Pastor's Message (April 2016)
Welcome Spring!
In this writing moment, we have celebrated the resurrection of our Lord and with the reflection of God's beautiful image in our mind's eye, the journey continues - all in all, a spiritual journey with a gift of the opportunity to grow. When we do take the time to pause and linger upon the connection we have as believers, nothing is sweeter than the blessing we'll receive in living out our faith!
Daily and hourly, or as often as one's heart is being moved, we inhale and exhale the Spirit of God within – taking us to new heights. Every single believer is not only called, but more importantly, chosen to be, to become, and to remain a faithful disciple. In addition, as chosen, we are connected in more ways unimaginable and thus interconnected on so many levels. Having said this, as much as we need God in our everyday lives, we also need each other.
In John 13:34, Jesus gave His disciples a new commandment saying, "Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another." This summarizes the notion of agape - a brotherly, sisterly love which one receives in becoming a Christian, a love whose bond only becomes stronger the more it is exercised! Needless to say, but what we have in, with, and through Christ our Lord, is an awesome gift – one that we’ll need to share while we remain connected and nourished by the Spirit.
To live our life to the fullest, we are being nourished in the fellowship of God and with other believers. We are also taking and making time for the Spirit to move in our lives, thus enabling us to stay connected at all times, no matter what the circumstances. God’s ways are many, more than we'll ever know – that’s how great our God is!
In time for the fresh season of spring, my family and I have taken an early start planting tree shrubs and flowers in front of the manse. Clint’s vegetable and herb garden also got an early start this year, with a new addition - an avocado tree authentically planted. Indeed, an exciting time ahead!
Wishing you and yours a beautiful time this Spring – live and love life!
In Christ,
Pastor Anette