Category: News and Announcements Page 4 of 11

General news and announcements.

Motivational Monday

On August 4, 2025

In Motivational Monday, News and Announcements

Back to School Edition 1

Hey friends! For the next couple of weeks, I want to focus on our kids. If you don’t have children, no problem! I promise there is something for everyone in this series. Yep! You heard that right. A series. This is just too much for one week’s motivation. So let’s get this show on the road and let’s talk about it.

My first “big girl” job out of high school was a bank teller. This job taught me A LOT. They taught me how to quickly and accurately count money. I can still key numbers faster than type thanks to all the training I was provided. However, many things were not in training videos or sessions. For example, I learned VERY quickly that you do not mess with people’s money or kids unless you want to see a volatile reaction. As a 19 year old girl, watching people escalate quickly in their reactions was eye opening. As a 45 year old mom and wife, I completely understand this reaction.

When it comes to our kids, school is very similar. They learn A LOT. A lot is taught by teachers but a lot is taught by other students. And man, peer pressure is something else isn’t it. Sometimes peer pressure is good and sometimes…not so good. You see, this is where you come in. As parents, aunts, uncles, youth counselors, babysitters, etc. if the kid feels comfortable with you, they will talk to you. And I don’t mean they tell you hello. I mean, they will ask questions and confide in you. If you get there with a child, whether they are 2 or 18 or 30 (I know that’s not a child but still! 🙂), congratulations! You have fostered a good, safe environment for this kid. They trust you.

So, what does that mean exactly? They trust you to tell them the truth. And friends, sometimes the truth is not what they want to hear. And that’s ok. We don’t have to like everything. But as a christian, we need to make sure we hold those we love accountable. Which, if you have ever had to do with someone you love, it can be…sticky. Especially kids.

So, how can you get ahead of this? So glad you asked!

Start now bolstering their faith. You and I both know, our culture shifts quickly these days. And our children are who they target. It’s cliche (but accurate) that our kids are the future. If they are taught something is “normal”, they will just accept it as normal. And those people who are older than them who disagree with this new normal are just fuddy duddies! But if we teach them basic core truths, we are arming them against the “normals” that aren’t normal. And that’s not because Jennifer says it’s not normal, it’s because God says it’s not normal. In fact, it’s a sin.

What does bolstering their faith look like? It’s about giving them courage as they face peer pressure, how to remind them of their standing before God when they’re tempted to measure their worth by their performance, and how to instill humility so that they can be lifelong learners. It’s about how to love the people God will bring into their lives, and how to be a place of comfort, safety, and belonging for those people. Kinda like how YOU are to these kids. Right?

I’m not going to lie to you, this isn’t going to be easy. But who said life was easy?! But I hope it helps you think through how to approach the children in your life. And I hope it reminds you that, no matter how prepared you or these children in your life are to meet whatever this fall brings, the Lord is good, and he does good (Psalm 119:68), and he goes before you (Deuteronomy 31:8).

This week, please pray for our kids. Pray for their safety. Pray for courage. Pray they make good decisions. Pray for humility. Pray their relationship with God is good and whole and it stays that way. And pray for those adults who are in charge of these kids. They have such a hard job for so.many.reasons.

Love you all,

Jennifer

Motivational Monday

By Jennifer Robbins

On July 21, 2025

In Motivational Monday, News and Announcements

Hey friends! Listen, I knew yesterday what my topic was on today. Wanna know why? Because I was HOT! Yes, I was physically hot because it was a million degrees with 100% humidity but what I am specifically talking about is mad. 😡 As I am upset, I thought, “Yep. This is what this week’s topic is going to be about!” So, let’s talk about it.

We are having a deck built on our house. Some of you might have heard me talking about it. This deck is on the larger side and we are adding to our roof line. We have saved for this deck for YEARS and honestly, I am SO EXCITED to get it. But…like most projects, it is not going as planned for a lot of reasons. And truth be told, they are all avoidable reasons. Yesterday, as I was working in the yard (that I hadn’t cut in 2 weeks because of the deck project), I was getting madder and madder about the situation. I was working myself up in a tizzy and I was mad at EVERYBODY. You’ve been there, right?

