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Pastor Dianne's Monthly Column
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March 2008
ANYONE SICK OF WINTER?
Wow! What a winter! I can honestly say that I can not remember a winter in which I have experienced quite so much snow and cold weather co-mingled from day to day! When will the snow stop? Will we ever see green grass? Could we just have one week of "normal" winter weather, whatever "normal" winter weather is?
A little interesting story of God’s providence: last summer, Rick and I were biking in Madison on the first 80 degree day of the spring in either April or May. As we biked along, we went past a house that had a couple snow blowers parked on the lawn for sale. Here we are in shorts … riding our bikes … enjoying a gorgeous spring day! Yet, Rick quickly decided that we needed to go back and check out those snow blowers as we did not have one. For the previous two winters, we have been getting good exercise while using a shovel! After a heavy, wet snow in the spring, Rick decided that maybe it was time for us to get something to help us with the snow. Despite us being on our bikes, Rick bought a snow blower that beautiful spring day. He now tells EVERYONE that will listen that this was the best money he’s invested into something in a long time! What started as a day to get some good exercise on our bikes on a spring day ended in the purchase of a snow blower!
There are many times when God looks at our lives and knows what we need long before we do. There are many times when God patiently waits for us to seek God’s wisdom and guidance in our lives. There are many times when God is so ready to comfort us in our suffering … if only we’d recognize our need to empower the Lord into our lives in a more powerful means.
This winter, God has probably forced us to deal with more snow than usual, deal with challenging weather and bad roads. The yucky roads have forced me to use the treadmill more this winter and be more creative about getting physical exercise. Yet, all the snow has offered us some beautiful winter scenery! As there have been times when we have had to cancel events at church, I have had new-found time to spend with God or reading books that give me good insights into providing leadership for Midland UMC.
My prayer is that despite the challenges of all the snow and cold this winter, it has allowed you to recognize that God is in control and we just need to go along for the ride of life! As the weather has kept us inside more, have you allowed yourself to look "inside" of yourself and contemplate ways that you can GROW in personal faith in Jesus Christ?
Easter is coming. The worship team has planned some very meaningful worship services during Holy Week. Beginning on Palm Sunday through Easter Sunday, these worship services are designed to help us really experience the events that happened during Holy Week. Do you know someone who is questioning their faith, unsure if there was a Jesus or is missing something in their life? Please invite and encourage them to come to any of these special worship services. Offer to bring them to a worship service, give them a copy of the flyer of the Holy Week events in this newsletter or welcome them to visit Midland UMC’s website. Holy Week and Easter are a great opportunity for us to share the good news of Jesus Christ with those around us who are struggling, unsure or questioning. I pray that you will be praying about someone that you can invite to participate in Midland’s special Holy Week services and then approach them about attending a worship celebration.
See you in Sunday worship!
Pastor Dianne