Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” Colossians 3:2
It started as a slow methodical drip that only my ears heard as its consistent rhythm would lull me to sleep. Over the course of time, the drip’s speed progressed to the sound of raindrops falling against my shower tile, which finally had Ken’s attention. By the time an available plumber could be located, the once small leak had evolved into a steady stream.
One thing that I have learned during my 31 years of being a mom is that one unique gift God has given to mothers is their keen sense of perception and the ability to know when and when not to be concerned.
When my children were younger and lived at home, I could tell by their cries, their body language, or their mannerisms when there was a serious problem. However, I found that as my children have become older and have moved out of state, I usually can tell by the first few words of a phone call or the opening line of a text when a situation is serious.
"Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the Heavenly lights." James 1:9
A pastor in Oklahoma City was delivering a message on the topic of unity to his congregation of approximately 1000 worshippers, some who were there worshipping in-person as well as those who were attending through the church's video streaming service. The pastor was preaching about how easy it is during the 21st century for Christians to live separate lives, and, as a result, fail to see the need to live in unity with others.
“‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’
Matthew 22:37-39
It actually started out as a joke when the house across the street went up for sale a few weeks ago.
"Whatever you do for the least of these, you do unto Me!" Matthew 25:40
This is a story that I frequently share when teaching religion classes, and despite the fact that it happened over thirty-five years ago, the details return with such clarity each time that I share it due to the emotional impact it had on me.
“Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.” Psalm 23:4
Each year during the month of March, the staff and our middle schoolers have a little friendly competition with our March Madness brackets. Last year, COVID temporarily interrupted this fun and exciting St. Matthew tradition, so it was very enjoyable to have this be one of the numerous slices of normalcy that returned during this school year!
"For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16
One of my favorite conversation starters is when people begin a dialogue with the opening line “Have I got a story for you!” A few days ago, I had the great joy of hearing this story from a very proud and excited grandma:
"Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; He has risen!" Luke 24: 5 & 6
Of all of the newsletter articles that I have written over the past twenty-four years, this is one of my all time favorites, so about every three to four years... I bring it back for a repeat! Not only do I find the story extremely endearing, but I truly treasure the child-like faith that is expressed. I hope that the message that this young disciple shared touches your heart in the same way that it does
mine each time I read this.
Join Us March 20th for Donuts with Pastors in Back Parking Lot!
I distinctly remember dozing off on the couch the night of March 12, 2020, and waking up around 11:00 p.m. to see Governor Whitmer on the television announcing that all Michigan schools would be closed starting March 16, 2020. As a staff, we had been preparing for an online virtual format in the event that it was going to be necessary, but now it was "Go Time" to quickly implement all of those strategies and plans.
"But to all who did receive Him, who believed in His name, He gave them the right to become children of God."
John 1:12