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Blessed Sunday to you all! What a wonderful day!
Hebrews 11: 1 “Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see.”
I seems that when I am really struggling God sends me a message through His Word that brings comfort and consolation or peace and assurance or guidance and strength. All of these words mean the same thing. It is as if God is saying, “Gaylene, I am here. You are my daughter and I love you. Just listen and walk in obedience and everything will work out according to My will.”
I have received this message before—when Casey was first diagnosed with cancer. God told me (through a very wise friend) that no matter what, Casey would be okay. Whether Casey’s body was able to sustain life or not, Casey would be okay. Casey’s body did not survive cancer, but God sustained and flourished Casey’s spirit exponentially. God was with Casey here on earth and Casey is most assuredly with God in heaven now.
And through God’s profound faithfulness I will be okay, too. I have spent the last 48 hours with a feeling of being overwhelmed with the possibilities of having to leave my home and family to go to seminary very far away. I am overwhelmed with all of the course work I must take and I am overwhelmed with the reality of leaving a career I have held for thirty plus years. It is a momentary excitement that “I have been accepted into the candidacy process,” and then the reality of all that must be done in order to achieve the goal and enact the calling to which I have been summoned which makes me stop and take account. It is the space between leaving a former life and beginning a new life.
But here is the thing, “Faith is the assurance of things hope for, the conviction of things not seen—by faith our ancestors received approval—because they were willing to be obedient and do what God called them to do. They walked by faith and not by sight—and so must I. Those who were called were used as vessels for God’s good work; one parted the sea, one loaded an ark and one was crucified. The last was resurrected and lives in each of us by the power of the Holy Spirit. These who have gone before me did not fly over but walked each step as led by God in faith. And I, too, must walk in faith with each step as God leads, then I can rest in the assurance that God will be with me. The journey may be long, but the steps are in God’s hands and I will take each step in joy.
Take joy in the journey. Wear comfortable shoes. Count your blessings and say your prayers. Love you all, Bruce, Gaylene, Geni and Travis.
Gcapplenotes@aol.com
I am not moved by what I see. I am not moved by what I feel. I am moved only by what I believe and I believe God.
Monday, December 20, 2010
Sunday, December 19, 2010
Happy Saturday!
“You have received a positive entrance into the candidacy program.” This was the opening statement made by Steve Zwernemann, chairperson of the candidacy committee. He shared this news with me as the committee reconvened after my interview on Friday morning. I was very pleased with my gaining entrance to the program and just as nervous about the work and unknowns that are ahead of me. It was a very emotional moment for me as I realized that my teaching career will come to an end and this road to service through a different role in education will begin.
While on the weekend I found out that I was the only new entrance candidate in the Synod, but there were other candidates who were there receive endorsement (the second stage of the process) and even one candidate who was there to receive final approval. The other candidates were from Lutheran Seminaries in Iowa, Chicago and Ohio. They were really excited to be someplace without the ground being covered in snow and having to dress like Eskimos. It was a wonderful weekend and I learned a lot from the presentations made and the many chances to visit with the other students. One piece of news that I received is that there is at least one seminary that has online classes. I was greatly encouraged!
John 15: 16 “You have not chosen Me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that you should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain.”
I swear God does this to me. I am convinced that I will be able to perform this calling, I just wish I had the same confidence in all of the class work required of me and felt worthy to meet all of the requirements for ordination. There are so many changes ahead for me and frankly I am kind of uncertain about so many of the changes and the challenges this journey will present. Following the “positive entrance” announcement I began to have self doubts and a lot of wonderings about what had just happened and how am I to accomplish all of this. Then I read this passage and remembered that God chose me. God has no intention of me making this journey alone and I will not face anything that God cannot handle.
During the interview one of the pastors said, “I really see you as a hospice chaplain.” When I heard these words all of the pieces fell into place and I knew this was what I needed to hear and this could be the place in which God has chosen me to minister. I did not choose this calling, but God chose me and will use my experience with the loss of Casey and the working of the Holy Spirit to help others in their journeys.
This new journey in my life will be led by the Holy Spirit and I must believe that God will provide all I need to reach this goal of ordination to enact this calling into the ministry of Jesus Christ. I know I will have to rely on God and the prayer support of everyone as I begin this journey and throughout the process of completing my education, internship and final approval and acceptance of a call.
I cannot begin to thank all of you for the prayers and support you have supplied during this time. I simply ask you please continue to pray and ask God to lead me to walk in obedience to this amazing journey.
