online - everettfamilychurch.org | mail - 15317 73rd AVE SE #2, Snohomish, WA, 98296 | phone - 425 387-1975

What’s Wrong With My Dog? by Pastor Mike

So we got this new dog and brought him home last month. (He’s lying on the rug next to my desk as I write this article). It was kind of a big deal since I have never had a dog before - ever in my life! Almost as big of a deal as sending me home with a newborn two days after my son is born. We rescued Finley from a shelter - a two year old, male, half lab, half shepherd. Not a yip-yip, but a big, active, and sweet dog. A smart dog - or so I thought.

The animal handler was amazing during the couple of hours we spent meeting our dog in the shelter. He would sit, touch, and lie down. Finley was chill throughout the whole time. We passed the evaluation and brought him home a few days later. I prepared for the responsibility by watching a couple of episodes with Cesar the Dog Whisperer. A week into this and I have a question for Cesar and dog experts… “WHAT’S WRONG WITH MY DOG?!”

I tell him to come and he runs away. I offer him a treat and he comes, eats it and then runs away. I teach him a new thing, repeat it twenty times and then try it again fifteen minutes later. He just looks at me like I’m stupid. He just doesn’t get it and reverts back to his old patterns over no matter my persistence or treat or rub downs or sweet dog talk. Who wouldn’t obey knowing that it brings wonderful rewards, new freedoms (like coming in the house), and lots of love?

I was road running with Finley early one morning. He was trotting just off my hip - exactly where he needed to be - and kept looking up at me tail wagging. He was on a leash and couldn’t have been happier. He had given me control and he was happy. His perfect obedience made me want to love him to pieces! At that moment I was struck by similarities between me and my heavenly Father. Yahweh God desires my respect and loyalty. He has been training me to trust him as he patiently and persistently deals with my old patterns. This has been going on for years and he has not given up.

I have set out to earn Finely’s respect, loyalty and trust. This is love for a dog. It requires consistency and persistence. As a result, I freshly understand God’s perspective when I run after selfish desires, toy with temptation or spend days in a funk. And my motivation for my perfect obedience causes Him to want to love me to pieces!

My prayer in that early morning sunshine was this: “Father, My ways are untamed and you are seeking my respect and loyalty and trust. Woo my heart to you, Oh God. Tame my spirit.” What’s wrong with my dog? He’s a lot like me.

EFC FAMILY GATHERING S A T U R D A Y S @ 5 P M

Join us for a time of family worship and age-graded teaching. We call our service the Family Gathering. It’s a time when the EFC gathers as a family for worship, music, Bible teaching and age-graded breakouts followed by dinner. We continue through our study of the Bible book of Exodus.

E F C F O C U S M A Y 2 0 1 5

REGISTER NOW FOR… FAMILY CAMP 2015 Friday-Monday, June 26-29

Join us for an extended weekend of refreshment, spiritual growth, and family fun in the warm

sunshine of eastern Washington. Things begin on Friday evening and conclude on Monday after

breakfast.

The days are spent playing in the water at the State Park and at Slidewaters. The evenings are

spent in fun, worship and Bible learning. The kids play and play and play the whole time! Throw in a talent show and cooks to prepare the meals and this could be the best vacation of your summer!

Register online at the church website: Cost is $155 per adult and $50 per child (5-17 years).

Preschool (0-4 years) are free. Scholarships and transportation is available.

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online - everettfamilychurch.org | mail - 15317 73rd AVE SE #2, Snohomish, WA, 98296 | phone - 425 387-1975

Easter Gathering and the Seder: EFC celebrated Eas ter dur ing our Saturday Fami ly Gathering. It was a time of worship, a teaching skit followed by a special seder meal. This is the traditional meal eaten by Jewish Christians during the Passover celebration and the same meal eaten by Jesus the night before he was arrested. In our teaching of children the Bible we loved the opportunity to see, hear, smell and taste the significance of God’s salvation. Special thanks to Mark and Nathalie Kirshner and the Crosswalk Community Group who hosted the meal.

Taco Tuesday: There are many wonderful ministry contacts we make in the month. The experience at the Family Tree Apartments has been remarkable - especially this month. We are blessed in the partnership with Mark Bjorndal, the resident services coordinator, and the monthly time to enjoy the relationships and learn the stories of those we serve. The Sp i r i t o f God was present in a special way this past month as those who were present can attest.

Father Son Retreat: The final weekend of April dads took their sons to Lakeside Bible Camp for the annual retreat. The camp speaker, Pastor Mac, spoke on the real Jesus of power who calms our fears. It was the best camp food ever and the model rockets were a “blast” - bu-dum-bum!

Community Group Weekend: While many of the fathers were away with their sons the groups met in homes for a time of fellowship. Our four groups are LIFE Group, CREW, Crosswalk, and Upper Room. We look forward to our monthly time meeting in homes and growing together.

APRIL REWIND

E F C M a n a g e m e n t T e a m T H E T E A M : Dan Bell, Janine Ripley, & Mike Wright Thank you for giving to the ministry of EFC. Be in prayer as we look for someone to help us bookkeeping.

Total Joy Box gifts in April $12,336 .....................Total EFC spending in April $5,572 ..................... Community Ministry & Missions Abroad $735 ........................

Everett Family Church is a non-profit, 501(c)3 organization. Tax Identification # 71-1025722

Visit EFC online (everettfamilychurch.org) for a current calendar of all events, times, and locations.

EFC BIRTHDAYS: No May birthdates that we know of! Please let us know your birthday so we may remember the gift you are to our community.

TACO TUESDAY - May 12th @ t he Fam i l y Tr ee Ap t s

Join EFC as we serve dinner for the residents in south Everett. We provide a free meal and space to build

relationships and experience a sense of family together. Dinner is served 6-7pm.

Sign-up online to contribute to the meal or attend.

EFC Weekends in May Talk to your Community Pastors for more on your Community Group location. More info is online. May 2 Family Gathering (at Hope) May 9 Family Gathering (at Hope) May 16 Family Gathering (at Hope) May 22 Community Groups (in homes) May 30 Family Gathering (at Hope)

YOUTH SUMMER ADVENTURE Sunday -Tuesday, August 23-25 Middle and high schoolers, are

you ready for a three day adventure? Join us on the

Yakima River for fun, friendship building and spiritual and

personal growth. Cost is $189. Invite a friend to attend with

you!