Tuesday, December 20, 2016

FAMILY LIFE at Desert Springs - a place where we can share the heart of our church family; prayers, praises and important announcements.  Be sure to check-in often to see what is happening. If you have a prayer request or praise, please submit by contacting me, Laura Keener, Frontline Director at Desert Springs....760-568-3646 or lkeener@desertspringsfamily.org.

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year


 Laura’s Reflection: Be still….
Is it even possible to be still during the Holy Christmas Season?  No matter how I tried not to get caught up in the cookie baking, gift buying, family dinners, Christmas parties, carols to be sung, decorations be hung…I found I just could not escape it all but then I found out that I need some of it.  I need to laugh with friends and family and bake my grandma’s cookies to give to my oldest grandson. Dominick gets a special stash all his own (don’t tell my other 5 grandchildren please).  There was no option, I had to order all the pajamas for my dad to give to his great-grandchildren from age 1 to 21. It wouldn’t be the same if they didn’t get new pajamas from their 95 year old great-grandpa Bob. The traditions that I can carry on during the toughest times will bring the greatest joy.

I found as I turned on the switch to conversations, hugs and silly games…it turned off a switch of fear of the future which tries to overtake me. Even through this very painful season of watching my husband suffering, I’m learning that there is joy and peace in the midst of the pain. That God is with us and nothing can separate us from His love.  There is only one hope for a rescue. JESUS, born on that Christmas morning in a humble manger.

So, while it is important to BE STILL, it’s just as important to CELEBRATE—Jesus Christ, Emmanuel. 

And as long as we live in Him, we need not fear the future, because Christ is already there.

Isaiah 43:1-3  
But now, this is what the Lord says – he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel;
“Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. 
When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.
For I am the Lord, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior…”

Be Still & Be Blessed!
Laura
Laura Keener
Frontline Director, Desert Springs Church


IN MEMORY OF JERRY RUBLY

Gail Rubly lost her beloved husband Jerry on December 10th. He fought the good fight and now is in heaven in the Lord's arms. Our love and support go out to Gail and her family. They will be having a private family ceremony in the first of the year. 

"He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed. They were glad when it grew calm, and he guided them to their desired haven." Psalm 107: 29-30

PRAYING FOR OUR BROTHERS & SISTERS IN CHRIST


Health, Wisdom, Strength - 

"And pray in the spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints." Ephesians 6:18


Bill & Muriel Beers * Marlene Black * Lucy Brooks * Marie Bryant * Rick & Kathy Diedrich * Michael Gagliardi* Barbara Groneck * Jay & Vernessa Hartland* Fred Keener *Violet O'Leary * Don Tingley *Serena Williams son-in-law Steven

Wednesday, November 23, 2016

FAMILY LIFE at Desert Springs - a place where we can share the heart of our church family; prayers, praises and important announcements.  Be sure to check-in often to see what is happening. If you have a prayer request or praise, please submit by contacting me, Laura Keener, Frontline Director at Desert Springs....760-568-3646 or lkeener@desertspringsfamily.org.

Happy Thanksgiving

Psalm 100:

“Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the lands!
Serve the Lord with gladness! Come into God's presence with singing!
Know that the Lord is God!
It is he that made us, and we are his; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.
Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise!
Give thanks to him, bless his name!
For the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations.”



IN MEMORY OF BETTY HYTA

There will be a Celebration of Life Service for our dear friend, Betty Hyta, on Saturday, December 3rd at 1:00pm. All of her Desert Springs family are invited to attend.  

We will miss Bett, her beautiful smile and spirit. She fought the good fight and now is in heaven in the Lord's arms. How wonderful to know we will see her again, in her haven!

"He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed. They were glad when it grew calm, and he guided them to their desired haven." Psalm 107: 29-30

PRAYING FOR OUR BROTHERS & SISTERS IN CHRIST


Health, Wisdom, Strength - 

"And pray in the spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints." Ephesians 6:18


Bill & Muriel Beers * Marlene Black * Lucy Brooks * Rick & Kathy Diedrich * Michael Gagliardi* Jay & Vernessa Hartland Fred Keener * Lori Lyman * Dave Metzler * Violet O'Leary * Don Tingley *Serena Williams son-in-law Steven

Tuesday, November 1, 2016

FAMILY LIFE at Desert Springs - a place where we can share the heart of our church family; prayers, praises and important announcements.  Be sure to check-in often to see what is happening. If you have a prayer request or praise, please submit by contacting me, Laura Keener, Frontline Director at Desert Springs....760-568-3646 or lkeener@desertspringsfamily.org.

