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Hi Boys and Girls,
How are you all doing this week? I’ve had a fun week. You see my family is gone down to Florida for spring break. Although I’ve missed them I have had fun staying at the hotel they arranged for me to stay at. It is a pretty cool place. We get to play five different times a day. They take me for one long walk a day down to the river. And they have the Animal Planet on TV all day. Sometimes it is good to just get away from the normal routine and experience some new things.
I haven’t had a chance to talk my dad about this, but I know what he would say. He would say that God is the giver of all good gifts. When Jesus was praying to God he called him “Abba” which means daddy. God is a great dad who loves to give us good gifts. At times we get so busy with life that we forget to slow down and enjoy God’s good gifts. So here is my homework I’m going to give you. Two things: Sit down with your family and list all the good things God has blessed you with and secondly slow down and enjoy the good gifts!
Have a great week,
Ralf
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Hello everyone,
I think I caught a glimpse of Eden yesterday. Here is what I mean. A long time ago back in the Garden of Eden before Adam and Eve bit the apple and walked in disobedience, animals and people lived life incredibly close to one another just like friends. There was no tension between animals and humans. Yesterday my dad (he happens to be a human) and I took a long walk on the Portage Creek Bicentennial Trail. We had a great time. Sometimes we talked. Other times we were quiet. Either way it was awesome. It was as if we were connected deeply from the insides. Awesome.
My dad, Pastor Rob, told me that when humans and dogs have a close friendship we are given a glimpse back into what Eden was like and what Heaven will be. Both in Eden and in Heaven all of creation – animals and humans alike – will walk in peaceful harmony. So if you have a close relationship with a dog, a cat, or another animal know that you were created that way and your friendship with your animal is simply you longing to be back in Eden or up in Heaven. Enjoy your pet this week knowing God made you to have such a friendship.
See you later,
Ralf
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Hi Boys and Girls,
Last night my whole family went out for a hot dog – they even gave me one. Yummy. I know this month is a month of fasting at the church, but sometimes we need to interrupt our plans to celebrate the life God gives. You see a month ago the doctor told me I had less than a month to live due to some kidney issues. He said I would lose my appetite, lose weight and lose energy. When we got the bad news my family gathered around me and prayed for my kidneys to be well. I know many of you have been praying too. Thank you for that.
In the last month since we received the diagnosis I have put on close to 10 pounds, I eat a ton, and have a boat load of energy. I feel great! God is good. He is the giver of life. So yesterday was a great day to break the fast for a moment and celebrate the gift of life with a hot dog. Thank you for praying. Why don’t you talk with your families about the blessings you have received from God and celebrate with a hot dog of your own. Yummy.
See you Sunday
Ralf
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Hungry? I sure am. This fast is pretty tough isn’t it? It is hard to give up some foods (I’m doing the partial fast not eating any treats this month – I miss them). I know of some kids your age at The River who have given up pop, others have given up sweets, others are only eating fruits and vegetables. Although it is tough I am encouraged to hear the stories of other children fasting and growing closer to God. If you are finding it tough – hang in there you are not alone! If you haven’t started fasting go ahead and start today. Talk to your mom and dad about fasting, praying and growing closer to God. He wants to be close to you and your family!
See you Sunday
Ralf
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Hello boys and girls. My dad was telling me that as a church we are fasting for the month of March. I wondered if us youngsters could participate. He said absolutely. Jesus said to his disciples “let the little children come to me.” Jesus’ mom was probably around 13 when she was visited by the angel. And King David was probably a young teen ager when he beat Goliath. So absolutely kids can participate in the fast this month. My dad told me that we fast primarily to grow closer to God and God wants to be close to all of us no matter how young or old we might be.
Fasting is simply giving up something for a time and spending a bit more time in prayer. So what are you going to fast from this month? How will you spend more time with the Lord? Talk it over with your parents and fast away!
See you Sunday
Ralf
