September 4, 2016

Do you know the song, Beautiful Day, by U2? It is the first track from their 2000 album, All That You Can't Leave Behind. In 2001, Beautiful Day won three Grammy Awards for Song of the Year, Record of the Year, and Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal.  Lead singer Bono explained that the upbeat track is about “losing everything but still finding joy in what one has.”

Here are some of the lyrics:

“The heart is a bloom                                                                                                                  Shoots up through the stony ground                                                                                                      There's no room                                                                                                                              No space to rent in this town 

You're out of luck                                                                                                                               And the reason that you had to care                                                                                                       The traffic is stuck                                                                                                                               And you're not moving anywhere 

It's a beautiful day                                                                                                                             Sky falls, you feel like                                                                                                                       It's a beautiful day                                                                                                                               Don't let it get away 

You're on the road                                                                                                                           But you've got no destination                                                                                                               You're in the mud                                                                                                                             In the maze of her imagination” 

To paraphrase, life is hard, like stony ground; you’re trying to move forward, but not getting anywhere. Still it is a beautiful day. How can this be? 

I am busier in this season of my life, than any other time.  With busyness comes more emotional pressure with a tendency to lose a positive outlook. It is easy to lose sight of the beauty around you - like the beauty in people, nature, and even in those challenges that foist themselves on us.   Like the song says, “you’re on the road, but you have no destination”. In my life, Jesus gives me perspective. Jesus helps me to see that achievements and setbacks, victories and failures, successes and disappointments all need to be tempered with the revelation that Jesus is still my friend, God is still good, and my life is determined not by luck, people, or even by my own will power.  My life is in God’s hands and as I trust him, the worst day, is actually beautiful. No, my head is not in the sand, it is just that I am choosing to see beauty instead of mud. I am going to live in grace and not unforgiveness. I am making a choice for it to be a beautiful day and surprise, surprise, it turns out to be a lot better than I thought. 

This Sunday, I will be speaking about the difference Jesus can make in a life – in your life. Sometimes we need to have a specific word of hope, grace and comfort from God to help us. Other times, we need to choose to live in the grace he has given us. This Sunday will be a day of encouragement and blessing for each one that comes.

Mystery Dinner

The next Mystery Dinner is on September 17, 2016

King of the Kootenays

On September 30, 2016 KCF will be celebrating Kootenay Culture Days by putting on a special musical evening of the history of gospel music. Come celebrate the magnificent history of Gospel Music within Nelson churches! This event is FREE and will be held at KCF at 7:00 pm.

Alpha

Alpha is a series of interactive sessions that freely explores the basics of Christian faith.  Alpha is for anyone who is curious.  The talks are designed to encourage conversation and explore the basics of the Christian faith in a friendly, open environment.  No question is out of bounds and you are free to discuss as much or as little as you want.   Each session includes food, a short talk and discussion where you can share your thoughts and ask questions.  There’s no pressure, no follow up and no charge.  This is an 11 week program beginning Wednesday, September 14th - 6:30pm to 8pm at KCF, 520 Falls Street.  Please contact the office if you are interested for details. 

Ladies SHINE Conference

The ladies will gather on Friday September 23 and Saturday September 24 at KCF.  Keynote speaker is Kristine Sales and Ramona Dannhauer will speak on Friday evening.  Visit our website for full details or contact the office.  Registration is required.