[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":444},["ShallowReactive",2],{"global-settings":3,"happening-now-events":117,"posts-page-3":257},[4,57,77,98],{"metadata":5,"sys":8,"fields":29},{"tags":6,"concepts":7},[],[],{"space":9,"id":14,"type":15,"createdAt":16,"updatedAt":17,"environment":18,"publishedVersion":22,"revision":23,"contentType":24,"locale":28},{"sys":10},{"type":11,"linkType":12,"id":13},"Link","Space","bl09c27vm5k1","58OiZDFg26kUsBwKW4nnCv","Entry","2021-02-16T04:16:04.229Z","2026-06-06T23:06:02.278Z",{"sys":19},{"id":20,"type":11,"linkType":21},"master","Environment",657,244,{"sys":25},{"type":11,"linkType":26,"id":27},"ContentType","globalSettings","en-US",{"title":30,"id":31,"enable":32,"relatedMedia":33,"description":56},"Bulletin","bulletin",true,{"metadata":34,"sys":37,"fields":47},{"tags":35,"concepts":36},[],[],{"space":38,"id":40,"type":41,"createdAt":42,"updatedAt":42,"environment":43,"publishedVersion":45,"revision":46,"locale":28},{"sys":39},{"type":11,"linkType":12,"id":13},"3Zdk6x9WYIeOfiS8DRoDar","Asset","2026-06-06T23:05:55.174Z",{"sys":44},{"id":20,"type":11,"linkType":21},3,1,{"title":48,"description":49,"file":50},"bulletin 6-7-26","",{"url":51,"details":52,"fileName":54,"contentType":55},"\u002F\u002Fassets.ctfassets.net\u002Fbl09c27vm5k1\u002F3Zdk6x9WYIeOfiS8DRoDar\u002Ffdae1b011dc9618b7468dd04b42dcfce\u002Fbulletin_6-7-26.pdf",{"size":53},298563,"bulletin 6-7-26.pdf","application\u002Fpdf","Find this week's bulletin here: your guide to worship, announcements, and upcoming events. ",{"metadata":58,"sys":61,"fields":73},{"tags":59,"concepts":60},[],[],{"space":62,"id":64,"type":15,"createdAt":65,"updatedAt":66,"environment":67,"publishedVersion":69,"revision":70,"contentType":71,"locale":28},{"sys":63},{"type":11,"linkType":12,"id":13},"59so28e437Uoeo9gkqXk9","2021-02-16T04:15:20.955Z","2026-05-24T04:28:44.886Z",{"sys":68},{"id":20,"type":11,"linkType":21},64,28,{"sys":72},{"type":11,"linkType":26,"id":27},{"title":74,"id":75,"enable":32,"description":76},"Service Outdoors Page","service-outdoors-page","Show a page for when we do Outdoor services.",{"metadata":78,"sys":81,"fields":93},{"tags":79,"concepts":80},[],[],{"space":82,"id":84,"type":15,"createdAt":85,"updatedAt":86,"environment":87,"publishedVersion":89,"revision":90,"contentType":91,"locale":28},{"sys":83},{"type":11,"linkType":12,"id":13},"5grdLVvM2ucUswrOr6FIES","2021-02-16T04:14:12.874Z","2021-02-16T05:40:08.871Z",{"sys":88},{"id":20,"type":11,"linkType":21},18,7,{"sys":92},{"type":11,"linkType":26,"id":27},{"title":94,"id":95,"enable":96,"description":97},"Service Watch Page","service-watch-page",false,"Show a \"Watch\" page for online services.",{"metadata":99,"sys":102,"fields":113},{"tags":100,"concepts":101},[],[],{"space":103,"id":105,"type":15,"createdAt":106,"updatedAt":107,"environment":108,"publishedVersion":110,"revision":45,"contentType":111,"locale":28},{"sys":104},{"type":11,"linkType":12,"id":13},"7jdWJFg4ILibfA6f20j5Vl","2021-02-16T04:14:52.366Z","2021-02-16T04:28:27.164Z",{"sys":109},{"id":20,"type":11,"linkType":21},11,{"sys":112},{"type":11,"linkType":26,"id":27},{"title":114,"id":115,"enable":96,"description":116},"Service Watch Zoom","service-watch-zoom","Show a \"Zoom\" link for meetings after online services.",[118,159,199],{"metadata":119,"sys":122,"fields":133},{"tags":120,"concepts":121},[],[],{"space":123,"id":125,"type":15,"createdAt":126,"updatedAt":126,"environment":127,"publishedVersion":129,"revision":46,"contentType":130,"locale":28},{"sys":124},{"type":11,"linkType":12,"id":13},"1Fou29UDz2iUmQiKuC466k","2026-05-26T21:37:13.310Z",{"sys":128},{"id":20,"type":11,"linkType":21},10,{"sys":131},{"type":11,"linkType":26,"id":132},"event",{"title":134,"path":135,"primaryImage":136,"startDate":158,"body":149,"link":49},"Testimony Sunday","93-testimony-sunday",{"metadata":137,"sys":140,"fields":148},{"tags":138,"concepts":139},[],[],{"space":141,"id":143,"type":41,"createdAt":144,"updatedAt":144,"environment":145,"publishedVersion":147,"revision":46,"locale":28},{"sys":142},{"type":11,"linkType":12,"id":13},"32nVqgrLiWYmxAHmp0mE6E","2026-05-26T21:37:04.700Z",{"sys":146},{"id":20,"type":11,"linkType":21},8,{"title":134,"description":149,"file":150},"Join us on Sunday, June 7th, for a special time of testimonies during service. We look forward to hearing