Pastor’s Corner
“Preaching and being preached at”
One of the most incredible joys I have had the last few months is meeting my fellow Presbyterian Colleagues regularly online to discuss things that we are doing. I also have been meeting weekly with the other pastors here in Sedalia online instead of in person. It is there that we discuss the weekly lectionary passages that some of us use to preach. It lets us wrestle with the issues that are confronting us.
If you had asked me, over the many years I sat in a pew instead of facing them, I would have told you that I thought the pastor decided each week what he preached on. The only exception would have been the times when he (or she) announced that they would be preaching a series. But even then, I assumed they would study the passage they preached about the week that they preached it.
I would never have realized that what happens on Sunday is finalized that week, but the seeds are planted, watered, and grow over the course of several weeks. And even more, that sermons are intended to build upon concepts. So, while a sermon is stand-alone (and according to my teachers must be able to be expressed in a single sentence), it is also connected to that which goes before and after.
Early on in my ministry I would choose a passage in January to reflect what I wanted us to learn that year. My hope was that if you only attended church once, that you would “get it.” The passages and focus would vary, but somewhere in the service, this key component would exist. I did so this year, and printed it at the top of the bulletin at the beginning. This was the verse I chose, back when life was “normal.”
Isaiah 54:10 (NRSV) For the mountains may depart, and the hills be removed, but my steadfast love shall not depart from you, and my covenant of peace shall not be removed, says the Lord, who has compassion on you.
Over the last months as the world has turned upside down, this verse has comforted me, guided me, given me hope. The mountains may depart, and the hills may be removed, but God is constant. Halfway through the year, we have no idea what will happen in the future, but God will still be there.
I am including a list of topics and verses we have covered recently as well as those we will be covering. I invite you to read the passages before Sunday and spend time preparing for worship. And I invite you to keep Isaiah 54:10 in front of you, not just as you listen to the sermon, but as you go to work, as you read the news, whenever you need to be reminded.
Serving you for Him,
Pastor Bobbie
Phone: 660-851-0067, Cell Phone: 660-596-3954
E-mail: [email protected]
Web Site: http://tricountyministries.weebly.com
Sermon Recap
In the absence of many of us meeting together, I thought a brief recap of what was covered in June and July 5 would be appropriate. All continue to be available on our Web site under the Communications/Worship Tab
https://tricountyministries.weebly.com/worship-service
June 7 Genesis 1:1-5, 26-27, “God of All Creation”
In the midst of chaos, God created order. In the midst of chaos in our lives, God continues to be order, bringing order to us and our lives.
June 14 Genesis 8:1-15, Romans 5:1-8 “Undeserved”
Abraham and Sarah were not perfect and did not “deserve” Isaac. But God gave them Isaac anyway.
We do not “deserve” the free gift of God’s amazing grace, but God gives us grace and forgiveness anyway.
June 21 Genesis 21:8-21 John 5:1-9 “The God who Hears and Sees”
Abraham and Sarah send Hagar and Ishmael into the desert. In their moment of despair, God appears and rescues them.
A man, oppressed by an illness for 38 years. While walking through a crowd of those who need healing, Jesus spots him and heals him. We have all been oppressed in some way. God has rescued each of us. We know God as rescuer and healer, and are called to rescue and heal all who are oppressed.
June 28 Genesis 22:1-14 “Enacted Prophecy”
Over the centuries God has used “enacted prophecy” as a way of telling the story. Here in this passage, we find Abraham enacting what God will eventually do with Jesus. What ways do we see enacted prophecy around us today?
July 5 Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30 The Freedom of Following Jesus - Wisdom is shown to be right by its results
The people rejected John the Baptist and Jesus. Their criticism wasn’t about the truth they told, it was about what they ate and who they ate it with. The message of Jesus was to love God and love our neighbors as ourselves. He invites us to be yoked with him to carry out that work.
Upcoming Sermons:
July 12 Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23 “Planting Seeds”
The Sower, the soil, and the seeds. Who are we in this parable of Jesus? And what does it mean to fill those roles?
