LESSONS FROM RUTH: PROVIDENCE

Last night we touched on God's providence. That means the Lord is behind the scenes providing for us in ways we cannot see but eventually will be revealed. Ruth for instance when she went out to glean in the fields (Ruth 2:1-3). She was led to the field of Boaz, her future husband. Their great-grandson would be king David (Ruth 4:21-22) and Jesus would of course come through this line. (Mat 1:5).

Not happenstance. Not circumstance. Not coincidence. Providence!

Don't be discouraged by your circumstances. It just might be God's providence. Trust the Lord because something good is coming!

PASTOR PAUL NDUNG'U FROM KENYA

This is pastor Paul Ndung'u from Kenya, Africa. He is a friend of Bill and Ginny Lumley. He shared last night at our midweek study about his ministry which includes an outreach to the Maasai tribe, to neighboring Uganda, as well as overseeing an orphanage of 51 children. If you would like to contact him for more information or support his email is dole@kenyaweb.com.

TEACHING AT THE HONG KONG CONFERENCE

This is a riot. How in the world did I ever get to Hong Kong and be one of the speakers at the Calvary Chapel Asia Conference? Well, we had Phil Twente, the mission's pastor at Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa, come and speak at our Mission Training School this summer. Afterward we took him out to Steer Grill restaraunt to have him experience some good ole Norco beef. We started to talk about the upcoming Hong Kong conference (which was in September) and I told him that Cheryl and I were planning on attending to spend time with Chris Mills and Sharon Porterfield. He then asked me be one of the speakers. I couldn't believe it. Promotion comes from the Lord! God gets all the glory!!

(Psa 75:6-7) For promotion cometh neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from the south. {7} But God is the judge: he putteth down one, and setteth up another.

WORSHIP AT HONG KONG CONFERENCE

Someone from the conference just sent me this pic. What a joy to worship the Lord with Chris and the Calvary Chapel missionaries in Asia.

THE PARENT OF MY POLITICS (Early release of Shepherd to Sheep)

SHEPHERD TO SHEEP

THE PARENT OF MY POLITICS

. . . Your word is truth. (John 17:17)

Politics. They say not to discuss it with your friends because it will divide you over ideologies. But I don’t find that to be the case. My Christian brothers seem to agree with me and I with them over most political issues. And why is that? It’s because there is a parent to our politics . . . and that is the Word of God!

You see, I believe in the truths of the Bible for today’s world and it’s issues. I firmly assent to the fact that God’s Word is truth and is relevant for all time and cultures. Circumstances and civilizations might change over the sands of time but God’s Word never changes! So therefore I look at life with a Biblical world view. My personal feelings or ideas do not matter. The Word of God is what matters. It’s not what I think to be right or wrong but what the Bible says. Therefore my politics reflect what I read in Scripture.

I admit my politics clash with my contemporary generation. And I don’t see it as conservative vs. liberal but Biblical vs. non-Biblical thinking. Even “conservative” today could be liberal because of the changing trends in politics. I’ll be careful in regards to any particular group because they might not represent me fully in my ground of truth from the Word. I test everything through the grid of the Bible (Acts 17:11).

Issues such as education, war, government spending, abortion, the definition of marriage, programs for the needy, etc. are processed through a transformed mind through Christ (Rom. 12:2; Phil. 2:5). Who I am going to vote for and how I am going to decide the issues and propositions will not be politically motivated but Biblically appropriated. Some might call that narrow and leaving no room for pragmatism or expediency but it’s not up to me to decide. I’ve already decided for God’s truth to be the lamp to my feet and a light to my path (Psalm 119:105).

And so I pray and so I vote and let the Word of God be the parent of my politics.

Louie

AMERICA'S GODLY HERITAGE

Here are some of my notes from this morning's message on our nation's godly heritage. (1 Ki 18:37) "Hear me, O LORD, hear me, that this people may know that You are the LORD God, and that You have turned their hearts back to You again."