and sharing what God is doing in our lives!",{"url":151,"details":152,"fileName":156,"contentType":157},"\u002F\u002Fimages.ctfassets.net\u002Fbl09c27vm5k1\u002F32nVqgrLiWYmxAHmp0mE6E\u002Fcebf7b866f433ab72c4e4ff212a9d762\u002Fbrett-jordan-qz1IsYRd3Ao-unsplash.jpg",{"size":153,"image":154},2890830,{"width":155,"height":155},3888,"brett-jordan-qz1IsYRd3Ao-unsplash.jpg","image\u002Fjpeg","2026-06-07T10:00",{"metadata":160,"sys":163,"fields":175},{"tags":161,"concepts":162},[],[],{"space":164,"id":166,"type":15,"createdAt":167,"updatedAt":168,"environment":169,"publishedVersion":171,"revision":172,"contentType":173,"locale":28},{"sys":165},{"type":11,"linkType":12,"id":13},"3AJndt4LbrCPLkgMrMf9SY","2021-03-08T17:08:02.288Z","2026-06-06T22:49:07.091Z",{"sys":170},{"id":20,"type":11,"linkType":21},883,259,{"sys":174},{"type":11,"linkType":26,"id":132},{"title":176,"path":176,"primaryImage":177,"startDate":158,"body":198},"Worship Service",{"metadata":178,"sys":181,"fields":189},{"tags":179,"concepts":180},[],[],{"space":182,"id":184,"type":41,"createdAt":185,"updatedAt":185,"environment":186,"publishedVersion":188,"revision":46,"locale":28},{"sys":183},{"type":11,"linkType":12,"id":13},"75VwoNjPPfXOzv3NfmlICk","2025-11-14T21:14:20.690Z",{"sys":187},{"id":20,"type":11,"linkType":21},24,{"title":176,"description":190,"file":191},"Join us for worship this Sunday, November 16th at 10:00 AM.\nWe gather in the Lodi Academy Chapel to worship God together through music, prayer, and teaching from His word. Whether you're new to Cornerstone Church or looking for a place to connect, we'd love to worship with you.\n\nLocation:\nLodi Academy Chapel\n1230 S. Central Ave., Lodi",{"url":192,"details":193,"fileName":197,"contentType":157},"\u002F\u002Fimages.ctfassets.net\u002Fbl09c27vm5k1\u002F75VwoNjPPfXOzv3NfmlICk\u002Fa830c056957ef82af98881bf6e9f84e3\u002Fjohn-price-RAZQiZOX3mU-unsplash__1_.jpg",{"size":194,"image":195},923907,{"width":196,"height":196},2298,"john-price-RAZQiZOX3mU-unsplash__1_.jpg","__Join us for worship this Sunday, June 7th at 10:00 AM__.\nWe gather in the Lodi Academy Chapel to worship God together through music, prayer, and teaching from His word. Whether you're new to Cornerstone Church or looking for a place to connect, we'd love to worship with you.\n\n__Location:__\nLodi Academy Chapel\n1230 S. Central Ave., Lodi\n",{"metadata":200,"sys":203,"fields":214},{"tags":201,"concepts":202},[],[],{"space":204,"id":206,"type":15,"createdAt":207,"updatedAt":208,"environment":209,"publishedVersion":211,"revision":110,"contentType":212,"locale":28},{"sys":205},{"type":11,"linkType":12,"id":13},"1Azc0DbsXOq6JGT4FQ2tDX","2019-04-12T23:09:00.357Z","2026-05-27T23:39:15.725Z",{"sys":210},{"id":20,"type":11,"linkType":21},391,{"sys":213},{"type":11,"linkType":26,"id":132},{"title":215,"path":216,"primaryImage":217,"startDate":238,"endDate":239,"category":240,"body":256},"Men's Power Breakfast","mens-may-power-breakfast",{"metadata":218,"sys":221,"fields":229},{"tags":219,"concepts":220},[],[],{"space":222,"id":224,"type":41,"createdAt":225,"updatedAt":225,"environment":226,"publishedVersion":228,"revision":46,"locale":28},{"sys":223},{"type":11,"linkType":12,"id":13},"4PAeRWIV5xh3Sf2mrEYuBX","2025-11-14T21:06:32.017Z",{"sys":227},{"id":20,"type":11,"linkType":21},9,{"title":215,"description":230,"file":231},"The Men's Power Breakfast - March 7th at 8:00 AM\n\nWhether you're new to Cornerstone or have been here awhile, this is a perfect place to meet other men, share a meal, and enjoy great fellowship.\n\nCome hungry and leave full both physically and spiritually. \n\nSee Matt Springer for the location. \nAll men are welcome!",{"url":232,"details":233,"fileName":237,"contentType":157},"\u002F\u002Fimages.ctfassets.net\u002Fbl09c27vm5k1\u002F4PAeRWIV5xh3Sf2mrEYuBX\u002Fb589bd273b665052a9e7991a47c58f4d\u002Feiliv-aceron-An6cTgmC8yk-unsplash.jpg",{"size":234,"image":235},2884096,{"width":236,"height":236},4000,"eiliv-aceron-An6cTgmC8yk-unsplash.jpg","2026-06-13T08:00","2026-06-13T09:30",{"metadata":241,"sys":244,"fields":254},{"tags":242,"concepts":243},[],[],{"space":245,"id":247,"type":15,"createdAt":248,"updatedAt":248,"environment":249,"publishedVersion":228,"revision":46,"contentType":251,"locale":28},{"sys":246},{"type":11,"linkType":12,"id":13},"6Mh6MyCjrqYegsQc2wa84e","2018-04-03T06:22:53.790Z",{"sys":250},{"id":20,"type":11,"linkType":21},{"sys":252},{"type":11,"linkType":26,"id":253},"category",{"title":255},"Men's Ministry","__The Men's Power Breakfast - June 13th at 8:00 AM__\n\nWhether you're new to Cornerstone or have been here awhile, this is a perfect place to meet other men, share a meal, and enjoy great fellowship.