royal strangers camp out and

We have hit that magical time of year.

School's out and camps are being filled. (although it would take tornado force to drag my wife camping)

I'm so proud of our many amazing volunteer ministers at Cornerstone.

There's a lot of teens attending NE AG camps.

And Bob testified this Sunday that we're baptizing over 10 teens at the lake this Sunday!

YEAH GOD!

Holly and I stopped in at the royal rangers camp out last weekend to pick up Nathaniel who was hanging with Bob and the boys for a few hours. (we missed a good group shot cause most of the boys were busy fishing)

if you've ever been hurt by the church

I know in the short time I've been your pastor you have probably noticed that this is one of my callings. I hope to consistently sound the alarm to the church to CHOOSE LOVE and commit to relationship over religion!
I found another amazing resource today I just had to share with you.

I typed up some more info on facebook.

Here's the link:

http://www.facebook.com/notes/paul-brian-west/ok-found-another-amazing-resource-today/10150192596532514

Daddy Jesus is there for YOU!

Facebook is such an amazing new ministry tool. Scripture talks about 'praying without ceasing', staying in constant contact with our Savior. My goodness, FB is almost like this kind of praying with each other! I so wish the church truly connected, truly lifted one another up...You can make an enormous difference in the lives of those around you simply by affirming their good qualities and good behavior. Look hard for something to praise, exhort, encourage..."God inhabits the praises of His people!" God shows up when we praise Him AND one another! Put away the critical eye and see how much fun life can be! That's what the church should be all about!

Anyway, I just published some BEAUTIFUL words by Dr. Tim Clinton on facebook this afternoon!

Here's the link: http://www.facebook.com/notes/paul-brian-west/daddy-jesus-is-there-for-you/10150190927847514

it doesn't get much better than this

I had the amazing privilege of baptizing the amazing Jesse this morning!

I've always had a soft spot for teenagers (maybe I should have stayed a youth pastor longer), but let me say with all sincerity, Bayard teens are extraordinary! I have never been a part of a church where the teens are trusted to clean the facility! Jesse and his brother do a great job! Auntie Carie told me something the other day that went straight to my heart to store for when I need some encouragement. She told me that when Billy found out we were moving he said, "that sucks with a capital S." (If you are offended by the word suck please substitute: inhales sharply) Jesse asked that I baptize him before we go. I usually encourage parents, mentors (leaders who have very consistent contact with the individual) to do the baptizing. But, I couldn't refuse such a special request...

dna of relationships

WOW, this series is amazing!

Don't miss it!

Sunday Evenings, 6:30pm

Tonight we're gonna talk about the power of one, taking personal responsibility!

The first week we were one minute laughing so hard our sides hurt and the next being challenged for true growth...

This is not just for married folk either, this stuff will truly help in any and every relationship...

WOW, what do you think of this?

This link will mess you up...

http://www.southasianconnection.com/articles/454/1/Jesus-Religion-Versus-Jesus-Relationship-/Page1.html

We Need Each Other

THANKS STEVE! AMEN! GLORY! (and every other emotional churchy response)

Many living things need each other to survive. I have lived for most of my life near trees known as Colorado aspens. If you are familiar with this tree, you may have noticed that it does not grow alone. Aspens are found in clusters, or groves. We're told that the reason for this is because aspens can multiply from the roots. They send up lots of new shoots every year. These become saplings that grow quickly and make new baby aspens of their own. In some groves, all of the trees may actually be connected by their roots. It is as if they are one tree.

Another tree, the giant California redwood, may tower 300 feet into the sky. We've seen pictures of tunnels carved into massive trunks wide enough to drive an automobile through. It seems they would require the deepest of roots to anchor them against strong winds. But instead their roots are actually shallow -- they spread out wide in search of surface water. And they reach in all directions, intertwining with roots of other redwoods. Locked together in this way, all the trees support each other in wind and storms.

Aspens and redwoods never stand alone.

They need one another to survive. People, too, are connected by a system of roots. We grow up in families that nurture and guide us. We learn early to make friends who support us in different ways. We are not meant to survive long without others. And like the giant redwoods, we do best when we hold onto one another and help each other to keep standing through life's storms. We need others to hold us up, encourage us and to stand with us.

When I'm not doing well, it is often because I am going it alone. I don't always let others in. I forget to ask for help; I keep my problems to myself. And though I may not see it, others around me might be doing the same thing. It helps to remember how much like those trees we really are.

