Fun and Church?
“Papa, did you have fun at church today?” These were the words of Bethany, my three-year old granddaughter when I arrived home from “church” recently. I thought, “How wonderful!” When she thinks of “church”, she thinks of “fun”! Isn’t it great when the young generation see the things of God as a delight and not simply as a duty? When I think about it: the many friends and families and memories and opportunities of serving Christ, the Head of the big “C” church, I chuckle to myself and say, “Yes dear, papa had fun at church today!”
Shalom!
Soloist Vera Lynn, in an interview I watched recently, was pleased and somewhat amazed that the song she sang sixty five years ago is at the top of the charts now in 2009. This famous song, White Cliffs of Dover, seems to capture the longing of every generation: the longing for peace, not only peace on earth but peace within. There is something promising in the lyrics “There’ll be bluebirds over the white cliffs of Dover, tomorrow, just you wait and see. There’ll be love and laughter and peace ever after, when the world is free.” Could it be that peace and freedom go hand in hand?
Gideon, a ruler in Israel, discovered peace when Jehovah-Shalom, “the LORD our Peace”, met him at a time of uncertainty both within Gideon’s nation and within Gideon’s heart. Israel was being harassed by enemies because of Israel’s forsaking of the Lord. Gideon’s foreboding disappeared when the LORD said to him, “Peace! Do not be afraid.”
I have been told that God says about 365 times in the Bible, “Fear not!” Shalom, the Hebrew word for “peace,” is sometimes used as a word of greeting “hello” or a word of parting “good-bye.” However it is more often used to depict a life that enjoys the kind of peace that results from wholeness of life when there is peace with God, with oneself and with others. Invest some time in the Bible: Judges 6 and Philippians 4 in light of knowing actual peace in our lives. Shalom!
My Favorite Word
Wordsmiths – those who are masters of choosing the proper words and phrases to get a message across know the value of language. Remember the old adage, “Sticks and stones may break your bones, but names will never hurt you!” Well, I think we are now old enough to know that there is something severely lacking in that saying. Words have the capacity to hurt and more importantly words can bring healing and hope. Is there a word that captures who you are or who you desire to be? Is there a word that energizes you? My favorite English word is “enthusiasm.” To me “enthusiasm” conveys energy, engagement and fun. “Enthusiasm” is a compilation of two Greek words, “en” which means “to be filled with” and “theos” which means “God’. Isn’t that interesting? “Enthusiasm” means to be “filled with God.” Great word – greater daily practice.
Remember to circle the calendar date: Sunday, October 25 Grand Opening New Facilities of StoneRidge Fellowship Church, Exit 4C (4 Church), Highway 102, Lower Sackville, Nova Scotia.
Family Fall Festival
The Family Fall Festival, Sunday, October 25th is going to be one of those events that you will not want to miss. StoneRidge Fellowship is celebrating the Grand Opening of its new facilities at 85 Temple Terrace in Lower Sackville, Nova Scotia. This historic event begins and ends with Keltic-flavoured celebration services at 10:30 am and 3:30 pm (identical services – choose which one you wish to attend). The family events between these services will be memorable and fun for every member of your family. So circle that date, invite family and friends and I look forward to meeting you on the new site just off Highway 102, Exit 4C (4 Church!). Click on the following link for a recent newspaper article. http://www.halifaxnewsnet.ca/index.cfm?sid=287108&sc=608