Take joy in the journey. Wear comfortable shoes. Count your blessings and say your prayers. Love you all and see you in worship, Bruce, Gaylene, Geni and Travis.
Gcapplenotes@aol.com
I am not moved by what I see. I am not moved by what I feel. I am moved only by what I believe and I believe God.
PS, To the ladies of the Advent Prayer Shawl Ministry – I took my prayer shawl with me and used it this weekend. Thank you all very much!
“You have received a positive entrance into the candidacy program.” This was the opening statement made by Steve Zwernemann, chairperson of the candidacy committee. He shared this news with me as the committee reconvened after my interview on Friday morning. I was very pleased with my gaining entrance to the program and just as nervous about the work and unknowns that are ahead of me. It was a very emotional moment for me as I realized that my teaching career will come to an end and this road to service through a different role in education will begin.
While on the weekend I found out that I was the only new entrance candidate in the Synod, but there were other candidates who were there receive endorsement (the second stage of the process) and even one candidate who was there to receive final approval. The other candidates were from Lutheran Seminaries in Iowa, Chicago and Ohio. They were really excited to be someplace without the ground being covered in snow and having to dress like Eskimos. It was a wonderful weekend and I learned a lot from the presentations made and the many chances to visit with the other students. One piece of news that I received is that there is at least one seminary that has online classes. I was greatly encouraged!
John 15: 16 “You have not chosen Me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that you should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain.”
I swear God does this to me. I am convinced that I will be able to perform this calling, I just wish I had the same confidence in all of the class work required of me and felt worthy to meet all of the requirements for ordination. There are so many changes ahead for me and frankly I am kind of uncertain about so many of the changes and the challenges this journey will present. Following the “positive entrance” announcement I began to have self doubts and a lot of wonderings about what had just happened and how am I to accomplish all of this. Then I read this passage and remembered that God chose me. God has no intention of me making this journey alone and I will not face anything that God cannot handle.
During the interview one of the pastors said, “I really see you as a hospice chaplain.” When I heard these words all of the pieces fell into place and I knew this was what I needed to hear and this could be the place in which God has chosen me to minister. I did not choose this calling, but God chose me and will use my experience with the loss of Casey and the working of the Holy Spirit to help others in their journeys.
This new journey in my life will be led by the Holy Spirit and I must believe that God will provide all I need to reach this goal of ordination to enact this calling into the ministry of Jesus Christ. I know I will have to rely on God and the prayer support of everyone as I begin this journey and throughout the process of completing my education, internship and final approval and acceptance of a call.
I cannot begin to thank all of you for the prayers and support you have supplied during this time. I simply ask you please continue to pray and ask God to lead me to walk in obedience to this amazing journey.
Take joy in the journey. Wear comfortable shoes. Count your blessings and say your prayers. Love you all and see you in worship, Bruce, Gaylene, Geni and Travis.
Gcapplenotes@aol.com
I am not moved by what I see. I am not moved by what I feel. I am moved only by what I believe and I believe God.
PS, To the ladies of the Advent Prayer Shawl Ministry – I took my prayer shawl with me and used it this weekend. Thank you all very much!
Friday, December 17, 2010
Happy Thursday!
I have spent the evening doing some laundry and beginning to pack for the retreat this weekend. I ask your prayers as I prepare for this interview in the morning. Thank you.
Romans 15:13 “Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Spirit.”
The road to candidacy has been a measured path set out by the ELCA. There are steps that must be taken in a certain order. I have made the application. Advent and Pastor Joel have endorsed me completely. I have written two lengthy autobiographies. I have taken psychological and personality tests. I have met with a counselor to disaggregate all of the data and I have met with the head of the candidacy committee in a private interview. Now the final step in this first part of the process is to be interviewed by the candidacy committee and hopefully to reach final approval to be a candidate for ordination. This process is lengthy with meeting deadlines and dissecting my life for others to read and make judgment to my worthiness and discerning if my call is a true call.
Tonight my meditation speaks of joy as the reward of patiently seeing God in the dull details of deadlines and 500 question tests and massive pieces of writing. Joy is in trusting what you cannot see. Tomorrow I am going in sort of blind as I do not know who is on the committee or what questions they will ask. Joy is my heart’s response to the calling God has given to me and the gift of faithfulness I have tried to live out since receiving the call to the ordained ministry. Since joy seems to be my trademark this meditation spoke to my heart. Not all of these steps have made me feel joyous, but feeling joy does not make God’s presence any less evident. Joy is not always a feeling, but it always knows that joy is what God feels when we are obedient and bravely show our discipleship. So tonight…
Take joy in the journey no matter how tedious the road. Wear comfortable shoes.
