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.

 For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

Ephesians 2:10

Backpack. Check. Lunchbox. Check. Hat and gloves. Well, hat — good enough. I pulled out of the driveway in the still cold car and headed towards my son’s school.

We live on the edge of town so we enjoy all sorts of wildlife while still being just a few minutes away from most conveniences. As we wound our way down the hill we came upon a flock of wild turkeys casually crossing the road. There were around 25 of them, all ages and sizes, and I had no other choice but to stop the car to allow them to pass.

My son and I laughed at the sheer mass of them as we observed their awkwardness. Eventually, all of them crossed the road except for one small turkey that finally looked up and realized he wasn’t with his clan. Slowly, he began to meander toward the rest of the group. He did not take the direct route but instead, he went this way and that, pecking at the road, seemingly not in any kind of hurry. It was at that moment I realized that we had better get moving or my son would be late for school.

Without thinking I impatiently called out, “Hey, Turkey, God gave you wings, now use them!”

I paused for a moment as I heard my own words echo in my head. I had rarely seen a turkey fly, except when they were chased by one of my black labs or getting ready to roost in our trees. They can fly, in fact they can soar for short bursts up to 55 mph, but their tendency is to stay on the ground.

God gave them wings; He equipped them with what they need. But they don’t use them unless they have to.

Eventually, the little guy crossed the road but I found myself wondering what has God equipped me with that I am choosing not to use (or only using if I absolutely have to). So often I act just like that turkey: pecking away at one thing, distracted by another, and not feeling any real urgency to move forward.

I take the route that seems safest or most comfortable rather than trusting God to help me soar in the direction that He has prepared for me.

Even though He has already equipped me with gifts and talents (Romans 12:6-8), with His Spirit (2 Corinthians 5:5), and through His Word (2 Timothy 3:16-17), sometimes I still hesitate, afraid to take a risk. Perhaps God used that awkward turkey on a cold Midwest morning to remind me of what I already have.

Maybe you find yourself struggling with purpose or fearful to take a step in the direction that you feel God nudging you towards. Remember that God has already equipped you to serve Him wherever you are right now.

He will give you the strength to use all you have been given, so get ready to fly!

Blog by Elizabeth Curry 

PRAYING FOR OUR BROTHERS & SISTERS IN CHRIST

Comfort, 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

Lucy Brooks * Rick Diedrich *Dorothy Ferro* Jay & Vernessa Hartland* Alan Hurst * Mary Ireland * Chevelle Johnson * Fred Keener * Jordan Muchow * Neil Riordan * Walter & Joan Rohm * Violet O'Leary *Serena Williams son-in-law Steven*

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 Jim Leonovich, our dear brother, missionary to the Ukraine and man of God. 

A Celebration of Life Service is scheduled for Saturday, February 25 at 1:00 PM. 

Please keep Annie, his beautiful wife and the love of his life, in your prayers. 

Dear friend, you are faithful in what you are doing for the brothers and sisters, even though they are strangers to you. . . We ought therefore to show hospitality to such people so that we may work together for the truth.”

3 John 1:5, 8

Feed the Angels...by Stephanie Bryant

In John’s day, prophets, evangelists, and teachers traveled to spread the Good News. John wrote this letter to Gaius, a man whom John discipled and loved as a spiritual child, to encourage him to continue to invite these Christian servant leaders into his home for a meal or to stay the night. The Greek for “brothers and sisters” in this verse is for believers in Jesus, who are part of God’s family.

These Good News teachers would not accept help from unbelievers, so no one could claim they were teaching about Jesus for personal gain. The church body was fully responsible for taking care of these missionaries’ needs.

John wrote to encourage those who were kind to others. We need to encourage those who take Jesus to parts of the world we aren’t called to serve — pray for them, listen to them, and help in any way we can.

We don’t want any part of Christ’s body to grow weary and stop serving in the calling God has for them.

How can you encourage someone in the body doing the work God has called them to? It could be your pastor, small group leader, or a missionary. Maybe God is nudging you to write a check that will answer the prayers of a much needed ministry. Or if God lays it on your heart to call or write a note, please do it today. He may already have brought someone to mind.

But the encouragement and hospitality may be to help support a different member of Jesus’ body. As believers we all need encouragement, praise, and humble hospitality.

You might need to encourage a stay at home mom struggling with a new baby or taking care of three very active kids. She knows this is what God has called her to and she willingly serves with joy, but, oh, man, a text or a small gift from you would mean the world to her. She needs to know that someone notices.

You might need to invite those college girls over for dinner one night. Spaghetti, real home life, with conversations about living for Jesus around your table, may be just what they are craving. Encourage them that they can keep God’s vision for their life as they select majors and make relationship choices.

Those on the path but still asking hard questions. Those hungry and depressed. Those without a home. Those who needed someone to tell them the truth, again. Those who were beat up by the enemy and questioning what this calling had gotten them into.

Whether a friend or a stranger, all need to know someone cares. All need courage infused into their spirit. All need to feel at home. All need a listening ear. All need not feel alone in their faith journey.

All need Jesus in the flesh to show up — that’s you.

