One of my goals this summer is to read through the book of Psalms. This morning I began reading Ps. 119. I had planned to take a day to read that chapter. (It is going to take two days.) Verses 9-16 jumped out at me as I read them. Words like keep, seek, declare, stored, delight, and meditate indicate what we are to be doing with His Word. In verse 13, the word “declare” (all the rules of your mouth) is used. When I think about this word, it implies that the rules spoken have already internalized. They are not just read with a loud voice, but because they have been internalized, emotion, understanding, and personality bring to life, put energy and verve into each of the rules.

Equally, I like the word “delight” as it is used in vs 14 and 16. The raspberries are coming in now at our patch. I love, dare I say delight in eating raspberries. As you eat one, the sweet/tart juice squirts in your mouth leaving you with the desire to eat another, and another, and another. The psalmist is testifying that he and we should have the same that same intense love and innocent joy when we read and apply His Word.

You should have already received an email from Mrs. Rosenow/VCS Office about the turnout and work accomplished at the “Spruce up the Place” event that took place late yesterday afternoon at the church and school. Again, thanks to all who participated. A big shout out to Mrs. Rosenow for organizing the VCS side of the event. She had big ideas and many of them were realized. There are still some projects in process, especially painting. If you want to help to complete them, contact her at the school.

One of the things that struck me as a worked and observed at yesterday’s “spruce up,” was the community that was exercised and built. At the event some of our new parents joined in the fun and on many occasions, I heard, “Hi, I am so and so…” In other situations, there were friends or parents and children working together to accomplish the task. New connects were made and old ones reinforced. Not to over spiritualize this, but 1 Th 4:9-12 speaks this.

The VCS School board did interview four candidates at their Tuesday meeting for the open positions at VCS for the coming school year. As of this writing, one of the four has accepted the invitation to be a part of the team (MS English/Math) and one has withdrawn from further consideration. Continue to pray for the remaining open positions: MS/HS – Science, Math, History, K-12 PE, and 3 rd Gr. Pray! (First day of school a little over four weeks away.)

Also, we could use some additional substitute teachers for the coming year. It is inevitable that there will be times where a sub-teacher is needed. My goal is to not have to sub in the coming year, so that I can provide full support for our staff.

The fundraising committee is still seeking 2-3 additional members for the committee beginning with the new school year.

The next regularly scheduled VCS Board meeting will be on August 2nd . (Can you believe it? August already.) If you have any topics for discussion, please get them to me by Monday, 7/25, 9am, so that I can get them on the agenda. Also, if you could get them (topics) in a QIO form (with a plausible solution, if needed) that way I can forward it to them, so that they can prepare.

The school board is seeking 1-3 more members to be on the team, one with specific gifting in note taking/communication. (Good news, the school board will be interviewing two individuals at their next meeting!)

Remember the dates 8/18 – Welcome Back Night/Fall Corporate meeting, and 8/22 – First Day of School!

Pressing forward for His glory,
Ron