Wednesday, April 30, 2014
Wednesday, April 30, 2014
RAY
We read in Job 32:11
"I waited while you spoke, I listened to your reasoning;
while you were searching for words." –
Edgar Watson Howe once joked, "No man would listen to
you talk if he didn't know it was his turn next."
Unfortunately, that accurately describes the way too many
people approach communication—they're too busy waiting
for their turn to talk to really listen to others. But people of
influence understand the incredible value of becoming a
good listener. For example, when Lyndon B. Johnson was
a junior senator from Texas, he kept a sign on his office
wall that read, "You ain't learnin' nothin' when you're doin'
all the talking.'" And Woodrow Wilson, the twentyeighth
American president, once said, "The ear of the leader must
ring with the voices of the people."
The ability to skillfully listen is one key to gaining influence
with others.
• Listening shows respect.
• builds relationships.
• increases knowledge.
• generates ideas and
• builds loyalty.
Have a great day!
Tuesday, April 29, 2014
Tuesday, April 29, 2014
JOHN
Good Morning! I’m John Branning the Lead Pastor of
Central United Methodist Church. I heard a story once
about a man who was walking down a country road and
meet a farmer leaning on his fence. The man said to the
farmer, “nice day isn’t it? Must be good for the corn! “Yes,”
replied the farmer but it’s not good for the potatoes.
The following day the man came across the same farmer,
and on this day, it was dark and cloudy with a chance of
rain. He told the farmer, “nice day, isn’t it? Must be good for
the potatoes to which the farmer replied, “yes, but it’s bad
for the corn.”
How many people do you know like this farmer? They
always seem to be waiting for something negative to
happen. They always see the glass half empty. Not always
can we control our circumstances, but we can always
control our attitudes. Why don’t we all choose today to be
positive and see what God does?
Good Morning! I’m John Branning the Lead Pastor of
Central United Methodist Church. I heard a story once
about a man who was walking down a country road and
meet a farmer leaning on his fence. The man said to the
farmer, “nice day isn’t it? Must be good for the corn! “Yes,”
replied the farmer but it’s not good for the potatoes.
The following day the man came across the same farmer,
and on this day, it was dark and cloudy with a chance of
rain. He told the farmer, “nice day, isn’t it? Must be good for
the potatoes to which the farmer replied, “yes, but it’s bad
for the corn.”
How many people do you know like this farmer? They
always seem to be waiting for something negative to
happen. They always see the glass half empty. Not always
can we control our circumstances, but we can always
control our attitudes. Why don’t we all choose today to be
positive and see what God does?
Monday, April 28, 2014
Monday, April 28, 2014
DENNIS
Good morning. I’m Dennis Gossett, for Central United
Methodist Church. There was once a young teenage boy
who wanted to play football, but the coach kept telling him
he was too fat, too slow, and too clumsy. After hearing such
things, the boy began to believe this about himself, until
one day someone told him that he could be whatever he
wanted to be. That statement made such an impact on this
young boy that he not only became a standout high school
football player, but also played four years of college
football.
See, this young man is a great example of faith. Faith is the
ability to believe in something greater, something that is
unseen at the moment. It doesn’t take much of it to make a
difference. In fact, Jesus said if we could just have enough
faith the size of a mustard seed then it could move
mountains.
Do you have mountains in your life? Maybe you, just like
the young boy, have been told that you are not good
enough. Well, Christ Jesus has given us all the opportunity
to be transformed by amazing faith.
Friday, April 25, 2014
Friday, April 25, 2014
JIM Wall
Good Morning!
People look at the world in different ways. We often think
of people as having a positive or negative view of life. But,
I have never met anyone who regretted looking at the world
with Christlike eyes.
A little boy prayed, “God, you don’t have to worry about
me. I look both ways.”
First, do you think God is concerned about you? And
second, do you look both ways? One day you look at the
world in positive terms and the next day every thing about
life and the world is negative.
That’s the day you feel like you’ve been run over by a mac
truck. Life is more difficult when you look within yourself to
make everything right. Look to God. For God can fill you
eyes, and your heart, with love, joy, peace, patience,
kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self
control. Because God loves you.
Good Morning!
People look at the world in different ways. We often think
of people as having a positive or negative view of life. But,
I have never met anyone who regretted looking at the world
with Christlike eyes.
A little boy prayed, “God, you don’t have to worry about
me. I look both ways.”
