First Sunday in Advent - First United Methodist Church of Fox Hill

Advent 2009
First Fox Hill United Methodist Church
Illustrated by Our
2nd - 5th Grade
Sunday School Students
First Sunday in Advent
November 29, 2009
What is your Pumpernickel?
Read Jonah 3:10 – 4:2
On World Communion Day in October, communion was made up of six different breads
from around the world and Pastor Cheryl asked us to pick one to use during the service.
Right away I knew it wouldn’t be pumpernickel. I don’t like pumpernickel. As I was
sitting waiting for my turn it occurred to me that sometime I am like Jonah in that I don’t
want to do something God has asked of me and maybe that ‘something’ is my ‘pumpernickel’.
Jonah knew it would be out of his way to go to Nineveh and didn’t want to go. How
many times have I not gone out of my way to do something I knew later than God would
have wanted me to do? Did I speak up when someone criticized the mission work of the
church? Did I walk across the street to ask a neighbor to come with me to a church
program? Did I volunteer to do something in church that would take up my time?
I realize now that just as I did not take the pumpernickel bread because it was unpleasant
to me, I do not do some things I know I should as a child of God who was meant to be
His hands in this earthly life.
Prayer: Father, help me to listen for your gentle voice reminding me how valuable all
your children are to you. Help me to be less selfish and more in tone to your will. Amen
Thought for the Day
What is God calling you to do today?
Joyce Winston
Monday, November 30, 2009
…Am I my brother’s keeper?
- Genesis 4:9
Intelligent, handsome and athletic. Not much my brother could not do. The world was his
– he could have it all. His life took a different turn. He seemed to stop. Drink and drugs
took their toll. In the end, his body was broken, the strength gone, but, the intellect – ah!
That always remained!
I would try to shine a light. Point the errors of his ways. But, always to no avail. He lived
his life. He walked his path. And he always thanked me for my care. What happened to
this man? I do not know. Why did he lose his way? Or was his way truly lost? That is not
for me to say.
Death came too soon. No struggle. No sound. Just the fleeting beat of angel wings and he
was gone. Much too soon.
Who is to say why a life is lived in one way or another? And is this life better or worse
than yours or mine? I do not know. I do know my brother touched many with joy,
laughter and gifts not sought in return. A balm for a life not lived? Would these broken
souls have been touched if my brother lived the “straight and narrow.” I cannot say. I do
not know.
But he did, indeed, touch them – and made their lives better. Comfort for me, I suppose.
But, I, too, am the better for his life and I thank him for his touch.
Prayer: Dear Lord, help us to remember that as we live our lives we touch so many and
in so many ways. Please help us to make those touches as you would – gentle, kind, and
loving. In your name we pray. Amen.
Thought for the Day
Yes, we are our brother’s keeper, but never his owner, never his master, just simply his
brother with arms to hold him, and a heart to love him for always.
Carmen Stupica
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
God’s Hand in Events of the Day
When Chuck was in the hospital at VCU (MCV) for his surgery in early September
I stayed at the Hospitality House connected with VCU. They had a shuttle bus that ran
between the house and the hospital for families of patients. One morning I took the
shuttle back to the hospital with a lovely lady from Texas (I'll call her Anne though I can't
remember her name). She was so happy!!! She and her husband had been up north to a
class reunion and were flying to Atlanta to visit friends before returning home to Texas.
While in flight her husband began experiencing horrible pain. The flight attendant was
there immediately and asked if anyone on board was a physician. There was a physician
SITTING DIRECTLY BEHIND this couple. He examined and diagnosed a rare condition
(I can't remember what) that needed immediate surgery. The flight attendant talked with the
pilot and they headed for Richmond and VCU. The flight attendant kept everyone aware
of the situation and was very calm. When the plane landed and the couple were taken off
the flight everyone stood in respect for the couple. The flight attendant had told Anne that
she prayed before every flight and knew that God had a hand in the events of the day.
Anne said her husband did well and that they couldn't have been near a better hospital.
Anne was so grateful to be able to stay at the Hospitality House because lots of times it is
booked solid. I'll never forget Anne's big smile and gratitude for being at VCU. She said
she had never been to Richmond, VA but LOVED the city and everyone she had met.
I believe this was a God-Incident for her and her husband and also for me to hear her witness.