Quotes from our forefathers:

- President George Washington wrote; "I am sure that never was a people, who had more reason to acknowledge a Divine interposition in their affairs, than those of the United States: and I should be pained to believe that they have forgotten that agency, which was so often manifested during our Revolution, or that they failed to consider the omnipotence of that God who is alone able to protect them."

- Thomas Jefferson, 1781 - "God who gave us life gave us liberty. And can the liberties of a nation be thought secure when we have removed their only firm basis, a conviction in the minds of the people that these liberties are of the Gift of God? That they are not to be violated but with his wrath? Indeed, I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just; that His justice cannot sleep forever."

- Benjamin Franklin: Constitutional Convention, June 28, 1787 - And have we now forgotten this powerful Friend? or do we imagine we no longer need His assistance? I have lived for a long time, 81 years; and the longer I live the more convincing proofs I see of this truth, that God governs in the affairs of man. And if a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without His notice, is it probable that an empire can rise without His aid?

- John Adams: " …Our constitution was made only for a moral and religious people.”

- Abraham Lincoln: " … I know the Lord is always on the side of the right. But it is my constant anxiety and prayer, that I and this nation should be on the Lord's side."

--------------------

Since the Supreme Court banned school prayer in 1963:

o the murder rate tripled;

o Violent crime went up 544%;

o Prior to 1963, divorce had been declining for 15 consecutive years. After 1963, the divorce rate more than doubled;

o unwed birth rates 10-14 years of age shot up 553% by 1983;

o Sexually transmitted disease rates (15-19 years of age range) shot up 226% by 1975;

o the percent of children living in fatherless households increased from 6% to 40%.

Want to study more about America's godly heritage? Check out: www.wallbuilders.com

GOD MOVING IN AFRICA

We had dinner at Bill and Ginny Lumley's house tonight and met an old friend pastor Paul Ndung'u. He's a pastor in Kenya and has an orphanage with 51 children, reaches out to the Maasai tribe, and has outreaches in Uganda. Pray for him. He needs $15,000 to finish the construction of his new orphanage building. He might be sharing this Thursday night at Bible study! Like Bill's and my Kenyan shirts? Cool 60's retro, eh?

IS THIS YOUR SENIOR PICTURE?

No, not your senior in high school picture. I mean when you get old. Bitterness of heart can lead to a bitter looking face. If you are having a hard time with bitterness consider what we studied last night at Bible study (Ruth 1:19-22):

· Many non-believers are hardened and bitter because of hurtful and disappointing circumstances in their lives. - (Exo 1:14) And they made their lives bitter with hard bondage; in mortar, in brick, and in all manner of service in the field. All their service in which they made them serve was with rigor.

· Believers too can become bitter towards others - (Heb 12:15) looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by this many become defiled;

· We can become bitter towards our spouses - (Col 3:19) Husbands, love your wives and do not be bitter toward them.

· We are to put bitterness away from us and replace it with kindness and forgiveness - (Eph 4:31-32) Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. {32} And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God in Christ forgave you.

· Truly life without Jesus is bitter but His death on the cross (tree) can turn the bitter into sweet!! - (Exo 15:23-25) Now when they came to Marah, they could not drink the waters of Marah, for they were bitter. Therefore the name of it was called Marah. {24} And the people complained against Moses, saying, "What shall we drink?" {25} So he cried out to the LORD, and the LORD showed him a tree. When he cast it into the waters, the waters were made sweet. There He made a statute and an ordinance for them. And there He tested them,

DON'T BE BITTER...BE BETTER!!

GO TO THE ANT

(Prov 6:6) Go to the ant, you sluggard! Consider her ways and be wise,

There's so much we can learn from the ant. Solomon said to learn from the industriousness of the ant and to avoid being a sluggard! See if you can make any more conclusions as you study the ant facts below.

ANT FACTS:

The legs of the ant are very strong so they can run very quickly. If a man could run as fast for his size as an ant can, he could run as fast as a racehorse.

Strong in relation to their size, ants can carry 10 to 20 times their body weight. They work in teams to move extremely heavy things.

An ant brain has about 250 000 brain cells. A human brain has 10,000 million so a colony of 40,000 ants has collectively the same size brain as a human. Ant brains are largest amongst insects. It has been estimated that an ant's brain may have the same processing power as a Macintosh II computer.

