04.29.08
Posted in General Blog Post at 5:10 pm by Pastor Don
Dear Friends,
Just the other night, I watched while some of my favorite young friends put on a musical at our church entitled, The First Action Heroes, written by Pam Andrews and performed by the Normandale Hylands UMC Joy Choir. It’s a musical for children’s choirs about the power of God. The heroes lifted up were biblical people like Esther, David, Joseph, and others. And then finally, Jesus.
Today, who is your hero? Who is your role model? Who is someone that you pattern your life after? Over the years, I’ve had a number of people whom I have admired: biblical people, and then people like William Wilberforce, Scott Mortenson, and Mother Teresa.
But when it came right down to it, my ultimate hero is Jesus. And so I keep looking to Jesus. The Book of Hebrews tells me “He is the author of faith; he also makes it perfect; he put up with attacks from sinners; so think about him, he who paid no attention to the shame of the cross, suffering there because of the joy he was looking forward to. Think about him. Then you won’t lose hope and you won’t get tired.” Hebrews 12:2-3.
And so I do. Look to my hero. To whom do you look? The hymn says: “Turn your eyes upon Jesus; look full in his wonderful face; and the things of Earth will grow strangely dim, in the light of his glory and grace.” Stop by. The coffee’s fresh; the light is on.
Your friend, Pastor Don
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04.18.08
Posted in General Blog Post at 1:50 pm by Pastor Don
Dear Friends:
On April 20, Normandale Hylands United Methodist Church consecrated its new building addition. We’ve had quite a year what with a building project going on around us. I compare it to living with an elephant, lots of noise, and lots of tracks. Now, however, the end is near and a new era begins. To God be the glory.
On the 20th, I talked with the children about one of my favorite songs, Sanctuary, by John Thompson and Randy Scruggs.
Lord, prepare me, to be a sanctuary, pure and holy, tried and true;
With thanksgiving, I’ll be a living sanctuary to you.
To be a sanctuary is to be a holy place, a place where God is honored, and where the presence of God is felt. What would a person who is seeking to be a “sanctuary” look like? I have a few ideas. What are yours? Let me know. In the meantime, I will pray that the “sanctuary” blueprint for you becomes a reality, and I would ask you to do the same for me. Blessings to you on your “building project”.
Pastor Don
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04.04.08
Posted in General Blog Post at 4:30 pm by Pastor Don
Dear Friends:
Here are a few of my friends around 12:00 a.m. at the Minneapolis Airport Terminal. Don’t they look happy? I wonder why? Why the joy? If you look, the joy is spread across the generations pictured. What has happened with these people (incidentally, people taking part in an activity sponsored by our church, NHUMC)?
Actually, this is a picture of a group just returning from a week spent in a third world country, working with people in physical poverty, working with people seeking to improve their lot in life, and working with people who really appreciated what was done for and with them in the name of Jesus Christ.
I’m so glad that these 25 got overseas and were a blessing, as well as being blessed. They, over spring break, did a mission trip to Belize. There, they did physical construction, as well as giving leadership to a Children’s Bible School, senior citizen’s ministry, visiting in the community, and doing a variety of worship services.
When I asked some of them what their highlight was of the time spent in Belize, many of them answered, “All of it.” It’s funny how joy can be found in doing hard work, whether physical, emotional, or spiritual, and doing it in the name of Jesus Christ. In addition, they paid to do it! Now they’re anxious to go again. There must be something to following Christ that leads one to wish to continue. The psalmist said, “The Joy of the Lord is my strength!” and Jesus said, “I have come that your joy might be full!” Amazing how we find that joy in serving Christ and helping others. How about you? Where do you find joy? Stop by. Let me know. The light is on and the coffee’s fresh.
Your friend, Pastor Don
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