From the Pastor:
           

This month has brought on some surprises for my household. This winter was truly one of those good old fashioned ones of years gone by and has created some hardships for all in its path. Because of where we live we get it a little harder than most here in town. Being along the highway we get plowed in by the state every time they plow the highway. Now that’s not a complaint as they don’t really have a choice. The amount they push into the driveway is maybe 12 inches and the snow blower will remove that ok. Then the other Friday the state tried to widen the highway by cutting a little deeper into the bank of snow and when they went passed the driveway they left behind a 3 foot high bank of snow the full width of the driveway. When I got home the wife was at the end of the driveway trying to remove the pile of wet snow with a snow shovel as it was to wet for the blower. I couldn’t get into the driveway and had to park on the highway. On route 30, that’s not a good idea. I went in and changed clothes and came back to help her. We weren’t getting anywhere fast so I hailed down a state truck and they graciously called a plow truck to come and plow me out. What a relief that was as he did a fine job opening up the end better than it was. 

On another note a week later our Lab died and that didn’t set well at all. Then sitting on the sofa one evening watching TV I looked up at the ceiling and noticed two wet spots. That puzzled me as it was a new 2 year old roof and shouldn’t be leaking. The next day we had to set a pan on the floor to catch the water. After some phone calls we are getting that problem fixed at no cost to us except a few dollars for tile that needs replaced. 

God doesn’t cause things to happen, but He certainly gives us the patience to endure our problems and shows us how to work through them with His guidance. It always amazed me when I depend on Him to look over me and my household how He does it so nicely and peacefully. Of course with my calm disposition, here I go again with that, yes I do, no you don’t, look woman thing. I do find when troubles come if you take a moment to pray things go much easier. Matthew 11:28-30. 

One day perhaps we will all learn to rely on Him more than most of us do. The first thing is to trust Him then the rest will come. I know we like to be independent, but that comes through a learning process and it does take time. If we start out with God in mind the journey will always be much easier not without problems but it will be easier. 

We are going through some extensive renovations in our church and things at times look a mess but the end product will be beautiful. New carpeting throughout the church is making a difference. Another 2 weeks and things will be finished and the outcome will be great. Sometimes we as individuals need a good face lifting or should I say soul lifting. To be renewed in Christ is always good. It makes us realize how much we need Him, perhaps its time to ask God to renew us and make us better than we are. The experience will be worth the effort. 

                                                      God Bless,
                                                       Pastor Joe