PRAISE… We recently received word from Allen County that our Property Tax Appeal was approved for 2012 taxes payable in 2013. This is a real praise since it allows us to allocate about $30,000 towards ministry related purposes instead of taxes. We are grateful that the commission granted our request. Thank you for praying about that great need.

MOTHER’S DAY… We had an awesome Mother’s Day service last weekend. The kid’s special was GREAT, and what about our special Ladies’ Panel? I hope you didn’t miss it. My wife, Carmen, did a great job interviewing three other mothers from The River. If you missed last Sunday, be sure to go online to hear that conversation.

ANNIVERSARY… Carmen and I celebrated our 25th Wedding Anniversary this past week. In 1987 two young adults made some commitments to each other before family, close friends and God. It’s hard to believe that it’s been 25 years ago. There have been some difficult times, but many more incredible times over the years. God has blessed us with great kids and an amazing church family. Carmen is truly my life-partner and a co-founder of The River. Her heart and vision is an instrumental part of our story as a church. I love her partnership, friendship, counsel, insights, heart, wisdom, faith... not to mention her gorgeous beauty! I love you, Carmen! Happy Anniversary.

GRAVITY… This Sunday I will begin a new series of talks. We’ll be talking about the gravity of temptation that seeks to bring us down. Even if you’re not a Christ-follower you understand temptation. You may not understand the whole “devil thing,” but you know there’s something to temptation. We all have this in common. Here’s the good news. You don’t have to live the rest of your life defying the gravity of temptation. You just have to overcome gravity today.

See you Sunday!

Take Risks!