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All Are Welcome Here!

Thu, 05 Mar 2026 15:34:08 GMT

God created all persons as God’s unique and beloved children.

The United Methodist Church approved the following statement in 2024. “The United Methodist Church proclaims that from God’s goodness and love, God created all persons as God’s unique and beloved children. Racism opposes God’s law, goodness, and love and diminishes the image of God in each person. Fueled by white privilege, white supremacy, and colonialism, the sin of racism has been a destructive scourge on global society and throughout the history of The United Methodist Church. It continues to destroy our communities, harm persons, obstruct unity, and undermine God’s work in this world. Racism must be eradicated. Therefore, the United Methodist Church commits to confronting and eliminating all forms of racism, racial inequity, colonialism, white privilege, and white supremacy, in every facet of its life and in society at large.” (Text of Article V - Racial Justice as approved at General Conference held in 2024)

In the last presidential election, when one of the candidates for president said that the United States has “never been a racist country.” I was shocked. Racism is prejudice, discrimination, or antagonism by an individual, community, or institution against a person or people based on their membership of a particular racial or ethnic group, typically one that is a minority or marginalized. Slavery, Jim Crow Laws, and modern-day practices of racial profiling show evidence that racism has been a part of our history and is alive and well today.

The Question of the Week on February 15, 2026, was, “Are you in favor of posting a sign that reads ‘This congregation is against racism?’”

a. 37 people responded

b. 30 people said: “Yes, post the sign!”

c. 7 people offered an alternative positive message with a sign that reads, “All are Welcome Here!”

Healthy Discussion and Loving Leaders: The Servant Leader Board discussed posting the sign and asked, “What is the best sign to post?” We wanted to send a message to everyone who comes up our drive: you are welcome here. We want to be welcoming to all people regardless of color, race, gender, or any other category. We voted to post a sign that said, “All Are Welcome Here!” The exclamation mark is our way of saying we really mean it. I was very pleased with the spirit of the discussion. The sign has been posted.

Our Actions are the real signs: In the end, the sign we post is not nearly as significant as the actions, words, and attitudes we share. We are the real signs of hospitality and welcome. We are the ones who reach out with love. We are the ones who show people they are welcome. We are the ones who do what we can to make them experience the love of Jesus at Wesley Chapel. Jesus has asked us to love our neighbors. That means all our neighbors. Let’s do it!

Empathy For Our Young People

Thu, 05 Feb 2026 14:49:34 GMT

Empathy, for me, starts with remembering that their struggles are real.

(Psalm 27:7–14)

As a 24‑year veteran teacher with experience at all grade levels in a variety of different schools, I’ve taken a final position, and I am closing out my career in a small rural public school. This is my second year at this school, and it has been one of the most challenging yet rewarding places I’ve ever taught. It has opened my eyes in ways I didn’t expect. I can honestly say the kids I work with now face more hardships than any group I’ve ever taught. Some of them carry more on their shoulders at 12 or 13 than many adults do.

And the thing is — they don’t complain. They don’t ask for special treatment. Most of the time, they just try to get through the day the best they can. It’s not always pretty or pleasant. But if you pay attention, you can see the weight they’re carrying. You can see it in their eyes, or in the way they look at you like they’re trying to figure out if you’re safe.

I have students who sleep through class because home is too chaotic, and they don’t get any sleep there. I have students who act out and won’t let me get to know them because their wall is so thick, and they trust no one. I have students raising siblings and having to be the parent in the home. If I didn't know their stories, I wouldn't understand their behaviors.

And on top of all that, today’s young people don’t always look like we expect. They have piercings, colored hair, clothes we don’t understand, and slang that makes us feel old. But none of that tells the real story of who they are. We didn’t look like our parents either, and we pushed boundaries in our own ways. These kids are trying to figure out who they are in a world that feels loud, fast, and confusing. They don’t need us judging the outside. They need us to remember what it felt like to be young and unsure.

When I read Psalm 27, especially the part where the writer is basically saying, “Lord, I need You. Please don’t turn away from me,” I think of kids like that. Kids who are trying to be strong, trying to be brave, trying to hold it together when life keeps throwing things at them. David sounds desperate for God to hear him — and I believe many of our young people feel that same desperation, even if they don’t have the words for it.

A lot of our youth today feel alone, even when they’re surrounded by people. They’re dealing with anxiety, family struggles, financial stress, and the pressure to grow up faster than they should. And sometimes, the adults around them forget how heavy that is. These youth are growing up in a technology era that most of us cannot understand. As an adult, the social media world is more than I want to deal with. It causes me anxiety. What must our young people be feeling?

Empathy, for me, starts with remembering that their struggles are real — even if they don’t talk about them. It means slowing down long enough to notice. It means listening without jumping in to fix everything. It means showing up consistently so they know they have at least one adult who won’t give up on them.

Psalm 27 ends with a reminder to “wait on the Lord” — to be strong and take heart. But waiting is hard when you’re young and hurting. That’s why they need us. Not to preach at them or tell them everything will magically get better, but to sit with them in the hard moments and remind them that God hasn’t forgotten them.

Sometimes the most Christlike thing we can do is simply be present.

These kids don’t need perfect adults. They need steady ones. They need people who see them, who hear them, who believe them, and who remind them — gently and consistently — that they matter.

And if we can do that, even in small ways, we’re giving them something real. Something hopeful. Something that reflects the heart of God.

The Aroma

Wed, 15 Oct 2025 16:07:33 GMT

Scripture says to spread the aroma of the knowledge of him everywhere.

But thanks be to God, who always leads us as captives in Christ’s triumphal procession and uses us to spread the aroma of the knowledge of him everywhere. For we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. To the one, we are an aroma that brings death; to the other, an aroma that brings life. And who is equal to such a task? Unlike so many, we do not peddle the word of God for profit. On the contrary, in Christ we speak before God with sincerity, as those sent from God. 2 Corinthians 2:14-17

This past Sunday, this scripture was included in my daily devotional from the Bible App plan that I do with some other ladies. I am not sure exactly what the point of that devotional was that day, because when I read the verse, one word jumped off the screen for me. God had my attention. The word was Aroma.

See, I had just spent several hours that morning dealing with an Aroma. Not a good one. One of my two pups had gone outside at 5:30 that morning, and the 30 seconds she was out of my view, she decided to roll in the aftermath of some other animal’s unfortunate encounter with a skunk.

The wind was blowing just the right direction, so she actually made it in my back door and two steps inside, where she waited patiently for me to give her a potty treat. When I turned toward her to give her the treat, I smelled the telltale aroma of her misadventure. If you have never had the treat of having a skunk-scented animal walk into your home, I pray that you never have to.

At 5:30 am on a Sunday, I think, “What am I going to do about this?”. I immediately picked her up, not by choice but by necessity, so that she wouldn’t run and get on furniture or share her stink anywhere else. I grabbed my phone for instructions.

I had heard to bathe animals in tomato juice when they get skunked, but I didn’t have any. So now what? Google provided the answers. Don’t get them wet with water first; it makes it worse. Apply a mixture of hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, and Dawn. Check. OK, thank you, Jesus, I had all of those. So, me and stinky had to go through the house and get all those things. I am telling you, I don’t know how a SMELL, a vapor, can have consistency that coats the inside of your nose, but this is what happened. I smelled skunk for two days so strongly I could taste it. So, anyway, when I read the word Aroma in my bible study that morning, I added to my list of things I want to ask God about one day. Skunk vapor is now one of them. And also, Noah, did he really have two of those in the ark with him? NO THANK YOU!

Anyway, God had my attention about this aroma. This little fellow gave off an aroma I don’t want to encounter again. It was not a pleasant adventure, and one that would not draw me near one of these animals again anytime soon.

So, what about my Aroma? That morning, it wasn’t good for sure. But what about my life?

Scripture says to spread the aroma of the knowledge of him everywhere. For we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing.

Does my life and my actions, my words, spread the Aroma of Him? Have I been the skunk, with the stink and death of my sins rubbing off on others? Or my anger, bitterness, unforgiveness, judgment, or negativity?

That skunk smell that had to have a special something to neutralize it, wash it away, is like our sins. Nothing takes care of those but the blood of Jesus and his sacrifice on the cross. He is our living sacrifice.

Once washed through the power of the blood, do our lives spread the Aroma of him?

Then I started to think about good aromas. Have you walked into a home where someone is baking chocolate chip cookies? I will follow that smell right to the source. Or woken up in the morning to the smell of someone making a delicious breakfast. That will lead me to the kitchen every time.

What are the smells, actions, that lead us to Christ? I can think of many I have encountered right here at Wesley Chapel that lead us closer to Christ. The smell of dinner available to anyone on Wesley Wednesdays, and the fellowship happening during that meal. The smell of fresh mowed grass after servants have volunteered to keep the grounds inviting. The smell of coffee and the hello, and the smile that the hospitality team greets each person with on Sunday mornings. The prayers offered over prayer blankets for our military, first responders, missionaries, Wesley Chapel, and individuals in need. Bible Studies and Sunday School classes where people study the word, and also fellowship and do life with one another. The joy and fun of the youth at the Easter Egg Hunt and Fall Fest, and the selfless servanthood by all those who help to make it happen. People who pray for you and with you and strive to be more like Jesus.

I want to “smell” more like that.

And Why? Verse 17 says, “We do not peddle the word of God for profit. On the contrary, in Christ we speak before God with sincerity, as those sent from God.” And we are all sent from God.

Lord, may you use us to spread the aroma of the knowledge of you everywhere to draw people to you.

One Beaver, Many Twigs

Thu, 25 Sep 2025 13:33:02 GMT

The beavers use what they have to create the strongest and most resilient structure.

Boy Scouts are often divided into groups and given names of animals. There are Beavers, Bobwhites, Eagles, Foxes, Owls, Bears, Buffalos, and Antelopes.

The Apostle Paul writes to the Corinthians in chapter 12 that it takes all parts of the body to make up the body and that each part is needed. We can apply that same lesson to the animals. Each animal plays a part in our environment, and all are needed. An Owl is wise. An eagle is majestic. A bear is strong. A sly fox figures things out.

But let me tell you something cool about Beavers. They are excellent builders. Now, if I were going to build something, I would want a scale drawing, cut list, and straight lumber, planed and square. I would go to the local lumber store and get everything I need. Not the beaver. He is cool winging it with whatever. With this inconsistent building material, the Beaver closely studies the form of each twig, stick, and log, and places them in a spot where they can have the most strength and support for the others. He does not use blueprints or have a predetermined plan. The beavers use what they have to create the strongest and most resilient structure.

