“I have never met anyone anywhere like Francis Schaeffer, who took God so passionately seriously, people so passionately seriously, and truth so passionately seriously.” Os Guiness

That quote has touched me so deeply. It resonates within me like a the sounding of a bell. I so want that to be true of my life and our congregation at Woodland Church. As passionate followers of Christ let’s meditate on that quote prayerfully this week. How can we apply that personally. Let me know your thoughts.

A few reflections from our trip to Springfield, Missouri last week.

We enjoyed spending last week with our son and his wife in Missouri celebrating the birth of their second son, our fifth grandson, Asher. He is a beautiful baby working hard on lung development when he is hungry or wants to be held. By the way, he LIKES me to sing to him! Yeppers, he does.

Some of special memories from the week was taking care of his four year older brother, Bear. He wakes up with a Carpe Diem attitude, and never walks but runs everywhere. We built Legos, played with a frisbee, had a pirate party, blew silly string all over the yard, went to the park to swing and play in the water. We had ice cream, watermelon, and cake! Best of all was having devotions together in the evening with Emma (Becky) and his parents.

To be able to go to morning and midweek worship with my son, Chris, and grandson, Bear, was a special joy. Watching my son, lift his hands in praise and worship took me back to our family devotions in the evening when he was Bear’s age.

I had forgotten how many good friends we have in Missouri. It was so good to be able to visit with them and make a couple of new friends as well.

It was such a wonderful week. We came home refreshed and looking forward to worshipping with our Woodland Family on Father’s Day. It was a powerful service. There were quite a few people who crossed the line and confessed their faith in Jesus Christ. What a great start to this week.

Today, Becky and I had lunch with a pastor’s wife from Arkansas that we are so proud of. Listening to her faith story and sharing delicious Lebanese food reminds me of how important it is to pray for and support pastors and their families.

I also enjoyed being interviewed for a podcast today for pastors and staff pastors on the subject of leadership and the Christian leader’s character and spiritual life. Our culture continues to rapidly change and there are new challenges. Thankfully, the Good News of Jesus never changes but remains relevant to the needs and challenges of this hour. Always be confident that there are people who want and need to hear the hope that we have in Christ.

Peace!