just a thought.

"We find greatest joy, not in getting, but in expressing what we are... Men do not really live for honors or for pay; their gladness is not the taking and holding, but in doing, the striving, the building, the living. It is a higher joy to teach than to be taught. It is good to get justice, but better to do it; fun to have things but more to make them. The happy man is he who lives the life of love, not for the honors it may bring, but for the life itself."

R.J. Baughan

Where's Joy?

“If you don’t find JOY in doing something, don’t do it” or how about “I quit because I didn’t find JOY in it anymore.”

I think it’s safe to say everyone has, in at least one situation or another, been told this or heard someone say this about themselves. I know I have. But I’m not sure if I neither understand nor agree with this way of thinking. If something is meant for us there will be JOY in it…sure, at times there will be JOY but can we expect it? Can we feel at ease in quitting by simple saying the JOY ran out?

The word JOY, feelings of JOY means many things. Pleasure, satisfaction, enjoyment, delight…. The definition that pulls on my heart strings the most is feelings of great happiness or pleasure, especially of an elevated or spiritual kind. I like that, I want that. But am I to expect that the things that I am doing or have committed myself to are to GIVE me that?

There are many things in life that we must do that this ‘find joy’ does not apply too, I’m pretty sure that most of us would agree to this. For some that would be work or visiting our in-laws or mowing our lawns or doing laundry. Not everyone finds JOY in those things but these things still need to be done.

I don’t think it’s ok to stop or quit anything until it’s finished or until I have worked in an exit plan. Do we think well of an athlete that quit during a game or before the season has ended? Is it ok for a parent to advise their child to quit or simply stop involving themselves in something they signed up for? Wouldn’t a group of friends be bothered if one of them said “yes, I'll do it” and then just let it slip by? With all three of these cases I’m still not seeing where the “if you don’t find joy, don’t do it” approach applies. When things get tough the tough get going, is what comes to my mind. And finish what you started. And when you make a commitment follow through and ask for help when it's need. Be fair to the rest of the “team."

I do understand that there are always changes in life. Situations change, believe me, I know the word CHANGE all too well these past months. As things change, there are always some things that must come to an end and if something is causing grief or sorrow a change could be needed and maybe over due. But don’t just quit or leave things unfinished. I hope whatever I would decide it is done so with everyone who is affected in mind. If that isn't accomplished, in those situations I can’t be surprised if someone affected has hurt feelings or is disappointed because it was my actions that affected that person anyways.

Most people would answer that the opposite of joy is grief or sorrow. But is that correct? If we look up 1 Peter 1:6 in the Bible, we read, “In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials.” Here we see that grief and joy can be present in a person simultaneously, without problem. The sorrow in itself doesn’t need to spoil the joy. This is where I would like to say, “Nothing worth doing is easily done.” Joy comes from within one’s self, a satisfaction of doing and accomplishing something good.

If you are being weighed down by trials then please do yourself a favor and make a change. Whether that be a change in the things that you’re doing or the way you’re looking at these things. It is alright to make a change. It could be as simple as a change in perspective.

Welcome to a brand new week never lived in before w/ Pastor Paul

May we be found today gathering from our weekday routines and responsibilities, entering into a “restful few moments” where we prayerfully synchronize our walk with our Heavenly Father's heartbeat by studying His Word. May we enter into His presence, sharing in His love, learning His Word, doing His service, and resting in His fellowship. Blessings on you —Pastor Paul

Our Word for this week is: “good stewards”

Scripture Text: I Corinthians 4:7 (NAS)
“What do you have that you did not receive?”

Our Focus:
Our text today asks a good question: “What do we have that we did not receive?” Take honest inventory for a moment. What is original with us? Everything we have done and everything that we have came in some measure from someone’s grace and kindness. “What is good and perfect comes to us from God above” (James 1:17 NLT). If what we have was received from another’s kindness or generosity, then we have some obligation as well as accountability for what we do with it, and should evidence a genuine humility and gratitude about it.

It is easy to be confused about stewardship and ownership. It is easy and tempting to begin to think that what we have is ours, rightly earned and belonging only to us. We are owners of little, if anything at all. But we are stewards always of all that has been entrusted to us.

