Monday, August 12, 2013
Visiting the Shut-ins
20 of Mt. Olivet's youth enjoyed Sunday afternoon by visiting 3 of the elder members of the church, Mrs. Miller, Mr. Rawley and Mrs. Daggy. They were all emotionally moved by the attention, the songs, and the hugs the youth shared.
Saturday, August 10, 2013
A Week at Laurel Mission
"Give proper recognition to those widows who are really in need." 1 Timothy 5:3
A group of 21 from Mt. Olivet traveled to Laurel Mission this week in Big Laurel, KY. The majority of the work was done at the home of a widow lady named Olla Mae. Her floors were rotting out and giving away because of soil washing under the house and around the floor joists. The joists and floor had to be replaced, along with the plumbing. A new shower, water heater and sink were installed. She had never had hot water before. The house is insulated with metal doors screwed to the outside walls. These were rusting and needed to be painted. Then a ditch had to be dug on the back side to divert water away from the house.
Cedar Chapel was sanded and received a new coat of stain. And the clothing store received a trailer load of supplies and was organized.
After hard work comes hard play,
hearty eating,
and heavy sleeping.
Thanks to all who participated by praying, by donating and by going.
Wednesday, July 31, 2013
Pastor's Penpoint - "An Attitude of Gratitude" - August 2013
"Giving thanks always for all things to God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;" Ephesians 5:20
I had someone tell me once, "If you are lucky enough to live in the Shenandoah Valley, you are lucky enough." I am grateful to live in the Shenandoah Valley ... which got me thinking about this 10 letter word ... gratitude.
- The only difference between a traffic delay and a chance to relax a bit is gratitude.
- The only difference between a thunderstorm and not needing to wash your car is gratitude.
- The only difference between an interruption and an opportunity is gratitude.
- The only difference between a joyous life and a gloomy one is gratitude.
Because at the end of the day, everyone has problems. I have problems, you have problems, we all have problems. Gratitude doesn't deny their presence; it just denies them power and precedence. I mean really, it's all about perspective. The truth is no stage of life is going to be "perfect" in the way you've envisioned it. There is always something just ahead that keeps us from appreciating what we have, if we let it. This may depress you, but it should inspire you, because it frees you up to enjoy what you have without worrying so much about making it perfect, because it ain't gonna be.
Scripture tells us "For everything there is a season." If you spend springtime wishing it would be summer and then in the summer you whine about the heat and then in the fall you mope when it rains, you'll always be unhappy. But if you enjoy the flowers in May and the sun in August and the pungent smell of wet earth in November, and if you can learn to splash in the puddles and make iced tea when the temperature is over 100, then you will enjoy every season, and you will know the secret victory of gratitude.
So whether you're in high school yearning for the big world or in college yearning to never read a book again or single and wishing you weren't or dating and annoyed he hasn't asked or married and wanting babies or a parent and dying for those babies to be grown ... just slow it down! Every step of the way, thank God. Savor it all. Drink it up.
And when life is hectic and crazy and imperfect and your finances are tight and your pants are tight and your schedule is tight ... congratulations, you are a human being. Life isn't and uninterrupted plan; life is a long series of interruptions. You either embrace them, or you don't.
So then the goal isn't to win but to see why you're already winning. It's a chessy bumper sticker, but is true ... and the happy people aren't the ones who "have the life they love but who love the life they have."
~ Pastor Todd
I had someone tell me once, "If you are lucky enough to live in the Shenandoah Valley, you are lucky enough." I am grateful to live in the Shenandoah Valley ... which got me thinking about this 10 letter word ... gratitude.
- The only difference between a traffic delay and a chance to relax a bit is gratitude.
- The only difference between a thunderstorm and not needing to wash your car is gratitude.
- The only difference between an interruption and an opportunity is gratitude.
- The only difference between a joyous life and a gloomy one is gratitude.
Because at the end of the day, everyone has problems. I have problems, you have problems, we all have problems. Gratitude doesn't deny their presence; it just denies them power and precedence. I mean really, it's all about perspective. The truth is no stage of life is going to be "perfect" in the way you've envisioned it. There is always something just ahead that keeps us from appreciating what we have, if we let it. This may depress you, but it should inspire you, because it frees you up to enjoy what you have without worrying so much about making it perfect, because it ain't gonna be.
Scripture tells us "For everything there is a season." If you spend springtime wishing it would be summer and then in the summer you whine about the heat and then in the fall you mope when it rains, you'll always be unhappy. But if you enjoy the flowers in May and the sun in August and the pungent smell of wet earth in November, and if you can learn to splash in the puddles and make iced tea when the temperature is over 100, then you will enjoy every season, and you will know the secret victory of gratitude.
