From Pastor Jonathan Rockey, St. John’s Lutheran Church, Palmer

Life is full of worries and troubles.  Then on Sunday, in addition to troubles around the world and troubles in our own country, one of our family members ended up in the emergency room for a quick visit!  But, life is not all trouble and struggle.  Life in this world is also full of the blessings of God.  We live in God’s eternal love in Jesus.  God blesses us with His love and mercy daily.  However, it is often so easy to focus on the troubles that we forget the blessings.  Forgetting the blessings we can forget to thank God.  We then miss the joy and peace that comes from a thankful heart.

Psalm 103:1-2 say, 1 Praise the LORD, O my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name. 2 Praise the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits  It is good to remember God’s blessings even when trouble comes.  And Sunday and Monday were also full of blessings at St. John and blessings in our family, blessings I don’t want to forget.

• ·       School is back in session and it was GREAT to see all the children in church.  I counted 8 children in the children’s message in early worship, and 22 in late worship. Thank you, Lord!

• ·       After late worship the Fellowship Board sponsored the St. John Back to School Picnic.  Now, the weather forecasts had been for rain.  But the weather was sunny, the turnout was great.  And I loved seeing the children playing games.  Thank you, Lord! https://picasaweb.google.com/jonrock53/StJohnChurchPicnic8212011?authuser=0&feat=directlink

• ·       Monday was our last day at home before leaving to take Tim to college and to attend 2 church meetings.  It is probably no surprise I took church friends fishing.  What a day!  We limited out on silver salmon!  Thank you, Lord!! https://picasaweb.google.com/jonrock53/SilverFishing8222011?authuser=0&feat=directlink

• ·       Monday night before Tim left for school some family came over for a spaghetti dinner.  It was a good time of relaxing.  Tim and Josh played catch.  The grandkids spent time with their grandmother.  What a blessing when family can be together in love and faith!  Thank you, Lord!  https://picasaweb.google.com/jonrock53/RockeyFamilyLastNightBeforeCollegeTrip8222011?authuser=0&feat=directlink

Yes, life has plenty of trials.  But God is good and we don’t want to “forget all his benefits.”  What blessings have you recently experienced?  Have you thanked the Lord?

A Child of God,  Thankful for God’s blessings,

Pastor Jonathan