Encouragment for the Election Weary

WOW - this blog below says exactly what is on my heart. What a blessing to read and to be reminded...our God is Soverign. His will be done.     
In His Hands, 
    Laura   


By: Dawn Camp

I’m election-weary.

Weary of the venom. Weary of the uncertainty. Weary of the quarrels I see in my Facebook feed. Weary of the media’s endless revelations about the candidates, each worse than the last.

But mostly I’m weary of my inability to quiet my spirit and hold fast to the knowledge that God sits on His throne; He has not abdicated His authority to man. He reigns in heaven and earth and no election can change that.

There is no (D) or (R) beside His name. He is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. The I AM.

God does not want my fear {see 2 Timothy 1:7}. He wants my trust in Him and my prayers for whomever we elect to public office. This election season is a mere stitch in the tapestry of time, but His is the hand that weaves it.

The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will. {Proverbs 21:1}

The words ring true because they remind us of things we instinctively know but sometimes forget. No matter the results, November 8, 2016, will not change my relationship with my husband, my children, my best friends, or my Lord.

It will not change the autumn leaves beneath my feet, the warm sun on my shoulders, the distant stars scattered through the sky, the small graces hidden in my days.

It will not diminish the anticipation of my first grandchild (next spring!), the pleasure of a good book, or the satisfaction of wrestled words finally written.

It will not add an inch to my waistline.

If I allow this election to steal my joy, my hope is in the world instead of the Word.

If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves,
and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways;
then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. {2 Chronicles 7:14


PRAYING FOR OUR BROTHERS & SISTERS IN CHRIST


Health, Wisdom, Strength - 

"And pray in the spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints." Ephesians 6:18


Bill & Muriel Beers * Marlene Black  
Lucy Brooks * Rick & Kathy Diedrich * Gayle Ehler   
Betty Hyta * Fred Keener * Serena Williams son-in-law Steven

Monday, October 24, 2016

FAMILY LIFE at Desert Springs - a place where we can share the heart of our church family; prayers, praises and important announcements.  Be sure to check-in often to see what is happening. If you have a prayer request or praise, please submit by contacting me, Laura Keener, Frontline Director at Desert Springs....760-568-3646 or lkeener@desertspringsfamily.org.



Life is interesting, isn’t it? Changes come at any age, time, or season of life - and usually when we least expect it. All I know to do is:


PRAY, TRUST, CLAIM and CLING to His promises:


Don’t worry about anything; but in everything through prayer and petition make your requests known to God with thanksgiving.  And the peace of God, which passes all understanding will guard your heart and mind in Him.  Philippians 4:6-7

Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. Matthew 11:28-29

The Lord Himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Deuteronomy 31:8

Let us then approach God's throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. Hebrews 4:16

This is the confidence we have in Him. Whatever we ask, according to His will, He hears us. And if He hears what we have asked Him for, then we know that we have what we asked for.     
1 John 5:14

That's it, either I believe God and His word or not. I do and with all my heart will continue to believe and praise Him. For He is God and I am not.

Laura   



PRAYING FOR OUR BROTHERS & SISTERS IN CHRIST


Health, Wisdom, Strength - 

"And pray in the spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints." Ephesians 6:18


Bill & Muriel Beers * Marlene Black  
Lucy Brooks * Rick & Kathy Diedrich * Gayle Ehler   
Betty Hyta * Fred Keener * Serena Williams son-in-law Steven

Tuesday, October 18, 2016

FAMILY LIFE at Desert Springs - a place where we can share the heart of our church family; prayers, praises and important announcements.  Be sure to check-in often to see what is happening. If you have a prayer request or praise, please submit by contacting me, Laura Keener, Frontline Director at Desert Springs....760-568-3646 or lkeener@desertspringsfamily.org.



