Dear Friends in Christ -
Here's the "411" from our beloved Karen Nash . . .
Hi Gang:
Once again we have a sold out dinner and talent show. :) This year the tickets went in record breaking time!! God has really blessed our show!
I will start a waiting list in case any tickets become available, let me know if you are need any more. If you have tickets or tickets on "reserve" and are not going to use them, (even right up until showtime) please let me know....ASAP. I would be happy to sell your unused tickets to others on the waiting list.
Thanks,
Karen Nash<><
386-9432
kmnash@sbcglobal.net
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
10th Day of 10 Days of Prayer
Dear Friends in Christ -
To all of you who have been praying for our parish over these past 10 days, THANK YOU.
To all of you who haven't been praying, we missed you! And the sad thing is that you won't have that sense of faithful partnership shared by those who joined in. But the good news is that GOD IS GOING TO BLESS US ALL as a result of the faithfulness of those who have prayed.
Come on Sunday and experience at least a part of that blessing . . . !
Here's a prayer for this final day . . . and for the days and weeks and years to come!!
O God of unchangeable power and eternal light: Look favorably on your whole Church, that wonderful and sacred mystery; by the effectual working of your providence, carry out in tranquility the plan of salvation; let the whole world see and know that things which were cast down are being raised up, and things which had grown old are being made new, and that all things are being brought to their perfection through whom all things were made, your Son Jesus Christ our Lord; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Faithfully yours,
Janet+
To all of you who have been praying for our parish over these past 10 days, THANK YOU.
To all of you who haven't been praying, we missed you! And the sad thing is that you won't have that sense of faithful partnership shared by those who joined in. But the good news is that GOD IS GOING TO BLESS US ALL as a result of the faithfulness of those who have prayed.
Come on Sunday and experience at least a part of that blessing . . . !
Here's a prayer for this final day . . . and for the days and weeks and years to come!!
O God of unchangeable power and eternal light: Look favorably on your whole Church, that wonderful and sacred mystery; by the effectual working of your providence, carry out in tranquility the plan of salvation; let the whole world see and know that things which were cast down are being raised up, and things which had grown old are being made new, and that all things are being brought to their perfection through whom all things were made, your Son Jesus Christ our Lord; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Faithfully yours,
Janet+
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Serenity Prayer
Dear Friends in Christ -
In my sermon on Sunday, I read this famous prayer. Many folks are familiar with the first sentence, but the prayer in its entirety is even more powerful . . .
God grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change,
courage to change the things I can,
and the wisdom to know the difference.
Living one day at a time;
enjoying one moment at a time;
accepting hardship as the pathway to peace.
Taking, as He did, this sinful world as it is,
not as I would have it;
trusting that He will make all things right
if I surrender to His will;
that I may be reasonably happy in this life,
and supremely happy with him forever in the next.
- Reinhold Niebuhr
Faithfully,
Janet+
In my sermon on Sunday, I read this famous prayer. Many folks are familiar with the first sentence, but the prayer in its entirety is even more powerful . . .
God grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change,
courage to change the things I can,
and the wisdom to know the difference.
Living one day at a time;
enjoying one moment at a time;
accepting hardship as the pathway to peace.
Taking, as He did, this sinful world as it is,
not as I would have it;
trusting that He will make all things right
if I surrender to His will;
that I may be reasonably happy in this life,
and supremely happy with him forever in the next.
- Reinhold Niebuhr
Faithfully,
Janet+
Day #9
Dear Friends in Christ -
Tomorrow is the last day of our 10 days of prayer for our parish.
On this next-to-last day, I invite you to "beat the bounds" with me - this morning and this evening. That's an old expression that means walking around ones property for the purpose of securing it. On this rainy day, when we're all going about doing the things that God has called us to do, I invite you to walk the grounds of the church in your imagination. Bless each classroom, our sanctuaries, our offices, the parking lots, the rental house and Christian Counseling Center and rectory. Ask God to make His presence known, to protect, to guide, to encourage, to bless.
