something and it hurt your feelings…or you were “offended”. And now you’re angry…and feel quite justified in being angry. After all…look what this person did…or didn’t do. Right?

Wrong…not when you are a Christian. If you think that God will leave you alone…in your unforgiveness, anger or bitterness…you’ve got another think coming. God will not leave you alone. When you are his own…he will deal with you. Just like a parent disciplines their own child when they misbehave…God will put the pressure on and deal with you.

I’d really like to say I got the inspiration to write this…out of the “clear blue sky”. That God inspired me…but then…I’d be lying in addition my recent failure of being slow to forgive.

I’m a bit of a “bonehead”…a slow learner sometimes…and can be quite willful. Not a good combination when God desires obedience and repentance when I fail.

Recently…I had the opportunity to be offended. Now I know I should have forgiven the offence immediately…and moved on. But I didn’t. I didn’t reach out and try to communicate and clear up any misunderstanding. And when an apology was forthcoming…I did not respond kindly. In fact I was downright ugly and stated “I don’t care that you’re sorry.”

You can be certain that the Holy Spirit started dealing with me right away. I knew I was wrong, I knew I responded wrongly…I knew I was being unforgiving. Something that God has quite clearly made known as wrong.
For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. — Matthew 6:14

Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?” Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times. — Matthew 18:21-22

Following my disappointing failure…the pressure started. Here’s some of the dialogue that ensued:

“Susan…you know when I died on the cross…I forgave the very people who beat, mocked, flogged and put me to death. And you are being unforgiving over what?”

“Yeah…you’re right they may have done wrong…but even so…you forgiving someone is not based on them being worthy or deserving of forgiveness.”

“Now have you even considered whether they did this intentionally or not? Perhaps they didn’t really mean to hurt you.”

“Have you ever hurt someone unintentionally? Didn’t you want to be forgiven when you did that?”

“Do you think that perhaps you are little less than perfect…a sinner that I had to forgive? Did I withhold my forgiveness from you? Susan…I forgave you before you ever sinned…or before you were even born.”

“Susan…I died on the cross to pay the penalty for this man’s sins. I…Jesus Christ have forgiven him of his sins. And you are holding something against him for which I have forgiven him.”

Of course…God brought all sorts of things into my path to remind me and reinforce His message. One was a sermon on mercy. You know the scripture. “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.”

And then there was Bible Study Fellowship…and seeing the life of Jacob and Esau. Seeing how Jacob schemed against his brother…and his brother was unforgiving. Going down this avenue was not one that produced good fruit in the life of Esau.

So even this slow learner got the message and apologized for not being quick to forgive.

Now I wish I could take it take it back…or have a mulligan. I failed a test…which of course means I’ll be repeating that test in the future. I pray that I will not fail and disappoint my Savior again. I brought reproach upon the name of Christ by acting in an unrighteous and un-Christ like manner.

Now if I had acted rightly…and forgiven the offense immediately…not only would I have spared myself the other person the consequences of my wrong action…but I would have also been developing a habit of being forgiving.

Good habits make right action easier to obey, quickly and consistently. Part of developing good habits is right thinking. Right thinking for a Christian is found in the Word of God. Nowhere can we find better examples than in the life of Christ. So if I’m consistently reading the Word of God…filling my mind with godly examples of right action…I will increase the likelihood that I will be obedient to God.

Another benefit to filling my mind with God’s Word…is that it gives the Holy Spirit some tools to aid me in my daily walk. By bringing to mind God’s Word and his wisdom in how I should respond or handle life’s events and people.

So if ever I’m tempted to get cocky and think I’m better than someone else…I just need to remind myself that if I was the only person ever created…would Jesus still have had to die on the cross to pay for my sins? And the answer is a resounding yes.

How can I a sinner…forgiven much by my Savior…remain in unforgiveness towards another for whom God has died?

Sermon notes from March 5th.

“Blessed are the merciful for they will be shown mercy.” – Matthew 5:7

How much damage is done to the body of God by bitterness that is held onto?

If you are merciful…you will be shown mercy also. Mercy is forgiveness and pardon to another one who is totally in the wrong.

Micah 6:8 – What does the Lord require of you?
Act Justly
Love Mercy
Walk humbly with your God

What you are is more important than what you do. Character will guide what you do. Character controls us and our actions.

