I don’t know why Lilly kissed my knees but she patted them and then gently kissed each knee. Maybe she thought that she had hurt me when we were playing tug of war? Possibly she had never seen Pappy’s bare knees (I was wearing shorts) and felt sorry for the old warriors? Could it be that by some cosmic anomaly a disturbance by unknown forces in the judicious flow of rational thinking caused Lilly to mistake my knees for my lips? Or what I chose to think… Lilly loves her Pappy and finds new ways to express her love for me! Anyhow it feels a little weird to have your knees kissed by a toddler… even if she is your granddaughter.

Now, I bring up this curious tale to explain that I think in the body of Christ we need more knee kissing! No, this is not some strange plea for a twist on the infamous and enigmatic “holy kiss”… but rather a call for: Now we ask you, brothers, to respect those who work hard among you, who are over you in the Lord and who admonish you. Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work (1 Thessalonians 5:12, 13). I believe that we should get on our knees and be thankful for our elders who spend so much time, energy and spiritual angst on their knees praying on our behalf. Now, do I think these two dedicated souls are perfect or always wise enough to know what they should do or pray for… of course not! They are our knees for they neither lord it over us nor are they doormats we wipe our feet on. They are by God’s good grace those who labor among us to bring us again and again to our knees. They keep the church, the body and temple of God bowed in reverence and postured to give all things to our heavenly Father. Humility is their badge and stability their aim. These men sacrifice daily to serve the Lord and without them the body would suffer greatly. So, brothers and sisters I ask you and myself to offer due respect and hold these men in the highest regard in love because of their work!

Now back to knee kissing… my prayer is that like Lilly we will find unexpected ways to show our elders our love and regard for them. It may seem a little awkward or strange but give some love back. I wouldn’t suggest kissing their knees (but I wouldn’t dissuade it either) but I can think of countless ways to show appreciation for those to whom honor is due! Use your imagination! Maybe, just maybe you could start with a smile and a thank you and a holy kiss! -DAN

Mission Report

Are great natural disasters such as the recent hurricane in Myanmar, the disastrous earthquake in China and the terrible tsunami that devastated southeast Asia some time ago divinely caused to break down man-made barriers that prevent or hinder lost souls from hearing the gospel? if suchh disasters are divinely caused or not is a highly debatable and controversial subject, but all must admit that the actions of Christian relief societies in helping the afflicted countries cope have resulted in greater opportunities to make Christ known to all.

Both China and Myanmar (Burma) have in the past, denied or restricted missionary efforts to teach Christ in their countries. According to an article in the recent Christian Chronicle, both countries are now permitting access to Christian relief agencies who not only provide material assistance, but also are able to distribute the message of salvation. Requests from Myanmar to the World Bible Translation Center for 500,000 copies of the Bible in the language of the country have been received. 50,000 copies are scheduled for issue in the next few months. No such project would have been permitted by the government before the disaster. Similar relaxed government agencies are reported from China. Opportunities such as these must be recognized and acted upon by all mission minded Christians. Our major area of involvement is to help financially. Too often opportunities cannot be fully realized by involved mission organizations because of limited funds. Few, if any, of us can physically respond by going, but we can all help support those who can go. --ODELL

Make plans now and save the date for the Tahoe Family Encampment: July 26 - August 1. Visit www.tahoefamilyencampment.org for more details.

We will have a guest speaker, Frank Farr, here on July 27th to speak about Eastern European Missions as well as give a sermon. He was a preacher at Walnut Creek untill he moved to Houston, TX to work with EEM's.

VBS is July 20-24. All children are welcome. 7th grade and above will be group leaders. Activities will be scheduled daily for the teens. if you are interested in being a group leader, contact Chris Brewer.

"Choices of the Heart" is the theme for the 33rd annual Northern California Ladies Retreat, September 11-13, 2008, to be held among the tall pines at Lassen Pines Christian Campground. Susan Giboney of Malibu, CA is the featured speaker. Join in this uplifting spiritual time of refreshing singing, fellowship and fun. Informational brochures with registration forms are available in the bulletin board rack in the foyer. For more information, contact Sue Latham.

Karen Whitaker and her daughter Julie Elkins obeyed their Lord in baptism last Sunday afternoon. They are the daughter-in-law and granddaughter of George and Emma Smith.

Rivercats Baseball Game - Monday, August 4th at 7:05PM. Cost is $9 per ticket. There is a sign-up sheet in the lobby near the youth board.