Riverpark E-Stream

Riverpark E-Stream	July 2008

Greetings!

One of the most uncomfortable spots is in the middle. As a child when cousins would visit and spend the night at our home, I seemed to always get stuck with sleeping in the middle of the bed. You get kicked, elbowed, and the temperature is about five degrees warmer. It's survival instead of sleep.

The hot days of summer are upon us and with them the discomfort of the middle of the day. Here in the south it's more of a heat continuum than a heat wave. The humidity is just short of needing a lifeguard. When conditions are such, it's very difficult to stay focused and keep the main thing the main thing.

The prophet Habakkuk revealed the dilemma of the middle. He said, "O Lord, revive Your work in the midst of the years". Habakkuk 3:2. He realized the need to be refreshed during the middle. All of us go through the middle of the summertime in our walk with The Lord. I have found at least three ways to stay focused and refreshed:

Drink Lemonade - Take advantage of all the lemons that have been thrown your way earlier in the year. I'm sure you've had plenty to save up. You just have to remember to squeeze, which requires some handling. Think twice before you get rid of your life's lemons. They can bring great refreshment in the future.

Find Shade - We are all trees of righteousness, so when the heat bears down and the dust demons swirl, sit under someone else's shade. There is no substitute for accountability and covering during a spiritual dry spell.

Soak It Up - The old mountain climber said, "Some days are for climbing and others for just holding on". "He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water". (Psalms 1:3) Some days are meant for just hanging out at the river, soaking it up, and letting the roots go deep.

I hope you have a blessed summer!

Riverpark Annual
Fourth of July Picnic!
Sunday, July 6, 2008

12:30 - 4:00 p.m.

Come dressed casual and

comfortable for 10 a.m. worship,

then join the Riverpark family for free hamburgers and hot dogs

with all the trimmings, kiddie parade, water slides, games, and more!

Drinks may be purchased from the SandBar or bring your own.

Also available at the SandBar are Sno-Cones,

Frozen Lemonade, and Ice Cream.

Up With God Horseshoes and Ping-Pong Tournaments!

$5.00 entry fee will go toward purchasing supplies for the

Ark-La-Tex Crisis Pregnancy Center.

Kids ages 0 - 11, decorate your wagon and

enter to win cool prizes in the Patriotic Parade!

All wagons (no motorized entries, please) should be brought to the Student Center Saturday, July 5, between 9:00 a.m. and noon.

All entries will receive a ribbon and goodie bags

will be awarded to the top three.

Call Pam @ 318-458-9420 for more information.