July 19 Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43 “Seeds and Weeds”
We live in a world of good and evil. What did Jesus have to say in this parable about living with the “weeds” that surround us? Why does it matter?
July 26 Matthew 13:31-33, 44-46 “The Kingdom of Heaven is like”
A mustard seed is small and grows. A pearl is precious from the beginning. Jesus uses BOTH to describe the Kingdom of God – it is both the now (growing) and not yet (heaven).
August 2 Matthew 14:13-21 “The Loaves and the Fish”
Scheduled as communion Sunday – what does it mean to have communion when there are no loaves and no fish? Can we have abundance when we think we have nothing?
July, 2020—WORSHIP SERVICES AVAILABLE … MORE NOT LESS
ONLINE –
Our weekly service will continue to be available online on our Web site. They are available at your convenience. https://tricountyministries.weebly.com/
DRIVE IN –
FM radio broadcasting is now only available by request in advance. Longwood will offer Drive-in Services where you can remain safely in your car with no exposure. We will bring bulletins to your car.
For prayer requests from cars, you can give a written request to the individual giving you the bulletin or use my cell phone number from the bulletin to text me.
INSIDE THE CHURCH –
Both churches are offering inside worship. Pews are marked to ensure safe spacing according to State guidelines. We ask that you maintain safe distances within the building.
Masks are optional. We have provided a limited number of disposable masks, but we invite you to bring and wear your own as you are comfortable.
We will be singing.
Adults need to accompany children into restrooms to ensure safe surfaces (wipe after you use handles, etc.)
Offering Plates will be available at the entry and at the front. We will not be taking an offering during the service.
RLPC VBS (repeat message + more)
One of the greatest joys for the members of Range Line Church is our annual VBS. The group sessions, music, hands-on activities, crafts, and playground time are just some of the reasons children enjoy coming. Unfortunately, we cannot conduct our usual VBS and also follow the recommended social distancing and safety guidelines. Therefore, we sadly announce that we will not be having VBS this summer. However, we're already considering options and possible adjustments so that we can be sure to have VBS in 2021. (Added note: we are currently trying to develop an online mini VBS substitute that we will roll out in the next week or two.) Thanks.—Jennifer Alexander
LPC Presbyterian Women
I recently received through the mail a daily devotional that made me stop and think. The title was “Flushing the Filter” and the bible text was taken from John 4:14 “But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life”.
It was a story about someone trying to water their plants but the water was only coming out in a trickle. After taking apart the filter they found it was filled with lime and sediment and after flushing it out the filter was as good as new. Jesus is the source of living water from which our souls can freely drink and be satisfied. A person who does not frequently replenish his natural body with water will soon dehydrate and eventually die. Therefore it is vital that we drink of the living waster from Christ’s fountain to replenish the thirst of our souls and to remain spiritually alive of Him.
Satan’s aim is to “clog the filter” of our hearts with sin and untruth, restricting the flow of this life-sustaining water. This sediment of pride, lust, hate, anger, strife or envy can accumulate just like the sediment in the filter. Let us frequently “flush the filter” by maintaining a good relationship with our Savior, so that His living water can always flow through and sustain our souls.
“Come to this water, there is a vast supply; There is a river that never shall run dry”—David and Max Sapp Taken from Still Waters Ministries
Offered to you by Sharon Greer, PW.
LPC Ice Cream Supper X’ld.
In case you are wondering about Longwood’s annual Ice Cream Supper, a few weeks ago, the session voted to cancel it this year, due to the Covid 19 fear of accidentally infecting someone. This has been, and continues to be an unfortunate year for church benefits. Many churches rely on this type of event for mission, church growth, and simply contact with some folks who we don’t see very often. Decisions like this do not come easy, but we believe it is necessary to maintain a healthy community. So if you keep a calendar of church events on your desk or on your phone, please remove this event for this year only, because we will return to having it as soon as we can. Ice Cream is not an essential part of life, but pretty darn close.