Christians have experienced grace and mercy and we are to walk in the world with grace and mercy. God enables us to be merciful and act in way which is not natural. The Holy Spirit is always there…pressing and pushing me.

“Beatitude” – something at the center or core of our being. We have been reborn. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! – 2 Corinthians 5:17
Everything changes when we understand God’s grace and mercy. Redone…rebirth.

What do you do when you’ve been seriously wronged? What is your attitude? Do you feel and offer forgiveness, love and mercy?

Grace is freely given by God. It’s giving me what I don’t deserve. Mercy is something we ask for. Mercy is withholding from me what I really deserve. It’s compassion to those who are hurting and struggling. Mercy…is compassion in action.

A Biblical example of mercy is the “Good Samaritan”. Which of these three was really a neighbor to the man who had fallen into trouble? The one who had mercy.

Jesus tells us to “go and do likewise.” Compassion in action.

Example of compassion in action. A poor man’s horse drops dead in the middle of the street. The people standing around offer him a word that they are sorry for his misfortune. One man…instead of offering words says “I’m sorry five pounds worth.” His puts his money…and starts passing the hat. Before long others have put in enough money to help buy the poor man a new horse. The one who was merciful…the one who showed compassion…is the one who helped with the dead horse.

Our actions should change because of the mercy that God has shown us. Old Testament example is Joseph. He was sold into slavery by his brothers. When tempted to sin…he responds, “How could I sin against my master? How could I sin against my God?” Finally he became the Vice Pharaoh in Egypt and his brothers showed up to buy food because of a famine in their land. Joseph had the power to repay them for what they had done to him. Instead he responded by answering, “What you meant for evil, God meant for good.” Kindness…compassion and love…in action.

Respond in love when hurt. A merciful person always remembers his own sin and God’s mercy towards him. Matthew 18:21-35

How many times shall I forgive? Seventy times seven? Mercy…is an attitude of your heart…one in which you loose the accounting of wrongs done to you by others.

Matthew 18:35 – This is how my heavenly Father will treat you unless you forgive you brother from your heart.

We are to make things right…before you offer up your sacrifice.

Mercy…compassion in action…needs to be way of life. This is who you are. “I have shown you mercy and given you grace…now go and do likewise.”

Do you have a death grip on a grudge and have no intention of letting it go?

Be merciful…and mercy will be extended to you. You can…and will forgive.

“Jesus had died for this man…was I going to ask for more?” — Corrie Ten Boom

Forgiveness is possible. It’s possible to show mercy. By God’s grace I can forgive a wrong. The authenticity of our faith is seen in the beatitudes. It’s also an indicator if our spiritual health.

Fall in love with mercy. Show it all your life. God can do a work in your heart…and also in the heart of the person who did you harm.

If this is an area that you need help in…pray to God for you to help you demonstrate mercy. Go and be merciful…get involved with those who are hurting.

Mercy can bring new life into all you encounter and mercy and brings health.

Below are notes I took from Bob Kraning’s sermon about being pure in heart giving on March 12th.

“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.” – Matthew 5:8

When you read this verse…everyone should stop, think and examine themselves.

The story of the woman names Anna who was blind for the last 46 years. When her sight has been restored…she says, “Look at the world that has been invisible all my life.”

Seeing God in heaven…surpasses our physical sight.

David said, “Create in me a clean heart.”

What does pure mean? Internal cleansing. Clean hands and a pure heart. God alone can give clean hands and a pure heart. God will put a new spirit in you. Longing for a new heart? Go to God.

Pharisees said blessed are those who are clean outwardly. But Jesus said to clean the inside…your heart…and the outside will be clean.

Outward clean…Jesus says be clean from the inside out.

What does it mean to be Pure in Heart…a heart that does not bring insincere motives and divided longings to your relationship with God.

Pure: 1) Concentration – fix one’s mind totally upon God; 2) Sincerity; 3) Singleness of mind.

Pure is impossible on my own. “I don’t know what the heart of an evil man is like. But I do know what the heart of a good man is like…and it’s terrible.”

Jesus has called us to perfection. I know I can never achieve that on my own. Instead I need to throw myself upon the grace of God.

