…

Not from politicians, and not from “journalists,”

Not drivers in their cars, and not from the “critics.”

Not from all-star athletes nor from “celebrities,”

Not colleagues at your work, nor from your families.

…

Parents expect their kids to utter these three words.

Everyone could, and should, from drop-outs to the nerds.

And shouldn’t these three words be heard all through the day?

Signs of maturity, security convey?

…

When did you last say them? Do you remember when?

Tug on memory banks. Scratch your head again.

Was it eight years ago? It’s really been that long?

Yes, I admitted (quite grudgingly), “I was wrong.”

…

We are so quick to blame, to see how someone’s wrong.

And excoriate them, social media’s sharp prong.

Vile invectives thrown out, gone viral in the air,

Or behind someone’s back, “justified,” without care.

…

And yet, to this we’re blind. This madness, days on end.

Has humility left? “Our pride we must defend!”

Can we not see ourselves, even in the mirror?

Can we not hear ourselves? Can this not be clearer?

“My faith’s something private. Them? Holier than thou.”

“Too many hypocrites!” (“Oh, I’m not one,” I moan.)

“I’ll go when I want to. I’ll do this on my own.”

Privacy reigns supreme in western culture, now.

“To be isolated? It’s much ‘simpler’ and how!

No more people problems! No more criticism!

No more ‘damaged’ feelings! No more cynicism!”

But isolation cost a very hefty price.

Loneliness and aching, can put your soul on ice.

My growth surely slows down, I need advice that’s sound.

It’s in community that my real self is found!

If you are a Christian, His family you’re IN.

That is how He sees you; there is no “lone” Christian.

You need His family, part of your redemption,

And becoming like Christ, your sanctification.

He takes us as we are but will not let us be.

His shaping grace at work in His community!

Pastors, brothers, sisters, He handpicks His people.

He molds, shapes and builds us. We’re on the Potter’s wheel.

Unity must be built; it doesn’t just happen.

You must demonstrate love. Selfishness will dampen.

We must learn to defer, to be harmonious,

And find in others’ joys a shared delight, joyous.

I must face what’s in me, as painful as that be,

To expose ugly “self” if Christ be formed in me.

It’s in community I see some “little Christs”

That point the way forward, maturity’s device!

Life in community is not an easy thing.

My needs, my “self”, my way, to these I sadly cling.

Miscommunications and misunderstandings,

In His laboratory, His character shaping.

I must learn to forgive as Jesus forgave me.

I must learn to reflect His mercy that is free.

It’s not just any “love;” a certain kind of love,

His sacrificial love, coming down from above.

June 6, 2026, 2-4 p.m.

Village of Hope, 1 Hope Drive, Tustin, CA 92782

Join us as we serve OC Rescue Mission by working in the warehouse or performing cleaning duties. This co-ed opportunity is open for ages 10 and up. Volunteers under the age of 18 must have parent or guardian present. We can accommodate up to 20 volunteers.

Please sign up HERE by 5/31.

*Orange County Rescue Mission is a faith-based, life-transformation program that provides on-campus housing, basic needs, and comprehensive services for individuals and families experiencing homelessness. We minister the love of Jesus Christ to the Least, the Last, and the Lost in Orange County.

Saturday, June 13, 2026, 9-10:30 a.m.,

at the home of Les Sattin

Chapters 5 & 6: “Strategies – Self Protection & Self-Fulfillment”

Join us as we continue our 2026 REFRESH! book study of “Love Focused: Living Life to the Fullest,” by Bob and Judy Hughes.

Invite a friend and join us for a wonderful, refreshing time of fellowship, encouragement, spiritual growth, and prayer!

Although we will follow a book club format, please feel free to attend even if you have not read the chapter – you will still learn from the material presented!

Please sign up HERE for the potluck. (Please bring your food heated, plated, and ready to serve. Please come whether or not you are able to bring something!)

Please RSVP HERE by June 10th. (Address provided upon registration.)

Allow God to REFRESH your soul!

Contact carol@pacificchurch.com for more info.

Eerie. Quiet. The silence stalked.

Musty dank smells, ground, and wet rock,

Covered with grief, and still in shock.

Eyes, filled with tears, so bleary-eyed.

‘Twas up all night, his dear friend died.

To pay respects, sat down in grief,

His joy now gone, death was the thief.

Dawn’s filtered light, a few rays gleam.

Stunned! Confounded! “Is this a dream?”

Across the room, one look! He froze!

No corpse was there! “Folded grave clothes?!”

“Where did He go? How can it be?”

Was he so slow, this mystery?

“Dead, and entombed! But now alive!

Just like He said! Oh, blessed Sonrise!”

In that moment, the skeptic died!

“His message true! Christ crucified!

On the third day, new life to me!

Darkness no more, I now can see!”