Sympathy
From the congregations at both churches, we wish to extend our deepest sympathies to Rev. Mary Williams and her family upon the loss of her husband Clyde. Blessings to all who are affected by his passing.
Cares and Concerns
Please keep all of our church families in prayer. Remember, those who are in the nursing homes always enjoy greeting cards:
Concerns from Both LPC & RLPC:
Benefit for Scott & Renee Moore
Scott Moore (Wayne and Judy’s son) is currently battling his 2nd wave of a very aggressive cancer. Not being able to work due to the extensive chemotherapy and several days of being in the hospital has put them in a financial bind. Friends from Moberly want to help by having a benefit dinner to help with the cost. On August 1, 2020, ll:00 to 2:00 pm, there will be a spaghetti dinner at Jackson Brothers, 2060 North Morely St., Moberly. Cost is $8.00/adult plate and $4.00 for children 5-10 years. Under 5 years are free. There will also be a 50/50 drawing. (Information taken from Facebook flyer by Tammy Kirkendoll Surber, friend of Renee). Please continue to pray for Scott and his family during these tough times.
Those who Serve--update
Aaron Reno (Judy & Harold Moore’s grandson) is now taking his AIT at Fort Benning and is scheduled to graduate on July 24. After his three weeks in Airborne, he is pretty sure he will be shipped out to Italy. He is currently in the top 4 of his troop. (Grandma and Grandpa are very proud…and should be.) If you would like to send him a card, here’s his address:
Pvt. Reno, Aaron RN 317
Bldg. 4313 3rd Platoon Evil Troop 5-15 Cav
Fort Benning, GA 31905
Isaac Greer (Sharon and JR Greer’s grandson) is taking his AIT at Fort Leonard Wood, and he is also doing well, and his address is:
PFC Greer, Isaac
C Co. 84th Chem BN, C1 12-20
13062 W. 7th St.
Fort Leonard Wood, MO 56473
United States.
At Longwood church, we are particularly proud of both of these young men. They represent the future of our country, and will become our protectors. Please pray for all those who serve, but in particular, both these young men and their families.
Phone call
Some of the most vivid memories of my past are from the telephone. (You know you are old if you call it a telephone.) My earliest memories were of my mother picking up the phone and asking the operator to connect her to M5 something something something. That was my grandmother's phone number, and I loved hearing Mom talk to Grandma. The phone didn’t have a key pad, in fact, there wasn’t even a rotary dial—just a circle with our phone number in it. Back then, you had to worry about what you said on the call, because we were on a “party line” and invariably someone else would be listening to your call—you know, eve’s dropping. (I found this really annoying when I turned 16 and could call my girlfriend!) But that didn’t stop many folks from calling friends to get caught up on the happenings in their families.
So this past week, I decided that I would go back in time a little and call some old friends. So I gave Eva Paxson a call. She grew up in Longwood and knew my aunts who used to be telephone operators in Longwood. She now lives in Denver, 90+ years old, with her daughter Lynn. We talked about the typical aches and pains, and doctor’s visits, and using canes, but then she started asking how the folks in the community were doing—not necessarily from Covid, just how folks are doing. In particular, she wanted to know how Georgia Reid was doing. Then “Billy Dean” Schlomer, and on and on. It was fun filling each other in about our grandkids.
There is much comfort in visiting with friends and sharing joys and concerns. Eva has a daughter, LeeAnn, who is struggling through chemo treatments and now thinking about radiation. Lynn fell the other day and seriously damaged her eye. It’s important to be concerned for others, and to listen, because that’s how folks get things off their chest. I know—there’s texting on your phone and Facebook, but those methods just don’t have the same affect. So I recommend to you, the next time you think of an old friend, call them up and ask them how they are doing. It will be good for both of you. Too bad they did away with the party lines—back then a telephone visit was good for more than two people.
From the Internet:
God’s most common way of answering people is through people. But for that to work, we must pay attention and listen, we must put ourselves in a position to see others’ needs, and we must respond when God calls.—Adam Hamilton, Clergy Coaching Network.
