Honor

Today I experienced something that I have never been a part of before, the memorial service for master sargeant Robb Needham. When I arrived at the Brush Prairie campus there were already police officers, military men and women and the fire department present. Over the next hour and a half the campus was a buzz with people flooding in from all over the region. At one point as I walked out into the parking lot the fire truck with it's ladder was extended flying our American flag. At that point I reflected back to the Sept. 11 tradegy and the silence that we all felt. This was a different day. It was a time to remember a man that had given himself for the cause of freedom. A man that defined the word sacrifice. There was close to 1000 people present to honor a hero. During the service I heard his family share about the man that they called brother and daddy. Then one of his closest friends and fellow military officers shared with tears running down his face the loss that he had felt. He also shared about the character of a man that not only talked about love but invested his life in loving others.
In times like these we all wonder when our time is up, who will be present to remember us? Does our life matter? Are we doing anything that will make a difference? I believe that Jesus gave us the answer, he said, "For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to give his life as a ransom for many." (Matthew 20:28)

Rick

Balance

Do you ever feel tired? Do ever wish that you had more energy? I know that I do. During the last couple of days I attended a Leadership conference at our Brush Prairie campus and learned some things that may help us. One of the speakers asked everyone, "What would you say is the most important resource that we have?" There were all kinds of thoughts but the one that came to the surface was time. I think that we would all agree that time is the most important resource that we have. But then he said those magical words, your wrong. Well, no he didn't say those exact words but I felt like he said them. He said that energy is the most important resource that we have and need. He also said that we can all have time but if we don't have the energy, it will be difficult for us to accomplish what we need and we will be less effective. It really made me think. All of us have the same amount of time in each day but all of us don't have the same energy. Our energy level will determine what we are able to accomplish in a given day. So, here is the question for each of us to answer, What are we doing to replenish our bodies so that we can have the energy to be and do what we need? Are you eating right? Are you excercising? Are you getting enough rest? Are you doing activities that refresh you? In 1 Corinthians chapter 6 verse 20 it says, "So you must honor God with your body."
All of us need to take care of these bodies that God has given us. We need to carve out some time each day. Then we will feel better and also honor God. I know personally that when I spend some time excercising and eating well, I feel much better. I am going to work on that area. What do you think?
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Until next time
Rick

Living in the Fast Lane

This week has went by so fast. I don't know if it's just me or what but the days and weeks are getting faster and faster. That is why I decided to sit down and write this blog. I thought, what have I done this past week that was a special blessing from God. Sometimes it just takes me slowing down to reflect on God's goodness. I think that one of the best things that I was able to be a part of was a dinner this past Wednesday. My wife Kathy and I were invited with a few other couples to go to a home in the north area (Ridgefield/LaCenter) and enjoy a dinner. Now this was no ordinary dinner. It was a 9 course meal that was cooked and prepared by a Chef. I didn't know what to expect but that was the exciting part. I ate things that I said that I would never put into my mouth. One of those things was raw fish on top of watermelon. Who comes up with these ideas? I know that it sounds terrible but the truth is, it wasn't bad. I also had a barbequed jumbo prawn that looked like it just landed from outer space. The main dish came and I must tell you that it was excellent. He prepared fresh king salmon, mashed potatoes with crab and wax beans. After that course there were only 4 courses left and I was full. I didn't want to be ungrateful so I went ahead and ate all the deserts that they placed in front of me.
Have you ever had the opportunity to eat one of these meals? It was great and I was very blessed to be a part of it. It only took us 3 hours from start to finish but it also gave me the opportunity to enjoy what I was eating and the company that was around me.
Sometimes it takes slowing down to really appreciate the many blessing that God has for us. That is the lesson that I was shown. How about you?
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"Be still and know that he is God" Psalm 46:10

Until next time
Rick

What a week it has been. After speaking at the Brush Prairie campus, I took my wife Kathy and 2 of my kids down to Seaside. The beach is always a great place to relax and reflect. The big difference is the weather. When we got within 10 miles, we saw the cloud cover. The entire time that we were there the temperature never raised above 65 degrees and it was grey. I was wondering how many people like this climate? How many people would like to live there? For me, I think that it is a great place to visit but I would never want to live there. What do you prefer?
On another note, we have or should I say George has been working very hard on acquiring a building for our campus. We just received word today that they have given (our) space to a current tennant. But not to worry. They are building phase 2 as we speak and they are pouring the foundation on Monday. For me, it is a dissappointment but not for God. Just as I talked about last weekend, we need to trust God with 100 percent. I am talking to myself. God has something better and I need to trust him. He knows are situation and he knows our need, so all I can do is either worry or trust. Today I choose to trust. How about you?
Until next time

Rick