First, do you think God is concerned about you? And
second, do you look both ways? One day you look at the
world in positive terms and the next day every thing about
life and the world is negative.
That’s the day you feel like you’ve been run over by a mac
truck. Life is more difficult when you look within yourself to
make everything right. Look to God. For God can fill you
eyes, and your heart, with love, joy, peace, patience,
kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self
control. Because God loves you.
Thursday, April 24, 2014
Thursday, April 24, 2014
JIM CAIN
How accurately does the following statement describe you?
Not the persona you offer up in public, but the real you, who
you are when no one is watching. “I GET ALONG WITH
EVERYONE IN MY LIFE.” What about your former friends,
do they speak highly of you. Love all and loved by all. Is
that you? How about, “liked”? Like all and Liked by all. Still
pushing it? Well, all that’s leerated”. Tolerate all and be
tolerated by all.
Or maybe you have no fears. Failing Biology not a
problem, cancer discovered yawn, Just call you Superman.
Does that describe you? Or maybe you need no
forgiveness. You’ve never made a mistake. You’re as
square as a game of checkers. As clean as Grandma’s
kitchen, does this describe you? No? Me neither.
Your relationships are shaky. You have fears and faults. Do
you really want to walk through life all alone? The road
ahead looks rough. It appears to me that you (like most of
us) could use a shepherd. “Even though I walk through the
valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are
with me;” Psalm 23:4
No matter how pumped up you get over your latest
achievement you could still use some help in this life. A
friend, someone to talk with, a guide, a Savior, simply put a
messiah.
How accurately does the following statement describe you?
Not the persona you offer up in public, but the real you, who
you are when no one is watching. “I GET ALONG WITH
EVERYONE IN MY LIFE.” What about your former friends,
do they speak highly of you. Love all and loved by all. Is
that you? How about, “liked”? Like all and Liked by all. Still
pushing it? Well, all that’s leerated”. Tolerate all and be
tolerated by all.
Or maybe you have no fears. Failing Biology not a
problem, cancer discovered yawn, Just call you Superman.
Does that describe you? Or maybe you need no
forgiveness. You’ve never made a mistake. You’re as
square as a game of checkers. As clean as Grandma’s
kitchen, does this describe you? No? Me neither.
Your relationships are shaky. You have fears and faults. Do
you really want to walk through life all alone? The road
ahead looks rough. It appears to me that you (like most of
us) could use a shepherd. “Even though I walk through the
valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are
with me;” Psalm 23:4
No matter how pumped up you get over your latest
achievement you could still use some help in this life. A
friend, someone to talk with, a guide, a Savior, simply put a
messiah.
Wednesday, April 23, 2014
Wednesday, April 23, 2014
DENNIS
Good morning. One evening, as I watched my two
grandsons play together, I noticed they were having a hard
time sharing their toys. One would start to cry if the other
even played with a toy that was not being used.
At an early age, kids express a very innocent, but selfish
attitude. As adults, our selfish behavior is not so innocent.
In fact, adults are aware of what we do. Selfcenteredness
is one of the main reasons we willingly separate ourselves
from God. Think about it, how often do we strive for the
bigger and better deal in life, instead of God? Life becomes
more about what we can gain rather than giving all over to
the Father.
When our eyes are on material things, we can’t see eternal
things. The Old Testament prophet Isaiah noted this
condition when he wrote, “Your iniquities have made a
separation between you and your God.”
Today, let us take a look into our lives and see what is
separating us from living fully with God. Then, let us turn
our eyes from them and place them upon Jesus Christ.
I’m Dennis Gossett, for Central United Methodist Church.
Good morning. One evening, as I watched my two
grandsons play together, I noticed they were having a hard
time sharing their toys. One would start to cry if the other
even played with a toy that was not being used.
At an early age, kids express a very innocent, but selfish
attitude. As adults, our selfish behavior is not so innocent.
In fact, adults are aware of what we do. Selfcenteredness
is one of the main reasons we willingly separate ourselves
from God. Think about it, how often do we strive for the
bigger and better deal in life, instead of God? Life becomes
more about what we can gain rather than giving all over to
the Father.
When our eyes are on material things, we can’t see eternal
things. The Old Testament prophet Isaiah noted this
condition when he wrote, “Your iniquities have made a
separation between you and your God.”
Today, let us take a look into our lives and see what is
separating us from living fully with God. Then, let us turn
our eyes from them and place them upon Jesus Christ.