John Newton cried out to God when his ship was sinking in the storm, “Oh God, save us and I will serve you.” God gave him a new and clean heart…and changed his life forever. Character of the Kingdom of God…God can place it in my heart.

What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? 2By no means! We died to sin; how can we live in it any longer? – Romans 6:1-2

Like the pig when cleaned up…he is still a pig and seeks out and returns to the mud. Or we can have the nature of the sheep…who seeks out the grassy, green hill. The sheep doesn’t like the mud…he has a different nature than the pig.

How’s your nature? Have you been given a new nature? Is my heart clean? Truly clean?

God demands a new character and give us the new character by his grace. Before Jesus our vision is narrow. How does it change after Jesus?

The reason? Blessed are the pure in heart…for they will see Jesus. This seeing is continuous.

“It is better to be blind and see with your heart than to have two good eyes and see nothing. – Helen Keller

Max Lucado reminds us that we may have constructed a temple and forgotten why? The church has both temple builders…and Savior seekers. Do you say, “What a great Christ” or “What a great building”?

So how do you improve or purify your heart?

Be honest with God about the condition of your heart.
Acknowledge it’s only God who can make your heart pure.
Allow God’s Word to do the work in your life. That means…being in the Word of God daily.
Think about where you are going and who you will be with in eternity.
Remember…God’s grace will get me home.

Anna had lived 42 of her 60 years blind because she didn’t know about the surgery…the cure for her blindness.

Our cure is 2,000 years old…and is 100% effective.

God will bring together and merge the old me and the new me. Then he will start removing anything that is not of God.

Probably not to many you would imagine your pastor telling the following story. But not so with Chuck Obremski. He would be the first to call a spade a spade…especially if that person was a Christian or a Pastor.

One of Chucks favorite sayings was, “May the tongue of you mouth and the tongue of you shoe…be going in the same direction.” A definite challenge for Christians in today’s society.

Hope you have great week…and may the trials, tribulations and successes that you have this week reveal a godly character that would pleasing to God.

God bless…and enjoy the audio clip below.

13. Life is just too darn hard to face on my own.

12. I need that goal in sight…an eternity in heaven…where there is no more pain, sickness or sorrow.

11. I need someone who will never leave me nor forsake me…for man is not so faithful.

10. I need an example on how to live…and forgiveness when I fail.

9. I need to an example how to forgive others…and help to do so when the hurts just seems too darn big on my own.

8. I need great wisdom from the Holy Word of God…for “In the beginning was the Word…and Word was with God, and the Word was God”.

7. I need strength for today…and bright hope for tomorrow…and please…be sure to send the blessings all mine with ten thousand beside.

6. I need help in the spiritual battle…for the battle is not against flesh and blood.

5. I need that firm foundation…upon which to build my house.

4. I need the healing balm of grace and mercy…poured out upon me daily.

3. I need to sing praises to my Savior…and let my spirit soar.

2. I need to remember that there is Holy, Righteous, Just, Gracious, Merciful, Faithful and Loving God…who choose me…a foolish one to confound the wise.

1. I’m a sinner…saved only by the grace of God…and the sacrifice of my precious Lord Jesus Christ on that cross a Calvary.

In surfing the blogasphere I recently discovered a website called She Live’s. Carol’s website will draw you in…first with the lovely picture with Carol among flowers…and keep you coming back…with some posts that will challenge you…or bring you peace. On today’s visit…I found Thirteen Thursday’s Challenge. So with just a couple hours to go…here’s my first Thirteen Thursday post. Thanks Carol!

Recently, while listening to the Judgment Seat of Christ from the heaven series “Destination…Heaven” by Chuck Obremski I was once again struck by the description and thought of what it will be like to stand before Jesus and be judged for my works after coming to Christ.

Please listen to the audio clip below…and think what it will be like for you on that day.

For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad. – 2 Corinthians 5:10

You, then, why do you judge your brother? Or why do you look down on your brother? For we will all stand before God’s judgment seat. – Romans 14:10

It’s easy when looking at others…especially unbelievers…to stand back and say “Gee wiz…I sure wouldn’t want to be them and stand before Jesus on judgment day.”

