One of the things I have really come to appreciate since our series on Flesh a few years ago is the weekly sharing in Communion during Advent. What a gift it is to be invited to share a meal together with the Incarnate Word of God—the Word that became flesh and made his dwelling among us. I also consider it a treasured privilege to gather around the table with all of you as we share in the Bread of Life.

However, like every meal shared with friends and family, after receiving the nourishment and being enriched by the conversation, eventually it’s time to get up from the table and continue pursuing the purpose for which we were created. And yes, getting up from the table may include doing the dishes and taking a quick nap, but then it’s time to resume our part in Christ’s kingdom mission.

And so it is with ARC, over the past year we have focused on “getting well” (John 5:1-14). We spent several weeks considering how we could become more intentional about living with integrity and authenticity. We spent over three months focusing on the characteristics of strong marriages and strong families followed by some powerful wisdom on growing our emotional health—remember you can’t be emotionally unhealthy and love well at the same time. And now after being encouraged once more by the good news that a Savior has been born and that Jesus will soon come again, it’s time to GO and complete those good works that God has prepared in advance for us to do.

Therefore, Lord willing, beginning on January 8 until Easter, we will be challenged from the Word of God to become more intentional about living on mission. To be missional is simply to join God in God’s mission to reconcile the world to himself and restore it to its original design.

In addition to reflecting on God’s plan of redemption and the lifestyle of mission that Jesus modeled, you will have access to a resource entitled, The Tangible Kingdom Primer.  This primer gives practical insights and steps on how to live on mission. Although divided into 8 chapters, we will take 16 weeks to work through it, which will give us extra time to complete the suggested mission. The primer will be available beginning next Sunday, January 1 in the Narthex.

And then for those disciples who are really serious about learning what it looks like to live on mission, I would encourage you to sign up for a copy of Hugh Halter’s book, The Tangible Kingdom. In his book, Hugh shares how the church in American does pretty well with communing with God and with each other inside of the church, but not so good at connecting with lost people.

The Christmas story presents us with two choices, either we can be like Herod and look for a way to eliminate the threat that Jesus presents to our personal kingdoms, or we can be like the shepherds who “spread the word concerning what they had discovered about Jesus.”

My prayer in 2017 is that the Spirit of God will stir a greater passion in us for declaring the praises of him who called us out of darkness into his wonderful light. As Peter reminds, “But you are the ones chosen by God, chosen for the high calling of priestly work, chosen to be a holy people, God’s instruments to do his work and speak out for him, to tell others of the night-and-day difference he made for you—from nothing to something, from rejected to accepted” (I Peter 1:9-10 The Message)

Wishing you a blessed Christmas and abundant New Year,

Mike Altena

In preparation for our Advent series of messages I took a little trip down memory lane to reminisce about some of the greatest surprises of my life. I’ve had some very exciting as well as very sobering surprises. Allow me to share a few of the surprises I have encountered over my life time as they were shared with me or as I experienced them.

My dad when I was 4 years old: “The grain elevator is on fire, I’m going to see if I can help.”

The school secretary after I had been hit in the mouth with a baseball bat in 3^rd grade: “Oh my, that doesn’t look good!”

My mom when I was 13 years old: “The doctors confirmed I have breast cancer.”

My sister when I was 14 years old: “Mike! Brad! Help my bedroom is on fire!”

Vicki: “We’re going to have a baby!”

The doctor: “It’s a boy!”

My dad: “Mike, Grandma Altena was just killed today as she was crossing Highway 75.”

Me after I was overcome with methane gas: “Dang! I could’ve easily died!”

My mom: “The doctors have confirmed, I have stage four ovarian cancer.”

The Holy Spirit: “Leave your herds and go and prophecy.”

Vicki: “This just came in the mail; your seminary professor has approved your credo!”

And my most shocking surprises of all time. Me: “Vicki, would you be interested in going on a date?” Vicki: “NO!” Me two weeks later: “Vicki, would you be interested in going on a date?” Vicki: “NO!”

 If you have lived any amount of time then you know life is full of surprises, and so is the story surrounding Jesus’ birth. During the Advent season we’re going to reflect on Zechariah’s surprise, Mary’s surprise, Joseph’s surprise, Herod’s surprise, the Innkeeper’s surprise and the Shepherd’s surprise. And I believe you’ll be surprised by how closely you will be able to identify with their surprises too.

My prayer for us in this series is that God would grant us a fresh revelation of his surprising grace and also that we would grow in our excitement as we anticipate the surprise of Jesus’ second coming.