Jesus told several stories about stewardship, both good and bad examples. He told of a man who committed part of his wealth to his servants, and upon his return asked for an honest accounting of their stewardship on his behalf. They were rewarded according to their faithfulness and fruitfulness as stewards of what belonged to another. “To those who use well what they are given, even more will be given, and they will have an abundance. But from those who are unfaithful, even what little they have will be taken away” (Matthew 25:14-29).

Biblically speaking and by our experience as well, we learn that our lives are really just the product of the unmerited grace of God, and the graciousness of people. Anything that we have ever done was accomplished because of an opportunity that was given to us, or with the advantage of those who shared their knowledge and experience with us, or with the enabling assistance of those who gave a helping hand. We do not own even the success that we have enjoyed.

Job of the Bible seemed to understand this when he confessed, “I came naked from my mother’s womb, and I will be stripped of everything when I die. The Lord gave me everything I had . . . praise the Name of the Lord” (Job 1:23).

The Bible teaches that every man is a steward of the grace and goodness of God, and will ultimately account to God for how they have used their gifts for the Lord’s purpose and glory. “Let a man so consider us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. It is required of a steward that one be found faithful” (I Corinthians 4:1-2). Stewardship is not an option; it is required and unavoidable both now and in eternity. Ownership is not a possibility; “The earth is the Lord and the fullness thereof, the world and they that dwell therein.” Psalm 24:1.

Live every day in full knowledge of the day when we will “give an account to God . . . with reason to do this joyfully and not with sorrow. That would certainly not be for [our] benefit” (Hebrews 13:17).

For those interested in receiving Pastor Paul's messages, please e-mail Pastor Paul (pastorpaul@willmarag.org) and mention you would like to be included.

Our prayer this week is that we use our gifts well and wisely, always serving. In Jesus name we pray. ~Amen

Sara

Yes, ma'am!

My son, who is nine, recently asked me to define the word “acceptance”.  I told him, “Acceptance is when we welcome people or things just as they are.  No matter what.”

“But what if you don’t like the thing? Then you don’t have to accept it, right?” he responded.

I told him, “Well, not exactly” and we proceeded to have a conversation about what acceptance might look like in real life.  After talking with my son about the idea of acceptance, I got to thinking about how most adults define and apply acceptance, and I realized that many of us have the same perspective as my nine year old son.  Many of us seem to think that if we don’t like something, we do not necessary have to accept it.

Many of us tend to think that acceptance is akin to love, preference, or promotion.  But that is not exactly true.  When we accept something for what it is, be it a person, an idea, or an experience, we are simply accepting and acknowledging it just as it is.  We are not saying that we like it, that we love it, that it is good or bad.  Rather, we are maintaining an open mind and saying to ourselves “it is what it is, and it is part of life”.  Or better yet, “Que sera, sera.”

In the book Radical Acceptance, Tara Brach likens acceptance to the practice of saying yes.  To say “yes” to the people and experiences we encounter in life is nothing more than accepting and acknowledging the presence of what is happening.  To say “yes” is to say that something exists, that it is real, that you have a reaction to it.  To say “yes” may be to say “welcome” with open arms, or it may be said begrudgingly or insincerely.  We each say “yes” in different ways, at different times, depending upon what we are trying to accept. 

And that is okay.  Because what matters is not what exactly is happening, but rather how we are relating to the experience, the people involved, and the meaning that is derived from that relationship. 

Consider how it might feel to say yes to the imperfect, messy lives that we live.  To accept and acknowledge our inner experiences, our appearance, our relationships, and the people, ideas, and events that we encounter.  Think about how liberating that feels, compared to resisting or denying their presence in our lives.  Reflect on the inner peace that accompanies the expansiveness of “yes” compared to the limitations and dreariness of “no”.

Think for a moment what you might need to accept today and engage in the practice of saying "yes".  Do your best to accept what life has to offer you, and do what you can to make the most of it.  Perhaps you cannot welcome all things with into your life with the same ease and contentment as others, but do try to open yourself to what life has to have offer you, finding the best in it, and subsequently, the peace that comes with acceptance and saying “yes”.

-El

What's cookin', Good Lookin'?

Thank you ALL for your support and encouragement these past months!

Please mark your calendar for October 25th! We request your presence at 7pm, Blue Sky in Spicer for an open meeting.

