I don't remember the time of year, but I recall being in the kitchen with my dad and my younger sister in our Illinois country home when the first small bang occurred.  What was going on?  We ran to the window and heard another bottle rocket pop in the night sky near our house.  Now, you must understand, we lived on a gravel road with only 3 other houses.  This was an intentional "call out."  My dad began to grin. "You know, I have a whole drawer full of that stuff. Should we answer that?" 

Dad went to his stash and pulled out bottle rockets and other things that go boom, and the three of us headed outside.  For the next fifteen minutes we exchanged sky sprinkles and pops with some of our fun-loving neighbors thus a page in the infamous feud between the "Getzlemans and the Yahyeemans" was created.
Memories awakened of my Illinois neighbors today as I learned that Mom Phyllis is in the hospital. These now rarely seen friends are a meaningful part of my life story and are tucked in a special pocket of my heart.  Love and prayers for you, dear friends!

The focus statement in this week's bulletin reads, "We give up everything to follow Jesus and in turn gain everything--as Abraham and Sarah did when they accepted God's generous covenant and committed themselves to a walk of faith. How can we, too, sign on to the journey, following the footsteps of our ancestors in faith and responding to God's initiating call to let go of our lives for the sake of the gospel?"  Following, walking, journeying, this week Sister Joanne Dietzel will share a message she is calling "Is Anything Too Difficult for God?"  Our sister will draw our attention to the story of Sarah and her journey in signing on with God. 
There are lots of events happening at Ridgeview, so here is a peek at this week's bulletin for all the news.  http://www.ridgeviewmennonite.net/bulletins/current.pdf

I certainly want to highlight the Amish Turkey Dinner. (Tynea, did you see this??) :) The senior high youth with the help of Theresa, chef extraordinaire, will be preparing the annual Amish Wedding Feast, which is our best fundraiser.  I hope you can join us immediately after the service.

Anthony is home recovering from his surgery.  Let's keep praying for him and his family in this challenging journey.

I hope that for those of you who have spring break this week, you find refreshment and renewal and experience God's presence in new ways.

Mim has surgery next week-- praying, praying!

As we prepare to celebrate Ridgeview's 50th anniversary, we are putting together a cookbook of  our favorite recipes.  Would you like to submit one?  The deadline is March 25.

My prayer today:  Compassionate God, you invite us to join you on life's journey so that we don't have to travel alone.  Never do you leave us nor forsake us.Heb. 13:5  Help us to understand how wide, how long, how high, and deep is your love for us.Eph 3:18   As your love grows in us, our fears diminish-- our fears of circumstances, strangers, death, failure... Grant us courage, Lord, to trust you today.  Wrap us in your light and love that we are filled with the healing and hope that comes from you. Come Kingdom of God. Be done will of God, on earth as it is in heaven. In Jesus Name. AMEN. 

Without question or doubt, you are loved by God, and I love you too!
Love and light,
Carol

Always remember who you are, whose you are, where you are going, and what you believe because it does make a difference! Oh, and don't forget to attend a church of your choice this weekend!" JD