Orchids are amazing plants. In fact, they make up the largest family of plants on the planet. A few years ago I began to develop an interest in orchids. Then I was fortunate enough to meet a fellow named Dave who works at the Lowe’s garden center at the waterfront. He also told me about The Western Pennsylvania Orchid Society of which he is a part. Every year the WPOS hosts an orchid show at the Phipp’s Garden Center. March 15th and 16th are the dates of the show, so it is only a few weeks away. The admission is free, although they do take donations. The displays of orchids are breathtaking, but if you want to make a purchase from one of the many vendors you need to get there early because the stock is sold out quickly.

Currently I have five orchids. Three are of the genus phalaenopsis and two are paphiopedilum. The white orchid in bloom is a phalaenopsis commonly known as a moth orchid. These are commonly found in garden centers and even grocery stores. The orchid in bud is the one which I am most excited about. It is a paphiopedilum, commonly referred to as a lady’s slipper. The species is delenatii, which is indigenous to northern Vietnam. Whereas the phalaenopsis, which is epiphytic, grows high in the tree tops of the rain forest, the paphiopedilum is terrestial which means it most commonly grows on the forest floor.

I have always thought that the month of February can be one of the most discouraging months on the calendar. Christmas is past. Easter seems so far away, and it’s still so cold and dreary outside. I also think it’s discouraging because many of us start off the new year with fresh energy and new resolutions only to find that our New Year’s resolutions are already this year’s disappointments. I encouraged our church this past January by sharing with them during our time of spiritual emphasis that there is a difference between the resolutions that we often casually make and the commitments that God desires us to pursue. If you feel discouraged this month I want to share with you a prayer guide which I also shared with my church. This six day prayer guide corresponds with a process of spiritual development which I find significant. Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday focus upon dealing with barriers to our spiritual growth. Thursday focuses upon the gifts which God has given to each of us. Friday addresses commitment, and Saturday encourages vision for the future.

The guide is formatted in a booklet form; please download it here. I pray that it is a blessing to you.

Each year the men of our church have been blessed and challenged by Promise Keepers. Men, this year you should mark your calendars for September 5th and 6th because Promise Keepers 2008 is arriving in Cleveland, Ohio. The program will take place on Friday from 6:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. and on Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. We will need to leave by 2:00 p.m. on Friday, so guys prepare to take at least a half day off from work if you are planning on attending. Every year we have an awesome time, so you do not want to miss out. You can read more about the conference here, and send me an email if you are interested in attending this year.

On Saturday March1 at 2:00 p.m. in the church fellowship hall the women of the church are going to host a craft party organized by Veronica Miller. There will be an opportunity to learn how to crochet as well as participate in various crafts. Please feel free to bring a craft which you are currently working on or desire to start. Yarn and needles will be available to purchase for $2. This activity is open to women of all ages. Please do invite a friend as well!