A WORD FROM YOUR PASTOR
LOVE BEYOND MEASURE
As we begin 2010, I invite you to look back to an early experience of Nathanael under the tree:
John 1:43The next day Jesus decided to leave for Galilee. Finding Philip, he said to him, "Follow me."
44Philip, like Andrew and Peter, was from the town of Bethsaida. 45Philip found Nathanael and told him, "We have found the one Moses wrote about in the Law, and about whom the prophets also wrote—Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph."
46"Nazareth! Can anything good come from there?" Nathanael asked.
"Come and see," said Philip.
47When Jesus saw Nathanael approaching, he said of him, "Here is a true Israelite, in whom there is nothing false."
48"How do you know me?" Nathanael asked.
Jesus answered, "I saw you while you were still under the fig tree before Philip called you."
49Then Nathanael declared, "Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the King of Israel."
50Jesus said, "You believek] because I told you I saw you under the fig tree. You shall see greater things than that." 51He then added, "I tell youl] the truth, youm] shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man
Jesus knew Nathanael under the fig tree. Have you considered that Jesus knows you that well, that he can spot you under the fig tree or anywhere else you might be? Even when we think we are hiding, God is there. Even when we have given up on life, God is there. Even when it seems apparent that our grief has the final say, God is there. Nathanael didn't suspect that God had God's hand on him even under that fig tree, but God did. God has even greater promises in store for us. So...in 2010, watch and wait for God to surprise you. God keeps watch over the flock and longs to be in close relationship with each of us. God loves you in ways you can only imagine. Give your thanks to God, and may you be richly blessed.
Love and Happy New Year!
Lucia
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
A Word from Your Pastor
ADVENT: A TIME TO DRAW NEAR AND PRAY
As I ponder the meaning of Advent, one prayer comes to mind over and over again. You may recognize it. I encourage you to keep it close at hand, to pray often, and draw near to God this Advent season. Advent means “to come”. So come, see what God is doing!
Christ ever with me, Christ before me, Christ behind me
Christ within me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me
Christ to my right side, Christ to my left side
Christ in his breadth, Christ in his length, Christ in depth
Christ in the heart of everyone who thinks of me
Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks to me
Christ in every eye that sees me
Christ in every ear that hears me. (St. Patrick;
friendsinchrist.net)
May you know God’s coming this Advent.
Love in the One who loves without measure,
Lucia
As I ponder the meaning of Advent, one prayer comes to mind over and over again. You may recognize it. I encourage you to keep it close at hand, to pray often, and draw near to God this Advent season. Advent means “to come”. So come, see what God is doing!
Christ ever with me, Christ before me, Christ behind me
Christ within me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me
Christ to my right side, Christ to my left side
Christ in his breadth, Christ in his length, Christ in depth
Christ in the heart of everyone who thinks of me
Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks to me
Christ in every eye that sees me
Christ in every ear that hears me. (St. Patrick;
friendsinchrist.net)
May you know God’s coming this Advent.
Love in the One who loves without measure,
Lucia
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
A Word from Your Pastor
Christian Believer: Knowing God with Heart and Mind
Come one; Come all: Advent Study Group begins Thursday, December 3 at 10:00 am. We will meet December 3, 10, and 17.
And then continue in 2010! This is an excellent Abingdon Press resource that engages the voices of theologians through the ages to current day. Scripture and Readings will be included. Come and see what God is up to. We are the church together! Share the joy!
Advent means "to come". So...come one, come all!
The book costs $15.00 and is a beautiful, colorful hardback book. This study is life-changing. You won't want to miss it!
See you here!
Love in Christ,
Lucia
Come one; Come all: Advent Study Group begins Thursday, December 3 at 10:00 am. We will meet December 3, 10, and 17.
And then continue in 2010! This is an excellent Abingdon Press resource that engages the voices of theologians through the ages to current day. Scripture and Readings will be included. Come and see what God is up to. We are the church together! Share the joy!
Advent means "to come". So...come one, come all!
The book costs $15.00 and is a beautiful, colorful hardback book. This study is life-changing. You won't want to miss it!
See you here!