So is anger a sin?

The short answer is no. It’s a God given emotion. Anger is a signal that something is wrong and needs to be addressed. What you should be angry over is sin and injustice because we serve a God that is just and holy. And man, let me tell you. When reading the Old Testament, there are LOTS of examples of when God was angry. Whew. The quickest example that comes to mind is the Great Flood. He flooded the whole world and destroyed all living creatures except who and what was on the Ark. Why? Because he was OVER the wickedness and corruption on the Earth. I would say He was pretty mad…

Whereas anger is not a sin, how we react to it can be. To be completely transparent, how I acted yesterday was sinful. I was quick tempered and infuriated by our situation. And trust me, everyone knew I was NOT happy. Everyone who couldn’t fix the situation knew about it. I was misusing my anger. “Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.”(Ephesians 4:31-32) Another short verse that is easy to remember is, “…everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment…” (Matthew 5:22)

When you become that angry, you need to pause, reflect on why you are angry and then ask God to help you. Now, look. I did ask God to help me with my anger yesterday because I didn’t like being around me. But was I ready yesterday to reflect? Truthfully, no. I wasn’t mentally ready to work through it. Was that right? Well, I asked God for help and that did help me to simmer down enough to get through the day. Then, I slept (I always have to sleep on it to have a clearer understanding). Today, I was ready to work through it.

Some of the questions I asked myself were:

Has there been injustice? Was there sin against you, another, or God? Before you look to who your angry with, are you convicted about your own sin or how you have contributed? If so, begin to biblically address sin in you. (Matthew 18:15-17)
Are you hurt? Has this person hurt you (physically, mentally or emotionally) or opened an old wound? Is your pride wounded or do you feel shame? Be honest with yourself and God about your pain, recall God’s forgiveness of you, and continue to take steps to forgive. (Colossians 3:12-13)
Are you afraid? Has something stirred up an insecurity? Do you feel threatened? Are you struggling to trust God? If so, confess your fear and lack of trust to God and begin to confront your idols. (Psalm 56:3) If this is the case, I would recommend immediately seeking help.
Are you frustrated? Has someone failed to meet your expectations? Have you yourself failed them? Examine whether your expectations are realistic and address how you may have sought significance or life apart from God. (Psalm 42:11)

Look, luckily for me, it is just.a.deck. But this deck means a lot to me because this is something I have wanted for years. And we have worked hard to get it. So, there is some minor hurt and a lot of frustration. After reflecting, I do know my anger was just but how I went about it was wrong. And I want to own that. I know that God is completely in control and can bring good out of a mess. I know it will work out one way or another because God’s got me.

I used this example because, typically, I am pretty easy going. And I know a lot of you out there are probably like me. Some of you might struggle and you consider yourself to be hot headed. What’s important to note is, most of us can name a time we misused our anger. Have you ever gotten mad and later felt bad how things went down? Well, that’s a sign your anger might have been misused. All you can do is confess and ask forgiveness from God and from the person you were ugly to unnecessarily.

This week, I challenge you to reflect on the why behind your anger. If you encounter someone who is angry, was their anger just and valid? Maybe, maybe not. But if it’s a “maybe not” situation, maybe you can show them grace. Because they will calm down and they will remember what you said or did. This will cause them to reflect and see that maybe they overreacted. 😬 Not that I’m talking from experience…nope not me.

Love you all and don’t be ugly,

Jennifer

Motivational Monday

By Jennifer Robbins

On July 14, 2025

In Motivational Monday, News and Announcements

Hey friends! So glad you are here AND I am so glad I’m here. 🙂 I don’t know about you but summers are hectic. What’s odd is that my “child” is an adult so I don’t have an excuse. I used to think the older I got, life would slow down but so far I am still wide open! Why is that? I don’t know either. Which is a great segway into this week’s motivation…I don’t know. Let’s talk about it.

