Mark 4:35-41

³⁵ As evening came, Jesus said to his disciples, “Let’s cross to the other side of the lake.” ³⁶ So they took Jesus in the boat and started out, leaving the crowds behind (although other boats followed). ³⁷ But soon a fierce storm came up. High waves were breaking into the boat, and it began to fill with water.

³⁸ Jesus was sleeping at the back of the boat with his head on a cushion. The disciples woke him up, shouting, “Teacher, don’t you care that we’re going to drown?”
³⁹ When Jesus woke up, he rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Silence! Be still!” Suddenly the wind stopped, and there was a great calm. ⁴⁰ Then he asked them, “Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?”
⁴¹ The disciples were absolutely terrified. “Who is this man?” they asked each other. “Even the wind and waves obey him!”

As I sit in front of my keyboard trying to decide what to write, I am swept away by a wave of emotion as it seems our Creator is speaking directly to me through these words from Mark.  You see, next week I'm "in charge" of taking a group of mostly young people to Kentucky serving with SWAP (Sharing With Appalachian People). Coordinating travel, snacks, first aid kits, health forms, devotions, money, etc. etc. etc.-- the "to do" list is not short.  I am responsible for the safety and well-being of these teens, and it feels a bit like I'm about to set sail into a territory fraught with unknowns. The youth are counting on me. Their parents are counting on me. My church is counting on me. YIKES!  My stress level has increased with the approaching date, and I suddenly realize I've failed to truly commit this into Jesus' hands and recognize that God is "in charge" not me.  Thank you, Jesus!
"Why are you afraid, Carol?  I am in the boat with you."  (or a 15 passenger van!)
And again I say, "Thank you, Jesus!"

Please pray for our group.  There will be no communique next Friday as I may be on a rooftop. :) 

In his pre-sermon notes, Brother Mick states, "We have become conditioned to think we must exhaust every possible avenue on our own and only when we find ourselves at the end do we turn to God in Christ crying out to be saved. Perhaps if we could hold the available presence of God a little clearer in our minds we would find that we could stop allowing our lives to get out of control before turning to God for help." The Mark passage is the sermon text with adjunct texts being Job 38:1-11 and Psalm 107:1-3, 23-32.

Please join us at 10:15am on Sunday morning for worship.
I'll be in the Upper Room at 9am for conversation and prayer.

You'll find additional details and the prayer corner in the bulletin. http://www.ridgeviewmennonite.net/bulletins/index.php

Today we celebrate the life of our sister Frances. Many of you have been recipients of her prayers, cards, crosses, and love. She once wrote in a note to my daughter Korinne, "Even after I'm gone from earth, you may feel a tickle of a breeze on your cheek, and that will be me thinking of you from heaven."
 Love ya, Love ya, Love ya, Frances!

My prayer for today: Lord, before the mountains were brought forth, or ever you had formed the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting, you are God, our refuge and our hope.  Help us to truly trust in you; to recognize your presence with us; to know that you will not leave us nor forsake us.  We ask that your loving arms of healing and hope would cradle Rose, Craig, Albert, Larry, and the many others who are hurting today.  We pray that your peace and your grace would overflow from us to our neighbors. 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