We have been working diligently, networking, and planning our mission to best serve our community. We have some very exciting projects and programs designed for the future, and we are looking forward to getting them under way.
...
To do so, we are looking to find others to join in our efforts and help spread Wings of Hope throughout our community. Without additional volunteers these goals cannot be realized. There are many areas of involvement to choose from. Not all of these projects or programs require long term commitments.

In this busy world it is hard for all of us to find time to help, and we understand this all too well. We believe wholeheartedly that if we all can do a LITTLE, we as a group can make a BIG difference!

Projects & Programs by Wings of Hope:
Partnerships with Local Organizations * Wings of Hope Lunch Accounts * Media Communications * Volunteering Activities * Fundraising * Mental Health Column * Partnership with the YMCA’s Mentorship Program * Fountains of Hope * Partnerships with NLS Schools * And MORE!

Committees: The following committee descriptions should help define the scope and responsibilities of the various committees of Wings of Hope. Each committee is expected to meet and/or communicate on a monthly basis, and work on six (or so) projects per year. Once the committees are formed, one member will be designated as the chairman, who will be responsible for coordinating the committee and its activities, as well as communicating its intentions to the Board of Directors.

Special Projects: The role of the Special Projects committee is to oversee the planning and implementation of projects and subcommittees that do not fall under the following categories. This currently includes the Fountains of Hope project, the NLS Lunch Accounts, and the Wings of Hope Banquet.

Education: The role of the education committee is to provide education about mental health, individual well-being, and community wellness to area organizations and the greater community.

Outreach: The role of the outreach committee is to provide outreach to individuals, area organizations, and populations of interest. Outreach may include mentoring and one-on-one interaction, group activities, and media communications. Projects already in place include the YMCA’s Lend a Hand partnership, and the partnership with Safe Avenues/Women’s Shelter.

Volunteering: The role of the volunteering committee is to identify, plan, and implement all volunteering efforts of Wings of Hope. This includes staying informed about community events, recruiting members from the general public to participate and coordinating all details of such activities.

Fundraising: The role of the fundraising committee is to identify, plan, and implement all fundraising efforts of Wings of Hope.

Marketing and Public Relations: The role of the Marketing and Public Relations committee is to identify, plan, and implement ways to market Wings of Hope. This includes all representation of the organization via the media and the internet.

Board of Directors openings:

Secretary:
The Secretary will attend all sessions of the Board of Directors. He will review the minutes recorded by the Administrative Assistant prior to distribution to absent members. In the absence of the Administrative Assistant, the Secretary will record the minutes. The Secretary will also give notice of all meetings of the members and of the Board of Directors. He will also have all management of product production.

Director:
The Director will manage all assembles of investors and donations, and all public advertising and event displays, assisting with the execution of the COO’s marketing, advertising and public relations. The Director will also manage the distribution of due appreciation and thank-you sentiments.

Administrative Assistant:
The Administrative Assistant (a non-voting position) will attend all meetings of the members and, if requested by the Secretary, the sessions of the Board of Directors. The AA will record votes and the minutes of the proceedings by audio recording or paper and transcribe the minutes to record by the next upcoming session.

Please consider joining us on October 25th! If that day doesn't work for you, and you would still like to be involved, please contact us at: yourwingsofhope@gmail.com, or call Ellie Otteson 320-905-4345 or Sara Lester 320-295-6471. 

“Words are important”

Every week Pastor Paul comes to my office to offer his words of wisdom and support for the week. Last week his words of the week are “words are important.”

He goes on to state that sometimes the simplest exchange of words can become a struggle to express or understand. Communication is a part of life wither we are exchanging ideas of everyday life; conducting a business deal; or talking with our children. As I have found the words people speak may not always match the way they really feel.

Sometimes the words people speak may seem hurtful or “sharp” even though they do not intend to come off that way. Emotions like anger, disappointment or hurt can evoke sharp words. Some words may be misinterpreted or misunderstood. We may think that a quick “I’m sorry” or “you know I did not mean that” will make those sharp words disappear. Maybe we wish that we did not say the things we said, or we wish we could take back those words we so quickly said in the heat of the moment. I would bet the receiver of those hurtful words would agree, that it takes a bit more for the sting of those words to wear off, even with an apology.

