The Joys of Modern Technology

Go here to see the sweetest grandchildren in the world (their dad & mom aren't too bad either):

havingtwolegs.blogspot.com/2010/05/for-oma.html

REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN FOR GRANTS PASS BIBLE BEE!

Register today for the National Bible Bee!

If you live in the Southern Oregon/Northern California/Grants Pass area come join us! See our site here.

If you'd like to find out more information, sign-up, or find a local Bible Bee closer to you go here.

What is the Bible Bee? The National Bible Bee Competition is a series of events designed to help parents encourage diligence in Bible study, Scripture memorization, and prayer in their families. There are two focal points: 1) Bible memorization and Bible knowledge competition held at Local Bible Bees; these are organized by volunteer Hosts and Local Event Teams in various locations throughout the United States, and 2) The National Bible Bee competition for the 300 top-scoring contestants from the Local Bible Bees. Family discipleship is reinforced during the time leading up to these events through planned voluntary social interactions that focus on the Word, memory verse games, and Christian fellowship.

Where are the Bible Bee Contests held? Local Bible Bees will be held in churches, schools, universities, and community centers across the United States on Saturday, August 28th, 2010. The National Bible Bee Contest will take place at the Renaissance Hotel and Conference Center in Schaumburg, Illinois, just outside of Chicago, on November 11-13, 2010.

Who can participate in the Bible Bee?
Families may begin to register their children and youth who will be 7 to 18 years of age on or before November 13, 2010. Contestants will compete in one of three age divisions: Primary (ages 7-10), Junior (11-14) or Senior (15-18).

Why participate in the Bible Bee? The Bible Bee is a summer catalyst for families to establish a life-long pattern of discipleship through in-depth study of the Word of God, Scripture memorization, and prayer. All the events, including the Local Bee, are designed to be enjoyable, family-style get-togethers to encourage, recognize, and reward diligence in Bible study, memorization, and prayer. The blessings of drawing close to God and to one another are without limit. You will likely meet many like-minded families and have tons of fun along the way!

What are the rewards for being in the Bible Bee? The greatest reward is your family drawing closer to the Lord and closer to one another as you study God’s word together, memorize Scripture and pray together. Local Event Teams may choose to arrange awards and/or prize money for their Local Bible Bee winners. The top National Bible Bee winners are awarded from $5,000 up to $100,000 according to their Final Challenge Round rank and age division.

I was surprised to see they've turned Little House into a musical. I'm sorry to see that it isn't playing near here! World magazine warns: Fans of the Little House books and TV series will see some big differences in the prairie life set to music. Even though the characters are portrayed differently, the show is supposedly continuing in the Little House tradition of being family centered. From the website it sounds like a fun evening for the whole family!

God's Love Shown

Here is a vivid picture of God's love. Pastor Toby Sumpter walks us through history. We are admonished to remember how often we have refused God's love, and still our heavenly Father has never given up loving us---to the very end. This is worth 15 minutes of your time.


My Song is Love Unknown: A Good Friday Homily-- http://www.canonpress.org/shop/custom.asp?recid=26

He will complete it

If we indulge in any confidence which is not grounded on the Rock of ages, our confidence is worse than a dream, it will fall upon u, and cover us with its ruins, to our sorrow and confusion. All that Nature spins time will unravel, to the eternal confusion of all who are clothed therein. The Psalmist was wise, he rested upon nothing short of the Lord's work. It is the Lord who has begun the good work within us; it is He who has carried it on; and if He does not finish it, it never will be complete. If there be one stitch in the celestial garment of our righteousness which we are to insert ourselves, then we are lost; but this is our confidence, the Lord who began will perfect. He has done it all, must do it all, and will do it all. Our confidence must not be in what we have done, nor in what we have resolved to do, but entirely in what the Lord will do.

-Charles Spurgeon

Moods, the Weather, and Easter

Have you ever noticed how the weather and the moods of people are related. I know for myself it's true. I just feel more down and sad when it is dark and raining out. Now when the sunshine comes out, that all changes! I become very happy! I will be the first one out the door to enjoy that sunshine. I've noticed that I'm not the only one too. Lately, with there being nicer weather, more people are out and people just seem more pleasant. Our moods are funny things. They can be so driven by our circumstances. Sometimes that is a good thing and sometimes not, but it's true. Do you remember what the Bible says about the night of good Friday?

Now it was about the sixth hour, and there was darkness over all the earth until the ninth hour. Then the sun was darkened , and the veil of the temple was torn in two.

Luke 23:44-45.

Wow, the day on which Christ died, was covered in darkness. I believe this was a picture of the agony God went through watching His son die. It showed the wrath God being poured out. That darkness, that blackness, was because of my sin and all the sins committed by mankind. This was not a happy day, it was a dark day, a horrible day. The good news is that the sun shone even more brightly on that easter morning! Christ suffered for our sins, but then rose victorious that morning.

Now in some ways it might seem like a small detail. What's the big deal? God is interested in the smallest details of everything. So, there was darkness, but then there was light and the first resurrection day dawned.

Resurrection Ball

When: Friday, April 9, 2010, 7:00-9:00 P.M.

Dessert Reception, 9:15-11:00 P.M.*

Where: Spring Village Retirement Living

Community, 1420 Redwood Circle, Grants Pass.

What: Dancing, table refreshments, singing and joy.

Who: You, your dancing partner, your children, parents,

family, friends and neighbors.

Attire: Semi-formal to formal—this is a celebration of the

Resurrection. Look sharp and elegant.

Cost: $7 per household at door, this covers rental services.

Please R.S.V.P. by April 7^th, 471-1414 or email:

mpsumpter@gmail.com

(Mark and Peggy Sumpter)

*Dessert Reception: At around 9:00 P.M., we'll make

our way over to the Taprock Event Center,

Maple Room, 755 South East 7^th Street, Grants Pass.

Important Note: A donation will be taken on behalf of the Pregnancy Care

Center of Grants Pass, please make checks payable directly

to Pregnancy Care Center of Grants Pass, and on the cost of $7

for the Ball, make checks payable to Peggy Sumpter.

Yes, It's time to do some dancing! Hope you can be there!