Looking forward to the end of Covid and the beginning of renewed Sunday services at church. Online church is a great alternative but does not hold the same ambiance, for sure. I take heart in the following scripture that reminds me where I like to spend a Sunday; at this beautiful old church, 115 St. Andrew’s Road, Scarborough.
“I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go, and I will bring you back to this land. I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.” Genesis 28:15.
The story belonging to today’s title is laid out below. It came to me from a friend via email, and like most things that inspire me, I’d like to share…
THE FARMER’S GRACE
An out-of-town pastor had been invited to a men’s breakfast in the middle of a rural farming area, and found himself charmed by the company and atmosphere. Before they all dug into the hearty meal, the group’s leader asked an older farmer, decked out in bib overalls, to say grace.
“Lord, I hate buttermilk,” the fellow began. The pastor opened an eye to glance at him, wondering where this might be going.
“Lord, I hate lard!” the farmer proclaimed. Now the pastor was growing concerned.
“And Lord, you know I don’t much care for raw flour,” he went on, without missing a beat.
The pastor once again opened an eye to peer around the room, and noticed many of the other men shifting in their seats uncomfortably.
“But Lord,” the farmer added, “when you mix them all together and bake them, I do love them warm fresh biscuits.
“So Lord, when things come up that we don’t like, when life gets hard, when we don’t understand what you’re saying to us, help us to just relax and wait until you are done mixing and baking. It will probably be even better than biscuits. Amen.”
How about that for great, down-to-earth wisdom worth considering when it comes to complicated situations?
While we find ourselves in a mix-up of so many things we don’t understand, like the farmer, ‘really care for’, as we pray, trust and believe surely—as surely as God is God—something good will result.
Once upon a time there lived a husband and wife who loved to praise the Lord aloud in church. They were frowned upon for this by some of the congregants. Admittedly, ours is a staid Presbyterian church and these folks were from an Evangelical background where praising the Lord out loud was the norm.
I loved it when our choir would conclude an anthem and this couple would “Praise the Lord!” aloud and in unison. It made me smile.
It really bothered me that they were criticized. Psalm 134:2 clearly states: Lift up your hands in the sanctuary and praise the Lord.
This has been on my mind off and on for several years even though this couple has since passed away.
It makes me smile to picture George and Barbara in Heaven’s congregation heartily praising the Lord without condemnation. Happy Sunday.
Even though many of us are still in quarantine, the days just seem to zoom by.
Meetings are held on Zoom. Parties are held on Zoom. Work is done on Zoom. Even church is held on Zoom.
Zoom is a wonderful way to stay in contact with others in this time of social distancing and quarantine. I’m looking forward to eye to eye and hug to hug personal contact once again but in the meantime I’m very happy to be part of zoom days.
As mentioned last Sunday, church is not the building. Today you are invited to attend a different church. It’s just a click away thanks to AndiesIsle.com which is an experience in itself. Most services are an hour or more but this experience is less than five minutes. Happy Sunday.
For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them. Matthew 18: 20
With most churches and places of worship closed due to Covid-19, there are ways and means of still attending some kind of spiritual service, whether online or by telephone. We are to remember that the church is the people not the building. Here is a Church in the Wildwood to lift our spirits even though we aren’t able to accept the invitation at this time. Happy Sunday.
Our choir director, Pascal Kalumbi, is a very gifted pianist. He has given me permission to share this and I do so for all who love music, piano, and the beauty of a precious gift. Enjoy…and I know you will. Happy Saturday.
Have you ever been unable to see things clearly or wondered about the path you should take in life? I find this photo and scripture very enlightening. Happy Sunday.
What you decide on will be done, and light will shine on your ways. (Job 22:28 NIV)
Besides being known for great preaching, open friendliness and hospitality, our church is home to a few comedians who brighten our lives with quips right up there with the best stand-ups in the world.
For example, noting all the terrorism taking place in churches of late, one of our gentlemen advised our Pastor to keep the church doors locked during services lest someone come in and kill us in our sleep.
This is not to make light of the horrible happenings in places of worship, but to acknowledge that although there are people in the world who would destroy all that is good, all that is good will prevail.
A few weeks ago a friend was diagnosed with stage four cancer. She was devastated to hear this news and became sad and depressed.
After many more tests and appointments, she began to hope that with the right treatment, perhaps it wouldn’t be as bad as it sounded.
And then the other shoe dropped. Terminal. The prognosis is a few weeks, perhaps months.
This lady picked up the pieces of what life she has left and began preparing to die. Her affairs are in order and her family, while being heartbroken, is comfortingly close and supportive.
In conversation with her, I am overwhelmed by a sense of respect, admiration, and inspiration.
Her family, friends and church family are praying earnestly for a miracle.
As she faces her second chemo treatment today, which will hopefully prolong her life beyond the prognosis, I am praying for her, and hope whoever reads this, wherever in the world, will also offer prayer for this courageous lady.
My Precious Life 