As Pastor Paul states we learn quickly that not all people always mean what they say and say what they mean. Words can heal and words can hurt, words can inspire or intimidate, words can inform or deceive, and build or tear down. He states that our words should not be “silly talk or coarse jesting” (Ephesians 5: 3-4). I think what it all comes down to is remembering to SAY what you mean and MEAN what you say. I know it is not always an easy thing to do when emotions are involved, but maybe words can have the power of life, the power to inspire and forgive. Maybe we just have to remember how very important words are.

Remember to let your words be gentle and loving, without need for regret.

~Stacy.

i am sorry...but, really...am I?

so sometimes i like to close my eyes and type. 

just see what the angels throw my way.

take a deep breath and and give my thoughts away to something "bigger" than me. 

i think there is an actual "loo loo" terminology for this, but since i have my eyes closed i can't google it as i typically would.
HA! :) 

so here we go. 

what is it that my deep breath and surrender of thought will lead me to.

how about saying we are sorry. 

let's talk about that. 

better yet - here is the definition.

sor·ry

   [sor-ee, sawr-ee]

adjective, -ri·er, -ri·est.feeling regret, compunction, sympathy, pity, etc.: to besorry to leave one's friends; to be sorry for a remark; to besorry for someone in trouble.regrettable or deplorable; unfortunate; tragic: a sorrysituation; to come to a sorry end.

sorry is my fix it word. 

how about you?

i have spent my entire life apologizing.

for who i was...and who i WANTED to be.

for who i am, and who i am NOT.

for what i HAVE said, and what i have NOT said.

for what i HAVE done, and more and more THESE DAYS for what i have NOT done.

sorry, sorry, sorry, sorry.

it's kinda getting old. 

i will admit.

i'm kinda tired of saying i am sorry.

i just am....sorry.

ha!

{sarcasm}

 see, cause here is the deal. 

i have these beautiful friends who have always said to me....

no sorries.

gosh - that was SO HARD for me to get at first. 

no apologizing for being stupid?!?!?

no apologizing for crying, for being inappropriate, for saying stupid things? 

no apologizing for  making myself the FOCAL point of the evening after my second....ok... maybe third glass of wine? 

WHAT? 

no sorries.

what a strange way to have a relationship.

to NOT say i am sorry for my shortcomings.

that is just what I DO.

sorry seemed necessary. to put my heart at ease.

PUT. MY. HEART. AT. EASE.

...that is the root of apologizing.

it takes you to a  place of forgiveness.

a place that you can FORGIVE YOU.

we say we are sorry to other people so that WE can FEEL BETTER...
simply for being ourselves.

go figure. 

i think oprah calls this an "A-HA moment" 

sometimes...we apologize FOR ourselves to HELP ourselves.

probably MOST of the time...sorry could be termed as a "fix it, cover it up, i said it" - perhaps even self serving word.

who would have ever thought? 

what i DO know is sorry has always made me feel instantly better after showing my spunk.

say it, get it out there, and then apologize.
is that NECESSARY? 

why do we feel the need apologize for speaking our mind after we have SPOKEN it?

i am starting to think that is just plain stupid. 

...and i for one am nearly over it.
THANK GOODNESS. 

SO.

here is a slightly new perspective.

...and of course it is in the grey sort of area that i always fall.

NO SORRIES?

nope, i don't agree.

there are moments, there are times. 

sorry is necessary.

to heal.

there are just CERTAIN times that a simple sorry serves a purpose.

i am sorry i did not validate your feelings.

i am sorry that i HURT you.
i am sorry i was selfish.

i am sorry that you have lost something or someone so near and dear.

SORRY is a very healing and valid option.

necessary.

on the flip side.

NEVER apologize for how you feel and sharing that.

NEVER apologize for your talents, your compassion, your desire, your SIMPLE and INNOCENT shortcomings.

NEVER apologize for your beliefs, your sorrows, your talents, your love.

NEVER apologize for trying to help, or sharing your insight, or insightful opinions.

PEOPLE need to be secure enough in themselves to handle WHO you are.

IF YOU are kind and considerate and loving in your UNIQUENESS there is no need to apologize for your feelings, your intentions, or your innocence.

YOU are YOU.

so there you have it. 

a post about being sorry.
take it or leave it.
but don't be sorry either way!

surprising....i had no intention of going there.

but i guess my angels did. 

...and for that - there are no apologies. 

:)

xoxoxo,
ang.

p.s. gotta LOVE the appropriateness of ELTON JOHN for this post....sorry - couldn't HELP IT!
{there i go again}

HAPPY WEEKEND, everyone!
ENJOY with no apologies!