With you in prayer,
Janet+
Tomorrow is the last day of our 10 days of prayer for our parish.
On this next-to-last day, I invite you to "beat the bounds" with me - this morning and this evening. That's an old expression that means walking around ones property for the purpose of securing it. On this rainy day, when we're all going about doing the things that God has called us to do, I invite you to walk the grounds of the church in your imagination. Bless each classroom, our sanctuaries, our offices, the parking lots, the rental house and Christian Counseling Center and rectory. Ask God to make His presence known, to protect, to guide, to encourage, to bless.
With you in prayer,
Janet+
Saturday, April 26, 2008
Saturday evening . . . another prayer . . .
Dear Friends in Christ -
As many of you know, this is one of my favorite prayers . . . it speaks so much of the hope we have in our Lord . . .
O God of unchangeable power and eternal light: Look favorably on your whole Church, that wonderful and sacred mystery; by the effectual working of your providence, carry out in tranquility the plan of salvation; let the whole world see and know that things which were cast down are being raised up, and things which had grown old are being made new, and that all things are being brought to their perfection by him through whom all things were made, your Son Jesus Christ our Lord; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
See you in church tomorrow!
Blessings,
Janet+
As many of you know, this is one of my favorite prayers . . . it speaks so much of the hope we have in our Lord . . .
O God of unchangeable power and eternal light: Look favorably on your whole Church, that wonderful and sacred mystery; by the effectual working of your providence, carry out in tranquility the plan of salvation; let the whole world see and know that things which were cast down are being raised up, and things which had grown old are being made new, and that all things are being brought to their perfection by him through whom all things were made, your Son Jesus Christ our Lord; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
See you in church tomorrow!
Blessings,
Janet+
Praying for Provision
Dear Friends in Christ -
Can you believe that we've been praying together almost a week? As I've prayed and as I've spent time at the church this week, I've sensed God moving among us in new ways. I feel moved today to pray specifically about finances - for our households and for our church.
God, you taught us to pray "Give us this day our daily bread." Please God, do give us all that we need. And help us to have enough confidence in You and your loving provision for us that we can share. Give us a firy passion for the things that are important to you - love, justice, mercy - that your Kingdom may break forth in our midst. Amen.
Faithfully yours,
Janet+
Can you believe that we've been praying together almost a week? As I've prayed and as I've spent time at the church this week, I've sensed God moving among us in new ways. I feel moved today to pray specifically about finances - for our households and for our church.
God, you taught us to pray "Give us this day our daily bread." Please God, do give us all that we need. And help us to have enough confidence in You and your loving provision for us that we can share. Give us a firy passion for the things that are important to you - love, justice, mercy - that your Kingdom may break forth in our midst. Amen.
Faithfully yours,
Janet+
Friday, April 25, 2008
Praying . . .
. . . still . . . for our church and our ministries together . . . :
Heavenly Father, look with favor upon our community of faith. Help us to witness to Christ's love by loving all our fellow creatures without exception. Keep us faithful to Christ's mission of calling all men and women to You, that they may know your goodness and faithfulness. May St. Paul's be a beacon of light and love, reaching out in our community. Amen.
A prayer for the evening:
Keep your light burning in and through us, Lord, that every darkness may be pierced by the fire of your love. Amen.
Faithfully,
Janet+
Heavenly Father, look with favor upon our community of faith. Help us to witness to Christ's love by loving all our fellow creatures without exception. Keep us faithful to Christ's mission of calling all men and women to You, that they may know your goodness and faithfulness. May St. Paul's be a beacon of light and love, reaching out in our community. Amen.
A prayer for the evening:
Keep your light burning in and through us, Lord, that every darkness may be pierced by the fire of your love. Amen.
Faithfully,
Janet+
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Prayers for another day . . .
. . . of praying at 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. As we pray today for the mission and ministry of our church, I invite you to think about what this church community means to you. I invite you to think, too, of what it is that you long for in connection with God and in our church.