Now, let’s take the parts analogy of apostle Paul and apply them to the sticks. Imagine God is the builder. We are sticks and twigs. Each stick and twig is unique and different. Some have knots, chutes, forks, bends, and even if they are close in size and shape, their bark has a unique pattern. The point is that no two sticks are the same. Wesley Chapel is that structure built by God out of unique sticks and twigs. When each of us seeks God’s will and service according to our own uniqueness, God makes something strong and beautiful.

Please take a moment to meditate on this and thank God for all the different people in the world and in our church. Let’s seek God’s will and the possibility that we can all be used to create something strong and powerful in our world.

Finishing Well

Thu, 18 Sep 2025 14:42:05 GMT

Life is a marathon and not a sprint.

In most recent years, I have watched several of my friends enter their 60s. I have observed this to go one of two ways for most: you either age with grace or you age with grumpiness. I have tried to unpack the latter- is it the aches and pains, the diminishing relevance you may find even in your career, the loss of control that comes with the loss of employment. . . . maybe a little of each. Today is the day I get to decide what it's going to be for me. I share these thoughts as not as much as a testimony, but a challenge to hold me accountable if you see age related control issues or grumpiness in me.

In 2 Timothy 4:7, Paul says, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race. I have kept the faith." Turning 60 is a milestone that brings both gratitude for the years I have behind me as well as fear for what lies ahead. It is a time to pause and ask myself, "How am I running my race? "Am I moving toward the finish line in a way that brings honor to God? I do want to run my race without regret but peace knowing I have lived faithfully keeping my eyes on Jesus. I have just a few reflections about this.

1. Life is a marathon and not a sprint. It is run through seasons-many seasons-joy, hardship, work, family, growth, dying moments . . . . my influence may shift, but it hasn't ended. I can still love, encourage, and point people to Jesus on the last leg of my marathon. It can be some of the most impactful strides of my life, but not if I am grumpy.

2. Finishing well requires focus. Good runners do not look backwards-it takes too much energy and affects their stride and time. They keep their eyes on the finish line. Turning 60 is an invitation to release regrets, forgive past failures, deal with the same dying moment once and for all, and keep my eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of my faith.

3. My legacy isn't built on huge, extravagant accomplishments, but it is built in my everyday life. It's about how my life is lived every day. Every choice, every word, every act of kindness (and every grumpy act) shapes the legacy I will leave behind. I may have less control over the length of this journey, but I get to decide the depth and impact of my journey every day. A cheerful, gracious spirit speaks volumes to my spouse, children, grandchildren, and friends.

4. The three Promises (or P's) are still my fuel for this race. God's Presence, the Holy Spirit's Power, and Jesus's Peace are still my fuel for the race. That does not change. This means I do not run this race alone. I never have and I never will. He will provide me with the joy for the remaining steps of my journey.

I leave you with this one question that can be asked no matter what part of the race you are in.... Am I reflecting Christ's joy, or have I let bitterness or grumpiness set in?'

Father, thank you for the gift of life. Thank you for carrying us through every season and for the promise that you will finish the work you have begun in us. Protect us from grumpiness and bitterness. Instead, fill us with joy, gratitude, and patience. Help us to fix our eyes on Jesus and to live each day with faithfulness to you. Keep our hearts soft and our spirits joyful so our words and attitudes bring glory to you and life to those around us. Amen

A Resolute 2025

Thu, 02 Jan 2025 16:07:26 GMT

Looking forward to 2025

I was recently with my sister-in-law, Chris, as she spoke to her mom on the phone regarding her decision to enter hospice care. She has since been delivered safely into
the arms of Jesus, but one of the things she said to her mom about leaving this place was, “Mom, there’s a lot going on in 2025, I don’t want to miss it.” It’s hard to see
someone leave the party early as we did with Chris. We have a bigger party ahead when we get to heaven, but these pre party festivities we encounter while briefly down
here are full of wonder and hope itself.

I have been a grandmother for a little over a year now…I love that role. I will have another grandbaby in February. I will see my last high school sports season as a mom

(tennis) and that same child graduates from high school in May. I will celebrate my 40th wedding anniversary in June and my 4th child’s wedding in October 2025. I will turn 60. This is all preliminary planning and tentative, because what I do know is that we can make our plans, but God establishes our steps (Proverbs 16:9). Life has taught me that there are no guarantees.

What I do know is that in the midst of all the wonderful blessings I encounter, I will also encounter losses and hurts and plenty of missteps along the way. My attitude and my personal spiritual preparation will help me maneuver whatever comes my way that is out of my control. I have been teaching from Genesis this past year for Precept. Genesis 4 hit me differently when it came to the telling of Cain and Abel. If you remember, both brothers had offerings, but God had no regard for Cain’s offering and Cain became angry. God asked Cain, “Why are you angry and why has your countenance fell? If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door. Its desire is for you, but you must master it.” We know that Cain was unable to master it and there were consequences.

My wonderful life that is full of joys and blessings has also presented me opportunities for anger and for sin to have me. I have realized I must be resolute to master it. This past year has shown me I have been vulnerable to unforgiveness, and I must be continuing the long and hard task of what I call " forgiveness work". Sometimes I have been able to leave my forgiveness at the altar and that will be the end of it, but I have also been unable to fully leave all of it and it’s heavy and I realize that forgiveness is also a process.

My Wednesday Night Bible Study has decided to redo a study we did in 2022, “Forgiving What You Can’t Forget”. We jokingly realized that most of us, while we did it, had a lot going on, and needed to continue that work of forgiving. I am grateful for a community that I feel safe with to do this work of forgiveness . My decision to be resolute about forgiveness in 2025 comes with the hard realization that our time here on earth is short and we want to be fully present and enjoy the moments we step into. Unforgiveness is like a cloud that hangs over all of that. I also believe we cannot take hold of what God is placing in front of us while we hang on to it. I have also had the realization that some of my hurts and hardships have come so I can be ready for what comes next. It had to happen so I could open my palm for what God has in store for me personally and as part of the body of Christ.

Christmas Eve service was a wonderful reminder to me that God has a plan for Wesley Chapel UMC. The house was full of people, love and light and we felt his Spirit with us. This was all despite having our worship leader out sick. God worked out the details, people stepped up to serve, and we had a rich and beautiful service.

We have so much to look forward to in 2025. Seeing God work out the details of Somas Unos, the Spanish Speaking Church, that will take shape this year on our campus is a reminder to me that God’s ways and His Plans will be accomplished. We need only to decide if we will be part of His Work or not. My desire for 2025 is to be resolute in leaving my unforgiveness behind and in joining full heartedly in the work He has before us. May 2025 be a year of peace, love, and joy for Wesley Chapel.

A Baby Changes Everything

Mon, 23 Dec 2024 19:17:02 GMT

I didn't think I wanted kids.

Let me start this blog by telling you a couple of things about myself. In my late 20’s, I remember telling my sister that I didn't think that I wanted kids. The world was crazy, why would I want to bring a life into it for him/her to have to deal with all the madness? Skip ahead lots of years, I married at age 49, I told my husband all I could ask for was a house with matching furniture. Most of the furniture he owned and I owned came from different people, places and times. We still have the same furniture from the time we got married.

I was blessed to retire at age 57. John asked what my plans were. I had it all laid out, Mondays were wash days, Tuesdays were cleaning days, Fridays belonged to Kroger. I was going to volunteer at nursing homes, maybe Hosparus, and church. Or I might like to watch a couple of preschoolers because we could go to the zoo, the science center, to the parks, and play. Be careful what you say, God listens and He will give you what you ask for sometimes, or his variation of it.

Today I have a day to myself. The house is quiet. Anthony is with his grandmother. And John is working in the office. So that gives me time to think and reflect. As I look around, I realize there are toys under the ottoman, some are peeking out from under the couch, and a ball is stuck underneath our bed. When I open my drapes to the front window, there are fingerprints, sneeze prints and places where someone likes licking the glass (all glass actually). Sadly, not all of those things are from the same child.

There was a time in my life that I would have cleaned the glass as soon as the little left. I’d sweep my floors and make sure all of the toys were put in their place. Now I don't care so much. That doesn't seem as important. My house is toddlerized. What does that mean? Well, there are toys scattered in various places. The whole house is a play yard. It's a place to wander and explore for Anthony and the adults who live here. The other day I reached in to get a bowl out of the cabinet and found a puzzle piece inside. There are plastic lids throughout the house (I spend a lot of time re-washing dishes).

If toys aren't under our feet, he is. I may need a new hip one day after tripping over a moving toddler. As for a clean house, I do have to clean my floors each week, as he samples anything lying on the floor, edible or not. He also drags a milk cup that sometimes leaks and food that's stuck to his clothing during meals, falls off as he walks around. Yesterday he removed my dish drying mat from the oven handle and before I could grab it, he proceeded to sit on it and scoot around the island with it under his butt.There are toy baskets, toy containers, clothes bins, diaper bags, a crib, 2 strollers and a car seat all for a toddler that doesn't belong to us. He is on loan from his parents when they need childcare.

Anthony talks all the time, likes to see his reflection in the glass, loves Ms. Rachel and thinks John is the bomb at this house. I am the cook, maid, and diaper changer. He keeps me busy. When people ask me what I am doing in retirement, John is quick to show a picture. I am thinking that I will get up at 5:30 AM, and wait for a toddler who is ready for breakfast at 7AM. I cook breakfast (sometimes I get to eat it too), wash dishes, change a dirty diaper, and hold a little until he goes down for his morning nap. Then starts all over again for lunch and afternoon nap. I don't get much cleaning done on those days, but John and I don't care.

Ok so what is the point of all of this? Let’s look back at the fact I didn't think I wanted to have kids. My life has been toddlerized as well as my house. God called me to Kids ministry at age 30 and I haven't left yet. I’ve worked with preschoolers through youth in my life journey. Today I teach preschool Sunday School. This is how kids changed my perspective on life. My sister told me in my 20’s that by having a child, I might be raising the next peace maker. If you know my family, you would understand why I might question that thought in my 20’s. Now at 60, I understand what she meant.

Kids are a way God shows us hope. They will explore and dream things my generation could not. They will see the world and people differently. They are the chance to spread love to all people unconditionally. The children of today have the ability to eradicate diseases, racism, and prejudices of tomorrow. They will have ideas and visions that we cannot see today, because they will see and experience the world differently than you or I.

Children keep you young, excited and keep you learning. I love that I can talk with and listen to what my great nephew (21 yrs old) and great niece (20 yrs old) have to say about the world around them. They are not bitter from the hurt around them. They question some of what is going on in the world and wonder how they can make life better for themselves and those around them. They are not tainted with anger or hurt. They have dreams and ideals to have a good life with realistic expectations. They are more accepting of people where they are and not where they think those people should be. All of these things are lessons and reminders for me. They are glimpses of hope, through the eyes of the generations coming from behind.

