If more gifts are to be received, our awakening has to go on. AS BILL SEES IT, A.A., p. 8.
Sobriety fills the painful “hole in the soul” that my alcoholism created. Often I feel so physically well that I believe my work is done. However, joy is not just the absence of pain; it is the gift of continued spiritual awakening. Joy comes from ongoing and active study, as well as application of the principles of recovery in my everyday life, and from sharing that experience with others. My Higher Power presents many opportunities for deeper spiritual awakening. I need only to bring into my recovery the willingness to grow. Today I am ready to grow. – Daily Reflections, Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc., 1990.
Neurotransmitter health and balance: Serotonin for joy
Serotonin is the neurotransmitter of pleasure and enjoyment, feeling good. Serotonin is the main hormone associated with good mood, feeling happy, enjoying your life, family and friends. http://restorativehealthclinic.com/neurotransmitter-health-and-balance-serotonin-for-joy/
One of the effects of alcohol usage is an increase in the release of serotonin. This is … Alcoholics may be chemically incapable of feeling joy the way non-alcoholics do. Many antidepressants are in a class of drugs called SSRIs, selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors. SSRIs increase the effectiveness of the neurotransmitter called serotonin. Serotonin regulates many important functions of our brains and bodies, from how hungry we get to how happy we feel. When a body becomes serotonin-deficient, it can adversely affect mood, leading to feelings of sadness, anxiety and restlessness. Taking an SSRI can regulate the serotonin levels in the brain and thereby regulate a person’s mood. http://luxury.rehabs.com/
These things I have spoken to you, that My Joy may remain in you, and that your Joy may be full. John 15:11.
While waiting in the gate area of Singapore’s Changi Airport to board my flight, I noticed a young family; mom, dad, and son. The area was crowded, and they were looking for a place to sit. Suddenly, the little boy began loudly singing “Joy to the World.” He was about 6 years old, so I was pretty impressed that he knew all the words.
What captured my attention even more was the look on the boy’s face, his beaming smile matched the words he was singing as he proclaimed to everyone at the gate the joy of the Christ who has come.
This joy is not limited to exuberant children nor should it be confined to the Christmas season.
Fruit of the Spirit, Joy
The overflowing joy of knowing Christ’s presence in our lives was one of the themes of Jesus’ final teaching with His disciples the night before He died on the cross. He told them of His extravagant love for them, that He loved them as the Father loved Him. John 15:9. After sharing what this eternal relationship looks like, Jesus said, “These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full.” John 15:11. – Bill Crowder. Daily Bread.
Let Joy Begin! – Damon Gerber.
What a promise! Through Jesus Christ our hearts can be filled with Joy, Real Joy!
Lord, You have chosen me and redeemed me, crowned me with love and compassion. I can do nothing less than overflow with Joy at Your great love for me, for those I love, and for the world.
In every season of life we can know Joy in Christ. Amen.
There are enormous numbers of people finding inspiration and motivation to pray after watching the movie, “War Room.”
War Room
Miss Clara and other role models in the movie impress the viewer with their style and conviction in prayer. In “A Simple Way to Pray,” Martin Luther instructs us to pray formal prayers, … The Lords Prayer, the Ten Commandments and the Apostles Creed.
Notable Quotations from the movie:
Marriage Is Based On A Person, Jesus Christ – Elizabeth states in her conversation with Tony, “I am His before I am yours. And because I love Jesus I am staying right here.”
Those Who Have Been Given Grace Should Willingly Extend Grace – The world desperately needs grace, grace from each other but ultimately the grace which can only be received from Jesus Christ. One of my favorite scenes is when Tony serves a former boss (who was very mean to him) by changing his flat tire.
The World Is Dying For More Godly Husbands And Fathers – “I would rather have a man chasing Jesus than a house full of stuff.” – Elizabeth
Husbands Either Serve Their Wives Or Serve Themselves – You cannot do both.
“Raise ’em up Lord! Raise ’em up!” – Miss Clara’s declarative plea to raise up more prayer warriors.
– Brian Dodd. War Room review. Brian Dodd On Leadership.
Inspired or Motivated to Pray or Not?
Please reply with your thoughts to Pastor Michael. Peace & Joy!
He makes my feet like the feet of a deer. – Psalm 18:33.
Baby Steps
My baby is learning to walk. I have to hold her, and she clings to my fingers because she is still unsteady on her feet. She is afraid of slipping, but I am there to steady her and watch over her. As she walks with my help, her eyes sparkle with gratitude, happiness, and security. But sometimes she cries when I do not let her take dangerous paths, not realizing that I am protecting her.
Like my baby girl, we often need someone to watch over us, to guide and steady us in our spiritual walk. And we have that someone, God our Father, who helps His children learn to walk, guides our steps, holds our hand, and keeps us on the right path.
Baby Steps
God keeps our feet steady and catches us when we slip.
King David knew all about the need for God’s watchful care in his life. In Psalm 18 he describes how God gives us strength and guidance when we are lost or confused. Ps. 18:32. He keeps our feet steady, like the feet of the deer that can climb high places without slipping. Ps. 18:33. And if we do slip, His hand is there for us. Ps. 18:35.
Whether we are new believers just learning to walk in the faith or we are further along in our walk with God, all of us need His guiding, steadying hand. – Keila Ochoa. Daily Bread.
Dear Father, hold my hand and lead me in the paths of right living.
