The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life. – John 10:10

I came so they can have real and eternal life, more and better life than they ever dreamed of. – John 10:10 (The Message)

Looking back, my past few posts have been fairly heavy. Important, yes, and always pointing to light, peace, mercy, and grace – but still dealing with deeply serious subject matter.

• The Internet is making America angrier…
• Grace doesn’t bypass tragedy…
• Flying the Christian flag is not a magic pill…

So this morning I’d like to share a handful of photos that serve as reminders of life, light, grace, and the amazing opportunity that is ours – every day – to live as redeemed, forgiven, grateful people who carry a living invitation to God’s Kingdom in every breath that we take.

We talked a little about this in the Saturday morning men’s group today. Do we really live like we mean it? Do we take the time to embrace the beauty and the joy and the refreshing goodness that is all around us? Do we live in such a way that, were this day to be our last, we will not have wasted the opportunity to live?

When I arrived home there were sunflowers sitting on our front stoop. Inside, Rebekah was already working – both on today’s memorial service and Sunday morning’s message. There was a sense of purposeful life in our home; there always is.

Then there are these photos of our grandchildren. Shopping for school supplies then trying on school clothes. This is life! Life is today, and living forward from today. Life is an invitation. Life as a disciple of Jesus also extends that invitation to the world.

Peace and more peace, today and every day – DEREK

Thanks for the sunshine!