Today we read “Whoever You Are”, by Mem Fox and illustrated by Leslie Staub. We sing “Jesus Loves Me”, and “Open My Heart”.
Please send your requests and suggestions for songs and stories and any questions or comments to richie.anderson@alvinwestsidechurch.com.
Westside Church of Christ:
http://alvinwestsidechurch.com/
https://www.facebook.com/WestsideChurchofChristAlvinTX
http://www.youtube.com/WestsideChurchofChrist
Today we read All the Colors of the Earth”, by Sheila Hamanaka. We sing “Jesus Loves the Little Children”, and “Break My Heart”.
Please send your requests and suggestions for songs and stories and any questions or comments to richie.anderson@alvinwestsidechurch.com.
Westside Church of Christ:
http://alvinwestsidechurch.com/
https://www.facebook.com/WestsideChurchofChristAlvinTX
http://www.youtube.com/WestsideChurchofChrist
If you haven’t noticed, there is a lot happening in our world today. This year (2020) has been a doozie so far, hasn’t it?! Corona Virus has had us shut up in our houses for weeks, a man named George Floyd was murdered by a police officer, rioting and looting have been going on all across the country…
I promise, this blog isn’t trying to depress you or be political. One thing I know for a fact is that YOU have a friend – whether or not they live next door, across town, across the country, or they’re virtual friends on social media – who has been affected in some way by 2020’s disasters. Maybe they or one of their family members has had COVID-19, and maybe they have been hospitalized or their family members have died. Maybe your friend is a person of color and they feel deeply impacted by the incident in Minneapolis and the resulting violent and destructive actions of a few people. Maybe you aren’t affected by these events, but you don’t to look far to find someone who has been.
Now, I’m not asking you to agree with me or with your friends. But I am asking you to have some empathy, compassion, and love toward them. Just show up for them! You don’t need to fix them, or say profound words or make a profound Facebook post. Just let them know you’re there.
Job went through a terrible loss. He lost all of his children and all of his possessions. He was known to be a very, very good man. In Job 2:11-13. his friends hear about his loss and they go to him. They see his suffering and cry for and with him. Then in verse 13, “… they sat with him on the ground seven days and seven nights, and no one spoke a word to him, for they saw that his suffering was very great.” They didn’t say anything! They just sat in silence with Job for a week!
They did eventually open their mouths and talk. That is where they messed up.
“Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.” Romans 12:15
Just show up, and shut up.
Today we read “Papa, Please Get the Moon for Me”, by Eric Carle. We sing “Seek Ye First”.
Please send your requests and suggestions for songs and stories and any questions or comments to richie.anderson@alvinwestsidechurch.com.
Westside Church of Christ:
http://alvinwestsidechurch.com/
https://www.facebook.com/WestsideChurchofChristAlvinTX
http://www.youtube.com/WestsideChurchofChrist
Today we read “The Bravest Worrier”, by Angelique Monet . We sing “He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands”.
Please send your requests and suggestions for songs and stories and any questions or comments to richie.anderson@alvinwestsidechurch.com.
Westside Church of Christ:
http://alvinwestsidechurch.com/
https://www.facebook.com/WestsideChurchofChristAlvinTX
http://www.youtube.com/WestsideChurchofChrist
Today we read “The Squire and the Scroll”, by Jennie Bishop and paintings by Preston McDaniels. We sing “This Little Light of Mine” and “Thy Word”.
Please send your requests and suggestions for songs and stories and any questions or comments to richie.anderson@alvinwestsidechurch.com.
Westside Church of Christ:
http://alvinwestsidechurch.com/
https://www.facebook.com/WestsideChurchofChristAlvinTX
http://www.youtube.com/WestsideChurchofChrist
Actually, today isn’t “Richie Reads”, it’s “Lilly Reads”. Lilly is from one of our families at Westside Church of Christ, and she did a great job! Thank you Lilly.
Today we read “Lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse”, by Kevin Henkes. We sing “I’ve got the Joy”.
Please send your requests and suggestions for songs and stories and any questions or comments to richie.anderson@alvinwestsidechurch.com.
Westside Church of Christ:
http://alvinwestsidechurch.com/
https://www.facebook.com/WestsideChurchofChristAlvinTX
http://www.youtube.com/WestsideChurchofChrist
Richie:
https://richieanderson.net/
https://www.facebook.com/richie.anderson.9862/
Today we read “If Jesus Came to Visit Me”, by Jill Roman Lord and illustrated by Renee Graef. We sing “Jesus Loves Me” and “We Will Glorify”.
Please send your requests and suggestions for songs and stories and any questions or comments to richie.anderson@alvinwestsidechurch.com.
Westside Church of Christ:
http://alvinwestsidechurch.com/
https://www.facebook.com/WestsideChurchofChristAlvinTX
http://www.youtube.com/WestsideChurchofChrist
Richie:
https://richieanderson.net/
https://www.facebook.com/richie.anderson.9862/
Since our congregation hasn’t been able to meet because of the social distancing suggestions, we have been recording and posting our worship services on YouTube. I also started recording videos for our kiddos who aren’t able to go to their Bible classes. We’ll sing a song or two, read a story, make a very light application, and close with a prayer. Each video has gotten better as I learn more about videography, I may have taken a step backwards once or twice, but forward mostly.
I hope these are useful for you and your families in these strange times of social distancing, and I pray you all stay healthy.
Have you even been so busy that you just don’t know what do next? Maybe you have so much to do on your list, you just shutdown and don’t do any of it. Ever felt overwhelmed? Anxious? Can’t catch your breath? You know, other things…
I have, and I’m feeling that right now. When I teach my youth group or preach I often remind people that everything I teach is something that I need to hear or has been on my heart. This blog is no different. The burdens for me right now are: school, big events for the church and youth group, health insurance (I’m getting out of the Air Force and Tricare is going away), our vehicles need some work, and a few other more private matters.
Here are some scriptures that I have been thinking on and praying about today.
Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. (Hebrews 12:1-2)
Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. (Matthew 11:28-30)
do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7)
Cast your burden on the LORD, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved. (Psalms 55:22)
fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. (Isaiah 41:10)
And this song:
What are burdens you are carrying today? I’ll be happy to pray for you and I’d appreciate your prayers for me.
RICHIEANDERSON.NET 