At 7:00 a.m. - Give thanks to God for St. Paul's and for the blessings you have received in this parish community.
At 7:00 p.m. - Offer to God your longings for what you need in church and for what the church could be. And pray this prayer:
Gracious Father, we pray for thy holy Church. - for St. Paul's and for the Church throughout the world. Fit it with all truth, in all truth with all peace. Where it is corrupt, purify it; where it is in error, direct it; where in any thing it is amiss, reform it. Where it is right, strengthen it; where it is in want, provide for it; where it is divided, reunite it; for the sake of Jesus Christ your Son our Saviour. Amen.
Faithfully yours,
Janet+
At 7:00 a.m. - Give thanks to God for St. Paul's and for the blessings you have received in this parish community.
At 7:00 p.m. - Offer to God your longings for what you need in church and for what the church could be. And pray this prayer:
Gracious Father, we pray for thy holy Church. - for St. Paul's and for the Church throughout the world. Fit it with all truth, in all truth with all peace. Where it is corrupt, purify it; where it is in error, direct it; where in any thing it is amiss, reform it. Where it is right, strengthen it; where it is in want, provide for it; where it is divided, reunite it; for the sake of Jesus Christ your Son our Saviour. Amen.
Faithfully yours,
Janet+
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Prayers for today at 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.
Dear Friends in Christ -
We had a blessed and productive time together at our Ministry Team meetings last night.
As we gathered, we prayed this prayer - which I'm praying again at 7:00 a.m. this morning . . .
Direct us, O Lord, in all our doings with your most gracious favor, and further us with your continual help; that in all our works begun, continued, and ended in you, we may glorify your holy Name, and finally, by your mercy, obtain everlasting life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (BCP, p. 832)
And here's a prayer for this evening at 7:00 p.m., too:
Almighty and eternal God, so draw our hearts to you, so guide our minds, so fill our imaginations, so control our wills, that we may be wholly yours, utterly dedicated to you; and then use us, we pray you, as you will, and always to your glory and the welfare of your people; through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen. (BCP, p. 832)
Blessings be upon you this day!
Faithfully yours,
Janet+
We had a blessed and productive time together at our Ministry Team meetings last night.
As we gathered, we prayed this prayer - which I'm praying again at 7:00 a.m. this morning . . .
Direct us, O Lord, in all our doings with your most gracious favor, and further us with your continual help; that in all our works begun, continued, and ended in you, we may glorify your holy Name, and finally, by your mercy, obtain everlasting life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (BCP, p. 832)
And here's a prayer for this evening at 7:00 p.m., too:
Almighty and eternal God, so draw our hearts to you, so guide our minds, so fill our imaginations, so control our wills, that we may be wholly yours, utterly dedicated to you; and then use us, we pray you, as you will, and always to your glory and the welfare of your people; through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen. (BCP, p. 832)
Blessings be upon you this day!
Faithfully yours,
Janet+
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
10 DAYS OF PRAYER FOR OUR CHURCH - 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.
Dear Friends in Christ -
So many full-of-wonder things are happening at St. Paul's!
Three new Christians were baptized at Easter.
Five adults were confirmed/received on April 12th.
Ministry Teams have started to meet together on the 4th Tuesday of the month.
Our parish budget is nearly balanced for the first time in over 10 years.
The interior repairs and painting/carpeting of the Old Church will begin in May.
HALLELUJAH!
In these last 10 days of April, I have asked the whole parish to join me for 10 DAYS of PRAYER FOR OUR CHURCH. Our parish leadership retreat in February identified "fiscal confidence" as a key part of our vision. We really do need to raise the final $15,000 to close our budget gap. And the 30th of April is our deadline for doing so. Why? Because we need to know how our budget is shaping up for the year so that we can turn our attention to other things . . .
PLEASE PRAY WITH ME AT 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. EACH DAY. From here on out, I'll try to post the prayer that I'm praying in advance of the prayer time so that you can pray it with me if you like.
