"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16
Last fall, residents of Daytona Beach, Florida, experienced horrific torrential rains, crushing winds, and merciless storm surges from not just one but two deadly hurricanes!
My sheep listen to My voice; I know them, and they follow Me. John 10:27
When my mom passed away in July of 2019, my sisters and I made a pledge to each other that once a year we would make an effort to get away together, just the three of us. To start this tradition, we had one enjoyable weekend in January of 2020… and then COVID hit! As a result, this pledge was temporarily placed on pause until last week, when our calendars finally allowed us to hit the resume button and enjoy a four-day adventure together in Florida.
“Come to me, all of you who are tired and have heavy loads, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28
This year, my middle son decided that rather than purchase more toys for his niece and nephew at Christmas, he was going to gift them with a “Choose Your Own Adventure” type of present. To help them select their “adventure day” with Uncle Justin, he made a binder of options that contained brochures to various local establishments with their faces photo-shopped into each advertisement.
"My sheep listen to My voice; I know them and they follow Me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of My hand." John 10: 27 & 28
Many years ago, an extremely memorable Snow Day occurred on Valentine's Day. The day began quite early, as most Snow Days do, but there were even more phone calls to make since every classroom Valentine's Day party was also canceled. By the completion of this particular telephone fan-out system, I was exhausted, so I went back to bed.
“Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine." Isaiah 43:1
“How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news.” Romans 10:5
We have a dear family friend who served as a fireman/paramedic and eventually was promoted to Assistant Chief of the West Bloomfield Fire Department. As a result of his profession, as well as his God given storytelling talents, he has the ability to tell some of the most amazing stories. Some of his stories are pretty comical and many have miraculous conclusions. However, there was one story that often comes to mind, especially when I am driving down Pontiac Trail.
"Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it." Proverbs 22:6
With everything currently transpiring in our country, if there ever was a time for Christian education, it's now... and at St. Matthew Lutheran School, we believe that Christ belongs in school!
Next week, St. Matthew Lutheran School will join over 1,800 Lutheran schools around the United States to celebrate "National Lutheran Schools Week"! During this enjoyable week of school spirit, we want to celebrate and give thanks for the gift of Christian education.
“Whatever you do for the least of these, you’ve done unto Me.” Matthew 25:40
A few years ago, it was late at night and two days before the conclusion of the school year when I received the following text from one of our former students:
"We were just wondering if you would be available from the time between July 19 and July 25 to go on the mission trip with the high school youth?"
(First thought that ran through my head, "Eeeeep... isn't this the mission trip where they have to shower at the State Park?" I know, I know... not very spiritual eh?)
What do Jesus and the Beatles have in Common? Both Want to Hold Your Hand...
But Grab Jesus' first!
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord. “Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11