If you watch ants for any length of time you will see that they really do communicate with each other and very effectively too. Ants communicate by touching each other with their antennae. Ants also use chemicals (called pheromones) to leave scent trails for other ants to follow.

HELPFUL VOTING RESOURCES FOR CHRISTIANS

Want more resources to study the issues? Check out this link: http://www.calvarycch.org/index.php

CCNORCO SURF TEAM

The men had a great time surfing this morning. We go out once a month and always have great fellowship. The weather was sunny and the waves were good! I think our best fellowship is out in the water where we really talk about the things of the Lord. And guess what? The Lord is in on our conversation!

(Mal 3:16) Then those who feared the LORD spoke to one another, And the LORD listened and heard them; So a book of remembrance was written before Him For those who fear the LORD And who meditate on His name.

Next surf trip is Saturday, November 15, meeting at 8:00am in the church parking lot. Come on out brothers and join us!

SHOULD CHRISTIANS VOTE?

(Exo 1:8) Now there arose a new king over Egypt, who did not know Joseph.

Should Christians vote? Some say that since our citizenship is in heaven (Phil 3:20) we shouldn’t get involved in politics down here. Others become very zealous and try to make the kingdom of God this present earth. Should believers try to change the political landscape or should their focus just be on spiritual matters? Should we just trust the Lord and let things play out or should we be active and preach at the polls?

Let’s look at some Scriptures first:

(Rom 13:1) Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God.

(Titus 3:1) Remind them to be subject to rulers and authorities, to obey, to be ready for every good work,

(1 Pet 2:13-14) Therefore submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake, whether to the king as supreme, {14} or to governors…

Why don’t some Christians vote? Here are some of the suggestions:

“What good will my one vote do?” - (Ezek 22:30) "So I sought for a man among them who would make a wall, and stand in the gap before Me on behalf of the land, that I should not destroy it; but I found no one. God plus one is a majority! Consider this: In 1845 ONE vote brought Texas into the Union…in 1868 ONE vote saved President Andrew Johnson from impeachment…in 1876 ONE vote gave Rutherford Hayes the presidency of the United States…in 1939 ONE vote passed the selective service act…in 1960 ONE vote per precinct elected John F. Kennedy President. Your vote does count!

“A Christian shouldn’t get involved in secular matters.” - (Mat 5:13) "You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. “Every life is a profession of faith, and exercises an inevitable and silent influence.” (Henri Frédéric Amiel)

“It takes too much work and I’m busy!” - (Prov 3:27) Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, When it is in the power of your hand to do so. "All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing." (Edmund Burke)

In addition to prayer, I believe that if we still have influence as believers we should use it! (Mat 6:10) Your kingdom come. Your will be done On earth as it is in heaven.

Louie (decipher this: CUATTHEPOLLS!)

CHERYL IS MY W.O.G.

This is a picture of my beloved wife Cheryl in Hong Kong recently. I have a new name I call her now. I tell her she is my W.O.G. That means Woman Of God! And she truly is. She was a blessing to many on our trip to China. She does a great job serving the Lord in the Women's ministry of the church. All who know her can truly say she is a W.O.G.!

EARLY RELEASE OF SHEPHERD TO SHEEP

ASTRONOMY OR ASTROLOGY?

(Psa 147:4) He counts the number of the stars; He calls them all by name.

Why are so many people drawn to astrology? Why do many read their horoscopes faithfully everyday? Do stars have control over a person? Is a person’s life predicted by the arrangement of the stars? Is it wrong to look to the heavens for a little guidance in life? What does the Bible say about such things?

Studying the stars no doubt shows the vastness and the infiniteness of God. There are countless stars and galaxies in the universe and yet God has them all numbered and even calls them all by name. And how can He do that? Because He made them. And if God made the stars He can certainly inventory them. (Isa 40:22) It is He who sits above the circle of the earth, And its inhabitants are like grasshoppers, Who stretches out the heavens like a curtain, And spreads them out like a tent to dwell in.

