September 5, 1925 - August 30, 2010
Today would have been Pastor Ashley's 85th Birthday.
Pastor Ashley came from Kansas to Omaha in 1955 as a Mission Developer for the Lutheran Congregation that later became Morning Star. Pastor Ashley was Pastor of Morning Star until 1977. Morning Star was a significant part of Pastor Ashley’s 61 years of ordained ministry, a milestone celebrated at Morning star with the planting of a tree in his honor – it is the one near our mail box. And, on the flip side, Pastor Ashley has been a significant part of the 53 years of Morning Star’s life and the lives of a significant number of Morning Star people.
I didn't have the privilege of knowing Pastor Ashley very well. But what I did get to know is that Pastor Ashley was tenacious in his work to build the kingdom of God and to build Morning Star. In those years developing a mission congregation meant “door knocking”. I’ve heard dozens of stories of Pastor Ashley coming to the door, being invited in and “before he left we had become among the members of Morning Star Lutheran.” And there is Pastor Ashley's preaching. He was gifted with a wonderful speaking voice. He used it to present a strong clear message of the gospel of Jesus Christ and was compelling for the faith in believing in that same Gospel. And, Pastor Ashley was always generous, complementary and kind.
Marks of Pastor Ashley's ministry are all over Morning Star. In her people and in the building itself. If my understanding is correct, Pastor Ashley had a hand in the design of our stained glass windows. His passion for Jesus is clear all around us.
Thank you, Pastor Ashley for your witness, your ministry and your life of faith.
And on today's "new birthday" rest in God’s full arms of grace in your heavenly home, in the victory of the Gospel you preached so faithfully.
Sunday, September 5, 2010
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
"Hoarding" and Forgiveness
Perhaps you saw the story in the paper last week. I'm thinking about the one about the 67 year old Las Vegas woman who went missing last April. She was finally found, by her husband inside her own home -- under a pile of debris. After being reported missing by her husband back in April (that's four months ago), an extensive search was conducted including bringing sniffer dogs tinto the home and to the area immediately adjacent to it. The problem was that there was so much odor inside the home (from her obsessive hoarding) that the dogs were unable to pick up her scent. Apparently Billie Jean James had been in the room she called her "rabbit hole" when items squirreled away there collapsed on her.
It is a sad story. It must have been a sad existence. But there are others who have died beneath the weight of their hoarding.
Most of us are not in danger from that kind of hoarding. We are much more in danger of stockpiling resentments, grudges, slights and our own misguided perceptions of others. These kinds of things are everywhere: in traffic, when someone gets the promotion or position that we think we deserved, when someone doesn't do the job our way, which is of course much better. We find them when someone gives us bad news about a budget cut or layoff, ends a relationship, takes advantage of us or uses us for their own ends. You see this list could go on and on.
There is a piece of our humanity that leads us to hoard these offenses. We might take our anger out on a family member or other innocent party. We might be cool to someone and keep them at a distance. We might choose not to make the first move to greet that other person, or secretly hope they "get what is coming to them." We might be angry or sad most of the time. Our friends might notice that we are withdrawn, moody or distracted.
You see, these are the signs of human hoarding of emotions, resentments, slights and perceived injustices. These are the signs that we are slowly being smothered under the weight of emotional hoarding.
These things are better let go of than stored away. If you think you've been mistreated, deal with it directly in terms of a conversation (no e-mail or texts of this kind of stuff). Maybe it won't be resolved, but it is healthier than hoarding. For many things, it is better just to let them go. To walk away. To "dump" them in to a journal or letter that is then destroyed. To move on with your life.
In the end refusing to let go and walk away from the resentments and offenses that we want to hoard, will harm our spirit and leave us under the control of another.
Paul gave this advice in Colossians 3: "Make allowance for each other's faults, and forgive anyone who offends you."
It is a sad story. It must have been a sad existence. But there are others who have died beneath the weight of their hoarding.
Most of us are not in danger from that kind of hoarding. We are much more in danger of stockpiling resentments, grudges, slights and our own misguided perceptions of others. These kinds of things are everywhere: in traffic, when someone gets the promotion or position that we think we deserved, when someone doesn't do the job our way, which is of course much better. We find them when someone gives us bad news about a budget cut or layoff, ends a relationship, takes advantage of us or uses us for their own ends. You see this list could go on and on.