Count your blessings and say your prayers. Let us continue to pray for each other each day. Love you and I am counting on each of you mighty and powerful prayer warriors, Bruce, Gaylene, Geni and Travis.
Gcapplenotes@aol.com
I am not moved by what I see. I am not moved by what I feel. I am moved only by what I believe and I believe God.
PS I will report back as soon as I know something. gc
I have spent the evening doing some laundry and beginning to pack for the retreat this weekend. I ask your prayers as I prepare for this interview in the morning. Thank you.
Romans 15:13 “Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Spirit.”
The road to candidacy has been a measured path set out by the ELCA. There are steps that must be taken in a certain order. I have made the application. Advent and Pastor Joel have endorsed me completely. I have written two lengthy autobiographies. I have taken psychological and personality tests. I have met with a counselor to disaggregate all of the data and I have met with the head of the candidacy committee in a private interview. Now the final step in this first part of the process is to be interviewed by the candidacy committee and hopefully to reach final approval to be a candidate for ordination. This process is lengthy with meeting deadlines and dissecting my life for others to read and make judgment to my worthiness and discerning if my call is a true call.
Tonight my meditation speaks of joy as the reward of patiently seeing God in the dull details of deadlines and 500 question tests and massive pieces of writing. Joy is in trusting what you cannot see. Tomorrow I am going in sort of blind as I do not know who is on the committee or what questions they will ask. Joy is my heart’s response to the calling God has given to me and the gift of faithfulness I have tried to live out since receiving the call to the ordained ministry. Since joy seems to be my trademark this meditation spoke to my heart. Not all of these steps have made me feel joyous, but feeling joy does not make God’s presence any less evident. Joy is not always a feeling, but it always knows that joy is what God feels when we are obedient and bravely show our discipleship. So tonight…
Take joy in the journey no matter how tedious the road. Wear comfortable shoes.
Count your blessings and say your prayers. Let us continue to pray for each other each day. Love you and I am counting on each of you mighty and powerful prayer warriors, Bruce, Gaylene, Geni and Travis.
Gcapplenotes@aol.com
I am not moved by what I see. I am not moved by what I feel. I am moved only by what I believe and I believe God.
PS I will report back as soon as I know something. gc
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Happy Wednesday!
I worshipped twice this evening. The first worship was a worship of Easter morning led by a worship group from my class. The second worship was led by the worship group in which I was a part. We led Pentecost worship. I preached. I think we led a spiritual worship based on the Word with prayer, contemporary music and Eucharist. So far with two grades still pending I have a B in this class. Thank you all for all of your prayers!
Acts 17: 27, 28 “That they should see the Lord…For in Him we love, and move and have our being.”
We must learn that each day is meant to be lived in the power of God and in His living presence in our lives. Living in the presence of Christ does not mean that there won’t be a dark moment or a difficult situation, but that no matter what, the living God, through the power of the resurrected Christ remains with us. There may be times of quietness between us and God, but His presence is still most assuredly with us. The analogy my meditation uses is that “Even with you nearest and dearest there are quiet days.” Even in the quiet times we do not doubt the love they have for us and we for them.
This week has been a week of accomplishments towards the ending of my public school teaching career and working toward a new life as a full time seminary student. I have found myself staying as close to and constantly in God’s presence. I have found myself praying a bit more and recognizing the nearness of God in so many ways. So as the song says, “Fear not, I am with you so be not dismayed for I am your God and will still give you aid.”
My friends, recognize the closeness of God to you continue walking the road to Bethlehem this season of Advent.
Take joy in the journey. Wear comfortable shoes. Count your blessings and say your payers. Love you all, Bruce, Gaylene, Geni and Travis.
Gcapplenotes@aol.com
I am not moved by what I see. I am not moved by what I feel. I am moved only by what I believe and I believe God.
PS Today Bruce cut his finger rather severely. Right now we are treating it with Neosporin, a band-aid and prayer. Please pray for his healing as he is currently working and needs full use of his fingers and hands. Thanks again, gc
I worshipped twice this evening. The first worship was a worship of Easter morning led by a worship group from my class. The second worship was led by the worship group in which I was a part. We led Pentecost worship. I preached. I think we led a spiritual worship based on the Word with prayer, contemporary music and Eucharist. So far with two grades still pending I have a B in this class. Thank you all for all of your prayers!
