This summer, I have been consolidating two houses full of stuff into one. It has been a real chore. But it has also been an emotional experience. I have had to let go of long treasured items because I just do not have the space. So, I wondered. What does the Bible have to say about decluttering, organizing, and getting rid of “stuff”? The first lesson I came across was from Matthew 6:19-21 when Jesus spoke to a crowd of people. He definitely spoke about our “stuff” and not letting it be a top priority in our lives. “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart … Read More
Meals on Wheels News: September 2023
The Meals on Wheels recipients were served a “good-ole-fashioned southern” meal today of fried chicken tenders with cream gravy, baked beans, a roll, and a cookie with peppermint for dessert. Thank you to “The Sisters,” Cheryl, Donna, and Kim for their dedication to this ministry. Also, admiration for the deliverers, Janice, Shelly, and Jo for braving the heat once again to make sure these deserving people get a nutritious and filling meal. Barb and Jo served a unique meal today to the Meals on Wheels recipients consisting of street tacos served with lime and chopped onions, “retried” beans garnished with grated mozzarella cheese, coleslaw dressed in a vinaigrette poppy seed and dried cranberry dressing, and key lime pie for dessert. Janice and Shelly along with Barb and Jo delivered the meals today. Thank you, ladies, for a job well done!
From the Pastor’s Desk: August 31, 2023
Did you know that the number one epidemic in our society today is loneliness? I talk with people who appear well grounded and “happy” but share with me their pain of loneliness and disconnection. While common definitions of loneliness describe it as a state of solitude or being alone, loneliness is actually a state of mind and spirit. Loneliness causes people to feel empty, alone, and unwanted. People who are lonely often crave true connection with others. I like to play Legos with my boys. We start with a kaleidoscope of shapes, sizes, and colors of plastic pieces on the floor. As we connect each piece of plastic, we build a new creation. 21 The whole building is joined together in him, and it grows up into a temple that is dedicated to the Lord. 22 Christ is building you into a place where God lives through the Spirit. Ephesians … Read More
Meals on Wheels News: August 2023
The menu for Meals on Wheels for Alvord recipients included smoked sausage, sneaky mashed potatoes, ribbon coleslaw, and cookies. The meal was prepared by three Methodists and a Baptist: Susan R., Jo W., and Lucy S. The meal was delivered by: Janice H., Shelly, and Bonnie F. Thank you, ladies! There were a couple of fresh faces who volunteered to prepare and deliver our Meals on Wheels meal. Melissa and Donna prepared a hearty meal of BBQ sausage, hashbrown casserole, and seasoned green beans with a chocolate brownie for dessert. Les and Deborah along with Pastor Carol and her boys and Dalton braved the extreme Texas heat to make sure the Meals on Wheels recipients received their meals. A Texas-sized thank you goes out to these individuals. The Meals on Wheels volunteers are very appreciated. We had lots of help with the Meals on Wheels ministry. Cheryl, Donna, and Kim, … Read More
From the Pastor’s Desk: August 24, 2023
Well, it still feels like summer, but we are beginning the activities of fall! Has anyone told the heat that football has started? With my boys in football and my getting more involved in the community, I will meet many new people and discover more about being part of this community. Being an “outsider” to Alvord, I have a unique perspective. To be honest, I can feel awkward. I often feel like I am an intruder. First and foremost, show sincere love to each other. Love makes caring relationships possible. Be hospitable (sociable) without complaining. But take care to honor the multifaceted grace of God and serve another with whatever gift you have been given. 1 Peter 4:8-10 One day, Bonnie invited the boys and me to go with her to a high school baseball game. She picked us up, walked with us to the field, and sat with us. … Read More
From the Pastor’s Desk: August 10, 2023
My guys were complaining that summer is almost over. “Why does summer go so fast and school time lasts forever?” I did not get into a discussion of how many seasons a school year encompasses. But I did explain that good times are easy while school requires more of our attention, focus, and endurance. As adults, we too can often experience that the good times pass quickly while difficult periods seem to linger. While no one likes to experience hard times, both situations are a part of our lives. In fact, we often learn more during difficult times than the easy. Quolet (author of Ecclesiastes) wrote: “There is a time for everything…a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance… God has made everything fitting in its time, but has also placed eternity in their hearts…” Ecclesiastes 3:1-4 (11a) While our … Read More
From the Pastor’s Desk: August 3, 2023
God has created us to be wired this way–to live, not by certain instincts, but rather by finding our identity in something. We want to find out what our meaning and purpose is, and this drive makes us eager to search for that missing puzzle piece. What we place our hope in will set the direction of our lives. We can have hope in many things, such as a dream, a location or even a person. This can shape not only the direction of our actions but also who we become as a person. We pour our time and energy into whatever we are seeking, and all we want is for it to deliver. However, how easily we find that the things we grasp for and place our hope in fail us. Instead of finding peace and security, we face neediness and disillusionment. This is because we are anchoring our … Read More
From the Pastor’s Desk: July 27, 2023
But Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 19:14 Vacation Bible School is in full swing. We are celebrating “Heroes.” We are all called together to serve God. The first day of VBS, we had over 40 children to attend, and are looking for more as the week progresses. A full update next week! Blessings Pastor Carol
From the Pastor’s Desk: July 13, 2023
This week’s devotion is taken from “Experience Hope Through His Presence ~ Jesus Today” Author of Jesus Calling, Sarah Young. “You can be joyful in the knowledge that I am near. When a man and a woman are deeply in love, they often bring out the best in each other. Just being near the beloved can soothe irritations and increase happiness. I am the Lover who is always nearby—unseen yet tenderly present. I can soothe your frustrations and fill you with Joy as you tune into My loving Presence. One way to do this is the thank Me for My continual Presence and My constant Love. When circumstances are getting you down, turn your attention to Me and consider the great Love I have for you. Rejoice!”
From the Pastor’s Desk: July 6, 2023
31 To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. 32Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:31-32) Tuesday was Independence Day—the day we celebrated how free we are in the U.S. But are we really free? Just look around: Bitter partisanship and anger and bitterness—is that freedom? The constant struggle to have more money and stuff—is that freedom? The fear of death that leads people to spend whatever possible just to stay alive a little longer—is that freedom? Here’s something we need to understand: You can live in the U.S. and still not be free. You can be free and still not be free. We think that the more we can do what we want, the freer we are. We say: “It’s a free country, so I can do whatever I want!” Do … Read More