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“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” (‭‭Matthew‬ ‭11:28‬) Labor Day 2019 is on Monday, September 2nd.  This holiday pays tribute to the contributions of American workers, is traditionally observed on the first Monday in September, and became a federal holiday in 1894. The holiday originated during the Industrial Revolution when labor practices were dismal, working environments were unsafe, and child labor abuses were common. Today’s work environment is very different, yet in a very real sense, we all labor under a load that is dismal.  Jesus came to seek and save those who struggle under many kinds of burdens: sin, worry, doubt, fear, loneliness and confusion.  He offers us a different kind of life experience when we follow him. “Take…

When you think of the word “family” what thoughts come into your mind?   Is it a memory of your mother holding you close after waking you from a scary childhood dream or your father tossing a ball with you in the front yard?  Maybe you were blessed with other siblings and you remember the fun of romping about in exuberant games together, then sharing cookies that Mom baked. The idea of family evokes thoughts of belonging, comfort, care, love, companionship, and so much more.  In fact, the family structure has existed in every society, in every generation, so it is not surprising that we see God actually set up the family model in the garden of Eden when he created Adam and Eve.  (Genesis 1-2)  Moving forward to the…

Summertime is filled with so many activities and as the temperatures get hotter here in the Treasure Valley, finding a place to cool down is definitely a priority.  Lakes and streams become a destination for many folks seeking a change of climate to beat the heat! Idaho has more than 2,000 lakes with names, and thousands of others without names. Some Idaho lakes can't be found on any map! Two of Idaho's northern lakes are said to be among the most beautiful in the world. Lake Coeur d'Alene and Lake Pend Oreille (the largest in the state with a surface area of 180 square miles). Bear Lake is another beautiful lake located on the Idaho-Utah border and is famous for its spectacular turquoise colour, giving it the nickname the ‘Caribbean…

Summer!  Such a wonderful season, especially here in the beautiful Treasure Valley and state of Idaho.  The opportunities for summer recreation are numerous, and we only have to look around to see examples of some of the most beautiful mountains in the world!  Escaping to them is a joyful experience, alone or in company with others, whether for an hour, a day or extended period. They touch us deeply in indescribable ways, so it is not surprising that the writer of Psalm 148:7-11 wrote: “Praise the Lord from the earth...Mountains and all hills, fruit trees and all cedars! Beasts and all livestock, creeping things and flying birds! Kings of the earth and all peoples, princes and all rulers of the earth!”  ‭‭ The very mountains declare God’s glory and we…

  “In Congress, July 4, 1776.  The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America, When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.  We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness...” In a document beginning with these words, on July…