Our house now enjoys the giggles and squeals of a toddler. We experience times of snuggles and hugs. Yes, it makes all of the prints left on glass worth it. That’s why I leave them, as a reminder that they grow up fast and to stop and enjoy each moment I have with kids. They will impact your life just as much as you will leave an impact on theirs.

A couple of things I have learned working with kiddos is that more is caught than taught, so your presence is important. The other thing is that kids remember the time you spend with them, engaging in what is important to them and loving them. I am grateful to all of my friends and family who have allowed me the opportunity to take care of their kids, spend time with them, and love them as if they were my own. As always, I am not responsible for
any future counselling your child (children) may need.

As we continue this Advent Season, we are reminded how a baby changed everything. Did Mary and Joseph have any clue how that child would change their world? Did they understand how His presence would change people? If it had not been for that small infant born in a stable so many years ago, we would not have the hope of reconciliation with God, our Creator. We wouldn't have the opportunity to know the Son of God in a real and personal relationship. Or the peace and joy that He brings to all of us.

May all the children that are born now and in years to come be a reminder to us the hope that God gave us through His child so long ago.

Love

Wed, 18 Dec 2024 15:58:36 GMT

God is love.

“Liking is a feeling, but loving is a verb. Falling in love is an emotion, but being in love is an expression. Holy love will find a way to genuinely demonstrate itself to others. The old telephone advertisement used to say, “Reach out and touch someone.” Holy love reaches out and touches people in our personal relationships (friend and foe), in our civil relationships, with those in authority, and in all our societal relationships.”

Borrowed from the Wesley Bible Curriculum; Lesson 12, November 17

Having just come off working a Great Banquet weekend, I have been reminded once again of God’s AGAPE love. I think of it as wholly giving of oneself without conditions or expectations.

The internet, via Google’s Artificial Intelligence, summarizes Agape Love as:

“In Christianity, agape is used to describe the love of God for humans and the love of humans for God. It is considered the highest form of love and is contrasted with eros (erotic love) and philia (brotherly love). In the New Testament, agape is used in John 3:16 to describe the love that moved God to send His Son to redeem the world.

Some characteristics of agape love include:

· Unconditional : Agape love is given freely, even in difficult times, and is not dependent on reciprocity.

· Selfless : The provider of agape love gives without expecting anything in return.

· Kind : Agape love is filled with kindness and wants only the best for the other person.

· Accepting : Agape love accepts others unconditionally.

· Sacrificial : Agape love involves sacrificing for the good of the other person.”

God’s love is certainly all of that and more! We are loved beyond our imagination! God’s love is proven throughout scripture, the stories of humankind’s failures and God’s redemption over and over and over again.

And, then a little over 2,000 years ago, God sent His Son in the form of an innocent babe. The gospels of Luke and Matthew are the only gospels that include the story of the birth of Christ. The below is taken from Luke, Chapter 8:

“And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.’”

God’s perfect and giving love … “a Savior” … “he is the Messiah, the Lord”. God was personified in the person of Jesus, a babe in the manger. The perfect Gift; our Redeemer has come! Jesus exemplified Agape Love like no other “person” could or ever will. Jesus came with two simple commandments. When He was asked what the greatest commandments were, Matthew 22: 37-39 tells us that Jesus answered: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.”

In giving us these commandments, Jesus was teaching us what our Agape Love is to look like, and it is wholly giving of ourselves to God and others. We should be spending the whole entirety of our lives by doing nothing more than trying to follow these two commandments: “Love God, Love Others”. When we get up in the morning, we fix our eyes on Jesus and devote every single moment of the day to Him, whether you’re washing dishes, heading to work, going to the grocery, completing a spreadsheet, fixing a meal, or doing the laundry! Colossians 3:17 teaches: And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” If we do that, we can’t help but be in Agape Love with God and others!

God’s love, however, is undoubtedly on a whole other level from our imperfect human love. As we learned from John 3:16: “God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” Those words say it all. Because Jesus died for our failures, we have been given eternal life. It is the ultimate example of God’s Agape Love for us. Of this, we can have no doubt. Our faith saves us.

And, so I close with my Christmas wish for you, that you and all of your loved ones may take into your hearts Paul’s words in Ephesians 3: 16-18: ^“ I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge —that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.”

And, may it be well with heart, your mind, your being, and your soul. Merry Christmas!

Joy

Wed, 11 Dec 2024 19:30:52 GMT

Finding joy is a choice.

The Oxford Dictionary defines joy as “a feeling of great pleasure and happiness”. However, The Bible Project has another definition of joy. It defines joy as “a lasting emotion that comes from the choice to trust that God will fulfill His promises.” That last definition is so true! Joy is consistent, unconditional, and a choice you make. Our hearts are filled with pure joy when we trust God.

For some, asking you to think about true joy in 2024 is incredibly easy. For others of you, finding joy as you reflect on 2024 seems impossible. You are not alone. Trust me, I understand this all too well. This year has brought so much stress, heartache, and loss. About 9 months ago, my world fell apart as I tragically lost 2 parents at once. It was the hardest phone call that I have ever gotten and the hardest phone call I’ve ever had to make to my sisters. Honestly, thinking about joy was definitely not my first thought. I had (and still have) so many questions because no part of that day makes sense. Your 2024 story might be like mine where there’s an empty seat (or 2) at the table for the first time at Christmas. Maybe you or a friend got an unexpected diagnosis this year. Your 2024 story may include a new baby, a new friend, or a new job. Wherever 2024 has taken you or whatever you have faced, finding your joy this Christmas season is a choice. One scripture verse that has helped a lot this year is Nehemiah 8:10. It says, “The joy of the Lord is my strength.” Even in the hardest, most unhappy times, we can still have joy in the Lord because He loves us, makes us strong, and never leaves us behind.

So, today I choose joy. I choose to put my trust in God. I choose to know that God will fulfill His promises in His time. I choose this because this life can be hard and I need the joy of the Lord to make it through. I am simply not strong enough on my own. I challenge you to do the same. Henri Nouwen (a Dutch professor/priest) said that “Joy doesn’t simply happen to us. We have to choose joy and keep choosing it every day.” On the good days, remember that your joy comes from the Lord. On the hard days, remember that your joy and strength comes from the Lord. The goal is to choose joy each day. But how do you do that daily (even on the hard days)? The best way is to spend time with God. Pause what you are doing, take a breath, and focus on God, even if it’s just for a moment. Stop and ask God to fill you with joy and strength to face your adventures. The words of your prayer may look like a mixed up bowl of alphabet soup letters just floating around, but God knows your heart, knows the words you are trying to say, and sees you through your tears.

My Christmas wish for all of you is this (Romans 15:13) “May the God of hope fill you with all JOY and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”

Merry Christmas!

Lizzie

Gratitude

Wed, 20 Nov 2024 19:19:21 GMT

Showers of blessing, Showers of blessing we need.

When the world seems to have gone crazy and life feels anxious and sad, it is difficult to feel thankful. As the old hymn goes, “Showers of blessing, Showers of blessing we need; Mercy-drops round us are falling, but for the showers we plead.” However, if we put a bit of thought into it, we will discover we are wading in the blessings we already have.

After my husband passed away, I started to keep a gratitude journal so that sorrow would not carry me away. I still write in it every night before I go to bed. No matter where I am or what is going on in my world, I write in the journal so that I can recognize my blessings. My gratitude journal even went with me on the Wesley Chapel trip to Israel in 2021. There are times when I struggle to find things to be grateful for, but I ALWAYS find something. I try to remember what Jesus said about difficult times, “In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)

1 Thessalonians 5:12-15 gives us guidance on how to find our blessings and how to be a blessing to others. It says we need to appreciate the people around us who work to care for us spiritually or emotionally or physically or in multiple ways. The scripture instructs us to be a blessing to others by living in peace with one another, encouraging the disheartened, helping the weak and being patient with everyone.

I believe that verses 16, 17, and 18 of 1 Thessalonians 5, carry a powerful punch and can be difficult to do at times. “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” There are times that rejoicing is hard, but in those times find even the smallest blessing in which to be grateful. Sometimes we forget to pray, trying to take care of the situation on our own. God wants to support us, so have a discussion with Him. Even in the rough times, there is reason to give thanks to God. The Great I Am wants a relationship with us in good times and bad.

Here are a few thoughts on how to be focused on being thankful all year long. Even if you do not keep a written journal, keep a tally of your blessings every day. Maybe during your prayer time each day, list what you are thankful for and thank God for each item on the list. You will find your list gets longer and longer as you contemplate your blessings. Take time to tell the people around you why you are grateful for them, even if they are on your last nerve. If someone’s behaviors, attitudes or mental health are wearing on your patience, be aware that they probably need your support rather than criticism. Find something to love about everyone you meet, God does. It is not for us to judge for Jesus has directed us to love one another as he has loved us.

This Thanksgiving enjoy wading through the showers of blessings, but appreciate the mercy-drops, as well.

Showing the World You are Fully Committed

Thu, 14 Nov 2024 13:49:54 GMT

When I hear or read these words, my mind automatically starts singing,” Standing on the Promises”. I love to sing, but I am not a singer.

Solomon stood and blessed all the assembly of Israel with a loud voice:

“Blessed be the Lord, who has given rest to His people Israel according to all that He promised; not one word has failed of all His good promises, which He spoke through His servant Moses. The Lord our God be with us, as He was with our ancestors; may He not leave us or abandon us, but incline our hearts to Him, to walk in all His ways, and to keep His commandments, His statutes, His ordinances, which He commanded our ancestors. Let these words of mine, with which I pleaded before the Lord, be near to the Lord our God day and night, and may He maintain the cause of His servant and the cause of His people Israel, as each day requires; so that all the peoples of the earth may know that the Lord is God; there is no other. Therefore, devote yourselves completely to the Lord our God, walking in His statutes and keeping his commandments, as at this day.” 1 Kings 8:56-61 (NRSV)

The Temple is finished! After waiting for 500 years and actual construction of 7 long years, the Temple is finished. What a grand and glorious place that Temple was! God has a permanent home! The Ark of the Covenant has a home! King Solomon invites everyone, Jews and Non- Jews, to a dedication, an “Open House.” Solomon committed himself and all the people to God! He tells us to fully obey the Lord our God and follow all His laws and commands, not just now but in all times! All the people of the World will know that God is THE LORD GOD!

How do we show the world today that we are fully committed to God? That is not an easy question.

