Let's Pray… In Appreciation of Pastors Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. From the house of the Lord we bless you (Psalm 118:26). During the month of October, Lord, we are asked to show our pastors how much we appreciate them. This is a good thing to do, not only this month but every month. Bless our pastor as he brings Your Word to our congregation. I know the pastor’s plate is full. Grant him the time needed to prepare for worship services and to do all of the other things required of him. Bless him with the support of our congregation, not only financially, but also emotionally and spiritually. Help him to have enough time and energy for his family and the wisdom and time also to care for his health. Remind all the members of our church of his need for private time that he might recharge his batteries. We ask You especially to keep him strong in his faith in You as he serves in Your church. Through Jesus Christ, our Lord and his, we pray. Amen.
Grandma’s BLO G
The mound of wood chips I ordered in August arrived in late November and was nearly as tall as I was! How could I possibly get them spread in the rainy, near-freezing weather so my front yard would look good before my Thanksgiving guests arrived the next day? As I grudgingly tackled the mound, I wished that my grandchildren were not traveling to the “other” grandma’s house for the long weekend — I really could use those teen-agers’ help! The task was agonizingly slow; I kept my head down, raking those chips as fast as possible and thinking, “If only I were bigger and stronger. Where can I find help?” Taking a break and looking up at the mound, I suddenly realized that if I climbed to the top, I could toss shovels-full of chips more efficiently than tediously raking them down the sides of the mound! It was only when I looked UP that my problem was solved. Isn’t that what we do when we face difficulties in our lives? We “look down,” concentrate on ourselves and our problems, and see nothing but hopelessness. It’s only when we look UP to our Father in heaven and pray for His help that we are open to His leading. He can shepherd us to solutions that ease our stress and take the pressure off! My experience brings to mind Psalm 121:1,2a: I lift my eyes to the hills—where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord. Read the rest of Psalm 121. That chapter, along with all other Scripture, provides strength not only for spiritual growth, but also for everyday living. BTW, my strong-teen-age-grandchildren: Another load of chips will be delivered in two weeks. Can you bring your shovels? FALL 2010