And like the shepherds, may we never forget the surprise of when the angel’s announcement first penetrated our hearts, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that is for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:10-11).

Maybe during your Christmas gatherings you could take a little trip down memory lane and share some of your great surprises; including the surprising times God has revealed himself to you.

Glad tidings of comfort and joy! Mike Altena

A few years ago a gal from another community asked me if I would officiate her wedding. The unique challenge for me about her request was that her fiancé was from Egypt and I wasn’t sure about his faith background. Because of personal convictions, I didn’t feel right about marrying a Christian to a Muslim. After visiting with her and her fiancé, I discovered that he had converted from Islam to Christianity. He professed his trust in Jesus for the forgiveness of his sins and that he was a follower of Jesus.

I happily agreed to marry them, although I was asked not to refer to “Jesus” in the wedding meditation for fear his parents and family would disown him. (As he shared that particular request I was reminded that the choice to follow Jesus is much more costly for some than for others).

After a few months, I officiated the outdoor wedding ceremony with many friends and family present; however, right before the reception I learned that this gal and her new Christian husband went into a large room on the upper level of the facility where the reception was being held and a Muslim Imam officiated a Muslim wedding. The husband now had a dual citizenship and a dual faith. To say the least, I felt betrayed and confused.

I share that story simply to share how the upcoming presidential election has challenged my worldview of being Christian in America. See when you and I make the choice to follow Jesus, we also become dual citizens. We become heirs to the Kingdom of God while at the same time we remain American citizens.

In past elections, it always seemed to me like there was at least one candidate to vote for who had some level of integrity and that professed on some level they would lean on God to guide them. In my opinion, this is not the case in this election, and like many of you, I am left wondering how I can, in good conscience, vote for either candidate. And also like many of you who have expressed the same feelings, I wrestle with voting for the one who is least corrupt.

I begin to wonder many things, like, if Jesus would’ve been born in America, would he even participate in the election. Is it really my responsibility as an American, or as a Christian, to vote for an ungodly leader? Would Jesus have voted for one presidential candidate or another based on who potentially could become a Supreme Court Judge in the future? Regardless of the outcome, will God’s arms be too short to save us?

Should we side with the one who wants to “Make America Great Again,” or should we declare, “Stronger Together, I’m With Her.” And when I vote, what am I actually voting for; the right to keep my guns or the right to end the life of my unborn child? Am I voting with the hope of keeping as much of my hard earned money so as to continue to enjoy the safety, benefits and entitlements of this great “promised land of opportunity”?  Would Jesus feel betrayed and confused on how living in America has distorted my understanding of the Gospel?

So, how do I approach my confusion around the election? Well, here it is in part, “Friends, this world is not your home, so don’t make yourselves cozy in it. Don’t indulge your ego at the expense of your soul. Live an exemplary life among the natives so that your actions will refute their prejudices. Then they’ll be won over to God’s side and be there to join in the celebration when he arrives” (I Peter 2:11-12 MSG).

In Christ Alone, Mike Altena

This past Thursday Becky and I traveled to Rock Valley to meet with a couple of young women from Justice For All who are involved in developing a mentoring program for the youth in Northwest Iowa.  When introducing herself, we learned that Noemi was born and raised in Romania before she eventually made her way to Sioux Center to attend Dordt College.

I’m always intrigued by someone who has grown up in another part of the world and now lives in America.  So in order to gain her perspective on life in America, I asked her this question prefaced by an assumption on my part.  I said, “Noemi, I feel privileged to have lived my whole life in American even though I also believe living in America has had a negative impact on my life; can you see how living in America would have a negative impact on the people who live here?

Her first response was that she was surprised by the “level of entitlement” Americans live with.  She immediately proceeded to share an example of when she was at a gathering with some youth and one of the young students was complaining that his hamburger bun wasn’t pre-cut.  She went on to share with that student that while she was living in Romania under communism, they didn’t even get to eat bread, so maybe he should be thankful for the bun he had.  And then Noemi added, “And I’m surprised by how much food American’s throw away.”

We then carried on with our conversation about the importance of mentoring in discipleship, however, I couldn’t stop thinking about all the ways my “level of entitlement” is impacting my level of gratitude.  I began to wonder about the things I complain of, like if my hamburger bun isn’t cut.  In a presidential election year, the candidates feed into our entitlement mentality by promising all kinds of free goodies with no increases in taxes.

