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.

IN MEMORY OF COLONEL RICHARD ZUBER

Lois Zuber, a long time Desert Springs church member, informed us that her husband, Colonel Richard Zuber passed away peacefully in his sleep on Valentine's Day, February 14th.  Richard served our country as an Air Force Pilot and will be dearly missed.  Services are planned in San Diego.

   




 CELEBRATION OF LIFE FOR  LAREIGN HODGES

On February 10th our sweet friend and sister in the Lord, LaReign Hodges, went home to her Savior. After years of battling cancer and severe health issues, she recently shared with her loving husband Tom that it was time for her to go to heaven.                                    
Tom was at her side every minute and was a wonderful caretaker, really beyond expectations. LaReign's children, grandchildren and friends will miss her dearly but we understand she is no longer suffering; she's in the arms of Jesus now, complete and whole.

Tom and their family would like to extend an invitation to all of her Desert Springs Church family to attend the Celebration of Life service on Saturday, April 9th at 10:00 am.   

"But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself." Philippians 3:20-21

PRAISES: 43 Christians Released from Prison

Islamic State issued a statement on Monday, February 22 announcing the release of the remaining 43 Christians who had been taken hostage about a year ago from villages along the Khabour River in northeast Syria. The released Assyrian Christians were among a group of 230 abducted by IS during raids on 35 predominantly Assyrian villages in that region. All of those abducted in the raids have now been accounted for. Almost all have been released, many in recent months following negotiations by church representatives. A video released by Daesh in early October 2015 showed the execution of three Assyrian Christians, two of whom were from this group.

Please continue to pray for Christians from other places in Syria who were abducted during other incidents throughout the country. Pray that they too will soon be released and that, until that moment, they will put their trust in God. Pray that the Lord brings comfort to them in the places where they are being held captive. Pray also for restoration in the lives of all the Christians who have just been released.

"Father, week after week, we bring before You those who are suffering around the world from the impact of Islamic State militants. We plea for their comfort and strength and safety, committing them to Your faithful care. So, it is with great rejoicing today that we give thanks for the release of these 43 men and women who have been returned to their loved ones. We pray for their restoration, body and soul, from this trauma. Strengthen their faith, Lord, as they look back over this past year and see Your hand of comfort and provision; that they might have courage to meet the challenges of each new day and to share their testimony of Your faithfulness and power. We pray for their Muslim neighbors who also suffer the ravages of the Islamic State that many might turn from the darkness of Islam into the light of Christ. And, we continue to pray for the release of others who have been abducted. In the Name of Jesus, who sets the prisoners free from the ravages of the true enemy, Satan, Amen."
Source: Middle East Concern/Open Doors

PRAYING FOR OUR BROTHERS & SISTERS

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

Carol Anderson
Leta Benefiel
Lucy Brooks
Robert Burgess
Janet Damron
Ginny Folkers - hand surgery
Betty Hyta  

Larry Largent - lung exrays
Annie Leonovich
Bill Lovell
Patty Marillo - praises - cancer free
Joan Rohm

Carol Smoke - continue to pray for energy
Barbara Storkersen
Andy Weigel - safety on mission trip in greater Middle East

Serena Williams - back pain severe

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.

IN MEMORY OF COLONEL RICHARD ZUBER

Lois Zuber, a long time Desert Springs church member, informed us that her husband, Colonel Richard Zuber passed away peacefully in his sleep on Valentine's Day, February 14th.  Richard served our country as an Air Force Pilot and will be dearly missed.  Services are planned in San Diego.

   




 CELEBRATION OF LIFE FOR  LAREIGN HODGES

On February 10th our sweet friend and sister in the Lord, LaReign Hodges, went home to her Savior. After years of battling cancer and severe health issues, she recently shared with her loving husband Tom that it was time for her to go to heaven.                                      
Tom was at her side every minute and was a wonderful caretaker, really beyond expectations. LaReign's children, grandchildren and friends will miss her dearly but we understand she is no longer suffering; she's in the arms of Jesus now, complete and whole.

Tom and their family would like to extend an invitation to all of her Desert Springs Church family to attend the Celebration of Life service on Saturday, April 9th at 10:00 am.   

"But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself." Philippians 3:20-21

LOVE IS SOMETHING WE DO, NOT FEEL

Try to read the following words as if you’re seeing them for the very first time. Try.

Love . . .

is patient and kind

does not envy or boast

isn’t arrogant or rude

doesn’t insist on its own way

isn’t irritable or resentful

doesn’t rejoice at wrongdoing

rejoices with the truth

bears all things

believes all things

hopes all things

endures all things

Love never ends . . .

{1 Corinthians 13:4-7 ESV}

Throughout the entire chapter, love is seen through the lens of demonstrable action, not emotion.

Love is something we do, not feel.

This is a game changer. In 1 Corinthians, Paul provides a beautiful way for the church to love others when we’ve been wronged or wounded.