Never lose sight of the fact that the most important yardstick of your success will be how you treat other people—your family, friends and coworkers, and even strangers you meet along the way.—Barbara Bush
Strong people don’t put others down…they lift them up. From Clergy Coaching Network
In case you have forgotten, Silence is often misinterpreted…but never misquoted.
A “mistake” repeated more than once is a “decision.”
Courage is not, “having the strength to go on”; it is, “going on when you don’t have the strength.”—Theodore Roosevelt
7 Rules of Life:
If you live for the praise of people, you will die by their criticism.
Some things are better left unsaid…which I generally realize right after I’ve said them.
New Pastor Warranty:
“It has come to our attention that the pastor you received was shipped with a slight defect—he is not psychic. Because of this, you must observe certain procedures to ensure optimum performance.
It is necessary to inform him of any members who are hospitalized. If someone you know is in need of prayer, the pastor must be told, or he won’t know. If you are in need of a pastoral visit, you will get the best results if you ask him.
We regret any inconvenience this may cause.”
www.pastorshelper.com
Always pray to have eyes that see the best in people, a heart that forgives the worst, a mind that forgets the bad, and a soul that never loses faith in God.
Treat people the way you want to be treated. Talk to people the way you want to be talked to. Respect is earned, not give.
“Do unto others...” reworded: If you wouldn’t like it done to you, don’t do it to others.—Toby Mac
Take responsibility of your own happiness, never put it in other people’s hands.
“Preaching and being preached at”
One of the most incredible joys I have had the last few months is meeting my fellow Presbyterian Colleagues regularly online to discuss things that we are doing. I also have been meeting weekly with the other pastors here in Sedalia online instead of in person. It is there that we discuss the weekly lectionary passages that some of us use to preach. It lets us wrestle with the issues that are confronting us.
If you had asked me, over the many years I sat in a pew instead of facing them, I would have told you that I thought the pastor decided each week what he preached on. The only exception would have been the times when he (or she) announced that they would be preaching a series. But even then, I assumed they would study the passage they preached about the week that they preached it.
I would never have realized that what happens on Sunday is finalized that week, but the seeds are planted, watered, and grow over the course of several weeks. And even more, that sermons are intended to build upon concepts. So, while a sermon is stand-alone (and according to my teachers must be able to be expressed in a single sentence), it is also connected to that which goes before and after.
Early on in my ministry I would choose a passage in January to reflect what I wanted us to learn that year. My hope was that if you only attended church once, that you would “get it.” The passages and focus would vary, but somewhere in the service, this key component would exist. I did so this year, and printed it at the top of the bulletin at the beginning. This was the verse I chose, back when life was “normal.”
Isaiah 54:10 (NRSV) For the mountains may depart, and the hills be removed, but my steadfast love shall not depart from you, and my covenant of peace shall not be removed, says the Lord, who has compassion on you.
Over the last months as the world has turned upside down, this verse has comforted me, guided me, given me hope. The mountains may depart, and the hills may be removed, but God is constant. Halfway through the year, we have no idea what will happen in the future, but God will still be there.
I am including a list of topics and verses we have covered recently as well as those we will be covering. I invite you to read the passages before Sunday and spend time preparing for worship. And I invite you to keep Isaiah 54:10 in front of you, not just as you listen to the sermon, but as you go to work, as you read the news, whenever you need to be reminded.
Serving you for Him,
Pastor Bobbie
Phone: 660-851-0067, Cell Phone: 660-596-3954
E-mail: [email protected]
Web Site: http://tricountyministries.weebly.com
Sermon Recap
In the absence of many of us meeting together, I thought a brief recap of what was covered in June and July 5 would be appropriate. All continue to be available on our Web site under the Communications/Worship Tab
https://tricountyministries.weebly.com/worship-service
June 7 Genesis 1:1-5, 26-27, “God of All Creation”
In the midst of chaos, God created order. In the midst of chaos in our lives, God continues to be order, bringing order to us and our lives.