I’ve discovered that the list of things I feel entitled to is very long; including a Christian life free from persecution and suffering.  As I continued to reflect on the impact of entitlement in my life, I realized that one of the effects on me is that I become less grateful and more crotchety.  A sense of entitlement causes me to complain more and love less.  And I find I am often like James and John who said to Jesus in Mark 10:35, “Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask…”  Like James and John, I want to be in a position of power and authority rather than in a position to give my life away to helping others.

And so, just as Jesus corrected James and John, may it not be so with you and me that we would live with a sense of entitlement, but rather that we would simply be grateful for all the gifts of grace we enjoy and the opportunities to serve in God’s kingdom.  “For even the Son of man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45).

Learning to be content, Mike Altena

In my article this week I’d like to make an attempt to clarify my comments in recent messages about changing the name of American Reformed Church. A few weeks ago I shared with you that the Consistory has spent time this year reflecting on our effectiveness of developing passionate disciples filled with the Holy Spirit and the truth of the Word who effectively make followers of Jesus who live, lead, and love like him.

In order for ARC to thrive in the future, I suggested that we must make a radical adjustment in our understanding of who we are and what God is calling us to do. And the reason I made such a suggestion is because, like in most Reformed churches, many ARC members have been deceived into thinking you can be Christian without actually following Jesus in mission. And the result is ARC has a reputation for being much more alive than it really is.

One phrase in the Ridder Church Renewal process that keeps haunting me is, “If you keep doing what you’re doing, you’ll keep getting what you’re getting.” Now I realize we might all agree in concept that our one end game is to join in God’s redeeming mission, however we deeply resist making any significant changes that would actually move us in that direction.

And so in order to help us see our mission differently, I feel it might be time to change the name of our church. If you think about it, there is power in a name. There are many examples in scripture of when God changed the name of a person indicating a new direction in their life. Abram became Abraham, Sarai became Sarah, Jacob became Israel, and after receiving a revelation from God that Jesus was the Messiah, Simon’s name was changed to Peter.

When engaging the Jewish side of his family Saul used his name Saul, but when the focus of his ministry turned to the Gentiles, he chose to use the name Paul. Paul didn’t want something from his past to hinder the effectiveness of his new mission. And after Jesus died and was resurrected, his followers were no longer known for practicing Judiasm, but rather become known as followers of The Way,

Friends, we live in a racially different culture than 60 years ago. The reason charter members chose American Reformed Church was to differentiate themselves from the Dutch or Netherlands Reformed Church, and to inform those with a reformed background where they were meeting. Neither of those two concerns is relative today. Yes, we praise God for how he expanded his kingdom over the past 60 years, however by keeping the name American Reformed Church we mentally stay stuck in the past.

In addition to helping us remain in the past, I believe the name of our church actually hinders many people from checking us out. I’ve had many people ask me how the American Reformed denomination is different than RCA or CRC, or ask, “Reformed from what?”

Now I realize we don’t have to change the name of our church in order to begin living more faithfully into our calling. And yes, we can make minor changes in how we do Sunday School, in promoting Life Groups, and in adding a mission or missionary to support; however, until we make a radical corporate decision to begin thinking about ourselves differently, I’m concerned ARC will just keep doing what we’re doing and keep getting what we’re getting.

So again here’s the point, if God is doing a new thing in our midst, what new name would he give us that would help inspire us to more effectively and faithfully live into our calling? Oh, and by the way, according to Revelation 2:17, one day we’ll all be getting a new name!! Hey, how about that? “Nike Church,” the Greek word Nike means overcomer!!!

