Dear Rose Park,

Yesterday’s weather forecast was pretty bleak. The morning began with a beautiful sunrise and a cool breeze with warmer temperatures coming towards noon. The weather forecasters were predicting that the afternoon however, would be much different. They predicted high winds, dark skies, and heavy rain for nearly four or five hours in our area. A severe thunderstorm warning went out resulting in multiple cancellations (including Simon’s first football practice). Overall, the forecast was pretty doom and gloom but reality was much different.

Dear Rose Park,

As another academic year is beginning for all our local schools, my own memories of elementary school are coming to the surface. I attended Lakeview Elementary on 32nd Street on the southside of town. Lakeview no longer exists; it first transitioned into a park, but it’s transitioned again into a housing development where driveways sit on what was once the playground. I can remember sitting on the carpet square in the gym (which also tripled as the cafeteria and auditorium). I can remember singing our school song led by Mrs. Vanderwall. I remember my teachers and our field trips, but what I remember most are those first days of a new year.

Dear Rose Park,

The Little League World Series is in full effect right now. The full tournament is scheduled to run from August 19-29 in Williamsport, PA. It’s a dream of every little leaguer to play in Lamade Stadium under the bright lights and on the biggest stage. I can remember playing Little League at Maplewood Ball Diamonds on 35th & College. Some of my greatest memories as a child are filled with sliding into second base and getting a hot-dog after the game.

Dear Rose Park,

I like a good bargain; I take that back, I love a good bargain. This past Monday was the annual Book Nook sale in the basement of Herrick District Library. The sale was this: fill a bag, any size bag, with books, DVD’s, or CD’s and it’s $5. You read that correctly. ANY size bag for $5. Needless to say, I was in the basement of the library for a good hour filling up a bag.

Rose Park Family,

I think it’s fair to say that gratitude is something we strive to pass on to the next generation. We seriously undervalue the importance and meaning of a simple ‘thank you.’ These words have profound impact not only on our immediate circles of influence but also the greater Kingdom of God.

Dear Rose Park,

Yesterday morning, I went for a walk with the Executive Director of Camp Geneva, Kevin VanderKlok. We met at 8:30 overlooking the pool on the Shores Campus. The sun was shining, the waves on Lake Michigan were calm, the sound of children’s laughter filled camp, the sight of tie-dye t-shirts were everywhere, and the joy of the Lord was palpable. Though Camp looks a lot different from when I was a camper, one thing still remains: Camp Geneva provides an environment where the presence of God is experienced, the love of Christ is demonstrated, and a Spirit-filled life is inspired.

Dear Rose Park,

Have you ever driven by a farm where horses are grazing near the road? If so, then you’ve probably seen what are called blinders on their face; these are a piece of equipment that prevents the horse from seeing behind or to the side, thus avoiding the opportunity for the horse to be spooked while near the road and fast-moving cars. Well, this past Monday I felt like one of those horses wearing blinders.

Dear Rose Park,

I’ve been spending time reading through the miraculous stories of the bible. For some of us we remember hearing these stories in golden boxes from Sunday School. We can envision the Red Sea parting as Moses led the Israelites to the wilderness. We can imagine the sights and sounds of Daniel in the lions den. We can picture the crowd gathering to receive the multiplied fish and loaves. We dream of what it must have been like to see Jesus in the flesh three days after He hung on the cross. Needless to say, the bible is certainly filled with miraculous stories.

Dear Rose Park,

On Monday morning I had coffee with an old friend at Good Earth on 7th St.; it’s my go-to place for a good bagel and a cup of coffee. If you haven’t been there, let me know, I’d love to treat you sometime. I’ve known this friend of mine for almost twenty years. We were first introduced when I was in high school. Music kept us in touch when I went to Hope College, and he even came to see me perform in a jazz concert. We fell out of touch during seminary and while I lived in Iowa, but ever since coming back to Holland we’ve reconnected. You might know him, his name is Mr. Kerry Daab.

Dear Rose Park,

”I need to be on the prayer list.” These were the first words I heard when I entered room 189 of Holland Hospital on Sunday afternoon. They worried me and gave me assurance; worry because I heard the concern in his voice but assurance because I heard the confidence in his voice as well.