June 14 Genesis 8:1-15, Romans 5:1-8 “Undeserved”
Abraham and Sarah were not perfect and did not “deserve” Isaac. But God gave them Isaac anyway.
We do not “deserve” the free gift of God’s amazing grace, but God gives us grace and forgiveness anyway.
June 21 Genesis 21:8-21 John 5:1-9 “The God who Hears and Sees”
Abraham and Sarah send Hagar and Ishmael into the desert. In their moment of despair, God appears and rescues them.
A man, oppressed by an illness for 38 years. While walking through a crowd of those who need healing, Jesus spots him and heals him. We have all been oppressed in some way. God has rescued each of us. We know God as rescuer and healer, and are called to rescue and heal all who are oppressed.
June 28 Genesis 22:1-14 “Enacted Prophecy”
Over the centuries God has used “enacted prophecy” as a way of telling the story. Here in this passage, we find Abraham enacting what God will eventually do with Jesus. What ways do we see enacted prophecy around us today?
July 5 Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30 The Freedom of Following Jesus - Wisdom is shown to be right by its results
The people rejected John the Baptist and Jesus. Their criticism wasn’t about the truth they told, it was about what they ate and who they ate it with. The message of Jesus was to love God and love our neighbors as ourselves. He invites us to be yoked with him to carry out that work.
Upcoming Sermons:
July 12 Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23 “Planting Seeds”
The Sower, the soil, and the seeds. Who are we in this parable of Jesus? And what does it mean to fill those roles?
July 19 Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43 “Seeds and Weeds”
We live in a world of good and evil. What did Jesus have to say in this parable about living with the “weeds” that surround us? Why does it matter?
July 26 Matthew 13:31-33, 44-46 “The Kingdom of Heaven is like”
A mustard seed is small and grows. A pearl is precious from the beginning. Jesus uses BOTH to describe the Kingdom of God – it is both the now (growing) and not yet (heaven).
August 2 Matthew 14:13-21 “The Loaves and the Fish”
Scheduled as communion Sunday – what does it mean to have communion when there are no loaves and no fish? Can we have abundance when we think we have nothing?
July, 2020—WORSHIP SERVICES AVAILABLE … MORE NOT LESS
ONLINE –
Our weekly service will continue to be available online on our Web site. They are available at your convenience. https://tricountyministries.weebly.com/
DRIVE IN –
FM radio broadcasting is now only available by request in advance. Longwood will offer Drive-in Services where you can remain safely in your car with no exposure. We will bring bulletins to your car.
For prayer requests from cars, you can give a written request to the individual giving you the bulletin or use my cell phone number from the bulletin to text me.
INSIDE THE CHURCH –
Both churches are offering inside worship. Pews are marked to ensure safe spacing according to State guidelines. We ask that you maintain safe distances within the building.
Masks are optional. We have provided a limited number of disposable masks, but we invite you to bring and wear your own as you are comfortable.
We will be singing.
Adults need to accompany children into restrooms to ensure safe surfaces (wipe after you use handles, etc.)
Offering Plates will be available at the entry and at the front. We will not be taking an offering during the service.
RLPC VBS (repeat message + more)
One of the greatest joys for the members of Range Line Church is our annual VBS. The group sessions, music, hands-on activities, crafts, and playground time are just some of the reasons children enjoy coming. Unfortunately, we cannot conduct our usual VBS and also follow the recommended social distancing and safety guidelines. Therefore, we sadly announce that we will not be having VBS this summer. However, we're already considering options and possible adjustments so that we can be sure to have VBS in 2021. (Added note: we are currently trying to develop an online mini VBS substitute that we will roll out in the next week or two.) Thanks.—Jennifer Alexander
LPC Presbyterian Women
I recently received through the mail a daily devotional that made me stop and think. The title was “Flushing the Filter” and the bible text was taken from John 4:14 “But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life”.
