God leads us down many different paths in our life times. And He is changing the path that I am on to go down a different road. Friday is offically my last day as a "pastor" at Westhill Park Baptist Church. I will once again become a lay person.
I still have a pastor's heart--desiring to serve others as Jesus did. But I will not have a job title that indicates that I am being paid for that role. I have a great deal of sadness in leaving this role, a role I have enjoyed for the past three years. But I know that God is still in control and He will take me where I need to go. WhenI am weary, He will carry me. When I am sad, He will wipe away my tears.
I truly thank God for what I have learned as a pastor. While this is a difficult and emotional time for me, I will let Him take care of me. Thank you, God, for who you are!
Monday, October 27, 2008
Friday, October 10, 2008
Wipe out!
We are getting back into the cold and flu season. I find that I can go along for quite a while being healthy. It seems, however, that as soon as I get really busy and stressed, I get sick. I wonder why?
Our bodies have this way of letting us know when we need to watch out and take things just a little easier. When we don't listen, our body puts on the breaks by means of the flu or a bad cold. Then watch out! It's wipe out time.
When I first realized this pattern in myself, I thought I was unusual. Then I started seeing the same pattern in other people. God made our bodies to take just so much stress and pressure. Then we need to rest. That seventh day is more for us than for Him.
So now I'm resting. I have no choice. My body has wiped out and I need to recuperate to be any good for anything. Then I'll be back up and at it again. Maybe this time I'll pay more attention to what my body is telling me.
Our bodies have this way of letting us know when we need to watch out and take things just a little easier. When we don't listen, our body puts on the breaks by means of the flu or a bad cold. Then watch out! It's wipe out time.
When I first realized this pattern in myself, I thought I was unusual. Then I started seeing the same pattern in other people. God made our bodies to take just so much stress and pressure. Then we need to rest. That seventh day is more for us than for Him.
So now I'm resting. I have no choice. My body has wiped out and I need to recuperate to be any good for anything. Then I'll be back up and at it again. Maybe this time I'll pay more attention to what my body is telling me.
Tuesday, September 02, 2008
And They're Off!
We will "launch" our Fall ministries at church this coming Sunday, September 7, 2008. This marks the official end of summer and the start of a new ministry year. No more enjoying the sunshine out the office window; things will get much too busy.
In some ways, this is a sad time, because the summer is more laid back and informal. We take off an hour earlier so that we can enjoy some of the warm weather. In other ways, though, it is a time of great excitement as we embark on a new year of teaching and growing, of leading and witnessing, of planting seeds for God to bring into harvest.
I am excited about the possibilities that I see in people as they continue to grow and mature as followers of Jesus Christ. I am excited about the different things that I can do to directly help them, and I am excited about what God is doing in my own life as I continue to grow spiritually.
We often think of the Springtime as the time of new growth, but the Fall can start that process just as well. Under the snow that will eventually come will be new seeds, germinating in the moist soil. So too, as we begin this ministry year, new seeds will begin to germinate in the lives of people--young and old--as God works in their lives. To God be the glory!
In some ways, this is a sad time, because the summer is more laid back and informal. We take off an hour earlier so that we can enjoy some of the warm weather. In other ways, though, it is a time of great excitement as we embark on a new year of teaching and growing, of leading and witnessing, of planting seeds for God to bring into harvest.
I am excited about the possibilities that I see in people as they continue to grow and mature as followers of Jesus Christ. I am excited about the different things that I can do to directly help them, and I am excited about what God is doing in my own life as I continue to grow spiritually.
We often think of the Springtime as the time of new growth, but the Fall can start that process just as well. Under the snow that will eventually come will be new seeds, germinating in the moist soil. So too, as we begin this ministry year, new seeds will begin to germinate in the lives of people--young and old--as God works in their lives. To God be the glory!
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Somebody Bigger Than You and I
I went to the zoo in Minot, North Dakota a few days ago. It is not a large zoo, but it is very well maintained and the animals look "happy." The bears were enjoying a swim and I fed the goats. I had a very enjoyable time with these creatures.
God has made so many different types of beings in this world--people and animals. No two are alike. Each is unique and individual, with its own personality, desires and preferences. While one goat turned its head up at my offerings, another enthusiastically gobbled up whatever I had in my hand.
I am often amazed at the creativity of God in how He could create each person and animal as an individual. I would run out of ideas for how to make them different, but not God. That's because He is infinitely bigger, smarter and more creative than I am. I am thankful that God created me just as He wanted me to be. I keep growing in my knowledge and experiences, but He guides me and helps me in my growth.
Who made the mountains? Who made the trees? Who made the rivers flow to the sea? And who put the moon in the starry sky? Somebody bigger than you and I!
God has made so many different types of beings in this world--people and animals. No two are alike. Each is unique and individual, with its own personality, desires and preferences. While one goat turned its head up at my offerings, another enthusiastically gobbled up whatever I had in my hand.
I am often amazed at the creativity of God in how He could create each person and animal as an individual. I would run out of ideas for how to make them different, but not God. That's because He is infinitely bigger, smarter and more creative than I am. I am thankful that God created me just as He wanted me to be. I keep growing in my knowledge and experiences, but He guides me and helps me in my growth.
Who made the mountains? Who made the trees? Who made the rivers flow to the sea? And who put the moon in the starry sky? Somebody bigger than you and I!
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Goodbye to Franma
On June 16, I wrote about a dear friend of mine. She died on Sunday morning, July 28, quietly in her sleep. She was not suffering or in pain at the time. The kind nurses at the hospice saw to that.