Acts 17: 27, 28 “That they should see the Lord…For in Him we love, and move and have our being.”
We must learn that each day is meant to be lived in the power of God and in His living presence in our lives. Living in the presence of Christ does not mean that there won’t be a dark moment or a difficult situation, but that no matter what, the living God, through the power of the resurrected Christ remains with us. There may be times of quietness between us and God, but His presence is still most assuredly with us. The analogy my meditation uses is that “Even with you nearest and dearest there are quiet days.” Even in the quiet times we do not doubt the love they have for us and we for them.
This week has been a week of accomplishments towards the ending of my public school teaching career and working toward a new life as a full time seminary student. I have found myself staying as close to and constantly in God’s presence. I have found myself praying a bit more and recognizing the nearness of God in so many ways. So as the song says, “Fear not, I am with you so be not dismayed for I am your God and will still give you aid.”
My friends, recognize the closeness of God to you continue walking the road to Bethlehem this season of Advent.
Take joy in the journey. Wear comfortable shoes. Count your blessings and say your payers. Love you all, Bruce, Gaylene, Geni and Travis.
Gcapplenotes@aol.com
I am not moved by what I see. I am not moved by what I feel. I am moved only by what I believe and I believe God.
PS Today Bruce cut his finger rather severely. Right now we are treating it with Neosporin, a band-aid and prayer. Please pray for his healing as he is currently working and needs full use of his fingers and hands. Thanks again, gc
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Happy Tuesday!
I received the most wonderful news I have received in a long time today. Geni announced that today she got to apply for graduation! I clapped and smiled and danced in the kitchen at this long awaited news. We are so proud of her and she has worked very hard. She has overcome some mighty adversities. She student teaches in the spring and graduates in May! Way to go Geni!!
Psalm 127:1 “Except the Lord build the house, they labor in vain that build it; except the Lord keep the city, the watchman wakes but in vain.”
Each evening over the past several days as I have come to this time in my day, the passages of scripture and meditation have been words of comfort and assurance. The words have said, “Gaylene, God is in charge and you are being kept in His protective grace”.
We are all kept in the power of God and the evil forces will stoke the storm, but will be powerless because God remains in the eye of the storm with each of us.
At our wedding nearly 30 years ago we had the scripture read about the house built upon the rock will stand forever. And when the waves crash we are above the storm and out of reach of its devastating power. You know that Evil does not attack on the desert. Evil attacks the fortress, the stronghold. Our stronghold and fortress is the Lord of Lords and King of Kings. If we stay within the walls of His love and His amazing keeping power then when the storms come we are protected by the power of the Almighty.
Take joy in the journey. Wear comfortable shoes. Count your blessings and say your prayers. Love you all so much, Bruce, Gaylene, Geni and Travis.
Gcapplenotes@aol.com
I am not moved by what I see. I am not moved by what I feel. I am moved only by what I believe and I believe God.
PS I interview in two days. Please be in prayer for me and for those who hold the interview. I pray for the power of the Holy Spirit to guide my answers, their hearing and anticipated approval. Peace, gc
I received the most wonderful news I have received in a long time today. Geni announced that today she got to apply for graduation! I clapped and smiled and danced in the kitchen at this long awaited news. We are so proud of her and she has worked very hard. She has overcome some mighty adversities. She student teaches in the spring and graduates in May! Way to go Geni!!
Psalm 127:1 “Except the Lord build the house, they labor in vain that build it; except the Lord keep the city, the watchman wakes but in vain.”
Each evening over the past several days as I have come to this time in my day, the passages of scripture and meditation have been words of comfort and assurance. The words have said, “Gaylene, God is in charge and you are being kept in His protective grace”.
We are all kept in the power of God and the evil forces will stoke the storm, but will be powerless because God remains in the eye of the storm with each of us.
At our wedding nearly 30 years ago we had the scripture read about the house built upon the rock will stand forever. And when the waves crash we are above the storm and out of reach of its devastating power. You know that Evil does not attack on the desert. Evil attacks the fortress, the stronghold. Our stronghold and fortress is the Lord of Lords and King of Kings. If we stay within the walls of His love and His amazing keeping power then when the storms come we are protected by the power of the Almighty.
Take joy in the journey. Wear comfortable shoes. Count your blessings and say your prayers. Love you all so much, Bruce, Gaylene, Geni and Travis.
