Vows 3-21-2002
This Sunday is Palm Sunday. This is a special day for me – since it was Palm Sunday, 1962, (40 years ago!) that I stood in front of the altar and made one of the most important vows of my life. For it was on that day that I renounced Satan and all his ways; proclaimed my faith in God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Ghost; and I vowed that I would continue steadfast in this confession and this church and to suffer all, even death, rather than fall away from it. I was awed by that confession then, and I am still awed by it. I try to live my life in accordance with the vow of that day. The 13-year-old could not fully comprehend what the 53-year-old would have to endure when he said those words in front of God and everybody.
Each one of us has to face decisions daily that can stretch our vow. How we speak of our neighbors, how we respond to friends, how we conduct ourselves in the face of trials, how we handle adversity, how we react to sickness, all must be filtered by the vow we made to remain faithful to God. It is not always easy. What a comfort it is that we don't have to do it by ourselves. The God we vowed to remain faithful to has also promised to give us the strength to remain faithful. Such a deal.
On a more personal note, Bunny and I thank you for your wonderful suggestions on what to see while in Hawaii. We are looking forward to the time spent there. We bought my wardrobe last night - she got hers last weekend. We are now praying she can continue to adjust her medications in order to control the pain - it is a long airplane ride.
May you have a joyous celebration of Palm Sunday.
Each one of us has to face decisions daily that can stretch our vow. How we speak of our neighbors, how we respond to friends, how we conduct ourselves in the face of trials, how we handle adversity, how we react to sickness, all must be filtered by the vow we made to remain faithful to God. It is not always easy. What a comfort it is that we don't have to do it by ourselves. The God we vowed to remain faithful to has also promised to give us the strength to remain faithful. Such a deal.
On a more personal note, Bunny and I thank you for your wonderful suggestions on what to see while in Hawaii. We are looking forward to the time spent there. We bought my wardrobe last night - she got hers last weekend. We are now praying she can continue to adjust her medications in order to control the pain - it is a long airplane ride.
May you have a joyous celebration of Palm Sunday.
Someday 3-28-2002
“What does this mean?” It is a question we often ask when experiencing a new or difficult situation. Bruce accepted the Call to Texas.
What does this mean?
In my opinion it means that Texas is receiving a very gifted man of God that will do much for the area he serves. Bruce has a love for the Lord that shows through all that he does and all that he is. It has been my privilege to work with him closely these past 5 years. I value him as a co-worker and as a friend.
What does this mean for Parish Media Team trainings?
In my opinion it means that we must step up and continue to serve the congregations to the best of our ability. I promise I will make every attempt to continue to serve your needs and schedule trainings as requested. I believe that our team has a commitment to serve you and that God has blessed us too much to date to allow the project and the program fail because of the lack of one person.
God uses His people in His time in the places He chooses for them. I have often accepted or declined Calls and then thought, “what if?” I believe that we continue on accepting God’s hand in all of our actions. I never thought I would be where I am today, but God has prepared me to assume the duties I have.
I ask for your prayers, first for Bruce and his family, and second for me and the people here. I ask that you would ask for wisdom, courage, strength, and insight so that all we do may glorify God and serve you to help proclaim that Jesus is Lord. I ask also for your patience and understanding as we go through our transition time. We all are learning. I look forward to continuing the Parish Media Team efforts and serving you.
God bless each of you.
What does this mean?
In my opinion it means that Texas is receiving a very gifted man of God that will do much for the area he serves. Bruce has a love for the Lord that shows through all that he does and all that he is. It has been my privilege to work with him closely these past 5 years. I value him as a co-worker and as a friend.
What does this mean for Parish Media Team trainings?
In my opinion it means that we must step up and continue to serve the congregations to the best of our ability. I promise I will make every attempt to continue to serve your needs and schedule trainings as requested. I believe that our team has a commitment to serve you and that God has blessed us too much to date to allow the project and the program fail because of the lack of one person.
God uses His people in His time in the places He chooses for them. I have often accepted or declined Calls and then thought, “what if?” I believe that we continue on accepting God’s hand in all of our actions. I never thought I would be where I am today, but God has prepared me to assume the duties I have.
I ask for your prayers, first for Bruce and his family, and second for me and the people here. I ask that you would ask for wisdom, courage, strength, and insight so that all we do may glorify God and serve you to help proclaim that Jesus is Lord. I ask also for your patience and understanding as we go through our transition time. We all are learning. I look forward to continuing the Parish Media Team efforts and serving you.
God bless each of you.