However…I really need to look at own life and see if how I am living my life now…will my Lord commend me and praise my works…or will it bring displeasure? What will I see in Jesus’ eyes on that day?

Am I living my life…in light of eternity? Does the end game influence how I think and what I say? Does it influence my actions towards others? How do I react when I’m treated unfairly or rejected by man? Am I expecting my rewards this side of heaven? Am I expecting things to be fair and made right on this side of eternity? Do I trust God to make things right, in his time and in appropriate measure, taking into account those things of which I’m ignorant?

What a challenge. I truly believe that if I can fully grasp this concept…and cling to it daily that it will indeed influence how I act each day. Hopefully with the end game of my Lord and Savior welcoming me with the words, “Well done good and faithful servant, enter into the joy of your master.”

However, if you don’t yet know Christ…if you haven’t yet accepted the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross as payment for your sin…you will stand before Jesus and account for your sins. You won’t be judged in how you compare to the guy that went before you. God doesn’t grade on the curve. But you have the opportunity today to acknowledge your sins…and receive the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. The one sacrifice that God has accepted as payment for the penalty for your sins and my sins.

Don’t delay…for today is the day of salvation.

If this story doesn’t bring a tear to your eye…check your pulse…because you have no heart. Click on the link below…to view the video of this exceptional young man. This boy…is the kind of boy that heroes are made of.


Autistic basketball player creates mayhem at game


To read the AP story…click on the link below:

Autistic high schooler scores 20 in debut
Team manager McElwain finally plays, and becomes instant superstar

Extracted from Gordon Kirk’s sermon…on God’s Love…here’s what some kids think about love.

Harlan age 8 – Why does love happen between two particular people? “I think you are supposed to get shot with an arrow or something, but the rest isn’t supposed to be so painful.”

Mike age 10 – What do most people do on a date? “On the first date, they just tell each other lies and that usually gets them interested enough to go on a second date.”

Jim age 9 – When is it okay to kiss someone? “You should never kiss a girl unless you have enough bucks to buy her a big ring and VCR because you will want to have videos of the wedding.”

Judy age 8 – What’s the proper age to get married? “Eighty-four, because at that age you don’t have to work anymore. And you can spend all your time loving each other.”

Ted age 7 – What is falling in love really like? “If falling in love is anything like learning to spell I don’t want to do it, it takes too long.”

Roger age 9 – What is falling in love like? “It’s like an avalanche where you’ve got to run for your life.”

Jan age 9 – Why then does love happen between two particular people? “No one is sure why it happens. But I’ve heard that it has something to do with how you smell. That’s why perfume and deodorant are so popular.”

Tom – How do you make love endure? “Spend most of your time loving, instead of going to work.”

Bart age 9 – What’s a sure fire way to make someone fall in love with you? “One way is to take the girl out to eat. Make sure it’s something she likes. French fries usually work for me.”

Eva age 8 – What does it take to be a really good lover? “Well one should know how to write a check because even if you have tons of love, there is still going to be a lot of bills.”

When listening to Gordon Kirk’s CD about God’s Love…one thing stood out to me.

Gordon has a real love for God and for people…and he is very tenderhearted. One thing he mentioned towards the end of his sermon on God’s love was that some of us grew up in homes where “I love you” was not said.

When hearing that I was gripped with a deep and profound sadness…because as a kid growing up the words, “I love you” were not uttered. Not by my mother, nor by my father.

My dad was a rather harsh individual…especially so with my older brothers. My mother was not so much harsh…as just not very maternal. Neither was her mother.

Not only were the words missing…but so was the affection. Hugs, kisses and a gentle touch were absent too.

Do I think they loved me? Yes…I think so. It was perhaps a different era…and emotions were not spoken of so freely. But at the same time…it strikes me and stunning that parents would not tell their kids that they love them.

They provided a good home, shelter, clothing, food, education…and more. But three simple, little words…did not come from their lips.

Even though intellectually I can say I think they loved me…there will always remain that nagging doubt. You can be certain that an absence of an express loved has impacted my relationships…past and present.

How could you love someone…and not say it? Especially your children? I don’t understand.

Now as an adult…I hope that the man I marry has a loving family. That his parents might embrace me as their daughter whom they love. As I love their son…and the man whom he has become. And that he might have brothers and sisters that would welcome me and love me as their sister.