Mike Altena

Even though much of the planting was delayed this spring, it’s been fun to watch how fast the corn and soybeans have grown. The old saying, “knee high by the 4th of July” was almost replaced by “tasseling by the 4th of July.” We expect the crops to grow and mature so that it will produce a great harvest.
Growth and maturity are expected principals in the kingdom of God. Paul says in Galatians 6:7 that we reap what we sow. In Philippians 1 Paul prays that their love for each other would grow. The writer in Hebrews 6 suggests we should leave the elementary teachings of Christ and go on to maturity. Jesus often likened the growth of a plant to spiritual growth in the kingdom of God. In John 15 Jesus suggested that the Father is the gardener and has high expectations of more fruit; he’s cleaning and lifting those lower hanging branches so they bear more fruit and then cuts off those that bear no fruit. In Mark 4 Jesus tells the parable about the good soil that produces 30, 60, or even hundred times what is sown. There is no doubt, growth and maturity are expected principals in the kingdom of God.
The staff, the Ridder Church Renewal Team, the Consistory and Discipleship Team have been examining and celebrating the growth and maturity among the members of ARC. We have noted many who are developing greater intimacy with God through silence and solitude and other spiritual disciplines. We have been celebrating stories of those who are learning how to listen to the Holy Spirit and joining Him where he’s at work. We celebrate with many young people who are authentically pursuing a love relationship with God and who are using their gifts to sow the gospel, and in some cases, are participating in the harvest. We think of those who are involved with TEC and all the kids who chose to become further equipped at different camps. We celebrate members who are increasingly living a Sermon on the Mount lifestyle; members who are choosing to live on less, worry about less, and risk giving more. We celebrate the stories of those who seek reconciliation of broken relationships. The kingdom of God is growing in the lives of ARC members!!!!
And yet we are also concerned about the lack of growth. We have been reflecting on why we lack growth in our vision and strategy for reaching the lost; reflecting on why the make-up of our congregation doesn’t more closely match the make-up of our community and why our congregation doesn’t want more harvesters to join our ministry (did you know that the majority of our congregation doesn’t really want our ministry to grow?)
Could it be that some of our underlying assumptions and attitudes and traditions have been stunting our growth? I’ll let you decided which of the following underlying assumptions, attitudes, and traditions may need to be pruned.
-Saying “the prayer” results in eternal life and therefore excuses me from living on mission with Jesus.
-Our discipleship efforts result in passionate followers of Jesus who know how to listen to, and are empowered by the Holy Spirit.
-“Church is where we go” and not the means of bringing the kingdom of God to our circle of influence.
-Lost people will eventually walk in our doors.
-Women shouldn’t be nominated to serve as Elders and Deacons.
-We’re doing fine, just look at the general fund balance and the pews are full enough.
-Giving, Life Groups, apprenticeship/life-long learning, and participation are all optional.
What might be stunting your growth? May it not be so with us that we would not be passionate about spiritual growth, maturity and the harvest, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few…GO! I am sending you.”

Laboring for the harvest,

Mike Altena

When reflecting on the several terrorist attacks both in our country and around the world, the people who have recently been killed by police and those who in turn have killed police officers, the disturbing race for the next President of the United States, and my own struggle with living in the flesh, my heart grieves at the ugliness and effect of sin on mankind.

While I would like to share some of my thoughts and feelings about these events, over this past week, each day the Spirit has led me to pray the prayer in Daniel chapter 9. And rather than sharing my opinions and feelings about these events and issues, for now I am to be still and to be more concerned with how I am following Christ in mission.

I realize there is a great battle between good and evil all over our world. And I realize that America is not God’s chosen people and that it is not the kingdom of God, but I’m going to invite you to pray this prayer with me as one who follows Christ…as often as you feel led to in these days of increasing godlessness:

“O Lord, you are a great and awesome God! You always fulfill your covenant and keep your promises of unfailing love to those who love you and obey your commands. ⁵ But we have sinned and done wrong. We have rebelled against you and scorned your commands and regulations. ⁶ We have refused to listen to your servants the prophets [and to your Son, Jesus], who spoke on your authority to our kings and princes and ancestors and to all the people of the land.

⁷ “Lord, you are in the right; but as you see, our faces are covered with shame. This is true of all of us, including the people of Judah and Jerusalem and all Israel scattered near and far, wherever you have driven us because of our disloyalty to you. ⁸ O Lord, we and our kings, princes, and ancestors are covered with shame because we have sinned against you. ⁹ But the Lord our God is merciful and forgiving, even though we have rebelled against him. ¹⁰ We have not obeyed the Lord our God, for we have not followed the instructions he gave us through his servants the prophets [and his Son Jesus]. ¹¹ All Israel [and the bride of Christ], has disobeyed your instruction and turned away, refusing to listen to your voice.

“So now the solemn curses and judgments written in the Law of Moses, the servant of God, have been poured down on us because of our sin.… ¹³ Every curse written against us in the Law of Moses has come true. Yet we have refused to seek mercy from the Lord our God by turning from our sins and recognizing his truth. ¹⁴ Therefore, the Lord has brought upon us the disaster he prepared. The Lord our God was right to do all of these things, for we did not obey him.

¹⁵ “O Lord our God, you brought lasting honor to your name by rescuing your people from Egypt in a great display of power. But we have sinned and are full of wickedness. ¹⁶ In view of all your faithful mercies, Lord, please turn your furious anger away from your city Jerusalem, your holy mountain. All the neighboring nations mock Jerusalem and your people because of our sins and the sins of our ancestors.

