What Are You Thankful For?

This Thursday is Thanksgiving. One of my favorite holidays, next to Christmas. I get to spend time with my family. But the real spirit of this wonderful holiday is appreciating what you have. All throughout the Bible it talks about giving thanks and praising God, for all He has done, and provided. David even wrote this praise in 1 Chronicles 16:8-9, "Give thanks to the LORD, call on His name; make known among the nations what He has done. Sing to Him, sing praise to Him; tell of all His wonderful acts." David was described as a man after God's own heart, and he was constantly giving praise.

You shouldn't have to wait till the end of November to give thanks, it should be an attitude you have all year. But seeing as how we do have one day specially reserved to give thanks, here is what I am thankful for: Breath in my body and food and water which are provided. My wonderful family who has supported me throughout my life. The best brother and sister anyone could ever ask for. An awesome ministry, with exciting, energetic, students who are a community together and love to learn about God. A fantastic church with people who get the idea that church is in people not in buildings and who freely give of their time to help one another. I am thankful for friends who encourage, uplift, and genuinely care about each other. I am thankful for all God has provided for me. What are you thankful for?

Remember, as it is Thanksgiving this week, there is no Crash this Wednesday, but go spend time with your family, with people you love, and dwell on what you are thankful for. Tell God, and appreciate all that He has provided for you.

The B-I-B-L-E, Yes That's The Book For Me...

"This revelation- Holy, just, and true-

Though oft I read, it seems forever new;

While light from Heaven upon it's pages rest,

I feel it's power, and with it I am blessed.

Hence forth, I take thee as my future guide,

Let naught from thee, my youthful heart divide.

And then, if late or early death be mine,

All will be well, since I, O Lord, am thine!"

-Phoebe Palmer

I first read this poem about a year ago, and it struck a chord with me. I kept reading it over and over. I couldn't get it out of my mind. A woman who lived in the 1800's named Phoebe Palmer inscribed this poem in her Bible when she was 11. I have since even written the poem in my Bible.

This poem, reveals some wonderful truths about God, His word, and His power. God's word, or the Bible, is Holy, just and true. 2 Timothy 3:16 calls Scripture "God breathed..." The Bible is the authoritative word of God.

The author of Hebrews calls God's word, "Living and active...(Hebrews 4:12)." No matter how much you read it, you will always get something different, something good and new and fresh out of it. Even though God never changes, and neither does His word, our understanding of Him, and His divine plan changes.

The Bible is not only God's word, but it is God's story as well. It is the story of God, continually loving, guiding, and seeking a relationship with His creation. I invite all Jr. High students to join Crash tomorrow night as we study God's word, and begin to overview God's story looking first in the Old Testament.

A Packed Weekend

So this last weekend was full, but exhilarating. I had been looking forward to it for the past couple weeks.

On Friday, I got to meet with the elders and the other pastors to pray and plan for the future of Desert Springs Church. It was very encouraging.

Saturday was Octoberblast. It was SO fun! I spent the day helping to set everything up. I was in charge of some of the game booths, which were a big hit. There was around 2,000 people who attended! Thank you again for everyone that helped me out and volunteered! You guys helped to make not only the game booth area a success but Octoberblast a success.

The extra hour we got back because of daylight savings really helped to recharge me for Sunday which was also a big and exciting day. Desert Springs Church launched Desert Springs Refresh, a new, engaging, band-led interactive worship service during the 11 AM hour. Refresh is for everyone who wants to worship God in a fresh, relevant and casual venue. Much hard work, planning and anticipation paid off when more than 50 people worshiped God by singing, and for some of us, jumping up an down praising God.

All that said, this last weekend was awesome! God is good! He is doing a lot here at Desert Springs Church, and I can't wait to find out what he has in store for this church.