Consider the Lilies

"Why are you anxious...?" asked our Lord. Then he said, "Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they neither toil nor spin; yet I tell you even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these" (Matthew 6:28-29). His point was that just as God sees to it that the lilies of the field always come forth in their wholeness and beauty, so God can be counted on to provide for us. God's reliablity is seen in the familiar flowers that now are bursting forth in their beauty. What a comforting thought for Rockporters and the world. Love, Diana

Happy Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day! Let us thank God for our families and pray that all family members may grow close in love and respect for one another. May all church families also be mindful that we are indeed "members one of another" (Ephesians 4:25). God's blessings, Diana

Rules from God for 2010

1. Wake Up! Decide to have a good day. "Today is the day the Lord hath made; let us rejoice and be glad in it" Psalms 118:24

2. Dress Up! the best way to dress up is to put on a smile. A smile is an inexpensive way to improve your looks. "The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at outward appearance; but the Lord looks at the heart." 1 Samuel 16:7

3. Shut Up! Say nice things and learn to listen. God gave us two ears and one mouth, so He must have meant for us to do twice as much listening as talking. "He who guards his lips guards his sole." Proverbs 13:3

4. Stand Up! For what you believe in. Stand for something or you will fall for anything.. "Let us not be weary in doing good; for at the proper time, we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good.. Galatians 6:9-10

5. Look Up! To the Lord. "I can do everything through Christ who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13

6. Reach Up! For something higher. "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not unto your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge Him, and He will direct your path."

7. Lift Up! Your Prayers. "Do not worry about anything; Instead Pray about Everything." Philippians 4:6

I pray this for the people of Rockport and everyone. Diana

United Methodists in Maui

Dear Bloggers, My husband and I just returned yesterday from Maui and while there we had the opportunity to visit the Lahaina United Methodist Church. I was amazed at how welcoming this church was to us. They gave us a necklace of flowers on entering and had us stand and introduce ourselves. People came over and welcomed us after worship and invited us to their potluck after church. The order of service was as ours is, although the responses were in Hawaiian with English typed in the bulletin. They said a prayer called "Queen Liliuokalani's Prayer": Your loving mercy is wide as the heavens; Let us too with love and truth, regard ourselves and others. Amen At the end of the service we joined hands in a circle and said the Circle of Ohana: (Our dear islands, long as mountains stand. I will sing of truth and justice, heavenly peace; I will sing of Hawaii nei! Hawaii's youth now raise your voices, O Hawaii nei! This glad day! This glad day! While the gentle winds are wafted o'er God's blue sea, I will sing of our Hawaii!) Then we sang "He Lives" to end a beautiful service. My sister and her husband went to the Catholic church down the street from the church we visited, and found that same warm feeling and familiar service. Eighteen hours away in a far off island faith lives in peoples hearts. Beyond the warm weather and sites we saw, this Sunday was a high point of a special trip. Love, Diana

Building Belief in God's Help

Here is a note from Norman Vincent Peale's book, Believe and Achieve: Think of the many times God has been good to you. List each one on paper and review the list from time to time. For example, you might list: recovery from illness, the time your loved one was devinely protected, the occasion--when in deep discouragement--you found a way out of your difficulty. "God is helping me now." Repeat this affirmation every day, and your mind will become tranquil and relaxed as you assure yourself of his love and mercy. Then, you will know that you can meet whatever the day brings. Life will be good, even though it may be difficult at times. Here is the prayer he asks us to pray: Our Heavenly Father, help us to remember that when we take Jesus, our Savior, into our lives, we can handle anything. Help us to obtain spiritual power to overcome our problems and help others overcome theirs. T
hank you, Lord, for letting us live in this wonderful world and be part of its challenge. This we ask through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

I pray you are having a blessed Easter. Diana

Life Is Eternal

This last week my father died and my family so appreciates the many kind words and prayers and food we received. In reading my Lenten devotional this day I read the prayer: Lord of Life, when my time comes to breathe my last earthly breath, may I die trusting that I will continue to live forever with you in glory. I believe my father knew this prayer and is with God in glory this day. Gods Blessings to you all, Diana

How God Comes

Each morning, when the eastern sky
With opalescent tints grow bright,
From out the dawn for those who hear
There comes a whisper, "I am light!"

When spring arrives in bright array,
Transcending storms and winter strife,
The budding trees and opening flowers
Tell their sweet story:"I am life!"

Then through the glorious summer days,
Long hours of bliss without alloy,
The sun, the birds, all nature joins
The great, glad chorus:"I am joy!"

And when the heart is strangely stirred
With mystic echoes from above,
A voice divine speaks to the soul--
Ecstatic moment!--"I am Love!"

Or if life's problems vex us sore
And from our woes we seek release,
God sends His dews of quietness
And gently whispers, "I am peace!"

And should there come the darker hours,
The shadowy vale can hold no fear;
That reassuring voice speaks forth,
"Courage, my children, I am here!"

I hope you enjoy this poem as spring arrives. This speaks to me as I continue the journey with my father in his struggles with a second stroke.

Taken from St. Andrew's Epicopal Church, Saratoga, California