July 13, 2018
This just seemed to speak to me today:
I surely believe this - God does give us strength! And also gives us folks who help lift us up. It's called the Body of Christ. I am grateful!!
Blessings.
Friday, July 13, 2018
Day #1654
July 12, 2018
On the third day of Vacation Bible School, we were reminded once again that Jesus is with us always and with the world, helping us provide for the needs of others.
We did a service project - packing lunch bags for those who are hungry…
Before - the items:
During - the packing:
What a blessing - 150 bags are ready to be given to folks!
With that, another Vacation Bible School is in the books. Thanks to all who came, who donated, and especially to those who worked hard to make it all happen!
Before - the items:
During - the packing:
With that, another Vacation Bible School is in the books. Thanks to all who came, who donated, and especially to those who worked hard to make it all happen!
Blessings.
Day #1653
July 11, 2018
On the second day of Vacation Bible School, we learned that Jesus was with the disciples in the boat - calming the sea. And he is with us when we feel nervous or afraid, happy or sad. Jesus is with us always!
And we played games...
Blessings.
And we played games...
Day #1652
July 10, 2018
On the first day of Vacation Bible School - Jesus and Me Camp - we were reminded that we are never alone, that Jesus is always with us!
And we sang…
Blessings.
Day #1651
July 9, 2018
A prayer for those who are grieving:
Almighty God, we trust your promises to gather together all your believers into your eternal Kingdom. We look with faith toward the day we will join our loved ones who have gone before us. We do not live without hope. Yet, we grieve the loss of their physical presence with us in this world. Give us peace in our grieving, comfort in knowing that we are not alone, and patience with ourselves to work through the process. Amen.
Blessings.
Day #1650
July 8, 2018
On Sunday Morning, broadcast journalist Steve Hartman told quite the story about a young man from Seguin, TX, by the name of Gerald Hodges. Gerald is a good athlete who participates in many sports, yet he joined the one team that gave him the biggest challenge. He joined the swim team - when he couldn’t swim!
Seems crazy, but Gerald’s idea was that “if [he] couldn’t handle not being good at something, then how could [he] consider [himself] a successful person?” So he worked hard, really hard, and ended up helping take the team to the state finals. Quite the victory!
I believe there’s a lesson in there for me, too. If I don’t challenge myself in ways that push the edges of my comfort levels or try things that I don’t think I have ability for, then am I actually limiting the work of God through me?
Maybe you are wondering the same.
Blessings.
Saturday, July 7, 2018
Day #1649
July 7, 2018
I heard last night that today is World Chocolate Day. It is a good reason to enjoy a little of this food gift today. But then I think every day could be chocolate day.
Also, this prayer from Rachel Wrenn in the God Pause devotion is well-worth sharing:
Jesus Christ, your love-upon-the-cross is humbling. Bring me to my knees in adoration and confession, then raise me to my feet to thank and serve you. Amen.
Blessings.
Day #1648
July 6, 2018
We could say it got hot here today! And we would be right about that!
My thoughtful husband took me for a ride into the countryside today. The views of the mountains are healing and the green grass covering the pastures is beautiful. Oh, and a little ice cream along the way never hurts. :-)
Thank you, sweetheart. You are good to me!!
Blessings.
Day #1647
July 5, 2018
There was quite a bit of excitement in our town today - the president of the U.S. came for a rally. Traffic was crazy. Roads were closed. Parking lots of businesses blocked. The town’s security personnel at the ready with all hands on deck. A big day.
Me? I was doing what I do and making some home visits, spending holy ground time.
Blessings.
Day #1645
July 3, 2018
For nearly three years, Cindy fought against cancer. What started as trouble breathing was found to be much more than asthma or allergies. She was diagnosed with lung cancer, and it spread quickly, eventually going to her brain.
She tried most everything and thanks to the doctors in Houston and the good care of many, she had some good times. Cindy was a nurse who was actually a very compliant patient. Her attitude was great, but her pain was also great and often she would say she didn’t pray for God to take away the pain completely, just make it a little easier to bear that day.
Early in her diagnosis I sent this to her that I pirated from a store:
This was true for Cindy - cancer took much, as you will see below, but it never took her faith, her spirit, her laugh, her friendship.
Cindy’s battle ended today. Words cannot adequately express how much I admire her and how I was awed by her strength. She taught me so much during the years of our friendship - how to laugh at myself, how to be more comfortable meeting folks, how to care for someone, how to have fun, how to talk to someone deeply about faith and trust in God, and so much more. To say I will miss her cheapens what I feel, but as long as I live, I believe her impact in my life will grow.
Here are a few pictures that show who Cindy is:
This is one of the best pictures ever, I think, of Cindy. This is B.C. - before cancer.
She always had a thing for pirates. Who knows?
A little taste of her sense of humor while enjoying one of her favorite meals -
she called them crab ribs.
We spent some time together not long after her treatments began
at her happy/peaceful place - the coast
The foursome (well, it only shows half of her hubby so maybe we should say 3.5 of us)
took a trip to see the west coast (her 1st time) in sunny Southern California.
And one of my favorites - her laughing.
I'll always hear her laugh in my mind. Can't you almost feel her joy!
Cindy, I will always love you! Thank you for being my friend. Rest in peace!
Blessings.
Monday, July 2, 2018
Day #1644
July 2, 2018
A prayer this week for the United States of America:
Almighty God, thank you for your creation. Thank you for countries and their leadership. As the United States celebrates another year of existence, grant us wisdom in how we use resources, compassion for others around the world, tolerance for differing ideas and values, and a desire for justice and mercy. Guide us and keep us, continuing to turn our desires toward your will and direction. Amen.
Blessings.
Day #1643
July 1, 2018
Being back at worship was wonderful. Lively services (the early morning summer service began today), and family and friends of members visiting, helped make it a great morning. And getting back in the routine of writing a sermon seemed to turn out just fine.
Thank you to the Holy Spirit for its presence, once again!
Blessings.
Day #1642
June 30, 2018
It was a fun evening at the ballpark with Family Promise night. The 50/50 game proceeds were designated to be split between that program and another one in town. Generously, over $3,200 in tickets were sold, meaning a good amount for the ministries. But to top that off, the person who had the winning number donated the proceeds to Family Promise, as well. This made for a very good night for Family Promise - and a fun way to spend a Saturday night.
Play ball!!
Blessings.
Day #1641
June 29, 2018
Routines are rather funny, I think. Doing things the same way, at somewhat the same time, can give way to many things becoming rote. For example, I don’t really think too much, or need to, about brushing my teeth.
Some routines, however, make my life richer. Bible Study, worship, and prayer could all be considered routines that are positive in nature. My life is enhanced and my relationship with God grows deeper through these routines, or practices.
Some routines, however, make my life richer. Bible Study, worship, and prayer could all be considered routines that are positive in nature. My life is enhanced and my relationship with God grows deeper through these routines, or practices.
Sermon writing is somewhat similar, a positive routine. There is a familiar rhythm that moves me along from reading the scripture texts for the first time early in the week to actually writing a sermon, usually on Friday, to preaching it Sunday morning. I suppose this is the reason that, because the routine has been interrupted for nearly three weeks, I’m finding it tougher to get back in the swing of writing.
Nope, I have no inspiration, and Sunday is coming. Let’s hope Saturday goes better!!
Blessings.
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