Sharon Whitley
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
God is With Us
When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him
and took Mary home as his wife. But he had no union with her until she gave birth
to a son. And He gave him the name Jesus.
Matthew 1: 24-25
Last year on December 2, 2008, I felt it was a good day to decorate our Christmas
tree. Michael and I were to leave for Phoenix, Az in a few days to see our son Mike that
wasn't going to be able to be home for the Holidays. I was feeling a little down because
18 years ago on that day my Dad had passed away and I was certainly thinking of
him. While preparing to start, I remembered how much he loved Christmas and his
Christmas tree. I had just began to place the ornaments on th tree when I found a special
ornament that both of my son's loved and adored. It was a Sugar Bear ornament and
when you pressed it's belly it played Christmas Carols. We use to comment for years that
we couldn't believe it stilled played and if I had to guess, it stopped working about 5
years ago, but of course we still had to keep it. When I picked it up I had the thought to
press it and when I did I was given a special surprise. It started working and played the
Christmas music.
I said out loud, "Thank You God for Your gift to me on this day."
After that my mood totally changed and I turned on Christmas music and enjoyed myself
and each moment thereafter. I took the ornament to Phoenix to show Mike and he
certainly remembered it and he couldn't believe it was working. I also showed it to
Brandon when he came home and from the tag on the back he figured out it was 19 years
old. I also shared with them my special gift...........
Prayer: Heavenly Father, Thank You so much for Your many gifts You give us ALL but
especially the gift of Jesus Christ Your Son and our Lord and Savior.
Gail Gulla
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Wanting to be like Others
Read: 1 Samuel 16:6-7
For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb.
Psalm 139:13 (NIV)
When I was very young I always wanted to look and be like others. I had the whitest
blond hair anyone could imagine and just didn’t like it. There were a couple of boys in
my kindergarten class that had dark hair and I went to the extreme one day and wet my
hair down to make it look darker. What I thought was the perfect solution actually caught
my teacher’s attention. She asked me if I had wetted my hair down and after repeated
denials, I finally admitted to doing so. After intense questioning to get at the reason why,
she kindly told me that I was that way because that is how God made me.
Her statement didn’t seem to have much impact and I continued to have this self-doubt
about myself until 18 years later when I was going Army R.O.T.C. Basic Camp at Fort
Knox, Kentucky. I wanted to be just like one of the guys I had befriended. I thought he
was one of the neatest persons I’d ever met until one morning in the mess hall he
displayed one of the meanest attitudes of anyone I’d ever seen. I guess he couldn’t handle
the pressure, like I was able to, from the previous night’s training session followed by the
next day’s early morning wake-up call.
From that day forward, I asked God for forgiveness and gave up my quest to be like
others. I truly believe that this was a God instance to make me finally understand my
kindergarten teacher’s words.
Prayer: Lord, forgive us when we doubt what you have created. Help us to find our
purpose and be happy with the way you made us. In Jesus name, Amen.
Thought for the Day
Just be yourself, that’s what God intended
Tom Hite
Prayer Focus
For those experiencing self-doubt.
Friday, December 4, 2009
On Time
Yes, I will give them good pastureland on the high hills of Israel. There they will lie down
in pleasant places and feed in the lush pastures of the hills. I myself will tend my sheep
and give them a place to lie down in peace, says the Sovereign Lord.
Ezekiel 34:14-16 (New Living Translation)
Daddy was God’s faithful servant for many years, but the last 10 years of his life were
tormented by dementia. My sisters and I needed to have him committed, which meant
subpoenaing him to court. We decided that I would go directly to the courthouse and they
would go together to bring Daddy from the hospital. My sister Norma took special care to
ensure all would go smoothly when she and Tricia went to pick up Daddy.
When they arrived, everything that could go wrong did. The release orders were
incomplete and staff who were normally present weren’t there. My sisters prayed that
God would help them get Daddy to court in time.
I, however, sat across town in the courtroom, listening to the cases being brought before
the judge. Daddy deserved better than this. He would be mortified to be part of the sad
display in this courtroom. I prayed for God to spare him.
Almost an hour later, our attorney led me to a private area outside the Judge’s chambers.
Sometime after that, my sisters arrived with Daddy. The judge met us in this quiet place,
allowing Daddy to retain his dignity during the difficult proceeding that followed.
My sisters and I prayed for very different things. How did God choose which to honor?