Love in Christ,
Lucia
Thursday, October 01, 2009
A Word from Your Pastor
REDO AND RENEW
As we make progress on our three phase construction project at the church: electrical, kitchen, and new rear entry, I am struck by the similarity to rebuilding our inner selves that we must do as Christians. It is a tenet of our faith that Christ makes all things new! (Rev. 21:5-7) This promise applies to God’s beloved children. We too are made new. But such newness requires our being intentional. Here are some tips as we redo and renew our spiritual lives:
1. Be willing to take a risk. The road less traveled often has the biggest potholes but the greatest reward.
2. Know that you are not alone. In fact, resist going it alone. No one is an island. Lean on others for support. Lean on your church for support.
3. Be willing to go deeper still. The possibilities are endless when we open ourselves to the power of the Holy Spirit. As tempting as a surface relationship with God may be, it does not have the power of a deeper relationship. So go deeper still. What do I mean by this? Ask yourself: what do I personally need to do to get to know God better and produce fruit in my relationship with God? And then do that. It may be reading your Bible and making some decisions on better ways to live. It may be getting on your knees in prayer or getting back to church. It may be attending Sunday school or volunteering to help someone. Talk it over with someone if you want to. Sometimes, two heads are clearer than one.
Last week when flipping through a calendar/journal, I was blessed to run across a quote I had used in the yearbook when I graduated from high school in 1979. I never knew who said it, but now I do, and it rings truer than ever:
"I don’t want to merely possess a faith; I want a faith to possess me."
Charles Kingsley (1819-1875)
As we consider God’s plan for us to Redo and Renew, may we wholly rely on God’s power and love. Together, we are made new, one light bulb at a time!
Grace and Peace,
Lucia
As we make progress on our three phase construction project at the church: electrical, kitchen, and new rear entry, I am struck by the similarity to rebuilding our inner selves that we must do as Christians. It is a tenet of our faith that Christ makes all things new! (Rev. 21:5-7) This promise applies to God’s beloved children. We too are made new. But such newness requires our being intentional. Here are some tips as we redo and renew our spiritual lives:
1. Be willing to take a risk. The road less traveled often has the biggest potholes but the greatest reward.
2. Know that you are not alone. In fact, resist going it alone. No one is an island. Lean on others for support. Lean on your church for support.
3. Be willing to go deeper still. The possibilities are endless when we open ourselves to the power of the Holy Spirit. As tempting as a surface relationship with God may be, it does not have the power of a deeper relationship. So go deeper still. What do I mean by this? Ask yourself: what do I personally need to do to get to know God better and produce fruit in my relationship with God? And then do that. It may be reading your Bible and making some decisions on better ways to live. It may be getting on your knees in prayer or getting back to church. It may be attending Sunday school or volunteering to help someone. Talk it over with someone if you want to. Sometimes, two heads are clearer than one.
Last week when flipping through a calendar/journal, I was blessed to run across a quote I had used in the yearbook when I graduated from high school in 1979. I never knew who said it, but now I do, and it rings truer than ever:
"I don’t want to merely possess a faith; I want a faith to possess me."
Charles Kingsley (1819-1875)
As we consider God’s plan for us to Redo and Renew, may we wholly rely on God’s power and love. Together, we are made new, one light bulb at a time!
Grace and Peace,
Lucia
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
A Word from Your Pastor
HOW THEN DO WE GRIEVE?
Grieving is universal. It is something each of us will face at some point, and many of us have had to face multiple times. One loss may trigger a grief response from prior losses. In other words, grief is cumulative. But that isn’t all bad. We can draw from prior experiences to help us through current ones. The following are some suggestions to keep in mind as you grieve past, current, and future losses. When we refer to David’s lament recorded in 2 Samuel 1:1, 17-27 after the loss of his best friend, Jonathan, and to many of the Psalms we see a pattern that can be helpful in our own walk through grief.
David lost his best friend. He wants to hear WHAT happened. It is helpful to work through in our own minds what happened in our particular loss.
Secondly, David takes action. We need to take appropriate action. This step is quite individual. What helps you? We need to mark our grief, our sorrow, even our anger. What rituals are helpful to you? Worship, prayer, reading the Psalms or the Book of Job, journaling or recording your thoughts. Ann Weems wrote a whole book of her own Psalms.
Thirdly, give yourself permission to grieve and as much time as you need. Grief doesn’t happen in a linear fashion. You will move back and forth from stages such as denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance.
Fourthly, don’t try to go through your sorrow alone. Call on others for support. Seek a listening ear. Explain to others that you don’t need a lot of advice, just someone to be there (see Job and his “friends”!)
