Stick with It

About four years ago we planted some raspberries. The first year we only got a couple, the one, then nothing. After threatening the plants that they would be removed this year we are finally getting several. Wow are we excited.

Persistence pays off. Don't quit. Stick with it.

The Bible says you will reap a harvest if you faint not.

Overcoming Crisis

This Sunday at Living Hope Church I am going to being sharing a timely message about "Overcoming Crisis/Disaster". If you live near Little Falls, MN I want to encourage you to come. I really believe the Lord is going to help a lot of people.

I was just reading the Brainerd Dispatch and saw the story of a band called "Scattered Trees". I know one of the band members and their latest cd actually fits in well with my message. Their cd is molded by the crisis of band member, Nathan Eiesland. His father passed away August of 2009. I got to know Nathan's family through their relatives at Living Hope, Jim and Sandra Carson. Sandra passed away November 27, 2002. Doing some of the special music at her funeral was Ben & Nathan Eiesland. Sandra was an incredible servant and loved children very much. My kids were and still are blessed by her and her family.

I want to put a shout out for Scattered Trees newest cd and let you know that for the next month they are letting people download it for FREE! just go to "Scattered Trees" website and let their songs bless you.

Econ Contest

I want to congratulate my son Mark for being a finalist in the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis Economics Essay Contest. Mark and three others from Little Falls are among 7 finalist in the Standard Economics category. He will have the opportunity to tour the Federal Reserve Bank on April 30th after which they will announce the winners.

Pinewood Derby

Congratulations to my son Andrew. Among the boys he finished in 1st place today in our church's pinewood derby. His car is shaped like a carpenter's pencil.

Congrats to Flyer Basketball Team

For the third year in a row, the Flyers win on a last second shot. They defeat Apollo and are on their way to state.

40 Days of Love, day 2

Yesterday, Living Hope Church began a new series, "40 Days of Love". We strategically placed this series between Valentines day and Easter, two days that emphasize the demonstration of love.


There are three key things that we are doing to help us grow in our love for God and for others.

Along with our Sunday morning teaching, we have many Life Groups (adult small groups) that are meeting all around the Little Falls and Rice area. The third thing we are doing is reading from Tom Holladay's book, "The Relationship Principles of Jesus". This book walks us through forty daily readings focused on six foundational relationship truths taught by Jesus.

Allow me to highlight a couple of thoughts from the day 2 devotional.

• Are you letting the unimportant intrude on the truly important in your relationships?
• "A healthy relationship with God and healthy relationships with others have the power to keep our commitments to the things and the tasks in our lives from getting out of balance".

Here is today's Point to Ponder: God does not demand of me that I accomplish great things. He does demand of me that I strive for excellence in my relationships.

If you were in church yesterday, I concluded the service with two challenges, both dealing with putting love into action.
The first thing was an offering to help two families in our church. All I can say is WOW! You came through big time. I know they will be blessed.
The second thing was to commit at least 5-15 minutes every day, giving focused attention to every family member. It doesn't seem like much but it is probably a lot more than many are doing now.

If you missed the message, you can listen to it on our podcast.

Enjoy your journey!

Missionaries Coming, Millsaps on Sunday

This Sunday, January 31st, Living Hope Church in Little Falls and Rice will be having David and Kandra Millsaps. They are missionaries to Lithuania. As you can see from the picture, they will be working with Teen Challenge while doing church planting. Wow! That sounds pretty awesome.

Invite your friends for a challenging and uplifting service. 9 AM at Rice and 10:45 at Little Falls.