Celebrating July 12th!

Your prayer letter this past week quoted Philippians, and I was reminded of this lovely song from  Sing the Bible by Randall Goodgame   (Katelyn- do you remember that kids album?!) called "Rejoice." It features Sally Lloyd Jones (author of The Jesus Storybook Bible) reading Philippians 4.   Below are three translations of this passage (NIV, The Message, and First Nations) and following that is a blessing for you for this TWO WEEK COUNTDOWN (what in the world?!)  based on this passage. NIV: 4  Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!  5  Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.  6  Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  7  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 8  Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever...

First just to make you laugh, here is a video of Katelyn and Anna with their hair braided together that we ran across last night:  (This has over 2.9 K views- so funny!)  And then we also found this one (watch it through the end-- especially of Jake-- I promise it will be a highlight of your day)  This has over 6,000 views. 😂 And here's the song all on its own:  and a prayer below inspired by this song:  A Wedding Prayer Inspired by "What a Wonderful World" Gracious and Loving God, We pause in gratitude for Katelyn and Phillip whose hearts have chosen each other in the midst of this wide and wonderful world. We thank You for green trees and red roses— for the vibrant beauty that surrounds us, just as the beauty of their love blooms and flourishes before our eyes. May their marriage be like the skies of blue and clouds of white— clear in purpose, gentle in spirit, and full of hope even when storms roll in. As they walk hand in hand, may they alw...

  I heard this old favorite song of mine again yesterday, and it goes so well with the other songs I've shared with you in this wedding countdown. But I just don't think we can have enough reminders to pay attention to the miracles right in front of us. So, my prayer for you this week is that you would have eyes to see the miracle of one another (how amazing is it that you get to be married four weeks from today!?) and that you would be on the lookout to see God in your midst this week with wedding planning, with the people you encounter, with family and friends, and with strangers you meet along the way.  HOLY NOW by  Peter Mayer When I was a boy each week Sunday we would go to church Pay attention to the priest And he would read the holy word Consecrate the holy bread Everyone would kneel and bow Today the only difference is Everything is holy now Everything, everything, everything is holy now When I was in Sunday school We would learn about the time Moses split the sea...

  Dear Philip and Katelyn, It’s hard to believe that it’s 5 weeks until your wedding! And in the midst of all of this preparation, you are preparing to go on staff- raising support and meeting with donors and praying for what God has in store. As you’ve seen in previous posts, I’m a big fan of Kate Bowler, so I adapted her “ Blessing for the Start of a School Year ” for you two as you prepare to start this adventure with Cru. A Blessing for the Beginning of Campus Ministry The season is tilting toward something new— a new community, a new chapter, a new calling, a new campus teeming with unknown faces and unfolding stories. and a new life together. You responded to the gentle invitation to leap out in faith trusting that you will find wings. God, as they step forward, help them carry the assurance of your love— into the rhythms of ministry ahead. May the spaces they enter be softened by grace. May each conversation be seeded with kindness. May courage ...