I do find that love in several places…one of which is my church. I’ve never known a more loving church family than Kindred Community Church.

While my dad died…almost 37 years ago…my mother remains alive. However her mental capacity has diminished through Alzheimer’s. She is not able to answer the questions that I have. The one thing that has changed…she is now somewhat affectionate.

As a child growing up…there were not hugs and kisses and I love you. But now…when I see my mom each week…she likes her hugs.

Maybe in her diminished mental capacity…walls have been torn down. Walls that prohibited her from expressing and verbalizing love.

I don’t know the answer. But I do know this. Parents…tell your children that you love them. Don’t miss a day in which you hug them, kiss them and tell them that you love them. Let there never be a doubt in their mind…even when they behave badly…make sure they are certain of your love for them.

Remember…your love for your children…and their ability to feel, know and grasp that love…will directly influence how they perceive God…and their relationship with God. No doubt…a heavy responsibility…but one that is most important and will impact your children forever.

Now go tell your child “I love you”…daily!

In November…Gordon Kirk was the guest speaker at Kindred Community Church. He did and excellent series about God. About God’s Omniscience, Omnipresence and Omnipotence…all of which are incommunicable attributes belonging solely to God. The last week he spoke about God’s love…which is the one attribute of God that is communicable. One in which he expects us to have and grow in and act upon in the power of the Holy Spirits. Below are some of the notes I took from this message.

The theme of the series was “It does make a difference who you know”.

God is love…what does that mean? Love is one of the most misunderstood words in the English language…or misused. From I love my spouse to I love rocky road ice cream.

How do we understand a God who says he is love? 1 John 4: “God is love.”

It’s a fact…not a definition. Love is an essential attribute of God. Love is something true of God. But love isn’t God. Love expresses the way God is. As does holiness, righteousness and justice.

Because God was self-existent…God’s love had no beginning…and his love will have no end. Because God is infinite…his love has no boundaries. Because God is holy, because he is immense, his love is incomprehensible, vast, and bottomless and shore less.

Here are some kid’s definition of love:

Harlan age 8 – Why does love happen between two particular people? “I think you are supposed to get shot with an arrow or something, but the rest isn’t supposed to be so painful.”

Ted age 7 – What is falling in love really like? “If falling in love is anything like learning to spell I don’t want to do it, it takes too long.”

Love’s Realities:

1) Love is a choice. Love is not uncontrollable or something that happens to you. Love is a decision.

Roger age 9 – What is falling in love like? “It’s like an avalanche where you’ve got to run for your life.”

Jan age 9 – Why then does love happen between two particular people? “No one is sure why it happens. But I’ve heard that it has something to do with how you smell. That’s why perfume and deodorant are so popular.”

The most important piece of clothing you must wear is love. God wants us to dress for success…clothing ourselves with love. You need to do it…put on love. The most important piece of clothing you can wear.

Love is a choice…everyday…24/7, 365…we have choice, after choice, after choice if we are going to act in love. Every moment you have a choice if you are going to put on the clothing of love…that represents God’s people.

2) Love is an attitude and an action. Love impacts our emotions and attitudes.

Tom – How do you make love endure? “Spend most of your time loving, instead of going to work.”

Love results in an action, how we respond and how we live our lives.

1 John 4:7-8 – Beloved, let us love one another, for love is (springs) from God; and he who loves [his fellowmen] is begotten (born) of God and is coming [progressively] to know and understand God [to perceive and recognize and get a better and clearer knowledge of Him]. 8He who does not love has not become acquainted with God [does not and never did know Him], for God is love.

Four standards to evaluate if our love is empowered by God and whether our love for others represents God’s love

1 John 4:9 – In this the love of God was made manifest (displayed) where we are concerned: in that God sent His Son, the only begotten or [f]unique [Son], into the world so that we might live through Him.

1) God’s love, true love, seeks the best interest of others.

How are you able to share that love? Ask yourself what are you doing in the best interest of others? So often our love isn’t God’s love, but instead a narcissistic love.

Bart age 9 – What’s a sure fire way to make someone falls in love with you? “One way is to take the girl out to eat. Make sure it’s something she likes. French fries usually work for me.”