I love looking at the stars at night. It’s hard to see them in the city but there are those times when you’re out in the desert or mountains that you stand in awe of a stellar display. Some bright. Some faint. Some twinkle. Perhaps a shooting star. It takes you out of your earthly existence for awhile and it makes you realize just how awesome God is. What am I worried about? God is so big. Is there anything too hard for Him? (Psa 8:3-4; Jer 32:17)

But while some look to the God who made the stars there are others who look to the stars as a sign. They are seeking direction and they won’t do anything without consulting their daily reading. What does God have to say about that? You might be surprised! Read the following:

(Isa 47:13-14) You are wearied in the multitude of your counsels; Let now the astrologers, the stargazers, And the monthly prognosticators Stand up and save you From what shall come upon you. {14} Behold, they shall be as stubble, The fire shall burn them; They shall not deliver themselves From the power of the flame… (see also Job 31:26-28; Deu 17:2-5; Dan 2:27-28)

So why look to the stars for guidance when you can go directly to the God who made them and seek help from Him? Don’t look to the stars. Look to Jesus who is the Morning Star (Rev 22:16). You’re future is bright with Him. He’ll give you a sign for good (Psa 86:17) and lead you to heaven!

(Mat 2:2) saying, "Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him."

Louie

COME ASIDE...AND REST AWHILE

Had a chance to surf San Onofre (Old Man's Beach) this morning. It was so refreshing to surf with a brother in Christ named Eric. The weather and water temp were perfect and the waves were good! I so enjoyed the fresh air and being out in God's creation after being inside so much of the week. It reminded me of what Jesus said to His disciples:

(Mark 6:31) And He said to them, "Come aside by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while." For there were many coming and going, and they did not even have time to eat.

Our lives can be so frantic and the pace we keep so "Autobahn" that it's nice to come aside and rest in the Lord.

My prayer is that you may experience God's rest when you need it!

CHRIS MILLS ON THE WALL OF CHINA

Here is Chris Mills a little too happy on the wall of China. Cheryl and I had such a great time with him. We met him in Beijing before we all went to Hong Kong for the Calvary Chapel Asia missonary conference.

Chris is missionary to Thailand. He would love to hear from you. His email is chris@ccnorco.org.

DEANS GET A FAMILY CAR IN JAPAN

The Dean family were blessed with a family car to toot around Okinawa in as they serve the Lord as missionaries. You can send greetings to them at:

Joshua: jdeanmachine@gmail.com

Regina: gdeanmachine@gmail.com

A FUNNY THING HAPPENED

Recently Cheryl and I were driving around town doing errands. We eventually got hungry and I asked Cheryl what she was in the mood for. She said fish and chips and recommended a nearby restaraunt. When we pulled in there was a car show going on in the parking lot. Wow, were there some beautiful old cars on display and the typical oldies music was setting a casual atmosphere. But the funny thing was the lady at the entry booth thought I was there to enter my '66 Mustang. She said if I entered we'd get a 25% discount on the meal. She had me sign in and gave me a sticker with an entry number for my front windshield. After I stuck it on we went in to eat and about laughed our heads off!

You see, only God could do something like that. People forever have been saying I should show my car. Though that has been an inviting proposition I've always been busy with life. You know, I could never justify the time spent on myself when I have a family and flock to serve. Now without pursuing that personal ambition God blesses me beyond what I could have imagined! And to get a discount meal on top of it!

No doubt God has a sense of humor and likes to bless His children and make them laugh!

(Gen 21:6) And Sarah said, "God has made me laugh, and all who hear will laugh with me."

EARLY RELEASE OF SHEPHERD TO SHEEP

SHEPHERD TO SHEEP


GAMBLING

(Mark 15:24) And when they crucified Him, they divided His garments, casting lots…

Gambling is a major problem today in our nation. The addiction not only wipes out bank accounts but also damages trusted relationships. It can destroy ones physical and emotional health and even one’s spiritual life. Compulsive gambling is a growing concern in every level of our society. It affects male and female, young and old, poor and rich. It’s like a drug. Once you allow yourself a little indulgence you’ll want more…and more…and more. And once you’re hooked you’re headed for ruin.