I miss her already. Her name was Fran, and I called her "Mother Fran," because she was like a mother to me. My daughter called her "Franma," and Fran became her adopted grandmother. Fran was such a positive influence and a calming presence in the life of a young girl struggling with many issues.
Just before Fran moved into the hospice in May, when she could no longer care for herself, I asked her if there was anything she was afraid of, anything that I could especially pray for in her regard. "Pray that I will be faithful to the end," she said. Ah, so typical of her!
Fran was very faithful, and still is, now in the presence of her Lord. Shortly before she died, I read to her 2 Timothy 4:7-8: I have fought the good fight. I have finished the race. I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day--and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing. Fran has fought the good fight; she has finished the race; she certainly kept the faith. And now, she has the crown she has so deserved. She will throw it back at Jesus' feet and say, "Thank you for enabling me to serve you."
Thank you for your example, Fran.
I miss her already. Her name was Fran, and I called her "Mother Fran," because she was like a mother to me. My daughter called her "Franma," and Fran became her adopted grandmother. Fran was such a positive influence and a calming presence in the life of a young girl struggling with many issues.
Just before Fran moved into the hospice in May, when she could no longer care for herself, I asked her if there was anything she was afraid of, anything that I could especially pray for in her regard. "Pray that I will be faithful to the end," she said. Ah, so typical of her!
Fran was very faithful, and still is, now in the presence of her Lord. Shortly before she died, I read to her 2 Timothy 4:7-8: I have fought the good fight. I have finished the race. I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day--and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing. Fran has fought the good fight; she has finished the race; she certainly kept the faith. And now, she has the crown she has so deserved. She will throw it back at Jesus' feet and say, "Thank you for enabling me to serve you."
Thank you for your example, Fran.
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Having Grand-kittens
I'm going to have another grand-kitten! I'm so excited. My youngest daughter and my son-in-law are planning to adopt a kitten next week, from the Humane Society.
I already have one grand-kitten. Her name is Spyro (after the dragon on the Playstation game). Spyro is playful, loving and very energetic at less than a year old. She seems to be able to fly as she jumps from one piece of furniture to another. And those claws! Ouch! Sometimes in the midst of play she will forget that she has claws and leave a deep scratch on my arm. Of course I yelp and she runs, knowing that something is wrong. Then I call her back, gently admonish her to be more careful and we continue playing. I have forgiven her and I still love her.
This is a good parallel to our relationship with Jesus Christ. In our relationship with Him, we sometimes forget ourselves and "scratch," hurting Him with inappropriate actions or words. But He has already forgiven us, taking on all the "scratches," the sins of mankind. We continue on in our relationship, with me becoming more careful of my behaviour and more conscious of His love.
I'm very much looking forward to my new grand-kitten. Knowing the sensitive type of person my daughter is, I'm sure it will be a cuddly and cute little animal. And my daughter will teach it to be careful in its behaviour, and she will love it without reservation--just as God teaches and loves us.
I already have one grand-kitten. Her name is Spyro (after the dragon on the Playstation game). Spyro is playful, loving and very energetic at less than a year old. She seems to be able to fly as she jumps from one piece of furniture to another. And those claws! Ouch! Sometimes in the midst of play she will forget that she has claws and leave a deep scratch on my arm. Of course I yelp and she runs, knowing that something is wrong. Then I call her back, gently admonish her to be more careful and we continue playing. I have forgiven her and I still love her.
This is a good parallel to our relationship with Jesus Christ. In our relationship with Him, we sometimes forget ourselves and "scratch," hurting Him with inappropriate actions or words. But He has already forgiven us, taking on all the "scratches," the sins of mankind. We continue on in our relationship, with me becoming more careful of my behaviour and more conscious of His love.
I'm very much looking forward to my new grand-kitten. Knowing the sensitive type of person my daughter is, I'm sure it will be a cuddly and cute little animal. And my daughter will teach it to be careful in its behaviour, and she will love it without reservation--just as God teaches and loves us.
Monday, July 21, 2008
Oh, what a beautiful morning!
I love summer, especially in the mornings! The air is so crisp; the birds are chirping. A beautiful summer morning is such a reminder of who God is. He created summer mornings, just as He created everything.
My back yard is full of gorgeous flowers of every colour. I watch the robins pulling worms from the garden soil after a rain. And again, I am reminded of our Creator God. I have to wonder at His patience with people, who He also created.
We can be so destructive, so savage in our treatment of the beauty in this world. We look at the rain forests, the polar ice caps, the changing weather and we have to wonder why He puts up with us! It's because He loves us too much to just wipe us out. He loves us so much that He Himself came to die for us to satisfy His sense of justice.
So when I see the flowers, the birds and smell the crisp morning air, I am reminded of His love for me as an individual, and I thank Him.
My back yard is full of gorgeous flowers of every colour. I watch the robins pulling worms from the garden soil after a rain. And again, I am reminded of our Creator God. I have to wonder at His patience with people, who He also created.
We can be so destructive, so savage in our treatment of the beauty in this world. We look at the rain forests, the polar ice caps, the changing weather and we have to wonder why He puts up with us! It's because He loves us too much to just wipe us out. He loves us so much that He Himself came to die for us to satisfy His sense of justice.
So when I see the flowers, the birds and smell the crisp morning air, I am reminded of His love for me as an individual, and I thank Him.
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