Love, when companioned by emotional attachment, affectionate connection, and deep feeling is a precious thing. It’s what first draws us to our mate. It’s what binds us to our children. It’s the thread that knits together the most special of friendships.

It’s rare and at times elusive.

But at all times — and regardless of circumstances — we’re called to love others {see John 13:34-35 and 1 John 4:7-21}. And not just others, we’re called to love our enemies {see Matthew 5:43-48}!

How loving do you feel when your teenage children defy and disobey you? When a friend betrays your confidence? When a co-worker undermines your decisions? When your spouse leaves your marriage and your family in shambles?

How can you love then?

There is a way to love and that’s following The Way and how He loved.

I don’t know if Jesus felt love for the people who failed Him and treated Him horrifically, but we do have a glimpse into how He demonstrated His love —

“. . . but God shows His love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” {Romans 5:8}

Who in your life is making it difficult for you to love them? Can I ask you to try something? Re-read 1 Corinthians 13 and practice the ways you can show love to the hurtful people in your life.

When you don’t feel love, you can be patient and kind. You can be humble and deferent and enduring. I know it isn’t easy, but it is simple; “love” is spelled out for us in a list of 15 things we can either do or restrain ourselves from doing. Of course, 1 Corinthians 13 isn’t the only Scripture that teaches us about love, but it’s revolutionary once we begin practicing what Paul is preaching.

Who have you been withholding love from because you don’t feel love toward that person? (I can think of a few in my own life.) Thanks be to our Lord who loves us enough, not just to command us to love others, but to make a way for us to love people, and in doing so, live out the Gospel.

February 24, 2016 01:20 AM CST | Robin Dance

PRAYING FOR OUR BROTHERS & SISTERS

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

Carol Anderson
Leta Benefiel
Lucy Brooks
Robert Burgess
Janet Damron
Roxanne Huebscher
Betty Hyta  

Larry Largent - lung exrays
Annie Leonovich
Patty Marillo - praises - cancer free
Joan Rohm

Carol Smoke - continue to pray for energy
Barbara Storkersen

Serena Williams - back pain severe

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 FOR  LAREIGN HODGES

On February 10th our sweet friend and sister in the Lord, LaReign Hodges, went home to her Savior. After years of battling cancer and severe health issues, she recently shared with her loving husband Tom that it was time for her to go to heaven.

Tom was at her side every minute and was a wonderful caretaker, really beyond expectations. LaReign's children, grandchildren and friends will miss her dearly but we understand she is no longer suffering; she's in the arms of Jesus now, complete and whole.

Tom and their family would like to extend an invitation to all of her Desert Springs Church family to attend the Celebration of Life service on Saturday, April 9th at 10:00 am.   

"But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself." Philippians 3:20-21

LOVE IS SOMETHING WE DO, NOT FEEL

Try to read the following words as if you’re seeing them for the very first time. Try.

Love . . .

is patient and kind

does not envy or boast

isn’t arrogant or rude

doesn’t insist on its own way

isn’t irritable or resentful

doesn’t rejoice at wrongdoing

rejoices with the truth

bears all things

believes all things

hopes all things

endures all things

Love never ends . . .

{1 Corinthians 13:4-7 ESV}

Throughout the entire chapter, love is seen through the lens of demonstrable action, not emotion.

Love is something we do, not feel.

This is a game changer. In 1 Corinthians, Paul provides a beautiful way for the church to love others when we’ve been wronged or wounded.

Love, when companioned by emotional attachment, affectionate connection, and deep feeling is a precious thing. It’s what first draws us to our mate. It’s what binds us to our children. It’s the thread that knits together the most special of friendships.

It’s rare and at times elusive.

But at all times — and regardless of circumstances — we’re called to love others {see John 13:34-35 and 1 John 4:7-21}. And not just others, we’re called to love our enemies {see Matthew 5:43-48}!

How loving do you feel when your teenage children defy and disobey you? When a friend betrays your confidence? When a co-worker undermines your decisions? When your spouse leaves your marriage and your family in shambles?

How can you love then?

There is a way to love and that’s following The Way and how He loved.

I don’t know if Jesus felt love for the people who failed Him and treated Him horrifically, but we do have a glimpse into how He demonstrated His love —

“. . . but God shows His love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” {Romans 5:8}

Who in your life is making it difficult for you to love them? Can I ask you to try something? Re-read 1 Corinthians 13 and practice the ways you can show love to the hurtful people in your life.

When you don’t feel love, you can be patient and kind. You can be humble and deferent and enduring. I know it isn’t easy, but it is simple; “love” is spelled out for us in a list of 15 things we can either do or restrain ourselves from doing. Of course, 1 Corinthians 13 isn’t the only Scripture that teaches us about love, but it’s revolutionary once we begin practicing what Paul is preaching.

Who have you been withholding love from because you don’t feel love toward that person? (I can think of a few in my own life.) Thanks be to our Lord who loves us enough, not just to command us to love others, but to make a way for us to love people, and in doing so, live out the Gospel.