HERE is the prayer that I prayed this morning (BCP p. 818, adapted):
Almighty and everliving God, source of all wisdom and understanding, be present with all of your people at St. Paul's as we pray together for the renewal and mission of your Church. Teach us in all things to seek first your honor and glory. Guide us to perceive what is right, and grant us both the courage to pursue it and the grace to accomplish it; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
HERE is the prayer that I'll pray this evening (BCP p. 818, adapted):
Gracious and loving God: Give us grace to seriously desire unity with one another and to lay aside any hurtful divisions or prejudices. Take away whatever may hinder us from godly union and accord; that, as there is but one Body and one Spirit, one hope of our calling, one Lord, one Faith, one Baptism, one God and Father of us all, so we may be all of one heart and of one soul, united in one holy bond of truth and peace, of faith and charity, and may with one mind and one mouth glorify you; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
May God teach us the way to step fully into His light!
Faithfully yours,
Janet+
So many full-of-wonder things are happening at St. Paul's!
Three new Christians were baptized at Easter.
Five adults were confirmed/received on April 12th.
Ministry Teams have started to meet together on the 4th Tuesday of the month.
Our parish budget is nearly balanced for the first time in over 10 years.
The interior repairs and painting/carpeting of the Old Church will begin in May.
HALLELUJAH!
In these last 10 days of April, I have asked the whole parish to join me for 10 DAYS of PRAYER FOR OUR CHURCH. Our parish leadership retreat in February identified "fiscal confidence" as a key part of our vision. We really do need to raise the final $15,000 to close our budget gap. And the 30th of April is our deadline for doing so. Why? Because we need to know how our budget is shaping up for the year so that we can turn our attention to other things . . .
PLEASE PRAY WITH ME AT 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. EACH DAY. From here on out, I'll try to post the prayer that I'm praying in advance of the prayer time so that you can pray it with me if you like.
HERE is the prayer that I prayed this morning (BCP p. 818, adapted):
Almighty and everliving God, source of all wisdom and understanding, be present with all of your people at St. Paul's as we pray together for the renewal and mission of your Church. Teach us in all things to seek first your honor and glory. Guide us to perceive what is right, and grant us both the courage to pursue it and the grace to accomplish it; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
HERE is the prayer that I'll pray this evening (BCP p. 818, adapted):
Gracious and loving God: Give us grace to seriously desire unity with one another and to lay aside any hurtful divisions or prejudices. Take away whatever may hinder us from godly union and accord; that, as there is but one Body and one Spirit, one hope of our calling, one Lord, one Faith, one Baptism, one God and Father of us all, so we may be all of one heart and of one soul, united in one holy bond of truth and peace, of faith and charity, and may with one mind and one mouth glorify you; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
May God teach us the way to step fully into His light!
Faithfully yours,
Janet+
Sunday, April 20, 2008
BUILDING "PROGRESS REPORT"
Dear Friends in Christ -
What an exciting time it is for our parish!
TODAY (SUNDAY, APRIL 20) we will have a "Progress Report" on the fixing-up of the Old Church.
We'll have this progress report after the 8:00 a.m. worship service in the Old Church AND after the 10:00 a.m. worship service in the Parish Hall.
Please come to hear the updates, get your questions answered, and see photos of the repairs to be done!!
Faithfully yours,
Janet+
What an exciting time it is for our parish!
TODAY (SUNDAY, APRIL 20) we will have a "Progress Report" on the fixing-up of the Old Church.
We'll have this progress report after the 8:00 a.m. worship service in the Old Church AND after the 10:00 a.m. worship service in the Parish Hall.
Please come to hear the updates, get your questions answered, and see photos of the repairs to be done!!
Faithfully yours,
Janet+
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Favorite Part of the Day
Dear Friends in Christ -
It's part of our family dinner ritual. Each night we go around the table and share our answers to the question, "What was your favorite part of the day?"
Of course, the kids love it when my favorite part of the day includes one or both of them. And often it does.