\n\nCome hungry and leave full both physically and spiritually. \n\nLocation: Springer's Residence\n__All men are welcome!__",{"sys":258,"total":260,"skip":261,"limit":129,"items":262},{"type":259},"Array",177,30,[263,282,300,318,336,354,372,390,408,426],{"metadata":264,"sys":267,"fields":277},{"tags":265,"concepts":266},[],[],{"space":268,"id":270,"type":15,"createdAt":271,"updatedAt":271,"environment":272,"publishedVersion":46,"revision":46,"contentType":274,"locale":28},{"sys":269},{"type":11,"linkType":12,"id":13},"AwRReRyxoGCUwMaiwCCs6","2018-04-22T04:15:20.019Z",{"sys":273},{"id":20,"type":11,"linkType":21},{"sys":275},{"type":11,"linkType":26,"id":276},"post",{"title":278,"path":279,"date":280,"body":281},"His Bright Light","174-his-bright-light","2012-06-28T00:00","The light was so bright I could not see anything. My eyes were dazed and almost blinded from the intensity of it.\r\n\r\nIt was early morning just after sunrise and the sun had momentarily burst through the clouds. That's when the intensity struck my eyesight from the overwhelming glare off the Pacific Ocean. It was stunning and beautiful with the break of dawn.\r\n\r\nI had just finished reading this verse from Ps. 27:1 \"The Lord is my light and my salvation\"  and then \"whom shall I fear\". When God lights the way His light blurs out whatever else you might tend to see or fear.\r\n\r\nI could only see the light and nothing else could stand in His presence.\r\n\r\n\" The Lord is the stronghold of my life\".....   What is a stronghold?  It is the place where His light is so strong that nothing else can hold on or creep in to cause any fear.\r\n\r\nThe dazzling light obliterates everything so that we see only His\"light of the world\".\r\n\r\nNo enemies to see, no problems to fear,or worries to interfere. Today look for the great sunlight of His intense love. Let the warm glow of His bright presence be your comfort.\r\n\r\nToday the Lord is my light and tomorrow and forever.\r\n\r\nChoose to look for His powerful radiance and the fears will never be seen.  Just stay focused.  That's what I plan to do today.",{"metadata":283,"sys":286,"fields":295},{"tags":284,"concepts":285},[],[],{"space":287,"id":289,"type":15,"createdAt":290,"updatedAt":290,"environment":291,"publishedVersion":46,"revision":46,"contentType":293,"locale":28},{"sys":288},{"type":11,"linkType":12,"id":13},"47Umy0AYcUyC68iSYQGMg6","2018-04-22T04:15:20.726Z",{"sys":292},{"id":20,"type":11,"linkType":21},{"sys":294},{"type":11,"linkType":26,"id":276},{"title":296,"path":297,"date":298,"body":299},"Quick Learner","173-quick-learner","2012-06-05T00:00","We have the cutest little Shitzu dog named \"Precious\".\r\n\r\nShe has more energy than a teenage girl at a Justin Biber rock concert!!!\r\n\r\nShe loves to run, jump high, tease our other dog and wake up early in the morning. There is never a dull moment when she is nearby.\r\n\r\nShe loves to chew up everything she can get her mouth on.Outside she finds flowers,wood chips,grass and smelly things to devour. Then she is still hungry.\r\n\r\nShe is also very protective of our other dog \"Jabez\". When Jabez needs to go outside he will just wait quiety at the door. Precious will come  and get us and dance around until we get the picture \"it's time for Jabez to go outside\".\r\n\r\nWhenever she wants to go outside and we are slow to pick up the clues, which are not so subtle, she goes into action. She will climb up into our laps and stare right directly into our faces until we \"stupid adults learn it's time to take her outside\".\r\n\r\nThe direct stare in the face is louder than words and even a bark!!\r\n\r\nA funny thing happened one morning. I was having my usual cup of hot coffee. Precious decided to boldly lick the outside of the coffee cup. It was really hot and she burned her tongue.\r\n\r\nIt really hurt and her remedy was to lick the air over and over and over. It took quite a while for her to stop licking the air. Eventually the burn went away and she stopped.