Life, like nature, unfolds in seasons. As this fall season approaches, I find myself already thinking about "family dynamics" who is going to have Thanksgiving Dinner this year? Me, our daughter, son?  What about Christmas Eve and Christmas plans?  Family, distant relatives... well, to say it gently, sometimes are difficult.  Let’s face it, family gatherings can be stressful due to differences of opinion, opposing political views, an unending to-do list, and all the traveling our modern families have to do to see each other. Finances are strained.

So before this busy fall season begins, let's lift up our families (in all their messiness) to our heavenly Father, who loves us all and is the author of our peace. Pray we can be loving, kind, patient and generous. Pray for wisdom and let our actions reveal the love of Jesus. 

Blessings & Happy Autumn!

Laura Keener, Frontline Director

PRAYING FOR OUR BROTHERS & SISTERS IN CHRIST


Health, Wisdom, Strength - 

"And pray in the spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints." Ephesians 6:18


Bill & Muriel Beers * Marlene Black  
Lucy Brooks * Rick & Kathy Diedrich * Gayle Ehler   
Bob Horn * Betty Hyta * Fred Keener 
Serena Williams son-in-law Steven

Tuesday, October 11, 2016

FAMILY LIFE at Desert Springs - a place where we can share the heart of our church family; prayers, praises and important announcements.  Be sure to check-in often to see what is happening. If you have a prayer request or praise, please submit by contacting me, Laura Keener, Frontline Director at Desert Springs....760-568-3646 or lkeener@desertspringsfamily.org.




Have you been there? Have you had situations arise that have caught you completely off guard? Have you questioned God’s faithfulness? Have you wondered if He even hears your prayers?

I have.

And it’s okay.

It’s okay with Him. He can handle my questions. He can handle my doubts. He can handle my worries and fears.

Because He is God.

Lean on what you know to be true.

Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; His faithful love endures forever. Psalm 107:1

The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22-23 

Surely God is my help; the Lord is the one who sustains me. Psalm 54:4 

Declare God’s best for your life.
And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. {Romans 8:28}


PRAYING FOR OUR BROTHERS & SISTERS IN CHRIST


Health, Wisdom, Strength - 

"And pray in the spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints." Ephesians 6:18


Ed Burns * Bill & Muriel Beers * Marlene Black  
Lucy Brooks * Rick & Kathy Diedrich * Gayle Ehler   
Bob Horn * Betty Hyta * Fred Keener  * Gary St. Angelo
Serena Williams son-in-law Steven

Monday, October 3, 2016

FAMILY LIFE at Desert Springs - a place where we can share the heart of our church family; prayers, praises and important announcements.  Be sure to check-in often to see what is happening. If you have a prayer request or praise, please submit by contacting me, Laura Keener, Frontline Director at Desert Springs....760-568-3646 or lkeener@desertspringsfamily.org.



Why are we called to encourage? In Hebrews 3:13, we are told to “encourage one another daily.” Then, in 1 Thessalonians 5:11, it says, “encourage one another and build one another up.” We also learn in Proverbs 12:25 that, “Anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up.”

Are we doing all we can to share God’s love with our brothers and sisters?

Just think about it for a second - we’re good people, right? We open doors for strangers, smile at dirty, oil-changing men at the service station and we even cleaned up a little after the potluck last Sunday. But, what we must ask ourselves is are we giving it all we got, or are we just doing the bare minimum by being polite and personable while keeping our hands clean at the same time. We invite you to spend some quiet time with God. Ask Him to shine His light on new ways for you to share His love. Ask Him to give you the strength to pursue the doors He is opening in your life and to give you the tools and passion needed to reach out in His name and truly make an impact for the Kingdom.

Who has God called us to encourage?

While many of us feel a strong need to encourage the people we love, it’s somewhat a little harder to reach out to those whom we don’t really care for. Let’s be honest - how many times have you encouraged someone who has been downright rude to you, or someone that you believe is on the wrong path in life? I mean, really, how easy is it to overlook the elderly person who is taking too long at the supermarket or the hateful neighbor who just loves to complain about your dogs or the homeless man who you pass every day on your way to work? However, in Matthew 7: 1-29 it says, “Why do you see the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye?” We must be willing to look outside of our box, forgive as God has forgiven us (Ephesians 4:32), and reach out beyond our comfort zone to reach those who may need a little extra attention.

