CELEBRATE LIFE

A few weeks ago, I sent an announcement of our 50th Wedding Anniversary, requesting that people join us in prayer for families. That is our prayer today. Please pray it again on Saturday. The Announcement read:

In 1958, Bill and I found our soul mate, God’s most precious gift. We were married on July 25, 1959, fifty years ago. Because you, our family and friends, live so far away, we will not meet to talk and laugh and spend time together.
We ask that you join us in prayer on July 25 to pray for families. We are blessed with a loving family and hundreds of friends. But, some are not as fortunate. We pray that those who are hurting, lost, and alone may find a home in the family of God.
We would be privileged if you would visit a shut-in, phone an old friend, or mend a broken relationship on July 25. Take food to a community food bank, drop off a gas card at your church or the Salvation Army, or meet the quiet need of someone around you. What a celebration of fifty years of marriage and service that would be!
Most of all, kiss the ones around you. Tell them that you love them and are proud of them. Forgive the past, love the present, and find hope in the future. God is there, calling you home.
May the Lord’s blessings overflow your soul and fill your shoes.
Bill and Doris Rapp

Some friends and family have begun telling us about the service to others they have planned for the 25th. A Colorado couple donated two Gideon Bibles, friends will deliver food to a community pantry, and another is working at a food distribution center on the 25th. You will all be blessed, we are honored, and God is revealed and praised for your kindness. Let us pray for families:

“Loving God, father of our Lord Jesus Christ and Heavenly father of all who call upon you in faith, holy is your name. May your Holy Spirit dwell within each of us as we pray for all families, near and far. May we all have your strength and wisdom to withstand the evil that is running wildly across our land, attempting to destroy your family. We are not helpless and we need not feel hopeless. We can do something. We can call the lonely, the lost, those in pain, and those who don’t know you into our own families, in our homes and in your church. We know it takes a lot of love, patience, strength, energy, and perseverance. But you, oh God, are the author of love and hope and strength. We recognize that we cannot direct ourselves or do it alone. This is kingdom building and therefore you are sovereign, not us. With your direction and blessing, we ask that you help us gather your children within our hearts and embrace them with your love, so they can find their way home to you. Families are your beautiful creation, oh God, please let us have your discernment and wisdom to speak your words of invitation and love, to those who long to hear the stories, new to their hearts or hiding within their soul. To you, oh God, we will give all praise, honor, and glory. In the precious name of your son, our savior Jesus, we pray. Amen”
Doris
“Copyright 2009 Doris Gaines Rapp, Ph.D.
“God gives us stories that testify to his love. Let me tell you mine.”