\r\n\r\nShe learned a huge lesson about hot cups. Now everyday when I sit down with a hot cup of coffee she begins licking the thin air. It is a new routine, licking when she sees my coffee cup. It happens non-stop.\r\n\r\nShe is so humorous and begins this ritual on sight everyday. The other day I had a cold cup of iced coffee but it didn't matter the results were the same.\r\n\r\nDon't you wish everyone could learn so quickly? I wish children, adolescents, and adults could get the picture. Why do we all take so long?\r\n\r\nYou know the definition of \"insanity\"?  Doing the same things over and over but expecting different results!\r\n\r\nHow many times shall we repeat the same sins before learning we get the same bad results?\r\n\r\nAre we really that stupid and insane?\r\n\r\nI wish I could learn as quickly as our dog Precious. She is a very quick learner.",{"metadata":301,"sys":304,"fields":313},{"tags":302,"concepts":303},[],[],{"space":305,"id":307,"type":15,"createdAt":308,"updatedAt":308,"environment":309,"publishedVersion":46,"revision":46,"contentType":311,"locale":28},{"sys":306},{"type":11,"linkType":12,"id":13},"1u8q4ork8U26KmSGQ84s8E","2018-04-22T04:15:20.725Z",{"sys":310},{"id":20,"type":11,"linkType":21},{"sys":312},{"type":11,"linkType":26,"id":276},{"title":314,"path":315,"date":316,"body":317},"Man From Hell","172-man-from-hell","2012-05-28T00:00","We were visiting one of our favorite restaurants in Stockton recently.  As we entered the eatery a man sitting in the bushes was begging for money.  \r\n\r\nI didn't even respond to his jibberish.  Then I noticed as we were eating he kept circling the restaurant, approaching patrons, and trying to get money from them.  One family started to leave the restaurant and noticed him outside the door so they turned around and found a different exit so they wouldn't have to face him.  \r\n\r\nHe looked so old but moved so quickly up and down and back and forth seeking money even from those people in cars waiting in the drive-through lane.\r\n\r\nWhen we finished our delicious leisurely meal and went to our car, there he was again, approaching us as we were ready to pull away.  I rolled down the window and he held out his hands for money.\r\n\r\nHis hair was long and stringy and terribly unkempt.  His face was extra tan from living outside.  His shirt was unbuttoned and ready to fall off.  As he asked for money I said to him, \"Do you know what you need?\"  \r\n\r\nThen I said it again, \"Do you know what you need?\"  Immediately he started cursing Jesus' name.  His tongue was blue, vile, and vindictive against the name of Jesus.  He wouldn't stop.  He also began describing his evil sexual behavior inflaming the air with his filthy mouth.  He told me he was a Satanist and followed the Devil.  This changed everything!\r\n\r\nI asked him again, \"Do you know what you need?\"  He was unwilling to look me in the eye.  He was like a caged animal.  Making no sense he blurted out \"... and I wouldn't mind dying\".  \r\n\r\nThen I asked this man in bondage, \"What's your name?\"  I was going to pray for him right there on the spot.  I motioned for him to come closer to me.  Then he said the words I will never forget.\r\n\r\n\"My name is Hell as far as you are concerned\".  Then he walked away.\r\n\r\nPam and I cried out loud for Jesus to save that man.\r\n\r\nAs we drove away, he flashed vile immoral hand signals against us.\r\n\r\nWe were sick and silently stunned by this encounter.  This man was truly in the grip of the enemy himself. That night I woke up in the darkness thinking about the \"roaring lion\" pacing about seeking whom he may devour.  I also thought about the man of Gadera in the Bible who was wild and naked and no man could control even with chains.\r\n\r\nWe had a vile encounter with the wild man who could not listen to the name of Jesus.  He knew what I was going to say, and even before I spoke the name Jesus he tried to cut me off.\r\n\r\nI realized even more than ever before how great the spiritual battle and how powerful the enemy to control the lives of those who refuse the name of Jesus.\r\n\r\nI was not prepared for that spiritual attack from the wild man in Stockton.  Be on guard!  