…and Breathe

-Benjamin Eiss

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Easter, Christmas, and Last Blast. Those are three big events we have here at Fellowship and it seems like, for all of the years that I’ve been attending them (even at other churches) I don’t have even a few memories of them. This was happening even before I started working at Fellowship a few years ago, and I’m willing to bet that most of you are in a similar situation. I love the holidays…so why can’t I remember them?

If you don’t know me, then let me say “Hi! it’s nice to meet you. My name is Ben and I’m the media director here at Fellowship”. I’ve said that line so many times every holiday to new people that sometimes it just rolls off the tongue without me even knowing it. Part of my job is the technological aspect of our productions, as well as the graphics and (most) of the videos that go up and around our social media sites. I also work another job and like to keep a social life as well as time with the family. I’m busy…to say the least, but so is everyone else it seems.

If it’s alright, I’d like to take this moment to do a small exercise with you.

1. Inhale with me through your mouth for five seconds.

2. Exhale through your nose for five seconds.

3. Read this next poem written by David, and take a moment to meditate on it.

“for he knows how we are formed,
he remembers that we are dust.
The life of mortals is like grass,     
they flourish like a flower of the field;
the wind blows over it and it is gone,     
and its place remembers it no more”

— Psalm 103: 14-16

Pretty Positive Right?

Don’t worry, I’m not trying to bring you down from the fun this Easter. Quite the contrary, I pray that you take the time to notice it. The stressors and responsibilities in our lives, while important, will not end the world. I want you to pay special, specific attention to the word “Flourish” that was used in this translation. Human life, my life, your life, is built to be beautiful. I want to drive home the idea, immediately, that before you are a mom, or a dad, or a student, or a sports fan, or a self-proclaimed disappointment or hot mess, you are first and foremost ____________. [fill in your name here]

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 That breathing exercise…

…you just did is specifically built to deactivate our fight-or-flight instinct that we can find ourselves in. Some of us live in this nature. I know I did. Especially around Easter.

• Easter

• Christmas

• Thanksgiving

• My birthday

• Family vacations

…always very tense for me.

It wasn’t until I really started to look at myself years ago and wonder why I was so stressed to begin with, that I began to understand that it all had to do with the sinking feeling that I was losing track of time. That these parts of my life that were supposed to be fun and enjoyable but often left me feeling like they were gone in a flash and I didn’t get to even enjoy them.

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Holidays and special occasions have a knack for pushing us mentally, emotionally, and sometimes physically to the extreme. And then, somehow, after all that work, when we try to remember the events it’s as if they had been Men in Black style MIND WIPED from us. If Christmas is such a special day to me, why is it that I hardly remember it?!? To answer this, I’d like you to hit the play button below. I have recently gotten into a great podcast about time management and, very recently, one of the main subjects was “Why Time Fly’s?”. Go ahead and hit that button, it’s about 4 minutes long I promise. I’ll wait.

Like Laura said, our memories and our perception of time are inherently linked. It was because of this Idea that I realized that if I wanted to enjoy Easter more, if I wanted to Remember Easter more, I would have to take a few moments every now and again to breathe. God wants us to do this, he wants us to enjoy spending time with family and going all out on fun Easter traditions.

God has made beauty in this world, and the cruel nature of sin constantly seeks to pervert it.

Dramatic, I know, but it seems to happen over and over again. Everything in this world, every source of stress, every source of love, every moment of joy, every moment of apathy, every hug, and every slap, is fleeting, but what we imprint on our hearts and on our souls lasts for much longer. It is because of this rationale that I strive to remember the things that are beautiful, meaningful, and important to me. It is because of the memories I have to make that I slow down and breathe.

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I would challenge you to do the same…

“He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end.”

— Ecclesiastes 3:11

…At least for this weekend. When you find something worth truly remembering, take 10 seconds (a breath in and a breath out) and remember it. It will make the fun last longer I promise. And the fun is meant for you. God planned for the fun and the incredible and the lovely moments in our lives from the inception of the universe specifically for those moments of time. In Ecclesiastes, Paul writes that,

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Next, I’d like you guys to play this song that I have below. And to pray the lines under it with me. And to pray them slowly, and meaningfully. God wants to have conversations with us, so be silent after each sentence and give yourself the opportunity to reflect.

God, thank you for making a

world with me in it…

Thank you for setting up the sun and the stars from the beginning of time with the specific intent of me seeing them.

God, thank you for making me complex and dynamic, and for giving me the capacity to notice and remember the things around me.