Gcapplenotes@aol.com
I am not moved by what I see. I am not moved by what I feel. I am moved only by what I believe and I believe God.
PS I interview in two days. Please be in prayer for me and for those who hold the interview. I pray for the power of the Holy Spirit to guide my answers, their hearing and anticipated approval. Peace, gc
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Happy Monday!
What a wonderful day! The trip on the train today was perfect. The children and all of their parents had such a great time. It was my last time to take this train ride and there were a couple of bittersweet moments, but the trip brought a great deal of joy to 88 children and about 30 parents. It was also a lot of fun to have Travis with me today. In all of the trips I have made over the years it is the first time one of the kids has made this trip with me. (He wore his jammies and had a fantastic time.)
1 John 1:3 “That which we have seen and heard declare us unto you, that you may also have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with His Son.”
Tonight my meditation was titled “Perpetual Guidance.” I have looked forward to these few moments all day. With all the busyness of the day I have looked forward to some fellowship time with the Father. The closer I get to the interview on Friday the more I want to spend time in the Word and in prayer. I am listening for God’s Word to speak and reveal instructions, guidance, and to help me focus on the tasks that need to be accomplished this week.
In this passage we claim God’s presence in our lives and the promise of fellowship with the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ. There is great joy to be found in knowing that “every detail is planned out by God with a wealth of tenderness and Love. “ If we wait on the guidance of God with every step we take then place all that we are and all that we do in the hands of the Savior. Today a young friend of mine and I were talking and she spoke wonderful words of wisdom when she said, “God will equip you to answer the questions given during the interview and everything will be as God so desires.” I really needed to hear those words.
I have begun to pray for the Holy Spirit to go before me and fill the hearts and minds of those who hold this stage of my future in their hands. I pray that they will find me worthy of continuing to study, learn and serve as an ordained pastor. Perhaps I should be praying that God will find me worthy and walking in obedience to the calling I have received. I am praying that I will keep the face and heart of Jesus in front of me at all times and remain in constant fellowship with Him. It has been quite a journey and it is not over yet!
Take joy in the journey. Wear comfortable shoes. Count your blessings and say your prayers. Let us continue to lift one another up in prayer each day. Love you all, Bruce, Gaylene, Geni and Travis.
Gcapplenotes@aol.com
I am not moved by what I see. I am not moved by what I feel. I am moved only by what I believe and I believe God.
What a wonderful day! The trip on the train today was perfect. The children and all of their parents had such a great time. It was my last time to take this train ride and there were a couple of bittersweet moments, but the trip brought a great deal of joy to 88 children and about 30 parents. It was also a lot of fun to have Travis with me today. In all of the trips I have made over the years it is the first time one of the kids has made this trip with me. (He wore his jammies and had a fantastic time.)
1 John 1:3 “That which we have seen and heard declare us unto you, that you may also have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with His Son.”
Tonight my meditation was titled “Perpetual Guidance.” I have looked forward to these few moments all day. With all the busyness of the day I have looked forward to some fellowship time with the Father. The closer I get to the interview on Friday the more I want to spend time in the Word and in prayer. I am listening for God’s Word to speak and reveal instructions, guidance, and to help me focus on the tasks that need to be accomplished this week.
In this passage we claim God’s presence in our lives and the promise of fellowship with the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ. There is great joy to be found in knowing that “every detail is planned out by God with a wealth of tenderness and Love. “ If we wait on the guidance of God with every step we take then place all that we are and all that we do in the hands of the Savior. Today a young friend of mine and I were talking and she spoke wonderful words of wisdom when she said, “God will equip you to answer the questions given during the interview and everything will be as God so desires.” I really needed to hear those words.
I have begun to pray for the Holy Spirit to go before me and fill the hearts and minds of those who hold this stage of my future in their hands. I pray that they will find me worthy of continuing to study, learn and serve as an ordained pastor. Perhaps I should be praying that God will find me worthy and walking in obedience to the calling I have received. I am praying that I will keep the face and heart of Jesus in front of me at all times and remain in constant fellowship with Him. It has been quite a journey and it is not over yet!
Take joy in the journey. Wear comfortable shoes. Count your blessings and say your prayers. Let us continue to lift one another up in prayer each day. Love you all, Bruce, Gaylene, Geni and Travis.
Gcapplenotes@aol.com
I am not moved by what I see. I am not moved by what I feel. I am moved only by what I believe and I believe God.
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Blessed Sunday!
