Sunday, January 5

We left Mark and Diane’s hometown in a bit of snow – about 6:30 am.

Some trees in higher elevations were snow-covered.

Leaving Maine

Going through Hartford, CT.

It was shortly after this picture that we called in to listen to our home church’s morning worship service.

After reading Psalm 23, Carl Groff (one of our ministers) opened the service with two short stories:

A little girl made a mistake when trying to recite Psalm 23 and said, “The Lord is my shepherd and that is all I want.” I like that. 🙂

The other was about a little boy who was afraid while in bed one night and called out to his dad, who was in his office across the hall, “I am afraid.” His dad replied, “You don’t have to be afraid, I am right here.” – just like God.

First service of Our Winter Series: Spiritual Growth.

Minister – Dustin Martin

You do not need to be a Bible scholar to grow or mature in the Lord, but you must use the Bible for your foundation in life.

We love new babies and I am sure God loves to see new babies in Christ, but there is noting cute or lovable about a grown person who still acts like a baby – thinking everything in life is about him/her.

There is nothing praiseworthy about being and acting immature.

Growth takes a lot of work – like participating in a sporting event. No work no gain.

Maturity has rewards and it is never ending. The reward of a Godly, Christian life is an abundant entrance into Heaven. 2 Peter 1:11.

To get started on a mature life

Take Responsibility.

Study God’s Word.

Use Spiritual Discipline.

Know that a mature life may involve difficulty.

Spiritual Growth Involves Community.

We were entering our home territory shortly after 4:30 PM.

Look at the difference in landscape – after traveling 500 miles south.