I’m Dennis Gossett, for Central United Methodist Church.
Tuesday, April 22, 2014
Tuesday, April 22, 2014
SABRINA
I like to think of myself as a glass half full kind of girl. I try
to see the good in things, but if honest, I can be quite
whiney at times. I was recently flipping through a book
written by American writer and lecturer, Dale Carnegie. In it
he states “One of the most tragic things I know about
human nature is that all of us tend to put off living. We are
all dreaming of some magical rose garden over the horizon
– instead of enjoying the roses that are blooming outside
our windows today.”
How true that statement is. “If only the weather will get
warm so we can get outside and work in our yard, it is too
hot to work outside. If only the weather will cool off. When
the children get bigger, when our schedule is not as tight,
when we get the house remodeled, the perfect job.
How many moments do we miss?
Godgiven moments, moments when we miss the tiny
miracle that makes the huge difference in our life? In the
blink of an eye our children are grown, our steps begin to
slow, we look over our shoulder to see the field of flowers
we walked past in our hurry to get to the next thing. Enjoy
and embrace TODAY, live TODAY, and THANK GOD FOR
TODAY!
I like to think of myself as a glass half full kind of girl. I try
to see the good in things, but if honest, I can be quite
whiney at times. I was recently flipping through a book
written by American writer and lecturer, Dale Carnegie. In it
he states “One of the most tragic things I know about
human nature is that all of us tend to put off living. We are
all dreaming of some magical rose garden over the horizon
– instead of enjoying the roses that are blooming outside
our windows today.”
How true that statement is. “If only the weather will get
warm so we can get outside and work in our yard, it is too
hot to work outside. If only the weather will cool off. When
the children get bigger, when our schedule is not as tight,
when we get the house remodeled, the perfect job.
How many moments do we miss?
Godgiven moments, moments when we miss the tiny
miracle that makes the huge difference in our life? In the
blink of an eye our children are grown, our steps begin to
slow, we look over our shoulder to see the field of flowers
we walked past in our hurry to get to the next thing. Enjoy
and embrace TODAY, live TODAY, and THANK GOD FOR
TODAY!
Monday, April 21, 2014
Monday, April 21, 2014
GLENDA
Good Morning: “The Lord is risen indeed.” These were
words spoken by two men who walked and talked with
Jesus after he rose from the grave. As they were describing
the event to the disciples, Jesus appeared among them.
Acts 1:3 tells us: “After his suffering he presented himself to
them and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive.
He appeared to them over a period of 40 days and spoke
about the Kingdom of God.”
Yesterday we celebrated Easter Sunday...The day that
symbolizes Jesus rising from the dead. This wasn't just a
rumor. This wasn't a testimony by just one person. Many
people saw him and spoke with him. It is real. He is real.
Not even the grave could hold him. He is God's son. He is
our Savior. He is Emmanuel which means “God with us.”
He was with his followers then. He is with us now. Christ is
risen. He is risen, indeed! Remember this and have a
wonderful Christ filled day!
Good Morning: “The Lord is risen indeed.” These were
words spoken by two men who walked and talked with
Jesus after he rose from the grave. As they were describing
the event to the disciples, Jesus appeared among them.
Acts 1:3 tells us: “After his suffering he presented himself to
them and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive.
He appeared to them over a period of 40 days and spoke
about the Kingdom of God.”
Yesterday we celebrated Easter Sunday...The day that
symbolizes Jesus rising from the dead. This wasn't just a
rumor. This wasn't a testimony by just one person. Many
people saw him and spoke with him. It is real. He is real.
Not even the grave could hold him. He is God's son. He is
our Savior. He is Emmanuel which means “God with us.”
He was with his followers then. He is with us now. Christ is
risen. He is risen, indeed! Remember this and have a
wonderful Christ filled day!
Friday, April 18, 2014
Friday, April 18, 2014
JOHN
Good Morning! I’m John Branning the Lead Pastor of
Central United Methodist Church. On this day during holy
week, we pause and remember the crucifixion of our Lord.
This day is called “Good Friday,” which seems like such an
odd term as we remember the death of our Lord. However,
the etymology of the term "good" in the context of Good
Friday is contested. Some sources claim it is from the
senses pious, holy of the word "good" while others contend
that it is a corruption of "God” Friday.
As Christians, we should all agree that it is good that God
remembered us and was willing to die for our sins and open
the way to eternal life for all of us.
