Meet our dog, Jazz. She's a sweet, blue-eyed Siberian Husky whose misfortune is that she lives in the Sonoran Desert when all she really wants is a big snowbank to burrow into.

Oh well. Like the Stones used to sing, "You Can't Always Get What You Want."

Jazz has decided to take the summer off and lay around, spending most of the day napping. She occasionally wanders over to her water dish and laps a little cool water. I look at her longingly. Sometimes dogs are a lot smarter than people.

We call these days "the dog days of summer." The name technically has something to do with a star called Sirius (the Dog Star) that rises with the sun somewhere around July 3 through August 11. That's not important. All we know is that it's the hottest time of the year.

With this heat comes the need for a slower pace, hopefully while on vacation...or a day at the lake...or at least a nice, soft couch in a cool place. But don't neglect your inner life this summer. Don't confuse what is urgent with what is important. Make every effort to stay connected. Take part in Sundays and Monday night classes if you are in town. We have some important topics we're covering this month. I will talk more about the Holy Spirit and healing. Pat Trotter will lead us on a journey in the Psalms. Pastor Chacko Varghese will share about his mission and ministry in India.

Then in August we are going to enjoy a 3-part DVD series by Louie Giglio called Prayer: Remix. This video series is rich, radical, and very entertaining. In it Louie challenges us in how to move toward a healthier God-centered prayer life instead of our typical me-centered prayers.

I hope we can have some good, lazy summer days, but I also plan to use this time for spiritual refreshment and awakening. Join me.

"And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the day drawing near."  Hebrews 10:24-25

Happy Summer Days to You,

THIS WEEK

Sunday, July 15: Breakfast Club
Bring your favorite brunch dish to share ass we gather at Greg & Jeane's house at 10:30 AM. Brunch is followed by worship and communion. Call Greg at 623-376-9926 for directions.

Monday, July 16: Monday Night Class
Our journey continues as Greg finishes his message with the topic, "The Holy Spirit and Healing." Bring a dish for the salad potluck supper at 6:30 PM. Class starts at 7:15 PM.

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SUMMER EVENTS

Saturday, July 21: Arizona Rattlers Game
Check out the Arizona Rattlers Arena Football at the US Airways Center. Bob has ten tickets for Saturday evening, July 21 at 7 PM. They're great seats on the lower level--$23.00 each. This is the final home season game for the Rattlers. If you've never watched arena football, come try it out. Some of us have gone before and it's a blast. We will likely carpool and catch some food before or after the game. Call Bob at 623-326-9047 now to get your ticket. It's only 9 days away!