Focusing on the Eternal

This past weekend I was reading 2 Peter and a verse seemed to jump out to me. "But those who fail to develop in this way are shortsighted or blind, forgetting that they have been cleansed from their old sins."(2 Peter 1:9) It was the forgetting part that got to me. I think that is what happens to so many of our members. They have forgotten that they are forgiven. That they are righteous. Peter goes on to talk about how when we don't build upon our faith we forget and get caught in 'corruption' and become slaves to it. The bondage that our members find themselves in is intense.

My passion for the PARC is always there. As we have been building and are in such a big transition, I have gotten caught up in so many issues, details and decisions. But I have decided to not be stressed about "stuff" anymore (I'm getting better). Those things are not eternal. But THIS. This is eternal. This is what we focus on and we will continue to do so. We are solely here to help them to remember. To remember who they are, how valuable God has created them to be. To remember that they are 'cleansed from their old sins.'

We do that over and over every day. We do it through respect, acceptance, and no judgement.  But it is mostly attained through love. God has expanded our hearts to love them. To love no matter what, because "Love covers a multitude of sins." (1 Peter 4:8) I must never forget. We must never forget that this is the main thing. 

Am I thrilled about our big, beautiful building? You bet I am. Do I wish that we had more 'stuff' to go into our new place and more money to pay for it? You bet that I do. Is it hard because we are short staffed? It sure is. BUT through all of this we will continue to focus on what is eternal, because when it is all said and done, that is truly all that matters.

I know many of you are interested in being a part as we prepare to move into our new space. We really do have so many needs and are currently working on a "wish list" of those needs. Some individuals have donated our refrigerators and dishwasher, and we have had several other good friends ask how they can help. We have so many growing needs as we prepare to move. We hope to have that list out the first of next week. I will send it out via this newsletter and also be on the lookout on social media and our website. Thank you to all of you for your generosity and all you have done to even make this possible.