It’s September. Where did the summer go? I can’t believe it … but believe it, I must. Like dusting cookies with colored sugar, Mother Nature is beginning to cast her bright jewels of brilliant crimson, sunset orange and canary yellow among the green canopy of the trees that surround our home. And, it might be my imagination but it seems the lake has taken on a richer color as the blue waves gently lap onto the shore, inticing us to enjoy yet another pontoon ride before it gets too chilly. The daytime sky is almost transparent now and it seems you can almost look through the vibrant blue, into the great unknown. I suppose it has something to do with the crisp evenings we’re starting to have.
And, there’s another very visible sign of September … a very active, very colorful vehicle that tells everyone school is back in session … the unmistakeable blaze orange school bus. 
Yes, school’s back in session. Kids are refreshing summer absent friendships; finding their way to their lockers through the maze of the new school; rediscovering the ‘magic’ of studying and learning.
And, so, as the kids are brushing up on their alphabet, maybe it’s time we adults took a look at our Biblical alphabet …
Always give thanks – 1 Thessalonians 5:16-19
Build others up – 1 Thessalonians 5:11-15
Cast your cares on Him – Psalm 55:22
Delight in God’s word – Jeremiah 15:16
Expect great things – Ephesians 3:20
Forgive as you have been forgiven – Colossians 3:12-13
Give cheerfully and generously – 2 Corinthians 9:6-12
Humble yourself – 1 Peter 5:5-6
Increase your faith – 2 Peter 1:5-10
Joy in the journey – Philippians 4:11-13
Know His love – Ephesians 3:16-19
Listen to wise counsel – Proverbs 11:14, 24:6
Make peace with others – Matthew 5:22-24
Never give up – Galatians 6:9-10
Overflow with kindness – Ephesians 4:31-32
Pray without ceasing – Ephesians 6:18
Quiet yourself – Psalm 46:10
Renew your mind – Romans 12:2
Seek to do His will – Matthew 7:17-27
Tell the truth in love – Ephesians 4:15-16
Use the gifts God has given you – Romans 12:4-8
Value godliness – 1 Timothy 4:7-9
Work unto the Lord – Colossians 3:22-24
Experience His presence – 1 Peter 1:8-9
Yield to others – Philippians 2:3-8
Zealously share the reason for your hope – 1 Peter 3:14-16
Some comments from our CTW family members:
I helped in the Parish Nurse booth today at the Senior Expo in St Cloud. We handed out the 400 crosses from Cross The World in less than 2 hours. Amazing! Praise the Lord.
Kay – MN
The kids loved the crosses! The hammering was the favorite part, I think. Camp St. Michael was a huge, huge success and kids are already planning for next year. Thank you again for the crosses and the amazing gift of your call to the cross. What an example you are to us all. Blessings and Prayers of Joy.
Monica – Staples Motley Catholics, MN
And, last month, we were privileged to send our crosses to these family members:
John – NV
Brenda – ND
Dar – MN
United Methodist Women of Merced CA – Merced, CA
First United Methodist Church – Manistique, MI
Good News Community Church – Jackson, MN
Pam – WA
Staples Motley Catholics – Staples, MN
Thank you so much for all you do.
To God be the Glory!!!
People are often unreasonable, irrational, and self-centered.
Forgive them anyway.
If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives.
Be kind anyway.
If you are successful, you will win some unfaithful friends and some genuine enemies.
Succeed anyway.
If you are honest and sincere, people may deceive you.
Be honest and sincere anyway.
What you spend years creating, others could destroy overnight.
Create anyway.
If you find serenity and happiness, some may be jealous.
Be happy anyway.
The good you do today will often be forgotten.
Do good anyway.
Give the best you have, and it will never be enough.
Give your best anyway.
In the final analysis, it is between you and God.
It was never between you and them anyway.
– Mother Teresa
CROSS THE WORLD 