¹⁷ “O our God, hear your servant’s prayer! Listen as I plead. For your own sake, Lord, smile again on your desolate sanctuary”… In Jesus name, Amen.

Grace to you and peace,

Mike Altena

Although we know God’s sovereign plan of redemption is always unfolding according to his good pleasure, this year’s General Synod meeting felt very conflicted primarily because of the discussion on human sexuality. In addition, it felt very politicized as several groups championed their cause on other issues within the RCA. Below is a brief summary of what happened at the General Synod this year in Chicago; more can be found on the RCA website.

In regards to the issue on human sexuality, General Synod 2016 adopted as constitutional the “Order for Christian Marriage” liturgy, which describes marriage as “a joyful covenanting between a man and a woman.” The vote elevates the 2002 liturgy to constitutional status if it is approved by two-thirds of the RCA’s 44 classes over the coming year. The decision also needs to be ratified at General Synod 2017. The recommendation arose out of the report of the special council on human sexuality that took place in April. Other recommendations from the special council were discussed at length and not approved.

On the final day, delegates called for a change to the Book of Church Order (BCO), mandating that consistories or governing bodies “shall assure that marriages in a church or congregation are between a man and a woman.” The change must be approved by two-thirds of RCA classes and ratified at General Synod 2017 before it is added to the BCO.

In addition, General Synod also passed a resolution to “reject all forms of mockery, degrading words and thoughts, economic oppression, abuse, threats, and violence against members of the LGBTQ+ community,” regardless of position on the “moral status of same-sex behavior.” The resolution called on anyone involved in such behavior to “repent and immediately begin walking in obedience to Jesus’ command to love.”

General Synod delegates also voted “to declare that the RCA does not support the use of reorientation/reparative therapy but does affirm the power of the Holy Spirit to transform all lives.”

In other business:

• RCA general secretary Tom De Vries delivered his report, calling synod to act with love. He said the RCA’s impact will be greater “if we journey together as God’s people who have been called for God’s purposes.”
• Synod approved president Evan Vermeer’s proposal to develop a way for churches that are financially healthy to partner with churches that have fewer resources.
• Synod set the 2017 per-member assessment at $52.23. These funds support the work of the synod, denominational ministries, theological education, the Board of Benefits Services assistance program, and other initiatives approved at synod. Delegates set the 2017 Partner-in-Mission (PIM) share at $6,400; PIM shares fund the work of mission coworkers around the world.
• Synod elected Dan Gillett as president and Lee DeYoung as vice president. Gillett is lead pastor of First Reformed Church in Holland, Michigan. Lee DeYoung is an elder at Hager Park Reformed Church in Jenison, Michigan
• Synod celebrated the organization of eight new RCA churches, presenting the new churches with plaques that commemorate their organization. The RCA has also approved plans for 22 new church plants, in locations ranging from Detroit to Nashville, since General Synod 2015.

Despite the battle between good and evil, you and I can remain hopeful and excited about our future. For as Jesus said, “I will build my church, and all the powers of hell will not conquer it.”

May His Kingdom come, Mike Altena

I was recently waiting to check out at Ace Hardware when, out of the corner of my eye, I noticed a brightly colored yellow bottle with a picture of a baboon with a red butt and a big smile. After picking up the bottle and looking more closely, I learned that it contained Anti Monkey Butt Anti Friction Powder with Calamine.

At first I wondered, is it fair for some business to capitalize on the misfortune of the baboon that can’t actually do anything about its big red butt since that’s the way God created them. Shouldn’t there be some animal rights group that could sue, or at least protest, the Anti Monkey Butt Corporation for the iniquitous and humiliating treatment of a defenseless animal.

Next I began to wonder, has monkey butt among humans become enough of a problem in America that Ace Hardware should display Anti Monkey Butt powder right next to the flashlight batteries and candy bars. Is our fast paced and hurried world causing an increase in perspiration in those areas on the human anatomy where friction occurs resulting in suffering from those annoying rashes?

As I was reflecting, my mind drifted back to those 90 degree days on the farm when I was baling or pouring concrete and I would end the day with a serious case of monkey butt. For those who feel uncomfortable with defining that sweaty rash as “monkey butt,” I used Google to find out the official medical term and discovered that a doctor would diagnose it as “chafing.”

