Sometimes/Always

Sometimes, life sucks. Always, there is hope. 
Sometimes, responsibilities engulf. Always, there is help. 
Sometimes, people act like jerks. Always, there are wonderful people. 
Sometimes, change overwhelms. Always, there is transformation. 
Sometimes, I don't like myself. Always, I am God's beloved. 
Sometimes, my mood is pissy.  Always, God is good. 
Sometimes, it hurts so bad it seems death is the answer. Always, there is healing. 
Sometimes, life is scary. Always, Love is greater. 
Sometimes, life is lonely. Always, God is present. 
Sometimes it feels "Always" is swallowed by "Sometimes."  Darkness. Hopeless. Helpless. Drowning.Darkness. Hopeless. Helpless. Drowning. Darkness. Hopeless. Helpless. Drowning. 
Always, God is breath. Breathing in; YaH.  Breathing out; WeH. YaH WeH. YaH WeH YaH WeH.  Al ways.  Al ways. Al ways. 

Yes, it has been one of those weeks. sigh.  God is my breath. Always. And no, I am not in need of intervention. (at least not today) :)
(Thanks to Rob Bell for the image of YaH WeH breath...) 

I also want to present a challenge regarding a familiar phrase many of us use,
"But for the grace of God, there go I."
Doesn't that statement imply the grace of God is not with she/he of whom we are speaking?  Perhaps it would be better for us to say something like,
 "Reveal your grace, Jesus, to me through this sister/brother." 
OK, OK-- I will get off of my soapbox now.

Wow, August has arrived and with it Sunday School Sabbatical for the month.  We'll have fellowship from 9-9:25 AM with the worship service beginning at 9:30.  This week Brother Nelson will be bringing a message, "Christ, Our Focus" with Colossians 3:1-11 and Luke 12:13-21 as primary sources.  There are so many distractions around us. Christ is all, and in all. Yes, Lord, yes!

Steffan and Kate get married this weekend! May joy and abundant blessing bubble over in your lives as you begin this journey together!

Wednesday, August 7 is Family Fun in the Grove at 6 PM.  Volleyball, Bocce Ball, Kubb, Laughter, Conversation..... Bring food to accompany hotdogs!  :) Everyone is welcome!

You will find baskets in the lobby to place quality bath towels, bar soap, and toothpaste for hygiene kits to be provided along with the food pacs when school resumes.

A prayer for today: The Mighty One, God the Lord, speaks and summons the earth from the rising of the sun to its setting. God Shines forth. Psalm 50:1   
Majestic God, though you are all powerful and mighty, gentleness and peace are your fruit. Great God, though you are omnipotent and omnificent, patience and kindness are in your hands. Almighty God, though you formed the mountains and filled the seas, your love and care for your children is constant and merciful. Help us to focus on Jesus, author and perfector of living. 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

http://www.ridgeviewmennonite.net/

"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