There is a piece of our humanity that leads us to hoard these offenses. We might take our anger out on a family member or other innocent party. We might be cool to someone and keep them at a distance. We might choose not to make the first move to greet that other person, or secretly hope they "get what is coming to them." We might be angry or sad most of the time. Our friends might notice that we are withdrawn, moody or distracted.
You see, these are the signs of human hoarding of emotions, resentments, slights and perceived injustices. These are the signs that we are slowly being smothered under the weight of emotional hoarding.
These things are better let go of than stored away. If you think you've been mistreated, deal with it directly in terms of a conversation (no e-mail or texts of this kind of stuff). Maybe it won't be resolved, but it is healthier than hoarding. For many things, it is better just to let them go. To walk away. To "dump" them in to a journal or letter that is then destroyed. To move on with your life.
In the end refusing to let go and walk away from the resentments and offenses that we want to hoard, will harm our spirit and leave us under the control of another.
Paul gave this advice in Colossians 3: "Make allowance for each other's faults, and forgive anyone who offends you."
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
September, 2010 Sketchings
“’JOURNEY 2 RENEWAL’: A SUMMARY!!”
I thought it appropriate to provide a summary of my part of our “Journey 2 Renewal.” While you are getting bits and pieces of this wonderful time, it seems helpful to share with the whole of Morning Star some of ways in which I believe this time has made an impact for my life and ministry.
First of all, however, Teresa joins me in saying a great big “Thank You” for this time away, this time to renew, this time to journey to places we really never dreamed of seeing. What began as a “once-in-a-lifetime” trip actually opened up our dreams to a lifetime that will include more travels into this wonderful, engaging and interesting world.
My activities included reading, personal travel and reflection, attention to my spiritual, emotional and physical self, relationships with my God and my family and a three-week tour “In the Footsteps of Paul.” I also was able to worship with area and regional congregations and connect with my mentor and accountability partners.
My major “goal” was to enter into a new season of “being” – “well being”, being present and being claimed by God’s grace. In the reading of Paul, my travels and the slower pace of these weeks, I believe my spirit has been calmed and buoyed at the same time. I find myself able to find the quiet depths of my inner self and to enjoy ministry with a different pace and focus. An active and tangible result of this season of being has been the formation of some new relationships with a “spiritual guide” and a new set of ministry / mentor partners. I believe these new relationships will help me continue to grow the seeds planted during “Journey 2 Renewal.”
These “popcorn” observations also help share a perspective on Journey 2 Renewal:
“GOD” PROMPTING:
My reading of Paul and his ministry, along with the ease with which tour participants “testified” to their faith, challenged me to ponder the whole idea of “testimony”, both my testimony to my faith and my testimony to Jesus as the Christ. (I blogged about this theme earlier.)
LEARNING “NUGGETS:
Most of the Apostle Paul’s work was not in Greece (Philippi, Athens and Corinth). Rather it was in Turkey, mostly in the parts of Turkey that we did not visit.
Turkey and the areas of Biblical History have a long been the center of political conquest with at least 9 different conquering empires over human history.
SURPRISE OPPORTUNITY:
A visit to the Science Museum of MN’s interesting and informative exhibit of the “Dead Sea Scrolls” and the “St. John’s Bible”. I saw the St. John’s Bible exhibit in Omaha, but it was meaningful to see it linked to the Dead Sea Scrolls.
Please know that from time to time I will be sharing more of my learning and observations. I hope you’ll be open to sharing yours as well.
T. O. M.
I thought it appropriate to provide a summary of my part of our “Journey 2 Renewal.” While you are getting bits and pieces of this wonderful time, it seems helpful to share with the whole of Morning Star some of ways in which I believe this time has made an impact for my life and ministry.
First of all, however, Teresa joins me in saying a great big “Thank You” for this time away, this time to renew, this time to journey to places we really never dreamed of seeing. What began as a “once-in-a-lifetime” trip actually opened up our dreams to a lifetime that will include more travels into this wonderful, engaging and interesting world.
My activities included reading, personal travel and reflection, attention to my spiritual, emotional and physical self, relationships with my God and my family and a three-week tour “In the Footsteps of Paul.” I also was able to worship with area and regional congregations and connect with my mentor and accountability partners.