God, I pray that, during my time this weekend,

I make a conscious effort to enjoy what is in my life.

To notice what exactly you sent your son to us for.

God, I pray that while I know that I can’t let go of some of these responsibilities in my life, that I recognize, constantly, that I was designed as an individual with a self-contained incredible beauty that was fashioned and stitched together to be in the image of you and a gift for me.

Help me see it around me.

God help me notice the incredible plans you have for me and the incredible world you have shown me.

And God, more than anything in this moment, thank you for

letting me remember these things.

God, thank you for designing me beautifully.

Thank you for giving me that part of you God.

Thank you for Giving me you.

Thank you.

If the song is still playing, just let it play out.

just…let it play out…and breathe.

Thanks,

-B.E.

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the podcast is Called the “Before Breakfast Podcast”. Click here to check out this amazing podcast.

Music used in this Post is from the incredible artist Reeder. Check him out sound cloud and support him if you like his work like I do. Here’s his Sound cloud.

Next-Gen

-Ross verhault

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You’ve heard all about millennials…

I myself am one of them. But what about the generation coming right behind them? Gen Z, born between 1999 and 2015. Some of you reading this right now are parents or grandparents of a Gen Z teenager. As an adult in my mid 20’s, I’ve had this preconceived notion that my generation wasn’t much different from Gen Z. I tended to think “how much could change in an 8-12 year age gap.” But what I’m starting to realize as a Student Pastor is that what worked for me as a teenager, as far as fostering faith, will not necessarily work for today’s youth. I recently read a Barna study on the correlation between Gen Z and faith and found it very compelling. 

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Gen Z’ers today are:

• less religious

• more success-oriented

• more captivated by technology - specifically social media -

• and more likely to embrace different views on sexual identity. 

Gen Z was born in a context where religion in general, and Christianity in particular, is no longer a major influence in American culture. In fact, according to the Barna study, teens 13 to 18 are twice as likely as adults to say they are atheist. In addition, Gen Z’ers seem to have a flexible moral compass that leads them to un-clear paths and prevents them from making decisions or judgements according to solid values and convictions. Throw the influence of social media into all of this and we have an interesting concoction. 

Technology can help us socialize with people far away but it can also drive us to be less social. Recent studies are exploring the relationship between social media and isolation, and how it can even lead to depression.

Teens face a tension to portray themselves as happy, beautiful and successful.

In other words, to pretend to be somebody else. This can be damaging for a teenager especially in a time where they are discovering their identity.

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Speaking of identity…

…most Gen Z’ers in the Barna study indicated that their ultimate goal in life was “to be happy”, and they defined happiness as financial success. Personal achievement is central to Gen Z’s identity more than family, background, and religion. These findings are not surprising and they seem to reflect the materialistic and individualistic outlook of life that permeates American culture. Christianity is “counter-culture” because it's communal and not individualistic.

Satisfaction and joy is not found in pursuing happiness, possessions, and success, but in a relationship with Jesus and the God who created us.

The deeper questions for a Gen Z’er are:

1. What is truth?

2. What is right and wrong?

3. Who am I and what is my purpose?

4. How do I achieve satisfaction?

Today’s youth are struggling to answer these questions more than any other generation and are searching for answers in the wrong places. The beautiful thing about the gospel is that it resolves these struggles. Jesus made the claim that he is “the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6). Easter reminds us and reassures this claim with his resurrection.

““I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

— John 14:6

If Jesus is who he says he is, there is always hope. He is truth. He is the source of what is good. He is the way. He is the source of morals. He is our satisfaction and joy. Our identity is found in him. Every Easter I am reminded of this reality and it motivates me to teach and lead teenagers into that reality by any means necessary. It also drives me to live out my faith more authentically and transparently.  

The truth is, in many instances, young people do not reject Christ, they reject a sociological and political interpretation of Christianity that they see in their parents and adults around them that doesn’t necessarily reflect biblical values. In other words, they reject hypocrisy and value realness. A post-Christian culture forces you and I to be completely committed followers of Christ. Not just a “Christian” on paper, but a genuine follower where there is clear evidence displayed of the hope we have in Jesus.

“But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect”

— 1 Peter 3:15

The resurrection of Jesus changes everything. What convicts me is that if I really believe in that, it should change everything about me. What I find intriguing is that most of the disciples of Jesus were believed to be under the age of 18 when they began to follow him. The resurrection changed everything for and about them and they ended up changing the world. I believe any teenager of today who is fully devoted to Christ can do the same.  Teenagers are longing for purpose and to make a difference.