When I hear or read these words, my mind automatically starts singing,” Standing on the Promises”. I love to sing, but I am not a singer.

I have been a member of Wesley chapel for a little over two years, and Wesley Chapel is my Home! My husband and I came as refugees as a result of the disaffiliation process. I am honored beyond words to serve Wesley Chapel as the Lay Representative to the Annual Conference! We attend the 8:30 am Service and the Open Hearts Sunday School Class. We live in Harrison County. I grew up in the same Church that Pastor Tony grew up in, Corydon United Methodist Church. Yes, I remember Tony as a young child.

How do I show the world that I am fully committed to God? You will not find me shouting from the rooftop, I can guarantee that. That is not me. That may be you, and if it is, I appreciate you. I will encourage, support, and provide everything you need.

I trust God. Several years ago, after years of balance issues and falling and stumbling, and many bouts of severe vertigo, I was diagnosed with a fluid imbalance in one of my ears. No cure, just medication and diet to lessen some of the symptoms. And there was a brain surgery to clip the balance nerve. It was good, until my other ear became affected. It would have been very easy to be angry at the world and at God. But I was not. My boss listened as I described my condition and modified my work duties to fit my abilities. It was rough on my family as I just could not participate in life as fully as I desired. Each time I have an attack, when I am so dizzy I cannot close my eyes nor can I even keep my eyes open, I know to focus on God. My mind has learned to sing songs! I am able to praise God at the same time I am violently ill. I have learned to sing songs to the rhythm of the tinnitus that I constantly hear. I trust God will see me through.

I have learned to love all people and accept them as they are. I love to encourage other people to become fully who they are. God made me to be me and you to be you. None of us will ever, ever look into the eyes of someone that God does not love. We are all God’s children. A minister once told me that If I do something that hurts another human, then it is not in God’s will.

I have made sacrifices. My life is nowhere near what I had planned. I mean, I was going to marry Elvis Presley! My ear condition took a lot of my physical ability away, and we had a major car wreck a couple of years after my brain surgery. I broke my femur into so many pieces it could not be counted. Learning to walk as a middle-aged adult with a defective balance system is not easy. You will still see me making some “funky moves” to accommodate my balance system. During the physical therapy stage, I learned to say a short one simple sentence prayer with each step. I still say that prayer today when I walk any distance.

The day my daughter was diagnosed with cancer, I could have been extremely angry. It is not fair. That should be me, not my daughter. But my daughter taught me again to be patient, and to be patient with God. There is a lesson here and we just have to get to it. I learned to spend my time in the hospital with her by reading, studying scripture, and praying. I prayed not just for my daughter, but for each of you, for Wesley Chapel, for the staff, for the servants, my mind sang many songs. She is now celebrating one year of being cancer free.

As I said earlier, you will never find me shouting my commitment to God from the rooftop, but you will find me handing out free popcorn at O’Bannon Woods or handing out Free Holiday Food baskets at Harrison County Community Services and participating in several food drives. I have helped pay utility bills. You will find me encouraging “the Last, the Lost, the Least”. You will see me hugging people that need a hug or encouragement. You will see me taking my grocery cart to the cart return. You will occasionally find me leading a class discussion or Bible Study. You will hear me saying, “Excuse me” and “Thank You!” My mind sings many songs to remind me that God is THE LORD GOD, above all.

Just as Solomon claimed God’s promises, so must we. Not only today, but for all time!

Living Out 2 Corinthians 8:5-9

Thu, 07 Nov 2024 14:40:58 GMT

Excelling in Faith, Speech, Knowledge, and Generosity

In 2 Corinthians 8:5-9, the Apostle Paul commends the Macedonian churches for their incredible generosity, praising how they gave not just financially but also through lives devoted to God. Paul’s words highlight a profound truth: living for Christ is about excelling in all aspects of our lives—not just one area. As he writes:

"They gave themselves first of all to the Lord, and then by the will of God also to us... Since you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in the love we have kindled in you—see that you also excel in this grace of giving."

This call to excellence resonates with me deeply. As a young adult, I made the decision to give my life to Christ, and from that day forward, I’ve felt the pull to grow in faith and to extend love, kindness, and generosity to those around me. Excelling in my faith means allowing God’s presence to shape my actions, so I can reflect Christ to others while recognizing that I, too, need more of Him in my life.

This passage encourages all of us to take a closer look at our spiritual journey. Paul’s words invite us to pursue excellence in faith, speech, knowledge, and generosity, aiming to live a balanced life that truly embodies God’s love. Here’s how each of these qualities can shape us.

Faith is the cornerstone of our walk with God. The Macedonian believers didn’t just hold their faith privately; they lived it boldly, even in hardship. Real faith moves us beyond mere belief into action, motivating us to be present and engaged in a world that needs hope.

To excel in faith, we must seek a deeper relationship with God. This means making time for daily prayer, studying scripture, and choosing to trust God’s promises, even when life feels uncertain. Faith isn’t just about personal growth; it empowers us to support and uplift others, helping us to share the hope we find in Christ.

Our words have the ability to inspire, encourage, and guide. Paul urges us to excel in speech, challenging us to think about how we communicate God’s love and truth. In each conversation, whether we’re teaching, comforting, or simply connecting, our words can serve as a channel for God’s grace.

Are our words building others up? Are we reflecting God’s love in how we communicate? To excel in speech means to speak with integrity, kindness, and wisdom. This includes both the words we choose and the tone we use. By intentionally speaking life, we can help draw others closer to God.

Biblical knowledge is more than memorizing verses; it’s about gaining a deeper understanding and wisdom that helps us live with purpose and discernment. Paul encourages us to grow in knowledge, which strengthens our faith and helps us navigate life’s complexities.

To excel in knowledge, we need to invest time in studying scripture and applying it in our lives. A solid foundation in God’s Word equips us with the wisdom to face life’s challenges and to discern truth in a world filled with conflicting messages. As we grow in understanding, we’re better able to guide others, respond thoughtfully, and serve with clarity.

Generosity, as Paul describes it, goes beyond financial giving. He highlights how the Macedonians gave joyfully and abundantly, even in the face of poverty. This kind of generosity flows from a heart that is deeply grateful and willing to share time, talents, and resources.

To excel in generosity, we must adopt a mindset of abundance, recognizing that everything we have is a gift from God. This generosity reflects God’s grace and opens doors for others to experience His love. When we give freely, we align ourselves with God’s heart, becoming conduits of His blessings in a world that needs compassion and kindness.

Excelling in faith, speech, knowledge, and generosity isn’t about achieving perfection—it’s about a journey of growth and commitment. Each of these areas strengthens the others, building a balanced, impactful spiritual life that reflects God’s love in a broken world.

Serving in the Dominican Republic

Wed, 21 Aug 2024 14:42:53 GMT

Serving the most vulnerable.

Greetings Wesley Chapel,

I’m Martha Loomis, a former member of Wesley Chapel for 8 years. In June of 2021, I had the opportunity to travel with a WC team to the Dominican Republic and saw firsthand the incredible work Project Mañana is doing. It was an impactful experience for me. At the end of 2021, my family moved to Florida for my husband's job.

After moving, I was invited to join the Wesley Chapel team for the summer 2024 trip. I was thrilled to say “yes” and agreed to bring my oldest son, Harrison. I was excited to have this time with my son and to see how this experience would have an impact on his life. My experience is difficult to express because I not only saw how the Project Mañana ministry is creating better tomorrows through their various programs, but I also witnessed my son see God work. A memory that has been imprinted on my heart was from the day that we took water filters into a town that had no running water. It was visually overwhelming to see the lack of resources the community of Cienfuegos has and to have my son accompany me.

Here is Harrison’s story: On July 16, 2024, my mom and I went to the Dominican Republic on a mission trip. I’m 13 years old and did not really know what to expect. As a team, we worked serving God and the people in the towns of San Pablo and Cienfuegos. Over the course of the week, our team took part in helping build a house, we gave out water filters, and had a fun VBS program. This trip changed my life for the better and changed my perspectives on several things: water, Wi-Fi, money, food, transportation, school, and many other things.

The most unforgettable day I've ever experienced was the water filtration day. That day, we gave people clean water for 10 YEARS by simply giving them a water filter! We prepared for this by decorating 5-gallon buckets with Bible verses. Once we were finished, we walked in groups to a few houses to give out the water filters. I had been learning Spanish for this trip and I was able to speak with a young mother who was holding her baby. I explained to her how to take care of her filter and how often to clean it. I explained to her that we are just like the dirty water that goes into the bucket, but Jesus is like the filter, He cleans us of our sins. That changed my attitude about the whole trip. After we walked away from her house, I broke down. I was so overwhelmed that a simple filter would change her life and keep her kids healthy.

If you are thinking of supporting a Christian organization, Project Mañana is a great place to start! They offer child sponsorship opportunities and provide desperately needed services to the most vulnerable in the Dominican Republic. Wesley Chapel is a mission partner and will be returning to serve in the Dominican Republic in the summer of 2025. We hope that you consider serving!

With Love,

Martha & Harrison Loomis

Igniting Our Faith

Wed, 03 Jul 2024 14:39:52 GMT

Deepening your faith with Christ alone.

When Wayne and I were young adults, we were attending a church with a class of 40 young adults. It was a small church, and we were a close group of friends and family. We had babies together and our young children grew up together. We grew spiritually during those days because of our Bible studies and group times together with one another. After about 10 years, people started to move away, some changed churches and we found ourselves with a much smaller group at the church. As with many churches, that little church went through some difficult times. Wayne and I found ourselves feeling like people had deserted us and we felt rejected (even though we never were alone). Those were days that we considered “in the valley” not on the mountaintop. We found ourselves having to exercise our faith and seek counsel from the Lord on our own. We were determined not to listen to everyone else, because we knew the Lord was working in each person and family to meet their needs and place them

where He wanted them to be at that time. We found that hard times such as those were moments of exercising our faith. That seemed to be the place where we grow the most spiritually.

This must have been how the disciples felt in Mark 9:23-25. Prior to this passage, Jesus was on the Mount of Transfiguration with three of his closest followers, Peter, James and John. The other nine disciples were left behind to do the work that Jesus called them to do. The nine were trying to cast out a demon in a boy, but it did not work. The scribes who were standing by watched them fail. Of course, the scribes criticized the disciples and probably even made fun of them because they were trying to do something outside of their power. Jesus came along and talked with the father of the boy. The father showed faith, at least enough for Jesus to do the impossible. Jesus acted a little disgusted with the nine because they did not exercise their faith. Jesus said that this type of demon could only be called out by prayer. Evidently, the nine were trying

to cast out a demon on their own power not with God’s power. It could possibly be they had not prayed or done the work to be in a close relationship with God prior to this happening. Possibly the nine had depended on their fellow “leader disciples” and not stepped out in faith on their own. Maybe the nine would have been more successful with the disciple trio of Peter, James and John. I don’t know, but there may be several speculations as to what this all meant.

