Halloween night seems like a strange evening for a pastor to get excited about, but this Halloween was much different than those recently. All across south Pierce County families from SLC chose to Shine Your Light and tell the people of this community that we love them. More than 4000 invitations and bracelets were passed out along with the best candy possible. We are excited to see the harvest that will come from the seed being planted. Thanks to everyone who made this special night possible.

1) I hate to say it, but trouble is a real part of life and we all react to trouble differently. If we think that we can live trouble free we’re only kidding ourselves. In fact, Jesus told us in John 16:33 “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” The challenge we face is dealing with trouble without losing heart. To not lose heart we need an unshakeable faith, but that faith must have a foundation. The foundation is confident trust in a faithful God. So where does that kind of faith come from, Romans 10:17 reminds us, “Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God.” What does this teach me? I need the word of God to be the foundation for my faith. Faith that comes from any other source can be shaken. Faith that is built on the Word is unshakeable and even in the most troubling times my heart can stay strong.

2) Can you believe Brett Farve? This Sunday he went back to Green Bay for the first time as a member of an opposing team. After 16 years of wearing the Packers uniform and leading them to championships he was now a hated Minnesota Viking. At 40 years old he lead the Vikings to a convincing victory even though he was booed at every turn. Quite a performance. What did I learn form this? The calendar is not the measure of your value, performance is. Whatever your age you can finish strong. I like that option.

I’ll leave you with a thought that might only occur to me. Trusting God is like riding a bicycle, once you get the hang of it, it tends to get easier.

Cal