World Series cross - cut

Yesterday I made the last mow of the lawn for the fall season. I cross-cut it just for fun, copying the grounds keepers at professional baseball parks. I had baseball on the brain with the World Series, fall classic, happening this week. Winter will set in soon here in the northwest and the grass growing will slow down in response to the grey skies. Some people just can't handle the drizzly weather and it sends them packing to sunny climates for the season.

For me, the blustery winds, blowing rain, and crisp mornings lend themselves to times with God on the couch with a good cup of coffee. This is good, slowing down and reflecting on what is important, namely a relationship with the living God, my wife, children, extended family and friends all across this country.

As I stare out at my "World Series Cross-cut" lawn, I am thankful which brings this Scripture to mind, "No matter what happens, always be thankful, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus." Do you have a thankful heart today?

Expanding Woody Family

Last month we all joined together on the couch; Vic, Monique, Erin, Damon, fiance Lindsey, Ellie, Carly and puppy Stitch, for a family photo. Our family is growing by leaps and bounds in a blessed way. Stitch is growing faster than all of us. Blessings to you and yours!

New Life

Psalm 36:6-7 Tells us how our Lord's love and care is spread over all creation.

Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains,
your justice like the ocean depths.
You care for people and animals alike, O Lord.
How precious is your unfailing love, O God!
All humanity finds shelter
in the shadow of your wings.



This little Golden Retriever puppy was born just a few days ago. Our neighbors dog just had ten little ones and Ellie and Carly have been giving care to the mom and the pups. Could it be that one of them will find a home at our house? Check back with us throughout the summer to find out.

Racing and Endurance

In 2 Timothy we read:

Paul's Charge to Timothy You, however, know all about my teaching, my way of life, my purpose, faith, patience, love, endurance, persecutions, sufferings—what kinds of things happened to me in Antioch, Iconium and Lystra, the persecutions I endured. Yet the Lord rescued me from all of them. 2 Timothy 3: 9-11

I always think about endurance on Memorial Day weekend. My memories take me to fun weekend camping trips my mom and dad planned, usually to the High Sierras in California. The recollections of endurance come when I think of the long drive home. We usually listened to the Indianapolis 500 on the radio. What a test of endurance that race is for both the driver and the machine!

Our Lord calls us to this type of endurance for a lifetime. As we read in the apostle Paul's encouragement to Timothy, there will be hardships, yet the Lord will rescue us from all of them. We must rest in this Truth, for in Him is where our hope is found.

Praise the Lord for the men and women who serve and have served our country so valiantly in the armed forces. They are examples of endurance for all of us. Have a blessed Memorial Day Weekend!

He Reigns

With Easter approaching, God placed a song in my heart that is resonating all around me. The song title is "He Reigns". The "He" refers to Jesus Christ, His Supremacy here on earth. The lyrics are awesome and they say it all. The song was written by one of the guys from a popular Christian group, The Newsboys. Here is how it goes:

It's the song of the redeemed, Rising from the African plain
It's the song of the forgiven, Drowning out the Amazon rain
The song of Asian believers, Filled with God's holy fire
It's every tribe, every tongue, every nation, A love song born of a grateful choir
It's all God's children singing Glory, glory, hallelujah He reigns, He reigns
It's all God's children singing Glory, glory, hallelujah He reigns, He reigns
Let it rise about the four winds, Caught up in the heavenly sound
Let praises echo from the towers of cathedrals, To the faithful gathered underground
Of all the songs sung from the dawn of creation, Some were meant to persist
Of all the bells rung from a thousand steeples, None rings truer than this
And all the powers of darkness, Tremble at what they've just heard
‘Cause all the powers of darkness, Can't drown out a single word
When all God's children sing out Glory, glory, hallelujah He reigns, He reigns
All God's people singing Glory, glory, hallelujah He reigns, He reigns

So...lets look to Jesus and His Resurrection, for the power to overcome our trials are in Him and His love for us.

Blessings.

Vic

Rich Family Time

As I reflect on the holiday season I find myself with a heart of gratitude toward our great and wonderful God. The Christmas season was filled with special quality time with our family. The tradition of finding a bushy Christmas tree was fullfilled along with all the fun of adorning it with family decorations. Erin, Damon, Ellie and Carly all reconnected by God's abounding grace and love. It was a sight to see everyone interacting and laughing together.

I heard a song by Michael W. Smith recently titled "Healing Rain". This made me think of God's amazing work in our family. Here are a few of the lyrics that spoke to me:

Healing rain is coming down
It's coming closer to the lost and found
Tears of joy, and tears of shame
Are washed forever in Jesus' name

Healing rain, it comes with fire
So let it fall and take us higher
Healing rain, I'm not afraid
To be washed in Heaven's rain

My prayer for all of you is that you keep the umbrellas folded up and let God's healing rain come down upon your soul this coming year. He works in relationships as we together seek to know Him.