120%

So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.  I Corinthians 10:31

Last week was an incredible week for the Lenawee Christian boys' basketball team.  Just one week ago they defeated Battle Creek St. Philips in the  State Class D Quarterfinals.  Following that win, they took on Cedarville in the State Semifinals at the Michigan State University Breslin Center.  This paved the way for them to compete against the 2012 and 2013 state champions from Southfield Christian, who blew out their opponent in the semifinal contest last Thursday.  The match up was now set for Saturday's state championship contest. 

This was new territory for the Lenawee Christian Cougars as they had never gone this far in the tournament before.  They had made it to the state semifinals three years in a row from 1998-2000, but this was the first time to go clear to the finals.  Southfirld Christian had players who were quick and excellent shooters.  They also pressed and double teamed opposing players which causes many turnovers.  The Cougars were ready and so were the fans.  The Cougar Nation turned out in force to cheer on their boys with great support.  The game started with an early lead by Southfield, but the Cougars fought back to actually take the lead at halftime.  It was very evident that the boys from Lenawee had caused a great deal of frustration on a club that generally blows out every opponent.  The lead seesawed back and forth throughout the second half with Southfield Christian winning by two in the final seconds of the game.

                     The scoreboard doesn't always reflect the winner.

The Cougars showed great determination and gave at least 120% effort during the entire game.  Everyone of the Cougars played as hard as they could to try to win the game.  Not only that, they played in such a way that glorified the Lord.  It was quite a contrast between one of their player and one of the players from Lenawee Christian when they both fouled out in the fourth quarter.  The player from Southfield covered his head with a towel and removed himself from his team.  He made quite a spectacle while the LCS player, when he fouled out, went to his team and challenged them to continue playing hard and win the game.  Even though they didn't win the game, they certainly came off the court as winner.  At the end of the game, one the the LCS players went to the opposing coach and asked if they wanted to meet in the middle of the floor and have prayer together to which the coach positively responded. It was quite moving to see both teams arms around each other givng the Lord thanks for this opportunity.  To see high school age boys doing this will bring tears to your eyes.

It was a great game, but most of all the boys from Lenawee represented their school, their parents, themselves and the Lord so well.  They can hold their heads high even though the score at then end of the game didn't reflect the outcome we wanted.  Those boys are all WINNERS!!!!! 

I can do everything through him who gives me strength.  Philippians 4:13

Blessings and Encouragement,

Paul, Gail, Patsy and Penny



.

MEMORY LANE

Remember the wonders he has done.  I Chronicles 16:12a

For years we have been collecting tons of memorabilia from the decades that Paul was in education.  Notes, letters, pictures and many other things have been collected in boxes and bags so that at some point they will be sorted and placed in memory books.  At this stage of our life we also have to think what would our children want after we are no longer here.  Unfortunately, some things just have to be thrown away, while the things most treasured are put in a special place for safekeeping.  If it was Gail's choice most things would be tossed as she is no where near as sentimental as Paul.  Paul would keep most everything.  The work area is set up in Paul's man cave, and the dynamics as to what should be saved and what should be tossed gets very interesting.

                           A day at the beach on a warm summer day.

This time has been very valuable as it helps us reflect back over the years and remember some of the amazing things God has done in our lives.  We have made a list of each year since we have been married and noted God's provision and/or direction.  For instance an example would be the birth of our first child in 1970.  In 1972 God provided an opportunity for us to build our first house.  God opened the door for Paul to enter Christian education at Trenton Hills Christian School in Adrian (later Lenawee Christian School) in 1982 after teaching 17 years at Hudson High School.  Gail started her art career in 1971 by doing tole painting with some friends.  Now she continues to paint but is involved in portrait painting with pastels.

                           Pictures help to bring back special memories


There are lots of memories as we work on our project.  The many items that we pour over help to rekindle the recesses of our mind to bring back the special things the Lord has done in our lives.  We are so blessed.  At this time we are in the Lenten season and are called to remember what Christ did for us on the cross.  A little over a week ago we went to see the movie, Son of God, which certainly brought to the screen the sacrifice He made for all of mankind.  May this Lenten season be very meaningful to all of us who trust in Him as our Savior.

The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again.  And they remembered His words.  Luke 24:7-8

Blessings and Encouragement,

Paul, Gail, Patsy, and Penny

More Than My Necessary Food

My foot hath held his steps, his way have I kept, and not declined.  Neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary  food.
 Job 23:11-12

We have always enjoyed entertaining people in our home.  As often as we can, we will have missionaries who are speaking at our church stay with us.  We have been doing this ever since our children were little.  There have also been singing groups from various colleges stay over night as well.  Of course having friends frequent our home for a meal is a delight for us.  Sometimes we even entertain angels unaware

When we have had missionaries or singing groups stay with us, we sometimes are either in bed or not at home when they happen to arrive.  We just put a sign on the door and tell them to "just follow the footprints".  Paper footprints have been laid out from the front door, up the stair steps, to the bedroom where they will be staying.  We are just hoping the right people read the sign and come in to spend  the night.

Gail truly enjoys preparing a meal for those who stay with us or those who may come after church for a time of fellowship and eating.  Whether it be breakfast or dinner, Gail always puts on a spread of food to be sure they don't go away hungry. Many times we will spend a good portion of time sitting around the table conversing after the meal is eaten.

One the the habits we have when guests are around our table is to have a short devotional.  Gail always says that with the physical food we also need to compliment it with spiritual food.  So we will either us a devotional book or read from the Bible to help us focus on spiritual things with our guests. 

From The Message, Hebrews 13:2 says, "Be ready with a meal or a bed when it is needed.  Why, some have extended hospitality to angels with out ever knowing it!"  

Blessings and Encouragement,

Paul, Gail, Patsy and Penny

I Will Trust and Not Be Afraid

Surely God is my salvation.  I will trust and not be afraid.  The LORD, the LORD, is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation.             Isaiah 12:2

The last few months have delivered news of unrest in many areas of the world.  There is a civil war going on in Syria, much turmoil in several South American countries, and the latest takeover of part of Ukraine by Russia.  Not only that, Israel is surrounded by Middle East countries that would like to destroy Israel and plant their flag in Jerusalem.  Here in the United States, we have our own set of problems with the economy, the political arena, the weather, moral decline of our nation, and the list goes on.

                                          Russian troops in Ukraine


We have both found great comfort in God's Word.  One of the verses that has really spoken to us is Isaiah 12:2 which we have quited above.  Another is Isaiah 41:10, "Fear thou not; for I am with thee:  be not dismayed; for I am thy God:  I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness."  Even though the situations around us seem bleak, we know that God is in control and that we, through Him, can have such great peace.

Blessings and Encouragement,

Paul, Gail, Patsy and Penny