Spiritually, we have been refreshed and challenged to grow in wisdom and spiritual understanding, to deepen our love relationship with Jesus Christ, and to love well in our relationships.

As I reflect on this past year, I am excited about the joy in growth we shared as we sifted the chaff of our lives through the rich soil of God's Word. We are changed by the time spent in The Word and the time shared together.

Thank you for your outpouring of love to one another, to a newcomer in your small group, to our leadership team, and to those you served beside. I am humbled and grateful for so many who gave their time, talents and gifts to help throughout the year in so many ways. In our diversity and as individuals, we are unified. The Love of Christ binds us together, as Colossians 1:3 tells us, "...put on love, which binds all together in perfect unity."

I want to encourage each of you to continue to cultivate your spiritual roots with God over the summer months. Don't let summer travels, lack of schedule or even the heat distract you from your first love. Keep a regular 'appointment with God' - to draw on His Strength to live a growing spiritual life. In the rush of busy days and sunny summer weeks - remember the encouragement from Psalm 147:14, "He grants peace to your borders, and satisfies you with the finest of wheat." Take time to come before God daily, to walk with Him in quiet moments. and to ...
...offer Him your finest.

WOW. This spring study has been challenging. I've been challenged in very specific ways-mostly in how I respond in difficult circumstances and how I have been filled with such gratitude for the new insight God has given me from His Word. Because of my schedule, I've had the privilege of hearing the lectures 4-5 times-these themes are rolling around in my mind daily. I know for this season, perhaps I've needed the reminders, the repetition, the reflection.

Scripture does that, settles in, takes root, and comes to mind again in a moment that the Holy Spirit draws it back to us, gently bringing wisdom that we so desperately need.

I'm thankful for the challenging circumstances that God has used to teach me. I'm thankful that God is a faithful and patient God who waits for me as I learn. And I'm thankful for those God has put in my life, for his purpose, not mine. I'm thankful for a new perspective to loving well.

Due to the response to this series we will offer Loving Well in June: .

• 4-session series, Sundays, June 3, 10, 17, and 24; 10:30 - 11:30 a.m. in Room 201.
• One session condensed version, this Tuesday Evening, June 5th, 6-9p.m. in Room 214.

"For the LORD gives wisdom, and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding." - Prov. 2:6