I know you have probably reread that last line and you’re confused. It’s ok. Lately, I stay in a constant state of confusion. It doesn’t matter if I’m at work or at home, one of the things I have said a lot lately is, “I don’t know. I just work here.” Lately, life has been full of shoulder shrugging and “I don’t knows”. That used to bother me. I realized I liked to be in control but now…now, I’m ok with not knowing certain things. And, let me be super transparent with that last sentence. If I could control it, I probably would. That’s just who I am. But, I genuinely believe God’s got me. Knowing and believing that God’s got me, offers a peace that is difficult to put into words. But if you struggle in this category, does it make a bad Christian? I literally giggled as I wrote that question because it’s absurd. Of course you’re not.

Those of us who like control (like me) want clarity on every situation. We want to know the why in every situation. Fun fact, ain’t gonna happen. It’s nice to know but God doesn’t owe that to you. Scripture tells us, “Trust in Him at all times, you people; Pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us” (Psalm 62:8). Trust.in.Him. If you are having an issue, God is your immediate refuge. When you seek refuge, you may not know what’s next but you’re safe.

A name that comes to mind when thinking about trust vs clarity is Noah. Here’s a dude that was told to build a huge, HUGE boat. It is dry as bone and here Noah is, building away. You know his neighbors were talking about him! “Hey Betty! I think Noah is off his rocker. He said God told him to build this thing because there’s going to be a flood. What’s he going to do? Save the town??! Bahahaha!” Noah never asked for clarity. He did as he was told and I am sure was judged for it.

I think most of us like a strategic plan. And we appreciate a copy of said plan. Why? So we aren’t surprised. We are prepared for what’s ahead. Good or bad. But when Jesus said, “Follow me” 21 times in 12 different conversations throughout the Bible, it was never followed with “and I’ll tell you what’s going on”. When He said to follow Him, it is an alignment of our lives to His teachings. You see, as a Christian you have been given a gift. Faith, not certainty, is the single most important ingredient to a life pleasing to God (Hebrews 11:6).

So, I say ALL OF THIS to say, I don’t know. I don’t know what’s next. I don’t know how long I have on this Earth. I don’t know if World War 3 is going to happen. I don’t know if or when the ice cream machine is working at McDonald’s. And you know what? By worrying about it, I can’t change it. Why? Because, God. He loves me and He loves you. Even if you are struggling in your faith because you are having uncertainty in your life. He wants you to lay it at His feet and give it to Him.

Love you all,

Jennifer

July Newsletter

By Jennifer Robbins

On July 2, 2025

In News and Announcements, Newsletters

Hey friends!

Click on the link below for the July Newsletter.

NL 7-2025 PDF

Motivational Monday

By Jennifer Robbins

On June 30, 2025

In Motivational Monday, News and Announcements

Hey friends! Thank you for allowing me to take the week off last week for VBS. As always, it was a success! Kathy and all the volunteers do such an amazing job and these kids just love it. All the effort in the props, the Bible stories, and the food. Seriously, chef’s kiss. We might be a small church but one thing I know…we do VBS (among other things 🙂) RIGHT!

Today’s motivation is brought to you by the weather and the raging heat and humidity we have all endured this last week. 😂 Ok, ok, I’m joking but not. Over the last week, I have talked to many people who have been frustrated…including myself! The fuse has been short and I have been blaming the heat. Which is probably a huge portion of it BUT this got me to thinking. And you know what that means, let’s talk about it.

When we look at frustration at its core, it’s an emotional response to opposition to the fulfillment of an individual will. That is a nice way of saying, when we don’t get what we want, we aren’t happy. So, I want you to envision your current frustration (whatever that may be) as a roadblock. And the bigger the frustration, the bigger the roadblock. You are headed down this road, because we have a special assignment that only we can do by God. That’s why we are put on this Earth, right? And you get to the roadblock. If you are doing God’s will, why is it there? Well…funny you should ask. Go back to that first sentence of this paragraph. WE aren’t getting what WE want. What WE want and God’s will are two very different things.

So, let’s talk about a time in the Bible when frustration was high. For the record, there are A LOT of examples. Can you imagine Jesus’s frustration level??! Anyway, let’s go way back to the Old Testament because frustration has been around for a HOT minute. Moses. He leads the Israelites out of Egypt and into the wilderness and then BAM! Things don’t go as planned. Probably because they were OVER having it hard for 400 years. So they get frustrated with Moses and questioned him as to why he led them out of Egypt to die in the wilderness. They even said it would have been better in Egypt (pause story. Really? Would they have really been better in Egypt? No ma’am. They were just mad and they were probably in the heat and there were skeeters around…can you feel their pain? Ok, unpause story).