Excerpt from blog by Gini a@ DaySpring


PRAYING FOR OUR BROTHERS & SISTERS IN CHRIST


Health, Wisdom, Strength - 

"And pray in the spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints." Ephesians 6:18


Ed Burns * Bill & Muriel Beers * Marlene Black  
Lucy Brooks * Rick & Kathy Diedrich   
Bob Horn * Betty Hyta * Fred Keener  
Serena Williams & her son-in-law Steven

Tuesday, September 27, 2016

AMILY LIFE at Desert Springs - a place where we can share the heart of our church family; prayers, praises and important announcements.  Be sure to check-in often to see what is happening. If you have a prayer request or praise, please submit by contacting me, Laura Keener, Frontline Director at Desert Springs....760-568-3646 or lkeener@desertspringsfamily.org.

Saturday, October 1 at 11am there will be a Celebration of Life service in the Worship Center for our dear sister in the Lord, Zoe Shanks, wife of Leonard Shanks. Church family are invited. 


PRAYING FOR OUR BROTHERS & SISTERS IN CHRIST


Health, Wisdom, Strength - 

"And pray in the spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints." Ephesians 6:18


Ed Burns * Bill & Muriel Beers * Marlene Black  
Lucy Brooks * Rick & Kathy Diedrich   
Bob Horn * Betty Hyta * Fred Keener  
Serena Williams & her son-in-law Steven

Thursday, September 8, 2016

FAMILY LIFE at Desert Springs - a place where we can share the heart of our church family; prayers, praises and important announcements.  Be sure to check-in often to see what is happening. If you have a prayer request or praise, please submit by contacting me, Laura Keener, Frontline Director at Desert Springs....760-568-3646 or lkeener@desertspringsfamily.org.

Friday, September 2nd our dear brother in the Lord, George Metzler, went to be with the Lord.  A "Celebration of Life" service is set for Sunday, September 18 at 2pm.  All of the church family are invited. George was a faithful member of our church and actively involved in Desert Springs Men's Ministry. He will be missed dearly.


PRAYING FOR OUR BROTHERS & SISTERS IN CHRIST

Health, Wisdom, Strength - 

"And pray in the spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints." Ephesians 6:18



Beverly Baughn * Bill & Muriel Beers * Marlene Black  
Lucy Brooks * Ceil Burns * Rick Diedrich * Bill & Shirley French 
Bob Horn * Betty Hyta * Fred Keener * Lora Marullo
Serena Williams & her son-in-law Steven

Tuesday, August 30, 2016

FAMILY LIFE at Desert Springs - a place where we can share the heart of our church family; prayers, praises and important announcements.  Be sure to check-in often to see what is happening. If you have a prayer request or praise, please submit by contacting me, Laura Keener, Frontline Director at Desert Springs....760-568-3646 or lkeener@desertspringsfamily.org.

ENCOURAGE ONE ANOTHER...



This week the Holy Spirit has been prompting me to contact a woman who lost her husband recently. She doesn't have family in the desert and just a few friends here. Why it has taken me a week to do so, I can't tell you.  I get distracted, I get busy, or I say to myself "I'll call her tomorrow" but God asked me to do this.  I am being disobedient to Him.

I asked God for forgiveness for not being prompt to His call. What could be more important? Are you being prompted to encourage someone? May I encourage you to do so TODAY?

We  know that Scripture calls us to encourage one another.

  • Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.             (1 Thessalonians 5:11), 

Care for each other.

  • If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it. (1 Corinthians 12:26)  
Think of ways to motivate one another.


  • And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.       (Hebrews 10:24)  

Accept one another.

  • Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.    (Romans 15:7). 

Don't put it off.....make the call!

PRAYING FOR OUR BROTHERS & SISTERS IN CHRIST

Health, Wisdom, Strength - 

"And pray in the spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints." Ephesians 6:18



Beverly Baughn * Bill & Muriel Beers * Marlene Black  
Lucy Brooks * Ceil Burns * Rick Diedrich * Bill & Shirley French 
Bob Horn * Betty Hyta * Fred Keener * Lora Marullo
Serena Williams & her son-in-law Steven

Tuesday, August 23, 2016

FAMILY LIFE at Desert Springs - a place where we can share the heart of our church family; prayers, praises and important announcements.  Be sure to check-in often to see what is happening. If you have a prayer request or praise, please submit by contacting me, Laura Keener, Frontline Director at Desert Springs....760-568-3646 or lkeener@desertspringsfamily.org.