And always, ground yourself in your relationship with God. Jesus calls us friends; so lean on God to hear your cry and to heal your pain. Know that tomorrow will be a better day. The sun will shine again.
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” This is for you!
Lucia
Grieving is universal. It is something each of us will face at some point, and many of us have had to face multiple times. One loss may trigger a grief response from prior losses. In other words, grief is cumulative. But that isn’t all bad. We can draw from prior experiences to help us through current ones. The following are some suggestions to keep in mind as you grieve past, current, and future losses. When we refer to David’s lament recorded in 2 Samuel 1:1, 17-27 after the loss of his best friend, Jonathan, and to many of the Psalms we see a pattern that can be helpful in our own walk through grief.
David lost his best friend. He wants to hear WHAT happened. It is helpful to work through in our own minds what happened in our particular loss.
Secondly, David takes action. We need to take appropriate action. This step is quite individual. What helps you? We need to mark our grief, our sorrow, even our anger. What rituals are helpful to you? Worship, prayer, reading the Psalms or the Book of Job, journaling or recording your thoughts. Ann Weems wrote a whole book of her own Psalms.
Thirdly, give yourself permission to grieve and as much time as you need. Grief doesn’t happen in a linear fashion. You will move back and forth from stages such as denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance.
Fourthly, don’t try to go through your sorrow alone. Call on others for support. Seek a listening ear. Explain to others that you don’t need a lot of advice, just someone to be there (see Job and his “friends”!)
And always, ground yourself in your relationship with God. Jesus calls us friends; so lean on God to hear your cry and to heal your pain. Know that tomorrow will be a better day. The sun will shine again.
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” This is for you!
Lucia
Saturday, May 30, 2009
A Word from Your Pastor: June and July Newsletter
We are the Church Together
2000 years ago, the early church was just forming. Believers mostly gathered in house churches to worship and have fellowship (including food of course!) Preachers would stand on the street corners and crowds would gather to hear a Word. The body of Christ is just that. We gather to hear a Word, we share a Word, and we recommit to be Christ’s witness in the world. And we do it together. As I begin a new adventure, embarking on a Doctor of Ministry Program in Preaching, I ask for your prayers and your support. Come to church. Support First Presbyterian and Diane Oswald, Ed Duris, and our guest Matt Curry. They are ready to bring the Word, and I know you are ready to be Christ’s witness in the world. So…what are we waiting for?
Soak in these words:
Ephesians 1:15 “I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, and for this reason
16 I do not cease to give thanks for you as I remember you in my prayers.
17 I pray that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation as you come to know him,
18 so that, with the eyes of your heart enlightened, you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance among the saints,
19 and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power for us who believe, according to the working of his great power.” (Emphasis added)
All my love in Christ,
Lucia
2000 years ago, the early church was just forming. Believers mostly gathered in house churches to worship and have fellowship (including food of course!) Preachers would stand on the street corners and crowds would gather to hear a Word. The body of Christ is just that. We gather to hear a Word, we share a Word, and we recommit to be Christ’s witness in the world. And we do it together. As I begin a new adventure, embarking on a Doctor of Ministry Program in Preaching, I ask for your prayers and your support. Come to church. Support First Presbyterian and Diane Oswald, Ed Duris, and our guest Matt Curry. They are ready to bring the Word, and I know you are ready to be Christ’s witness in the world. So…what are we waiting for?
Soak in these words:
Ephesians 1:15 “I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, and for this reason
16 I do not cease to give thanks for you as I remember you in my prayers.
17 I pray that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation as you come to know him,
18 so that, with the eyes of your heart enlightened, you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance among the saints,
19 and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power for us who believe, according to the working of his great power.” (Emphasis added)
All my love in Christ,
Lucia
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
A Word from Your Pastor
CONGRATULATIONS!
April found us celebrating so much: Easter, Confirmation, two wedding announcements, and winter’s gray becoming spring’s sunshine! Congratulations to the Confirmation Class of 2009. You will find in this newsletter our newest members’ faith statements. Read them, and let their words soak in. You have helped shape these young people. The words they speak are a thank you to each of you. Trust me, I know. My middle school Sunday school teacher, Mrs. Weston, shaped me by her belief in me and by her Biblical centering that she gave so seamlessly. THANK YOU somehow falls short, but it is all I know to say. Love in Christ, Lucia
Keaton Harveson
"I believe that God is my creator. He loves me as he does all creations. I believe God is the Holy Ghost."
