Book Winner!

Congratulations to Deanna Morris-Stacey on wining the drawing for the book The richest man who ever lived.

On fighting

I HAVE DISCOVERED OVER THE YEARS THAT SOMETIMES IN ORDER TO GET STRONGER IN YOUR CHRISTIAN EXPERIENCE, A TRANSITION IS REQUIRED, AND IT’S THE TRAUMA, OR THE FIGHT DURING THIS TRANSITION THAT SERVES TO BREAK US AWAY FROM THE OLD THINGS THAT WE’VE BECOME SO ACCUSTOM TO, AND THAT WE’VE GROWN TO DEPEND ON.

Author unknown

Mens Retreat

I just got back from men's retreat at camp Kahoka. It has been a long time since I had the opportunity to spend time with some of church men of the state. With many of these guys, I have stayed in their homes, ate at their tables, and preached in their churches. I am reminded once again that over the years relationships grow cold if neglected. It was nice to feel them warming again. Fellowship was one of the topics of our Regional Overseer Bishop Pense. I appreciated the opportunity to stand and talk with him one on one last evening. I listened as he shared his vision for our region. His vision included rebuilding some of these relationships that we used to enjoy. I came away from this weekend with an excitement of what lies ahead.

Well my grandson Will had his first T-Ball game tonight. Grandparents from his mom and dad were there, along with great grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins friends etc... Nate is one of his coaches, and man what a game. Will hit an in field grand slam at his first at bat!! (I don't know if he knew what he did when he got done) At this age they are a real treat to watch as they fall over the ball, and are not real sure what the object of the game is. No one yells any words at them but words of encouragement and they know that at the end of the game, a free coke or snow comb awaits them. Will made me laugh as Michelle told me he said, "Mom we are not the "Red Socks" we wear blue socks You have got to love this time of life!

Clergy Are the Happiest in Their Jobs

Pastors — perceived to be some of the most under-appreciated and in-demand workers in America — are actually the happiest and most satisfied in their jobs, according to results from a newly released survey by the University of Chicago as reported at www.christianpost.com.
The survey found clergy to be the top job for satisfaction among American workers; 87 percent of clergy reported being "very satisfied." Firefighters (80%) and physical therapists (78%) were also the "most satisfied" in their profession. In addition to being "the most satisfied," clergy also out-ranked other American workers as being the "happiest" (67%).

"The most satisfying jobs are mostly professions, especially those involving caring for, teaching and protecting others, and creative pursuits," said Tom W. Smith, director of the General Social Survey at the National Opinion Research Center at the University of Chicago.

Other top jobs include education administrators, painters and sculptors, teachers, authors, psychologists, special education teachers, operating engineers, office supervisors and security and financial services salespersons, with more than 60 percent saying they are very satisfied.

"The least satisfying dozen jobs are mostly low-skill, manual and service occupations, especially involving customer service and food/beverage preparation and service," noted Smith.

Another recent study — released by the Institute for Research on Unlimited Love and conducted by such top universities as Harvard and the University of Chicago — had also found that people who give to and help others on a regular basis feel the happiest.

A Quote for Today

"You are younger today than you ever will be again. Make use of it for the sake of tomorrow."

-Anonymous

Book Drawing

I love to pass along books. I am holding a drawing for a copy of the book we are studying on Wednesday nights. If you would like your name entered in the drawing send me an e-mail with your name. I will have the drawing Saturday. All BLOG readers are eligible, even if you don't attend NLR.

(I will cover the shiping)


E-Mail to:
pastor@nlrchurch.com


Greg

May 3rd National Day of Prayer

National Day of Prayer web site

56th Annual Day of Prayer comes at "crucial time in history."

Millions of Americans will answer the call to prayer on May 3 in observance of the 56th annual National Day of Prayer. Will you be among them?

The National Day of Prayer was established as an annual event in 1952 by a joint resolution of Congress and signed into law by President Harry Truman.

Shirley Dobson, wife of Dr. James Dobson, is chairman for the National Day of Prayer Task Force.

“At this crucial time in history, with our armed forces engaged in a desperate struggle in Iraq, Afghanistan and elsewhere, we encourage all people of faith to set aside their differences and publicly seek God's wisdom and direction for those in harm's way and for our homes, communities and country,” she said in a statement. “Our Founding Fathers recognized the power of prayer and gathered regularly to ask for God's blessing. We can do no less."

"Be not afraid of growing slowly, be afraid only of standing still."

-Chinese Proverb

Stars Born?

It has been a little busy around the Thompson household as Debbie and her sisters were preparing to take their annual trip, this year to Arizona. She did not leave before seeing the play Grease with Bailey and Aaron. They did a great job! We are proud of you two!