God’s love seeks the best interest of others. That may mean tough love. People know when it’s about them and about their best interest or you…and because you are embarrassed.

In Gary Chapman’s “Love Languages”…he teaches each of us has an internal love language. When someone else speaks that language, we do feel loved, appreciated and valued. 1) Quality time spent together; 2) Gift Giving; 3) Physical Touch; 4) Acts of Service; and 5) Words of Affirmation.

One of our problems is that we try to give others what we like. We don’t sense what they need…but instead give what we need.

2) True love takes the initiative.

1 John 4:10, 19 – 10 In this is love: not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation (the atoning sacrifice) for our sins. 19 We love Him, because He first loved us.

Some three word statements that seem simple, but they are really tough.

First one to say, “Can we talk?”
When asked what’s wrong…do you try to express what’s wrong…as opposed to making them work to draw it out of you?

“I am sorry.” After an argument or difficult moment, the person who says “I am sorry” first, is the winner.

“I was wrong.” If God’s love is empowering our lives…we will be willing to step out and admit when we were wrong or made a mistake. Real and authentic.

“You were right.”

“Please forgive me”.

Some of you grew up on homes where you never heard these kind of words. Everyone was fighting for their turf and trying to prove a point. Being able to say, “I was wrong, please forgive me” really helps to build trust and opens us opportunities.

Forgiveness doesn’t mean you diminish the wrong. It may not mean you forget the wrong. Instead it means we do not continue to try and get even. We give up our right to get even.

God forgives us…he doesn’t try to bring back what he has forgiven us for. He doesn’t try to throw it in your face or hold it against you or bring it back. Some of you have gone through some very difficult moments.

“I forgive you.”

“I love you.”

Take the initiative to say, “I love you.” Some of you have grown up in a home where that wasn’t said often. I hope that God can provide a relationship for you where that can be a very constant, continuous thing for you.

Are there some areas in your life you’ve been waiting for someone else to take the initiative? Don’t wait. God’s love will empower you. From Genesis to Revelation…God repeatedly says, “I love you, I love you, I love you.”. Nothing you can do to make him love you less. Conversely…nothing you do can make him love you more. God loves you with a deep and passionate love. He wants to fill your love.

3) God’s love is self-sacrificial.

1John 4:10 – In this is love: not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation (the atoning sacrifice) for our sins.

Eva age 8 – What does it take to be a really good lover? “Well one should know how to write a check because even if you have tons of love, there is still going to be a lot of bills.”

Do people in your life sense that you are self sacrificing?

4) God’s love is transferable.

This is one of God’s attributes that is transferable. God is Omniscient, Omnipresent and Omnipotent. God does not ask us to be all knowing, everywhere present or all powerful.

Love is communicable, catching, and infectious. He wants us to be known by love.

Mark 12:30-31 – And you shall love the lord your god with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ “the second is this, ‘you shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ there is no other commandment greater than these.”

“Let’s practice loving each other for love comes from God. Those who are loving and kind show that they are children of God.”

Excuses…

“What if I show that love and they don’t return love?” How often does that happen to God?

“Love is sort of a risk, I sacrifice and put myself out there and they don’t respond.” True…but God’s our model.

“Love is dangerous.” Yes…but it’s worth the risk because God says clothe yourself with love and watch your relationships grow strong.

Kind of expecting a nothing much, nothing special kind of birthday. You know what it’s like…as you get older and when you are single…it kind of becomes “just another day”.

But my expectations were proved incorrect when I got a call yesterday. I had taken a couple of days off from work to deal with all the things I let slide in my way to busy life. While I was cleaning away, Veronica called me to let me know that bouquet was delivered for me at work. She raved at how pretty it was…a big spring bouquet with an assortment of beautiful flowers. Then she read me the note with birthday greetings from my sister Denise…hubby Pete and the Silvestri family Alyssa, Travis and Reed.

So as soon as my house was presentable…I slipped over to work and picked up this lovely, gorgeous bouquet. And indeed…as you can see from the pictures above…Veronica accurately describe this lovely birthday surprise. My heartfelt thanks to the Silvestri family.

