12.31.07
Posted in General Blog Post at 5:12 pm by Pastor Don
Dear Friends:
Happy New Year! Ready for 2008? What will it be like for you? Big plans? I do wish to you the best for the year, and I wish you vision beyond yourself.
What is your vision? Where do you get your vision? As a Christian, I look to Christ, and to the Bible, and to the ever-present movement of God’s Holy Spirit. These prod me in special ways. They get me to see beyond myself.
One of my favorite songs is Lord of the Dance. It’s been said that “Those who dance appear insane to those who cannot hear the music.” But this is where change begins with those who are searching. For me, I am constantly searching. One of my goals this year is to read the Bible through in its entirety. In the process, I’m looking for vision, looking to God in a sense to, “Open the eyes of my heart.”
I believe God has big plans for 2008, and I want to be a part of them. What’s you vision in 2008? Good question. Let me know. In the meantime, come on by. The coffee’s fresh. The light is on. Happy New Year.
Your friend, Pastor Don
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12.21.07
Posted in General Blog Post at 5:20 pm by Pastor Don
Merry Christmas! I’m standing here next to some of my friends. Some have just finished printing the Christmas Eve bulletins for services to which you are invited at 4:00, 6:00 and 10:00 p.m., others have just finished putting up the poinsettias which emanate a festive red and green. For me, they are people with whom I find acceptance, patience, encouragement, happiness, and loyalty. In addition, we share a common Lord. For that, I give thanks.
There’s another friend of which I celebrate. You see the crèche, and it symbolizes what for me has been a gift of God. When I get asked, “What did you get for Christmas?” I can say, in all honesty, “I received a friend from God.” Jesus; “What a friend we have in Jesus;” “He walks with me and talks with me.” He’s been a friend since I first committed my life to Him, and I relish and celebrate that this is a friendship that is eternal. What better gift could one receive?
If ever you need a friend, I would be there; but I would also “Wish for you my friend, this happiness that I have found.” It was a Christmas gift from God. The gift was a friend named Jesus Christ. If ever you’d like to talk about that, let me know. The light is on, and the coffee’s fresh. Stop by.
Your friend, Pastor Don
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12.11.07
Posted in General Blog Post at 4:24 pm by Pastor Don
Dear Friends:
How go the preparations? Schedules fixed? Presents gotten? House decorated? Lights up? How about your soul? How goes it with your soul? Is it full of hope, full of joy, full of love, and full of peace? That’s where things really need to be, don’t they?
The other night, I was out with some of the NHUMC Youth caroling, bringing music and a presence to some of our people who have difficulty at times getting out. They, like me, long for someone to say, “The Christ in me greets the Christ in thee,” (in so many words).
Prepping one’s heart for Christmas has very little to do with the outside. It’s an inside job. Seeking to let Christ become real in my life is a joyful task, but not always easy. I came across this reading, which I have enjoyed this Advent.
He who is the Bread of Life began His ministry hungering. He who is the Water of Life ended His ministry thirsty. Christ hungered as man, yet fed the multitudes as God. He was weary, yet He is our rest. He prayed, yet He hears prayers. He was sold for 30 pieces of silver, yet He redeems sinners. He was led as a lamb to the slaughter, yet He is the Good Shepherd. He died, and by dying destroyed death. -Unknown
It reminds me of whom it is that I seek, that one for which I seek to prepare. Enjoy. Tell me what you think of it. Enjoy your Advent. Stop by. The light’s on. The coffee’s fresh.
Your friend, Pastor Don
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