I was an overconfident, ungrateful teenager that day on the farm. Okay, maybe more than one day, but this was a day I will never forget.

One bitter-cold Sunday morning when I'd much rather stay in bed, I rushed to feed the cows and calves so that we could get to church on time. The cold wasn't the only bitter thing about that morning. I was angry. About what I don't remember, but that's no attitude to have while I was driving a 4-ton tractor and pulling a 4-ton wagon over ice. I turned my steering wheel to guide the tractor around a corner, but the tractor kept straight, sliding across the ice until it smashed right into the corner of the barn. I watched a 4-foot chunk of wall fly through the air and land about 100 feet away. I was driving far too fast and the sub-zero temperature did nothing to cool my anger. Then reality slapped my icy, cold, face and heart. My anger was harmful and dangerous. I realized I needed to change my attitude and my behavior quickly. I felt embarrassed and ashamed as I went to tell my father what I had done. Fortunately I was not hurt, nor did I harm any cattle. And the tractor was fine. It was just a dumb and immature thing to do.

My father saw that I was upset and remorseful, and he treated me with stern kindness. After he finished milking the cows, he helped me fix things up and we went on to church. My lesson was learned, at least for that moment. There have been several times since that I have had several other “wake up” moments. We all have them. They hurt, but if we’re humble enough to submit, God will help us grow up. That’s how He created us.

Many of us are familiar with the story of the prodigal son in the Bible from Luke chapter 15. Go ahead and look it up. The key verse says, “Finally, the son came to his senses.”



I pray for wisdom to come to my senses even if I don’t see that I’m headed in a wrong direction. That’s especially when I need God’s help. God does send us “wake up” calls often. Are you listening to them? Are you willing to humble yourself to learn the lesson that will lead you to better life? I pray so.

We are here to love God and all people so that all people may experience the

life-changing love of Jesus!

LOVE - We meet every weekend to experience God's love for us and show His love for others.

SERVE- We use our abilities, talents, skills, and passions for the good of others.

ENGAGE - We engage with friends to care for one another and to make new friends so they may experience God's kindness too. 

THANKS

to everyone who volunteered to make Trunk or Treat a great success. Over 200 people visited and enjoyed games, balloons, candy, and prizes as we met neighbors and made new friends. THANK YOU!

November 7

Remember to turn your clocks back one hour this weekend, November 7, so you'll be on time to worship with us!

A prayer for you: 
Here is a prayer for you: God who is always full of kindness, we do not always see your way as the best way for our lives. Forgive us, and receive us with kindness when we return to you. Teach us your ways so we may live joyfully and eternally with you. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

- Pastor Roger