- November 2013
- October 2013
- September 2013
- August 2013
- July 2013
- June 2013
- May 2013
- April 2013
- March 2013
- February 2013
- January 2013
- December 2012
- November 2012
- October 2012
- September 2012
- August 2012
- July 2012
- June 2012
- May 2012
- April 2012
- March 2012
- February 2012
- January 2012
- October 2011
- September 2011
- August 2011
- July 2011
- June 2011
- May 2011
- April 2011
- March 2011
- February 2011
- January 2011
- December 2010
- November 2010
- October 2010
- September 2010
- August 2010
- July 2010
- June 2010
- May 2010
- April 2010
- March 2010
- February 2010
- January 2010
- December 2009
- November 2009
- October 2009
- September 2009
- August 2009
- July 2009
- June 2009
- May 2009
- April 2009
- March 2009
- February 2009
- January 2009
- December 2008
- November 2008
- October 2008
- September 2008
- August 2008
- July 2008
- June 2008
- May 2008
- April 2008
- March 2008
- February 2008
- January 2008
I had a great Christmas. My son, Markus, and his spouse, Stephanie were with Phyllis and I. We ate, opened presents, talked, and watched a great movie. It was a very special day indeed. But I was worn out from all the extra Christmas services. We had four of them in two days. To top it off we had are regular services on Sunday. So, today I am trying to recover and at the same time get some new tasks accomplished.
Life will always have its share of to do items. In the midst of being busy I am also asking God to calm my soul. I need His strength and wisdom now more than ever. Real resting is allowing God to run the universe and that includes me. I wish all who read these words a very Happy New Year and I am praying 2011 be the year I trust God more and more each day of my life.
Spending most of Friday and Saturday in bed feeling sick is not my idea of a way to spend some time off. But it did allow me to think more deeply about some of my life. I reflected on some of my many failures. I wish at certain times in the past I had been wiser. Having all that time allowed me to once again experience the wonderful grace that God bestows on all of us if we will but take it.
When I thought of my failures I also thought of a God who forgives and loves unconditionally. Because of being sick I missed out on two Christmas parties that I really wanted to attend. But I found again that being alone with God is a time of refreshment and wholeness.
Today I feel better and I am thanking God for all of His healing that He continues to give to those who wait on Him.
Waiting is not a trait that does not come easily to me. I enjoy getting things done. In fact I keep a to-do list and find satisfaction in checking items off of it. And I don’t like to have items on that list for several weeks. When there is a breakdown I want to get on getting it repaired or replaced as quickly as possible.
When it comes to personal growth I don’t like waiting either. I often have asked God to help me be more mature. I am thankful that God continues to work in my life and ‘grow me up.’ However, when I think of being mature there seems to be no end in sight.
So, I must learn to wait and let God work in my life according to His timing. Just as youngsters must wait for Christmas I wait for God to make me into the person that pleases Him.
At times I find it difficult to accept the fact that the world is filled with humans. Humans are wonderful but they are also capable of mistakes. I know this fact because I am all too human also. Some times I wonder about my own abilities. But what is really amazing is how easily I overlook my ‘weaknesses’ and at the same time can be critical of other’s ‘weaknesses.’ So, I find myself talking to God about my ‘double standard.’
In my talking to God I have discovered that I need to let God’s love overwhelm me. From my experience with God I know that His love gives me the security of need to accept myself and others. Somehow my accepting myself creates the environment that causes me to love all even those who do not meet my expectations.
For me Christmas is a time for me to reflect again on the a God who loved me so much He came to earth to tell indeed He did love me. As Christmas approaches I am going to take some time out each day to just meditate on a God who is all love for all.
Many times as a pastor of a Church I have found myself at a loss for answers. I wish I knew how to handle every situation. There are even times I wake up in the middle of the night and think about various aspects of my profession and I realize how limited I am in my abilities to lead a congregation of people. Sitting here at the computer I realize again that I indeed am a person who needs all the help I can get.
It is at such times that I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that I need God’s help in many ways. As I reflect on my limitation I thank God for them. My limitations draw me closer to God. It is at such times that I know without God my life becomes empty and does not make any sense at all.
So, after I get these words written I am going to spend some time alone with God and let Him speak anew to me. I know I need to hear again that He will continue to give me strength and wisdom for what may be ahead for me. As always I am thankful for a God who knows me and my limitations and continues to work ‘miracles’ before my very eyes.