Dear Children of God,
Today’s Message is the second installment of the Blessing Project. I have been very encouraged by the sharing that has taken place. Also, in other conversations with members, I hear stories of mutual support and care which is indicative of the character of our congregation. Thank you for your witness to the Lord in the way you are living your lives during a challenging time. “Let everything you do be done in love.”Here is Wednesday’s Message. It is also in the attachment.
Wednesday’s Message
April 29, 2020
Thanks to those who shared in the Blessing Project with today’s contributions. I have also added one poem that I found to be pertinent. Peace and blessings!
My Daily Blessings
Waking up to God’s creatures singing…telling me it’s a new day. So, the first thing I do is to thank God for the new day and my health. Weather permitting, I go for a walk to see the new creations that God has provided. This includes the budding of the trees, seeing baby bunnies hopping and enjoying themselves. We also have in our backyard a Mallard couple preparing for new birth. The family behind us has posted signs to advise everyone of their location. I’m thankful for these daily adventures and seeing what new creatures I might come across in my daily walks. I thank God daily for our health especially in these times of uncertainty. At night when it’s time to say good bye to this day, I thank God for all his blessings he has bestowed on me including family, friends and Pastor Bill for his encouraging words he provides to our congregation. I pray for this world, for the people who have been stricken with this virus and for all those people that cares for the ill and those who keep this world of ours going in their daily work. Lastly, I pray that I will wake-up the next day to continue to see and experience God’s wonders. Judy Middendorf
I have loved calling some of our members and have received calls also. I am blessed to have this home that has so many things that remind me of Harold and his love of woodworking. I am blessed to have a grandson, Owen, who is working in the “shop” building out of wood things for his friends, when he isn’t busy with his schooling. I have wonderful neighbors and we check on each other. I am blessed that I don’t have to worry about finances or food. Beth Brown
Another blessing from my kitchen window. Pine trees rise above the garage and small shed which I can see from our kitchen window. While doing dishes I noticed the new buds on the trees looked like crosses. I googled “Crosses on pine trees”, to my surprise I found that there is a legend that pine trees know when it’s Easter. Weeks before Easter yellow vertical shoots form on pine trees. Closer to Easter the side buds eventually branch off to form a cross. I think I was a little late in seeing all of the buds this year but will be more attentive next year! What a beautiful blessing God’s creation is! Vickie Schlosser
While I share the messages we get from Pastor Bill with neighbors and some in my address book who I know would like to view them, that in turn has given me blessings from other church denominations.
My younger sister Sandy’s pastor does a video recording each weekday called Coffee, Chat, and Chorus. It’s about 8-10 minutes long, with the Sunday message a longer video. You get scripture to consider along with the message, a contemporary song that compliments the scripture or message, and the pastor’s big cup of coffee for vocal help during speaking and singing. This is not something that was recorded before social distancing.
Another blessing is from my friend Brenda who lives in Tennessee. Her church records their service on a Saturday morning for video broadcast on a Sunday morning. They have a minimum of worship assistants and singers but take you through an entire service they would use. This was extra special on Easter as those doing social distancing were able to participate in the Sacrament of Holy Communion. Another big bonus for me, I get to hear Brenda be the piano/organ accompanist for their services at least twice a month. I’m hoping they consider recording services in the future after social distancing is relaxed.
There are many blessings like this out there, you just need to have a “friend” share with you about them. I don’t need a big tele-evangelist to make my worship experience. Ruth Weichman
The official lock down started March 23 and will likely end May 1st (*See note below.) That is EXACTLY 40 days.
The Latin root of the word “quarantine” is “forty”.
So what does the Bible say about 40?
The flood lasted 40 days.
40 years Moses fled Egypt.
40 days Moses stayed on Mount Sinai to receive the Commandments.
Exodus lasted 40 years.
Jesus fasted for 40 days.
40 days for a woman to rest after giving birth.
Optimum number of weeks for human gestation is 40.
A group of theologians thinks the number 40 represents “change.” It is the time of preparing a person, or people, to make a fundamental change.
Something will happen after these 40 days. Just believe and pray. Remember, whenever the number 40 appears in the Bible, there is a “change”.
Please know that during this “quarantine” rivers are cleaning up, vegetation is growing, the air is becoming cleaner because of less pollution, there is less theft and murder, healing is happening, and most importantly, people are turning to Christ. The Earth is at rest for the first time in many years and hearts are truly transforming.
Remember we are in the year 2020, and 20 + 20 = 40.
Also, 2020 is the year of the United States Census. Jesus Christ, the savior of the world, was born during a census.
Lastly, 2020 is perfect vision. May our sight focus on the Lord and living according to His perfect vision for us knowing He holds us in the palm of His hand.
May these days of “quarantine” bring spiritual liberation to our souls, our nation, and our world.”
Shared separately by both Shelli Lipfert and Jennifer Hamm.
(*We now know that in Ohio the opening up of the economy will be very gradual and “stay at home” recommendations will extend well beyond May 1.)
Here is a poem for you:
BLESSINGS IN DISGUISE by Ron Baratono
Today there was a piece of life
that’s somehow out of place
a missing touch or quiet smile
in a cold and empty space.
Sometimes we go through changes
that are hard to understand
then we lift our hands to God above
and let him know we can.
The tests of life aren’t easy
sometimes they bring us down
it’s only with our faith in God
that we finally come around.
We realize when that piece of life
that once felt so out of place
was a blessing in disguise
in a different time and space.
Praise God from whom all blessings flow,
Pastor Bill