Country Church Music - From the Heart

Greetings dear friends and family,

Two months ago we were preparing to celebrate the birth of Christ. It was a time of anticipation and joy, yet we knew that we could not stay at the manger. We had to move on to Epiphany, knowing the cross loomed in the distance.

Yesterday we observed the mountain top experience, the Transfiguration of our Lord. And though we may want to stay on that mountain top, we have to come down. We have to move forward, as Christ did, towards Jerusalem and the cross.

Wednesday our Lenten journey begins. It is journey that leads to the cross, but it does not end there. There is hope. That hope is Jesus.

But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8

Let us pray: Transform us each day, Lord, so that others can see the light of your Son reflecting off of us and know that there is hope in Jesus, and that he journeys with us always. Help us to reach out to one another, heart to heart, hand to hand, empowered by your love, to be disciples for you. In your everlasting name we pray. Amen.

Peace and hope to you in Christ.

With love and prayers from my heart to yours,

Diane

Greetings dear friends and family,

After a warm and sunny spring like day on Thursday, winter returned this past Friday. Huge snowflakes quietly began to fall mid morning and soon blanketed everything. By the end of the day, the bare winter landscape was transformed into a beautiful winter wonderland of glistening snow.

God’s love is like that blanket of snow. His love covers our sinfulness and transforms our hearts. But unlike the snow that now has begun to melt and disappear, God’s love never disappears. His love is a steadfast love that forgives, renews, heals, and transforms us into his disciples. We become like the glistening snow, shining brightly for him.

Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Psalm 51:10

Let us pray: Forgiving and healing Father, blanket us with your love as we journey through each day. Though sinful and undeserving, Christ’s death and resurrection has made us worthy of your love. Help us to keep our focus on the cross and to be beacons of light, so that others may see your love in our hearts and come to know the wonders of your love. In your everlasting name we pray. Amen.

With prayers and care from my heart to yours,

Diane

Greetings dear friends and family,

God is love. His love comes to us in ways so tender and beautiful. He comes to us in the warmth of a hug, the smile of a child, the beauty of a glorious sunrise, and even in the gentleness of a spring breeze.

We are God’s beloved children. No matter what we may be facing in life, we never face it alone. God’s love is always with us. He lives in our hearts. He has claimed us as his own. We belong to him and nothing can ever change that. So with grateful hearts, let us give thanks and praise to God, for his never ending love.

I will praise you, O Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonders. I will be glad and rejoice in you; I will sing praise to your name O Most High. Psalm 9:1-2

Let us pray: Loving God, it is in your arms we find strength and hope. It is there we can rest and be renewed. Help us to trust in you and remind us that nothing can separate us from you, that you have claimed us as your own. Receive our thanks and hear our praise as we share with others the Good News of your love. In your everlasting name we pray. Amen.

May the Lord, mighty God, bless and keep you forever. Grant you peace, perfect peace, courage in every endeavor. Lift up your eyes and see his face and his grace forever. May the Lord, mighty God bless and keep you forever.

With love and prayers,

Diane

Greetings dear friends and family,

As I am writing this, it is just a few hours before we will hear the verdict. Yes, today is the day we find out if Punxsutawney Phil sees his shadow. If he does, winter continues for another six weeks. It is a verdict that is not very reliable.

As Christians there is a verdict in our lives. It is in the shadow of the cross that we hear the verdict: Not guilty. Christ died on that cross to guarantee the verdict. It is there, in the shadow of the cross, that we are reminded of God’s grace and his love. His verdict is 100% reliable.

I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. Galatians 2:20

Let us pray: Gracious Father, your Son hung on the cross so that we may have the gift of life everlasting with you. As we journey through this life, help us follow the path that the shadow of the cross falls upon. It is not an easy path at times, help us to trust and to know that you walk with us on that path, a path that will lead us home to you. In your glorious name we pray. Amen.

God bless you and keep you in his tender loving care.

My love and prayers to each of you,

Diane