They long to make a change.

Jesus can empower them to do just that.

Would you pray with me today for the Gen Z’ers in our community and church.

Pray for parents and grandparents of faith who are raising teenagers. 

Pray for those who lead and volunteer in Fellowship’s youth ministries. 

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If you want to pray specifically for today’s youth, check out this article “10 BIG Prayers I’m Praying Over Generation Z” .

Article Referenced in this Post: Link

Let the Children Come to Me

-Kayleigh Mierzejewski

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While some have mainly been frequenting Fellowship’s newest building, several families are witnessing almost weekly surprises while checking in their children over at FC Kidz. That building is currently being renovated, and what a transformation it is that we get to witness! “Hey! A new door!”

“I wonder what’s behind the plastic curtain…”

“Whoa! They can just build a wall like that?!”

Children and adults alike are excited to see our kids’ areas take on a new shape…

which to me fits perfectly with the season we’re in.

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Lent. Easter. Spring. These bring a sense of freshness, renewal, a time of growth. I love getting to see this happening right now in our church, particularly in FC Kidz. Over the past several weeks, we’ve seen record numbers of kids attending our Sunday services, peaking at 35 in Kidz Club! In one service! High fives to those awesome volunteers who served that Sunday! It is amazing to see God at work as He grows our church community! Even while we are still in progress to make our building’s appearance look its best, God continues to use our imperfect, in-progress circumstances for His perfect plan.

I love a metaphor with layers, don’t you?

See, on the surface, this freshness, renewal, and growth can be seen tangibly in the added steel beams, plaster, and altered layout of our kids’ rooms. To see God using FC Kidz volunteers, environments, and experiences to make a difference in the future of our church is even more incredible. Every week, there are dozens of volunteers dedicating their time and energy to compassionately serving the children of our church on Sundays.

From snuggling infants to teaching school children.

From story-time with preschoolers to playtime with toddlers.

Our volunteers create a place where children receive Jesus’ love, learn about His incredible promises, and are supported to make lasting connections within our church. Our FC Kidz volunteers have an opportunity every Sunday to open growing minds and hearts to Christ, and it brings me such joy to think of how this pleases Him.

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“Jesus said, ‘Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”

— Matthew 9:14 NIV

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As children get to know Christ on their level, life change is happening!

They get excited about coming to church each week! They learn about what a relationship with Christ means and say “Yes!” to Him! They choose to be baptized! They earnestly invite their friends to church, Living Proof, and Vacation Bible Camp, sharing and spreading the Good News! When they’re teens, many serve in our kids’ environments so that they can be difference makers for the next generation! They’re already on mission with moving up and to the right, not only personally but as an active participant in Fellowship Church’s story.

| In my role as Nursery Coordinator… |

I have the awesome opportunity to see how volunteers’ lives are changed through their selfless service. Their own pursuit of Christ deepens as they encourage children to pursue Him. Their own Biblical knowledge expands as they teach the Bible to kids on their level. They network and form friendships with other FC’ers who they may not have met otherwise. They take time off from work to volunteer at VBC because they so value the relationships and spiritual growth that they get to be a part of through serving opportunities.

• Every person matters to Christ, no matter how small.

• Every role is important to Christ, whether it’s changing a diaper or leading a Bible skit.

• Every Sunday in FC Kidz matters not only to the future and longevity of our church…

…but MORE importantly, to God’s kingdom.

I feel incredibly blessed as an FC Kidz volunteer to get to be a part of this.

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Please join me in praying for FC Kidz this week. I want to invite you to pray with me on three levels:

• Pray for the children attending FC. Father God, thank you for bringing so many children through Fellowship’s doors - it is so exciting to see your church continue to grow! We pray that as they experience Jesus on their level, they leave church on Sunday feeling loved, encouraged, and inspired to make a difference in the world in Your name.

• Pray for the FC Kidz volunteers. Lord, thank you for the compassionate hearts and caring hands that You provide in the FC Kidz environments! They are continuing the growth and strengthening the future of Your church. They see value in each person that You bring through Fellowship’s doors. They are difference makers illuminating a relationship with Jesus for children of all ages to learn about and engage in. We pray that our volunteers know how much they matter and the amazing, lasting impact they have on the future of Your church.