As the story goes, you realize they became angry because of the obstacles in the path. They could only see the roadblock and not God. Now, in their case, some of them completely left the path and found new gods, which, woah. They got WAY off course. But, not to ruin the story if you are unaware, but God showed them! He showed them He was in charge by giving miraculous provisions like manna and quail. But…He wasn’t super happy with their frustration level so they stayed in the wilderness for another 40 years. Back in the OT, God would show HIS frustration level more openly. But, you can see the entire lesson there, right? He gave them good times and bad times but it was all for His glory and their growth.

Like you and your frustration. It’s what we do with it and how we respond.

What is important in frustrating times is to focus on blessings. I know, I know. It’s hard when you’re mad. Deuteronomy 28:2 says, “And all these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you, if you obey the voice of the Lord your God.” And when you are counting your blessings, it IS ok to feel the frustration. Even Jesus felt emotions. We just don’t need to get stuck in those emotions. Once you have your meltdown, ask God to realign you to His will and stop thinking your path is His path.

Look, I want to tell you that as a Christian, we will experience frustrations here and there. But to be fair, that is just not going to happen. I get frustrated over something everyday. It can be something simple like breadcrumbs left in the butter or something bigger like a deadly illness, whether it’s you or someone you love. And I know I am sitting here writing this, like I am a pro at managing my frustrations but I’m not. I just know a guy that helps me with all my frustrations and He is literally a prayer a way.

Love you all,

Jennifer

PS- Remember y’all. It’s hot. It’s humid. Fuses can be a little shorter and frustration can happen a little quicker than normal. Go find some AC and talk to God. ♥️. My experience says, that helps 😉

Motivational Monday- VBS Style!

By Jennifer Robbins

On June 16, 2025

In Motivational Monday, News and Announcements

Hey friends! Guess what next week is??!! VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL!! WOOHOO!!! So naturally today’s motivation was an easy pick for me. Why is vacation bible school so important? You know where I’m with this…let’s talk about it.

I have been a part of Spring Creek’s VBS for…years now. Honestly, I can’t remember how many years and honestly it’s unimportant. I always tell Kathy to put me where she needs me and she ALWAYS needs me as a storyteller. I’m going to be honest here and tell you this always puts me out of my comfort zone. I want to make sure I convey the story correctly and in a way that particular age group gets it. And those kids have GREAT questions!! Which I absolutely LOVE because that means they are engaged. But it stresses me out because I don’t have all the answers! 😂

But every year, before VBS, I get stressed because I want to make sure my part is done 100% and those kids enjoyed what I talked about. So before I begin studying the story I am assigned to, I have to remember what these kids are getting out of VBS every.single.year.

First, it’s a much needed summer engagement for kids. All year during school, a lot of focus for these kids are on academics. During the summer, they have time to allow their brain to soak in stories of the bible without the stress of school. And because these kids are doing this away from school, they are able to build relationships with others. These relationships can be long term with the community. These kids get to meet ALL KINDS of wonderful and knowledgeable people just because of VBS!

How do these kids soak in more during VBS versus attending church?

If you have never been to VBS, you need to come. Yes, even YOU as an adult. VBS is HIGH energy. These kids dance, sing, make arts and crafts and sweat buckets outside while playing. They do ALL of this while learning about Jesus. It’s not sitting in church, having to be still and focus. Side note- there is NOTHING wrong with that but if you’re a kid, it might seem…boring. Sorry Pastor Scott! I love your sermons! Even the stories they learn…listen. The volunteers at Spring Creek make story time ah-maz-ing with how life like they make it. Last year, we crawled into a whale as I told the story of Jonah. It even SMELLED like fish in his belly 🤢.

In today’s world, these kids really need VBS (for the record, I feel like every generation says this about the new generation). But kids today have to compete with things I didn’t have to compete with when I was their age. The societal pressures are different. Technology is great and…not so great. These kids literally have access to EVERYTHING at their fingertips. As much as parents try to restrict or parent their kids, the kid has to make the decision to obey because it is just that easy to not obey.