What's in the PINK envelope?

Thank you ALL for your support and encouragement these past months!

Please mark your calendar for October 25th! We request your presence at 7pm, Blue Sky in Spicer for an open meeting.

We have been working diligently, networking, and planning our mission to best serve our community. We have some very exciting projects and programs designed for the future, and we are looking forward to getting them under way.

To do so, we are looking to find others to join in our efforts and help spread Wings of Hope throughout our community. Without additional volunteers these goals cannot be realized. There are many areas of involvement to choose from. Not all of these projects or programs require long term commitments.

In this busy world it is hard for all of us to find time to help, and we understand this all too well. We believe wholeheartedly that if we all can do a LITTLE, we as a group can make a BIG difference!

Projects & Programs by Wings of Hope:
Partnerships with Local Organizations * Wings of Hope Lunch Accounts * Media Communications * Volunteering Activities * Fundraising * Mental Health Column * Partnership with the YMCA’s Mentorship Program * Fountains of Hope * Partnerships with NLS Schools * And MORE!

Committees: The following committee descriptions should help define the scope and responsibilities of the various committees of Wings of Hope. Each committee is expected to meet and/or communicate on a monthly basis, and work on six (or so) projects per year. Once the committees are formed, one member will be designated as the chairman, who will be responsible for coordinating the committee and its activities, as well as communicating its intentions to the Board of Directors.

Special Projects: The role of the Special Projects committee is to oversee the planning and implementation of projects and subcommittees that do not fall under the following categories. This currently includes the Fountains of Hope project, the NLS Lunch Accounts, and the Wings of Hope Banquet.

Education: The role of the education committee is to provide education about mental health, individual well-being, and community wellness to area organizations and the greater community.

Outreach: The role of the outreach committee is to provide outreach to individuals, area organizations, and populations of interest. Outreach may include mentoring and one-on-one interaction, group activities, and media communications. Projects already in place include the YMCA’s Lend a Hand partnership, and the partnership with Safe Avenues/Women’s Shelter.

Volunteering: The role of the volunteering committee is to identify, plan, and implement all volunteering efforts of Wings of Hope. This includes staying informed about community events, recruiting members from the general public to participate and coordinating all details of such activities.

Fundraising: The role of the fundraising committee is to identify, plan, and implement all fundraising efforts of Wings of Hope.

Marketing and Public Relations: The role of the Marketing and Public Relations committee is to identify, plan, and implement ways to market Wings of Hope. This includes all representation of the organization via the media and the internet.

Board of Directors openings:

Secretary:
The Secretary will attend all sessions of the Board of Directors. He will review the minutes recorded by the Administrative Assistant prior to distribution to absent members. In the absence of the Administrative Assistant, the Secretary will record the minutes. The Secretary will also give notice of all meetings of the members and of the Board of Directors. He will also have all management of product production.

Director:
The Director will manage all assembles of investors and donations, and all public advertising and event displays, assisting with the execution of the COO’s marketing, advertising and public relations. The Director will also manage the distribution of due appreciation and thank-you sentiments.

Administrative Assistant:
The Administrative Assistant (a non-voting position) will attend all meetings of the members and, if requested by the Secretary, the sessions of the Board of Directors. The AA will record votes and the minutes of the proceedings by audio recording or paper and transcribe the minutes to record by the next upcoming session.

Please consider joining us on October 25th! If that day doesn't work for you, and you would still like to be involved, please contact us at:
yourwingsofhope@gmail.com, or call Ellie Otteson 320-905-4345 or Sara Lester 320-295-6471.

Yours truly,

Sara Lester
CFO
Wings of Hope

"Do good, feel good” is one of the great truths of happiness.

Attention, Please

"At the funeral of a beloved rabbi, a younger man who had just recently begun his studies with the rabbi turned to one of those who had been a disciple for decades.  "What most mattered to our rabbi?" the young man asked.  The older disciple smiled and answered, "Whomever he was with at the moment." 

Consider this passage for just a moment.  Think about how it must have felt to be in the presence of someone like the beloved rabbi.  How special you would have felt, how important.  Consider for just a moment how precious it feels to know that you are loved.  That you, your life, is cherished by someone. 

