Country Church Music - From the Heart

Greetings dear friends and family,

Sunday afternoon we went to a local store and purchased a bouquet of helium filled balloons for my dad’s 75^th birthday. Inside the store I simply held on to the balloons and they stayed put. But as soon as I walked outside the wind caused them to twist and turn. I had to hold on to them tightly or I would have lost them.

There is a hand that we cannot see but by faith we trust that it holds ours. Whether we are experiencing calm days or days of feeling like we are being blown about by life, God has a firm grip on our hand. And in those times when our struggles become overwhelming, God grasps our hand even tighter. He will not let go. Even when we lose our grip on his hand, his love holds fast.

If I take the wings of the morning and settle at the farthest limits of the sea, even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me fast. Psalm 139: 9-10

Let us pray: By faith dear Father we cling to your hand, but yet there are times when we think we can do it on our own, that your hand is not needed. Reminds us in the still times and the turbulent times that you always have a firm grip on our hand and that in the palm of your hand we are safe and secure. In your glorious name we pray. Amen.

With love from the heart,

Diane

Greetings dear friends and family,

The Boston Marathon will be run today by thousands. People prepare for months and even years for this race. It is a race where there are only a few runners who will receive prizes.

As Christian we are running a race. But unlike the Boston Marathon we can all be winners. To prepare for our race we must first let go of all that which weighs us down. Then we are to focus on Jesus and run a faith filled race. Living and sharing His love all along the route. Jesus is waiting there for us at the end of the race…….is there any better prize than that?!

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the sake of the joy that was set before him endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:1-2

Let us pray: God of all hope, you have given each of us gifts to use in life as we run the race set before us. In times of fear and doubt help us to stay on course, to look to the finish line and the endless joy that awaits us there. In your name we pray. Amen.

With love from the heart,

Diane

Greetings dear friends and family,

I’m getting a little impatient…..the ornamental tree in our front yard is not blooming yet. Most years it would be nearly full of lovely white blossoms by now. But this year the buds are just barely beginning to show signs of bursting open. So the wait continues. There is nothing I can do to hurry things along.

Often in life we become impatient with ourselves, others and even with God. Too often we think our timing is best. Yet when we remember that God is in control and to trust his timing we can find peace. Peace in knowing that though we may not understand, God’s good and perfect timing is best.

But I trust in you, O Lord; I say, “You are my God.” My times are in your hand; deliver me from the hand of my enemies and persecutors. Let your face shine upon your servant; save me in your steadfast love. Psalm 31:14-15

Let us pray: Gracious and merciful God, grant us the patience needed to realize that your will shall be done, to trust in your ways. Help us to grow in faith and love as we journey through each day. In your everlasting name we pray. Amen.

With love from the heart,

Diane

Greetings dear friends and family,

Tonight the final two teams in men’s NCAA basketball will battle it out. The victor will claim the title of 2010 national champions. It is a title that lasts for only one year.

As we journey through this Easter season let us give thanks and praise that Christ won the battle over sin and death. He has claimed the title of Victor. It is a title that will last for all eternity.

Christ is risen, he is risen indeed! Alleluia!

“Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here, but has risen.” Luke 24:5b

Let us pray: Almighty God, you have won the battle, the victory is yours. You have set us free to do your work here on earth, to share the good news of Jesus. Help us to be disciples for you so others may see the wonders of your endless love through all that we do. In your glorious name we pray. Amen.

With love from the heart,

Diane