• Pray for next steps. God, we ask that you open our hearts and make it clear as to how You want to use us for Your purposes. As we read in 1 Corinthians 3:9, “For we are both God’s workers. And you are God’s field. You are God’s building.” (NLT) Your good works are alive in us, Lord; show us how to use Your gifts for Your kingdom. Give us boldness to step out and serve in Your church. Give us encouragement to invite families to join the amazing work You are doing here at Fellowship. Thank you for making us a part of Fellowship Church during this season of growth and renewal so that we get to be difference makers. In Jesus’ precious name I pray, Amen.

As I thought of the many ways I’d like those who attend Fellowship Church to pray, I thought of so many areas where we may not be praying enough.

For those of you who attend here frequently, you know that our biggest prayer here is for people to first accept Jesus Christ into their heart, then secondly, move closer and closer to Him (up and to the right). As part of this prayer, we hope everyone who has been attending for a long time and already knows Jesus to be welcoming and patient.

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"The welcoming”…

…comes with getting to know newer people and making them feel at home. It’s so easy to stay within our clique. Sometimes it’s the only day of the week we see some of our friends so we get it. But picture this:

You go into a church for the first time and everyone you see is already in conversations. They’re in their circle and not coming out. You go all the way through the Atrium, Coffee Bar and into the Auditorium with not even a greeting. Maybe you enjoy the message but you’re not sure you want to return to the stuffy atmosphere.

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 Jesus is all about others.

We should be as well.

It doesn’t come easy.

We need to work at it.

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The patience comes with understanding the tensions that come with more people coming here each week to FC. Yes, it may get crowded and tougher to get a seat at times but what’s the other option? “I’m glad you asked”. The other option is we stay comfortable with the handful of people around us, keep attendance low so we can get our regular seat, request our favorite worship songs, get old together as a church and die together as a church.

A bit harsh there but…

Listen older people, we want younger people attending here.

Listen younger people, we want older people attending here.

We want all ages, all types, the good, even the bad and the ugly (Don’t call them that). We want those who are at rock bottom, those that society won’t accept, those who feel as though lightning will strike if they enter this building because this is how Jesus rolled.

“Jesus took those at their worst and brought them to places they never thought they’d go.”

• We believe Jesus can:

• change any behavior

• turn anyone He wants away from sin

• break cycles in families

• stop addiction

• restore marriages

• mend relationships

• heal those hurting and renew anyone’s life.

We know because we’ve seen it over and over. We want all walks of life, no matter the gender, race, current belief, or social status. Jesus welcomed everyone, so will we. Our prayer is that everyone will always feel welcome here.

I believe another prayer we need to do daily is for the movement of everyone here at FC. We do not want anyone to be the same next year or even next month. We want everyone moving, as we say here, up and to the right. I always loved the quote:

“It’s ok to not be ok but it’s not ok to stay that way.”

This is why we do FC Groups. We believe it’s so important to be around others as they grow as well. We believe in the whole ‘circles not just rows’. On Sundays, we sit in rows and listen to a message. During the week, we sit in circles (in groups) and discuss what we’re learning. Building relationships with like-minded people is so important. It’s in these relationships where we can be inspired, motivated and encouraged. We also learn more about our faith and have opportunities to ask questions, have people pray for us and slow down the business of life for one hour a week. I met some of my closest friends in an FC Group.

I’m so thankful for this church and the many people here that ‘get it’. I love all of you who serve here. I love all of you who go out of your way to welcome others. I love the many of you who give each week knowing you’re making a difference. I love those of you who just started coming out and your intentionality to come each week. I love those of you who took a chance and tried us out. I’m praying you come back. Lastly I’m praying for those of you reading this that do not already belong to a local church to come check us out.

Would you please take some time today to pray with us?

A MESSAGE OF LOVE

- Megan Reddix

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Has a particular song ever grabbed ahold of you, and you feel as if you’re transported somewhere completely different than where you actually are? How about a whole album or playlist? You spend hours with your eyes closed hearing nothing but the music; how the chords seem to effortlessly change, how the lyrics speak to a place so deep in your soul that you never knew it existed.

You don’t care if anyone else is around,

What you look like,

How you sound when your start singing along,

Or if you’re being too loud.

All that matters in that moment is the music.

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            I feel that way a lot. Sometimes it’s the first time I’ve heard a song or maybe I’ve listened to it a thousand times over. I lose myself, and at times it’s hard to reign myself back in. I become so overwhelmed with emotion that my heart aches to sing louder, and I have this uncontrollable urge to throw my hands in the air. You’ve probably watched me do this a time or two.