My major “goal” was to enter into a new season of “being” – “well being”, being present and being claimed by God’s grace. In the reading of Paul, my travels and the slower pace of these weeks, I believe my spirit has been calmed and buoyed at the same time. I find myself able to find the quiet depths of my inner self and to enjoy ministry with a different pace and focus. An active and tangible result of this season of being has been the formation of some new relationships with a “spiritual guide” and a new set of ministry / mentor partners. I believe these new relationships will help me continue to grow the seeds planted during “Journey 2 Renewal.”
These “popcorn” observations also help share a perspective on Journey 2 Renewal:
“GOD” PROMPTING:
My reading of Paul and his ministry, along with the ease with which tour participants “testified” to their faith, challenged me to ponder the whole idea of “testimony”, both my testimony to my faith and my testimony to Jesus as the Christ. (I blogged about this theme earlier.)
LEARNING “NUGGETS:
Most of the Apostle Paul’s work was not in Greece (Philippi, Athens and Corinth). Rather it was in Turkey, mostly in the parts of Turkey that we did not visit.
Turkey and the areas of Biblical History have a long been the center of political conquest with at least 9 different conquering empires over human history.
SURPRISE OPPORTUNITY:
A visit to the Science Museum of MN’s interesting and informative exhibit of the “Dead Sea Scrolls” and the “St. John’s Bible”. I saw the St. John’s Bible exhibit in Omaha, but it was meaningful to see it linked to the Dead Sea Scrolls.
Please know that from time to time I will be sharing more of my learning and observations. I hope you’ll be open to sharing yours as well.
T. O. M.
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Long Slow Rains and Spiritual Growth
Today, Tuesday 8/17, was one of those days when there were showers and rain all day long. From last evening and through the day and on into this evening there was pretty much a steady light to moderately heavy rain.
Being out and about today took me back in my memories to similar days as a child. This time of the year, a day long rain was somewhat of a luxury. It marked a time to take a break in the routines of farm life. It was a time to catch up on mending broken equipment, fixing fences, running errands, preparing for the fall harvest as well as tending to relationships with neighbors and family and even have the luxury, perhaps, of an afternoon nap. I remember day long rains with a certain amount of fondness, a warm reflective feeling in my being.
While today didn't actually provide a farm type break, it did provide a mental/spiritual/emotional break from a long string of hot days, some of them unbearably so. It did provide a respite for lawns and soil cracked with thirst. It did offer an opportunity for a slower pace going from here to there -- the streets were extra slick for some reason and the resulting accidents slowed the pace of traffic -- sometimes. It did provide an opportunity for this reflective moment of fond memories of my feelings on days gone by.
My reflective moments took me, actually, to some thoughts about how this kind of rain is so good for the thirsty earth. Unlike most of the rains this summer that came in such downpours that much of the water ran off. The earth was no more able to drink in all that moisture than you or I are to grab a thirst quenching drink from the proverbial fire hydrant. But this rain is different. The earth can drink up most of this nectar from the sky. The lake has hardly risen, the creek remains within its banks. My back yard is not a lake. The earth is swallowing the gift of the rain at about the same pace as it is falling.
Somehow, my spiritual growth follows this same pattern. When I find myself "dry" (so to speak) sometimes the mountaintop experiences aren't satisfying long term. When I find myself dry I don't find a downpour to be particularly refreshing. What refreshes is the long, slow, steady work of the Spirit, the never failing but enduring love of God and sipping from the Word of God. What brings growth and fruit is the consistent day by day attention I have to the presence of God in the everyday, routine surprises in life.
I was blessed by the rain today. I was blessed by the showers of God's love and grace. I was blessed by fellowship with other Christians. I was blessed to be able to drink up God's presence at a pace that didn't overwhelm me. As a result, I've take another step in the gradual process of being a little less of me and a little more of Him.
The rain showered on you today. God's love and grace showered on you to. And you took another step in the process of this adventure we call life and faith. I hope your step was as wonderful as was mine.
Being out and about today took me back in my memories to similar days as a child. This time of the year, a day long rain was somewhat of a luxury. It marked a time to take a break in the routines of farm life. It was a time to catch up on mending broken equipment, fixing fences, running errands, preparing for the fall harvest as well as tending to relationships with neighbors and family and even have the luxury, perhaps, of an afternoon nap. I remember day long rains with a certain amount of fondness, a warm reflective feeling in my being.
While today didn't actually provide a farm type break, it did provide a mental/spiritual/emotional break from a long string of hot days, some of them unbearably so. It did provide a respite for lawns and soil cracked with thirst. It did offer an opportunity for a slower pace going from here to there -- the streets were extra slick for some reason and the resulting accidents slowed the pace of traffic -- sometimes. It did provide an opportunity for this reflective moment of fond memories of my feelings on days gone by.