So whether you're in high school yearning for the big world or in college yearning to never read a book again or single and wishing you weren't or dating and annoyed he hasn't asked or married and wanting babies or a parent and dying for those babies to be grown ... just slow it down! Every step of the way, thank God. Savor it all. Drink it up.
And when life is hectic and crazy and imperfect and your finances are tight and your pants are tight and your schedule is tight ... congratulations, you are a human being. Life isn't and uninterrupted plan; life is a long series of interruptions. You either embrace them, or you don't.
So then the goal isn't to win but to see why you're already winning. It's a chessy bumper sticker, but is true ... and the happy people aren't the ones who "have the life they love but who love the life they have."
~ Pastor Todd
Monday, July 1, 2013
Pastor's Penpoint - "Freedom From Terrorism (Sin)" - July 2013
So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in him, "If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."
John 8: 31-32
Like millions of Americans, the coming of July points my mind to the Fourth of July holiday and what it represents: our freedom as a nation. This freedom is a precious thing and worthy of our introspection and focus on what independence means.
Gratitude without measure wells up in my heart when I consider the brave men and women of the military who, this Fourth of July, will be and are fighting to combat terrorism. These warriors stand in the line of valiant soldiers who fought in the Revolutionary War, Civil War, 2 World Wars, Korea, Vietnam, the first Gulf War and on and on. Each of these conflicts - while unique in themselves - shared the common goal of protecting American freedom. Today's battles are no different.
But even as I prize my freedom as an American, I am moved to consider a greater freedom - my freedom in Christ. It is the freedom that comes with being a disciple of Jesus Christ. "If you abide in my word," our Lord declares, "you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free" (John 8:31-32).
This statement was shocking to Jesus' audience. These proud men thought they already had all the freedom they needed by virtue of being "offspring of Abraham" (8:33). Jesus proceeds to point them beyond any national, social or religious freedom they might enjoy to the freedom that comes through His person and work: "Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who commits sin is a slave to sin ... So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed" (8:34,26). Contrary to what Jesus' listeners thought, they were in bondage to sin and subject to the terrorism it brought.
Even as Christians we can fall to the temptation to trust in other things for our freedom from the tyranny of sin: status, money, food works, associations, etc. But the true disciple finds freedom in Christ and Christ alone. The Fourth of July is a wonderful time to consider our freedom - as Americans and as Christians. Our national freedom is precious, but our freedom in Christ is of infinite worth.
The great hymn writer Charles Wesley was undoubtedly moved by his freedom in Christ when in 1738 he penned this stanza:
John 8: 31-32
Like millions of Americans, the coming of July points my mind to the Fourth of July holiday and what it represents: our freedom as a nation. This freedom is a precious thing and worthy of our introspection and focus on what independence means.
Gratitude without measure wells up in my heart when I consider the brave men and women of the military who, this Fourth of July, will be and are fighting to combat terrorism. These warriors stand in the line of valiant soldiers who fought in the Revolutionary War, Civil War, 2 World Wars, Korea, Vietnam, the first Gulf War and on and on. Each of these conflicts - while unique in themselves - shared the common goal of protecting American freedom. Today's battles are no different.
But even as I prize my freedom as an American, I am moved to consider a greater freedom - my freedom in Christ. It is the freedom that comes with being a disciple of Jesus Christ. "If you abide in my word," our Lord declares, "you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free" (John 8:31-32).
This statement was shocking to Jesus' audience. These proud men thought they already had all the freedom they needed by virtue of being "offspring of Abraham" (8:33). Jesus proceeds to point them beyond any national, social or religious freedom they might enjoy to the freedom that comes through His person and work: "Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who commits sin is a slave to sin ... So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed" (8:34,26). Contrary to what Jesus' listeners thought, they were in bondage to sin and subject to the terrorism it brought.
Even as Christians we can fall to the temptation to trust in other things for our freedom from the tyranny of sin: status, money, food works, associations, etc. But the true disciple finds freedom in Christ and Christ alone. The Fourth of July is a wonderful time to consider our freedom - as Americans and as Christians. Our national freedom is precious, but our freedom in Christ is of infinite worth.
The great hymn writer Charles Wesley was undoubtedly moved by his freedom in Christ when in 1738 he penned this stanza:
Long my imprisoned spirit lay,
Fast bound in sin and nature's night;
Thine eye diffused a quickening ray -
I woke, the dungeon flamed with light;
My chains fell off, my heart was free,
I rose, went forth, and followed Thee.
The saving truth that Jesus speaks of in John 8:32 bring ultimate freedom - freedom from sin and death and the devil; freedom from a life of futility and an eternity of wrath. It is freedom from the tyranny of hate and bitterness and cruelty. It is the freedom to love God and neighbor.
May this "Declaration of Independence" be on my lips and in my heart this Fourth of July holiday.
