Have you reflected on Mark chapter 7 since Sunday? I have. Jesus was clear, our lives and decisions are determined deep within, in our hearts. God, I pray you continue to dig deep within us and develop our hearts to long to glorify you in every way in every moment.

Just wanted to write a quick note about the book I quoted from Sunday morning about our country’s founding fathers. The book was “Our Sacred Honor” by William Bennett. Good book, good guy, makes you appreciate the risk taken and price paid for our freedom. Buy it, check it out or you can borrow mine.

Your brother,

What a great Sunday morning. Our time singing lifted me out of a busy week and into God’s presence. Then, it was fascinating and inspiring to hear the Schroeder’s share how God was using their gifts and talents to translate the Bible into unwritten languages. Then the “Growing the Roots” presentation was a marker, showing how far God has brought Live Oak in reaching out to our communities. I left encouraged and humbled and inspired and longing to share “Doing Life Together” with God and each other with my neighbors. Thank you for allowing me to be your pastor.

If you would like to keep up on the Schroeder’s, send me an email and I’ll forward it on to get you added to their mailing list. (brad.kenney@liveoakchurchfm.com).

“U-Turns”

One of our new graduates (don’t worry, I won’t mention your name Matt) came up after the service and had an interesting insight about my Fathers Day message. He said, how come you bless the mom’s and tell them how wonderful they are and appreciate all the ladies on Mothers Day; but, on Fathers Day you always give the men a challenge? Well . . . because women are not appreciated enough and men need challenge! And the men of Live Oak have been and I believe will continue to step up to the challenge. Keep up the good fight, keep influencing and guiding the next generation men. And Matt, in case I did not say it clearly, you are doing well men!

Your brother

Another Fathers Day, wow! Teresa has been digitizing our family videos of the children growing up. I sure looked a lot younger back then. Not to mention thinner with red hair. Yeah, that’s right, it was red. But you know what, I wouldn’t trade those days for the world. Being a dad continues to be one of the greatest joys in my life. How about you dad? Is the joy there? Or, are long hours, daily chores, life’s struggles or just boredom robbing you of the joy God intended? We’ll talk Sunday morning. Join me, it will be worth it.

brad

Yep, just like I mentioned in the sermon Sunday, we have grown to the point we can stop renting and buy. When we felt God leading us to lease our building at Surrey Ranch, we hoped it would help us be more effective in reaching out with God’s Love while helping our families grow in the faith. We knew we would spend some of the money gained in the sale of the old property. We felt like it was an investment in the future. Well, God has truly blessed. Our children learn in a great set up designed just for them, our students have bonded together in God’s love and are reaching out in their schools, and the setting and sound for worship is wonderful. Families have joined and new families are checking out what God is up to at Live Oak. We had hoped to grow to the point of buying someday and that day has arrived. If we buy the building, our monthly payment would be significantly lower that our monthly lease and taxes. Plus, we would be investing in the property for the next stage down the trail.

Please join myself and the elders in praying about how we can work together to make the purchase. I know it’s summer and it’s the time to take vacation, visit family and camp at the lake. Perfect, nothing better than a change of scenery to take time to look around and see God at work. It would help tremendously if families would continue to give their regular gifts and tithes during the summer. Plus, we will need to raise some additional money to put a substantial downpayment into the building purchase.

God has blessed, children are growing up with a clear understanding of God’s love and wisdom, students are committed to Jesus, families are discovering the Good News of Jesus. Wow! This is a great time in the life of Live Oak.

Your pastor,

brad

Thank you for all your prayers and calls and encouragements and meals! Wow, we have been blessed and overwhelmed with love. Teresa is healing a little bit each day and starting to sleep more each night.

Your brother and sister,

brad & Teresa

I’m going to share some of mom’s famous sayings Sunday morning. You know, wisdom dealing with everything from honesty to clean underwear. Make a mental note of an influential saying by your mom to share during the service.

We will also look at the use of “sayings” by Jesus to teach us about life with God. See you in the morning.

Your brother,

brad