You might say God’s people are never tempted to gamble. Wrong! I once new an elder in a good evangelical church who fell prey to the clutches of gambling. In-between his place of employment and his home was the race track. He stopped in and enjoyed the thrill of betting on horses. The excitement grew and grew until he couldn’t turn away from it. Know what happened? His addiction led him to make frequent withdrawals from his savings account. This went on until he exhausted his hard-earned investment. Eventually his wife found out and now they had marriage problems. His wife couldn’t trust him anymore. He stepped down from his church position and entered counseling.

You know, the world doesn’t help much either. It used to be just going to Las Vegas. Now there are gambling casinos within reach as the states are liberalizing their laws. Then there is the Internet. I just got back from China and while I was there I visited Macau to see a missionary. Macau is by Hong Kong and is where most of Asia is traveling now to gamble. Macau has surged ahead of Las Vegas in total money gambled. The problem is everywhere.

Why do people gamble? Most say it boils down to a couple reasons. One is for the thrill of excitement and one is for the chill of escapism. And I believe that once a person comes to terms with the problem the answer is within reach. And that answer is Jesus! He’ll take away the numbness of your heart and give you the thrill of your life! (Psa 16:11) You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
You’ll be like Peter who took a risk by stepping out of the boat at the Lord’s command and walked on water! (Mat 14:24-33)

Life a little drab for you? Need some excitement? Then take a gamble and give your life to Jesus. You don’t have to wait until heaven. The adventure begins right now! Think of it…a personal relationship with the God of the universe through His Son Jesus Christ who was sent to be your Savior! That’s being a winner! (1 Pet 1:8) whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory.

Louie

INSIGHT FROM THE MEN'S PRAYER MEETING

This morning we read about Samson's life (Judges 15). We noticed he was a charismatic kind of guy but he couldn't get his personal life together. Public and private life has to match! Samson became disqualified. May God help us to be the same person whereever we are!

(1 Cor 9:27) But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.

KELSEY IS BETTER - THANKS FOR PRAYING!

We took Kelsey to the oral surgeon today and he said all is well. Her swelling is way down and now we are working on the pain. Thanks for praying!!

PLEASE PRAY FOR KELSEY

Kelsey had all four of her wisdom teeth out on Friday and her mouth is very sore and swollen. She and Cheryl had to miss church this morning. Thanks for your prayers for a quick recovery!

MEN'S MINISTRY PRAYER WARRIORS

Hell was shaking this morning because the brothers of Calvary Chapel Norco were praying! We eat at Denny's the first Saturday of the month and then go outside and read the Word and pray.

SAN VICENTE TRIP

Here is a group photo of the San Vicente outreach. Our group painted and furnished this home for a mother and her three children. Last night we saw a slide show of the trip. God bless you team Norco for serving in Jesus name and for making a difference in someone's life!

(Mat 25:40) "And the King will answer and say to them, 'Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.'

FIREPROOF THE MOVIE

Go see the movie "Fireproof." It's a faith-based film about restoration in marriage showing at the theatres. The couples of Calvary Chapel Norco saw it together last Friday night. The actor (Kirk Cameron) accepts the Lord and works hard in winning his wife's heart back. I won't tell you the rest. Let's make a good showing and tell Hollywood we're tired of the smut and we want more movies like "Fireproof!" See http://www.fireproofthemovie.com/

MAKING MISTAKES

I talked to two people yesterday who said they had made some mistakes in their life that they felt bad about. I shared God's grace with them and told them that this is the nature of our wayward sinful hearts. Sometimes we have to learn the hard way. Look at Peter. He failed but then prevailed. Why? Because Jesus restored him.

Are you feeling bad about some mistakes you have made in your life? Remember that in Christ there is no condemnation (Rom 8:1). Let God's grace cover you guffaws. Watch what God will do when you put your "falling short" in His hands. You can become a trophy of God's grace. Others will be inspired, not by you, but by what God has done in restoring you.