VBS gives them the why behind obeying. The Bible stories equip them with making good decisions on their own because they see and feel the love of Jesus! VBS offers them a safe place to not compete with those who are not like minded. They can unplug, connect with others and grow in their faith. VBS offers an opportunity to create moments that these kids will carry with them for a lifetime.

If you are not volunteering with VBS this year, THAT’S OK!! You can STILL be a part of VBS. How? Be a recruiter and a prayer warrior! Tell every parent and child you see about our VBS. Remember. It’s free. We feed them. We wear them out. They learn all about Jesus. This is YOUR opportunity to show them the church is a place where they belong and their lives can be transformed by Jesus. All because you stopped and spread the word.

Love you all and see you next week!

Jennifer

Details about VBS:

Motivational Monday

By Jennifer Robbins

On June 9, 2025

In Motivational Monday, News and Announcements

Hey friends! I am so glad you stopped by. Today, I want to talk about validation. Where do you get your validation from? Is it ok to want people to like you? Let’s talk about it.

As I do every Monday, I think about the previous week and decide what to write about today. I was laying in bed and I opened TikTok. I follow a K-9 police officer and he’s great. He’s funny, vulnerable and just wholesome. When I opened the app, there he was giving a Monday message (oddly enough, I have never seen him give a message like this one). He said, “Stop trying to find validation in a world that crucified the perfect man.” And that really hit me. Wow. I like to think of myself as someone who doesn’t need earthly validation but I do. Let me give you examples: needing to be reassured, people pleasing, difficulty in making decisions alone, feeling anxious without approval, over apologizing, overachieving to gain praise, comparing yourself to others, and list could go on and on. Do you see yourself in any of those? Transparency moment..I see myself in every.single.one of these.

So the pressing question, is it wrong? As with every Motivational Monday most answers are not quite black and white. There are a lot of gray areas. So the answer is mostly yes and some no. I’ll explain.

If you look at the examples I gave above, it all boils down to being liked. Which means we naturally want to seek approval, fit a certain mold, wanting to belong and feel accepted. But if you have ever been in this place of wanting these things it’s exhausting, frustrating and a lot of times end in disappointment. It’s an emotional roller coaster. For me personally, I struggle with wanting to be the best christian I can be (which can be difficult depending on the day). I feel like I need to be an example so I see myself needing to be validated by what I am doing. I know it sounds silly but that’s just how I think. But then, I think, didn’t God make me this way?

Actually, yes. Isaiah 43:4 shows us that God designed us in a way that we yearn to belong. But here’s the thing, if we are looking for approval from others (even godly people) we will never truly feel validated. They will fail you as YOU will fail them. This is because they can’t fill our souls with what we truly need. And truth be told, it’s unfair for you to place them on a pedestal for them to give the feeling of validation.

But if he designed us in a way of wanting to be validated, how is this wrong? What does God say about it? I need receipts!

So glad you asked. Let me deliver.

When you seek validation from others, it can be swept up by emotions, compromise our beliefs, and grow frustrated because they (whoever they are) are not living up to our expectations. In Galatians 1:10, Paul points out that if we are constantly trying to please people, we are not serving Christ. We literally can’t do both. 1 Thessalonians 2:4, tells us that we have the honor of sharing the gospel. So, basically, we can’t twist what the Bible says to fit their narrative. And in Acts 5:29, Peter warns of people pleasers. Pride cannot get in the way by wanting validation from others and placing ourselves above God.

Well, how can I determine if I am seeking external validation because I thought I was doing pretty good in the department? Same friend. I thought I was good but I realize I need work.

Here’s some scripture to help you weigh your personal situation.

Examine Intent- Galatians 6:4 reminds us to test our actions and motivations. Are you doing this for comparisons? Are you expecting or wanting an atta boy?
Consider your response to reactions- 1 Peter 2:23 shows us that despite Jesus facing insults and suffering, he did not retaliate or seek revenge. This teaches us our self worth should not be defined by others.
Quantity and quality of sharing- Matthew 7:6 shows us the importance of discernment in sharing aspects of lives with others. Listen, not everyone needs to know everything and that’s ok. Some people are negative. You can choose to not share certain highs and lows because it will expose you to negativity from certain people.
Dependency on external validation- Galatians 1:10 tells us who we need to seek approval from and it’s not those here on Earth. Our focus would be on pleasing God and not people.
Check your feelings- Philippians 4:4 tells us to find joy in relationship with God. Remember, true joy comes from within and not in people.