Now, think for a moment about the people in your life.  How might they feel when they are in your presence?  Do they feel important and know how much they matter?  Do they experience the same security, peace, and warmth that someone might have felt with the rabbi?  And when they are not with you, do they still know that you care? What if you learned that they do not feel this way? That what matters most to you is you?  Ask yourself, how do you pay attention to those that matter in your life?

To pay attention is to show that we care.  Really, it is the most basic expression of love that we can show other people.  Paying attention to someone shows that your hand is outreached to them.  That you want to touch their life, and that, in turn, you want to be touched by them.  Paying attention tells someone, “I care about you.  I love you.  You matter.” 

So, what if we have missed an opportunity to pay attention to someone?  Does that mean that we have failed or that we did not care?   No, it does not.  Rather, it simply means that a chance was missed, for whatever reason, to say, “I care about you.”  If you have ever missed such an opportunity, and we all have, it might serve you well to take another look inside of yourself and ask, “What is going on that has prevented me from paying attention?”   If you are able to ask yourself this kind of question, I trust that you will also be able to find an answer.  And I bet that answer will be enlightening to you. 

No matter how you pay attention to people, I would like to encourage you to be especially mindful today of if you are paying attention and how you are showing it. 

Take an extra moment to reach out your hand and allow yourself to touch someone with your love.  Pay a little bit more attention today.  Engage yourself with others, and allow yourself to be touched by their love.  Show someone just how important they are to you.  Remind them that you are here, that they are not alone, that they can do it.   If you are able to do this, I think you will find that that person will become more alive to you. That you can see life through their eyes, not just your own.   Reach out your hand and give someone your love.  Show those around you that they matter.  You never know the impact you just might have.

-El

Let your kids talk about suicide!

Thursdays have routinely been happy days for me. Adam’s children have been staying with us on Thursday’s since he left us. I look forward to our time together each week, but today and the last few days have been a bit wearing on me. I could list the many reasons but that's not what’s important. What is important is that I acknowledge my feelings and allow them to be, but not let them get the best of me. Like blogging today even though I didn’t feel like blogging. It is a task I gave my word I would do once a week and so here it goes…

I received this sympathy card from a few people when Adam left and sadly I’ve given it a few times since… just mailed one again today.

I’m truly sorry for your loss, Hoagland Family.

Why?

That’s what we ask.

The truth is, we may never be able to know for sure why.

But we do know that there is no single “should have done” or “could have done” or “did” or “didn’t do” that would have changed that why.

All that love could do was done.

With that shared I’d like to also share this… isn’t it time we START talking about suicide with our young people. Why is it that teens are being denied by their parents to attend a “let’s talk” session about how everyone is dealing with and feeling after the loss a classmate. How is that teen going to relate with his/her feelings if they can’t talk to their peers about it? The parents, I’m guessing, are saying “well they have us to talk to”. That’s great, but it’s only a start and not even close to enough. These kids, YOUR KIDS, need to be able to converse with people that are going though the same stuff. 9 out of 10 times they are experiencing feelings that they cannot begin to explain to themselves much less someone that hasn’t lost someone in their life to suicide.

I personally still express myself to a group of people that have similar stories and similar loss. Even 9 months later, I go once a week. They have been gracious to offer comfort to me while dealing with this sometimes overwhelming grief we are each walking through. I have learned many things along the way. Most importantly that grieving is a process that one must travel through. There's no way around it or over it. It can be put aside when necessary but it doesn’t really go away. Getting to know the others has helped me understand my feelings just a little bit clearer. I can deal with things just a little bit easier. For me to describe how being in a group with the others has helped me would be that I can allow myself to experience the emotions as they come one by one. I do have many bad days still, but I can determine which emotion I'm facing and give it its due attention. Instead of feeling them all at once, I now allow one at a time instead of letting one to bring on another. All that might not make sense, but that's what's so hard... making sense of any of it. There are times in the beginning after losing someone to suicide that you feel crazy, foolish, bizarre, just to name a few.

By sitting with the others I have been able to hear that they sometime feel the same things I do and knowing this has taken some of the frightening feelings away. Young people need to be allowed to talk and interact with other young people on this subject just like the many other subjects of their young lives. Just as you, the parents would talk with your peers on this subject or other subjects you may be struggling with.