            Every time I worship I get caught up in the meaning of each song. There is so much passion, love, and fellowship within the verses. There is an incredible beauty and fluidity in the instrumentals. I am reminded every time I hear a worship song that God is so good! How could anything sound so perfect and stir my heart so much if it wasn’t created by Him?

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 Here is a song that encourages me and gives me the comfort of God’s love and grace.

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            I was eight years old the first time I stood on a stage to sing in front of a crowd…

We were in New Hampshire, visiting the beach as we had done so many times before, but this time I felt drawn to “the Shell.” The Shell was a stage right on the boardwalk that we had sat at watching people perform for years. I never had a desire to actually get on the stage until that day. For the first time in my life, a song actually drew me in so deeply that I wanted to share it with as many people as I could. At eight years old, Shania Twain’s “From this Moment On” told me that there was love in this world beyond all I could imagine. From a little girl’s heart who ached for love, I finally had faith that it was out there. The moment came and went, and all I remember was a trophy half my size being placed in my hands as the other contestants of the talent show and the hundreds of people in the crowd smiled at me and cheered.

            I had participated in talent shows, competitions, and musicals every year since standing on the Shell stage. I sang what my vocal coaches told me would fit my voice. Occasionally that passion to share the message of a particular song would come back and I would melt into the music, forgetting that a crowd even existed, but most of the time I walked up to the mic with my knees shaking. It wasn’t until I was sixteen that I consistently stood on stage without fear.

            In the terrifying moment that I was asked to share my “talent,” I belted out “Summertime” from Porgy & Bess while my then-boyfriend-now-husband, Zach, faced a wall. I opened my eyes to see his mom standing in the doorway and Zach slowly turning around with his mouth open;

“I play guitar for teen worship team on Wednesday nights. You should try out.”

I had been a believer for a couple of years and had just started going to church regularly with his family, but Zach’s suggestion pulled at my heart. I didn’t know any worship songs well, but I was willing to learn. It wasn’t long until I started singing with the teen, then the adult, worship team at our church. Each song I learned, every time I sang, I got lost in the best way possible. I got lost in God’s message of love, and I knew it was something I needed to share.

It has been 11 years since I started worshipping, like REALLY worshipping, on stage With the Fellowship Team. I almost always forget the words but they somehow come out right. I sing each song with every ounce of my body, putting everything I have behind the words because they’re something I truly believe in. I’ve been told I can sing, and I don’t really know much about that, but I can tell you that I worship.

Whatever anyone else sees and hears me do when I’m up there with the Praise Team, it’s all God. I’m not afraid to belt out the wrong lyric or come in at the wrong time. I’m not concerned that I’ll hit a sour note.

My only goal when I walk onto that stage is to convey a message of love beyond anything we can comprehend!

Now, I won’t say that singing or worshipping is necessarily my spiritual gift. It’s something I feel drawn to do, just as I feel drawn to connect with others and share the powerful message of God’s grace through teaching yoga, photography, and writing. I know I’m not the best at communicating, I’m not the most talented musician, and I have an extremely difficult time finding comfort in social situations. However, God has given me the unlikely gift of supporting others through some of their most difficult moments. That’s where we can lean on God’s promises and put our full trust in Him.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart;
do not depend on your own understanding.
Seek his will in all you do,
and he will show you which path to take.”

— Proverbs 3:5-6 NLT

He has given me a passion to mother and a talent to share (in a variety of ways). Somewhere in the intersection of my deepest desires and the places I am the most uncomfortable, is the spiritual gift that God has trusted me with.

What gift has God given you to use?

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My prayer as I sing, teach, and share is that, whatever you are going through, you hear only the words that God graciously chose for me to speak and you feel supported and encouraged by His message of faithfulness and love.

Humility is a funny thing. It’s been said that if you won a medal for your humility, once you wear the medal, it would have to be taken off.

It is very easy to spot pride, not as easy with humility.

Pride comes with a spotlight, humility a flashlight.

Pride says it’s all about me, myself and I. Humility is always about others.

Prideful people lessen their circle of friends throughout the years. Humble ones enlarge theirs.

Pride repels. Humility attracts.

Pride comes with no self awareness. Humility is full awareness.

Pride doesn’t listen. Humility leans in.

Pride states opinions. Humility listens to them.

