Church Blessings

On this Memorial Day I should be posting about the soldiers who over the years have given their lives for our country. Instead, I'd like to share a few random thoughts about the blessings of a good church. Over the years my husband and I have been to quite a number of churches and we are so glad to have a home church to come home to where we feel like one big family, where we know God's Word will be preached without apology, and where we know we belong. Yesterday it was a beautiful day and the children, and there are a lot of them, were really enjoying playing outside.
Not only do you see the children enjoying the outdoors, it seems like no one even wants to go home! Some of the dads and teens go out and play with the children. The moms sit together on the grass and visit while they watch the babies romp around.

The dads and teen boys stand around and encourage each other in the things of the Lord and see how they can help each other. It's just so nice to be in a place where you can put your work and problems aside and be lifted up. Our Pastor, my father-in-law, has been doing a series on what to do when hard times come. With the world and our country the way it is, hard times will no doubt come that make today's financial woes seem like a holiday. It's been a really good series and I know it's got a lot of people thinking.

I realize we're a different kind of church. The world won't be knocking our doors down to fellowship with us. I'm sure a lot of you could visit our church and point out all kinds of things you don't agree with. But you know, we see God at work, and a place where God is at work is a good place to be. I hope you've all found a church body to fellowship with, where you can see God at work, and where you can get encouragement and hear the Word of God.

Yes, it's Memorial Day, and we need to remember those that fought for our freedom to worship. We come from a long line of pacifists so it makes me even more grateful to those that fought for our freedom when my ancesters couldn't do it in good conscience. God has truly blessed America. Even though we may be facing hard times, we still have freedoms that most of the world will never know. None of us know how long God will continue to bless America, but for today, we will give Him thanks for this great country of ours!