Emily Harveson
"God is important to me because without Him we would not know right from wrong. God's important because if Jesus did not love him he would never have died for God. So, we need to be more like Jesus: love God and do what he wants us to do. That is why God is important to me."Katie McCoy
"I believe in the Father, Son, and the Holy Ghost. I thank God for all that I am and all that I will be.
I praise His name for all the good and bad, for the Lord only allows me to withstand what I can."
Katie McCoy
"I believe in the Father, Son, and the Holy Ghost. I thank the Lord for all that I am and all that will be.
I praise his name for all good and bad, for the Lord only allows me to withstand what I can."
Claire Workman
"I believe that there is one God who takes three forms, God the Creator, God the man, and God the Holy Spirit.
I believe that God is the father who created everything, and that He has a place in heaven for everyone, but you have to be a Christian, and have a good relationship with him to take your place.
I believe that Jesus came to save us from our sins, and that we are forgiven as long as we believe that he died for us.
I believe that the Holy Spirit is our communicator to God, the Father, and He is always with us.
And I believe that the church is where we praise God, learn about Jesus, and pray together."
Ken Workman
"I believe that God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit are one person and that if we accept him into our hearts, we will go to heaven and all of our sins will be forgiven. I believe that Jesus is the human version of God who came to earth to teach us about God and that the Spirit is like God's mailman. He takes our prayers to God and takes God's words to us. I believe that God always offers his love to us. We just have to accept it. My relationship with God is one of praise and respect. In my life, Jesus is my teacher and an example of how God the Father wanted us to live our lives. To me, the Holy Spirit helps me make decisions on things God would want me to do."
April found us celebrating so much: Easter, Confirmation, two wedding announcements, and winter’s gray becoming spring’s sunshine! Congratulations to the Confirmation Class of 2009. You will find in this newsletter our newest members’ faith statements. Read them, and let their words soak in. You have helped shape these young people. The words they speak are a thank you to each of you. Trust me, I know. My middle school Sunday school teacher, Mrs. Weston, shaped me by her belief in me and by her Biblical centering that she gave so seamlessly. THANK YOU somehow falls short, but it is all I know to say. Love in Christ, Lucia
Keaton Harveson
"I believe that God is my creator. He loves me as he does all creations. I believe God is the Holy Ghost."
Emily Harveson
"God is important to me because without Him we would not know right from wrong. God's important because if Jesus did not love him he would never have died for God. So, we need to be more like Jesus: love God and do what he wants us to do. That is why God is important to me."Katie McCoy
"I believe in the Father, Son, and the Holy Ghost. I thank God for all that I am and all that I will be.
I praise His name for all the good and bad, for the Lord only allows me to withstand what I can."
Katie McCoy
"I believe in the Father, Son, and the Holy Ghost. I thank the Lord for all that I am and all that will be.
I praise his name for all good and bad, for the Lord only allows me to withstand what I can."
Claire Workman
"I believe that there is one God who takes three forms, God the Creator, God the man, and God the Holy Spirit.
I believe that God is the father who created everything, and that He has a place in heaven for everyone, but you have to be a Christian, and have a good relationship with him to take your place.
I believe that Jesus came to save us from our sins, and that we are forgiven as long as we believe that he died for us.
I believe that the Holy Spirit is our communicator to God, the Father, and He is always with us.
And I believe that the church is where we praise God, learn about Jesus, and pray together."
Ken Workman
"I believe that God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit are one person and that if we accept him into our hearts, we will go to heaven and all of our sins will be forgiven. I believe that Jesus is the human version of God who came to earth to teach us about God and that the Spirit is like God's mailman. He takes our prayers to God and takes God's words to us. I believe that God always offers his love to us. We just have to accept it. My relationship with God is one of praise and respect. In my life, Jesus is my teacher and an example of how God the Father wanted us to live our lives. To me, the Holy Spirit helps me make decisions on things God would want me to do."
A Word from Your Pastor
We are the Church Together
2000 years ago, the early church was just forming. Believers mostly gathered in house churches to worship and have fellowship (including food of course!) Preachers would stand on the street corners and crowds would gather to hear a Word. The body of Christ is just that. We gather to hear a Word, we share a Word, and we recommit to be Christ’s witness in the world. And we do it together. As I begin a new adventure, embarking on a Doctor of Ministry Program in Preaching, I ask for your prayers and your support. Come to church. Support First Presbyterian and Diane Oswald, Ed Duris, and our guest Matt Curry. They are ready to bring the Word, and I know you are ready to be Christ’s witness in the world. So…what are we waiting for?