What God Says About Getting Older

Imagine celebrating your birthday like you’re 10 years old again. Full of joy, excited for the year ahead, doing something you love with the ones who make you smile.

Why do so many of us stop celebrating as the years pass? Birthdays come and go – maybe there’s a dinner involved, a few cards, some well wishes online. We move up one number, and it’s business as usual.

What would it look like to really celebrate our years again – to begin shifting our focus from the fear of aging, to the rich, full lives God is calling us into as the years pass?

This is not an easy task in a culture that fears growing old. Every day we’re bombarded with anti-aging messages. Remember this popular skincare commercial from the 80’s?

“Why grow old gracefully?” Says a beautiful, wrinkle-free woman, ”I intend to fight it every step of the way!”

But what does God say about it all? If we listen to the One Who created us, we will hear all about grace and goodness; not fear and resistance.

He reminds us more than once in His Word that growing older is an honor. “Gray hair is a crown of splendor…” (Proverbs 16:31 NIV). The more years we live, the more experiences we’re given to learn from, and the more wisdom and perspective we gain to see life in new and beautiful ways. When we see someone in their later years (or when we look in the mirror and it’s us!) lets remember what a gift that is.

And while the media leads us to believe that youth somehow has more value, the truth is, we are treasured by God at every age. Not only that, but He gives us specific gifts to share with the world in every season of our lives. In Titus 2:3-5, Paul reminds the older women of their great purpose – that by living reverent lives of love, self-control, purity and kindness, they will bless and nurture the hearts of the younger women and their families. The generations to come depend on our willingness to share what God has given us.

Some of us also fear growing older for physical reasons. Aging is often seen as a loss of control. Maybe our bodies aren’t able to do what they once could; our memories aren’t as sharp; we begin to need more help than we used to. As the years pass, our fear of the unknown may grow stronger.

But the truth is, we’ve never been in control anyway! From the moment we were created - whether we’ve realized it or not - we’ve relied on our Creator for every breath. Growing older helps us to shed that illusion of control more and more, and to rest in the promises of our loving God. Whether we’re 9 or 90, He vows to be with us every step of the way:

Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you. (Isaiah 46:4 NIV)

How can we lean into God as we age, trusting that every day matters, from our first to our last?

Claim His Promises - Sit with a journal and your Bible, and interview yourself about growing older. Am I afraid of aging? And if so, why? Once you’ve recorded your thoughts, find specific promises in God’s Word that will help bring you peace and assurance.

Make Healthy Choices
- While the human body is not intended to live forever, we can still honor our Creator by making choices that bring us health and strength each day. We are here at this time for a reason – let’s not miss the opportunities to help guide and encourage those around us!

Celebrate Life Every Day
- Whether you’re celebrating your birthday or that of someone you love, remember that every day in every life matters. Don’t wait for a milestone to make it extra special. Look in the mirror and cherish your laugh lines; remember how they are created. Smile at the grays; God says they are splendid. Laugh at the future; remember Who’s holding it all.

by Paige @ DaySpring July 28, 2016


PRAYING FOR OUR BROTHERS & SISTERS IN CHRIST

Health, Wisdom, Strength - 

"And pray in the spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints." Ephesians 6:18



Beverly Baughn * Bill & Muriel Beers * Marlene Black  
Lucy Brooks * Ceil Burns * Rick Diedrich * Bill & Shirley French 
Bob Horn * Betty Hyta * Fred Keener * Lora Marullo
Serena Williams & her son-in-law Steven

Tuesday, August 16, 2016

FAMILY LIFE at Desert Springs - a place where we can share the heart of our church family; prayers, praises and important announcements.  Be sure to check-in often to see what is happening. If you have a prayer request or praise, please submit by contacting me, Laura Keener, Frontline Director at Desert Springs....760-568-3646 or lkeener@desertspringsfamily.org.




