Chocolate companies must love February. Thanks to Valentine's Day, it’s chocolate, chocolate everywhere! Boxes of chocolate in all the stores, chocolate on TV promising to be the best way to express your love, chocolate girl scout cookies—it’s everywhere! You can even buy chocolate mints. I admit it- I love chocolate too, and I often turn to it for a quick sweet snack.
Read MoreWe think about the future when the new year rolls around… its normal. An old year has ended; a new one begins. Every ending is also a beginning. Think about it… the start of a new year represents a chance for fresh starts and positive change. It's a time to reflect on the past year, set goals for the future, and embrace change.
Read MoreFor an older man, I have a pretty good long-term memory, I guess. I can’t remember what I had for breakfast yesterday, but I have sharp, clear memories of my childhood - especially around Christmas. I was blessed to be born into a family with parents who were brand-new, vibrant followers of Jesus.
Read MoreI remember reading in Our Daily Bread years ago about the different thanksgiving celebrations around the world. Many countries have one like ours, with some variations. Maybe it all started with Moses, when God told him to hold a “harvest festival” for His people.
Read MoreYou probably saw the ‘happiest country’ statistics that came out a few months ago for 2024. Finland is #1- for the 7th year in a row! Followed by Denmark, Iceland, Sweden and Israel. Denmark is even the home of “The Happiness Museum.” USA is #15th to 23rd…maybe it’s the election tension! Who knows. We do know that many nations are ‘happier’ than us. Maybe Sacramento is happier than other big cities. Dunno.
Read MoreAre you a good decision maker? Do you have a process to evaluate both sides of a choice? Some decisions are easier- like what color shirt to wear or what’s for dinner. But choosing a marriage partner, home purchase, or end-of-life decisions are not easy. These choices can impact many people, not just you.
Read MoreThere are times when all of us - including me! - feel inadequate. Maybe it’s from feeling overwhelmed, or indecision, or a sour relationship - or just the heat! Paul could relate. He says that Jesus told him, “My strength is made perfect in weakness.” 2 Corinthians 12:9.
Read MoreHi, I’m Pastor Mark, the new Interim Pastor at CCC. As you know, Mothers Day is coming in just a few days. My mom had a huge impact on my life, in every way. We can look back and see the impact of moms on great people down through history. Proverbs 31 describes such a mom.
Read MoreHello and greetings from Pastor Mark and Carol! We are excited to begin our work with you as interim pastor starting April 1. We have prayed for you since we heard of this opportunity, and I believe good things are ahead for CCC.
Read MoreDue to my health struggles, I have made the difficult decision to end my role as the part time interim pastor. This coming Sunday, February 25, will be my last in person Sunday worship service.
Read MoreOne Christmas gift we would all be blessed to receive is peace. Peace in our homes, our nation, our world. Many think of peace as the mere absence of external conflict and strife.
Read MoreWe live in a culture that seems obsessed with change. Everything is advertised as “new and improved.” Companies change their names (Comcast to Xfinity, Facebook to META, etc.). Obviously changes for the better are welcomed by all.
Read MoreFor those who heard my sermon in person or later online from Sunday, Sept 3, 2023, please accept my sincere apology for something I shared in that sermon.
Read MoreSpringtime is all about new life. Flowers blooming, trees budding, nature coming alive again after the deadness of winter. Easter is also about new life. Jesus Christ rose from the dead after dying on the Cross for all of our sin.
Read MoreMonday, January 16, 2023 is Martin Luther King Jr. Day. I appreciate the truth of one of his most well known quotes that we should judge based on the content of our character rather than the color of our skin.
Read MoreMy 2014 Ford Focus hatchback currently has about 92,000 miles on it and is in relatively good condition. It is an automatic, four-door hatchback, good a/c, and relatively new tires.
Read MoreYears ago God helped me come up with a simple stewardship approach: "Save More To Give More!" Many of us like to save money via bargain hunting and other means (hopefully legal!).
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