(Rom 5:20) ... where sin abounded, grace abounded much more,

Have a blessed day!

THESE MISSIONARIES ARE HAVING TOO MUCH FUN!

This is a video from Hong Kong at a Thai restaraunt. We are eating with Sharon Porterfield, Chris Mills, and Susan Staples (all serving in Thailand) and Brandy Dungan (Hong Kong). We are a little loopy from the trip!

(Neh 8:10) ... the joy of the LORD is your strength."

IMMUTABILITY OF GOD

Here's an early release of this Sunday's (10-05-08) SHEPHERD TO SHEEP


IMMUTABILITY OF GOD

(Mal 3:6) "For I am the LORD, I do not change…

Do you notice how the world is in a constant state of change? World events. Things in your personal life. We strive so hard for security and permanency but we have to agree with the adage that the only constant is change itself. So what do you do when your world starts turning a little too fast for your comfort? How do you handle change without bumping into the rearranging furniture of your life?

We as believers in Christ can take comfort in the immutability of God. That means God is not capable or susceptible to change. (Psa 102:27) But You are the same, And Your years will have no end. He is the constant. Life changes. People change. But God never changes!

This also means that the Lord will always be there for us and is able to meet our ongoing needs. (James 1:17) Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning. You will never see God’s shadow cast by His turning away from you. Other people might have walked out on you but the Lord is always facing you and is concerned and capable in regards to every issue of your life.

He is reliable. What He promises He fulfills! People will promise and not come through. But the Lord’s not like that because He isn’t a man. He is God! (Num 23:19) "God is not a man, that He should lie, Nor a son of man, that He should repent. Has He said, and will He not do? Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good? Expect man let you down. Expect God to be dependable, consistent, steadfast, and trustworthy.

Maybe you grew up in a constant state of change. You never knew what was going to happen next or where you would be. Although that might be exciting for some perhaps it was traumatic for you. Now security and stability mean so much to you. You like to know where you’re going and how you’re going to get there. You take a lot of time thinking over making a change. And when change comes you get insecure and feel very unsure about yourself. Change is an event that you don’t voluntarily show up to. It makes you nervous and doubtful. You don’t feel settled until things settle down.

Here’s a promise for you: (Heb 13:8) Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. You can count on His unchanging love in changing circumstances. Clouds might hide the sun but the Son of God arises to shine on you every morning. (Lam 3:22-23) …His compassions fail not. {23} They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness. Mute the fears and apprehensions in your life by dwelling on the immutability of God!

Louie

HALLOWEEN OR HALLELUJAH?

HALLOWEEN OR HALLELUJAH?

(1 Th 5:5) You are all sons of light and sons of the day. We are not of the night nor of darkness.

Many Christians have questions regarding Halloween. Should Christians decorate their houses in this theme? Should we send our kids out trick-or-treating? Wow, what a loaded question! But let me give you some things to think about:

- Each Christian must make their own decision on how to celebrate any festive day whether it be Halloween, Christmas, Easter, etc. And we shouldn’t judge each other on this decision. Listen to the apostle Paul on this: One person esteems one day above another; another esteems every day alike. Let each be fully convinced in his own mind. (Rom 14:5)

- We must ask ourselves, “Does it glorify God?” Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.(1 Cor 10:31)

- In regards to Halloween, we must keep in mind the scriptural prohibition of any kind of practice (and I might add symbolism) of witchcraft. (Deuteronomy 18:9-14)

- The Bible says we are sons of the light and sons of the day. We are not of the night nor of darkness. Jesus is the Light and we are to shine His glory. We are to cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of the light. (Romans 13:12)

- Remember we have the Holy Spirit, not the unholy spirit represented in symbols of a devil, a witch, or a ghost. True power is from the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:8) and we don’t need to be tapping into or even flirting with the power of darkness.

- Christians are into the theme of life, not death. For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Rom 6:23)

I hope this helps you to think along the lines of a transformed mind (Romans 12:2). Be led by His Spirit in all you do for yourself and for your children. Ask God for wisdom in all your decisions in regards to your family celebrations and plans. And remember, you are a child of the light!

Louie