It was a story about someone trying to water their plants but the water was only coming out in a trickle. After taking apart the filter they found it was filled with lime and sediment and after flushing it out the filter was as good as new. Jesus is the source of living water from which our souls can freely drink and be satisfied. A person who does not frequently replenish his natural body with water will soon dehydrate and eventually die. Therefore it is vital that we drink of the living waster from Christ’s fountain to replenish the thirst of our souls and to remain spiritually alive of Him.
Satan’s aim is to “clog the filter” of our hearts with sin and untruth, restricting the flow of this life-sustaining water. This sediment of pride, lust, hate, anger, strife or envy can accumulate just like the sediment in the filter. Let us frequently “flush the filter” by maintaining a good relationship with our Savior, so that His living water can always flow through and sustain our souls.
“Come to this water, there is a vast supply; There is a river that never shall run dry”—David and Max Sapp Taken from Still Waters Ministries
Offered to you by Sharon Greer, PW.
LPC Ice Cream Supper X’ld.
In case you are wondering about Longwood’s annual Ice Cream Supper, a few weeks ago, the session voted to cancel it this year, due to the Covid 19 fear of accidentally infecting someone. This has been, and continues to be an unfortunate year for church benefits. Many churches rely on this type of event for mission, church growth, and simply contact with some folks who we don’t see very often. Decisions like this do not come easy, but we believe it is necessary to maintain a healthy community. So if you keep a calendar of church events on your desk or on your phone, please remove this event for this year only, because we will return to having it as soon as we can. Ice Cream is not an essential part of life, but pretty darn close.
Sympathy
From the congregations at both churches, we wish to extend our deepest sympathies to Rev. Mary Williams and her family upon the loss of her husband Clyde. Blessings to all who are affected by his passing.
Cares and Concerns
Please keep all of our church families in prayer. Remember, those who are in the nursing homes always enjoy greeting cards:
Concerns from Both LPC & RLPC:
- Esther Brown, at Pilot Grove
- Bill & Margaret Schlomer at Golden Oaks
- Helen Coffelt—at Sylvia Thompson
- Georgia Reid, at Cedarhurst, Sedalia
- Elijah Johnson (Delbert & Amy’s son)
- Calvin (and Mary) Kirchhoff at Golden Oaks
- Renee Moore
- Scott Moore
- Aaron Reno, Army at Fort Benning, GA
- Isaac Greer, Army at Fort Leonard Wood
- Lee Ann (Paxson), chemo & possible radiation
- Alan Meyer
- Kenny Reid
Benefit for Scott & Renee Moore
Scott Moore (Wayne and Judy’s son) is currently battling his 2nd wave of a very aggressive cancer. Not being able to work due to the extensive chemotherapy and several days of being in the hospital has put them in a financial bind. Friends from Moberly want to help by having a benefit dinner to help with the cost. On August 1, 2020, ll:00 to 2:00 pm, there will be a spaghetti dinner at Jackson Brothers, 2060 North Morely St., Moberly. Cost is $8.00/adult plate and $4.00 for children 5-10 years. Under 5 years are free. There will also be a 50/50 drawing. (Information taken from Facebook flyer by Tammy Kirkendoll Surber, friend of Renee). Please continue to pray for Scott and his family during these tough times.
Those who Serve--update
Aaron Reno (Judy & Harold Moore’s grandson) is now taking his AIT at Fort Benning and is scheduled to graduate on July 24. After his three weeks in Airborne, he is pretty sure he will be shipped out to Italy. He is currently in the top 4 of his troop. (Grandma and Grandpa are very proud…and should be.) If you would like to send him a card, here’s his address:
Pvt. Reno, Aaron RN 317
Bldg. 4313 3rd Platoon Evil Troop 5-15 Cav
Fort Benning, GA 31905
Isaac Greer (Sharon and JR Greer’s grandson) is taking his AIT at Fort Leonard Wood, and he is also doing well, and his address is:
PFC Greer, Isaac
C Co. 84th Chem BN, C1 12-20
13062 W. 7th St.
Fort Leonard Wood, MO 56473
United States.
