This Sunday at 9:30am, Pastor Avery will continue our Unleashed series, as he shares with us about the goodness of God's love.  In thinking about this topic, I am reminded of a song that my sister and I chose to have played at my mom's memorial service.  It's simply titled, Goodness of God.  Below are some of the lyrics to this popular worship song:

"I love You, Lord, oh Your mercy never fails me.  All my days, I've been held in Your hands.  From the moment that I wake up, until I lay my head, I will sing of the goodness of God.  All my life You have been faithful.  All my life You have been so good.  With every breath that I am able, I will sing of the goodness of God.  I love Your voice.  You have led me through the fire and in darkest night You are close like no other.  I've known You as a Father.  I've known You as a Friend and I've lived in the goodness of God."

Why did my sister and I choose a song that speaks of God's goodness, when inside, both of us were experiencing pain over the loss of our mom?

The answer is as simple as the song title: Because God is good...all the time! 

When life is good, we find praising God easy because His kindness is evident.  But recognizing hardship as an expression of His care is hard.  In difficult times, we need to remind ourselves that the goodness of God's love is evident in all situations.  Difficult and painful situations in our lives are used by God to shape and mold us into the likeness of Jesus.

Remember, we live under the umbrella of God's goodness.  When circumstances and feelings tell you otherwise, rely on what you know about God's character and his love.  Throughout the day, look for signs of His loving care.  As your perspective changes, then no matter which way you turn, you'll be able to see confirmations that He is good.

Also this Sunday at 10:45am, our adult discipleship class will be in week #3 of our study, Keeping It Simple (Spiritual Discipline for a Focused Life).  This week, we will focus on the Practice of Simplicity.  I want to encourage everyone to consider attending and learning about this much lacking, but extremely important discipline.

Below are the class details:

Facilitator:  Martha Bailey
Topic:  Keeping It Simple (Spiritual Discipline for a Focused Life)
When:  Sundays at 10:45am.
Why?:  Because all of us could use a little "simplicity" in our lives.

See you Sunday!

Pastor Doug

 The book of Psalms has always been my "go to" book when I'm feeling discouraged or tired.  The words of David, Moses, Solomon and others have provided me with messages of hope, restoration, healing, God's glory and his magnificent love for us.  Of all the Psalms to choose from, Psalm 103 is one of my favorites.  In fact, one of my favorite verses in all of scripture is Psalm 103:8:

"The Lord is compassionate and merciful, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love."

Psalm 103 begins with David blessing the holy name of the Lord and then goes on to list some of the incredible blessings enjoyed by you and me, as his children.  He reminds us that our Lord pardons all of our sins, heals all of our diseases, redeems our life from the pit, crowns us with loving kindness and compassion, and renews us like the eagles!  What an amazing picture of our Heavenly Father who redeems, renews, heals and pardons us.  David ends this Psalm by calling all of heaven and earth to praise His mighty name. 

Join me this Sunday at 9:30am, as Larry Annes continues our Unleashed series.  Don't miss out on the opportunity to gather together and "bless the Lord, O my soul; and all that is within me, bless His holy name!"

This Sunday is also Mother's Day and Pastor Roger's last Sunday with us here at Parkside.  Please plan to stick around after the service for a time of fellowship, as we honor our moms, and give thanks to Pastor Roger for the ministry and leadership he has provided to Parkside.

NOTE:  There will be a basket for you to place notes of encouragement, gift cards or anything else you would like to give Pastor Roger in appreciation for his 3 years of ministry with us.

Also this Sunday at 10:45am, our adult discipleship class will be in week 2 of their 5 week study titled, Keeping It Simple (Spiritual Discipline for a Focused Life).  Week two will focus on the Promise of Simplicity.  I want to encourage everyone to consider attending and learning about this much lacking, but extremely important discipline.

Below are the class details:

Facilitator:  Martha Bailey
Topic:  Keeping It Simple (Spiritual Discipline for a Focused Life)
When:  Sundays at 10:45am.
Why?:  Because all of us could use a little "simplicity" in our lives.

See you Sunday!

Pastor Doug