As a follower of Jesus, the Holy Spirit produces the same character and confidence of Jesus in you. You can’t count on yourself or your own abilities to encourage and be hospitable, but you can rely on Jesus to empower you to do the good works He has prepared in advance for you to do.

Don’t be too busy to show hospitality. God tells us your soup could feed an angel or better yet, it’s like doing it unto Jesus.

PRAYING FOR OUR BROTHERS & SISTERS IN CHRIST

Comfort, 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

Lucy Brooks * Marie Bryant * Rick & Kathy Diedrich *Dorothy Ferro* Barbara Groneck * Jay & Vernessa Hartland* Alan Hurst * Mary Ireland * Chevelle Johnson * Fred Keener * Mary Ireland *Neil Riordan * Walter & Joan Rohm * Violet O'Leary *Serena Williams son-in-law Steven

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 Jim Leonovich, our dear brother, missionary to the Ukraine and man of God. 

A Celebration of Life Service is scheduled for Saturday, February 25 at 1:00 PM. 

Please keep Annie, his beautiful wife and the love of his life, in your prayers. 

Your prayers were heard….

It’s hard to explain the peace and comfort Fred and I felt last Friday at our UC Irvine medical appointment. We know it was God’s grace, mercy and all your prayers for us.  We are deeply humbled, thank you.

 

From the moment we walked in the door we were treated with such kindness.  So, after all the tests, they feel (90%) that Fred does NOT have Ocular Myasthenia Gravis!!!! Praise God! They believe he had a RARE STROKE called Benedikt Syndrome. 

 

I believe that we are probably one of a handful of people who REJOICED over a stroke!  We felt such joy and relief. Fred said “This appointment could not have been better. It was filled with kindness, love, care and wisdom”… everything we prayed for. 

 

This long somewhat unknown journey has really been a test for both of us.  There were days we felt overwhelmed and consumed with “what ifs?” but even then God’s grace and your prayers carried us through. We had to hold on to the heart knowledge that God is in control and His will be done; rather than give in to fear and hopelessness.  I know that God does not always calm the waters, doesn’t always keep the floods from coming or put out all the fires. Yet He does promise this:

 

“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…”
Isaiah 43:2-3

 

Once again, I sit in tears because I do not know how to thank you enough for your prayers, concerns and now continued prayers. Please know that we too are here for you and will lift you in prayer as needed.

Under His Care!

Laura

Laura Keener

Frontline Director, Desert Springs Church

lkeener@desertspringsfamily.org

760-568-3646  

PRAYING FOR OUR BROTHERS & SISTERS IN CHRIST

Comfort, 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

Tom Anderson * Ralph & Beverly Baughn * Marlene Black *  Lucy Brooks * Marie Bryant * Rick & Kathy Diedrich *Dorothy Ferro* Barbara Groneck * Jay & Vernessa Hartland* Mary Ireland * Chevelle Johnson * Fred Keener * Mary Ireland *Walter & Joan Rohm * Violet O'Leary *Serena Williams son-in-law Steven

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 Jim Leonovich, our dear brother, missionary to the Ukraine and man of God. 

A Celebration of Life Service is scheduled for Saturday, February 25 at 1:00 PM. 

Please keep Annie, his beautiful wife and the love of his life, in your prayers. 

Laura’s Reflection:  Trust or Truth

This Friday my husband Fred has his appointment with Dr. Mozaffer at the UC Irvine Research Department of Medicine for ALS & Neuromuscular Disease. Dr. Mozaffer is a leader in research and treatment and we’re so thankful we were able to get an appointment. Fred and I know that God helped us clear all the red tape and opened that door. But … now that we are just days away from this 7 month journey, here is what I am struggling with. Will I really TRUST, no matter what TRUTH we eventually find out about Fred’s disease, that I will be able to hold on to the TRUTH that GOD is in control and has everything in His hands? Will I be strong and stand firm in my faith that whatever road we go down, God will be with us?

If I’m brutally honest with you (as I normally am) I think because a friend died so suddenly and now his wife is left reeling with this reality it has brought out some new fears. I’m just being truthful with you. I know God understands my feeble human mind that seems to falter, allowing the “what ifs?” to pop in and out. Instead of pondering those thoughts I should be meditating on TRUTH “My HELP comes from the LORD, the MAKER of HEAVEN and EARTH” not the Doctors, not the tests, the medicine or prescriptions. Our HELP comes from the LORD.  And what do you think was in my devotional reading this very morning, Psalm 121.

PSALM 121:

I lift up my eyes to the hills – where does my help come from?

My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth. 

He will NOT let your foot slip; He who WATCHES over you will NOT slumber; indeed, He who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.

The Lord watches over YOU, the Lord is your shade at your right hand; the sun will not harm you by day nor the moon by night.

The Lord will keep YOU from all harm, He will watch over YOUR life;

The Lord will watch over YOUR coming and going both now and forevermore.

As I finish typing out this beautiful Psalm, I begin to weep. How can I NOT trust HIM? How can I allow fear to creep in again? Do I not believe the Lord watches over me, over my precious husband? Both now and forevermore? Lord, forgive me. My trust is in YOU, the author and finisher of my faith.