The enemy will surprise you.",{"metadata":319,"sys":322,"fields":331},{"tags":320,"concepts":321},[],[],{"space":323,"id":325,"type":15,"createdAt":326,"updatedAt":326,"environment":327,"publishedVersion":46,"revision":46,"contentType":329,"locale":28},{"sys":324},{"type":11,"linkType":12,"id":13},"3xVUPN17l66ekYyMEgImCU","2018-04-22T04:15:20.750Z",{"sys":328},{"id":20,"type":11,"linkType":21},{"sys":330},{"type":11,"linkType":26,"id":276},{"title":332,"path":333,"date":334,"body":335},"A Very Large Tattoo","171-a-very-large-tattoo","2012-05-15T00:00","We were on vacation. It was a  very beautiful day with soft breezes wafting by, great cloud formations, sun playing hide and seek and tropical temperatures. It was a special day at Hanalei Pier.\r\n\r\nSoon a young man came by playing with his little 3 year old daughter. I noticed on his back was a very large tattoo of a cross. It was displayed almost the entire length of his back and had Jesus on the cross.\r\n\r\nI was intrigued and wanted to ask \"Why?\"  But he was gone down the beach under the bridge where we were sitting. Maybe he will come back this way. \"I hope I see him again so I can ask my question.\"\r\n\r\nAbout 15 minutes later we saw him again coming this way. I waited for him to approach and went up him and engaged in a conversation.  I learned he was from San Diego and had a three year old daughter. They were looking to move to the islands and were checking out homes in the area.\r\n\r\nThen I got to the point. \"I admire your body art. Why did you choose a cross for your back?\"\r\n\r\nHis answer was direct and surprizing to me. It was very simple and meaningful.  What do you think he said?\r\n\r\nI will give you his unforgetable quote. \"Because I want Jesus to watch my back\"   So we talked about Jesus and his blessings to us and how everyone needs Him.\r\n\r\nHis answer reminded me of Psalm 139. King David said that God is always around us, in front of us, behind us, surrounding us and never leaves us. David continues in verses 5-6 \"where can I go from your spirit and where can I flee from your presence?\"\r\n\r\nThat young man not only had Jesus on his back but everywhere around him. This is so true of us.\r\n\r\nSo wherever you go today be aware and enjoy and fellowship with the one who is always there.\r\n",{"metadata":337,"sys":340,"fields":349},{"tags":338,"concepts":339},[],[],{"space":341,"id":343,"type":15,"createdAt":344,"updatedAt":344,"environment":345,"publishedVersion":46,"revision":46,"contentType":347,"locale":28},{"sys":342},{"type":11,"linkType":12,"id":13},"3u5wtLsd0QQWowkWwEIYAQ","2018-04-22T04:15:20.830Z",{"sys":346},{"id":20,"type":11,"linkType":21},{"sys":348},{"type":11,"linkType":26,"id":276},{"title":350,"path":351,"date":352,"body":353},"The Yellow Shopping Cart","170-the-yellow-shopping-cart","2012-04-17T00:00","It was owned by a local grocery store.  I tried putting it in the back of my Honda.  It was so heavy and huge.  It weighed more than anyone could have guessed.  I tried many different ways to fit it into the rear of the car.  \r\n\r\nIt was just too wide, too long, too tall.  \r\n\r\nAfter all my efforts and sweat and tears and total frustration, it finally squeezed in the car at an awkward angle and by pushing as hard as I could I moved it forward far enough to close the swinging rear door.\r\n\r\nA police officer probably would have arrested me.  \r\n\r\nA clerk no doubt would have reported this abhorrent incident to his manager.\r\n\r\nIf you would have noticed me driving down the street with this yellow heavy duty behemoth in the back of my Honda, you also would have questions about the thief or wierd man taking inappropriate action.\r\n\r\nNo doubt some other drivers saw my car with this suspicious cargo.  \"Who is that thief?\" \"Why is that man transporting a shopping cart? It doesn't belong to him.\"  \"What right does he have, abusing someone elses property?\" \"Homeless people steal carts, but he is not homeless.\" \"Something wierd is going on here.\"\r\n\r\nBefore knowing the truth it would be easy to decide, gossip, pass judgment, and write me off as another common thief. \r\n\r\nNow the message is obvious.\r\n\r\nBe careful about making statements or assuming answers without knowing the real facts.\r\n\r\nI myself have been guilty of pronouncing totally wrong judgments on perfectly innocent people.  Perhaps you would also own up to the same.\r\n\r\nGod reminds us \"Judge not lest you also be judged.