My reflective moments took me, actually, to some thoughts about how this kind of rain is so good for the thirsty earth. Unlike most of the rains this summer that came in such downpours that much of the water ran off. The earth was no more able to drink in all that moisture than you or I are to grab a thirst quenching drink from the proverbial fire hydrant. But this rain is different. The earth can drink up most of this nectar from the sky. The lake has hardly risen, the creek remains within its banks. My back yard is not a lake. The earth is swallowing the gift of the rain at about the same pace as it is falling.
Somehow, my spiritual growth follows this same pattern. When I find myself "dry" (so to speak) sometimes the mountaintop experiences aren't satisfying long term. When I find myself dry I don't find a downpour to be particularly refreshing. What refreshes is the long, slow, steady work of the Spirit, the never failing but enduring love of God and sipping from the Word of God. What brings growth and fruit is the consistent day by day attention I have to the presence of God in the everyday, routine surprises in life.
I was blessed by the rain today. I was blessed by the showers of God's love and grace. I was blessed by fellowship with other Christians. I was blessed to be able to drink up God's presence at a pace that didn't overwhelm me. As a result, I've take another step in the gradual process of being a little less of me and a little more of Him.
The rain showered on you today. God's love and grace showered on you to. And you took another step in the process of this adventure we call life and faith. I hope your step was as wonderful as was mine.
Saturday, July 24, 2010
August 2010 "Sketchings"
“DANCING WITH THE STAR!!”
“Dancing with the Stars” and “So You Think You Can Dance” are two extremely popular TV series. They capture the imagination of a “nobody” becoming “somebody.” They capture beauty, partnership, flow and movement. They capture the wonder of being with another person and enjoying the gift of their life and passion.
The whole idea of “dance” could apply to many situations in our lives. Obviously, there is the dance of relationships – marriage and friendships – where we want to tend to relationship with our words and actions, our commitment to daily compliments and expressing love and affection. There is the dance of our playtime where we engage in activities with others, giving our full attention to our participation in the event and our role in that event. There is the dance of work and the market place where we give and take and share on a team to give a full day of our energy and attention to the particular project/activity in which we’re engaged. There is the dance of building up a family where we share chores and experiences and built memories together at the same time finding ways to say “you’re special and loved.”
Now take the next step with me to acknowledge that all of life is a dance. In fact, life is a dance with God. Our faith is a dance with God. It is a dance with “THE star.”
Jesus said, “Seek first the kingdom of God and all these things will be yours as well.” Jesus said, “Have no fear little flock, for it is the Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.”
In our humanness, we see some of this as being a bit too “religious.” We are quick to shrug it off. We are quick to not invest in this faith thing. We are quick to follow the perceived power of our own way, of our own direction for life. For some reason we want to be “the star” of our own dance. Ultimately we find that this simply doesn’t work so well for us.
Why doesn’t it work? It doesn’t work because a dance involves two. The dance of life and faith involves dancing with “THE star”.
You see, everything in life relates to God. God is at the center. God gives us life and breath, gravity and wind. God gives all the little things we take for granted like our heart pumping and our muscles responding to our brains. God gives us comfort and hope. God gives forgiveness, a fresh start and a second chance. God is right smack in the center of everything we do (see my blog on camp and my sermon for 7/25/10).
To pursue the “dance” theme, it is God became our “partner” when God created us. It was God who took us by the hand and blessed and loved us from even before our birth. It was God who gifted us and blessed us and invited us to the dance of life and the dance of faith.
Why is it, then, that we’re so quick to leave God at the sidelines and dance alone?
So, this is an invitation to dance with God. It is an invitation to dance with “THE STAR”. In dancing with God, you’ll have a faithful partner and guide. You’ll find new truth about your life. You’ll know what it means for a sinner to become a saint. You’ll see the Kingdom that God brings for you, your relationships, your recreation, your job and your emotional life. You’ll discover the truth in “have no fear little flock for it is the Father’s good pleasure to bring you the kingdom.”
Dance with “THE STAR” and you’ll never want to dance alone. Dance with “THE STAR” and you’ll never want to dance alone.