“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge;fools despise wisdom and discipline.” Proverbs 1:7


Content in Christ.....

When focused on the stuff of earth discontentment festered. I always felt I needed more.

I loved my family, but often walked into our small apartment disgruntled. I wanted a house. A large house adorned with beautiful new furniture and no hand-me-downs. I also tired of counting pennies at the grocery store and dreamed that one day I would fill my kitchen with fine wines, cheeses, and gourmet ingredients. Only the best.

My wants multiplied daily and in my ignorance, I deemed each one justified. For example, I rationalized that a large home with fine foods would enable me to demonstrate hospitality toward others. But when I sat in awe of my Savior instead of the bounty in His creation, I realized that more joy comes from less.

Less stuff. Less drama. Less schedule management. Less worrying about whether or not I measure up to the standards of others. Less time spent agonizing over how others (ahem) *make* me feel. Less of trying to have the perfect life. Less conforming. Less wanting. Less of me.

Less.

I want less of anything that does not begin from knowing God and wanting what He wants for me.

I want less of this world, of my own silly, fickle heart so that I can brim with Jesus.

How have you learned to be content in Christ?
(Partial blog by Angela Nazworth)


PRAYING FOR OUR BROTHERS & SISTERS IN CHRIST

Health, Wisdom, Strength - 

"And pray in the spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints." Ephesians 6:18




Beverly Baughn
Bill & Muriel Beers
Marlene Black
Lucy Brooks
Ceil Burns
Rick Diedrich
Betty Hyta
Fred Keener
Lora Marullo
Carol Smoke  
Serena Williams & her son-in-law Steven

Thursday, August 4, 2016

FAMILY LIFE at Desert Springs - a place where we can share the heart of our church family; prayers, praises and important announcements.  Be sure to check-in often to see what is happening. If you have a prayer request or praise, please submit by contacting me, Laura Keener, Frontline Director at Desert Springs....760-568-3646 or lkeener@desertspringsfamily.org.



CELEBRATION OF LIFE SERVICE

BILL LOVELL

MONDAY, AUGUST 8 @ 11AM 

Please join us at the Celebration of Life Service for our dear brother Bill Lovell. Bill went to be the Lord on July 31st. He and his lovely wife Sandi are part of our family here at Desert Springs. 

Bill had pancreatic cancer and lived just 6 months after the diagnosis.  Though are hearts are saddened and grief is heavy for family and friends, we rejoice knowing we will be with him again in heaven.  He is in Jesus arms now....no more pain, no more tears. 


PRAYING FOR OUR BROTHERS & SISTERS IN CHRIST

Health, Wisdom, Strength - 

"And pray in the spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints." Ephesians 6:18



Darlene Atkinson
Beverly Baughn
Bill & Muriel Beers
Marlene Black
Lucy Brooks
Ceil Burns
Rick Diedrich
Betty Hyta
Fred Keener
Lora Marullo
Carol Smoke  
Serena Williams & her son-in-law Steven

Tuesday, July 26, 2016

FAMILY LIFE at Desert Springs - a place where we can share the heart of our church family; prayers, praises and important announcements.  Be sure to check-in often to see what is happening. If you have a prayer request or praise, please submit by contacting me, Laura Keener, Frontline Director at Desert Springs....760-568-3646 or lkeener@desertspringsfamily.org.



“‘Though the mountains move and the hills shake, My love will not be removed from you and My covenant of peace will not be shaken,’ says your compassionate LORD.” Isaiah 54:10

What are your mountains today?
You know the ones. 



The job you had to tell your family you lost. The relationship that’s not working even though you keep fervently praying. The child who is still wandering in the world without Jesus. The diagnosis that is shocking and completely life changing.

What has got you shaken up?

“Though the mountains move and the hills shake”. . . even if the very things we thought were immovable, a key to our foundation of life, are now crumbling around us, throwing us off our faith in the One who made the mountains with half a word, there is Hope.

God has not removed His love from you.

Truly. His word is complete truth. He’s telling you today you can count on Him.

No matter how ugly it gets or if your faith grows tinier than a mustard seed, He is right there with you. Jesus is holding your right hand. He’s holding you up. Carrying you through this hard time.

God is showering you with His love.

