April 8, 2007

• I hope you had a blessed Resurrection Sunday, mine was WONDERFUL, starting out with a Sunrise Service at Living Word Chapel, then Mass with my husband and kids, then back to Living Word Chapel where I spent the rest of the morning and most of the afternoon. Then a great dinner with my family.

                                       

  Here is a picture of the Sunrise service. Pastor Don is facing away from the camera wearing the white hat and Pastor Ted the grey hat. Joy, our Music Minister is wearing the white shawl, she was playing in the freezing cold – we even had snow flurries. I am second from the right, and my husband is taking the picture. Behind us is the reservoir, what a beautiful panorama. I have to tell you that daily when I drive in our area I am praising God’s artistry with sky, clouds, mountains, trees, etc.

                              

  Here is one more picture of the Seder, this was our table, From Left to right is Michelle, my son Christopher, my husband Jim, Sonny and Loretta (standing), me, my son Edward, my daughter Katherine and Michelle’s daughter, Eslin. 

  Now I get a few minutes to touch base with you. I have a mega load of Bible studies to share, starting with Friday’s, each Bible study is better than the rest. I think I will save the Bible study typing for tomorrow.

  Here is a quote from a book I am reading that is blessing me, called Chasing Francis by Ian Morgan Cron.

  The book is about a pastor named Chase who has a crisis of faith. He is challenged by his uncle, a Franciscan priest, to go on a pilgrimage following the footsteps of St. Francis. But there is so much depth and searching in his journey that resonates with our spiritual walks.

  P. 67 covers a conversation with a traveling confessor and Chase, the confessor says, “Everywhere I go, I meet people, old and young, from all over the world, and they tell me about their lives, their relationships, broken families, their addictions, shame, guilt failures. You’ll never be able to speak into their souls unless you speak the truth about your own wounds. You need to tell them what our Lord has come to mean to you in the midst of your disappointments and losses. All ministry begins at the ragged edges of your own pain,” he said.

  It is so true, that when we relate to others, we have to speak in truth. People know when there is hidden stuff, they may not be able to tell exactly what it is, but they know. It is so surprising to me that God can use our brokenness to reach out to other people, that what we used to see as weakness can become strength with the transformation of God. I can attest that Pastor Don’s transparency about his life, and the love of God that he shows us speaks volumes and reaches into lives in a way that lets God’s glory shine forth. Without his honesty I would have run, not walked to the nearest exit of the church, but instead, I was drawn closer and closer to God. Today, with the time I got to spend in worship, I was able to thank God for all that He has done in my life. Truly a miracle. It really does make me tremble with gratitude and love for God.

  Hoping you have a blessed night.

  Heather

   

  • 10:34 pm
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