“It has been a wonderful experience to compete in the Olympic Games and to bring home a gold medal. But since I have been a young lad, I have had my eyes on a different prize. You see, each one of us is in a greater race than any I have run in Paris, and this race ends when God gives out the medals.”

God’s will is that we would rely on Him, walk with Him, and understand how He has uniquely called us to something! This requires the daily renewing of our minds. As we renew our minds regularly, we slowly begin to understand HOW faith in Jesus works, rather than only knowing WHAT faith in Jesus looks like. Let’s commit to knowing the HOW.

As we carry on with our daily lives, let us remember that we are not just passive recipients of grace but active participants in His divine narrative. Each interaction we have offers a chance to reflect God’s love, to be that unique word spoken into the world.

During our final Waterville Valley Community Church service of the season, one of our attendees took his last breath here on Earth. This is what some of our church members had to say while reflecting on this event.

What we forget is that our neighbors surround us in our daily rhythms – trips to the coffee shop, the grocery store, church, school...everywhere. Usually the most annoying and persistent presences in our lives are those whom God is calling us to serve. May God open our eyes this week to truly see our neighbors. Who are they? What do they need? And how will He help us show them His love?

Understanding that "eternity is forever" encourages us to live deliberately. Our daily choices can reflect God's love and goodness, shaping not only our lives but also impacting those around us. We can prioritize moments of connection, kindness, and service—actions that resonate into eternity.

Part of being created in God's image means He gave us a mind to know Him, a will to choose Him and a heart to love Him. He isn’t interested in forcing us into submission—He longs for us to come to Him freely, trusting that He will lovingly lead us in the way we should go. And when we do (with His help), He surrounds us and fills us with His unfailing love…Lord, help us to trust you more each day!

When we “prune” our lives, choosing to drop hobbies, bad habits, or stresses that distance us from God, we will see rewards in the form of larger fruit for His kingdom and more energy to pursue the true passions that He has given us.

Recently, God has been reminding me in so many ways of the necessity of consistent and continual prayer.  Sadly I am guilty of allowing prayer to be a second, third or last resort!  John Calvin called prayer "the chief exercise of faith".  Faithfulness in prayer demonstrates a belief that on our own we are powerless but that God is able and willing.  The absence of prayer demonstrates a belief that we're just fine on our own.

Salvation isn’t merely an escape from judgment; it’s a launchpad into a life of purpose and freedom. Jesus didn’t save us to remain passive. He saved us to actively embrace the abundant life He has for us.

We love the unique way God has called and enabled this ministry to serve in the mountains we call home. Because of our distinctive mission field, we have the privilege of bringing the Gospel directly to people—right where they are—through the shared context and passion of both our church and our community. Shared experiences build relationships, and relationships are often the very means God uses to draw people to Himself and bring the gospel into their lives. We view community as “common unity”: the joys and passions our good Father has gifted us to share and celebrate together.

Naturally, most humans are risk-averse. If bad weather blows up before a hike, I will most likely cancel my hike. If I heard that sketchy people were hanging around my destination, I’d most likely change my plans. Sometimes, God does guide us toward safety and protection. But this is where His wisdom comes in, because sometimes, He calls us to walk straight into the perceived danger.

There's no denying it, you and I are blessed immensely.  From physical provisions like food, clothing, homes and transportation to a heavenly Father who loves us, gave his son for us and everything in between...we have so much to be thankful for.

All our time, money, actual “talents,” and other resources belong to God. I need to ask myself, am I squandering these? Or am I investing them in a way that will grow glory to God and love for him around my family, community and the world? This will look different for each unique individual. However, I’d encourage us all to pray and ponder this about our own lives so we can be called, “good and faithful servant."

No matter how "good" or "necessary" the task, if it is not done from a heart of worship and thanksgiving to God, it becomes idolatrous very quickly. It becomes worship of productivity or self or others - the list goes on.

The longer we know someone, the more likely we are to be hurt or irritated by them. It is inevitable. However, as Christians we are called to keep each other accountable and help each other grow.

We have a God who teaches and reminds us of His goodness through His creation and through the adventures we take! How cool is that? When we live life looking for God in everything around us, we see His truths covering over the entirety of it.

Although, we have hosted our last meal at this point. We’re so amazed by the connections God has created through these times as well as how He will continue to use this service in future seasons.

As followers of Jesus, hospitality means making space in and outside of our homes not only for close friends and family, but also for the outsider, stranger, the non-believer and the skeptic. Jesus set the ultimate example of hospitality for us by giving up his home in heaven, so we could be brought home to our heavenly Father.

Gratitude being a joy in itself is not a thought that had crossed my mind before, but I couldn't agree more. Every day is full of blessings both big and small. Life, breath, food, clothing, shelter, people, beauty…..Praise God! When we express gratitude to God for his blessings it's like we get to experience joy again! Gratitude brings God glory but it is also for our good!