\"  It is wrong and certainly not helpful to anyone.  Many times good reputations get smeared by unthinking people.\r\n\r\nSo truth be known about the yellow cart.  I was being a good Samaritan and returning a lost cart which I found on my Diablo Drive cul de sac.\r\n\r\nIt was an eyesore and I was tired of whining about it and wishing somebody else would take it back.\r\n\r\nWhat did you think I was doing with the cart?\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n",{"metadata":355,"sys":358,"fields":367},{"tags":356,"concepts":357},[],[],{"space":359,"id":361,"type":15,"createdAt":362,"updatedAt":362,"environment":363,"publishedVersion":46,"revision":46,"contentType":365,"locale":28},{"sys":360},{"type":11,"linkType":12,"id":13},"lkXRtfZvS8Iy6aGcesCuQ","2018-04-22T04:15:20.856Z",{"sys":364},{"id":20,"type":11,"linkType":21},{"sys":366},{"type":11,"linkType":26,"id":276},{"title":368,"path":369,"date":370,"body":371},"Excruciating","169-excruciating","2012-04-04T00:00","Sometimes we say, \"I bumped my head and it was excruciating\"-------NO not really!\r\n\r\nOr we will comment, \"Yesterday I tripped and sprained my ankle and it was excruciating\" --------NO not really!\r\n\r\nYou may hear, \"I hit my thumb recently with a hammer and it was excruciating\" ---------again, NO not really!\r\n\r\nEXCRUCIATING by definition truly means. \"PAIN THAT COMES OUT OF THE CROSS\". It is a Latin word and literally says  \"Out of the Cross\".  \r\n\r\nNow we all know where that word originated and to whom it referred.  People in ignorance are admitting that the worst of all pain comes from the death on the cross.\r\n\r\nJesus said, \"Greater love has no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friend\".  What a painful sacrifice He made for us. It was the most \"excruciating\" of all deaths possible.\r\n\r\nThe passion week is a week of great love ,sacrifice and resurrection all for us who do not deserve that kind of grace.\r\n\r\nMany years ago when I was 19 I received that great love from God into my life. It was transformative and it changed me forever. I could not resist God's love that forgave my stupid sins and restored my peace and sanity.\r\n\r\nI hope you are hearing me and saying I want that kind of love in my life and I need that kind of peace that passes all comprehension. I am tired of my guilt and wrong choices that defeat me. I am ready for a new life changing experience with the Savior who endured the \"excruciating\" suffering on the cross for me.\r\n\r\nThen if this is so for you,----- Today is your day of resurrection to a brand new way. Let Jesus love take over in your life. He will give you a gift you have never experienced before.\r\n\r\nFinally, here are the words of Jesus. \"I am the resurrection and the life, he who believes in me even though he dies will live\".  \r\n\r\nOK  \"BELIEVE AND YOU WILL LIVE\".",{"metadata":373,"sys":376,"fields":385},{"tags":374,"concepts":375},[],[],{"space":377,"id":379,"type":15,"createdAt":380,"updatedAt":380,"environment":381,"publishedVersion":46,"revision":46,"contentType":383,"locale":28},{"sys":378},{"type":11,"linkType":12,"id":13},"3PEYaODxy8Cwa4YuG2wQG2","2018-04-22T04:15:21.188Z",{"sys":382},{"id":20,"type":11,"linkType":21},{"sys":384},{"type":11,"linkType":26,"id":276},{"title":386,"path":387,"date":388,"body":389},"What To Do In A Crisis","168-what-to-do-in-a-crisis","2012-03-14T00:00","Everybody faces this on ocassion. It isn't fun and we don't like it. In fact we all hate it!\r\n\r\nIn the O.T. Elijah had a crisis and he got so depressed that he fled to a cave and just wanted to die.\r\nI think many of us feel that way when we feel overwhelmed.\r\n\r\nWhen the officer called me on the phone and said the name of my oldest son. I couldn't believe my ears. He said that he rolled his VW down a very steep embankment. I thought it was a movie, someone elses life and son. This happened many years ago but it is still very real in my ears. \r\n\r\nWhat do  you do in a crisis?\r\n\r\nIn the O.T. Jonah had a crisis and you know that he ran as far away as possible until the giant fish decided to use him for a meal. Then his crisis really got worse.\r\n\r\nIn the N.T. Jesus had a crisis in the Garden of Gethsemane and was arrested. Then the disciples had a crisis. They could argue vehemently or fight aggressively to save Jesus. They did neither. They ran and deserted the Lord. What do you do in a crisis?