Yesterday I was able to take my first hike near West Hills. Our family moved here last month, and I’ve been eager to explore this beautiful area. There’s so much to see!
Yesterday evening, I dropped Dylan off at a jujitsu studio in Chatsworth and had about 90 minutes of free time, so I headed to the hills. The trailhead I found was Andora Trail, one of the entry points into the Santa Susana Pass State Historic Park. Here are highlights…
Last Sunday at Calvary Church West Hills, I began a five-part series on what it means to be a healthy, growing, gospel-centered church. The church should be known for its love for Christ, and together we looked at ways this will show up in how we do ministry.
If you prefer to listen to just the audio, this message was also posted on our Calvary Church page on Sermon Audio.
Here’s a copy of the handout…
Happy Eclipse Day from Southern Seminary! Here in Louisville, the sun was almost entirely blocked, reduced to a thin fingernail at 98.5% totality. Our Board of Trustees took a break to go outside and join the students in the square. When we reconvened, we sang the Doxology. Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost!
It strikes me that God is so powerful, he can create a renewable energy source that, even when 93 million miles away and 98% hidden, still provides light and warmth for the earth. This massive ball of fire he formed with a mere word on the fourth day of creation. Can anything be too difficult for him?
Today was our first Sunday back at Calvary Church West Hills since I candidated on January 28, and what a sweet reunion. We had the opportunity to thank Dr. Adam Groza for his excellent work as interim pastor, and to hear Dr. Randy McWhorter preach from Hebrews 10:24-25 on the commandment to spur one another on to love and good deeds.
After the service, we enjoyed Sunday brunch in the fellowship hall and got to know one another better. I met a Middle Eastern woman who just came to Christ about six months ago, and is growing in her walk with the Lord. I also met a twelve year old boy who has chosen to follow Christ and wants to get baptized soon. We’re going to try and do it Easter morning! One family gave us a welcome gift bag, which included some delicious homemade cookies, and a hiking map of trails in the Santa Monica mountains.
Another special conversation was with Edith and Maryann, two of Calvary’s earliest members. They joined the church back in the early 60s and shared how they’ve been praying for us every Wednesday, and how excited they are about the future of Calvary. I thanked them for their commitment, their prayers, and their sacrifice. May the Lord strengthen us to build on that legacy and bring the hope of the gospel to a whole new generation.
Our old Kenmore clothes dryer has been stuck in high heat mode for a while and the timer no longer works. It just keeps drying until you open the door. You have to keep an eye on it so your clothes don’t shrink.
Yesterday we scheduled a repairman to come over. He took a look at it and said this model has outlasted its replacement parts and he’s no longer able to do repairs.
I asked him, “Do you appreciate seeing a living dinosaur?” He said, “I haven’t seen a unit this old in a long time. I feel like I’m in a museum.”
So, unfortunately we’ll need to buy a new clothes dryer once we get to West Hills. On the flip side, we have much to be thankful for, that our dryer still works (sort of), and that God allowed us to squeeze so much life out it. He always provides in his perfect time!
Pinch Of Clay 