I also discovered that if you have chronic monkey butt, you should consider seeing a dermatologist, although, believe it or not, some holistic spas may offer treatment to your backside in the same way they would with facials. However, they also advised to consult with a licensed esthetician before you get a facial on your butt. J

That being said, in order to learn more about the demand and effectiveness of the Anti Monkey Butt product, I thought I would ask my friend at the checkout counter a few questions. First I asked her if there was a good market for the product. And she said they actually sell quite a bit of it. I then asked her if she had any experience with the product, or if it actually worked. Although she had never used the product, customers had shared with her that it is indeed an effective sweat absorber and friction fighter. When I asked if anyone tried to return their bottle of Anti Monkey Butt powder for a refund, she replied that she wasn’t aware of anyone.

Her responses were proof enough for me, and so just in case that dreadful experience would reoccur, I decided to purchase a bottle. As I was walking out the door I began to chuckle; isn’t it funny that God created our bodies in such a way that the combination of excess perspiration and friction would result in monkey butt.

As I climbed into my pickup, I then wondered what it was like for the Israelites wandering in the desert; what did they use to address the uncomfortable burning sensation? Sand? Corn starch?  I hope this article has brightened your day, for a cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.

And may it not be so with you, but if you’re ever in church and the friction has resulted in chafing, feel free to stop by my office, the bright yellow bottle is on my book shelf. Just grab a pinch to put between your cheeks.

Best wishes, Mike Altena

A week ago this past Tuesday night at approximately 11:00 PM, Vicki and I received a phone call from Mitchell informing us that Traci had taken our two-week old granddaughter to the emergency room at the hospital in Sioux Center. Understandably distressed, Mitchell shared with us that Noelle was having difficulty breathing and therefore asked if we would pray for her. After hanging up, Vicki and I immediately and confidently lifted Noelle and her parents before the throne of grace trusting that we would receive mercy and find grace in our time of need.

We had hardly begun to pray when Mitchell called again to inform us that Noelle’s oxygen level had dropped to 48 and therefore she would be transferred immediately to Avera in Sioux Falls by helicopter. A flood of emotions filled my heart knowing that only those with life-threatening health complications get those kinds of rides. As did Noelle’s father, I felt helpless and afraid. At this point neither of us knew the exact cause of illness since Mitchell was still at home watching Rilyn and Sauren.

Eventually Mitchell found someone to watch the two girls. After arriving at the hospital he called again to verify that the helicopter would be leaving shortly. Vicki and I immediately set out for Sioux Falls, however my mind decided it would set out in a thousand different directions. I first reflected on the goodness of God, in that, our nuclear family has really enjoyed a lengthy season of peace—would our extended season of peace be thrust into a season of emotional pain and grief?

I began picturing thousands of other families who have traveled those fearful miles to a hospital wondering the outcome of a loved one’s future. I began to celebrate the gift of God’s grace knowing that Noelle had the absolute best care and technology available; including the possibility of a $6000 helicopter ride. I began to think of the mom in Titanyen Haiti whose little baby was dying in her arms because she didn’t have four dollars to get her into the medical clinic. I began to think of all the moms and dads and grandpas and grandmas who experienced the horrific death of a child or grandchild. I began wondering if it was possible that God, in his infinite wisdom, had determined that Noelle’s days would only number 13. I was overwhelmed with sadness as I considered how Mitchell and Traci may have been feeling. I began to wonder if God was good “all of the time.” (I am out of space to share all the other places my mind traveled).

Then as I turned off of Highway 75 on to the onramp to Interstate 90 I remembered that the first song on the CD in the car was Chris Tomlin’s Good, Good Father. In the midst of a tornado of emotions swirling in my heart, combined with the endless barrage of questions that come with runaway-mind (that’s when your thoughts eventually take you to the worst possible scenario), the Spirit quietly whispered to me, “play the song.”

It goes like this…Oh, I’ve heard a thousand stories of what they think you’re like. But I’ve heard the tender whisper of love in the dead of night. And you tell me that you’re pleased, and that I’m never alone. You’re a Good, Good Father. It’s who you are, it’s who you are, it’s who you are. And I’m loved by you. It’s who I am, it’s who I am, it’s who I am…cause you are perfect in all of your ways….

For those of you had heard about Noelle’s diagnosis of RSV and pneumonia, we thank God for all of your prayers. After much antibiotics and oxygen, Noelle is home again and is doing well. And regardless of how this story may have ended, we certainly have a good, good Father… it’s who he is!
From his beloved, Mike Altena, that’s who I am!