Last week we served dinner at the Ronald McDonald house in Mesa. This is for families who have young ones in the Cardon's Children's Hospital. We served four families with four distinctly different stories. We made a taco bar and they were able to make their own meals and sit and spend time with us. We got to know where they lived, what their story was and the hopes and concerns they had with their children. It is something we have done twice now and members of our group and family members want to make it a regular thing. It is a joy to be able to spend the time preparing a meal as a family and then serve the guests. This is not our only out reach. We have plans to serve in other areas. This is another example of how we are striving to LEARN what Jesus taught and to LIVE together as we help each other know and grow in Christ and LOVE others by honoring God in serving others.

The university where I work has blocked off paths which used to be used for vehicles and designated them walk only zones. I saw this happening today: A paramedic fire truck tried to get past one of the areas sectioned off for walk only. After wrestling with the tool which was supposed to drop the barriers, they grabbed their bags and walked to the building where the distress call had come from, leaving their truck with the lights still flashing. It made me think of how we block off lanes that could bring us help. How cutting ourselves off from people we do not want to deal with often will block those same people from being able to help us. Do you try to cut off people who help you see the loving, merciful God in a way He can help you grow? Do you avoid a time of fellowship each week where you can learn to live a life of community? Do you look down on others because they don't act like you or think like you? Do you put barriers up so people can't violate your space while, at the same time, they are prevented from getting to you in a time of need? I pray that you are finding ways that will help LEARN from Jesus, LIVE with other followers of Christ, and LOVE others by serving them. It begins by taking down the barriers in your life.

Looking forward to a great year. Please feel free to join us as we learn from the Teacher, the master, the Savior; Live in unity as we grow in our devotion to Jesus; and Love the world around us as we serve others. LEARN -- UPWARD LIVE -- INWARD LOVE -- OUTWARD You don't need to live in Arizona. Yarmouth House is anywhere two or more followers of Christ get together and pursue those three areas. Pray for us as we are open to God's leading and serve others.