Soak in these words:
Ephesians 1:15 “I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, and for this reason
16 I do not cease to give thanks for you as I remember you in my prayers.
17 I pray that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation as you come to know him,
18 so that, with the eyes of your heart enlightened, you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance among the saints,
19 and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power for us who believe, according to the working of his great power.” (Emphasis added)
All my love in Christ,
Lucia
2000 years ago, the early church was just forming. Believers mostly gathered in house churches to worship and have fellowship (including food of course!) Preachers would stand on the street corners and crowds would gather to hear a Word. The body of Christ is just that. We gather to hear a Word, we share a Word, and we recommit to be Christ’s witness in the world. And we do it together. As I begin a new adventure, embarking on a Doctor of Ministry Program in Preaching, I ask for your prayers and your support. Come to church. Support First Presbyterian and Diane Oswald, Ed Duris, and our guest Matt Curry. They are ready to bring the Word, and I know you are ready to be Christ’s witness in the world. So…what are we waiting for?
Soak in these words:
Ephesians 1:15 “I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, and for this reason
16 I do not cease to give thanks for you as I remember you in my prayers.
17 I pray that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation as you come to know him,
18 so that, with the eyes of your heart enlightened, you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance among the saints,
19 and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power for us who believe, according to the working of his great power.” (Emphasis added)
All my love in Christ,
Lucia
Wednesday, April 01, 2009
A Word from Your Pastor
CONSIDER THE LILIES
Have you considered the lily lately? We know Easter lilies bloom their hearts out, gracing God’s house. We know Spider lilies run rampant with their silky-looking red and orange tentacles. What Jesus said holds so true for our lives in 2009:
And why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not clothed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you--you of little faith? But strive first for the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. So do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring worries of its own. Today's trouble is enough for today.
Matthew 6:28-34
Or as one lyric goes: “We may not know what life will hold, but we do know who holds life!”
We do not have to have all of life’s answers to rest assured: God gave all God had that we might live. And that is enough. May we stand in gratitude this Easter for one another, for Christ’s action on the cross and in our hearts, and for grace that is sufficient.
I wish for you a blessed Resurrection Day. Thank you for gracing me with your love and kinship.
I love you,
Lucia
Have you considered the lily lately? We know Easter lilies bloom their hearts out, gracing God’s house. We know Spider lilies run rampant with their silky-looking red and orange tentacles. What Jesus said holds so true for our lives in 2009:
And why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not clothed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you--you of little faith? But strive first for the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. So do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring worries of its own. Today's trouble is enough for today.
Matthew 6:28-34
Or as one lyric goes: “We may not know what life will hold, but we do know who holds life!”
We do not have to have all of life’s answers to rest assured: God gave all God had that we might live. And that is enough. May we stand in gratitude this Easter for one another, for Christ’s action on the cross and in our hearts, and for grace that is sufficient.
I wish for you a blessed Resurrection Day. Thank you for gracing me with your love and kinship.
I love you,
Lucia
Monday, February 23, 2009
A Word from the Pastor
YOUR CHURCH IS YOU
You are a walking advertisement of your church and the Christ whom it proclaims.
You take the church out of its four walls, and make it live in the everyday affairs of life.
Some have the idea that the pastor is the church. It is true that the pastor often speaks for the church, declares what it stands for, and invites people into its fellowship. It is the pastor’s job to know the church’s business and to act on its behalf. The pastor is your representative, but certainly not your substitute.
The preaching in the pulpit is fruitless unless it is reflected in the lives of members of the congregation. Classroom teaching is ineffective unless it comes to life in the attitude and behavior of people. Your church is measured not so much by what its leaders say as by what you do. You are the means by which the good life advocated by the church is communicated to people.
Your church professes a concern for people; you express that concern in the way you act toward others. Your church tries to build up a Christian world; you validate these attempts by your community. Your church claims to have a gospel that will make people new, opening to them a fuller life; you are the demonstration of that claim.
Your daily acts as a Christian preach more sermons, teach more people, and save more lives than the words that are spoken inside the four walls of your church building. You are a cell of the living church. Without you, the church has no life.