In the mailbox await birthday greeting my friend Margaret. Always one to let me know she loves me. She even enclosed a special note about the sweetheart of my dreams…the gentlemen whom I daily pray for.

Thanks Miss Margaret…you are always close to my heart…and in my thoughts daily!

Yesterday marked the fifth month since our beloved Pastor Chuck Obremski went home to be with the Lord. While I still miss him greatly…I find that as time has passes by…that it’s not as painful when I hear some of his old sermons.

At first…hearing a CD of Chuck’s was both comforting and painful. Comforting to know that Chuck was no longer suffering from the devastating effects of cancer…and that his body has been made whole. Comforting to know that he is now in heaven with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Also it was wonderful to have a library of great Bible teaching that Chuck had left behind.

But it was also somewhat painful. Painful when listening to the CD’s of Chuck preaching after he had gotten sick. And a bit sorrowful in knowing that until I get to heaven…I won’t hear new sermon from Chuck. But by golly since he has a head start…and has met our Lord Jesus Christ and knows first hand the Disciples and the people of the Bible…both Old Testament and New…I’m expecting one heck of a sermon. With maybe even a guest present who actually lived out that passage of scripture.

I am grateful to God for so much. I’m grateful to have witnessed God’s hand upon this man and strengthening him and enabling him to do His will and teach His word. I thank God for the example I saw before me in which a man of God…remained strong and unwavering in his faith…through the power and strength of the Lord during desperate and trying circumstances.

Seeing God work in the life of Chuck was amazing…and seeing it first hand…makes giving out God’s Word to those in need so very easy. I was able to see what a difference Jesus Christ made in the life of a man committed and obedient to God and His will for his life. So it’s exciting and I know with confidence that I am handing God’s word and I know it has and can make a difference in the lives of those in need. Be it someone who has not yet received Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior…or a fellow Christian who is in need of encouragement and strengthening from God’s word…it’s wonderful to hand out those CD’s.

God has raised up our church, sustained it, comforted and enabled us each step along the way. Giving out CD’s has been made possible in part because of the commitment of the Elders at Kindred Community Church and the Obremski family…and also the tremendous work by the Audio Ministry who tirelessly to make sure CD’s have been copied, sent out and are ready for people to pick-up each Sunday.

If you are interested in availing yourself of any CD’s…please click on the link to Kindred Community Church…and take advantage of some great Bible teaching.

May God bless you and strengthen you in the coming week. May His word fill your heart and mind and enable you to walk a steady, unwavering path and bring glory to His precious name…Jesus Christ.

On Charles Stanley’s In Touch Ministries radio broadcast this last week…he was talking about God’s pathway to success. During this message Dr. Stanley talked about meditating on the Word of God.

Being that I dabbled in new age philosophy before I accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior…I’m a little bit leery when I hear the word meditation. But Dr. Stanley quickly laid to rest any concerns I had when it comes to Christian meditation. It’s reading God’s word and going before the Lord with an open and teachable spirit…and asking God how you should apply this passage to your life.

Below are some notes I jotted down from Dr. Stanley’s message.

Meditating on God’s Word doesn’t just mean reading through the word of God over a year. It means reading the God’s word and asking the Lord to, “Speak to my heart”.

So how might you meditate on God’s Word…just using Psalm 1:1?

Psalm 1

New International Version
1 Blessed is the man
who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked
or stand in the way of sinners
or sit in the seat of mockers.

Look at the words in the passage and say, “Lord you said walk a certain way, don’t stand with certain people, don’t walk with them, don’t stand with them, don’t sit with them. What are you saying to me Lord about my life?”

When you are meditating about the word of God…you are thinking strongly about it in light of what it’s saying about your life. What is it saying to me? What steps do you take to meditate on God’s Word?

1) Read it carefully
2) Think about it
3) Apply it to your heart
4) Ask several questions:

• Is there any sin in this passage that I am to avoid?
• Is there any truth that you want me to understand or comprehend that I have not understood before?
• Is there any promise here that I have been unwilling, or not been able in my lack of faith to believe you for, and accept as true in my own life?
• Is there some victory that I am to have in my life according to this passage of scripture?
• Is there some blessing that I am to enjoy?
• Is there some truth that I have missed?