Under His Watch!

Laura

Laura Keener

Frontline Director, Desert Springs Church

lkeener@desertspringsfamily.org

760-568-3646  

PRAYING FOR OUR BROTHERS & SISTERS IN CHRIST

Comfort, 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

Tom Anderson * Marlene Black * Bill Beers * Lucy Brooks * Marie Bryant * Rick & Kathy Diedrich *Dorothy Ferro* Barbara Groneck * Jay & Vernessa Hartland* Mary Ireland * Chevelle Johnson * Fred Keener * Mary Ireland *Walter & Joan Rohm * Violet O'Leary *Serena Williams son-in-law Steven

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.

Laura’s Reflection: Faithful Friends

Lately I have found myself reflecting on how important friendships are in my life. Long, enduring friendships.  Having the kind of friends that are with you in the good times and the ugly (ugly times you don’t even want to recall). When I have found myself in the hard seasons, my closest friends hear from God because they are praying for me and He enables them to meet whatever need I am facing.  They are encouragers and offer a place to unfurl without judgement.

Do you have friends who stood by you through an unexpected, painful divorce; cried with you over a wayward child; helped you through financial ruin or nursed you through sickness?  Remember, these kind of friends are rare and chosen for you; blessings in your life directly from GOD. He put them in your path, He guided them into your life. God did not create us to be lonely or to miss out on ALL the beauty of Christ community.

“And if someone overpowers one person, two can resist him. A cord of three strands is not easily broken” Ecclesiastes 4:12

BUT, this doesn’t mean they won’t in love, in time, in Godly wisdom offer correction, training or even rebuking.  Only a holy God friend can do this with no agenda but to guide you back to God’s truths:

• He is Faithful.
• He forgives you.
• He is your Father.
• You are His child.

“My children listen to my voice, I know them and they follow me. I have given them eternal life, they shall never parish. No one can pluck them out of my hand.”  John 10:27-28

I pray you have friends like this in your life…if not, ask God to open your eyes and your heart to people around you.  You won’t be sorry, this I promise you.

Your Friend!

Laura

Laura Keener

Frontline Director, Desert Springs Church

lkeener@desertspringsfamily.org

760-568-3646 

 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

Tom Anderson * Marlene Black * Bill Beers*Lucy Brooks * Marie Bryant * Rick & Kathy Diedrich * Michael & Sherri Gagliardi* Barbara Groneck * Jay & Vernessa Hartland* Chevelle Johnson Fred Keener * Mary Ireland *Walter & Joan Rohm * Violet O'Leary *Serena Williams son-in-law Steven

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.

Laura’s Reflections: Chance or Chosen

Here’s the thing, what is the chance that three of my dearest friends (friends for over 25-50 years) are all going through tough severe cancers & treatments at the same time, while my husband is battling with his own disease? One friend lives near Seattle, the other two are in the Los Angeles area. Between all the doctor appointments, surgeries, radiation and treatments we can’t even manage to travel to see each.

To be honest, I was a bit upset about this; telling God (yes, I tell God – can you believe the nerve I have?) that this is not fair and too hard on all of us. We need to be with each other…for a hug, a cry, to remember fun times, share our fears and to hold on to each other as we pray. But for now, all I can do is chat on the phone, text, send a note and email. It’s not the same. And then, as I am advising God what I need, He sweetly whispers…”NO Laura, you NEED ME and that is enough.”

There are times as I look to the future the terror of the why’s drowns out my trust. If I believe God is with me, is with us—then the future isn’t something to fear, but something to celebrate. He has the plan in His hands.

So once again LAURA (speak truth to myself), it all boils down to this…

1. Live like we believe God is all we need. “My God will supply ALL your needs, according to HIS riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19

2. Trust the Lord, He is for us. ”Trust the Lord with ALL your heart and lean NOT on your own understanding.” Proverbs 3:5 

3. Keep our hopes up and let go of worry. “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.” Philippians 4:6

4. Give God the glory for the things He has done and will continue to do. “For the Lord God is our sun and our shield. He gives us grace and glory. The Lord will withhold no good thing from those who do what is right.” Psalm 84:3

5. Recall His faithfulness. “So the Lord must wait for you to come to him so he can show you his love and compassion. For the Lord is a faithful God. Blessed are those who wait for his help.”             Isaiah 30:8

When I believe these truths in my heart, soul and mind I understand that it’s not “by chance” but that I “was chosen” for this time to be the care giver, encourager and prayer warrior for my precious husband and for my sweet friends. However I can and whenever I can. What an honor I have been bestowed; to pray and believe and hope for the loves of my life. I am CHOSEN by God for such a time as this. 

Thank you Lord.

Chosen by God,

    Laura

Laura Keener

Frontline Director, Desert Springs Church

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

Tom Anderson * Marlene Black * Lucy Brooks * Marie Bryant * Rick & Kathy Diedrich * Shirley French * Michael & Sherri Gagliardi* Barbara Groneck * Jay & Vernessa Hartland* Fred Keener * Mary Ireland *Violet O'Leary *Serena Williams son-in-law Steven

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