I think sometimes Jesus puts us in situations where we must exercise more faith, without the help of someone walking along side of us. He has given us the resources to activate his power and love, but we have to step out and reach forward for more faith. We might think we have faith, but is it enough for the work of God’s kingdom to be done here on earth?

Sometimes, like Wayne and I in that small church several years ago, we have to get out of our comfort zone and reach for new heights in our faith development. When we walk through the hard times, leaning on Jesus and His Word, in prayer and obedience, we can walk out in faith and find ourselves in a whole new world of growth within ourselves that we never even dreamed could happen. What would happen at Wesley Chapel if every one of us would spend time with the Lord, attend worship,

and seek growth in our faith as individuals? Just think how an “ignited congregation of believers” could be in a community when we come back together on Sunday mornings and Wednesday evenings after exerting our faith through the week!

The Power of Threes

Thu, 27 Jun 2024 15:09:26 GMT

Sin, suffering, and sanctification in the life of a Christian.

Recently, as I studied to teach my Sunday school class, it occurred to me that I have been learning some lessons in threes. I was looking at sin, suffering, and sanctification in the life of a Christian……ahhhh those all begin with an “S” I thought, but maybe more importantly than that, all bring us closer to Christ. Let me explain……

When we give our lives to Christ and accept Him as Savior, we are saved from the power sin has over our lives, but we still sin. Because we have the Holy Spirit we cannot just flippantly live in sin. The Spirit convicts us that we are not living in righteousness and if we are obedient, we eventually lean into our relationship with Christ and confess our sin. Sin in this way leads us back to Jesus and a reliance on Him to keep us from sinning. In this way we grow closer to Him as we rely on Him. How has your sin brought you closer to Christ?

Suffering……suffering is a hard one to swallow for me. Suffering is great in our world right now. Some people suffer because of the decisions they make, and some people suffer because of a decision someone else makes and some people suffer for no explanation other than we live in a broken messed up world. Seeing someone suffer is hard and suffering ourselves is hard, but as I study the book of Acts, I realize that suffering was what God used to bring those into a closer relationship with Him. It seemed to solidify their resolve to Praise Him in all circumstances (Psalm 34:1, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18). In what ways has your suffering or the suffering of someone you know brought you closer to Christ?

Sanctification is a process where believers become more like Christ. Our thoughts, words and actions reflect His character. It is the work of the Holy Spirit to help us grow in maturity and reflect more of His image. I will stress it’s a process. I will also say my sanctification will not look the same as yours, basically because we all are individuals and have different lives, obstacles of sin to overcome and sufferings we go through. The irony of it for me is that God uses our sins and sufferings to grow our faith and become more like Jesus (sanctification). Sometimes I am better at this and cooperate with The Spirit and sometimes I grow dragging my feet kicking and screaming. How has God used your sin and sufferings to sanctify you more to be like Jesus?

I honestly do not know a single person at this moment in history that isn’t facing an obstacle. My prayer list for my friends and family is huge. God never promised an easy path. In fact there is much to say about trials (John 16:33, 2 Corinthians 4:6-10, 1 Peter 4:6-10, James 1:2-4, 1 Thessalonians 5:18). What He did promise though was His Peace, His Power, and His Presence through our trials and sufferings.

May we all experience His supernatural Peace, Power, and Presence as we grow to be more like Him.

Matthew's Party

Thu, 30 May 2024 16:36:02 GMT

Celebrating Jesus!

Jesus knew what they were thinking and asked, “Why are you thinking these things in your hearts? Which is easier: to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up and walk’? But I want you to know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins.” So he said to the paralyzed man, “I tell you, get up, take your mat and go home.” Immediately he stood up in front of them, took what he had been lying on and went home praising God. Everyone was amazed and gave praise to God. They were filled with awe and said, “We have seen remarkable things today.” After this, Jesus went out and saw a tax collector by the name of Levi sitting at his tax booth. “Follow me,” Jesus said to him, and Levi got up, left everything and followed him. Then Levi held a great banquet for Jesus at his house, and a large crowd of tax collectors and others were eating with them. But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law who belonged to their sect complained to his disciples, “Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?” Jesus answered them, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.”

Luke 5:22-32

In the above verses, Jesus was doing and saying things that confounded the Jewish leaders and Pharisees, but made other people marvel and want to follow Him.

So come on, if you know of a lifelong paralyzed man who was healed by Jesus, you just might be a little bit curious and follow this guy around for a while! And now He’s saying He can forgive sins, too? What? The people in the crowd tell you, “Oh, this isn’t His first miracle. The other day, we saw the fishermen having trouble with their catch. Jesus sent them back out and they returned with so many fish, their nets were breaking! And then later on in the week, He completely healed a leper. You would not believe the number of people that He has healed!”

Jesus was starting to draw large crowds and the Jewish leaders and the Pharisees were getting concerned. This man, Jesus, was breaking all of the rules!

Then the hated tax collector, Levi (later named Matthew), was asked by Jesus to follow Him. Matthew, being a wealthy man, decided to hold a big party for Jesus. In attendance with Jesus were more fellow tax collectors and sinners. What is Jesus thinking? Again, very unacceptable behavior from the leaders’ standpoint and considered shocking by his own Jewish people.

While we’re not known to throw big banquets, my husband, Steve, and I like to entertain. We usually invite family, friends, or members of our Sunday school class. Among them are some quirky personalities, some more liked than others, and frankly, when it comes to family (especially) – just tolerated. We like to think that we leave no one out just because they are different than us, but do we?

Jesus excluded no one, recognizing that His mission was to heal the sick, whether physically, mentally, or spiritually ill. So He partied with the tax collectors and the sinners, and physically touched those who were considered untouchable.

These scripture verses challenge us. How much do we avoid the untouchables in our lives – choosing to look away from or ignore the homeless, staying in our comfort zones, avoiding the difficult family members, or choosing the easiest route?

Who do we invite to our parties, allow into our lives, and make an effort to know? If we choose to participate in and be worthy of Jesus’ Great Banquet, it is imperative that we understand and accept that ALL are invited and NO ONE is excluded.

Struggling Young Adults

Thu, 16 May 2024 15:21:02 GMT

There is a lot of pressure on young adults these days.

This blog is for young adults who are struggling in finding strength in their faith. As a new young adult, there is so much going on in this world that puts a lot of pressure on us. Struggling to be on our own, ideals society is pushing on us, school, and just figuring out what we need to do to support ourselves.

There are people who are older than us telling us what to believe and when we begin to form our own opinions, they tell us we are too young to understand. Another person who is constantly telling us we are wrong is Satan. We are at the perfect age for him to attack us and make us believe that we know nothing about our relationship with God. However, we have an awesome God who has thought of everything and has provided scripture just for this moment. In 1 Timothy 4:12, it says, “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.” As young Christians, it is our job to gather our peers and help guide each other through this trying time.

God has made a path for us to follow, and we will find obstacles along the way, but we can lean on God and one another as an anchor. Now, we may think we have it the worst as a young adult in this day and age, but I can think of one young adult who takes the cake. Jesus! We may not get along with our parents all the time, but at least they never made us die on a cross for a bunch of sinners. He was hung on a cross to die for us so that future young adults would have the ability to openly talk about what he has done for us. That's the beauty in all of this. The hard part is over. Now all we have to do is spread the good news of our risen King and ignore what anyone else says. Our God created us to set examples for others.

My hope for this blog is that it inspires you to go out into the world and shine your light for God. It’s what he intended you and me to do. So, even if the world says we're too young, God says we are the chosen people to help lead the world back to him.

The Adventures of a Greeter at Wesley Chapel

Thu, 02 May 2024 15:50:58 GMT

We may be entertaining angels.

Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares (Hebrews 13:2).

Hebrews 13:2 conjures a beautiful image of what the adventures by the Wesley Chapel greeters could entail. The verse focuses on being hospitable to strangers, but our Team also shows hospitality to everyone who walks through Wesley Chapel’s doors. Each person I speak to is as much a blessing to me as I hope I am to them. I believe all of our Hospitality Team believes that they are blessed to show what a hospitable church Wesley Chapel is.

I was curious about what kind of adventures other members of the Hospitality Team have experienced and so reached out to the Team to ask them for stories that were impactful or funny. Two sweet servants shared stories with me that I want to share with you.

Pat Peterson assumed the big job of being Lead Greeter for two services on the fourth Sunday of the month. However, she has been a marvelous greeter way before she became a Lead Greeter. She laughs about how there is a “gigantic picture” of her greeting that hangs on the wall at church. I told her she is the poster child for the Wesley Chapel greeters.

Janis Banet shared both an impactful story and a light-hearted story of being a greeter. Janis says, “I truly love being a greeter at Wesley Chapel. Not only have I worked with many wonderful people but I have been blessed to have made some amazing friendships. I notice the more I serve and volunteer, the larger my church family grows. I do regret that I didn’t become an active member and volunteer at Wesley earlier in my lifetime.” Janis also said that even if she addresses someone by the wrong name or can’t remember their name, most times they both will laugh and the person will tell her their name again. “And just like that, I have made another new friend.”

When I was looking for a church several years ago, I visited a couple of churches before coming to Wesley Chapel. I attended one Sunday and knew immediately that this was the church for me. Ted greeted me the moment I arrived and everyone I encountered made me feel like I belonged. I hadn’t been attending for very long when Pastor Tony asked me to participate in the discussion group that was considering what Wesley Chapel’s stated Core Values should be. Being included in important decisions and being invited to socialize with others in our church affirms how much we, and ultimately Jesus, want to have a relationship with everyone who enters our campus.

Even if you are not officially a greeter, you are part of the Hospitality Team. It takes all of us to make people feel welcome and wanted. In order to make disciples of Jesus Christ, we must be kind to everyone we encounter. Just as the writer of Hebrews pointed out, when we show hospitality to others, we may be entertaining angels.

Raising an Elementary-aged Child

Thu, 11 Apr 2024 16:47:59 GMT

A wonderful adventure.

Maybe you remember those years fondly from having raised kids yourself, or maybe you are looking forward in anticipation to becoming a parent, or getting past the bottle phase. Perhaps you are currently in the throes of it yourself.

