After God's Own Heart

Listen to this little message by Pastor Rick about how to live as a child of God "After God's Own Heart."

Answered Prayer

Little Lindsey Stence with her Momma!

Today I want to remind each of you of the power of prayer.  The following prayers are ones each of you have joined in the past year:

Jack Budensiek - The little boy who should not be alive today after heavy furniture landed on his head, is thriving and growing up with amazing memories after you helped pray.

Lindsey Stence - Avoided being born by Caesarean Section and not only survived her time in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, but is now growing healthier and stronger with every passing day.

Karagen Roberts - a little girl diagnosed with massive cancer in her brain and on her spine, today is facing amazingly improved chances at life due to unusual success during her treatments.  Though not out of the woods yet, it appears she will avoid brain surgery and the doctors are hopeful for future successes.

Brian Hunter - a 43-year-old man shot by burglar and given only a 25 per cent chance of surviving his initial surgery has not only survived the surgery but has now improved enough that he is awake and coherent and doctors are very hopeful concerning his eventual recovery.  Additionally, as we prayed, his attacker has been caught and will face justice for his actions.

All of these things happened when you prayed.  Thank you for standing in the gap on behalf of these souls.  Only eternity will reveal the full effects of prayers specifically prayed and specifically answered.  keep praying and trusting the hand of an Almighty God Who cares about us more than we could ever comprehend and is ever able to stretch out His hand when we call.

Perspectives from Israel - by Rev. Dale Keffer

Listen as Pastor Dale Keffer (of Virginia Beach, VA) shares Perspectives from Israel.  Pastor Keffer's background as a Teacher of Old Testament History stands him in good stead as he shares fascinating perspectives about Biblical geography, history, and writing.

Living In The Vine - "Bearing Fruit"

Listen as Pastor Rick concludes the series based on the "Experiencing God" book by the Blackaby's.  Discover with Pastor Rick the importance of bearing fruit when Living in the Vine.

Living In The Vine - "In Christ"

Listen as Pastor Rick shares the second of three messages based on the Blackaby's book, "Experiencing God."  Living in the Vine - "In Christ," challenges us to live vibrant lives plugged in to the true Vine, Jesus Christ.  Are you "Living in the Vine?" 

WLF Walks for Life!

Thanks to all of you for your support of the Walk for Life over the past several weeks.  A special thanks to Lisa for her help organizing our group.  Thanks to those of you who gave funds to support it.  Thanks to all of you who prayed.  We nearly doubled our original goal of $250.00 to $500.00. 

Overall, the walk was a great success for CARENET.  The money was being raised for a new ultrasound machine that costs about $45,000.00.  Between the two walk locations (in Newport News & Williamsburg, and the online donations, over $37,000.00 was raised toward the goal. This is a big step in the right direction for them.

As you know an ultrasound like this greatly reduces the rate of infant mortality in the context of what they do.  I am proud of you all for contributing to our community this way.  You have helped save lives. 

I also encourage you all to continue building these community relationships.  Rippling our community for God is essential and touching lives with our care and His love is part of our mission.  Do not be weary in well-doing.  Be strong.  You will reap if you faint not!  (Galatians 6:9)

Mother's Day 2012

I know this is late, but I am catching up these days, so forgive me for the belatedness!  :-)

As corny as it is, My Mom still likes this kind of stuff and gets all teary-eyed and such.  So, here’s what I wrote for her this Mother’s Day.  Maybe some of it will vibe with you too.  Enjoy!

NO ONE BUT MOM

From the first staggering steps so small

To leaps across hurdles on track in the Fall

No one shouts louder than Mom!

From the first bleeding scratches on knees

To split open heads and stitches please

No one runs faster than Mom!

From the first wobbling pedaling feet

To the helmeted hero about to compete

No one screams louder than Mom!

From the first mumbling bumbling words

To winning debates with fellow nerds

No one is prouder than Mom!

From first little kisses on Momma’s cheek

To hearts and roses for a girl so sweet

No one misses him more than Mom!

From the first desperate gasp of life

To the moment we part and say goodbye

No one is dearer than Mom!

By Rick Alexander, Mother’s Day 2012