I hope that we pause on this day and remember the love of
God that manifested itself on the cross. The cross shall
always be a reminder to us of how far God was willing to go
to save sinners from their sins.
Good Morning! I’m John Branning the Lead Pastor of
Central United Methodist Church. On this day during holy
week, we pause and remember the crucifixion of our Lord.
This day is called “Good Friday,” which seems like such an
odd term as we remember the death of our Lord. However,
the etymology of the term "good" in the context of Good
Friday is contested. Some sources claim it is from the
senses pious, holy of the word "good" while others contend
that it is a corruption of "God” Friday.
As Christians, we should all agree that it is good that God
remembered us and was willing to die for our sins and open
the way to eternal life for all of us.
I hope that we pause on this day and remember the love of
God that manifested itself on the cross. The cross shall
always be a reminder to us of how far God was willing to go
to save sinners from their sins.
Thursday, April 17, 2014
Thursday, April 17, 2014
JIM WALL
Good Morning!
Every week each citizen, consciously or not, votes on the
issue of religious freedom. By attending church, they are
voting for the opportunity to worship as they please.
Likewise, by staying away, they are casting a negative
vote. Which way will you vote this week?
When asked why he attended church, Chairman of the Sun
Oil Company, J. Howard Pew, said, “I go to church to hear
heralded the mind of Christ, not the mind of man. I want to
hear expounded the timeless truth contained in the
Scriptures, the kind of preaching that gets its power from,
‘Thus saith the Lord.”
If you’ve found a good gospel preaching church, be sure to
cast your vote this week by attending church and thanking
God for the freedom to worship in peace. If you do not
have a church home, we invite you to visit with us at
Central United Methodist Church.
Good Morning!
Every week each citizen, consciously or not, votes on the
issue of religious freedom. By attending church, they are
voting for the opportunity to worship as they please.
Likewise, by staying away, they are casting a negative
vote. Which way will you vote this week?
When asked why he attended church, Chairman of the Sun
Oil Company, J. Howard Pew, said, “I go to church to hear
heralded the mind of Christ, not the mind of man. I want to
hear expounded the timeless truth contained in the
Scriptures, the kind of preaching that gets its power from,
‘Thus saith the Lord.”
If you’ve found a good gospel preaching church, be sure to
cast your vote this week by attending church and thanking
God for the freedom to worship in peace. If you do not
have a church home, we invite you to visit with us at
Central United Methodist Church.
Wednesday, April 16, 2014
Wednesday, April 16, 2014
DENNIS
Hello, I’m Dennis Gossett, Associate Pastor at Central
United Methodist Church. I recently heard a story of man
who was put into prison during the late 19th century for
murder. The state where he was from sentenced him to
death. Soon, the man began the appeals process, but was
denied at the state and federal level. As a last attempt, the
prisoner appealed to the highest authority in the land, the
President of the United States. After reviewing the case, the
President granted a stay of execution, and reduced the
sentence to life in prison. However, the man refused the
deal. And shortly thereafter, the state went through with the
execution.
In a way, that story is a lot like ours. God, the one who
holds the highest authority, is willing to grant us a pardon.
He offers each one of us His grace no matter what we have
done. However, God will never force us into submitting to
his offer. It is up to you and I to accept his pardon or his
forgiveness; his justifying grace. It is He, who make things
right. No one else can do that for us. My prayer is that all of
us will have the courage to accept grace that is offered, if
we just ask to receive it. Have a blessed day.
Hello, I’m Dennis Gossett, Associate Pastor at Central
United Methodist Church. I recently heard a story of man
who was put into prison during the late 19th century for
murder. The state where he was from sentenced him to
death. Soon, the man began the appeals process, but was
denied at the state and federal level. As a last attempt, the
prisoner appealed to the highest authority in the land, the
President of the United States. After reviewing the case, the
President granted a stay of execution, and reduced the
sentence to life in prison. However, the man refused the
deal. And shortly thereafter, the state went through with the
execution.
In a way, that story is a lot like ours. God, the one who
holds the highest authority, is willing to grant us a pardon.
He offers each one of us His grace no matter what we have
done. However, God will never force us into submitting to
his offer. It is up to you and I to accept his pardon or his
forgiveness; his justifying grace. It is He, who make things
right. No one else can do that for us. My prayer is that all of
us will have the courage to accept grace that is offered, if
we just ask to receive it. Have a blessed day.