Our experience raising elementary school-age children has been fun, challenging, difficult, rewarding, educational, exciting, terrifying, and more. Maybe a more direct way to sum it up would be to say it has been dynamic. I don’t know exactly when it happens, maybe when the personality starts to emerge, that parenting gets really exciting. For a dad, it is likely much different than a mom. I didn’t feel like I had much of an influence or impact until we were able to communicate. Asking and answering questions has been an enjoyable part. I feel that we have grown together to some degree. Celebrating success with them has been a wonderful blessing.

Officially, Kindergarten marks the beginning of this era of discovery, and Kindergarten is a big step for a developing person. We start to form relationships outside the home with friends and teachers. We are exploring the world around us, and everything is new. It is an exciting season of life! As we grow, we change. It is perhaps a default of our human tendencies for us to want to set a plan into motion and just hit the cruise control. Parenting is one such task that does not afford the luxury of a repeatable solution or standard operating procedures. Dynamic. Yes, that word again. It means that there really isn’t a quick, easy, repeatable solution to parenting. It requires constant iteration. A nebulous concept. It is tiring. What you did today may work, but it may not tomorrow. Knowing it is not an easy task may make it seem like it is not worth doing, but the truth is exactly the opposite. Caring for, raising, nurturing and guiding a child in the ways of God is the single most important and rewarding job on this earth, period. No pressure, right?

I am not sure where we would be, or how we would stack up parenting wise, but we are certain of one thing. This job of raising elementary-age children is not something that anyone is equipped to do based on their own ability. Maybe a select few have amazing gifts that equip them, but the majority of us are working at it and praying about it diligently. We have all seen the horrors of what can happen when parenting is attempted without God’s provision or a network of support. Tragic things that don’t even bear repeating. The evidence is clear, it is essential to have a strong faith relationship with God, and the counsel/support of others, in order to persevere and thrive in the midst of this season of life.

According to WebMD, here are a few of the symptoms of parental burnout:

Limited tolerance (shorter temper)
Brain fog/Confusion
Forgetfulness
Increased stress levels
Depression
Feelings of isolation
Poor sleep

I wonder how many thought “all of the above.” I feel that. Below, you will find some scripture references dealing with these symptoms. This is NOT in any way intended to replace an actual medical or professional diagnosis or treatment. These are strictly scripture references which may bring you comfort in your struggles.

Limited tolerance (shorter temper)

o Ephesians 4:26-27

o Psalm 37:8

o James 1:19-20

o Romans 12:21

Brain fog/Confusion

o 1 Corinthians 14:33

o 2 Corinthians 11:3

o 2 Thessalonians 2:11

o 2 Peter 2:3

Forgetfulness

o Jeremiah 2:32

o John 14:26

Increased stress levels

o Philippians 4:6-7

Depression

o 1 Peter 5:7

o John 16:33

o Psalm 40:1-3

o Psalm 42:11

o Isaiah 41:10

Feelings of isolation

o 1 Corinthians 12:14

o Psalm 34:17-20

o 1 Corinthians 12:12

o Joshua 1:5

Poor sleep

Trusting in God, and his provision for your life, making him the center of your family, and the motivation for what and how you parent, might be some of the few things you have real control over. Focusing on Him and worrying less could be a powerful tool. We are also all here to be a blessing to each other. There are a great many things a man can do in this world that bring satisfaction, but watching our children grow and develop has been the single greatest joy of my life. It’s a tough thing that is totally worth the effort. If you are parenting elementary-age kiddos, in the words of Red Green, “keep your stick on the ice; we are all in this together, and I’m pulling for ya!”

Becoming a Mom

Thu, 04 Apr 2024 13:24:45 GMT

A new adventure.

From morning snuggles, the giggles, the open-mouthed kisses, the small hands reaching up for hugs, and saying the word “momma” in a small voice to the tears and screams of hunger or accidental head bumps or frustration because he can’t stand on his own, motherhood is a day-to-day challenge, but so rewarding. Being a first-time mom has shown me how strong I am as a woman and has made me stop and enjoy the small moments.

The day we brought our son home was scary. Having to care for this little one who could not tell us why he was upset was hard, and we sometimes had to guess. Throughout the day, I found myself just taking it all in - from watching him breathe to his little baby stretches. The days became easier as I watched him grow and learn, which helped me learn his needs, wants and routine. I figured out what worked for him and what gave me sleep - yes, sleep! The kitchen may have been a mess and a half, but when he slept, I slept.

As with many other moms, postpartum hit me hard. I felt as if I were not enough, and worried about something happening to him or my husband. So, my husband stepped up even more to help me through the difficult times. We worked as a team to care for our son. My husband saw my frustration or my "nervous breakdowns," and he stepped in to calm me and give me a moment to myself. He had to learn to navigate my “new emotions,” as well as life with a new baby. This made me even more emotional because I thought I was adding more stress on him. Instead, it strengthened our marriage and gave us the opportunity to learn to know each other all over again.

My prayer life became stronger and more frequent. I could not settle my fears and anxiety, so I sought my strongest constant. I prayed over my baby, my home, myself, and my husband. I even prayed over my dogs because they were stressing me out with all their care and concern for their crying new baby brother. I had to pray to stay grounded or I would burst into tears and just sit in the middle of the kitchen while my baby cried, too. It was a mess at times, but these were much-needed moments.

Within my prayers, I found my Tribe. God blessed me with people who helped me navigate the fears, the anxiety, and take care of myself so I could take care of my son. God brought me people who loved on me with bringing food or bringing me things for the baby or just to sit and talk with me for a while. God knew I needed help. Growing up, I was one to NEVER ask for help. I thought I could do everything. God showed me it’s okay to ask for help. The world is busy, we can’t do it all or we won't survive, so God brought me my people. And some of those people have kids who my son gets to grow up with and create his own Tribe.

We are reaching our son's 1st birthday. To see our son crawling, babbling with a few words, or watch his personality shine, I’m reminded we are doing something right. The fears and anxieties are still there from time to time, yet I'm full of joy that we have been chosen to raise this precious miracle. The smiles and giggles I get when he sees me come through the door to pick him up after I get off work fills my heart with a love and joy I have never experienced. I realize all the tears and emotions were worth it to be where we are today and seeing him thrive at such a young age.

I pray often for his future. I pray God stays at the center, for the man he will become, for the life God guides him to live, to the friends he will have and everything in between. The world is not the same as it was when I was little, so I pray God makes Himself present and guides him to a life worthy of Christ. Sometimes, thinking of the future hurts this momma's heart, but then I’m reminded it’s my job to raise him. I get the privilege and honor. Wow! It’s something I never thought would happen for me and yet here I am. God is sooooo good and faithful.

I’m so proud of us and myself. From the sleepless nights to the screaming teething moments, to the laughs of watching him play and enjoy life, we are all growing and learning while enjoying the life we are blessed with and creating one memory at a time.

He is risen! He is risen, indeed!

Wed, 27 Mar 2024 17:07:21 GMT

Easter has always been a special time for me and my family.

I was asked to reflect on my Easter memories at Wesley Chapel. Of course, my most recent memories included the Egg Hunt (the true fastest two minutes in sports), Palm Sunday with the children singing and waving palm branches, Good Friday services and their sullen atmosphere, and Easter morning with its excitement and joy. I think my most recent memories are more child-centered because of my own children and seeing the excitement and joy on their faces as they celebrate our risen Savior.

Thinking back through the years, I remember getting dressed up in frilly dresses with ruffled socks and shiny white shoes (sometimes even a fun hat) in anticipation of heading off to church to celebrate our risen Savior with my wonderful family. I remember Sunday School teachers hiding eggs in the downstairs classrooms or on the front lawn at our State Street home, doing so many fun activities to teach us about the resurrection. I remember the beautiful hymns we would sing and the pure joy that you could see on each and every face. But mostly, I remember the PEOPLE of Wesley Chapel.

There has been a member of the Snelling family (my family) in Wesley Chapel since the late 1940s/early 1950s (my grandparents officially joined in 1950). I’ve never known an Easter that wasn’t celebrated with my Wesley Chapel family, and those memories are priceless to me. I can still hear the wonderful preaching of John Thrasher and the booming voice of Don Baldwin accompanied by his wonderful wife, Judy. The Easter hymns they would sing were, and always will be, my favorites. Reverend Amerson always had a piece of gum and a hug to give. I could look down the rows and see my family with smiles on their faces and so much joy. It wasn’t just the joy of being together, but the joy of knowing that even though we couldn’t be together forever on this Earth, we WILL be together forever in heaven.

You see, Easter is more than just a story in the Bible. It is our HOPE for our future beyond this life. We have all seen hard times. Wesley Chapel has seen hard times. But the one thing that we all can find hope in is that Christ is risen and we have the HOPE of eternal life, no matter what our circumstances may be. Christ is Lord and He is risen indeed! Happy Easter to my Wesley Chapel family!

Overcoming

Thu, 14 Mar 2024 13:15:30 GMT

God is with you.

Jesus was no stranger to abuse leading up to His crucifixtion - He was spit at, blindfolded, struck with fists, beaten, scourged, and nailed to a wooden cross. I don’t think any of us can imagine the physical and emotional pain He felt. He was innocent and suffered on our behalf.

The word “abuse” is an ugly word. And most victims of abuse are innocent. I suffered abuse by an ex-husband. He was verbally abusive and right before I left him, he was physically abusive. Verbal/emotional abuse is where someone uses words or behaviors to manipulate, intimidate, and maintain power and control over someone. These include insults, humiliation and ridicule, and attempts to scare, isolate, and control. I experienced all of those.

I had low self-esteem when I married my ex-husband, and I think low self-esteem causes some of us to make bad choices in relationships. He was an alcoholic, but I thought I could “change” him. We were married 5-1/2 years and had a daughter together. In the beginning, things weren’t that bad, but as time went on, his drinking increased and the verbal abuse increased. I stayed in the marriage because of our daughter. His abuse finally escalated into physical abuse, and that’s when I knew that I had to get out. I left him that very night, and my daughter was not quite 3 years old. I had nowhere to live and we left with only the clothes on our backs. We were able to stay with my sister and her husband for 3 weeks until I was able to rent an apartment.

I know without a doubt that God was protecting my daughter and me. I sought spiritual counseling with a pastor, and my daughter and I started regularly attending Wesley Chapel. All I ever wanted was a family, so deciding to divorce was very hard for me. I felt like I was committing a sin by divorcing, but the pastor told me that God would not expect me to stay in an abusive relationship to the detriment of my daughter and myself. Looking back, I know I made the right decision, and I wouldn’t be where I am today in my faith journey if I hadn’t gone through these hard times.

