After a weekend of tragedy in Israel, we’re reminded that conflict, violence and death are parts of life that we wish weren’t present; yet, here we are again. So how do we pray? How do we pray? Here’s a thought from ‘The Right Prayers for Every Need’:
I’m not ready for this, Lord. I wasn’t prepared for how much this would hurt. I don’t even know any of the victims, but knowing they are your children, their parting from this earth is painful. We wait for the day that you’ll turn all of our mourning into laughter. Until then, we seek your comfort. We pray for peace. The end to conflict.
“Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us give thanks, by which we offer to God an acceptable worship with reverence and awe.” – Hebrews 12:28
Father, I know you’re used to the sounds of angel choirs, so my little song my not mean that much, but Lord, it comes from my heart.
You have done so much for me, I must erupt in a song of gratitude. Thank you for saving me, for strengthening me, and for guiding me. Thank you for the relationships you have provided. Thank you most of all for the relationship I have with you. And it’s in the tender spirit of that relationship that I humbly ask you: enjoy my song of praise and gratitude.
from the book “The Right Prayers for Every Need” c2013
Today let me remind you, and maybe even reinforce, who you are! So many of us struggle with feeling valued and wrestle with our identity, but remember, you are:
1. Created in the image of God. We have literally transformed into his image and are reflections of His glory.
2. A sinner. We have all sinned and come short of the glory of God. We are sinners in need of help being rescued from ourselves, but…remember…
3. …you are worth redeeming! Christ died for us.
4. You are forgiven. Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.
5. You are invited to live for so much more. Truth sets us free. You have a story that Christ wants to use.
Name an animal sound you might see in a kid’s book.
On this day of remembering September 11, 2001, I’m sharing a prayer from the book ‘The Right Prayers for Every Need,’ from Christine Dallman and Randy Petersen.
Even as my heart is full of sorrow, Heavenly Father, thank you for the blessing of your comfort.
I admit, sometimes I don’t even realize you’ve come with your gentle touch until the moment passes. But I’m grateful for each bit of comfort that you bring. Those blessed distractions – the hummingbird at the feeder, my pet’s needs and affections, and a visit or phone call from a friend – these things give us a break from the ever-encroaching sadness.
And the reasons to keep going – people you’ve given me to love, skills and abilities I have to contribute to help others, and the sense of a future – all remind me that grief is not all there is to life.
Help me NOT reject these kindnesses from your hand but allow them to become a part of my healing.
A little Monday Motivation today from our friends, Kutless…
It doesn’t matter what you’ve heard, Impossible is not a word… It’s just a reason for someone not to try. Everybody’s scared to death, when they decide to take that step out on the water, but it’ll be alright
Life is so much more, than what your eyes are seeing You will find your way, if you keep believing
I’ve seen dreams that move the mountains Hope that doesn’t ever end, even when the sky is falling I’ve seen miracles just happen, silent prayers get answered Broken hearts become brand new… That’s what faith can do!
Congratulations to David from Mount Vernon! He guessed correctly that Blessing Offor came to the USA for medical treatment when he was 6 years old.
Name the most useful body part that begins with the letter ‘L’ 1- Legs (77 votes) 2- Lips (12) 3- Lungs (6) 4- Liver (4)
Congratulations to Molly from Mount Vernon, who wins the $5 gift card to Watts Restaurant in Utica.
Have you ever been approached someone asking, “what is that smell?” Then, you realize it’s you? Well, that was the experience of Adam Holz with one of his kids. He shares a reference to Ephesians 4 in the devotional, ‘Coffee Breath.” You can find it by clicking here.
Name an animal that would be very quiet if you kept it as a pet. 1- snake (28 votes) 2- fish (26) 3- cat (17) 4- lizard (12) 5- worm (5) 6- spider/tarantula 3 – bat (3)
Congratulations to Pam from Fredericktown, who guessed the top two answers and wins the $5 gift card to Watts Restaurant in Utica.