“Dancing with the Stars” and “So You Think You Can Dance” are two extremely popular TV series. They capture the imagination of a “nobody” becoming “somebody.” They capture beauty, partnership, flow and movement. They capture the wonder of being with another person and enjoying the gift of their life and passion.
The whole idea of “dance” could apply to many situations in our lives. Obviously, there is the dance of relationships – marriage and friendships – where we want to tend to relationship with our words and actions, our commitment to daily compliments and expressing love and affection. There is the dance of our playtime where we engage in activities with others, giving our full attention to our participation in the event and our role in that event. There is the dance of work and the market place where we give and take and share on a team to give a full day of our energy and attention to the particular project/activity in which we’re engaged. There is the dance of building up a family where we share chores and experiences and built memories together at the same time finding ways to say “you’re special and loved.”
Now take the next step with me to acknowledge that all of life is a dance. In fact, life is a dance with God. Our faith is a dance with God. It is a dance with “THE star.”
Jesus said, “Seek first the kingdom of God and all these things will be yours as well.” Jesus said, “Have no fear little flock, for it is the Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.”
In our humanness, we see some of this as being a bit too “religious.” We are quick to shrug it off. We are quick to not invest in this faith thing. We are quick to follow the perceived power of our own way, of our own direction for life. For some reason we want to be “the star” of our own dance. Ultimately we find that this simply doesn’t work so well for us.
Why doesn’t it work? It doesn’t work because a dance involves two. The dance of life and faith involves dancing with “THE star”.
You see, everything in life relates to God. God is at the center. God gives us life and breath, gravity and wind. God gives all the little things we take for granted like our heart pumping and our muscles responding to our brains. God gives us comfort and hope. God gives forgiveness, a fresh start and a second chance. God is right smack in the center of everything we do (see my blog on camp and my sermon for 7/25/10).
To pursue the “dance” theme, it is God became our “partner” when God created us. It was God who took us by the hand and blessed and loved us from even before our birth. It was God who gifted us and blessed us and invited us to the dance of life and the dance of faith.
Why is it, then, that we’re so quick to leave God at the sidelines and dance alone?
So, this is an invitation to dance with God. It is an invitation to dance with “THE STAR”. In dancing with God, you’ll have a faithful partner and guide. You’ll find new truth about your life. You’ll know what it means for a sinner to become a saint. You’ll see the Kingdom that God brings for you, your relationships, your recreation, your job and your emotional life. You’ll discover the truth in “have no fear little flock for it is the Father’s good pleasure to bring you the kingdom.”
Dance with “THE STAR” and you’ll never want to dance alone. Dance with “THE STAR” and you’ll never want to dance alone.
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Camp, Co-op activities and Christ
I've spent most of the last several days at our church camp near Ashland, NE. Camp Carol Joy Holling is a wonderful space spread across about 300 acres with hard wood forest, open fields and lakes and waterways. It also has wild turkeys, bugs, and all the other wonders of creation. And this week it has, in addition to the multitude of summer camp staff, several dozen "Confirmation Campers" who are studying, playing, eating and serving together. They are doing so around a theme that has to do with community in Christ. I get to interact with our four students and other students and Pastors as we go about camp life together.
One of the more fun activities to observe are the "co-op" activities where students learn to trust each other, work together and accomplish activities together. These activities are designed to assist students to be able to participate in and complete the "high ropes" course, a task that cannot (and should not) be done alone. They need each other for support, encouragement, balance and community. It is fun to see students complete this challenge together.
Springs campers are divided into several "villages". Each village consists of individuals from different churches and communities. Each village will be "Village for the Day." This year what it means to be "Village for the Day" is that the members of the village work together to carry a large wooden cross -- it is made from 2 x 6 lumber and is probably 12 feet tall. It takes some cooperation and effort for all hands to be carrying the cross. When we see the village carrying the cross we can yell, "Why are you carrying that cross." The village will respond, "Because Jesus is the center of my life."
Jesus the center of my life. Isn't that a wonderful response to a whole host of questions? Why have you chosen to make weekly worship a priority? "Because Jesus is the center of my life!" Why have you chosen to share 10% of your resources with others through the church? "Because Jesus is the center of my life!" Why do you notice the poor and the outcast? "Because Jesus is the center of my life!" Why have you decided to pray and read your Bible on a daily basis? "Because Jesus is the center of my life!" Why are you so eager to tell others what God is doing in your life? "Because Jesus is the center of my life!"
