You’d think things could just slow down in July.  I mean, after all, it is one of the hottest months and many head out for vacations.  But around Northside July always means VBS!  This year we had a Galactic Blast!  I’ve watched the phenomenon called VBS here for the tenth time now.  I am amazed at how many children we get the privilege of teaching and how many people come together to make it possible.  Kristy and Lisa take the lead but where would they be without all the team leaders and all the workers that give so much time and energy and love to be the hands and feet of Christ to these children?

     I call this a “mid-summer” gift, because it is a great gift from our church to our children and the children of our community.  Thank you, church, for having a heart for children.  Thank you for stepping up and giving what it takes to pull off such a huge event for 5 days!  May God bless you for all you have done!

     I think the real gift comes when we see the faces of our children.  They really enjoy the fun of VBS, but they also get the point that Jesus loves them and so do we!  Who knows just what seeds have been planted that will sprout at just the right time in a child’s heart to see them through the tough times of life.  For many we may have planted seeds that will one day lead them to accept Christ and then turn around and begin sharing that gift with others.

     I thank God for all of you for being a church that goes out of its way to love children.  Let’s always be ready to serve Christ by loving children!

Thankful for VBS and all who make it happen. . .Don

PS—GREAT NEWS——We have enough mentors to begin our  AFTERSCHOOL MENTORING MINISTRY!!!!  PRAISE GOD!!!!!!!!!!!

 I have a wonderful confession to make: “I have enjoyed all the comments on the Fruit of the Spirit series!” Some have said they want me to move to another subject! Others have said it has been a good challenge to see these God-given values fleshed out a little bit more. Who would have thought that these sweet sounding words, “Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control,” could have such a “bite” to them?

As we are coming near the end of the series, one thing stands out clearly to me. The Fruit of the Spirit is a call to intentional living! No one will just happen to end up growing in spiritual kindness. I won’t just wake up one morning and fall into biblical patience. You can’t accidentally learn self-control. We are talking INTENTIONAL LIVING!

As we go through the summer, please join me in doing a real inventory of the values by which you live. Don’t let this challenge from Galatians 5:22-23 slip past and find you living the same old way you always have. It really is time for us to “grow up” and follow Christ more closely. There is not one thing in that list of fruit that will hurt you! In fact, think how the people in your life would love to see you growing in those qualities! Don’t settle for the way you’ve lived up until now! Get intentional and “get in step with the Spirit” (Galatians 5:25) and let the changes begin.

Getting more intentional. . .Don