Through the Storm - book by Lynne Spears

We have tragically watched the meltdown of Britney Spears and been informed that her unwed sister is having a baby. We had also heard that the Spears family was a Christian family. So what happened and what can we learn to prevent these kinds of events from impacting our own children? Thomas Nelson publishers has recently released a book by Lynne Spears, mother of Britney, and Jamie Lynn regarding her experience as a mother. When asked why Thomas Nelson would publish such a book, Michael Hyatt (CEO of Thomas Nelson) lists four reasons:

1. It is a fascinating story.

2. It is a warning to parents with children shuttled around from one activity to another.

3. It is a reminder that all parents make mistakes.

4. It is a book about faith because Lynne is a Christian and not afraid to admit it.

Michael Hyatt goes into more detail here. Note1: I have not read the book yet, but find Michael Hyatt to be credible in his perspective. Note 2: It does appear that through direct intervention, Britney Spears is on the road to recovery. We need to pray that she might be restored in her faith and have an opportunity to be a witness for Christ.

Church Library Additions

Here are some recent additions to the Church library, you are encouraged to take advantage the resources which are being provided.

How to Respond in Times of Crisis

We have experienced some traumatic events in America in the past week. We have seen the devastation that Hurricane Ike left in Texas and in other states. Officials are not sure of how much life has been lost and may be impossible to ever tell. We are able to catch a glimpse of the loss of property and possessions. We have observed a financial meltdown on Wall Street and reports of seven hundred billion dollars of investor money has been wiped out. There has been a tragic train accident in California. We look at the candidating process taking place in our government grow increasingly disgusted as ads for both sides turn even more negative, with hardly a solution to the challenges facing us as a country being given. On a personal note, there are individuals within our own church family facing some significant challenges related to health, jobs and other concerns. So how should we respond to these times of crisis? I appreciated what H.B. London shared in a recent email, so I pass on his points (with some editorial comments of my own).

1. Don't panic. Our faith is in God -- not government, nor money. The psalmist wrote "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in time of trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change, and the mountains slip into the heart of the sea" (Psalm 46:1-2). Here's a thought - suppose neither presidential candidate is up to the task of handling the challenges that face America? Peggy Noonan has written a thought provoking article entitled "Why It's Getting Mean" with the subtitle: "supporters of both candidates doubt their man can do the job" (you can read it here). Our faith is not in a president but in Our God who can see us through the difficult times.

2. Encourage one another. Don't despair. We have a tremendous opportunity as believers in Christ to share our trust in God who is superintending the events of our world, even though we may not understand all that He is doing. His ultimate purpose is not to make our life easy, but to orchestrate events that will make us more receptive to turning to Him and walking closely with Him through the crisis of life.

3. Be Wise. Make smart decisions - the best that you can make to minimize your losses. Keep your credit card debt low (or better, non-existent). Save instead of spend and turn to trusted counsel. Determine what things are necessities and what things are luxuries. I read that the economy is beginning to affect the attendance in Major League Sports (here). People are making choices between food and fuel, versus the high cost of these entertainment events. There are a lot of opportunities in our own backyards for enjoyable experiences.

4. Increase Your Faith Practices. Don't miss church (you knew that would come - but H.B. mentioned it first - and its true). Sing, worship, pray, read, and assemble. "Give thanks in all circumstances" (1 Thess 5:18).

5. Remember that God knows your Situation. He cares about you. Don't fret. Jesus says, "who of you worrying can add a single hour to your life?" (Matt. 6:27). Paul writes, "May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way" (2 Thess. 3:16).

(Source for my expanded thoughts was from the Pastor's Weekly Briefing, September 19, 2008)

Brandon & Kelly Shank Join Valley Grace

We welcome Brandon & Kelly Shank officially into the membership of Valley Grace. They are pictured above with their two daughters, Aubrey & Caroline. Brandon & Kelly stay busy as small business owners and we appreciate also their ministry here at Valley Grace. We pray that we might be an encouragement to them in their walk with the Lord, and that God would use their gifts and abilities at Valley Grace as we seek to reach our community for Christ.

Midweek Ministries have Started

We had a great start for the Fall Midweek Ministries here at Valley Grace. I think Willie & Billie Jo deserve a Purple Heart. I count 7 youngsters with them! Conservative count was 144 in attendance.

Great Late Potentate is Coming to Valley Grace!

A children's musical, The Great Late Potentate is being planned for December 14, 2008. We are planning for two services on that Sunday, one at 9:00 am and another at 10:40 am. Children's Church has begun practicing the songs (if your child is planning to participate, and doesn't have practice materials, please contact the church office). We also anticipate that there will be a girl's choir and others involved in this event. The desire is to be able to invite those who don't have a church home to come and hear about the reason for Christ coming into our world.

How to Maintain Christian Faith in College (or High School)

If you have a young person in college, or preparing for college, here is a resource for you (this could be recommended for any parent). J. Budziszewski (pronounced Boojee-shef-skee - hereafter referred to as JB) is a professor at the University of Texas. He has written a hot seller entitled, How to Stay Christian in College and just recently published a second in the series, Ask Me Anything 2 (Navpress, 2008).

He is concerned about many Christian students who head to secular (or sometimes even "religious") colleges and aren't prepared to answer professors who attack their faith. For example, a professor might declare in class: "All of you students are too intelligent to be pro-life, right?" A threat seems to be implied that your grade will go down if you challenge the statement. JB states that in most of those situations, students are silent. Rule #1 is to "Speak Up."

He goes on to state that even the most bigoted professors often change their tone when they are challenged. He also states that other rules are "be logical," "be respectful," "keep it brief" and that you don't "have to win." He suggests a student might respond, "Sir, I understand the insult, but what is the argument?" JB also challenges students to respond to the "intolerance" diatribe by declaring, "Sir, if we had to tolerate everything, wouldn't we even have to tolerate intolerance? Don't we have to use standards to decide what is tolerable and what isn't? What are yours?" (World, September 6/13, 2008, p. 26)