But then there are days like today, when my favorite part of the day happened here at St. Paul's. Today, my favorite thing was seeing the expressions on the faces of our elderly guests at the Family Table luncheon as they listened to the Pitchpipers women's chorus singing "Diamonds are a Girl's Best Friend." What a joy to share a little fun together in God's house on this lovely spring day. Thanks be to God!
Faithfully,
Janet+
It's part of our family dinner ritual. Each night we go around the table and share our answers to the question, "What was your favorite part of the day?"
Of course, the kids love it when my favorite part of the day includes one or both of them. And often it does.
But then there are days like today, when my favorite part of the day happened here at St. Paul's. Today, my favorite thing was seeing the expressions on the faces of our elderly guests at the Family Table luncheon as they listened to the Pitchpipers women's chorus singing "Diamonds are a Girl's Best Friend." What a joy to share a little fun together in God's house on this lovely spring day. Thanks be to God!
Faithfully,
Janet+
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
BONHOEFFER AND LAW
Dear Friends in Christ -
Today and tomorrow, we celebrate the lives of two men - Dietrich Bonhoeffer and William Law. William Law lived in the mid 1700s. Bonhoeffer lived in the mid 1900s. The thing these men had in common was that they had some tough choices to make.
Law was a theologian and teacher who lived in England in a time when the British crown changed hands. When the new regime came into power, all scholars were required to pledge allegiance to the new regime. When Law refused, he lost not just his job, but his career.
Bonhoeffer was a theologian and teacher who lived in Germany at the time of Hitler's rise to power. Bonhoeffer saw what Hitler and his Nazi regime were doing to the Jews, and they stood up against it. After it was clear that Hitler was annihilating Jews by the millions, Bonhoeffer participated in a plot to try to assassinate Hilter; he was caught and killed by the Nazis a week before the Allied troops liberated the death camp in which he died.
Unlike these men, we don't face the loss of our career or the loss of our life for standing up for what we believe. But the lives of these men challenge us not to shy away from the tough moral issues we face in day to day living. Stand up for what you believe. It's not easy, but it's right - and it's the way to LIFE - now and evermore.
Faithfully,
Janet+
Today and tomorrow, we celebrate the lives of two men - Dietrich Bonhoeffer and William Law. William Law lived in the mid 1700s. Bonhoeffer lived in the mid 1900s. The thing these men had in common was that they had some tough choices to make.
Law was a theologian and teacher who lived in England in a time when the British crown changed hands. When the new regime came into power, all scholars were required to pledge allegiance to the new regime. When Law refused, he lost not just his job, but his career.
Bonhoeffer was a theologian and teacher who lived in Germany at the time of Hitler's rise to power. Bonhoeffer saw what Hitler and his Nazi regime were doing to the Jews, and they stood up against it. After it was clear that Hitler was annihilating Jews by the millions, Bonhoeffer participated in a plot to try to assassinate Hilter; he was caught and killed by the Nazis a week before the Allied troops liberated the death camp in which he died.
Unlike these men, we don't face the loss of our career or the loss of our life for standing up for what we believe. But the lives of these men challenge us not to shy away from the tough moral issues we face in day to day living. Stand up for what you believe. It's not easy, but it's right - and it's the way to LIFE - now and evermore.
Faithfully,
Janet+
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
SPIRITUAL BEINGS
Dear Friends in Christ -
We just got done with the most amazing Vestry Meeting. Bishop Laura Ahrens was here for her annual visitation. How wonderful to be able to share with her the exciting things that are happening in our parish!
In addition to getting some business accomplished (we voted to move forward with renovations of the Old Church!!), we had some time to reflect together on Scripture and on our mission and goals.
One person summed it all up with this important reminder about having all things in the right perspective: "We are not really just human beings having a spiritual experience, we are spiritual beings having a human experience."
That quote explained to me at a profound level why the work we're preparing to do on the Old Church is so vital - and so energizing. That Old Church reminds us that it's the spiritual things that are most important. When we keep God in the center of our lives, then we have hope, we have security, we are aware of our connection with the One who loves us, the One who holds eternity in his hands.