Our Prayer for the week: please God speak to the parents of these teens and guide them to the importance of understanding. Help them help their grieving children. Show them the importance of communication. It is you, God that has taught us through church that it takes a village to raise a child and with you as the leader. In Jesus name we pray. ~Amen

~Sara

Let's Get Physical!

Do you ever think back to your childhood? What you did to entertain yourself as a child? Did you ride bike or play night games? As a child I remember being outside A LOT! As a child I played outside with the neighborhood kids, went for walks, rode bike, made forts, and went to the park. When I became old enough I then joined sports and participated in extracurricular activates. There was no such thing as Xbox, Wii or texting!! (Ugh, I know this dates me). Today our children are in a techno world, filled with computers, iphones, ipads and countless other technologies. Although these things have their benefits I sometimes feel we have lost sight of the benefits of physical activity.

As a nurse I try to focus on prevention of disease such as diabetes, heart disease, or obesity. I believe this education can start as soon as childhood by teaching kids healthy eating habits and good exercise. Physical activity is one way to reduce the risk for disease. The Surgeon General suggests 30 minutes of vigorous exercise a day, at least five days a week. As parents we can encourage our children to get involved in sporting activities, pick an activity that the child may find life-long enjoyment from such as swimming, hiking or running. Some other suggestions: encourage your child to ride his bike to or from school; limit electronic time; plan outside activities; or ask your child to attend a physical activity you participate in. Remember that routines that children develop and follow throughout their teen years are likely to continue throughout their adult years.

Besides building good habits, strong bones, and strong muscles some other benefits of physical activity include:

• weight control


• lower blood pressure


• lower cholesterol


• improved cardiovascular system


• increased energy and stamina


• stronger immune system


• increased suppleness and flexibility

So get involved with your children. Get fit with them!!

~Stacy.

Attitude of Gratitude

As I write this, I am having “one of those days”.  I will spare you the details, but suffice it to say that today has been a trial.   

When I sat down with my bad attitude, I started to think about everything that hasn’t gone well today.  All the gloom, despair, and agony that I have crossed paths with.  As I let those thoughts fill my head, it dawned on me: Gratitude is so much more fulfilling, so much more peaceful and fun, than any other alternative.

That thought is a no-brainer, I realize, but I still think it is important.  I think it is important because it can be so easy to lose sight of what we do have. Especially when we are feeling blue, when we are facing hard times, or when it seems like we just can’t find a way to get what we want, whatever that may be. 

…There is always going to be something going on in life that tempts us to feel sorry for ourselves.  To remind us that things aren’t quite perfect.  There are even going to be some things that shake up life as we know it, and make it hard to stay positive at all.  But it is so very important to bear in mind the beauty of what we do have.  To keep in the forefront of our minds the treasures in life that make our lives unique, blessed, and fulfilling.  We need to cherish these things, holding them near to our hearts and feel grateful that we have been graced with their presence. 

And don’t you think that no matter who you are or what position in life you are in that you have something to be grateful for?  It might be the people you love, something you feel passionate about, good health, safety and security, hard lessons learned.  Whatever it is, if you have it, have also gratitude, for nothing is to be taken for granted.

To have gratitude for our good fortune is such an imperative perspective to adopt.  It is crucial to remember that nothing in this life is guaranteed.  That anything, at any given moment, may slip through our fingers.  That what we do have, what is so good about our lives, is far more important that what is missing, or what is “wrong”.  Not only is it an important outlook to have, but it also much more rewarding to journey through life with an attitude of gratitude.   

-El

Chew on this...

Have you ever heard someone older than you say “The problem with young people these days is…” the last part can be filled in with a multitude of things: They don’t know what hard work is, they don’t know how easy they’ve got it, they want immediate gratification, all they care about is themselves, they let others raise their children and then wonder why their kids don’t listen to them, they’re wasteful, they’re disrespectful…. and on and on.

Now that I’m in my mid 30’s, I too am starting sentences that way about those younger along with my elders still saying it about me. This is a great spot to be and I plan on making the best of it while I’m here.

I’m now more open to listening to what those before me want me to know and I now understand that it’s important to study the history of events. To apply or not to apply them to my future endeavors. That when someone before me is willing to share their experiences, what a gift that is and I best stop and listen.

But I also recognize I have a responsibility to the younger generation. To “pay forward” the things and wisdom my elders had taken the time to pass on to me. There are many teachings that can be pointed to as worthy of being passed down. Like how to clean a walleye, the importance of a winter kit in your car, how to read a map even though there is such a thing as mapquest and GPS and the list goes on.