Tuesday, April 15, 2014
Tuesday, April 15, 2014
JIM CAIN
The scene is very simple.
A grove of twisted olive trees. Ground cluttered with large rocks.
A low stone fence
dark, dark night
See the solitary figure? Flat on the ground, face stained
with dirt & tears, eyes wide open almost stupor like in fear.
Fear matted with salty sweat. Is that the crimson stain of
blood on his forehead? That’s Jesus in the garden of
Gethsemane. We see an agonizing, straining, struggling
Jesus we see a man of sorrows. We see a man struggling
with fear, wrestling with commitments, and yearning for
relief.
Seeing God like this does wondering for our on suffering.
God was never more human than at this moment, on this
night. God was never nearer to us than when He was
hurting. He was looked down upon, rejected. He
understands the agonies we go through because he’s been
through them himself.
Join Jesus and us at Central UMC as we observe Holy
Week and its leading us to Easter!
The scene is very simple.
A grove of twisted olive trees. Ground cluttered with large rocks.
A low stone fence
dark, dark night
See the solitary figure? Flat on the ground, face stained
with dirt & tears, eyes wide open almost stupor like in fear.
Fear matted with salty sweat. Is that the crimson stain of
blood on his forehead? That’s Jesus in the garden of
Gethsemane. We see an agonizing, straining, struggling
Jesus we see a man of sorrows. We see a man struggling
with fear, wrestling with commitments, and yearning for
relief.
Seeing God like this does wondering for our on suffering.
God was never more human than at this moment, on this
night. God was never nearer to us than when He was
hurting. He was looked down upon, rejected. He
understands the agonies we go through because he’s been
through them himself.
Join Jesus and us at Central UMC as we observe Holy
Week and its leading us to Easter!
Friday, April 11, 2014
Friday, April 11, 2014
JIM WALL
Good Morning!
Is it better to give than to receive? A nationwide survey
indicates that 92% said they would rather give than receive.
“No doubt some of those would secretly prefer to be on the
receiving end.”
What that conclusion failed to take into account is the fact
that the question is never a case of one or the other.
Giving to someone who is in need almost universally
guarantees the giver a reward. How many times have you
heard a relief worker express the idea that those who bring
help receive as many rewards, spiritually and emotionally,
as those who get the gifts?
Giving and getting are not necessarily on opposite ends of
the spectrum. If you know of someone who needs your
help, step in and give it. You’ll be surprised at the rewards
you will receive from God’s Holy Spirit.
If you do not have a church home, we invite you to visit with
us at Central. We are in the business of sharing the gifts of
God’s Holy Spirit. Come on! The rewards are great!
Thursday, April 10, 2014
Thursday, April 10, 2014
GLENDA
Good Morning: there was a farmer who lost his watch in his
barn. After searching and searching, he could not find it. He
enlisted a group of children to go in and hunt for it
promising that the one who found it would get a wonderful
surprise. The children looked and looked, but the watch
could not be found. One little boy asked to try one more
time. He went in by himself. After a while, he came out with
the watch in his hand. The farmer was both happy and
surprised, so he asked the boy how he had found it when
everyone else had failed. The boy replied, “I did nothing but
sit on the ground and listen. In the silence, I heard the
ticking of the watch and just looked for it in that direction.”
In the Bible, Jesus said, “Be still and know that I am God.”
Sometimes we get so busy with life that we can't hear God
speaking to us. That's when we need to be still and listen.
Try finding a time today to just Be still and let God speak to
you. Have a wonderful day!
Good Morning: there was a farmer who lost his watch in his
barn. After searching and searching, he could not find it. He
enlisted a group of children to go in and hunt for it
promising that the one who found it would get a wonderful
surprise. The children looked and looked, but the watch
could not be found. One little boy asked to try one more
time. He went in by himself. After a while, he came out with
the watch in his hand. The farmer was both happy and
surprised, so he asked the boy how he had found it when
everyone else had failed. The boy replied, “I did nothing but
sit on the ground and listen. In the silence, I heard the
ticking of the watch and just looked for it in that direction.”
In the Bible, Jesus said, “Be still and know that I am God.”
Sometimes we get so busy with life that we can't hear God
speaking to us. That's when we need to be still and listen.
Try finding a time today to just Be still and let God speak to
you. Have a wonderful day!
Wednesday, April 9, 2014
Wednesday, April 9, 2014
SABRINA
Psalm 139 14 states
"You have searched me, Lord, and know me.