\r\n\r\nThere are so many examples of people in a crisis in the Bible. Some lie, some hide, some runaway, some pray, some act in faith, some run to the Lord.\r\n\r\nOur recent guest speaker who spoke to our church family  was a great example of what to do in a crisis.  He had one crisis after another as he grew up in a very difficult environment. \r\n\r\nAs a CHP officer he not long ago had his right leg amputated. It was a result of a crash in the police car in pursuit of an offender. He almost died as a result but God spared his life. Now he has a great story to tell about what to do in a crisis.\r\n\r\nIn summary his words are \"You can turn towards God or you can turn away from God\"  It is that simple.\r\n\r\nAny problem, difficulty, struggle can be faced in this manner. TURN TO GOD OR AWAY FROM HIM.\r\n\r\nNothing is too hard for God. He always wants us to bring our crisis to Him. Invites us to come to Him. He calls out for us to trust Him.\r\n\r\nHow do you handle a crisis?\r\n\r\nP.S.   My son in the VW accident was not injured at all. He walked away without a scratch.  Jesus was in the car with him that day.\r\n",{"metadata":391,"sys":394,"fields":403},{"tags":392,"concepts":393},[],[],{"space":395,"id":397,"type":15,"createdAt":398,"updatedAt":398,"environment":399,"publishedVersion":46,"revision":46,"contentType":401,"locale":28},{"sys":396},{"type":11,"linkType":12,"id":13},"7Jk74lP96gU4MYeEyWakeG","2018-04-22T04:15:20.871Z",{"sys":400},{"id":20,"type":11,"linkType":21},{"sys":402},{"type":11,"linkType":26,"id":276},{"title":404,"path":405,"date":406,"body":407},"Can't Change My World","167-cant-change-my-world","2012-03-02T00:00","I was amazed. Recently I was doing my morning jog (a routine I've followed for 30+ years).  I found a surprizing bit of \"chalk artistry\" along the way.\r\n\r\nIt was a beautifully drawn image of a bride. The art was exceptionally good considering all she had to work with,..... a stick of sidewalk chalk.\r\n\r\n The bride had a long flowing gown with a long train. Her face was detailed and wonderfully beautiful.\r\n\r\nAlong side the image was a saying \"emerald cut or oval cut..... diamonds are a girl's best friend\".\r\n\r\nI instantly knew someone had some very big dreams, perhaps just a few years away.\r\n\r\nNext I read another saying. It was in extra BOLD lettering. This is what I read;\"NOTHING IS GOING TO CHANGE MY WORLD\"\r\n\r\nThen I could imagine this young girl's special dreams....... \"he'll give me a diamond....we'll get married and live in a beautiful house....we'll be very happy...we''ll have a family\".... and so on and so on!!!!\r\n\r\n\"NOTHING IS GOING TO CHANGE MY WORLD\"  right?  Unfortunately dreams come crashing to the ground. People get heart broken. Life falls apart and promises are devastated.\r\n\r\nYoung people don't yet know about cliffs and valleys and explosions and firestorms of life.\r\n\r\nOh God I can't control my world, I can't avoid disappointments or even death in the family.\r\n\r\nPlease Lord get me through the valley of the shadow of loss, hurt, war, evil, hate and all the other losses of life.\r\n\r\nLord I'm putting you in charge of my world because it is out of my control.\r\n\r\nI wonder who the chalk artist really is and if she has anyone to help her learn this lesson and guide her through the heartaches to come.\r\n\r\nOh by the way, the next day when I ran past the sayings on the sidewalk they were gone. The evening rain had washed them all away. Her dreams were gone.\r\n\r\n",{"metadata":409,"sys":412,"fields":421},{"tags":410,"concepts":411},[],[],{"space":413,"id":415,"type":15,"createdAt":416,"updatedAt":416,"environment":417,"publishedVersion":46,"revision":46,"contentType":419,"locale":28},{"sys":414},{"type":11,"linkType":12,"id":13},"4NnegEMFjiAYGgMc4eUgU0","2018-04-22T04:15:21.723Z",{"sys":418},{"id":20,"type":11,"linkType":21},{"sys":420},{"type":11,"linkType":26,"id":276},{"title":422,"path":423,"date":424,"body":425},"Stump Beach","166-stump-beach","2012-02-05T00:00","Pam and I had a brief weekend getaway to celebrate Valentine's Day a little early.  We went to Stump Beach on the Somoma Coast about 20 miles north of Bodega Bay.