Washakie County Fair!

It's so hard to believe that it is time for the Washakie County Fair again! The weather is hot. It's summer time. I guess that's the sign that it's happening here in Worland again.

My sons are walking their 4-H projects (goats and lambs). Sandra is busily assisting my sons as they get their animals all show clipped and polished. I don't know how my wife does it all .....what a support....especially when I'm at work. However, there is so much more that needs to get done. Sometimes there's just not enough time in a day.

There are many kids in our community that are hard at work in their preparation for this big event. I truly hope that each and every one of you will go and support our kids as they present their 4-H and FFA projects for this worthwhile event that we call the Washakie County Fair. It truly teaches responsibility and sportsmanship. If you get the opportunity, go out and support them at their event shows. The Garzas would love to see you there...especially mid-week, next week.

I Love the Fall! Can't Wait Until It's Here!

You know...I love the way that the Lord created the seasons! It is amazing how the changes happen in each one of them...the weather, temperature, plants, animal migrations, etc. I like the summer time, don't get me wrong, but my favorite time of the year is the FALL! Especially in Worland, Wyoming! Here is a list of things that I love about my favorite season....and I can't wait until it gets here!:

1) Football Season! NFL, College Football, High School Football, Middle School Football, and now Youth Rec. League (Full Contact) Football!

2) Fantasy Football League!

3) My kids excited about school getting started.

4) Getting to meet my kids' new teachers.

5) Student Ministries kickoff!

6) Sweatshirt and jacket weather!

7) Hayrides!

8) Harvest and harvest festivals....especially the get together playing music at my in-laws' ranch! Good food! Good friends! Good music! Good times! Thanksgiving being around the corner......mmmmm pumkin pie!

9) Surprise early snow!...especially in October!

10) Getting a preview of the Christmas music that will be in the Christmas Eve event at 1st Baptist!

11) MLB Baseball playoffs and the World Series!

12) Sitting and goofing around a fire on a chilly evening!

13) Bundling up and watching Worland Warrior Football on Friday nights!

14) Hot Chocolate!

15) Saving money on cooling bills, but not really using the heater too much yet.

16) The changing of the leaves....not having to mow the lawn....not really having to shovel snow yet either.

17) People returning from summer vacations...and packing out the church!

18) I could go on and on!

Lord, thank you for the seasons! I love what You do with summers, but I can't wait to see the next FALL! Until then....it's okay to dream about it right?

Rocks Springs Student Ministries Mission!

Well, the Student Ministries Team is on the road again. This time they are on their way to Rock Springs, Wyoming to help a congregation build a church in that community. Led by Jess Rollema, our Student Ministries Pastor, the team is on the road as I'm writing this. They have a wonderful opportunity to not only build this church building, but to also minister to others in the community about the Lord Jesus Christ.

I am excited that my oldest son, Caleb, is also a part of this team. He and Marshall Blom were excited to take their guitars and worship music from our church files to lead worship while on this missions trip. I am very proud of these guys for taking the initiative to want to worship with the rest of the team during their week.

The rest of First "B" was blessed by a spaghetti lunch fund raiser for this mission trip, today after worship. The kids did a great job of serving the congregation with the leadership of Pastor Jess Rollema. Pastor Shaun and Jodi did a wonderful job cooking and serving up the hot and delicious meal. I was also impressed with how we all were able to lend a helping hand with the clean-up afterward. It was just a great time of fun, fellowship, and a great cause to raise money for the this important trip to Rock Springs.

Please pray for our youth leaders and kids as they spend this entire week with this project, working for the Lord. I have a feeling lives will be changes on this mission trip. Give all of the glory to the Lord Jesus Christ!

Gotta Get Rid of the Clutter!

Have you ever looked in the storage areas in your home and realize, "You just don't need all of this junk!" Sandra and I are trying to get ready for a big yard sale. We have so much stuff that we need to get rid of: toys, tools, clothes, odds-and-ins, etc. I am amazed at all the accumulation over the years.

After thinking about the clutter in our storage spaces, I thought to myself, "Is there any clutter in my life that doesn't allow even more time to spend in reading God's word?" I am really praying that I can MAKE more time to spend in God's word. Oh...I'm reading it....but I just need to "feast" on it some more!

Christians....let's challenge one another to get rid of the clutter...push it away...and make more time for diving into God's word. Let's read His word and worship!

Great start!

Lamentations 3:22-23

"Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness."

I thank God for these words that I found on the Daily Bible Verse today. The last couple of days, Sandra and I have been struggling with sickness, lack of sleep because of it, and just wanting to feel better! Poor Sandra is having a horrible time getting rid of her cough, and I am now getting my strength back after a bout with heat stroke. With these struggles I was really concerned about being in front of my class at school and being able to handle the day to day stresses this week, but great is God's faithfulness!

My students that I am working with right now are really clicking into gear and doing well with their studies. I just thank God that they really have started off their week very well. I give God all of the glory. I really needed it. Sometimes we all fail and think that WE are not going to make it. We cannot be consumed. Why? Because God is in charge! I thank the Lord for his compassions and his faithfulness. I just know that when I am weak...He is STRONG! Be encouraged. The Lord is our strength!

Our Freedom!

Dear Lord,

I thank you for the freedoms that you have given us in this country, the United States of America. I pray for your guidance and direction for us as Americans. Use us as Christians, oh Lord, to be witnesses of your TRUTH to those around us. We all need you Lord. For true freedom is found in your TRUTH. It sets us free!

Jesus said in John 8:31 and 32, "If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free."

Freedom if truly found in Christ Jesus. He is eternal life.

Redemption is a free gift that he gives to those who believe!

Everyone can be saved through faith and belief in Him.

Every knee shall bow, every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord!

Deliver us from evil.

Oh Lord Our Lord how majestic is your name in all the Earth.

My Savior and My God...Jesus Christ!