You know when I sit and when I rise;
you perceive my thoughts from afar.
You discern my going out and my lying down; you are
familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue
you, Lord, know it completely."
We can hide our hearts, past, and our future plans, from
men, but we cannot hide anything from God. God sees
through all of our reserve and pretense; God knows who we
really are, better than we know ourselves.
Living becomes an awesome responsibility when we
suddenly realize that we spend every moment of our lives
in the sight and company of a Creator who is always with
us and whose eye is always upon us. With that same
thought, how comforting is it that we spend every moment
of our lives in the arms of a Creator who is with us, rejoicing
with us and ready to hold us close in the darkest moments
of our lives.
Go today, basking in the knowledge and comfort that the
God who knows you better than you know yourself, walks
with you through each step of today!
Psalm 139 14 states
"You have searched me, Lord, and know me.
You know when I sit and when I rise;
you perceive my thoughts from afar.
You discern my going out and my lying down; you are
familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue
you, Lord, know it completely."
We can hide our hearts, past, and our future plans, from
men, but we cannot hide anything from God. God sees
through all of our reserve and pretense; God knows who we
really are, better than we know ourselves.
Living becomes an awesome responsibility when we
suddenly realize that we spend every moment of our lives
in the sight and company of a Creator who is always with
us and whose eye is always upon us. With that same
thought, how comforting is it that we spend every moment
of our lives in the arms of a Creator who is with us, rejoicing
with us and ready to hold us close in the darkest moments
of our lives.
Go today, basking in the knowledge and comfort that the
God who knows you better than you know yourself, walks
with you through each step of today!
Tuesday, April 8, 2014
Tuesday, April 8, 2014
JOHN
Good Morning! I’m John Branning the Lead Pastor of
Central United Methodist Church. One of the great things
about being in relationship with others is the privilege that
we have to share our stories with one another. Our stories
are filled with joys and disappointments, moments of
victory, and periods of defeat. Hopefully, our stories also tell
of the grace of Christ that we have found in the midst of our
loss.
I believe that God has a way of putting together people who
have a story to tell and those who really need to hear that
other person’s story. For that to happen, though, we have
to reach out and enter into relationship with others, even if
they don’t act or believe as we do. We must have influence
on another person’s life before our story will ever be heard.
Never underestimate the power of your story to impact
others. Never underestimate the value of relationships, and
most of all, never underestimate God working through you
and in others.
Good Morning! I’m John Branning the Lead Pastor of
Central United Methodist Church. One of the great things
about being in relationship with others is the privilege that
we have to share our stories with one another. Our stories
are filled with joys and disappointments, moments of
victory, and periods of defeat. Hopefully, our stories also tell
of the grace of Christ that we have found in the midst of our
loss.
I believe that God has a way of putting together people who
have a story to tell and those who really need to hear that
other person’s story. For that to happen, though, we have
to reach out and enter into relationship with others, even if
they don’t act or believe as we do. We must have influence
on another person’s life before our story will ever be heard.
Never underestimate the power of your story to impact
others. Never underestimate the value of relationships, and
most of all, never underestimate God working through you
and in others.
Monday, April 7, 2014
Monday, April 7, 2014
JIM CAIN
Growing up in a single parent family that hovered just below
the poverty line, I know what it is like not to have the things
you need much less want. So when God blessed me and
Suzanne with 2 boys, my top priority was to bless them with
all the things I wanted but never had; trips to the beach, cell
phones, video games, you name it.
One Christmas when visiting their grandparents, they got
so many presents we couldn’t get them and everyone in the
same car. As we were leaving that day my oldest said, “You
know Dad, what we really want is you! I would much rather
be in the car with you going home than sitting next to
brother’s Teddy Ruxpin. We want you at home at night not
out making more money to buy us more stuff. The stuff
doesn’t matter as much as your being here.”
So does your family matter? Then be there! Go to the piano
recitals, soccer games, opening night of the play, the
hospital bedside when they are sick, those are the things
that are remembered, not the iPad minis and the PS4’s.
Show them you care by being there. The same principal
applies to our friends as well, be there and let them know
they are important. After all, isn’t this what Jesus did when
we needed Him the most? He showed up in the flesh and
walked side by side with those He cared for!