First, we have a NEW partner for the show – Watts Restaurant in Utica! We’ll be giving a $5 gift card to Watts away Monday through Thursday.
(photo from the Licking County Chamber)
Second, many of you know that I serve as board chair for the Mount Vernon Music & Arts Festival. Many of you probably don’t. This festival has been something I’ve personally invested in for years, but I became more involved in 2019. I’ve met so many new people and reconnected with others and truly have enjoyed helping put on a big party for our community each August.
I want to share my deep gratitude for your support and attendance this past weekend. Our team of volunteers works so hard to make this a great, family-friendly experience. Our director, Trina Trainor, is the captain of our team and just does a phenomenal job! I love working with Trina and our board – Debbie Ruggles, Noelle Walton, Adam Landon, Jacob & Melissa Francis, Tia Vicars and Mayor Matt Starr. Our group of volunteers who help with KidFest, youth showcase, security, shuttle driving, welcoming people, the auction and set-up and teardown are just incredible. Plus our families, who sacrifice their time and support us in this endeavor. Victoria at the Grand Hotel, Megan with MVAC, Carol at the Chamber of Commerce, Olivia at the CVB, and Dena at the Woodward Opera House are also big keys to our success.
We all know that there are big costs behind a free festival, so the support of Ariel Corporation, Park National Bank, MVAC (Mount Vernon Arts Consortium), Factory Link, The Blue Nation Group, Ariel Foundation, the Knox County Foundation and Ramser Arboretum are critical.
I’m sure I missed someone, so many, many heartfelt thanks, again!
Name something on the table at a restaurant.
Menu (48)
Glasses (20)
Silverware (17)
Dishes (10)
Salt and Pepper Shakers (5)
Congratulations to Ericka from Fredericktown, who wins the $5 gift card to Watts Restaurant in Utica!
Today we reflect on Colossians 3:13 since it’s Forgiveness Day…
“Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.”
…and remember, every day can be forgiveness day! Monica La Rose shared a wonderful devotional called ‘A Future With Forgiveness,’ that reflects on how South Africa tried to move forward after years of racial injustice. Read it by clicking here!
Name a popular summertime vegetable (your top two): Tomatoes (30 votes) Corn (20 votes) Squash (11) Zucchini (10) Carrots (8) Cucumbers (5) Broccoli (4) Peas (2) Lettuce (2) Green Beans (2) Potatoes (2)
Congratulations to David from Mount Vernon, who guessed correctly and wins the two one-day passes to the Hiawatha Water Park and Pool.
Peggy from Mount Vernon also won our tickets for the ‘Sound of Freedom’ film screening next Monday!
This is today’s song-inspired Monday Motivation! From the incredible CeCe Winans!
They say this mountain can’t be moved (refers to Matthew 17:20 and 21:21; Mark 11:23 – ‘faith like a mustard seed’) They say these chains will never break But they don’t know You like we do There is power in Your name (Jeremiah 32:17 – ‘nothing is too hard for you!’)
We’ve heard that there is no way through We’ve heard the tide will never change They haven’t seen what You can do There is power in Your name So much power in Your name (Hebrews 1:3 – ‘The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word’)
Move the unmovable Break the unbreakable God we believe God we believe for it
From the impossible We’ll see a miracle (Genesis 18:14 – Sarah will have a son) God we believe God we believe for it
We know that hope is never lost…oh… For there is still an empty grave God we believe no matter what There is power in Your name (Matthew 19:26 – “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”) So much power in Your name
Move the unmovable Break the unbreakable God we believe God we believe for it
From the impossible We’ll see a miracle God we believe God we believe for it (hey)
You are the way When there seems to be no way We trust in You God You have the final say, yeah
What is the best fruit to buy in the summer? Watermelon (49 votes) Strawberries (23) Pineapples (12) Oranges (3) Mangos (3) Cherries (3) Peaches (2) Raspberries (2)
Congratulations to Linda from Gambier, who guessed the top two answers correctly and wins the Katy Nichole CD, ‘Jesus Changed My Life.’
Driving Notes 