Living is the art of Loving
Loving is the art of Caring
Caring is the art of Sharing
Sharing is the art of Living
The First Church of God
Ft. Lauderdale FL
Thanks to Marie for this contribution. It is right on!
And a good thing to remember as we make our way to the cross in 2009.
Grace and peace,
Lucia
You are a walking advertisement of your church and the Christ whom it proclaims.
You take the church out of its four walls, and make it live in the everyday affairs of life.
Some have the idea that the pastor is the church. It is true that the pastor often speaks for the church, declares what it stands for, and invites people into its fellowship. It is the pastor’s job to know the church’s business and to act on its behalf. The pastor is your representative, but certainly not your substitute.
The preaching in the pulpit is fruitless unless it is reflected in the lives of members of the congregation. Classroom teaching is ineffective unless it comes to life in the attitude and behavior of people. Your church is measured not so much by what its leaders say as by what you do. You are the means by which the good life advocated by the church is communicated to people.
Your church professes a concern for people; you express that concern in the way you act toward others. Your church tries to build up a Christian world; you validate these attempts by your community. Your church claims to have a gospel that will make people new, opening to them a fuller life; you are the demonstration of that claim.
Your daily acts as a Christian preach more sermons, teach more people, and save more lives than the words that are spoken inside the four walls of your church building. You are a cell of the living church. Without you, the church has no life.
Living is the art of Loving
Loving is the art of Caring
Caring is the art of Sharing
Sharing is the art of Living
The First Church of God
Ft. Lauderdale FL
Thanks to Marie for this contribution. It is right on!
And a good thing to remember as we make our way to the cross in 2009.
Grace and peace,
Lucia
Friday, January 30, 2009
A Word from the Pastor
Fullness of Life in 2009
for your refrigerator
1. Practice kindness. Love is patient. Love is kind. Love is the greatest gift of all.
2. Focus on changing your behavior. What simple steps can you take to live life differently?
3. Challenge inaccurate thinking. Believe in yourself. Remember God’s word:
“All things are possible through Christ who gives you strength.”
4. Share your feelings.
5. Meet your dependency needs in healthy ways: Live in the Word.
6. Pay attention to your physical well being and its impact on your mental and spiritual health. Mind, body, and soul work in tandem.
7. Be strong in Christ. Emphasize Christ’s love and strength as you share with others. Nourish your spiritual life.
As Paul said, “To live is Christ, to die is gain.”
adapted from Minirth Clinic, Dallas
May God bless you now and into eternity.
Love in the name of Christ who loves abundantly,
Lucia
for your refrigerator
1. Practice kindness. Love is patient. Love is kind. Love is the greatest gift of all.
2. Focus on changing your behavior. What simple steps can you take to live life differently?
3. Challenge inaccurate thinking. Believe in yourself. Remember God’s word:
“All things are possible through Christ who gives you strength.”
4. Share your feelings.
5. Meet your dependency needs in healthy ways: Live in the Word.
6. Pay attention to your physical well being and its impact on your mental and spiritual health. Mind, body, and soul work in tandem.
7. Be strong in Christ. Emphasize Christ’s love and strength as you share with others. Nourish your spiritual life.
As Paul said, “To live is Christ, to die is gain.”
adapted from Minirth Clinic, Dallas
May God bless you now and into eternity.
Love in the name of Christ who loves abundantly,
Lucia
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Ah, the Aroma!
HAPPY NEW YEAR
Happy New Year! As my son used to say, "Mama, Happy New You!" He had a point. It is a time of year to be new. A time to reflect on 2008, and begin again in 2009. I have conflicting resolutions: one is to get in control of my stuff and another is to rest more! Alas, yin and yang! We may get caught in conflicting shoulds and oughts this year, but we may also resolve to let go of some shoulds and oughts and rest wholly in God who promises to be with us and guide us in God's will. I wish for you a strengthened prayer life and the resolve to live fully, aware that you are wrapped in God's abundant love. Romans 8:22-28 tells us that we groan while we wait for redemption and that the Holy Spirit intercedes on our behalf. That is our hope. That is the promise for 2009:
Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but that very Spirit intercedes with sighs too deep for words.
And God, who searches the heart, knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.
We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose. Amen! Romans 8:26-28
Below is my New Year's gift to you: these are really yummy!
Thank you for being the church together.
