Tip of the Day 5/24/12

Contrary to popular belief, rules were not meant to be broken. Engineers study so that they can make recommendations for the maximum weight a bridge can hold or the height of a truck to go through an underpass. I trust their wisdom. What does this have to do with our beach tips this week? Lifeguards instructions and rules established for the beach are not just arbitrarily decided on to spoil your fun. When the warning flags for an undertow are ignored people drown. One of the saddest news reports we hear every summer is a teen that decided they were invincible and drowned because they jumped off the pier. This summer strive to make everyones beach experience safe and enjoyable by obeying the signs and warnings. From something as serious as the undertow warning to the sign that says, "no dogs on the beach," set a good example and have a safe experience.

Word for Today, Helper: All of us have areas in our life where we could use an extra set of hands. There are tasks that are sometimes too difficult to handle or we don't understand how to accomplish it. So, we look for someone with the strength or wisdom to help us. Over the past decade Google has become a "helper" for many of our questions. Just type in the problem and you will get dozens of answers. But what about those times when life is so overwhelming you don't even know the question to ask. Well, Google has you covered, just start typing and it will suggest questions, filling in the blanks for you. Isn't it great to know "someone" out there has your back. It is a little scary when you think about it. A fellow pastors wife once told a story that made a huge impression on me. She had imagined a conversation between God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. God the Father said He wanted to create man to have fellowship with Him, The Son said since many would reject that fellowship and gift of love He would be willing to die for man to be restored to a relationship with the Father, and the Spirit said those that did accept the relationship would need someone to help them here on earth so He would volunteer to live inside them and teach and guide them. This picture of compassion and love has always amazed me. Not only did God want me to exist, but Jesus volunteered to give up His life for me, and the Holy Spirit volunteered to help me live a life I couldn't live on my own. When I need help, I don't have to depend on Google for the answers, the Spirit knows what I need before I do. "The Helper, the Holy Spirit." "Having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise." "The Spirit helps in our weaknesses."