It might be time to let someone else help hold you up for awhile. Or perhaps someone needs to hang on to you.

By Steve Goodier

Happy Mommys Week

For some 'hilariousnessnesses' check out these 2 wonderful links:

This first one is a very funny Christian comedian mom from the hood...

http://www.godtube.com/watch/?v=FBCBJ1NU

and the second one gives us wisdom like this:

My Mom taught me RELIGION.

"You better pray that stain will come out of the carpet."

http://www.funnies.com/momtaught.htm

Also, I found these perfect words for my beautiful wife this week:

Today I kissed an angel.
I knew it from the start.
The first time my angel smiled at me;
I gave away my heart.

Today I kissed an angel;
This angel child of mine
Though not of my creation,
My child by God's design.

Today I kissed an angel.
My heart is dancing wild;
Our family, by a miracle;
Blessed by our angel child.
© Brenda Meece

and more amazing words at:

http://poetry.adoption.com/poems/before-i-was-a-mom.html

change

I'm not one of those preachers that drops emotional bombs at the close of a church service. I would rather the news filter thru individuals, so all of the air isn't sucked out of the sanctuary in one fell swoop. I wish there was an easy way to communicate this kind of news. I have been meeting with groups and individuals and had my ear surgically attached to a telephone, trying to share the news on a personal level. Please forgive me if you are seeing this news for the first time on my blog! It's very difficult to resign from a church that has been so loving, so kind, so extraordinary! I pray that there are no hard feelings because of our short stay.

The reasons for leaving are all very personal. First, Holly needs better medical care close by, as well as our future adoptees. When we brought Nathaniel home from Ethiopia to Oregon he spent over a week in intense care at a trusted hospital. You would never know it seeing that healthy boy now. Second, everything we study urges that Nathaniel will need more diversity as he grows older. We receive many intrusive questions and sometimes even glares here in the valley. Inside our beautiful church ya'll are so good to our little boy, but as he grows older he will realize how much he sticks out in Western Nebraska. Please don't misunderstand, I don't know it to be racism/prejudice, maybe it's simple ignorance. Third, we miss our families in the Northwest terribly. Holly's sister just gave birth to a beautiful baby boy that we haven't had the privilege of meeting. All of these reasons very much fit into God's divine order: a message I have preached several times since becoming your pastor. I believe my first ministry is my beautiful wife and son. The family needs to come before the church.

I am stepping out in faith (hopefully it's not stupidity). Trusting in the Lord with all my heart, leaning not on my own understanding, in all my ways acknowledging Him and He will direct every step. He truly is Jehovah Jireh, who will provide and lead us all where we belong. He has a plan for Cornerstone Fellowship. I'm so thankful we got to be a little part of it. I was sitting with Dwight, NE district superintendent, concerned over the transition. He comforted me by sharing that sometimes the Lord wills short stays for a reason in the life of a church, and encouraged how normal it is for a pastor in his early thirties to do a little exploring.

Please don't hesitate to talk with me about your feelings regarding this transition. There is no hidden agenda or unnamed conflict causing this change. I am so blessed by the genuine response of love we have received after the news is shared. Everyone is being so understanding. We have truly connected with so many of you. The tears shed, the heartfelt compliments will forever bless this pastor. I believe the Lord sent us here for this special time and for these special connections. There truly has been much fruit and growth from our sweet time here. In danger of sounding self-serving, may I request if in the last year and a half the Lord has specifically ministered to you in a special way thru our ministry, would you consider writing a letter of recommendation? The best way to get it to me would be by email: pastorpaulandholly@yahoo.com. The truth is, this special time with you has opened a new chapter in my personal walk with Jesus. He has spoken specific words to my heart to share with you; in tangible ways I haven't experienced before. Praise the Lord!

Thank you for the honor and privilege of being your pastor. Our final Sunday will be June 26, 2011. Now more than ever you need to join me on facebook so we can remain connected as Holly, Nathaniel and I return to the Northwest...

Another wonderful missions dinner, DON'T MISS IT!

Sunday Evening: May 8th, 6pm

Potluck Dinner, bring something yummy to share...

(ask Louise how you can help)

Missionary Bob Hahn

Visit: http://www.thehahnfamily.org/

PS...Sorry this is scheduled on Mother's Day. Maybe I should make a rule that the mamas don't have to do the cooking for the potluck, but then we would only have mac n cheese and toast...