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From the Pastor’s Heart...                                       

Our Family Vacation

        Writing about one’s family vacation is pretty risky. First of all who really wants to know about a person’s family vacation? And secondly, there is always a fair number of people who are envious of other’s vacations! Throwing all those risks and cautions aside, I’d like to show you a few “snapshots” of meaningful events that took place this summer on our family vacation. (If you think you might need some caffeine intake now is the time to do so.)

    One of the highlights for us was meeting a couple at church in Laramie, WY. They invited us for lunch, but we politely declined as we had other plans. Eventually we called them back and told them we would like the experience of seeing their 38,000 acre ranch that they managed. We drove out of town about 17 miles and then down their five mile lane, finally arriving at the double wide house. Barbara and Bill graciously invited us in and we listened to their story of how these two professional rodeo riders had come to Christ some years ago. It was a great testimony of God’s gracious mercy. We chatted awhile and then they took us on a tour of the ranch. The ladies jumped in the bed of the truck while we tough guys rode up front. We drove to the back of the ranch over a mountain range and as we came across the ridge we saw a heard of elk that Bill estimated to be about 200 head. As we neared, the elk stampeded across the open field in front of us. We were awestruck at the beauty. From the elk, antelope, huge jack rabbits, badgers, and the beautiful sunset it made for a near perfect day. Bill & Barbara, now in their early 60’s, took the time out of their precious Sunday afternoon to show us God’s handiwork and give testimony to God’s goodness in their lives. They probably don’t realize the part they played in making our trip west a very memorable one, although we’ve written and told them so.

    You know, God is at work in people’s lives and we may find them in the most unsuspecting places. As discouraged as we may get sometimes with the mainstream Evangelical Church, it is encouraging to find people who are sold out for Christ.

    Just today as I sat at the bank making small talk with the lady helping me, our conversation turned to churches. Soon we were talking about what it means to be a Christian. We both agreed that it is better to identify ourselves as “followers of Christ” rather than just to use the word “Christian”. We exchanged God’s blessing on each other and we parted. Does it make a difference knowing that there are others in different corners of our community/state/country/world serving a risen Lord? It matters! I learn from these people that I meet and I am often encouraged.

    This past winter at McDonalds, a grandma type lady waited on me and as she handed me my breakfast told me to have a blessed day. I told her I would and God blessed her as well. She responded so enthusiastically back that it shocked me. She said, “Thank you, I receive it!” I left thinking differently about pronouncing blessing on people and responding when someone “God blesses” me. I liked her response and I’ve made it a practice to make it my response as well.

    It matters the people we meet. It matters where we go on vacation. It matters what we say and what we do. It matters.

    Thank you Bill & Barbara for graciously showing some strangers God’s gentleness and reflecting Him. It mattered.

“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works

and glorify your Father in heaven.”            

 Matt 5:16

By Pastor Tim

For questions or comments you may email the pastor at timbev2@yahoo.com or the webmaster at hffinc@i-c.net