February 24, 2016 01:20 AM CST | Robin Dance

PRAYING FOR OUR BROTHERS & SISTERS

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

Carol Anderson
Leta Benefiel
Lucy Brooks
Robert Burgess
Janet Damron
Roxanne Huebscher
Betty Hyta  

Larry Largent - lung exrays
Annie Leonovich
Patty Marillo - praises - cancer free
Joan Rohm

Carol Smoke - continue to pray for energy
Barbara Storkersen

Serena Williams - back pain severe

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 FOR  LAREIGN HODGES

On February 10th our sweet friend and sister in the Lord, LaReign Hodges, went home to her Savior. After years of battling cancer and severe health issues, she recently shared with her loving husband Tom that it was time for her to go to heaven.

Tom was at her side every minute and was a wonderful caretaker, really beyond expectations. LaReign's children, grandchildren and friends will miss her dearly but we understand she is no longer suffering; she's in the arms of Jesus now, complete and whole.

Tom and their family would like to extend an invitation to all of her Desert Springs Church family to attend the Celebration of Life service on Saturday, April 9th at 10:00 am.   

"But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself." Philippians 3:20-21

Wearing Jesus

Galatians 3:27 says: “All of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.” 

We wear Jesus! And those who don’t believe in Jesus note what we do! People make decisions about Christ by watching us. When we are kind, they assume Christ is kind. When we are gracious, they assume Christ is gracious. No wonder Paul says in Colossians 4:5, “Be wise in the way you act with people who are not believers, making the most of every opportunity.”

Our conduct honors Christ. It also honors his children. When you surrender a parking place to someone, you honor him. When you make an effort to greet everyone in the room, especially the ones others have overlooked, you honor God’s children. Do your best! You can’t control the attitudes of others—but you can manage yours!

From A Love Worth Giving by Max Lucado

PRAYING FOR OUR BROTHERS & SISTERS

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

Leta Benefiel
Lucy Brooks
Betty Hyta  

Larry Largent - lung exrays
Patty Marillo - prayers for strength

Doreen Riordan's daughter, Karen
Carol Smoke - continue to pray for energy

Serena Williams - back pain severe

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.

DARE TO CHOOSE GOD'S QUIET LOVE TODAY

It takes practice to change how we’ve been trained to be: planning for tomorrow and getting things done. We have to be intentional to stop and listen to God’s voice.

Love is intentional. Love is quiet. This quieter Voice is calling us to stop — stop worrying and planning for tomorrow as a way of distraction and procrastination — and listen to what He has to say to us today.

This Voice is kinder. More loving than all the voices that push us, rush us, and criticize us. This Voice wants to provide just what we need this very moment. And calls us to trust Him beyond what we can’t see ahead.

This is hard. Because we are used to providing for ourselves. It’s how we’ve been conditioned to do in this world. Being busy instead of beloved.

But, even among our doubts, a Gentle Voice continues whispering —

You were made for more.

Dare to be my beloved. Today.

A Window to the Soul

This Voice is Jesus. Jesus calls us to choose the quiet — where we can stop long enough to hear His whispers of love for you. And me.

Like a window that opens to the soul, quiet is our invitation to God. To welcome Him into our today.

In moments of quiet, we realize how much — we need to rest and feel God’s touch. today.

We miss the voice of a good friend we’ve wanted to call for a while. today.

We may need to let go of something big . . . so we say yes to something small but good for our soul. today.

We may we need to forgive ourselves and begin anew again. today.

Listen

In moments of quiet, Jesus whispers —

You don’t have to be strong. You can be loved.

You don’t have to know the way ahead. I do.

Hold onto Me. I’m holding onto you.

Tomorrow will come and I will be there with you.

I will quiet you by my love.

Like manna falling from My heart into your hands,

My words will always find its way in you.

Today.

Choose Instead

So choose the quiet.

When you come to a fork in the road in the day — between choosing the quiet or filling it up, by performing, pleasing, or disappearing — stop.

Choose what’s harder, but more soul filling.

Enjoy something no one would be able to point at it and say, “Look. She did something.”

Choose instead to be loved.

Let God love you. Choose the quiet.

Stop and Pause

Stop and pause right now. Dare to let God’s One Word fall on your heart, quiet like sweet rain.

Be the Beloved. Listen as He whispers — I love you.

“The Lord your God is in your midst. He will take great delight in you; 

He will quiet you by his love.” {Zephaniah 3:17}

What words of love is God whispering to you today?

How can you choose the quiet today?

by Bonnie Gray, the Faith Barista, author of Finding Spiritual Whitespace, serving up encouragement for your soul and your journey.

PRAYING FOR OUR BROTHERS & SISTERS

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

Leta Benefiel
Lucy Brooks
DeVries daughter, Jill
LaReign Hodges - needs wounds to heal

Betty Hyta  
Larry Largent - lung exrays
Patty Marillo - prayers for strength

Doreen Riordan's daughter, Karen
Carol Smoke - continue to pray for energy

Serena Williams - back pain severe