Faithfully,
Janet+
We just got done with the most amazing Vestry Meeting. Bishop Laura Ahrens was here for her annual visitation. How wonderful to be able to share with her the exciting things that are happening in our parish!
In addition to getting some business accomplished (we voted to move forward with renovations of the Old Church!!), we had some time to reflect together on Scripture and on our mission and goals.
One person summed it all up with this important reminder about having all things in the right perspective: "We are not really just human beings having a spiritual experience, we are spiritual beings having a human experience."
That quote explained to me at a profound level why the work we're preparing to do on the Old Church is so vital - and so energizing. That Old Church reminds us that it's the spiritual things that are most important. When we keep God in the center of our lives, then we have hope, we have security, we are aware of our connection with the One who loves us, the One who holds eternity in his hands.
Faithfully,
Janet+
Monday, April 7, 2008
BLOGGING . . . for togetherness . . .
Dear Friends in Christ -
I never imagined how challenging it would be to keep up with this blogging thing. The truth is, I enjoy doing it, but it takes time. And that's the commodity I have least of in my life.
But the thing that keeps drawing me back to this form of communication is connecting with YOU. Your life is just as busy as mine, and if I can help you by putting out thoughts and prayers through this medium - things you can read at your convenience - then I want to help you get closer to God by "blogging" for you.
So here's what struck me from my conversation with God today . . . from today's meditation in Forward Day by Day . . . the Scripture (from Exodus 18:13-27) - "You will surely wear yourself out." . . . and this reminder from the anonymous author: "God commands us to stop thinking we are called - or allowed - to bear our burdens alone."
When I was a kid in church we sang this song "I'm so glad I'm a part of the family of God." Even on the toughest days, I feel uplifted by your support and encouragement - your prayers and your practical help (I'm especially grateful for the delivery of soup when I was sick last week!).
I know it's not a very "Yankee" thing to do, but please speak up when you need help. God commands us not to bear our burdens alone.
Faithfully,
Janet+
I never imagined how challenging it would be to keep up with this blogging thing. The truth is, I enjoy doing it, but it takes time. And that's the commodity I have least of in my life.
But the thing that keeps drawing me back to this form of communication is connecting with YOU. Your life is just as busy as mine, and if I can help you by putting out thoughts and prayers through this medium - things you can read at your convenience - then I want to help you get closer to God by "blogging" for you.
So here's what struck me from my conversation with God today . . . from today's meditation in Forward Day by Day . . . the Scripture (from Exodus 18:13-27) - "You will surely wear yourself out." . . . and this reminder from the anonymous author: "God commands us to stop thinking we are called - or allowed - to bear our burdens alone."
When I was a kid in church we sang this song "I'm so glad I'm a part of the family of God." Even on the toughest days, I feel uplifted by your support and encouragement - your prayers and your practical help (I'm especially grateful for the delivery of soup when I was sick last week!).
I know it's not a very "Yankee" thing to do, but please speak up when you need help. God commands us not to bear our burdens alone.
Faithfully,
Janet+
Sunday, April 6, 2008
THE RECTOR'S CHALLENGE
Dear Friends in Christ -
CONGRATULATIONS!!! and THANK YOU!!! to all who have given and prayed and helped . . .
Together, we've matched the $40,000!! That means we have the money we need to fix up the interior of the Old Church. AND we're 2/3 of the way to balancing our operating budget.
Now, for the final piece . . . we need another $19,000 to balance our 2008 operating budget . . . this is DOABLE. If every family gave 10% of the money they're getting from the US government in May, that would COMPLETELY close our budget gap. Will you help?
I'm offering an added incentive. (GULP) If we raise the $19,000 by April 30th, I will let the youth of the church choose a color for my hair . . . oh, boy! So far, the suggestions are blue, purple, pink, orange, lavender, and green . . .
