I've been busy putting together brochures and fliers explaining about all the new things planned for Fall at CCPC. And although it's not the beginning of a New Year, it seems like it. "Back-to-School" has that same kind of feeling. Buying new notebooks, new pencils, and new planners also means renewing resolutions and establishing new habits -- wake up earlier, eat a complete breakfast, take your vitamins, floss your teeth, go to the gym, etc.

About new life habits, have you thought lately about the habits of your heart? Does your heart race to wonder? Does it revel in joy? Does your heart slow in a few quiet places during each day? Does your heart have a regular rhythm of work and worship, play and prayer? If you feel like your heart is beating out of sync and needs a tune-up, the good news is we have the ultimate Pacemaker. Our God is the God who breathed healthy rhythms into the very fabric of creation. And the One Who created you and me invites you to indulge in habits that sustain your life, day-in and day-out. And I'm talking about rhythms even more important than eating right, taking your vitamins and working out... those rhythms are about your body. I'm talking about the rhythms that keep your soul alive.

I don't know what habit you need -- maybe Scripture reading, maybe prayer, maybe attending worship regularly, maybe talking through tough issues with Christian friends, but NOW is the time to decide!

Have you seen the list of new Sunday school classes? I'm going to check out the Busy Household Class -- "Yes, Lord, I Have Sinned, But I Have Several Excellent Excuses!" It is definitely calling my name! There's also new offerings for Bible study on Sunday nights and Wednesday nights. North Star Nights will have a yoga class, a parenting teens class, a finance class, and new small group offerings. Surely one of them will call your name -- and help establish a healthy habit for your heart and soul.

Studies show that it takes six weeks for any new habit to take root in us in such a way that it "sticks." So don't give up if your new "habit of the heart" feels clumsy or if you get out of sync with your new rhythm for a day or two (or longer!). Maybe this will be a year in which your heart beats at one with the goodness of God and all creation!

To belong to Christ is to
always be loved,
always held,
always sustained.
What good news!

Jan Cook
Communications