Although what we may see, feel, and hear tells us it’s over, hopeless. The Lord reminds us He will be loyal, compassionate, loving and will remain through all that shakes us.

What is your mountain? What has you shaken up today?

Excerpts from blog by Stefanie Bryant

From personal experience....continue to worship God through the hard times. He grants mercy and grace for help. He is faithful and will never leave you. He is the strength of your life, your comforter and your peace. Cast your cares on Him, for He cares for you! (1 Peter 5:7)  Laura


PRAYING FOR OUR BROTHERS & SISTERS IN CHRIST

Health, Wisdom, Strength - "And pray in the spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints." Ephesians 6:18

Beverly Baughn
Bill & Muriel Beers
Marlene Black
Lucy Brooks
Ceil Burns
Rick Diedrich
Betty Hyta
Fred Keener
Lora Marullo
Mike Sassi
Carol Smoke  
Serena Williams & her son-in-law Steven

Thursday, July 21, 2016

FAMILY LIFE at Desert Springs - a place where we can share the heart of our church family; prayers, praises and important announcements.  Be sure to check-in often to see what is happening. If you have a prayer request or praise, please submit by contacting me, Laura Keener, Frontline Director at Desert Springs....760-568-3646 or lkeener@desertspringsfamily.org.

WHAT DOES THE WORLD SEE?

"By this all will know that you are My disciples, 
if you have love for one another. "
John 13:35

If you see men in long black coats, white shirts, black hats, and beards, you are probably seeing Orthodox Jews. If you see someone bowing before a large statue of a man with his legs crossed and hands resting in his lap, this person is probably an adherent of Buddhism. This is not to place stereotypes on these or any other religions, but to recognize that religious groups are often identified by their behavior and appearance. But how does the world identify a Christian?

There is one sign by which Jesus said the world should be able to know they are looking at a group of Christians—their love for one another. In fact, the apostle John said our love for others can be a sign not just to the public but to ourselves. Love is how we know “we have passed from death to life” (1 John 3:14). The question is, What does the world see when it looks at the Church? Does it see love and caring—or the opposite? As an individual member of the Church, what are you contributing to that picture?

The new commandment that Jesus left with all who would follow Him is that we would love each other the way He has loved us (John 13:34).

Ceasing to be “in love” need not mean ceasing to love.
C. S. Lewis
Written by Dr. David Jeremiah, Turning Point


PRAYING FOR OUR BROTHERS & SISTERS IN CHRIST

Health, Wisdom, Strength - "And pray in the spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints." Ephesians 6:18

Beverly Baughn
Bill & Muriel Beers
Marlene Black
Lucy Brooks
Ceil Burns
Rick Diedrich
Betty Hyta
Fred Keener
Lora Marullo
Mike Sassi
Carol Smoke  
Serena Williams

Thursday, July 7, 2016

FAMILY LIFE at Desert Springs - a place where we can share the heart of our church family; prayers, praises and important announcements.  Be sure to check-in often to see what is happening. If you have a prayer request or praise, please submit by contacting me, Laura Keener, Frontline Director at Desert Springs....760-568-3646 or lkeener@desertspringsfamily.org.

 Hearts are Heavy .... Hearts are Healed


When our hearts are heavy with burdens for family, friends, and our country, it seems nothing but prayer and time in God's Word can heal it.

For then, in the quietness of your soul, God can speak to you. He can bring to mind that He is there to carry your burdens, to comfort and guide you through. I know this, I am in this journey and here is what the Lord spoke to me:

Psalm 37:23-24 "The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him; though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand."


Isaiah 41:10 "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."


Psalm 9:65 "Great peace have they who love your law, and nothing can make them stumble."

Assurance from my Heavenly Father is right there, I just had to open my eyes, my ears and my heart. Praise His Holy Name!

In the Shelter of His Wings,
Laura


PRAYING FOR OUR BROTHERS & SISTERS IN CHRIST

Health, Wisdom, Strength - "And pray in the spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints." Ephesians 6:18

Beverly Baughn
Bill & Muriel Beers
Marlene Black
Lucy Brooks
Ceil Burns
Rick Diedrich
Betty Hyta
Fred Keener
Lora Marullo
Mike Sassi
Carol Smoke  
Serena Williams