\r\n\r\nThis was another exceptionally warm winter day of about 61 degrees with no wind and no clouds in the sky. We took a blanket and enjoyed the sun and even got a little sunburn. It was a great time to relax and enjoy God's beautiful creation.\r\n\r\nThis was a favorite beach we had visited over 10 years ago when we lived in Petaluma. On our first trip to the beach we saw it was littered with tree stumps of all shapes and sizes. It was a natural to name it appropriately \"Stump Beach State Park\". There were 100's of stumps everywhere.\r\n\r\nThey were not just scattered around on top of the sand but rooted deeply in the sand and rocks. At one time they were growing as part of the landscape. BUT NOT ANYMORE ! !\r\n\r\nThey need to rename the beach \"NO STUMP BEACH\".  We could not find even a remnant of a stump.  Walking down the hill to \"NO STUMP BEACH\" we could not believe our eyes. \"Where did they go?\" \"What happened to all the tree stumps?\" \"When did this catastrophic storm wipe the beach clean?\"\r\n\r\nPam and I taked about this for quite some time. The name still stands as Stump Beach State Park but what will first time visitors think? They will be shocked if they expect to see any stumps at all.  \r\n\r\nI suspect they will come up with a new name \"NO STUMP BEACH\" The beach had a seascape transformation ! !\r\n\r\nLike people whose lives are littered with the stumps of problems, addictions, and more, the storms of life can be theraputic. A great massive storm can clean the beach of all debris.\r\n\r\nWhen a person cries out to God in a crisis the evil stumps of corruption get uprooted and the life transformed. After that\" Stump Beach\" gets a new name.    Do you have a new name?\r\n\r\nI hope you are living a \"NO STUMP LIFE\".  If not, a massive storm could quickly solve that problem, but please don't wait for a tsunami. \r\n\r\nTake your stumps to the Lord before the storm.  A \"NO STUMP LIFE\" can be and is a very beautiful life.\r\n\r\n",{"metadata":427,"sys":430,"fields":439},{"tags":428,"concepts":429},[],[],{"space":431,"id":433,"type":15,"createdAt":434,"updatedAt":434,"environment":435,"publishedVersion":46,"revision":46,"contentType":437,"locale":28},{"sys":432},{"type":11,"linkType":12,"id":13},"2gBYVj70hG2ce8GuWeiA4Q","2018-04-22T04:15:21.701Z",{"sys":436},{"id":20,"type":11,"linkType":21},{"sys":438},{"type":11,"linkType":26,"id":276},{"title":440,"path":441,"date":442,"body":443},"The Biggest Ever","165-the-biggest-ever","2012-01-27T00:00","It is really true. The elephant seals are the biggest ever. We saw them at Ano Nuevo State Beach near Half Moon Bay recently.\r\n\r\nIt was a beautiful day with no wind or fog. It was all sunshine and clear skies with about 60+ degrees and this was on Jan. 25th in the middle of winter. Hard to believe for the coast.\r\n\r\nAlso surprizing was our first glimpse of these giants of the sea. The largest bulls can weighin at 5000 pounds!! And yes the nose looks just like an elephants nose only not quite as long. When you see them however they can measure about 2 feet in length. The females like the bulls with the longest protuberance as possible. \r\n\r\nOur docent told us that day we would see about 2000 animals on the beach. And yes we saw lots of bulls with their harems and the babies called pups.\r\n\r\nFunniest thing these seals reminded me of people.\r\n\r\nThey were over populated, living on top of each other, all crowded together in one area, just like people. They were also rude, crude, noisy, aggressive, and strutting around like they were important, just like people. The bulls were oh so ready to fight for their territory, just like people.\r\n\r\nIt was not windy that day but we were told that they smelled to high heaven and you wouldn't want to be down wind of them, just like some people.\r\n\r\nWe saw plenty of \"seal people\" on the beach that day, especially the ones that couldn't keep their nose out of others business. Some were proud of their proboscus and didn't mind showing it off and shoving it wherever they went, just like some people.\r\n\r\nNow I don't believe in evolution but these elephant seals made me wonder.\r\n\r\n We also took note that it was important to stay out of their way or get run over or trampled-- hmm--- just like some people.\r\n\r\nAfter that day I'm really trying to keep my nose clean and out of the way.",1780787203315]