~ Pastor Todd
Monday, June 17, 2013
Honduras Medical Team - 2nd day of clinic
Kira Griffin reported from Nacaome, Honduras that the medical team treated 440 patients today on their second day of clinic. They will be working in that district of the Honduras UB Church for the remainder of the week.
ESL - Watch Your Language - June 2013
Right now we are in such a beautiful season (spring into summer). It is also a beautiful season of life as we continue to learn in our classroom. When we learn English and also learn thing about the gifts from God that we find constantly are given to us, and a glimpse of the even more beautiful life that God has in store for us because we have placed our hope in Him for our future and final destination. It gives us a lot more to embrace as Christians.
Sometimes our lives area a little crazy especially around this time of the year. Kids are looking forward to getting out of school, gardening, sports and our daily chores along with our daily work away from home, but it is beautiful just the same. When you think about chaotic moments, we can actually realize that God allows this beautiful season to be among us. Yes even chaos. When we look through the craziness and see the goodness and blessing that He has given to us, then we can embrace it and harvest its meaning and serve God alongside of it. I don't know about you, but my house is full of life, I do enjoy the quiet moments that seem rare, but at times it seems so chaotic, then I think of the season, my family is around me, I have been so abundantly blessed. I am so blessed to have the opportunity to shar the English language and share my life experiences, yes even the chaotic ones. We laugh, cry, sing and pray together and this continues to give meaning to life and allows us to serve God in this season - one that continues to grow, blossom and mature till the harvesting season when God will take us to our Eternal reward. Keep watching...............Fonda
Sometimes our lives area a little crazy especially around this time of the year. Kids are looking forward to getting out of school, gardening, sports and our daily chores along with our daily work away from home, but it is beautiful just the same. When you think about chaotic moments, we can actually realize that God allows this beautiful season to be among us. Yes even chaos. When we look through the craziness and see the goodness and blessing that He has given to us, then we can embrace it and harvest its meaning and serve God alongside of it. I don't know about you, but my house is full of life, I do enjoy the quiet moments that seem rare, but at times it seems so chaotic, then I think of the season, my family is around me, I have been so abundantly blessed. I am so blessed to have the opportunity to shar the English language and share my life experiences, yes even the chaotic ones. We laugh, cry, sing and pray together and this continues to give meaning to life and allows us to serve God in this season - one that continues to grow, blossom and mature till the harvesting season when God will take us to our Eternal reward. Keep watching...............Fonda
Pastor's Penpoint - "Summer Vacation" - June 2013
"So then, each of us shall give account of himself to God." Romans 14:12
Kids cannot wait for the day every year when they can holler as they run out of their classrooms; "School's out!" I know in our home there has been a countdown since Christmas break ended. Whew! Another your over and now freedom looms ahead for a few months of good old summertime.
Not true in the school of life however. School's never out until we take our last breath and cross over into eternity. In every day and every season of life we are sitting in God's classroom. We can choose to learn or we can try to zone out - but we certainly can't play hooky!
An older lady I know wisely said, "God has a reason for everything that happens to us in life, even the bad things. I'm not saying He causes the bad stuff but he sure does use it." She's facing diminishing health as she nears 98 and with it, a loss of independence. She sees it as the Lord's hand teaching her to trust and depend on Him. (From what I know of her, I think she is going to end up with an A+ on her final report card).
So how do you feel at this season in your life? Are you ready for a vacation? Do you wish you could drop out of class? Or, are you excited about your lessons right now? Maybe during this season you're taking your favorite subject and acing all your tests.
No matter what, learn all you can now because when that final bell rings there will be no further lessons - or chances. After that "so then each one of us shall give account of himself to God."
How glad will you truly be to holler, "School's out!"
~ Pastor Todd
Kids cannot wait for the day every year when they can holler as they run out of their classrooms; "School's out!" I know in our home there has been a countdown since Christmas break ended. Whew! Another your over and now freedom looms ahead for a few months of good old summertime.
Not true in the school of life however. School's never out until we take our last breath and cross over into eternity. In every day and every season of life we are sitting in God's classroom. We can choose to learn or we can try to zone out - but we certainly can't play hooky!
An older lady I know wisely said, "God has a reason for everything that happens to us in life, even the bad things. I'm not saying He causes the bad stuff but he sure does use it." She's facing diminishing health as she nears 98 and with it, a loss of independence. She sees it as the Lord's hand teaching her to trust and depend on Him. (From what I know of her, I think she is going to end up with an A+ on her final report card).
So how do you feel at this season in your life? Are you ready for a vacation? Do you wish you could drop out of class? Or, are you excited about your lessons right now? Maybe during this season you're taking your favorite subject and acing all your tests.
No matter what, learn all you can now because when that final bell rings there will be no further lessons - or chances. After that "so then each one of us shall give account of himself to God."
How glad will you truly be to holler, "School's out!"
~ Pastor Todd
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)