1) Are you one who considers Good Shepherd your church home? Please take a moment to take the REVEAL survey. This anonymous (20-25 minute) survey will provide us with information that we need to provide you with ministries that fit your spiritual needs.
2) Reflection on funerals - some people are easier to bury than others. We recently had the funeral for a church member whose life exhibited grace and faith in very meaningful ways. I could go on for a long time sharing with you the special memories that were spoken by those who knew her well. Though the emotions were high as she will be sorely missed, her life was lived in a way that no one had to struggle for the words to praise the memory of Janice.
I've done well over 100 funerals and they aren't all easy. One time I went to visit with a family who just wanted a preacher to bury their dad. I wanted to know him better so that I could personalize the message and make it meaningful. However, none of the family had anything nice to say. He was usually out drinking and womanizing. When he was home he was, at best, unpleasant if not downright mean spirited toward his wife and kids. He was not easy to bury.
Here's a thought, "How easy will you be to bury?"
3) Tough quote to hear - After working out this morning I turned on the TV during my stretching time. I was channel surfing between MSNBC and ESPN when I came across a movie called "Pit Fighter." I don't know anything about this movie. It is probably a real stinker. However I caught this quote that is very challenging to consider. Let me set the scene... two men are talking as they prepare to go into the office of a wealthy person. One says, "because I'm an Indian (native to Mexico rather than the Spaniard he was about to go see) I was never allowed in their schools. We never had the things they have. We were treated like dirt by them. " Now here comes the line that I found so profound as to be worth challenging you with. He goes on to state, "If you want to know what God thinks about money, just look at the people He gives it to." Wow, chew on that for a while. I know that my household income is at, or a little above, the average for our area. It is also well above the national average. How do I think about my money in the context of that comment?
2) Reflection on funerals - some people are easier to bury than others. We recently had the funeral for a church member whose life exhibited grace and faith in very meaningful ways. I could go on for a long time sharing with you the special memories that were spoken by those who knew her well. Though the emotions were high as she will be sorely missed, her life was lived in a way that no one had to struggle for the words to praise the memory of Janice.
I've done well over 100 funerals and they aren't all easy. One time I went to visit with a family who just wanted a preacher to bury their dad. I wanted to know him better so that I could personalize the message and make it meaningful. However, none of the family had anything nice to say. He was usually out drinking and womanizing. When he was home he was, at best, unpleasant if not downright mean spirited toward his wife and kids. He was not easy to bury.
Here's a thought, "How easy will you be to bury?"
3) Tough quote to hear - After working out this morning I turned on the TV during my stretching time. I was channel surfing between MSNBC and ESPN when I came across a movie called "Pit Fighter." I don't know anything about this movie. It is probably a real stinker. However I caught this quote that is very challenging to consider. Let me set the scene... two men are talking as they prepare to go into the office of a wealthy person. One says, "because I'm an Indian (native to Mexico rather than the Spaniard he was about to go see) I was never allowed in their schools. We never had the things they have. We were treated like dirt by them. " Now here comes the line that I found so profound as to be worth challenging you with. He goes on to state, "If you want to know what God thinks about money, just look at the people He gives it to." Wow, chew on that for a while. I know that my household income is at, or a little above, the average for our area. It is also well above the national average. How do I think about my money in the context of that comment?
1 comment:
I am not a member of your church, but did go through this survery---a very good one. I would hope all churches would use it.
Prayers for you and your church family
Post a Comment