I don’t often feel like I am drowning. Even though I carry a busy schedule I am usually able to get done what needs to get done. But with the addition of twins and some other events that have taken place in our family, I have quickly found myself a bit overwhelmed by the flood. I am finding that I don’t have enough hours in my day to accomplish the things I need to get done. I am also finding myself forgetting to do things I need to do.

It is a feeling of frustration that comes over you. As I drove home close to 11pm last night, I found myself angry and upset knowing that I would not get a good nights sleep. There would be babies to feed and I would need to be up early for my 6:45am Bible Study. I was finding the joy zapped right out of me. Arriving in the office this morning, I spent much of the time answering the phone. Frustrated again, I threw my game plan for the day out the window. I was drowning.

Do you want to know what the problem was in all this? It was nothing I described in the above. The problem is what was missing. Where was God in all this? Had I taken the time to ask what he had to say about all that was going on? The answer is no!

When life gets hard, it means the harder you need to listen to God. At lunch today, I made sure to spend some time with HIM. Did it make everything better? The answer is no. But the time with him sure changed my attitude about the things that were happening. I rediscovered the joy that only Jesus could give. If you are feeling overwhelmed, as yourself if you have allowed God to give you his input.

Just a reminder we are just over a week away from the ONE service at Lord of Life. On Labor Day weekend, Sunday, September 5 we will not be divided between 8:30 and 10am people. One worship at 9:15am. I am sure the house will rock.

Also, Awana and Morph are just around the corner. They will start on September 8. To find out more information or to register your kids for Awana, visit the LOL homepage at lolchurch.net.

Finally, I will be teaching a new Bible Class called See Through the Scriptures starting on September 15 and 16. There are three opportunities to participate in this class. Classes will be at 6:30pm on Wednesday in the Youth Room downstairs, 6:45am on Thursdays at Papa G’s Restuarant in Elburn, and at 9:30am on Thursday in the large conference room in the church offices. Over the course of several weeks we will look at the story of Scripture from Genesis to Revelation. The goal will be that at the end of the class you will have a good understanding of what the Bible is all about. Whether you are opening the Bible for the first time or you have read it many times through, there will be something for you in this class. The cost of the class is $20. If you would like more info or would like to sign up, just email me at pressler@lolchurch.net.

Have a great week.

I write this weekly email from Delnor Hospital. I am waiting for my mother-in-law to return from surgery after breaking her hip from a fall on Wednesday night. At the same time my wife is in the New Life Maternity section of the hospital having some tests and preparing for the delivery of our twins next Tuesday.

We appreciate all your prayers. There has been an incredible outpouring of love and support. We have had more offers for help than we could ever possibly take advantage of. We are so blessed by all of you.

One thing is for certain – there are some big changes ahead for the Ressler household. We have some new challenges ahead of us. But we trust in God’s promises and know he holds the future in his hands. There is no reason to worry. Jesus told us in the Sermon on the Mount that worrying does us no good. We can’t add a single hour to our lIfe by doing so. God tells us to let him take care of the worrying. Although we know God doesn’t worry.

I recently learned a new word. This word is catharsis. Actually it is not a new word for me but maybe the first time I have pondered this word. Catharsis is defined as the process of releasing, and thereby providing relief from, strong or repressed emotions.

We have all had such moments. These moments are a spark. Something changes. We see the world and the people around us in a new way. We have a renewed sense of urgency for the mission of God in this world.

When life pushes in from all corners God uses it as a way of refining us to use us in an even greater way. I have often talked with people who have gone through a difficult time of struggle, but during that time of stubble they pressed in on the Lord in prayer like never before. As a result they connected with God in a way like never before and grew a deeper intimacy with him that could never be taken away.

The challenge for us is to see the obstacles before us as God sees them. We may see them as obstacles, but God sees them as opportunities. What challenges are you facing that are actually opportunities for God to mold you into an incredible testimony of his grace?