The RoseBouquet

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RoseBouquet - About and FOR Friends of
Ruthe's Secret Roses. (Ezine edition)
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#1137 Vol.26 - #1137 Vol.26 - Why We NEED to Be in Church -Feb. 10, 2026

In The Garden Today:
<*> At My Place: Why We NEED to Be in Church
<*> What's New: Hints of an Exciting Weekend
<*> Tips & Solutions: Can't Make it to a Cousin's Wedding?

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At My Place: Why We NEED to Be in Church

Because of my back injuries I haven't been able to drive to church for the past three months. (I did drive across town for the Christmas Eve service, but the icy bumps in the streets were cruel to my back.)

Three weeks ago I thought I was up to it again, but I went out to shovel the snow from the garden path to my car - that set me back with another fracture!

I dearly miss church, and all my friends there. Yes, I watch the service online, but it isn't the same as being there and grabbing someone's out-stretched hand, or scooting off to a side and having at catch-up conversation with a precious friend. Everything is better in Person!

I grow sad and pray harder for friends that missing Sunday after Sunday. What's happening to them?

Thinking it over, I realize that many excuses to skip just this once sneak up on us far too easily. In about 3 weeks it's a new normal habit. We think, there are enough people there that they won't miss me. (That's a lie!)

But it is true that if certain friends don't show up for a few weeks in a row, we are likely to shrug and think, "I wonder what has come up for them?" But if we get too busy we don't do anything about it. Gradually, our circle of Christian friends grows smaller and smaller. We may feel lonely, but just sigh. (Besides, we're now used to other self-indulgent things to watch or read.)

However, the Bible teaches that believers are to meet for fellowship every Sunday, even week-days, to encourage one another. Skipping church, is like taking a glowing log out of a fire and watching the embers die out and the log to grow cold.

We should choose a 'home' church to attend regularly and resolve to be there, not only for our own sake so our faith glows and burns brightly, but also to keep others alert and spiritually alive. The more involved we become as we volunteer for some jobs, the more our spiritual life will mature and soar with a heavenly brightness.

Our efforts to do daily Bible reading and prayer is going to add a vital spark to our spiritual lives, so that others will draw closer, hoping to catch spiritual fire from us.

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What's New: Hints of an Exciting Weekend Coming Up!

I am trying to keep myself from fleshing this possibility out too much, it could all fizzle out before it starts, but I thought a few bolder hints might be in order.

Then I'll stick to the truth in the next issue next Tuesday.

There is a strong change that closer relatives will arrive on the weekend to help me do some serious cleaning up in my home.

I have half a feeling that the excitement is going to melt me like nice chocolate left sitting in the sunshine too long.

Maybe I can just say this much for now. My brother and sister-in-law may show up here on the weekend to help me clean up some of the messes I haven't been able to do myself. They've hinted that they also want to take me to the Watrous hot springs for a couple of days.

That has only happened once or twice before in my life. I'm not sure how strongly to hope and believe this will come to pass or not.

But...! I may be a real chatter-box next Tuesday, if it all comes off as hoped.

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<> TIPS & SOLUTIONS: <>
Can't Make it to a Cousin's Wedding?

My cousin Paul grew up in Oshawa, Ontario, and he was married to Lynn some time later, (tho' I have no memory of attending that wedding.)

They had two children and followed their daughter and her husband (with a hearing aide business) far away to Leth- bridge, Alberta some 10 years ago. I've seen some photos of their children and grandchildren, but have never had the opportunity to meet them.

Lynn passed away a few years ago, and lo, recently we've been hearing from Paul - inviting us to come to Lethbridge for his wedding to his new bride.

Well I remember driving all the way to Lethbridge with Dad one time when he wanted to visit his cousins living there. But I recall that a long-long day of 8 hours of driving! My present back troubles will keep me from doing that trip again.

Other relatives in Ontario have complained that they can't get flights to go there, so praise God, Paul has now made arrangements for someone to take a YouTube video of the wedding and getting it online during the service and also afterwards whenever we want to see it again.

This is quite encouraging! It is possible to attend that wedding after all, this coming Saturday, February 14th.

I may not get to talk with the new Bride, Gonda, nor Paul's daughter Jennifer and her family, but at least I can see them, and feel like I've met them.