When I was a kid, I would wait each year for the Wizard of Oz to come on TV. The movie talked about a place somewhere over the rainbow. A magical place, yet scary at times but the end comes out okay. I often think of the message of this movie. It takes me a place I find peaceful and that's my church. My kids were teenagers when they first started Hillside Christian Church in Napa. Tracy was invited to come by a friend and she loved it. They invited my husband and I to attend. We felt we should attend here with our kids and 17 plus years later, we are still here. A place of new beginnings and great memories. A place that has brought me many great friendships over the years. It was here that I felt God restore my soul and began a new work inside of me.
Psalm 23:3 New International Version (NIV)
3 he refreshes my soul.
He guides me along the right paths
for his name’s sake.
Galatians 5:22-23 New International Version (NIV)
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
Matthew 18:20 New International Version (NIV)
20 For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.”
THERE IS A PLACE ~
The Lord's house (Church) is built for people to gather, worship and learn. A growing relationship with God and others. To connect with others and allow God to use you too. Each of us have a purpose in life and one of which is to be an example of Jesus. Had I not say yes to God, I wouldn't be who I am today or have the friendships I have. I value connections made by God. Lives are changed after excepting Jesus into your heart. One of the problems is this, people say they except the new person they become, but they keep replaying their mistakes over. Do you know how I know this? I have done it myself. Forgiveness means you are truly forgiven and you are to live in that forgiveness. There is freedom in giving your life to God.
We go to church to gather according the Bible. People aren't perfect there and words can still hurt. People leave churches for all types of reasons. Maybe they feel that God is moving them on to another church or out of state. Maybe people are spoken to wrong and they just had enough of Church. Let us remember that Church is built with people just like you and me. Everyone has made mistakes (Sin) and needed Jesus to forgive them. The church can be a lighthouse in a dark place. After all, I have met some of you who are reading this now in church.
Romans 12:1 New International Version (NIV)
A Living Sacrifice
Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.
It was the year 2004 and on vacation in Cabo. A suddenly ripe tide over powers my husband, Ana and I. A long story short, it was in those waters that covered me that I say YES to God. I asked forgiveness of not doing what he called me to do in life. If I had another chance, I would teach and do what he called me to do. Needless to say, we got out of the water and came home. It was there on my church that I started teaching a Wednesday night class for women. Such a life changing experience for over 13 years. I met women I would have never met, had this class not started. I heard testimonies of lives changed and miracles too!
SOMEWHERE OVER THE RAINBOW ~
You never know what your YES to God will accomplish!
My prayers continue for you, your family and friends.
~ Sparkie
Psalm 23:3 New International Version (NIV)
3 he refreshes my soul.
He guides me along the right paths
for his name’s sake.
Galatians 5:22-23 New International Version (NIV)
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
Matthew 18:20 New International Version (NIV)
20 For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.”
THERE IS A PLACE ~
The Lord's house (Church) is built for people to gather, worship and learn. A growing relationship with God and others. To connect with others and allow God to use you too. Each of us have a purpose in life and one of which is to be an example of Jesus. Had I not say yes to God, I wouldn't be who I am today or have the friendships I have. I value connections made by God. Lives are changed after excepting Jesus into your heart. One of the problems is this, people say they except the new person they become, but they keep replaying their mistakes over. Do you know how I know this? I have done it myself. Forgiveness means you are truly forgiven and you are to live in that forgiveness. There is freedom in giving your life to God.
We go to church to gather according the Bible. People aren't perfect there and words can still hurt. People leave churches for all types of reasons. Maybe they feel that God is moving them on to another church or out of state. Maybe people are spoken to wrong and they just had enough of Church. Let us remember that Church is built with people just like you and me. Everyone has made mistakes (Sin) and needed Jesus to forgive them. The church can be a lighthouse in a dark place. After all, I have met some of you who are reading this now in church.
Romans 12:1 New International Version (NIV)
A Living Sacrifice
Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.
It was the year 2004 and on vacation in Cabo. A suddenly ripe tide over powers my husband, Ana and I. A long story short, it was in those waters that covered me that I say YES to God. I asked forgiveness of not doing what he called me to do in life. If I had another chance, I would teach and do what he called me to do. Needless to say, we got out of the water and came home. It was there on my church that I started teaching a Wednesday night class for women. Such a life changing experience for over 13 years. I met women I would have never met, had this class not started. I heard testimonies of lives changed and miracles too!
SOMEWHERE OVER THE RAINBOW ~
You never know what your YES to God will accomplish!
My prayers continue for you, your family and friends.
~ Sparkie
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