Have no fear of sudden disaster or of the ruin that overtakes the wicked, for the Lord will be at your side and will keep your foot from being snared. Proverbs 3:25-26 This week we are welcoming guest author Lauren Johnson who has been serving as a member of our summer staff this year. Lauren has been working both in the kitchen and as an administrative assistant in our Welcome Center at our Okoboji location. She was asked to share what God has been teaching her through her

For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. ~ 2 Timothy 1:7 Several years ago there was a series of books which was popular called the Divergent series. (Yes, there were quickly made into a series of movies as well!) Early on in the series the reader is introduced a character who is initially and primarily known as “Four.” It seems an odd nickname but Four lives in a community where only the strong survive and so those who

Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age. ~Matthew 28:19-20 Most of us have had at least one defining moment in our lives. Maybe it was when you realized you have fallen in love and found the person you want to marry. Perhaps you experienced it when you fell in love with a

My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. ~ John 15:12 It’s simplicity is remarkable when you stop and think about it. Jesus gave us just one basic command to follow when it comes to following his example in this world. Love each other as I have love you. That’s it. Love. It’s easy to forget that Jesus didn’t leave a how-to guide on liturgy or Sunday worship behind. He didn’t leave multiple scrolls defining what moments in faith and worship were to be considere

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. ~ 1 Peter 1:3-5 Just this past weekend I took the time to complete a