More Family

The other half of the October retreat in Michigan with guest hosts; Brian & Mary Steinke in the middle.  These folks were from Indiana, Illinois, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin.  For some a very long journey but well worth the effort.  We experienced the peak of fall color with maples showing off their best.  We experienced God's presence which is the very best.

The Family of God

The first group of pastor couples at the Shack Country Inn in Michigan at the
Broom Tree October retreat.  Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Missouri, Tennessee and Wisconsin are represented in this photo.  It is a testimony to the difference Jesus makes when couples from varying states, denominations and ages can meet with such "Family" ties.  But then, we all have the same Father!

Potter and the Clay

When a potter's skilled hands shape a delicate lid like this photo, the clay is very soft and responds quickly to his gentle touch.   Scripture talks about the potter and the clay but when we hear it from the pulpit we don't get the same picture as watching how messy and dirty the potter gets as he molds his vessel into a beautiful, useful object.

Also watching the clay quickly comply to his hand is a picture of obedience worth noting.  Clay that is too hard often flies apart on the wheel or easily goes off center.
Clay that is too soft sags.

Another picture we need to imprint in our minds is a smile on the face of the potter as he admires his finished piece.  How God must beam as we obey.

The Last Harvest

I’m not exactly sure when it all started - this crazy love affair I have with autumn.  But I think it may have had something to do with an old wooden wagon in a ripened Iowa cornfield.  It was really a bit of a ritual - a kind of coming to age for us guys.  You see, in our house, fourteen was the magic age.  That was the age when Dad would let us carry a gun on the annual pheasant hunt.  It was the time when we were allowed to skip school on the last Wednesday in September for the Farm Progress Show.  But the real sign of manhood at our place was when we got to officially participate in that hallowed Dutch tradition - coffee time.  Mom was able to hold us off the substance for fourteen years, but when that magic birthday came, we truly became “one of the guys”.  For the rest of the story click here.

Winners

Mike Fryatt and Mark Hammer won the crystal trophies for the 8th annual Broom Tree Golf Tournament held at Morningstar Golf Course in Waukesha, WI.  last Thursday September 16th.  They also won a dozen lobster tails!