This week I want you to challenge you in being honest about your validation on Earth. Can you relate to these things and if so, how are some ways you change to seek validation in the Lord?

Love you all,

Jennifer

Motivational Monday

By Jennifer Robbins

On June 2, 2025

In Motivational Monday, News and Announcements

Hey friends! June is a big month for marriages. How do I know? Well, next Saturday, Jon and I will be celebrating our 23rd wedding anniversary. I’ll be honest, some days I didn’t think 23 years would ever get here! Marriage is hard but definitely doable with Jesus (and yes! Marriage needs Jesus!) So, let’s talk about it.

In our 23 year marriage, we have had countless. Yep. I stopped there. Countless. Countless fights, annoyances, and financial hardships (I’m really selling this marriage thing aren’t I?) But, we have also had countless laughs, deep discussions, happiness, adventures, teamwork, pets 🙂, but most importantly, love. Having been married for 23 years, Jon and I have learned a thing a two and I suspect we will continue to learn a thing or two here and there. We are not experts, because the Lord knows we need help daily, but here are a few things we have learned along the way.

First, marriage is about “we” and not “me”. Listen, when we first got married, I wanted things done my way. We HAD to have certain things (that we couldn’t afford). Jon was there trying to get me to see that WE couldn’t do those things. Listen, marriage was created to embody selfless love, just as Christ poured himself out as a sacrifice (Isaiah 53:12). In a biblical marriage, God calls us to prioritize “we” over “me.” I honestly didn’t know how selfish I was until I got married.

Second, marriage is about the long haul. Nowadays, the mindset is, “Well, if it doesn’t work out, we will get divorced.” No, no. You took an oath before God. The apostle Paul begins the familiar “love” passage in 1 Corinthians with the words, “Love is patient.” Patience in marriage is vital for a healthy relationship. Relationships have seasons. Some seasons are GREAT and others not so great. But we have to be patient to wait out the bad seasons. Scripture says: The Lord is not slow about his promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance. (2 Pet. 3:8-9, Rom. 2:4).

Third, marriage is a covenant and not just a contract. Jon will playfully say, “Listen. I got papers on you!” Of course, this is just a joke but marriage is more than a piece of paper. Marriage is God’s idea. Genesis 2:24 says: “That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh.” Just as God created an everlasting covenant with his people, marriage is a solemn and binding covenant between a man and a woman made before God (Eph. 5:32). We are taught to treat everyone with Christ like love. And yes, that includes your spouse. It is so easy for your spouse to be the brunt of a bad day.

Lastly, and probably most controversial, marriage is counter cultural and not conformist. I’ll explain. Ephesians 5:22-24: “Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit in everything to their husbands.” In today’s time, many have an issue with this passage because some believe it justifies abuse. In a Christian marriage, a husband’s role requires that he love his wife enough to lay his life down for her as Christ did for the church. God calls wives to respond to that radical Christ-like love with submission. (1 Pet. 2:13, 22-25, 5:5, Eph. 5:21). Ultimately, God requires husband and wife to submit to Him.

As sassy and headstrong as I am, when Jon says stop or no, I listen. I don’t do it because I don’t want to fight. I don’t do it because I’m scared of him. I don’t do it because I am a submissive person. I do it because I trust him. I KNOW he’s looking out for me or us. When he speaks authoritatively, I listen. And to be clear, he doesn’t abuse this either. In fact, he knows me well enough to know that I am more prone to do the EXACT opposite if he gets too sassy.

Listen, my marriage is not perfect. It won’t ever be because we are two flawed people trying our hardest to be the best for God and for each other. I have learned that our marriage is not defined by our disagreements. It is not defined by a bad day or the times we thought about giving up. Our marriage is about trusting God to be the driving force. And just like everything in the world, you start at the top and it trickles down from there.