Love in the One who gives New Life,
Lucia
Brown Sugar Pecans
Ingredients
16 ounces pecan halves
1/2 cup butter
3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
2 teaspoons vanilla
1/4 teaspoon salt Directions
1Arrange pecan halves in an aluminum foil lined 13x 9 baking dish ~ Reynolds Release foil works great here ~ set pan aside.
2Melt butter in saucepan over medium heat and add brown sugar, cinnamon, vanilla, salt.
3Stir one minute and remove from heat.
4Continue stirring until brown sugar dissolves.
5Pour over pecans, stirring to coat.
6Bake at 325ยบ for 25 to 25 minutes; stirring every 10 to 15 minutes.
7Remove from oven and spread on wax paper to cool. Stir nuts, as they cool, to prevent clumping.
8Store in an airtight container.
Happy New Year! As my son used to say, "Mama, Happy New You!" He had a point. It is a time of year to be new. A time to reflect on 2008, and begin again in 2009. I have conflicting resolutions: one is to get in control of my stuff and another is to rest more! Alas, yin and yang! We may get caught in conflicting shoulds and oughts this year, but we may also resolve to let go of some shoulds and oughts and rest wholly in God who promises to be with us and guide us in God's will. I wish for you a strengthened prayer life and the resolve to live fully, aware that you are wrapped in God's abundant love. Romans 8:22-28 tells us that we groan while we wait for redemption and that the Holy Spirit intercedes on our behalf. That is our hope. That is the promise for 2009:
Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but that very Spirit intercedes with sighs too deep for words.
And God, who searches the heart, knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.
We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose. Amen! Romans 8:26-28
Below is my New Year's gift to you: these are really yummy!
Thank you for being the church together.
Love in the One who gives New Life,
Lucia
Brown Sugar Pecans
Ingredients
16 ounces pecan halves
1/2 cup butter
3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
2 teaspoons vanilla
1/4 teaspoon salt Directions
1Arrange pecan halves in an aluminum foil lined 13x 9 baking dish ~ Reynolds Release foil works great here ~ set pan aside.
2Melt butter in saucepan over medium heat and add brown sugar, cinnamon, vanilla, salt.
3Stir one minute and remove from heat.
4Continue stirring until brown sugar dissolves.
5Pour over pecans, stirring to coat.
6Bake at 325ยบ for 25 to 25 minutes; stirring every 10 to 15 minutes.
7Remove from oven and spread on wax paper to cool. Stir nuts, as they cool, to prevent clumping.
8Store in an airtight container.
Merry Christmas!
A Word from Your Pastor
Two weeks ago, I attended a funeral for Glenn, age 43, the husband of the choir director who has taught Katie for 3 years. His funeral touched me in a deep place. All of that love in one room made me question my life and those places that need more love. It is so easy to get caught up in the shoulds and oughts of life and miss the good stuff. Glenn’s service was the good stuff. All of us in solidarity with Glenn’s family spoke volumes. We were focused on one thing and that is praising God in the storm. The pastor and music and speakers all reflected one thing: Christ is the center of life. If we aren’t recognizing that, we need to change. In Isaiah, the Lord reveals:
I am about to do a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.
The wild animals will honor me, the jackals and the ostriches; for I give water in the wilderness, rivers in the desert, to give drink to my chosen people, the people whom I formed for myself so that they might declare my praise. Isaiah 43:19-21
As we begin this Advent season, may we remember: God is making all things new, if we but begin again. Love is just waiting to happen.
Merry Christmas!
Love, Lucia
Two weeks ago, I attended a funeral for Glenn, age 43, the husband of the choir director who has taught Katie for 3 years. His funeral touched me in a deep place. All of that love in one room made me question my life and those places that need more love. It is so easy to get caught up in the shoulds and oughts of life and miss the good stuff. Glenn’s service was the good stuff. All of us in solidarity with Glenn’s family spoke volumes. We were focused on one thing and that is praising God in the storm. The pastor and music and speakers all reflected one thing: Christ is the center of life. If we aren’t recognizing that, we need to change. In Isaiah, the Lord reveals:
I am about to do a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.
The wild animals will honor me, the jackals and the ostriches; for I give water in the wilderness, rivers in the desert, to give drink to my chosen people, the people whom I formed for myself so that they might declare my praise. Isaiah 43:19-21
As we begin this Advent season, may we remember: God is making all things new, if we but begin again. Love is just waiting to happen.
Merry Christmas!
Love, Lucia
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