A Breath of Prayer

As impossible as it is for us to take a breath in the morning large enough to last us until noon, so impossible is it to pray in the morning in such a way as to last us until noon. Let your prayers ascend to him constantly, audibly or silently, as circumstances throughout the day permit.-O. Hallesby I enjoyed this reading on prayer. Have a good week. Diana

Prayer for the Elderly

I was at my Mother's house this afternoon, and we were planning what we were going to do as hostesses of the older womans' circle this next Wednesday. My Mother saves articles that she likes and inspirational verses. She pulled out her files and found a beautiful prayer she will say prior to lunch this week. I will share this with you, so you can use it too if it pertains.
Lord, Thou knowest better than I know myself that I am growoing older and will someday be old. Keep me from the fatal habit of thinking I must say something on every subject and on every occasion. Release me from craving to straighten out everybody's affairs. Make me thoughtful but not moody: helpful but not bossy. With my vast store of wisdom, it seems a pity not to use it all, but Thou knowest Lord that I want a few friends at the end. Keep my mind free from the recital of endless details, give me wings to get to the point. Seal my lips on my aches and pains. They are increasing and love of rehearsing them is becoming sweeter as the years go by. I dare not ask for grace enough to enjoy the tales of other's pains, but help me to endure them with patience.

I dare not ask for improved memory, but for a growing humility and a lessening sureness when my memory seems to clash with the memories of others. Teach me the glorious lesson that occasionally I may be mistaken.

Keep me reasonably sweet; I do not want to be a saint-some of them are so hard to live with-but a sour old person is one of the crowning works of the devil. Give me the ability to see good things in unexpected places, and talents in unexpected people. And give me, O Lord, the grace to tell them so. Amen

By the way, if this prayer is appropriate for you, you may be interested in a wonderful circle that meets the 3rd Wednesday of each month in the parlor at 12:30. This circle is the Mary Martha Circle and each month 20 or more women gather for fellowship, dessert and a short program. Everyone brings a sandwich and hostesses provide the coffee, tea and dessert. This Wednesday the 19th is the next meeting. Call the church for info or a ride. Blessings, Diana

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