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

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

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

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