GOD'S SUPERIOR PLAN FOR FLOURISHING

Mark and I enjoyed a wonderful day with some of our family at the Lighthouse this week. Six of our seventeen grandsons provided lots of excitement and happiness for us.

God always has far superior plans and patterns for living than what we could ever dream up. His idea for human flourishing has always been rooted in the family unit of dad, mom and children. As women, how do we fit into this master plan? In July we will be addressing that very issue as we get together for three consecutive Thursday mornings at 10 and we will talk about the most important aspects of our role as moms. In other words, we will discuss the highest priorities for our lives. Our first gathering will be at Sally Helland’s home on July 11th. All moms and children are welcome.

FATHERS AND GRANDCHILDREN FROM A BIBLICAL PERSPECTIVE

Grandpa enjoying a little birthday celebration with a few of the sweet grand kids.

Proverbs 17:6 “Grandchildren are the crown of old men, And the glory of sons is their fathers.”

I love this verse from Proverbs that not only honors fathers, but, also tells of the great blessing grandchildren are to a grandfather. With Father’s Day just having passed this seems an appropriate time to acknowledge God’s intended beauty and blessing in family relationships. Truly godly fathers bless their children and even though it may take time for this to be realized, generally such a dad comes to be honored. But, also grandchildren usually bless the life of grandfathers. Rich lives are built on strong and healthy relationships and when the base of those associations have to do with the family, then so much more the blessing to everyone involved. Too often people try to connect wonderful lives to a good education, high paying jobs, and plenty of “me” time. But, the Bible always points us to beautiful relationships as the most valuable pursuit.

I’m looking forward to getting together with young moms in July to encourage this very point—building our lives and homes in God’s unparalleled way.

SONGS FROM OUR SOULS--NOT JUST OUR LIPS

I always love the time during our Sunday morning worship gathering when we sing of our great God. Last week as we sang the deeply meaningful song of praise posted above the words particularly penetrated my heart. I hope you will take a couple of minutes to thoughtfully listen to it and consider if you are able to truthfully sing those words to the God of the Universe.

Perhaps like me you sometimes find yourself caught up in the music of a particular song without the lyrics being the main, or even any point at all. But, aren’t we just hypocrites when we sing words that we don’t mean, or words that we are not consciously thinking about? One week ago on Sunday morning we sang a familiar song that caught my attention anew with the repeated phrase of “Then sings my soul…” Oh that it would really be my soul (my innermost being) that gives praise and admiration to God.

O Lord, my God, when I in awesome wonder
Consider all the worlds Thy Hands have made
I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder
Thy power throughout the universe displayed

Then sings my soul, my Saviour God, to Thee
How great Thou art, how great Thou art
Then sings my soul, my Saviour God, to Thee
How great Thou art, how great Thou art

And when I think of God, His Son not sparing
Sent Him to die, I scarce can take it in
That on the Cross, my burden gladly bearing
He bled and died to take away my sin

Then sings my soul, my Saviour God, to Thee
How great Thou art, how great Thou art
Then sings my soul, my Saviour God, to Thee
How great Thou art, how great Thou art

When Christ shall come with shout of acclamation
And lead me home, what joy shall fill my heart
Then I shall bow with humble adoration
And then proclaim, my God, how great Thou art

Then sings my soul, my Saviour God, to Thee
How great Thou art, how great Thou art
Then sings my soul, my Saviour God, to Thee
How great Thou art, how great Thou art

“Bless the LORD, O my soul, And all that is within me, bless His holy name.” Psalm 103:1

We have completed our regular Thursday morning Bible studies until September. However, during July we plan to get together three Thursday mornings for a time of encouragement for young moms. We will be looking at developing our relationships with God, our husbands, and our children. If you would like to part of this special time, mark your calendars for July 11th, 18th, and 25th. More details will be coming out soon.