The abuse did not break me, and I always knew deep inside that I didn’t deserve to be treated this way. but it did leave invisible scars. As a result of the verbal abuse, I have always been very aware of people’s feelings and have never intentionally said anything that would be demeaning or hurtful to anyone. I am very sensitive, and there are times when my feelings get hurt if someone is unkind to me. I just have to remind myself that God sees my worth as His child, and in order to be Christlike, I’ve got to forgive those who have hurt me and move on.

It was a slow process for me to be able to forgive my ex-husband, but I was able to finally do it, with God’s help, and we had a civil relationship until his death in 2002 (he was 49 years old).

As I’ve gotten older (and hopefully wiser), I’m quick to forgive. I thank God for His protection, for turning my pain into joy, and for never leaving me nor forsaking me. My trials, then and now, have always drawn me closer to God, and I’m so grateful that He took my brokenness and made something beautiful of my life. My daughter is now 41 years old and has her own family, and God blessed me with a godly husband 20 years ago. God delivered me from this abuse, and He made my pain and suffering serve His purpose. I give all glory, honor, and praise to God!

God Does Not Desert Us

Thu, 07 Mar 2024 14:16:08 GMT

He will provide a way to restore our relationships.

There was never any doubt our parents loved us. They married at 18 and 19 and started having kids. They were just kids raising kids, doing the best they could.

I have two younger brothers. We are each two years apart. I’m sure we would have been labeled ADHD if we’d been tested back then.

Ours was a happy home, but there were times of stress like any family goes through. Dad’s jobs were always feast or famine, and his mood followed the income. It was not a complete surprise in 1983 when our parents told us they were going to divorce. They waited until my youngest brother went off to college. It was not an amicable divorce, and it created a huge rift between dad and we three boys. My favorite story was going with mom to the courthouse to meet with the lawyers. Dad got there early and cancelled the meeting, all pre-cell phones of course, so we didn’t know. He just walked down the back stairs as we were walking up the front stairs. He took mom’s car, stranding us there. Why not? The car was titled in his name. Just one of several interesting stories that widened the gap between his sons and added to mom’s hatred.

One more story before we make the final turn and head down the final stretch.

Dad decides there is nothing left for him in Indiana and heads to Tennessee. Dad finds the Lord, stops drinking, stops smoking, starts walking, and he finds a girl my age, marries, and has three more kids.

Abandoned? Because our parents divorced after we all moved out of the house, we would never say we grew up a product of divorce. But no matter what the age, a divorce can be like a death in the family. I lost my dad. We stopped speaking after the car incident in 1983. It certainly leaves a hole. I was not surprised by the maturity level of dad’s stunts, but he was my dad, and he was not a perfect human being, and neither was mom, nor am I. How do you honor your father after all that?

…but God…

Five years later, our new church family, Wesley Chapel, invited me and Nancy to experience the Emmaus Walk, Louisville 10/11, in 1988. Another member of the congregation was part of my table group. During one our intense discussion times, he shared the struggle and loss of relationship with his son. He broke down in tears because he had not heard a word from his son in 25 years. His heart was broken, and it was just what I needed to hear. I didn’t want to live another 20 years with a broken relationship with my dad.

So, I called him. Sometimes we need to make the effort even if it isn’t received or isn’t perfect. Dad was pretty much still dad, but I knew I needed to reach out to him and try to mend the fence. I would call him off and on after that. My brothers did the same. One brother talked to dad every day after that until the day dad died. The other brother called occasionally and actually visited him in Tennessee once in the hospital before he died. It wasn’t Disney happily ever after, but it was a working relationship and sometimes that’s enough.

We may be abandoned, rejected, or just neglected, but God will never desert us nor forsake us, and maybe God will provide a way to deal with, perhaps even restore, our relationships.

So Long Grinch-Like Attitude

Thu, 28 Dec 2023 17:18:12 GMT

I have dreaded the Christmas season.

In the middle of November, Gina asked me to write a blog for the week between Christmas and New Year’s. She said it didn’t have to be about the holidays and suggested it be lighthearted and fun. I responded that it wouldn’t be about the holidays because of my Grinch-like attitude but I would keep it lighthearted and fun. However, this blog IS going to be about the holidays and it’s not particularly lighthearted and fun. Sorry, Gina.

Probably for the past seven years, I have dreaded the Christmas season, and in December 2020, any Christmas spirit I had was evaporated. My sweet mother passed away from COVID on December 7, 2020. Since that year, I have been almost proud of my anti-holiday attitude. That all changed right before Thanksgiving this year. There is a lady, Carol, who I work with at the Charlestown Library, and she is a Christmas fanatic. She had already purchased gifts for Christmas 2024 in November 2023. As Mrs. Santa Claus, she visits children, the elderly and others. Admittedly, I kidded her about her enthusiasm. Then one day as I was stating that I really don’t like the holidays and would be happy to skip on to the middle of January, Carol shared something that changed everything for me. I had said that there are people I miss during the holidays and it makes me sad. Carol told me that several years ago, she lost her mother right before Christmas. Carol acknowledged that she could have decided not to celebrate that year, but that she wanted to enjoy Christmas in memory of her mother. Her mom was as much a Christmas fanatic as Carol is now. Carol’s mom would never want her to dislike the holidays.

Those comments lingered on my mind for many days to come, and I realized that my mom wouldn’t want me to dislike the holidays either. She grew up in a household that didn’t really acknowledge Christmas. Mom’s grandmother passed away on Christmas Day just months before my mother was born. Mom was determined that her daughter would have joyous, happy Christmases. My late husband, Steve, wouldn’t want me to use him as an excuse to dislike the holidays either. Even when he was very ill with ALS, he was so happy to have family over on Christmas and enjoy the day despite his limitations.

I realized that God had used my co-worker as a tool to give me back the love of Christmas. Me resenting the holidays because I have loved ones in Heaven was causing my daughters to dread Christmas. I was cheating them out of understanding the importance of the birth of Jesus. Yes, being with loved ones is wonderful and all the memories can be joyful, but these reasons aren’t the most important part of this precious time of the year. The girls (actually grown women) and I sat down to discuss my behavior and the regret and guilt I felt because of my attitude. After a good cry, we started our preparations for the Season.

This year, Jesus put the true spirit of Christmas in my heart. He used Carol, my daughters, and the memories of my mother and Steve to give me the most joyful and enjoyable Christmas I have had in years. The infant Jesus came to Earth to become a man who showed us that He understands our trials. He saved us and opened the Gates of Heaven to us and our loved ones. Sometimes our memories will make us sad because we miss Christmases past. However, those memories will also warm our hearts and allow us to anticipate seeing those who have gone before us to live with Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.

My prayer for this new year is that everyone who is grieving, ill, and lonely will find peace by knowing Jesus, who loves all. I also pray that God will use the Wesley Chapel family as a tool to comfort, heal, and befriend many in the coming year.

Christmas Faith

Thu, 21 Dec 2023 15:06:38 GMT

All because of a baby

Easter and Christmas, the two most revered holidays of the Christian faith, have taken on a special meaning for me this year. Tony and I found out on Easter weekend that we were going to be first-time grandparents with an Easter basket filled with a sonogram, a grandma mug, grandpa socks, and a package of gummy bears, because that was the size of the baby growing inside Rachel. Tony affectionately started calling him Gummy Bear. This Christmas, Gummy Bear will be the most sought-after gift when we gather for Christmas. He will be passed around more than the mashed potatoes!

People always told me to just wait; grandparenting is different than parenting. I really didn’t understand what that meant because I love my kids, and as hard as parenting is, I love being their parent. Maybe because birthing a child is super hard work and by the time your child is placed in your arms, after two days of labor and all that hard work, you are too exhausted for giddiness. But a grandchild’s first hold is different. There is something amazing when they are placed in your arms. My first chance at holding Seijo came four days after his birth, because of unexpected complications and two different NICUs. I was overwhelmed…with relief that he was okay, awe that this tiny human was here, and love…I was overwhelmed with love. It really was how people described it. It was a holy and spiritual moment, and I cried like a baby. My swollen eyes in the picture are proof.

In the past two months since his birth, I remembered a phenomenon that Tony and I experienced with the birth of our own five children. Each birth coincided with significant spiritual growth in our personal lives. They didn’t come when things were perfect or at the “right” time. Spiritual growth is often won through different kinds of labor pains…loss, grief, change, heartache, spiritual renewal, wisdom, a new understanding…. Those are the ways we have grown, and we always had a child during all of it. Seijo has come into my life after a period of spiritual growth. The death of a close friend, knee replacements, a pandemic, mental health struggles in my family and a church split…some of the hardest times in a short period that I have ever personally experienced. There was a time, not long ago, that I dreaded coming to worship. Not now. The overwhelming presence of Christ meets me when I enter Wesley Chapel for worship. Gracious people greet me, and I feel like I belong to the body of Christ in a way not ever experienced in my past 13 years here. Worship is unpretentious and authentic for me. So many amazing and God-driven things are happening at Wesley Chapel. This past Sunday’s children’s program is testimony to this. This spiritual awakening has coincided with having the most beautiful grandson placed in my arms. My heart is full.

As this time of advent comes to a close, may we all remember it was a baby placed into the arms of humanity that gives us the reason to celebrate this Christmas. My prayer for you is that you experience the peace, love, joy, and hope that only Christ can give. Merry Christmas and Christ’s love to all.

Feels Like Home

Wed, 13 Dec 2023 16:45:47 GMT

Our community should feel like home.

In November of 2014, I attended a Great Banquet women’s retreat. Right after I returned home, my family and I went “church shopping.” Our first stop also became our last. Having been away from church for nearly 20 years, my family and I were anxious, to say the least. But I remember there were friendly people greeting us as we entered the building and the greeters who gave us bulletins were very friendly, but not overbearing, pushy or too touchy-feely. The facility was beautiful. The minister was energetic and educated us about the scripture reading for the day. I also appreciated the way he applied the scripture to everyday life. All four of us agreed that the atmosphere felt relaxed and welcoming. When I’m asked why we chose to attend Wesley Chapel, I say, “it felt like home.” I use the phrase “felt like home” to describe places where I feel comfortable. Baptist Health Floyd is my hospital of choice because I’m most comfortable there; “it feels like home.”

Hopefully our homes become a part of a larger community. In actuality, we all belong to several different communities. We belong to neighborhoods, schools, places of work, organizations, churches, and I’m sure I’m forgetting many others. Webster’s Dictionary defines community as 1) a group of people living in the same place or having a particular characteristic in common, and 2) a feeling of fellowship with others, as a result of sharing common attitudes, interests, and goals. The dictionary also lists the following words as synonyms: group, section, body, company, set, circle, clique, and coterie. Well, I had never seen or heard the word coterie before, but we did indeed become part of the Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church community.

