Proverbs 16:16

"How much better to get wisdom than gold, to choose understanding rather than silver!" -Proverbs 16:16

What are the greatest riches in life? Well surely they are not silver and gold. Of infinitely greater value is wisdom, which helps us understand what is valuable, what is true, what is worthy of our heart, and what is not.

Grandparents Day & Youth Kick-Off

Wow, we had a busy day this past Sunday! During the 10:30 service we honored our grandparents, baptized Hunter and Holden Taormina, heard some wonderful special music from Danny and Sherri Barth, and enjoyed a fabulous message from Preacher Rick! Then later that afternoon we Kicked-Off the 2009-2010 year of youth!!

Frances Whisenant was honored as having the oldest grandchild who is 43 years old... just barely beating Helen Kidd with a grandchild of 42 years! Linda Swaringen was also honored as having the youngest grandchild who is currently 3 weeks, just beating the Taormina's with twin grandchildren that are 6 months old! To all the grandparents of our congregation, we again Thank You for everything you do and for continually being a part of the lives of all the children of Trinity UMC.

Speaking of the children of Trinity, Youth Kick-Off was this past Sunday as well! We had an amazing crowd at the church on Sunday afternoon! Everyone enjoyed the 50ft slip 'n slide, ran a few water relays, ate some delicious pizza from Little Ceasars, were treated to some even more delicious ice cream thanks to Cheryl Howard, and enjoyed the fellowship of some REALLY AWESOME kids! Thanks to everyone that came out and helped! The kids had a blast!

Youth Kick-Off 09! We had a GREAT crowd!

We also had a 50ft slip 'n slide!

It was really soapy!!

Even Preacher Rick took a ride!

The High School is flocking Long Creek!

The kids had a blast!

Then we ate pizza and ice cream!

THANKS to everyone that came and to those who helped setup, serve pizza and ice cream, and clean up! You guys are the best! To find out more about the Flock Long Creek program, see Shelly Black!

Romans 6:15

"What then? Shall we sin because we are not under law but under grace? By no means!" -Romans 6:15

This matching verse to Romans 6:1-2, is the great reminder that sin is no longer our master and no longer our choice. We choose to live for God with every fiber of our being and loathe the life of sin that once held us in bondage to death and defeat.

Hebrews 4:12

"For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than anydouble-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit,joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of theheart." -Hebrews 4:12 (NIV)

What is the greatest tool to repair the human heart? ... by-passsurgery? ... angioplasty? ... artificial heart? ... transplant? Howabout the Word of God? You see, while these other techniques can beof great aid to the physical heart of people, God's tool for heartsurgery is his Word. This sharp scalpel can reach the soul andspirit as well as being a physical blessing. So how much of yourheart are you offering to God and his powerful heart-healing toolto touch? As you open God's Scripture, as you hear the message ofGod preached, why not ask for the Holy Spirit's help to help youunderstand, apply, and put into practice what is being taught?Let's offer our hearts to the Great Physician to do his work in us!

Psalm 119:105

"Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path." -Psalm 119:105 (NIV)

So often, those of us who have received the blessings of faith and the guidelines of the Word of God don't fully appreciate them. Can you imagine what it is like to try to define ones worth, clarify ones values, and establish ones sense of purpose without a standard of truth? Imagine what it would be like to be lost without a map and without a compass? Remember what it was like to wake up in an unfamiliar place as a child in the pitch black darkness totally disoriented? We don't have to worry about that now, do we? God's Word -- both Scripture and his Son -- light our dark paths and show us the way home!

"For you make me glad by your deeds, O LORD; I sing for joy at the works of your hands." -Psalm 92:4

Gaze into the heavens on a dark night and see the wonders of the starry hosts. Think of the incredible diversity of earth's wonders. Look at your own life and see the fingerprints of God's work in your own experience (Rom. 8:28). As Jesus said, our Father is working still (John 5:17). Yes, it does make us glad to know that we are not alone in working our own life (Psalm 139; Phil. 2:13).There is a deep-seated joy at knowing that the LORD, Creator of the universe is at work in us and for us. No wonder singing praise is such a natural response for us!

Psalm 9:2

"I will be glad and rejoice in you; I will sing praise to your name, O Most High." -Psalm 9:2 (NIV)

When was the last time you made up a song? The last time you made up a song of praise to God? Worried that you can't do it? Don't think it will be good? Don't worry! your only audience is your Abba Father who longs to hear your heart sing regardless of your voice's perfection or your melody's tune. He wants to rejoice and be glad with you. So open your heart and raise your voice to praise your God.