t is always a challenge to be real with the Lord. Our daily lives and the routine we fall into can sometimes be our worst enemy. We can be too busy to notice things we ought to address or we are so worn down by the pressures of simply living our lives that we don't have the energy or desire to find out and do what God has in store for us. Rest assured that The Father knows everything in our path and that if we would include Him in it we would be better off. If we were willing He would even show us a better way to live and face what is before us. That is, if we were willing.

Last Sunday at Hillside Christian Church we looked at some strong teaching James gave in his little book. In the first chapter, he advises that those of us who hear God's Word and don't follow it are like someone who looks in a mirror, sees himself, and then immediately forgets what he looks like. The truth was there but we didn't see or heed it. It therefore does no good. James encourages his readers and us as well to not be hearers only but to be doers of God's will. God's love for us and His desire to care for us haven't changed. The problem is that we can't benefit from all He has unless we are willing to receive it. We must remember what we saw in the mirror of His Word and be honest about. This may mean we have to change what we're comfortable with. Many people are living in distress because they ignored God's advice and are now paying the price. There is no better time to start living by the Creator's plan than now. It's never too late. We simply have to approach Jesus while being completely honest and willing to do what He says. We have to be doers of His Word and not just those who hear.

After some initial foundation work, the next stage of construction on our education space expansion should begin soon. It is exciting to see what has happened and we are looking forward seeing more concrete and steel take shape on the south end of the building. It will be marvelous to have the additional room for youth activities and Bible classes. God has blessed us at Hillside and we praise Him for it.

Many in our community are preparing for school to start in a few days. We want our children to have the best education possible and will make plans and spend money to make it happen. We know it is vital for them to be equipped to live productive, gratifying lives. The critical question for families is even bigger. Are we equipping them to live victoriously and will their lives lead them to the right eternity? It takes more than school, and we offer it with love at Hillside.