Perspective

This morning, I woke up early, had my coffee, read & prayed a bit, spent 55 minutes in a Spin class with some amazing athletes at Fitness Works, did my 200 sit ups, came home to shower, shave and get ready for an office day at the fellowship. I’m in my home office right now, waiting for Tami P. to finish her morning rituals and trying to make sense of my emotions. You see, a buddy of mine - not one that I talked with daily, not one I’d even call on occasion - a buddy that I had a kindred spirit with & know if we lived in close proximity, we’d be pals. Well, let me give you a brief synopsis:

A few years back, our friend Yvette introduced me to her finance named Steve. Steve and I immediately hit it off -you know, the proverbial teasing and laughing that guys do so well; Steve was a dude: fun, good looking, witty & in love with Jesus (and Yvette). Yvette, on the other hand: quiet, astute, mature, beautiful- you know the type: class with elegance! These two were meant for each other, no question about it. As you might have guessed, Steve and Yvette gave me the absolute honor of taking them through premarital counseling culminating with Pastoring them on December 16, 2006 in a beautiful, God honoring, Jesus focused wedding (in fact, to this day, one of my favorite weddings I’ve been privileged to be a part of…)!

Steve and Yvette decided to move from sunny Southern California to North Carolina & begin their family. The Lord blessed them with a great house, an amazing new fellowship and - are you ready - a wonderful baby girl named Taylor. Life couldn’t be better for the Pietarila’s.

And then…Steve’s physical aliments came back and they came back with resolve. When Steve was younger, he survived a bout with cancer, overcame serious heart conditions and many, manyother medical complications. For the past year or so, Steve has been fighting the reoccurence of these issues, fighting with an amazing, God-focused attitude! Prayers have been offered all over the place, 24 hour vigils were formulated asking the Great Physician to heal our dear friend, many phone calls, emails and notes of encouragement were even rushed toNorth Carolina. And then…on May 9th, last Saturday night, the Lord Jesus said, “Steve, come home!” And, Steve was ushered into his eternal home, theplace that eye has not seen,ear has not heard, nor has it entered into the heart of manhow greatand awesome are the things the Lord has promised toHis own.

You know, I’ve been around death and tragedy for close to nineteen years serving as a Pastor, you would think I could just say, “The Lord’swill be done!” Which I do, seriously; however, Steve’s passing has touched me deep. I’m not sure why? I know he’s ina better place - a place with no more pain, tears, hurts, etc. Yet, I feel a sense of loss, the loss of a great man this side of eternity. I know, I can hear you…this side of eternity, us earth dwellers, is a but a speck of eternity - ya, I understand that. Yet, I’m a tad sad - maybe because Taylor won’t know her daddy except through the eyes of Yvette and Steve’s circle of family & friends. Sad because Yvette only had two and half years with this precious man. Sad…because?

You know, sadness will turn to gladness, tears to cheers and yes, joy will return for sure. In fact, last night’s email from Yvette totally blessed me. Let me quote a tad of it, “We are all soooo much richer for having Steve in our lives. His impact lives on in tons of us…”

“Lord, thank you for Steve! What a blessing he was to so many on this earth; Steve represented You well and I’m sure You’ve already told him how proud You are! Father, bring comfort as only You can. Surround Yvette, Taylor and all those who love Steve with an amazing presence of Your love! Bless You Father, Praise You Jesus and Holy Spirit Thank You for being with us!”

Vacation Bible School!

July 30- Aug 1st

4pm-6pm in Del Mar park, Morro Bay

An All-New Holy Land Adventure
Rome immerses learners of all ages in Bible-times culture, helping kids and adults explore what it might have been like to live as the church was just beginning. Families will experience new traditions, taste new foods, try new arts and crafts projects, and discover that God’s love is the most powerful gift, saving us from our sins.
The Apostle Paul is your Bible teacher!

Each day your kids will visit Paul’s home, soaking in Scripture as Paul shares what he’s writing and applies it to kids’ experiences. To hear from Paul, chained to a Roman guard…it’s memorable learning—and powerful

We are so excited to see how God is going to bless our children through this outreach. Come and be a part of what God is doing and bring a friend!

You can sign up to volunteer or register your children by logging online to

http://www.groupvbs.com/webtoybox/myvbs/rhcf

Also feel free to call RHCF 805-772-7365

Blessings!
Brandie Bledsaw
Children’s director RHCF