So here we are at the ocean at our favorite getaway by the beach. I sleep beside an open window, listening all night to the waves. We get to come here once a year and it is a place for me of healing, of being still, of listening for the whispers of my Lord and for the receiving of wisdom.

I am always so intrigued and engaged by the personality of the ocean. In fact, it really reminds me of - and so wonderfully demonstrates - the character of our Almighty God who made and rules the heavens and the earth, and that includes the ocean.

Oh, how the sound of the ocean can exude such a calm, peaceful and serene atmosphere that envelops my soul, captures me, and then replaces my worries and concerns with its own calming presence. It's like it just draws my stuff out of me so gently and then - almost surprisingly - a change takes place in me. Like the words of the song, "Change my heart, oh God; make it ever new...," the ocean, without a glitch, causes a quiet conversion of my heart. "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled; neither let them be afraid."  (John 14:27)

And what about the waves? No matter what the size, they just keep approaching the beach endlessly...relentlessly...timelessly. They are faithful to their calling. So it is with the Lord's faithfulness. It is God's declaration every day, every night, every week and month and year, to be endlessly, relentlessly, timelessly faithful, always approaching us with His gentle presence. "...Lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." (Matthew 28:20)  "I will never leave you nor forsake you." (Hebrews 13:5) 

One more thing: If you shut your eyes and listen, maybe you can see the ocean; maybe you can hear the sound of the waves. Or maybe you can hear the whispers of the Lord, "My peace I leave you, and my faithfulness, as always...is yours."

Sea-breezed and Loved by Him,

Greg

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Monday, April 23:  Beth Moore's "Daniel" DVD Series
This week it's Lesson #6 - Daniel in the Lions' Den. I used to love this story when I was a kid in Sunday School. Now we get to study it as adults!
Peace Lutheran Church at 7:15 PM. Bring a snack to share if you wish.

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COMING UP

Sunday, April 29:  AZ Science Center Van Gogh Alive Exhibition
Group Tickets: $20.00 per person
Spend a Sunday wandering through the many great exhibits at the AZ Science Center. Over 300 hands-on exhibits in five themed galleries. Cost of the tickets include entrance to museum, Van Gogh Alive and Planetarium Show - Grand Tour of the Planets. I-Max Theater shows available for additional cost. A reasonably-priced restaurant is on-site.
Meet at the Park & Ride at Bell Road and I-17 at 9 AM on Sunday morning, April 29.....or meet outside the museum at 10 AM. We must go in as a group to qualify for discount tickets. Call Elly to sign up at 623-210-1300.

Sunday, July 1: Cirque du Soleil - Kooza
5:00 PM Sunday matinee under the Grand Chapiteau ( air-conditioned tent) at University of Phoenix Stadium. Tickets: $27.00 per person
If you've never seen a Cirque de Soleil show, now is your chance to see one at a fraction of the cost. They are spectacular. This particular show combines two circus traditions - acrobatic performance and the art of clowning. The show highlights the physical demands of human performance in all its splendor and fragility. Call Bob at 623-326-9047 to purchase your ticket. We have only 20 group tickets at a great discount, so first come - first served. A great mid-summer break.

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DivorceCare: Tuesday Evenings, 6:30 PM
Community Church of Joy
21000 N 75th Ave
Glendale
If you are going through a divorce or have unfinished emotions and feelings regarding a past divorce, come for this series of videos that can help you heal and move forward. This is a small group setting.
Call Jerry for more info at 623-972-7651.

Healing from Loss: Tuesday Evenings
This grief recovery workshop meets Tuesday Evenings. The current group is full and underway; please keep the participants and leaders in your prayers. Call Greg for info or to find out when the next workshop begins: 602-622-1488.