Baby Update

We’ll Kelly and I are officially parents. The world looks a little different with “daddy glasses” on. Jackson Thomas Hollstrom is now over 3 weeks old. This kid is amazing he doesn’t do any thing half way, he’s extreme in everything he does. Here’s some examples: when we change his diaper- he always turns into the “human sprinkler”. To remedy this situation we had to buy a “Whizzz Kid” pee guard. You put this device over his sprinkler to prevent spraying down mommy and daddy. Also this morning is was getting up about 5:30 am and Kelly was changing ‘lil Jackson’s diaper. She took off the old diaper and he launched poo over the changing table that splatted all over the bed 3 feet away. Be praying for me and our new parenting adventures! Trust me, there will be many more stories to come.

Fearless in Fife

PJ

Protect Your Hunger

“A satisfied soul loathes the honeycomb, but to a hungry soul every bitter thing is sweet”

Most don’t despise the presence of God, but compared to a really hungry man, they are not interested in the feast that God has laid before them.

Most of us know the positive effects of prayer… but we don’t pray.

Most of us know the Bible is the true Word of God… but we don’t read.

Why?

Well…what are you hungry for?

Here’s a story to put things into perspective:

Growing up we would have a huge Thanksgiving dinner like most of you. I’m talkn’ mashed potatoes and gravy, cranberry sauce, Turkey, stuffing, pumpkin pie (I think you are getting the picture!) But after diner we’d go over to my grandmothers house and she’d have an entire display of home made pies and desserts. Now, as much as I love grandma’s pies, I could not get myself to eat even one bite. Why? Because I was already full, already satisfied with my meal.

When you play 5 hours of video games you are satisfied. When you spend all your energy in sports, activities, friends, etc… you will spend time with what you crave and that becomes your appetite. None of these things are bad, but then you don’t grave the things of the Spirit, you’ll be indifferent to the things of God

Matt. 6:33 says, “Seek first the Kingdom of God, and all righteousness will be added to you”

Ask yourself these questions today:

1. Have I forgotten Jesus as my first love?

2. Do I pray for people on a regular basis?

3. Do I ready the Bible daily?

4. Do I have compassion for people and lost souls?

If your answer is “no” to most of these I challenge you to send time in prayer this week and make a decision to rekindle your love for the Lord and hunger after His presence.

He has set the table for you to dine with Him, the question is “are you hungry”?

New Season

I love the changing of the seasons, especially summer. I actually believe that God wired me to want summer 12 months of the year. As a youngster, I remember going to the Lake, loaded up with PB n J sandwiches, a thermos of Kool-Aid. Then my brother, cousins and I would run down the hill to the lake with beach towels for capes, tied around our necks, thinking we were some kind of super hero.

As a 33 year old adult, I’m married now, but I have that same child-like zeal for summer. But now, its long walks with my wife in the evening, BBQ’s with friends, and planting flowers in the yard. Using every excuse to escape outside.

Just as we recognize the changing of the seasons with the weather, we must also recognize the seasons for changing in the spirit. Ecclesiastes 3:1 says, “To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven.” For me it’s preparing to be a father for the first time and courageously marching ahead into uncharted ministry opportunity and mentoring young boys in my neighborhood.

What purpose does this new season have in store for you?

Pastor J