I wondered what the Bible had to say about community, so I did a little research. The first community found in the Old Testament began with God and Adam in the Garden of Eden. Eve was later added to become Adam’s companion in this perfect environment, but as we know, sin entered in and perfection was destroyed. The early church consisted of small community groups of believers holding church in their homes. In Luke 10:25-37, Jesus taught about being a good neighbor in the well-known parable of the “Good Samaritan.” Although the purpose of Jesus telling the parable was to illustrate mercy to a self-righteous Pharisee, He also pictured community in action, reaching out to a neighbor in distress. Jesus said, “By this, everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another,” (John 13:35). Love is meant to be the hallmark of the Christian community.

As Christians, the church (our church) is more than just a place to pray and worship. The church is a place to learn and teach. It’s a place to see Christ in others as we love and accept one another. We’re stronger when we are together encouraging each other. Our church is a place to serve each other, our church, community, nation, and world. We are also a source of guidance and accountability for each other. We should also be witnesses of God’s power and presence to the world through our character and actions. And we are all ambassadors of God’s love. We are to take God’s compassion and healing power into our broken world. We all need to ponder how we are contributing to these components of our church.

I envision ALL of us contributing to the above-mentioned components. Using our individual gifts and talents, we can come together and do great things. We can all be the hands and feet of Jesus, serving to make this broken world a better place to live. And we’ll all (I mean “All Y’all”), continue to make Wesley Chapel the church that “feels like home.”

Christmas Lists

Wed, 06 Dec 2023 20:03:29 GMT

Anyone else a list-maker?

Anyone else out there a list-maker? Santa may make a list and check it twice, but I am somewhat obsessed with making lists and checking them much more often than twice!

Right after Thanksgiving, my Christmas season lists are many – Christmas gift lists, food lists, baking lists, card lists, family gathering lists, and on and on. Sometimes, I get so caught up in the details, I miss the big picture! I have to intentionally stop myself and remind myself that “Jesus is the reason for the season.”

Matthew 6:33 KJV says, “Seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you.” This is how I need to apply “Jesus is the reason for the season.” If I can focus on that statement, everything else falls into place. I’m able to step back and take a deep breath and just enjoy being with family and friends because my motive and attitude are transformed when I remember it’s all about Jesus (not me and my to-do lists).

As I have gotten older, with more years behind me than in front of me, it has changed my perspective. It’s not about how much money I spend on each person on my Christmas list or how fancy my gatherings are with friends and family, but it’s all about sharing precious time together and making wonderful memories. Each Christmas, I realize, I’m one Christmas closer to heaven!

The best gift we can give anybody is the gift of Jesus – telling others about Him and His saving grace. It doesn’t cost us a thing because He’s already paid the price. For those who accept this gift, it won’t ever break or wear out – it’s eternal.+

I pray for all of us that we can slow down this Christmas season and truly savor our time with family and friends and remember: “Jesus is the reason for the season!”

Merry Christmas!

Cheerful Giving

Thu, 30 Nov 2023 15:37:51 GMT

Giving of the GI Shorts

2 Corinthians 9:7

Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

In case you didn’t know, I’m a Baby Boomer! My Dad fought in World War II for 4 years in the First Division Infantry of the US Army. Mom and he were married upon his return in 1946, and I was born a year and a half later. My mom’s brother, who was a year older than my dad, was also deployed in the war, but with the US Navy. When they were together, the stories were shared and, of course, were exaggerated as they were told. “The Navy won the war! The Army was more courageous!” And on it went.

My mom was also a keeper of those “sentimental” things of the past. One such item was Dad’s government issued undershorts!! As was our custom in those early childhood days, we would pick up my grandma and head to my uncle’s house for Christmas. When I was about 5, I remember at the very end of the gift opening, Mom passing out the last present for my uncle. He opened it, immediately began laughing, and then held up his delightful gift – my dad’s GI shorts!!!

Thinking that that would be the end of that joke, my mom took the shorts back. She was a keeper, remember? No one thought another thing about it. Until Christmas day the next year, back in my aunt and uncle’s living room, the last gift was once again delivered to my uncle. Can you guess what it was??? Sure you can! And year after year, we all waited for the GI shorts to be received!

Our family knew the meaning of “cheerful giving” and it wasn’t just jokes that my mom would cook up to give her brother or my dad, for that matter. She loved the Christmas holidays because she was a cheerful giver! And she raised her daughter to be exactly the same way.

As this coming December 25 ^th draws near, it is my hope that we can all cheerfully decide in our hearts to give the love to others that God has given to us. Have a terrific season sharing the reason we celebrate it.

Fleece Prayer

Tue, 21 Nov 2023 13:33:32 GMT

Discerning God's Will

Gideon prayed a “fleece prayer” to discern if God really wanted him to complete a mission. Read Judges 6:36-40.

Introduction by Pastor Tony: On November 5 as I greeted people before Sunday morning worship, Diane Forler, who serves on the worship team, shared with me that she was changing jobs after putting out a “golden fleece.” That comment immediately caught my attention because I was scheduled to preach on “Gideon’s Fleece Prayer” on November 19. In Judges 6:36-40, Gideon is trying to determine God’s will for his life. As part of the discernment process, Gideon set some fleece on the ground and prayed, “God, if it is your will, then let the fleece be wet and the ground be dry in the morning.” The next morning, it was so. Then he asked for the opposite result the next morning, and it was so. A “fleece prayer” is a request that certain circumstances be fulfilled as assurance that God is leading us in the direction we think God wants us to go. I asked Diane to share her story with us about how her “fleece prayer” led her to discern God’s will.

Blog by Diane Forler: It's been a wild week so far!! I thought I was done changing jobs and in my final position before retirement. I was not thrilled but was fine with the job for the most part, not looking for anything else. But just 3 months into this position, I got an email from the HR department at a local specialty hospital - one that had always been of interest to me. Most emails like that I would just delete, but for some reason I felt pulled toward this one and found myself answering that I was interested in the job.

That does not always mean anything will happen, as in health care, it is difficult to tell what positions being recruited are actually real. But I got a call back the same day I answered the inquiry. That was quick!

The HR guy who called was a lot of fun to talk to and put me immediately at ease. He had sought me out after finding my resume online and determining my background was a good fit. Every pharmacist in the world is looking for a better job right now, but he picked me!!

We discussed the job, and it sounded more and more like a job description I would write for myself. We talked about money in general and it sounded worth pursuing, so we set up an interview via zoom with the Director of Pharmacy.

That's when I put out the post asking for prayers for a "big decision." I had a huge response from prayer warriors locally and across the country. I talked to my husband and a couple of friends, as I knew I wanted to do well in this interview, but who changes jobs after 3 months when they aren't even looking? The prayers were in, and I asked God to basically hit me over the head with a 2x4 and tell me what to do. Eric and my close friends knew I had some frustrations and leaned toward me taking the new job.

The interview went extremely well on that Wednesday morning. After talking with the hiring director, I felt not only like the job and I were perfectly suited, but I also felt like I had made a new friend. It went that well. Four hours later, the phone rang, and I was offered the job!! The money was a little short, though, and that was my "out" if this really wasn't God's will. After all, I have a kid on the 6-year college plan and two recently totaled cars to replace, plus the issue of having to wait for insurance, so I had to go back to them and negotiate it up if I could. That's when I told God, "This is it. I think you are leading me to this, but I don't think I can take less than I am making. So, I'm going to ask, and You lead the way."

I asked, and they doubled the difference. I asked to tour the facility and was able to go the same day. I felt like I had come home.

I start as Clinical Pharmacy Manager at a local hospital on November 27!!

Faith Shines Through a Touch of a Hem

Wed, 04 Oct 2023 18:05:51 GMT

A woman shows great faith in Jesus.

When I think of women of faith, I immediately think of Mother Teresa and Corrie Ten Boom. There have been many books written, movies made, and interviews given about these two women of faith. In their lives, they suffered much for the Gospel of Jesus Christ and directed other people toward Jesus through their faith. But there is a small, lonely, woman of meager means in scripture who shows a terrific amount of faith. We find her story in three Gospel books, and what happened to her was a miracle because of her faith in Jesus.

In Matthew 9, we see Jesus answering a question, which the disciples of John the Baptist had asked, concerning why Jesus’ disciples do not fast. I am sure Jesus was in a deep conversation when Jairus, a leader in the synagogue, comes in and disrupts his teaching. Jairus’ daughter had died and he wanted Jesus to come heal her and raise her to life. So, Jesus leaves the conversation and walks with Jairus to his home. Jesus’ disciples are following behind. I can imagine the scene of the busy street, people chattering, the marketplace filled with people, and Jairus is filling in all the details as he walks alongside Jesus to his home. I am sure Jairus was in a hurry to get there, so he is walking, almost jogging, while Jesus calmly walks along at an unhurried pace with the disciples following behind. The disciples are probably talking and wondering how a leader of the synagogue could know about Jesus and had the faith to believe that if only Jesus would come home with him, his daughter would be healed.

As they were walking along, a small, lonely woman steps up from the crowd of people and says to herself, “If only I may touch his garment, I shall be made well.” This woman had an issue of bleeding for 12 years. She was probably shunned by most people around her, because Jewish people were not to touch anything with blood because it was believed they would be defiled. I imagine she was lonely, hungry, afraid, and trying to live day by day. She had to be tired just from the loss of blood. Where and how did this woman come to know about Jesus? How did she have the faith to come so boldly? Did she realize when she touched the hem of his garment that Jesus would know someone touched him? Jesus did see her, and he looked at her and said, “Be of good cheer, daughter; your faith has made you well.” And the woman was healed right at that moment. See Matthew 9:20-22.

This scripture leaves me with more questions, and I would love to know the backstory of this woman and her story after her healing. I believe these three little verses about this woman are pretty powerful. She did not get attention from others like Corrie Ten Boom or Mother Teresa, but there is much boldness and power in these three verses. She must have had much love and hope in her heart to acquire the faith to step up and know that Jesus could heal her. I also love the fact that Jesus, although interrupted by Jairus and then interrupted by this woman on the way to heal Jairus’ daughter, stopped to notice this woman and heal her. The woman’s needs were important to Jesus, the death of the daughter was important to Jesus, and showing his disciples and John’s disciples what was most important was all met in a short time in the middle of a busy day by Jesus. People will always be the priority to Jesus, and I believe that is still the ultimate priority today for Jesus. All we have to do is have faith to reach out and touch the hem of his garment to know his power and his love. All we have to do is have the faith and do something.