You see, when looked at like this, Jesus as the center of my life changes things. It gives me a new way to look at my motivations, a new way to look at my choices, a new way to think about my discipleship and my following of Jesus.
One of our students observed that many of the things we "do" as disciples we do without expecting anything in return. That's really right on. How can we do things without any expectation of anything in return. Because Jesus is the center of my life! Of course. And because Jesus gave it all for us.
Now, isn't that good news!!
And, oh, I forgot to mention that campers, the Nebraska Synod Mission Trip and World Hunger are partnering to put together 32,000 health kits (soap, tooth brush, tooth paste, comb, band-aids, nail clipper, hand towel and wash cloth) for the people of Haiti. This project is on target to reach this goal by the end of camp next week -- this week campers assembled 4,600 + Health Care kits and the total at the end of the week stands at 30,049. Why? Because Jesus is the center of our life!!
One of the more fun activities to observe are the "co-op" activities where students learn to trust each other, work together and accomplish activities together. These activities are designed to assist students to be able to participate in and complete the "high ropes" course, a task that cannot (and should not) be done alone. They need each other for support, encouragement, balance and community. It is fun to see students complete this challenge together.
Springs campers are divided into several "villages". Each village consists of individuals from different churches and communities. Each village will be "Village for the Day." This year what it means to be "Village for the Day" is that the members of the village work together to carry a large wooden cross -- it is made from 2 x 6 lumber and is probably 12 feet tall. It takes some cooperation and effort for all hands to be carrying the cross. When we see the village carrying the cross we can yell, "Why are you carrying that cross." The village will respond, "Because Jesus is the center of my life."
Jesus the center of my life. Isn't that a wonderful response to a whole host of questions? Why have you chosen to make weekly worship a priority? "Because Jesus is the center of my life!" Why have you chosen to share 10% of your resources with others through the church? "Because Jesus is the center of my life!" Why do you notice the poor and the outcast? "Because Jesus is the center of my life!" Why have you decided to pray and read your Bible on a daily basis? "Because Jesus is the center of my life!" Why are you so eager to tell others what God is doing in your life? "Because Jesus is the center of my life!"
You see, when looked at like this, Jesus as the center of my life changes things. It gives me a new way to look at my motivations, a new way to look at my choices, a new way to think about my discipleship and my following of Jesus.
One of our students observed that many of the things we "do" as disciples we do without expecting anything in return. That's really right on. How can we do things without any expectation of anything in return. Because Jesus is the center of my life! Of course. And because Jesus gave it all for us.
Now, isn't that good news!!
And, oh, I forgot to mention that campers, the Nebraska Synod Mission Trip and World Hunger are partnering to put together 32,000 health kits (soap, tooth brush, tooth paste, comb, band-aids, nail clipper, hand towel and wash cloth) for the people of Haiti. This project is on target to reach this goal by the end of camp next week -- this week campers assembled 4,600 + Health Care kits and the total at the end of the week stands at 30,049. Why? Because Jesus is the center of our life!!
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Giving our "Testimony"
One of the unexpected doors that opened for me in the last weeks is in the whole area of "testimony". That is to say that many people I've been with over these last weeks have been free enough to give "testimony" to how God works (past, present and future) in their lives. And, in fact, in reading Acts, that's what the Apostle Paul is all about. Time and time again across the whole of Asia Minor the Apostle Paul "testifies" to the power of God revealed in Jesus Christ. He isn't about much else. He just takes every opportunity to testify to this truth.
As we work through this process of coming together for one strong mission and ministry, I think the core of our work will be in the area of "testimony". I'll be "testifying" to the wonders of God's grace and glory from my studies -- that is, the stories I tell will be stories of how God is working in life. And I'll be looking to hear your "testimony" of where God has been active, moving and shaping lives. Our common witness will help us see where God is leading for our lives together.
I'm longing to hear your "testimony". Hopefully I've turned on the "comment" option for just that purpose.
God is good. All the time. All the time, God is good!
As we work through this process of coming together for one strong mission and ministry, I think the core of our work will be in the area of "testimony". I'll be "testifying" to the wonders of God's grace and glory from my studies -- that is, the stories I tell will be stories of how God is working in life. And I'll be looking to hear your "testimony" of where God has been active, moving and shaping lives. Our common witness will help us see where God is leading for our lives together.
I'm longing to hear your "testimony". Hopefully I've turned on the "comment" option for just that purpose.
God is good. All the time. All the time, God is good!
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