At Longwood church, we are particularly proud of both of these young men. They represent the future of our country, and will become our protectors. Please pray for all those who serve, but in particular, both these young men and their families.
Phone call
Some of the most vivid memories of my past are from the telephone. (You know you are old if you call it a telephone.) My earliest memories were of my mother picking up the phone and asking the operator to connect her to M5 something something something. That was my grandmother's phone number, and I loved hearing Mom talk to Grandma. The phone didn’t have a key pad, in fact, there wasn’t even a rotary dial—just a circle with our phone number in it. Back then, you had to worry about what you said on the call, because we were on a “party line” and invariably someone else would be listening to your call—you know, eve’s dropping. (I found this really annoying when I turned 16 and could call my girlfriend!) But that didn’t stop many folks from calling friends to get caught up on the happenings in their families.
So this past week, I decided that I would go back in time a little and call some old friends. So I gave Eva Paxson a call. She grew up in Longwood and knew my aunts who used to be telephone operators in Longwood. She now lives in Denver, 90+ years old, with her daughter Lynn. We talked about the typical aches and pains, and doctor’s visits, and using canes, but then she started asking how the folks in the community were doing—not necessarily from Covid, just how folks are doing. In particular, she wanted to know how Georgia Reid was doing. Then “Billy Dean” Schlomer, and on and on. It was fun filling each other in about our grandkids.
There is much comfort in visiting with friends and sharing joys and concerns. Eva has a daughter, LeeAnn, who is struggling through chemo treatments and now thinking about radiation. Lynn fell the other day and seriously damaged her eye. It’s important to be concerned for others, and to listen, because that’s how folks get things off their chest. I know—there’s texting on your phone and Facebook, but those methods just don’t have the same affect. So I recommend to you, the next time you think of an old friend, call them up and ask them how they are doing. It will be good for both of you. Too bad they did away with the party lines—back then a telephone visit was good for more than two people.
From the Internet:
God’s most common way of answering people is through people. But for that to work, we must pay attention and listen, we must put ourselves in a position to see others’ needs, and we must respond when God calls.—Adam Hamilton, Clergy Coaching Network.
Never lose sight of the fact that the most important yardstick of your success will be how you treat other people—your family, friends and coworkers, and even strangers you meet along the way.—Barbara Bush
Strong people don’t put others down…they lift them up. From Clergy Coaching Network
In case you have forgotten, Silence is often misinterpreted…but never misquoted.
A “mistake” repeated more than once is a “decision.”
Courage is not, “having the strength to go on”; it is, “going on when you don’t have the strength.”—Theodore Roosevelt
7 Rules of Life:
- Make peace with your past, so it won’t disturb your future
- What other people think of you is none of your business.
- The only person in charge of your happiness is you.
- Don’t compare your life to others. Comparison is the Thief of Joy.
- Time heals almost everything. Give it time.
- STOP thinking so much. It’s alright not to know the answers.
- SMILE. You don’t own all the problems in the world.
If you live for the praise of people, you will die by their criticism.
Some things are better left unsaid…which I generally realize right after I’ve said them.
New Pastor Warranty:
“It has come to our attention that the pastor you received was shipped with a slight defect—he is not psychic. Because of this, you must observe certain procedures to ensure optimum performance.
It is necessary to inform him of any members who are hospitalized. If someone you know is in need of prayer, the pastor must be told, or he won’t know. If you are in need of a pastoral visit, you will get the best results if you ask him.
We regret any inconvenience this may cause.”
www.pastorshelper.com
Always pray to have eyes that see the best in people, a heart that forgives the worst, a mind that forgets the bad, and a soul that never loses faith in God.
Treat people the way you want to be treated. Talk to people the way you want to be talked to. Respect is earned, not give.
“Do unto others...” reworded: If you wouldn’t like it done to you, don’t do it to others.—Toby Mac
Take responsibility of your own happiness, never put it in other people’s hands.