One of the most important pieces of wisdom I just now comprehend is the meaning of being a Christian. It is not enough to believe in God, believe that if I confess my sins I will go to heaven or that because I go to church I get to call myself a Christian. Those things are all just the start of being a Christian. Before, if I would have read the below devotional from Pastor Paul I would have thought, “yep and thank you God for giving me your Grace, Mercy and Peace.” Now, as I mature as a Christian I recognize that it is I that God uses to give on to others Grace, Mercy and Peace and it is through this giving that I receive Grace, Mercy and Peace. A BIG pay it forward. “God helps those that help themselves”… has been mistaken as an excuse to be self involved! The word themselves refers to a group of people, God is telling us that he wants his people to help his people.

Finally please chew on this… you don’t have to be a boy scout to perform good deeds and you don’t need to be retired to do volunteer work. Get involved in your community now, one way or another.

Wings of Hope are having its first opening meeting on October 25th at Blue Sky in Spicer. Join us at 7pm to learn how you, too, can lead a hand, give back, pay it forward and feel the Grace, Mercy and Peace God wants his people to experience.

Sunday, October 2, 2011 W/ Pastor Paul

Welcome to a brand new week never lived in before! It’s great to have friends like you, and when friends get together there is something special that happens! Our friendship, empowered by Christ’s love richly blesses our time together and creates an anticipation when we meet. Join in today as we come expecting a great day in the presence of God’s blessing as we go over our devotional together! –Pastor Paul

Our Word for this week is: “giving the best”

Scripture Text: I Timothy 1:1 NKJV “Grace, mercy, and peace from . . . Jesus Christ.”

Our Focus: Some folk are truly gifted at selecting and giving gifts. They seem to know exactly what the person needs or will most enjoy. Others are the opposite? Lacking creativity and imagination in this area, they throw money at gifts, are never quite sure what to give, and spend more than they should to make sure that person will like the gift.

There is a greeting card going around that reads, “I didn’t know how to repay your kindness . . . so I asked God to do it for me.” Who could ever be better at that? Look at His record of gift giving. “Thank God for His Son – a gift too wonderful for words! . . . To enjoy your work and enjoy your lot in life – that is indeed a gift from God . . . But the gift of God is eternal life . . . every good and perfect gift comes down from above, from the Father” (II Corinthians 9:15; Ecclesiastes 5:19; Romans 6:23; James 1:17).

The Apostle Paul gave Timothy, and you and me, great insight into what God selects as gifts for those who know and love Him. What better way to pray for those we love – that God would give them “grace, mercy, and peace from . . . Jesus Christ,” the best gifts.

The gift of Grace. Some gifts that we receive are just more of what we already have enough of. Not so with grace! Whatever else we have and however much of that we possess, we will always need a full measure of grace. Grace has been described as “God giving us what we could not deserve.”

The gift of Mercy. Mercy might best be described as “God not giving us what we do deserve.” “Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed. His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness, (Lord)” (Lamentations 3:22-23). Every one of the 26 verses of this Psalm include, “For His mercies endure forever” (Psalm 136:1-26). Ever think the Holy Spirit that inspired every word might have been trying to tell us something?

The gift of Peace. The Hebrew understanding of this marvelous word, “Shalom,” is the sufficiency of everything needed for peace. It was not the promise of having no troubles. It was the assurance of God’s provision for our safety, security and well being, however troubling our circumstance may be at the moment. “Before you know it, a sense of God’s wholeness (the peace of God), everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It’s wonderful when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life” (Philippians 4:7 The Message). Truly these are the gifts that keep on giving!

(Our biblical devotionals originate from Rev. Allen Randolph, San Antonio, TX, allenrandolph.com.)

For those interested in receiving Pastor Paul's messages, please e-mail Pastor Paul (pastorpaul@willmarag.org) and mention you would like to be included.

Our prayer this week is: for grace, mercy and peace in abundance. We pray this in Jesus’ name. ~Amen.

~Sara

Come one. Come ALL!

"What should young people do with their lives today? Many things, obviously. But the most daring thing is to create stable communities in which the terrible disease of loneliness can be cured."

-Kurt Vonnegut

...Come.  Join us!

-El