Love you all,

Jennifer

June Newsletter

By Jennifer Robbins

On June 2, 2025

In Newsletters

Hey Friends!

Click below for our June Newsletter. We have so many upcoming events including VBS!! Please invite all kids 4 years old to 6th grade.

One quick additional note! The July 20th Fellowship Meal has been moved because the CPWM will have a fundraiser Spaghetti Dinner on July 27th. There will be more info in July’s Newsletter.

NL 6-2025

Motivational Monday

By Jennifer Robbins

On May 19, 2025

In Motivational Monday, News and Announcements

Hey friends! Today, I want to talk about something I try to do everyday. Do you ever just close your eyes and listen to the birds and thank God? Thank him for the sounds you hear and birds happily singing (have you ever heard a grumpy bird sing?). Or maybe thank Him for that tooth that’s hurting (true story right now for me!). I am thankful I have a tooth to hurt, dental insurance that will help pay for it and a dentist who is willing to help me this week! And all of this is…God. So, let’s talk about it.

When I was younger, I never thanked God. Not because I was a brat (I mean, I might have been) but it wasn’t something I thought about. Weird, isn’t it? I mean, I thanked people around me. I had manners. But when it came to God, I just didn’t think about it. One day as I started praying, I thanked Him for something major that had happened in my life and He helped me through it. And that’s when it hit me. Why am I thanking Him for this…and ONLY this? From that point on, I would try to make it a point to thank Him everyday for something. And some days it’s hard to thank Him. But as you do it daily, you realize how not hard it is. Cultivating a grateful heart takes dedication but not a huge amount of time.

Begin your day with thanks. You can literally thank Him for waking you up. This is usually the time my sweet Marcy (calico cat) wants her cuddle time. So, I lay there and cuddle her. I thank Him for her. I thank Him for all my animals and all my loved ones. No, I don’t say, “Thank you for waking me up” but I do. Beginning your day with a conversation with the Lord is a great way to start the day.

Thank Him in your worship. I know, I know. You feel like since you are worshipping Him, that is a sign of gratitude. I don’t disagree with that mindset but while you are worshipping Him, take it one step further. Listen to the words of the songs Amy picks for the choir and congregation to sing. I can’t tell you how many times I close my eyes and say, YES LORD!! Thank you!” Or when Pastor Scott is in the pulpit and he reminds us of what we have been given. Thank you Lord! Which is a perfect segway into the next one.

Speak of all His benefits. What does that mean? Basically, how has God shown His faithfulness to you? How has He blessed you? Psalm 103:2 says: “Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits.” When we recall these benefits, we need to tell others. It is our goal to lead others to Him. One of the ways is to tell your testimony. I guarantee you that your testimony has many benefits you can share.

Thank Him as you read the Word. Many people, including myself, can find the Bible challenging to read and understand. You are not alone, friend. There are times I have read whole sections of the Bible and I just go with it. I have no idea what I just read. But that’s why we have Bible studies and we go to church. Pastor Scott has a great way of explaining scripture. But when we do stop and thank Him while hearing or reading His word, it turns our hearts to Him and not to ourselves.

Lastly and one of the hardest…thank Him for hard times. We live in a sinful world. We will encounter difficult things everyday. It could be a tooth that hurts or we lost a loved one. It is so easy in difficult times to become despondent. And hey! I am no different than you when it comes to being down. By thanking Him in a hard time, again, turns our hearts to Him. We are surrendering to Him and allowing Him to help us when we need it the most.

I want to challenge you for 7 straight days to pray a thankful prayer to God. This doesn’t have to be anything grandiose. This can literally be a quick, “Thank you God for my green grass.” That might sound silly but if you pray that prayer this is what I hear you say. You are thanking Him for the opportunity that you have grass and it’s healthy (maybe you have battled army worms). You are thanking Him for the health you have to mow your grass or the financial security for you to pay someone who maintains it for you. You are thanking Him for a place for insects to live and a place for the birds to eat. So you see, a prayer like that isn’t usually as topical as it sounds. And it gets you thinking how blessed you really are even when times are tough.

Thank you for being here and reading this far. I thank God everyday for each and everyone of you.

Jennifer