The music of our cantata was beautiful this morning. The Festival Choir, the JOY choir, handbell ensemble and the Sequin High School Orchestra sang and played beautifully and helped all present to remember why we celebrate this season of Advent by getting us ready for the coming of the Christ Child.
Isaiah 14:3 “And it shall come to pass in the day that the Lord shall give you rest from your sorrows and from your fear, and from the hard bondage where you were made to serve.”
This week is really busy for me. Tomorrow the first grade classes will go on the Grapevine Vintage Railroad that has been transformed into the Polar Express train. On Wednesday our worship group from my class at Brite will lead our classmates in worship with the theme of Pentecost Sunday. I am preaching that day so pray for us as we lead worship. This weekend is my entrance approval interview to be held on Friday at 10:00. WOW!
I must admit I am entering this busy week with a bit of anxiety as there are so many responsibilities that rest on my shoulders. Scripture tells me that I am to be anxious for nothing but by prayer and supplication make my desires known to God.
There are so many different feelings about all of these events that are causing some anxiety this week. This week I will begin to close out a life I have known for the last 30 plus years and making strides toward a new future. This week with all of its busyness - I must rest in God. I must trust in Him for strength and clear thinking. I must not allow fear to enter into my realm of thinking or action. Fear is one of the most powerful forces that Satan has to cloud our thinking and cause us to doubt what God has placed before us.
So this week I think I will spend a great deal of time in prayer. I will spend time in God’s presence and be ever mindful of the fact that no matter what - God will be there. (Praying without ceasing comes to mind really strong!) In my meditation tonight it states, “Fear of the future—Jesus will be with us. Fear of poverty—Jesus will provide and Jesus will provide guidance when we are tempted to walk in fear.”
I solicit your prayers for me, that I have a calm spirit and that I am in continual communion with God through the power of the Holy Spirit and that God’s Will would be accomplished as He desires. Thank you my dear friends and mighty prayer warriors.
Take joy in the journey. Wear comfortable shoes. Count your blessings and say your prayers. Let us continue to lift one another up in prayer each day. Love you all, Bruce, Gaylene, Geni and Travis.
Gcapplenotes@aol.com
I am not moved by what I see. I am not moved by what I feel. I am moved only by what I believe and I believe God.
The music of our cantata was beautiful this morning. The Festival Choir, the JOY choir, handbell ensemble and the Sequin High School Orchestra sang and played beautifully and helped all present to remember why we celebrate this season of Advent by getting us ready for the coming of the Christ Child.
Isaiah 14:3 “And it shall come to pass in the day that the Lord shall give you rest from your sorrows and from your fear, and from the hard bondage where you were made to serve.”
This week is really busy for me. Tomorrow the first grade classes will go on the Grapevine Vintage Railroad that has been transformed into the Polar Express train. On Wednesday our worship group from my class at Brite will lead our classmates in worship with the theme of Pentecost Sunday. I am preaching that day so pray for us as we lead worship. This weekend is my entrance approval interview to be held on Friday at 10:00. WOW!
I must admit I am entering this busy week with a bit of anxiety as there are so many responsibilities that rest on my shoulders. Scripture tells me that I am to be anxious for nothing but by prayer and supplication make my desires known to God.
There are so many different feelings about all of these events that are causing some anxiety this week. This week I will begin to close out a life I have known for the last 30 plus years and making strides toward a new future. This week with all of its busyness - I must rest in God. I must trust in Him for strength and clear thinking. I must not allow fear to enter into my realm of thinking or action. Fear is one of the most powerful forces that Satan has to cloud our thinking and cause us to doubt what God has placed before us.
So this week I think I will spend a great deal of time in prayer. I will spend time in God’s presence and be ever mindful of the fact that no matter what - God will be there. (Praying without ceasing comes to mind really strong!) In my meditation tonight it states, “Fear of the future—Jesus will be with us. Fear of poverty—Jesus will provide and Jesus will provide guidance when we are tempted to walk in fear.”
I solicit your prayers for me, that I have a calm spirit and that I am in continual communion with God through the power of the Holy Spirit and that God’s Will would be accomplished as He desires. Thank you my dear friends and mighty prayer warriors.
Take joy in the journey. Wear comfortable shoes. Count your blessings and say your prayers. Let us continue to lift one another up in prayer each day. Love you all, Bruce, Gaylene, Geni and Travis.
Gcapplenotes@aol.com
I am not moved by what I see. I am not moved by what I feel. I am moved only by what I believe and I believe God.
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