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PASTOR PONDERS
with Pastor Grant
Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
As I write this, I'm recalling a time when I was back in high
school. I had a major research project and I was first to the
library before all the good resources were checked out. I was
so overwhelmed with information that I didn't know where to
begin. A well respected teacher pulled me aside and gave me
this advice, "Begin in the children's section."
After my initial reaction of shock subsided, she went on to
explain that children's books get to the very basic of
information. Plus, I could read three or four children's books
faster and understand them better than a 300 page reference
book. Only after, I understood the information from the
children's section, did I go to the adult section for more
detail. This set a pattern for all my research to follow
throughout my college and seminary years.
February 22, is Ash Wednesday and the beginning of Lent, a
season of reflection, repentance, and simplicity. Throughout
our lives, we create and are involved in many "projects". We
jump right in and forgetting the basic foundation, namely
turning to our Lord. What would happen, if before going to our
daily tasks we would say, "Lord, thank you for this
opportunity. Give me your strength and guidance to do this to
the best of my abilities, always working to reflect your
presence in my life."
Many times we get in over our heads and we neglect God. God
shakes us up with the Lenten reminder, "Remember you are dust
and to dust you shall return. (Gen. 3:19b)" In other words,
remember that we are human and God is God. Humans are limited.
Humans can't do everything, though we try. God can.
When we use Lent as an opportunity to get back to our basic
foundation, we are clearing away distractions and allowing
room to recognize God's presence in our lives and allowing God
be God.
Look at your life right now. Is it like a 300 page reference
book that gets to be overwhelming? Who is managing it? God?
someone (or something) else? Are we trying to take too much
control ourselves? What will it take to simplify?
Here is an idea: what would happen if we took the 40 days of
Lent to use children's resources as part of our devotional
time? Dig out the Children's Bible that you used to read with
your kids. Find a children's prayer book in the library...for
yourself. It would be quick and understandable and it might
give you a different perspective.
One of my favorite books that I read daily with Lily is called
"Little Blessings for Little Ones: A Boatload of Prayers." For
the past couple of weeks, I've been using it as the basis for
all my prayers, modifying and personalizing them to fit my
life. It's amazing how "lengthy" my time with God can get
using this little "template" that is easy to memorize.
In the spirit of repentance, I leave you with this prayer:
Thank you God for this new day, And for the time to work and
play. Please be with me all day long, In every story, game and
song. May all the happy things we do, Make you, our Father,
happy too. Keep my little tongue today, Keep it gentle while I
play. Keep my hands from doing wrong, Keep my feet the whole
day long. Keep me all, 0 Jesus mild, keep me ever Thy
dear child. Amen.
Pastor Grant
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Sunday Scripture
Feb 5, 2012
Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany
First Lesson: Isaiah 40:21-31
Second Lesson: 1 Corinthians 9:16-23
Gospel: Mark 1:29-39
Feb 12, 2012
Sixth Sunday after the Epiphany
First Lesson: 2 Kings 5:1-14
Second Lesson: 1 Corinthians 9:24-27
Gospel: Mark 1:40-45
Feb 19, 2012
Transfiguration of Our Lord
First Lesson: 2 Kings 2:1-12
Second Lesson: 2 Corinthians 4:3-6
Gospel: Mark 9:2-9
Feb 26, 2012
First Sunday in Lent
First Lesson: Genesis 9:8-17
Second Lesson: 1 Peter 3:18-22
Gospel: Mark 1:9-15 |