This is an exciting time. I'm so looking forward to fixing up the Old Church. AND I'm looking forward to NOT talking about fundraising for the budget for the next 6 months!
THANK YOU for all your FAITHFULNESS . . . it changes lives, from the inside out!
Blessings,
Janet+
CONGRATULATIONS!!! and THANK YOU!!! to all who have given and prayed and helped . . .
Together, we've matched the $40,000!! That means we have the money we need to fix up the interior of the Old Church. AND we're 2/3 of the way to balancing our operating budget.
Now, for the final piece . . . we need another $19,000 to balance our 2008 operating budget . . . this is DOABLE. If every family gave 10% of the money they're getting from the US government in May, that would COMPLETELY close our budget gap. Will you help?
I'm offering an added incentive. (GULP) If we raise the $19,000 by April 30th, I will let the youth of the church choose a color for my hair . . . oh, boy! So far, the suggestions are blue, purple, pink, orange, lavender, and green . . .
This is an exciting time. I'm so looking forward to fixing up the Old Church. AND I'm looking forward to NOT talking about fundraising for the budget for the next 6 months!
THANK YOU for all your FAITHFULNESS . . . it changes lives, from the inside out!
Blessings,
Janet+
Saturday, April 5, 2008
Daily Resolve
Dear Friends in Christ -
Some days are better than others. Some weeks are better than others. This week was not one of my best. I spent 90% of it in bed with the flu. The up side: lots of time to pray in between naps. In those prayers, I was reminded of the "daily resolve" prayer that has been special to me over the years. I cherish this prayer because it reminds me of the "basics" in Christian living, the things that are most important. When you first read it, the prayer may strike you (as it did me) as a bit "Pollyanna." But its call to simple goodness and basic faithfulness rings true. As you pray this prayer, may it be a blessing and inspiration to you.
Faithfully yours,
Janet+
A Morning Resolve
I will try this day to live a simple, sincere, and serene life, repelling promptly every thought of discontent, anxiety, discouragement, impurity, and self-seeking: cultivating cheerfulness, magnanimity, charity, and the habit of holy silence; exercising economy in expenditure, generosity in giving, carefulness in conversation, diligence in appointed service, fidelity to every trust, and a childlike faith in God.
In particular I will try to be faithful to those habits of prayer, work, study, physical exercise, eating, and sleep which I believe the Holy Spirit has shown me to be right.
And as I cannot in my own strength do this, nor even with a hope of success attempt it, I look to thee, O Lord God my Father, in Jesus my Savior, and ask for the gift of the Holy Spirit.
(For those of you who read the Forward Day by Day devotional, it's on the inside cover.)
Some days are better than others. Some weeks are better than others. This week was not one of my best. I spent 90% of it in bed with the flu. The up side: lots of time to pray in between naps. In those prayers, I was reminded of the "daily resolve" prayer that has been special to me over the years. I cherish this prayer because it reminds me of the "basics" in Christian living, the things that are most important. When you first read it, the prayer may strike you (as it did me) as a bit "Pollyanna." But its call to simple goodness and basic faithfulness rings true. As you pray this prayer, may it be a blessing and inspiration to you.
Faithfully yours,
Janet+
A Morning Resolve
I will try this day to live a simple, sincere, and serene life, repelling promptly every thought of discontent, anxiety, discouragement, impurity, and self-seeking: cultivating cheerfulness, magnanimity, charity, and the habit of holy silence; exercising economy in expenditure, generosity in giving, carefulness in conversation, diligence in appointed service, fidelity to every trust, and a childlike faith in God.
In particular I will try to be faithful to those habits of prayer, work, study, physical exercise, eating, and sleep which I believe the Holy Spirit has shown me to be right.
And as I cannot in my own strength do this, nor even with a hope of success attempt it, I look to thee, O Lord God my Father, in Jesus my Savior, and ask for the gift of the Holy Spirit.
(For those of you who read the Forward Day by Day devotional, it's on the inside cover.)
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