Wisdom from Chocolate

Anyone one who knows me, knows my affinity for all things chocolate. Recently I purchased a package of Dove milk chocolate Promises.

When you open a Dove promise, inside is a little anecdote, kind of like a fortune cookie.

What I read in that little package of chocolate was profound. It read, "Treat every day as if it were Sunday."

I started to contemplate that statement. What if we all really did? You know, treat every day like it was Sunday. What would that look like?

Well I imagine if it were anything like my house, there would be a tremendous rustling of people who aren't quite ready to get out of bed. Being that I work for our church and we live 35 minutes away, our Sunday mornings often start earlier than many of our weekdays.

So we would all pack into the car. We would turn on our favorite Christian stations and head up the road to God's house. Along the way, we may prep our lesson one more time (or for the first time) and think about all the things that need our attention upon our arrival, and all the people who would require our attention.

We would do all the tasks, guide all the people,and pray that all of the volunteers show up. But then, the excitement begins because Sunday school is about to begin.

Prayers are given up in corporate spirit by children, teens and adults. Some for the sick. Some for the needy. Some for the heavy laden. Some for a child's pet. All to the same God. All at the same time from His children all gathered together in one acord. Then teaching begins, and God's word is read and divided and blessed. People are nurtured in Christ, hearts are convicted and drawn to the grace of God. Lives are Changed. Bonds are broken.

After sunday school there is a great fellowshiping of believers. Some over fruit bowls, some over donuts and coffee. All making the beautiful connections that human communication and interaction creates during a 20 mission intermission.

As the Worship service begins, more and more people file into the rows of chairs, sign in their kids to children's ministry to prepare their hearts for one of the most precious times in a Christian's life here on Earth: Corporate praise and worship of our Most Holy and Heavenly Father. Voices join together in unison that span the horizons as across the nation God's people glorify, praise and worship their Creator and Saviour. What a beautiful noise of praise to our wonderful Saviour.

"all this from a small piece of chocolate?"

"Yes," I can almost hear our Lord saying, "my dear children, live everyday as if it were Sunday."

His eye is on the Sparrow

When I was a little girl I can remember the Pastor of our church, pastor David Cowles, would occasionally sing a special song. He had a beautiful voice that might remind one of George Beverly Shea. There was a gentleness and strength to his voice that commanded the room.

There was a time I can remember him singing that song, "His Eye is on the Sparrow" and there was either a bird in the church or just outside the door and as he paused at that point in the song, a chirping was heard. I cant remember for sure if I remember this happening or if it is a recording my parents had of the service. But I have never forgotten nontheless.

I dont know about you but I am prone to pity parties. There have been several times in my life when either by circumstances or self pity I have been in a very dark place. One period in my life in particular, I felt so alone and unredemptive. I questioned God and His timing, His plan and perfect will. I was very frustrated with so many questions and seemingly no answers.

As I went for a walk one evening, I found a small bird. I picked the bird up and carried it as I walked. I petted the bird and talked to the bird. I prayed for this bird. I wondered if there was something wrong with it since it had not flown away when I bent to pick it up.

When I came back to the place where I had found the bird, I set it on the ground and it hopped off under a shrub. I knew the bird would die if I kept it, as wild things usually do, and hoped that its fate would be better if it were free.

Then I felt the Lord speak to me in a way I'd not heard before. The Lord reminded me that just as He provides for that little bird, He would do immeasurably more for me.

Today as I watch finches, cardinals and sparrows at the bird feeder outside my kitchen window, I am faced with new and numerous challenges. But I am reminded of the verses that Pastor Cowles sang, and the little feathered friend God gave me when I most needed it.




Why should I feel discouraged?
Why should the shadows come?
Why should my heart feel lonely?
And long for heaven and home

When Jesus is my portion
A constant friend is He
His eye is on the sparrow
And I know He watches over me
His eye is on the sparrow
and I know He watches me

I sing because I'm happy
I sing because I'm free
His eye is on the sparrow
And I know He watches me (He watches me)
His eye is on the sparrow
And I know He watches (I know He watches)
I know He watches me

I sing because I'm happy
I sing because I'm free
His eye is on the sparrow
And I know He watches me (He watches me)
His eye is on the sparrow
And I know, He watches me
He watches me
He watches
I know
He watches me.






Look at the birds of the air; they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them.

ARE YOU NOT OF MORE VALUE THAN THEY?
- Matthew 6:26

thankfulness

Yesterday I gave up the notion of being on sabbatical and went in to church. I spent time cleaning up after summer programs and planning for fall. Like most churches in America, our church is feeling the pinch of the economic stress. Giving is down and expenses are up. New families are pouring into our church every week.Some seeking family stability and support, some seeking Jesus. More than ever it is crucial for us as the body to adequately use the resources that God has given to us in our times of plenty.

I have managed to find enough resources on my shelf for the fall quarter. We won't have to buy anything new. I am very thankful for that.

Thank you God for always giving us what we need when we need it, and please us wisdom to be wise stewards of the gifts you give.

My summer sabbatical- 2008

After 8 years of continuous ministry, with the same church, I am on sabbatical. I took a month this summer to refresh and unwind, and try to be somewhat irresponsible. I wanted to get my family moved and settled in our home and find the kids new schools. I wanted to finish a class I am taking. I had major plans. It wasnt going to be terribly relaxing. But it was supposed to be a break nonetheless.

So far, it is day 21 of my sabbatical and nearly every day I have had phone calls from the church staff. Asking me questions, wanting things. I have had to appear in a custody hearing and counsel people more than ever.

People that I lined up to fill in for me have not showed up or called me to tell me at the last minute that they cannot come. Yesterday, my pastor ( who I directly report to) asked me to teach his Discipleship class next sunday while he is on vacation. I tried to hide out in my office yesterday, but someone thought it was a closet and stuffed stuff in it. I couldnt even get in. maybe I shouldnt ahve been there, but my husband's sub (he teaches 4th grade boys) canceled as did my replacement. People no longer even say hi to me they just spit out their demands. I feel like a convenience store. People come to me for their immediate needs but instead of them over paying for the need, I am overtaxed.

Maybe I am learning to move on, maybe I am learning to say no. It seems that our church body needs more and more from me and I am so finite and limited. I feel so overwhelmed.

this is an accurate image of my sabbatical. not pretty in the least.