Growing up in a single parent family that hovered just below
the poverty line, I know what it is like not to have the things
you need much less want. So when God blessed me and
Suzanne with 2 boys, my top priority was to bless them with
all the things I wanted but never had; trips to the beach, cell
phones, video games, you name it.
One Christmas when visiting their grandparents, they got
so many presents we couldn’t get them and everyone in the
same car. As we were leaving that day my oldest said, “You
know Dad, what we really want is you! I would much rather
be in the car with you going home than sitting next to
brother’s Teddy Ruxpin. We want you at home at night not
out making more money to buy us more stuff. The stuff
doesn’t matter as much as your being here.”
So does your family matter? Then be there! Go to the piano
recitals, soccer games, opening night of the play, the
hospital bedside when they are sick, those are the things
that are remembered, not the iPad minis and the PS4’s.
Show them you care by being there. The same principal
applies to our friends as well, be there and let them know
they are important. After all, isn’t this what Jesus did when
we needed Him the most? He showed up in the flesh and
walked side by side with those He cared for!
Friday, April 4, 2014
Friday, April 4, 2014
SABRINA
Catholic priest and author Henri Nouwan once wrote, “We
seldom realize fully that we are sent to fulfill Godgiven
tasks. We act as if we were simply dropped down in
creation and have to decide to entertain ourselves until we
die. But we were sent into the world by God, just as Jesus
was. Once we start living our lives with that conviction, we
will soon know what we were sent to do.”
You know, we did absolutely nothing to deserve to live in a
country where yes, there are many issues, poverty, and
pain, but all in all, in a nation where there is freedom to
learn, go to the church of our choice, let our voice be
heard. It is not for anything we as individuals have done,
we can’t say “by God’s grace,” because then we would be
passing judgment on millions of people who do not have
the same comforts and freedoms.
What we must do is to look in the mirror and ask, “God,
what would you have me to do today, because we each
have a story, a call, a cause that is part of God’s plan for
our lives and for the lives of those we touch. A plan that
has been since the beginning of time. Go today, blessed by
God, loved by God, and in service to God.
Catholic priest and author Henri Nouwan once wrote, “We
seldom realize fully that we are sent to fulfill Godgiven
tasks. We act as if we were simply dropped down in
creation and have to decide to entertain ourselves until we
die. But we were sent into the world by God, just as Jesus
was. Once we start living our lives with that conviction, we
will soon know what we were sent to do.”
You know, we did absolutely nothing to deserve to live in a
country where yes, there are many issues, poverty, and
pain, but all in all, in a nation where there is freedom to
learn, go to the church of our choice, let our voice be
heard. It is not for anything we as individuals have done,
we can’t say “by God’s grace,” because then we would be
passing judgment on millions of people who do not have
the same comforts and freedoms.
What we must do is to look in the mirror and ask, “God,
what would you have me to do today, because we each
have a story, a call, a cause that is part of God’s plan for
our lives and for the lives of those we touch. A plan that
has been since the beginning of time. Go today, blessed by
God, loved by God, and in service to God.
Thursday, April 3, 2014
Thursday, April 3, 2014
RAY
Good Morning!
We think in terms of greatness. Who is the greatest at a
particular sport? The greatest president? The greatest
writer? The nominees are nearly endless, depending on
who is expressing their opinion. Ask enough people, and
the list will only grow.
Two thousand years ago, however, one man became the
centerpiece of history. Men devoted themselves to his
leadership. A woman poured out a year's wages worth of
perfume on his feet. Crowds shouted his praises as he
rode a donkey into Jerusalem.
Jesus Christ changed the world more than any other
person in history. In his name, people have created awe
inspiring art, initiated wars, and offered up their very lives.
No one can claim to match him in ability to influence or
change a life. How about you? How has Jesus changed
your life? He was pierced for our transgressions: He was
crushed for our iniquities: upon Him was the chastisement
that brought us peace, and with His wounds we are healed.
Good Morning!
We think in terms of greatness. Who is the greatest at a
particular sport? The greatest president? The greatest
writer? The nominees are nearly endless, depending on
who is expressing their opinion. Ask enough people, and
the list will only grow.
Two thousand years ago, however, one man became the
centerpiece of history. Men devoted themselves to his
leadership. A woman poured out a year's wages worth of
perfume on his feet. Crowds shouted his praises as he
rode a donkey into Jerusalem.
Jesus Christ changed the world more than any other
person in history. In his name, people have created awe
inspiring art, initiated wars, and offered up their very lives.
