Country Church Music - From the Heart

Greetings dear friends and family,

While visiting at an assisted living center last week, I noticed a group of birds who were eating at a feeder. They were feasting on the seed that someone had put out for them, someone who cares for them.

We, like the birds have someone who cares for us. Someone who not only gives us nourishment for our bodies, but also nourishes our souls.

Each time we kneel at the altar and feast on the Body and Blood of Christ we are nourished. There we are renewed by his forgiving love to live as children of God.

Unlike the bird feeder that can run empty, Jesus’ love never runs out. Bask in his love, be fed by his love and then reach out and share his love with those who need to be fed. Trusting that God can and will use you to help fed his children.

“Just as the living Father sent me and I live because of the Father, so the one who feeds on me will live because of me.” John 6:57

Let us pray: Nurturing Father, you so lovingly care for our bodies, minds, and souls. Helps us to be feeders for you, caring for those who are in need of feeling your love. So often we try to put a limit on your love, remind us that your love is unending and that through the gift of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior, we have been set free to live for you till that time when we will all be united in heaven with you. In your name we pray. Amen.

With love and prayers,

Diane

Greetings dear friends and family,

I LIVE MY LIFE IN FAITH HOPE AND LOVE WITH GOD’S GRACE FROM ABOVE.

Those words are on a bracelet that was given to me by two dear friends. I keep it here by my computer as a reminder of the gift of God’s grace.

As we journey through life, there are times we fail. We stray off the path and stumble into the darkness. When we are in that darkness, we need to remember to look to the light of the cross. God is always waiting there, with arms wide open, to wrap us in the priceless gift of his grace. It is there we become renewed and empowered to live in faith, hope, and love.

Thanks be to God.

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast. Ephesians 2:8

Let us pray: Eternal Father, we struggle to stay on the path you have chosen for us. At times we fail and when we do, often we feel unworthy of your grace. Help us to remember that through your Son’s death and resurrection we have been made worthy of the gift of your grace. It is in your everlasting name we pray. Amen.

Have a good week, living in God’s grace.

With love and prayers,

Diane

Greetings dear friends and family,

As I have been sitting here pondering, my eyes came to rest on something. It is a purple heart made from construction paper. On it two pink hearts and the word Love. On the back it says Happy Valentine’s Day To:Diane, love Stephanie. She had made it for me during Sunday school last February and gave it to me in church. This sweet young friend had reminded me I am loved.

Just above the heart is the marriage certificate and wedding pictures of my beloved grandparents. Two people, who throughout their lives had reminded me time and time again I am loved.

Now as my eyes look straight ahead I see a plaque with the name of someone who continually reminds me that I am loved. JESUS. And he loves you too!

Sunday we observed the Baptism of Jesus, and were reminded of our own. Most of us don’t remember our baptism, but God does. It was then that he poured out his Spirit upon each of us and claimed us as his own. We belong to him. We are loved with an unending love: God’s perfect love.

……And the God of love and peace will be with you. May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. 2 Corinthians 13: 11, 14

Let us pray: Loving God, you have claimed us as your own. We belong to you and nothing can change that. Thank you for the gift of the Spirit. Help us to remember to live your love and share your peace with one another. In your name we pray. Amen.

My love and prayers to you all,

Diane

Greetings dear friends and family,

Resolutions, we all make then at one time or another. Many began the New Year with a list of resolutions. Too often the goals set are way out of reach and our resolution crumbles. We focus on our failures and not Jesus.

As children of God we need to remember that each day we begin anew. Whether it is January or June, through our baptism we are washed clean. We can let go of the past, not fear the future, and live today for Him.

Thanks be to God.

And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him. I John 4:16

Let us pray: Heavenly Father, you love us so much and often we forget that we belong to you. Remind our hearts that you love us and that you walk with us always and no matter what we may face, you will face it with us. Help us to see that you come to us through the love and care of others in our lives. Still our thoughts and hearts so that we can hear the whisper of your voice, as you so lovingly guide and care for us. In your name we pray. Amen.

God bless you as you journey through your day.

With love and prayers,

Diane