West District Lay Leader(s) Blog

Is the fence there to keep people/animals/things inside the fence or to keep them out?

How often do many of us avoid ‘going out’ because we aren’t certain which way the wind of the day will affect us? How often do we avoid ‘listening’ for God’s voice guiding us? Sometimes His voice is just a whisper…but, when we are still and trusting, then His words can come to us as a loud command.

When we see the words together so many thoughts will appear in our minds. Each one of us has experienced some form of pain and suffering.

We celebrated International Woman’s Day recently. What better way, as United Methodists, to focus on the work of women than to see what is happening in the Yuma area United Methodist Women, now known as United Women in Faith to be more inclusive.

You who read the Guidepost magazine, may recognize “Mysterious Ways.” A small article that appears in each of the issues. They normally are written by someone who would like a sign from a loved one; a sign that help is on the way or just something to remind them they are loved by God. A missing puzzle piece was not something that should have been a mysterious way.

Those sounds, formed by linking letters together, can create many different emotions. Some words can be hurtful – some loving – some disparaging – some calming – some painful – some healing – some that we wish we had not spoken – some we wish we had shared with someone who is no longer in our lives.

No, really, do you feel good during the holiday seasons? When we think about holiday seasons, a "to do list" seems to magically appear out of nowhere. Here's the levels of anxiousness.

How excited are you to spend time with someone who knows everything about you? Sometimes, not so much. Do I really want to be around my father, who knows I have fallen short of his expectations? Knowing you have not lived up to what you are capable of, and He knows this. We hope we are still loved, knowing what we have done. I don’t know about you, but there were times when I did not want to be around my earthly father because of what I had done, much less my heavenly Father.

Are we really appreciative of the beautiful works of tapestries and rugs we see displayed in museums? Some were originally displayed on the floors of palaces…and, of course, now can be seen on the Antiques Roadshow! They were crafted centuries ago…but, beware, some were copied and created recently then promoted as original works.

In Matthew 4:19, "Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will send you out to fish for people." Have you caught any fish lately? If not, why not?