Challenging Words Reflection
for the Community
Everyone is Welcome!
Evil Things that Come from Within. Mark 7:23.
Protective Intention
Christ in Me Arise
– written and performed by Trevor Thomson
Christ in me arise and dispel all the darkness. Christ in me arise with your power and your strength. Christ in me pour out your blessing and healing. Christ in me arise and I shall rise with you.
Prayer: God, Wisdom of the universe,
you bear the pain of your people.
Grant us the gift of wisdom,
that we may discern your way
and live justly and graciously
amid the struggles of this world. Amen.
Trust in the Lord. Give our most pressing concerns to Jesus. Be open to what the Lord is doing in our lives.
Be Thou My Vision
Ancient Irish ca 700
Translator Mary Byrne Versifier Eleanor Hull
Be thou my vision, O Lord of my heart;
naught be all else to me, save that thou art –
thou my best thought, by day or by night;
waking or sleeping, thy presence my light.
Prayer:
Lord God, friend of those in need,
your Son Jesus has untied our burdens
and healed our spirits.
We lift up the prayers of our hearts for those still burdened,
those seeking healing,
those in need within the church and the world. Amen.
Never Shaken Psalm 15 Song
Hoss Hughes
Prayer:
Blessed are you, O Lord and Lover of Mankind,
source of beauty and depth of passion.
Strengthen and inspire us to do the word we hear
and live the faith we confess. Amen.
One Bread One Body
John B. Foley
– performed by John Michael Talbot
One bread, one body,
one Lord of all,
one cup of blessing which we bless.
And we, though many,
throughout the earth,
we are one body in this one Lord.
Prayer:
O Father of lights,
from whose word of truth
we have been born as firstfruits of your creatures:
make us quick to listen and slow to speak,
that the word implanted in us
may take root to nourish all our living,
and that we may be blessed in our doing and fruitful in action. Amen.
Sanctuary
Randy Scruggs
Lead Me on Lord from temptation,
Purify me from within.
Fill my heart with Your holy spirit,
Take away All my sin.
We are all stewards spreading the Word of Jesus’ blessings for His people.
Picnic Fellowship Activities for the Entire Family!
Of course lively discussion and activities will be available!
Perhaps you may prefer to sit and visit!
Contact Us with Special Requests!
We initially planned for stargazing to fit within one hour or so but the clear starry night was so exhilarating that we closed near midnight.
it was a bit chilly at 45 F for an August night. This was a great excuse for hot chocolate and s’mores!
We decided that we would hold over and continue the event next week as long as the night sky is clear, people are interested and we still have our telescope available!
Pastors Michael and Cathy Hanus
Sponsored by: Spirit of Peace and AcademyScience.us
He counts the number of the stars; He gives names to all of them. Great is our Lord and abundant in strength; His understanding is infinite. Ps.147:4-5.
We have Come to Believe and Know that You are the Holy One of God. John 6:69.
The Church’s One Foundation introduction:
Samuel John Stone, a clergyman of the Church of England, was the author of many original hymns and translations, which were collected and published. His hymns are hopeful in spirit and skillfully constructed. He published several poetic volumes.
The “Church’s One Foundation” was written as a direct response to some teaching considered unorthodox at the time.
The Church’s One Foundation
Author: S. J. Stone (1866)
– performed by Samuel Stone and Brian Moss, Indelible Grace.
The church’s one foundation is Jesus Christ, her Lord; she is his new creation by water and the Word. From heaven he came and sought her to be his holy bride; with his own blood he bought her, and for her life he died.
Prayer: Holy Wisdom, you granted Solomon’s request for an understanding mind and the knowledge to discern good from evil. Fill us with such understanding and knowledge that we may act as instruments of your loving desire for creation, working with you to transform our conceit into concern for others, our fear into love, our violence into peace, and our brokenness into wholeness. Amen.
Trust in the Lord. Give our most pressing concerns to Jesus. Be open to what the Lord is doing in our lives.
Be Thou My Vision
Ancient Irish ca 700
Translator Mary Byrne – Versifier Eleanor Hull
Be thou my vision, O Lord of my heart; naught be all else to me, save that thou art – thou my best thought, by day or by night; waking or sleeping, thy presence my light.
Prayer: Redeeming Sustainer, visit your people and pour out your strength and courage upon us, that we may hurry to make you welcome, not only in our concern for others, but by serving them generously and faithfully in your name. Amen.
O LORD of hosts, happy is everyone who trusts in you. Ps. 84:12.
How Lovely is Your Dwelling Place, O Lord. Ps. 84. song.
Prayer: Source of life, you feed us with the spiritual milk of your love and deliver us from darkness to light. Encompass us in the circle of your protection, that, secure in your sustaining power, we may find the wisdom and strength to challenge the evils of our time. Amen.
In Christ Alone – Keith Getty & Stuart Townend
In Christ alone my hope is found; He is my light, my strength, my song; This cornerstone, this solid ground, Firm through the fiercest drought and storm.
What heights of love, what depths of peace, When fears are stilled, when strivings cease! My comforter, my all in all; Here in the love of Christ I stand.
We are all stewards spreading the Word of Jesus’ blessings for His people.
Picnic Fellowship Activities for the Entire Family!
Of course lively discussion and activities will be available!
He counts the number of the stars; He gives names to all of them. Great is our Lord and abundant in strength; His understanding is infinite. Ps.147:4-5.
