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A note from the Pastor - July-August 2008, posted on N-0400
Highlights from the April issue of "The Tower", posted on N-0400
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A note from the Pastor - July-August 2008
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Tower July/August 2008
A Message from the Pastor
Even though Richard and I moved into the manse last summer, I still find a box or two that never was opened! Just recently I found one of our family “memory boxes” filled with memorabilia from years past. I came across one of our Where’s Waldo books. It was fun to reminisce about the time when Michael (who is now 30) and Stephen (26) and I looked at these books and tried to find Waldo among all the “people” on the pages. As you may know, Waldo is on every page, but he can be difficult to find.
I think it’s sometimes that way with God in our lives. God is present on every page of our lives, but God is often not easy to spot.
Why is that? In so many scripture passages, God says over and over, “I will be with you.” But it often feels that we are all alone. It’s sometimes easier to “see” God in nature—trees, flowers, birds, at the seashore—but why is it so hard to “feel” God’s presence—especially when we are anxious and need it most?
Perhaps we just overlook God’s presence. How often do we think we cannot do something—but somehow get the strength to keep going? How often do we think we do not know which path to follow—but feel “guidance” to make the ultimate choice? How often do we feel we cannot think of anything to say, but the right words tumble out of our mouths? Coincidence? No. Not at all. Someone once said that coincidence is God remaining anonymous.
If you feel alone, I recommend Psalm 139 to you. The Psalmist speaks clearly about God being with us. The Psalmist seems to speak from experience that God knows when we sit down, when we get up, where we are going, and reminds us that God holds us in God’s hand. We are definitely not alone!
There’s a wonderful poem I would like for you to remember:
God has not promised skies always blue, Flower-strewn pathways, all our lives through.
God has not promised sun without rain, Joy without sorrow, peace without pain.
But God has promised strength for the day, Rest for the laborer, light on the way.
Grace for the trials, help from above, Unfailing sympathy, undying love.
(author unknown)
Wherever your travels take you this summer, remember that God is right there by your side!
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