No one can claim to match him in ability to influence or
change a life. How about you? How has Jesus changed
your life? He was pierced for our transgressions: He was
crushed for our iniquities: upon Him was the chastisement
that brought us peace, and with His wounds we are healed.
Wednesday, April 2, 2014
Wednesday, April 2, 2014
GLENDA
Good Morning: I am the Director of the Children's Center at
Central United Methodist Church. Right now, we are in the
middle of a fundraiser for St. Jude's Children's Hospital.
About 14 years ago, we had a child at our Center
diagnosed with cancer. At the same time, there was a child
in our church and another in the community who was
diagnosed with cancer. All three were helped by the
research done at St. Jude's. That's when we decided to
help out.
St. Jude is a wonderful hospital. You know, no one ever
has to pay for their services. They operate through
fundraisers. If you'd like to help, just send a check made out
to St. Jude and send it to us at Central United Methodist
Church. We're in the phone book! And come out and watch
our parade this Friday. We start at 11:00 a.m. in front of the
church. You'll love it and your children will love it. Our
children will be dressed in costumes and there will be floats
on little red wagons. We need an audience, so come on
down. Have a wonderful day.
Good Morning: I am the Director of the Children's Center at
Central United Methodist Church. Right now, we are in the
middle of a fundraiser for St. Jude's Children's Hospital.
About 14 years ago, we had a child at our Center
diagnosed with cancer. At the same time, there was a child
in our church and another in the community who was
diagnosed with cancer. All three were helped by the
research done at St. Jude's. That's when we decided to
help out.
St. Jude is a wonderful hospital. You know, no one ever
has to pay for their services. They operate through
fundraisers. If you'd like to help, just send a check made out
to St. Jude and send it to us at Central United Methodist
Church. We're in the phone book! And come out and watch
our parade this Friday. We start at 11:00 a.m. in front of the
church. You'll love it and your children will love it. Our
children will be dressed in costumes and there will be floats
on little red wagons. We need an audience, so come on
down. Have a wonderful day.
Tuesday, April 1, 2014
Tuesday, April 1, 2014
JIM CAIN
The 1 April 1992 broadcast of NPR's Talk of the Nation
revealed that Richard Nixon was running for President
again. His campaign slogan was, "I didn't do anything
wrong, and I won't do it again." The announcement
contained audio clips of Nixon delivering his speech.
Listeners, called the show expressing shock & outrage.
Many of the calls coming from those that had voted for &
blindly followed Nixon before.
Who do you follow? Politically, spiritually? Do you know
what they believe? People in the time of Christ were faced
with this same dilemma. Gamaliel, a wellrespected teacher
of the law told the leaders of that time, “Men of Israel, take
care what you propose to do with these men. For some
time ago Theudas rose up, claiming to be somebody, and a
group of about four hundred men joined up with him. But he
was killed & his followers were dispersed and came to
nothing.
After this man, Judas of Galilee rose up in the days of the
census and drew away some people after him; he too
perished, and all those who followed him were scattered.
So in the present case, I say to you, stay away from these
men and let them alone, for if this plan or action is of men, it
will be overthrown; but if it is of God, you will not be able to
overthrow them; or else you may even be found fighting
against God.” So which is it, do you follow the plans of man
or the plans of God on this day?
The 1 April 1992 broadcast of NPR's Talk of the Nation
revealed that Richard Nixon was running for President
again. His campaign slogan was, "I didn't do anything
wrong, and I won't do it again." The announcement
contained audio clips of Nixon delivering his speech.
Listeners, called the show expressing shock & outrage.
Many of the calls coming from those that had voted for &
blindly followed Nixon before.
Who do you follow? Politically, spiritually? Do you know
what they believe? People in the time of Christ were faced
with this same dilemma. Gamaliel, a wellrespected teacher
of the law told the leaders of that time, “Men of Israel, take
care what you propose to do with these men. For some
time ago Theudas rose up, claiming to be somebody, and a
group of about four hundred men joined up with him. But he
was killed & his followers were dispersed and came to
nothing.
After this man, Judas of Galilee rose up in the days of the
census and drew away some people after him; he too
perished, and all those who followed him were scattered.
So in the present case, I say to you, stay away from these
men and let them alone, for if this plan or action is of men, it
will be overthrown; but if it is of God, you will not be able to
overthrow them; or else you may even be found fighting
against God.” So which is it, do you follow the plans of man
or the plans of God on this day?
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