Pride answers every question and shares extra information. Humility knows not every question during every conversation needs to be answered. A true genius admits that he/she knows nothing.” ― Albert Einstein

I come from a history of pride…..I still fight it today. I think many men do. I remember the humble brags. The pleas for compliments. “I’m not good at that…” I look back and cringe at how easily swayed my pride was. A girl would like me and I made sure all my friends knew it. I did well at a sport and I’d talk about it forever. “How much do I bench?” Glad you asked…..

I’m so thankful for my faith. I follow the ultimate example of humility, Jesus Christ. When given all authority over heaven and earth in John 13, Jesus washes the disciples feet. If I’m given authority over heaven and earth, someone is washing my feet and even massaging them!

When Jesus knew what He would have to go through with being crucified (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John), no one around Him would have even known. During that long walk carrying a cross, He never stated what He was about to do for you and me. He just did what He was called to do. I cannot imagine myself going through this quietly. “Yes, you’re all gonna be thanking me daily for what’s about to go down. I’m dying for all of you….you owe me big time!”

When Jesus was constantly questioned, insulted and mocked, He never self promoted, never did what we all would’ve done, He never retaliated. Dealing with Pharisees and other religious leaders, He stayed humble.

It was so much easier many years ago staying humble without Social Media. We did not see the ‘humble brags’ daily. We didn’t have everyone’s ‘highlight reel’ on a constant feed.

As a Christian, our main focus should always be pointing people to Jesus. Our actions, interactions, work ethic, demeanor, and humility should always point people to the reason we are….Jesus.

How are you doing with humility. If you say ‘fine’, you may be struggling.

GUEST BLOGGER: Vicki Pancoast

How do we find God’s peace? Life is so very busy. We are constantly on the go. I love what Pastor Andy did during a recent sermon. He showed us all how to shut off our phones. Yes! We are in a fast-paced world and we are constantly surrounded by noise. Social media noise, political noise, worldly noise. We all want to feel that peace that comes from God. But how do we find it when we are being pulled in so many different directions? Psalm 46:10 says, “Be still, and know that I am God.” How many of us really take time out of our busy week to actually BE STILL before God?  


When we are unsure or overwhelmed by our lives, when our specific path in life is unclear, we won’t find that peace until we look to God. We need to stop looking to the world. We tend to talk and talk about our situation with others. We will complain that we are way too busy. We will complain that we are afraid of what the future will bring. We will say we don’t have time to pray or read the Bible because we are just that busy. But, if we really want the peace that only Christ can deliver, we need to prioritize and slow down. 


I recently read a wonderful quote from Christian speaker and author Beth Moore. She was speaking of God’s peace and she said it so eloquently; “A sense of peace will virtually always accompany His will and direction, a lack of peace will often accompany a mistaken path.” We can’t hear from Him if we aren’t looking to Him. So, let’s shut off the radio, shut down the social media app, maybe even turn off the phone. Find a place to enjoy the quiet. Take a moment (or more if you can!) to truly slow down and be still. Be still before your God and watch what He can do. 

As I left for work this morning I noticed the neighbors across the street still had an icy walkway. Mine has melted nicely. My house gets more sunlight. Although a small thing, I was thankful.

Today my heat works. Although it works pretty consistently, I am thankful.

It’s near March and we haven’t really gotten beat up with snow yet. (I know, I shouldn’t say anything!) So thankful.

For so many years I have heard great men and women encourage people to be grateful, to journal all your blessings and to appreciate the small things. It’s fascinating all we take for granted (especially here in America!).

I read this great quote from Charles Spurgeon, a preacher from back in the 1800’s. He said, “It is not how much we have but how much we enjoy that makes happiness.” So true. I enjoy not chopping ice on my driveway. I enjoy sitting in my heated house. I enjoy no snow.

I believe the awareness of all we have shapes us much better than seeing all we don’t have. If you feed your child ice cream every day for a month and neglect to give them any after, you’ll hear it from them. If you never gave your child ice cream (I am not suggesting this, just making point), they will never complain about not having it. When we get all we want, we want more. There’s a lot to be said about ‘too much too soon’.

I remember the first time Vicki and I stayed at a nicer hotel…..it’s now hard to go back to the less nicer ones. I wouldn’t have missed it if I never had it. But I did, and I don’t know how I will ever spend a night at the “Dew Drop Inn” ever again.

“God has promised to supply all our needs. What we don’t have we don’t need now.” Elizabeth Elliot, Christian Author and Speaker

It feels as though our needs and wants have been confused as of late. I remember when iPhones, cable television, video games and coffee makers were wants……doesn’t feel like that today.

Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Perspective starts with you. Be grateful today.