Read the passage today, tomorrow and the next day. Take note pad in hand. Say to the Lord, “Speak to my heart and show me in this passage what you need to say to me about my life.”

One suggestion that I have that’s proved helpful in Bible Study Fellowship, is looking up a passage in several different translations. It may be phrased differently or stated in a way that helps you to understand the passage more fully. See a couple of different translations below on the same Psalm 1:1 passage.

New American Standard
1How blessed is the man who (A)does not walk in the (B)counsel of the wicked,
Nor stand in the (C)path of sinners,

Amplified Bible
1[a]BLESSED (HAPPY, fortunate, prosperous, and enviable) is the man who walks and lives not in the counsel of the ungodly [following their advice, their plans and purposes], nor stands [submissive and inactive] in the path where sinners walk, nor sits down [to relax and rest] where the scornful [and the mockers] gather.

May God enrich your Bible study as you meditation on God’s Word daily.

It’s the most wonderful time of the year…with those daffodils blooming…and Girl Scouts bringing those yummy cookies.

Ah yes…it’s that time again. Winter is nearing its end…and spring will soon arrive. But in the mean time…there a few things to look forward to. Top on that list is daffodil bunches from Trader Joe’s.

Now I don’t normally buy flowers for myself…and if I do…it’s the kind you get at the grocery store. Never have I ordered an arrangement from the florist…that’s what makes its special when your sweetheart sends you flowers…it’s something that just never do for yourself.

But my one exception on buying flowers for myself is when it’s almost spring time…and you can bunches of daffodils at Trader Joes for a mere .99 cents a bunch. I buy bunches and bunches of these lovely bits of sunshine all wrapped up in a daffodil. They are positively miraculous.

When you buy them…they are tight little buds…not yet opened…and not even a hint that the will open soon. But you bring them home…snip off the ends…and place in them in a special vase. Don’t take your eyes off them for long…because you will see them open before your very eyes.

I buy a bunch for home…and one to take to work…and one to take to my mom’s each week during this season. At work…they sit at my desk…and you can almost watch them open. In fact…sometimes you will hear the crinkle of the little paper-like wrapping that surrounds the bulbs.

And when you look at the bulbs as they open…the bright, beautiful color shines through…it almost seems as God had his angels capture rays of sunshine to place in each little bulb. A treat to behold.

In keeping with something special…I must give you a recommendation for an incredible TV show/video you must order if you love flowers. Huell Howser has a program on PBS called California’s Gold. A number of years ago…he broadcast a show on California’s flower fields. Huell visited three of California’s most magical places. Daffodil Hill in Amador…up near Sutter’s Mill…where over 300,000 Daffodil bulbs are scattered on the hillsides. Next…was a trip down the coast to Carlsbad Ranch…to see the Ranunculas in bloom…on a hillside across from the ocean. It is a sight to behold.

Now I’ve not been to Daffodil Hill…but if I’m ever up in northern California…you can be sure…that will be on my travel itinerary. But I have been most fortunate to go to the Ranuncula fields in Carlsbad. It’s a wonderful mixture of row after row of vibrant color from the Ranunculas in bloom. Then the sea breeze is blowing…and when the sun is shinning…you feel as if you are almost in heaven…or about as close as you can get this side of heaven. You can walk up the hillside…and get a closer look at the flowers…and take in the most magnificent ocean view. If I lived down that way…I’d have the season pass. Get my daily exercise…and fill soul with that beauty. You can be sure I will be paying a visit to Carlsbad Ranch…in just a few short weeks…to partake in its beauty. Camera will be in hand. Each year…they have an Easter sunrise service on the hillside. Now that would be lovely!

Lastly…Huell headed up the coast and inland to see the Poppy fields near Antelope Valley. The program ends with an aerial view of the fields as a helicopter flies overhead. Music befitting this view plays in the background. If this is any preview of heaven…my goodness we will never want to leave.

All three places…are a marvelous creation…bearing witness to the magnificent Creator.

So…it is with a big thumbs up I recommend you order this video. You will not be disappointed.

If you find yourself in California…in the springtime…be sure to plan a visit to these California treasures. In the mean time…don’t forget to go to Trader Joe’s…and buy yourself…those lovely little bits of sunshine called daffodils. Ah…springtime…just wonderful.