I don’t believe He did. God was Daddy’s Shepherd for many years. When Daddy needed
Him most, God simply took care of His precious sheep.
Prayer: Thank you, precious Savior, for knowing what is best and for loving your sheep.
Kathy Fisher
Saturday, December 5, 2009
Knowing that You are with Me
The Lord will keep you from all harm; he will watch over your life;
the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.
Psalms 121:7-8
After visiting family at Christmas I was just starting out on the 500 mile road trip back to
Virginia. I was leaving early in the morning and it was still dark outside. I was only about
20 minutes into my journey, but I was already thinking about how tired I would be by
day’s end. I knew I should ask God to watch over my long day ahead. Immediately I
offered up a silent prayer for protection as the car moved down the dark road.
As soon as I started to pray, the thought hit me that I should turn on my high beams.
It was very dark on the back country roads so I reached out and flipped the lights.
The instant the high beams came on I was startled to see a deer standing in the road less
than 100 feet ahead. I had not seen him at all until that moment. I realized that if I had not
turned on the high beams at exactly that moment I would surely have hit the deer.
I braked hard and came to a complete stop. The buck looked directly at me for a few
seconds and then calmly walked off the pavement and into the bushes. I finished my
prayer and continued down the road.
Prayer: Lord, I know you watch over me and protect me every moment of every day, but
sometimes I do not seek your counsel or hear your voice. Remind me to always listen for
your voice in the silent night. You have much to tell me.
Phil Stout
Second Sunday in Advent, December 6, 2009
Patricia
“Since my youth, O GOD, you have taught me,
and to this day I declare your marvelous deeds.”
Psalm 71:17 (NIV)
This past July I was given the great opportunity to go on a mission trip to El Salvador
with Orphan Helpers. The entire trip was an absolutely astounding collection of
unbelievably awesome experiences, one of which has remained with me ever since.
At one of the halfway houses that we visited I met a young girl named Patricia. While we
were having dinner together she asked Dave Powell and I if we would like to hear her
testimony. I was amazed by this fourteen year old girl’s willingness to converse so
openly and intimately with people that she had only met a few hours prior. Through our
translator, Zinia, she told us how her father had died before she was born and that her
mother had mistreated her throughout the early years of her life. Before long she ran
away, took up residency at CIPI (one of the orphanages in El Salvador’s capital city) and
later at one of Orphan Helpers’ halfway houses (Hope House specifically). While
attending a local church, she enrolled herself in the youth ministry where she met a
troubled boy two years her senior. She could tell that he was headed in the wrong
direction. As a result, she took it upon herself to minister to this young man despite his
unwillingness to listen. Over time he began to pay attention and eventually fully accepted
JESUS as his savior.
Today this young man works as a Youth Pastor. Patricia hopes that she can, one day,
follow in the footsteps of her pupil turned mentor and become a Youth Pastor herself.
Through all of her hardships, sufferings, and loneliness, Patricia has been more than
willing to communicate her faith in GOD to those that have an ear to listen, even those
that she just met. I pray that we may all have the strength, the wisdom, and the will to
follow the lead of this young girl.
Prayer: “If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of GOD.
If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength GOD provides, so that in all things
GOD may be praised through JESUS CHRIST. To HIM be the glory and the power
forever and ever. Amen.” – 1 Peter 4:11 (NIV)
Seth Michael Seaman
Thought of the day
The LORD’s will be done, but will you do it.
Monday, December 7, 2009
Child like Faith
Read Matthew 18:1-4
“(Jesus said)...unless you turn from your sins and become like little children,
you will never get into the Kingdom of Heaven..".
Matthew 18:3
It was very quiet that evening at supper after Lindsey and I had had a disagreement about
something that she had said or done. I have no idea what that was, it was so long ago, but
typically in this situation it was silent meal. Finally, Ashley being three years of age, said,
"Mom, have you forgiven Lindsey? God has." What could I say? "I am slower than God
but I'll get there, SOON!"
Thank heavens God is faithful and forgiving, quickly.
______________________________
Joyce Wilson
What did Jesus mean when he said "Come as a little child"? My two year old grandchild
and I went shopping and in the midst of the card shop I heard her singing Jesus Loves
Me, this I know. It came to me that this might be the point of that scripture: How would
our world change if we adults could witness like this child? Can we sing out the praises
of God wherever we are? Can others even tell we are Christians? At the most interesting
times this child of God will come up, hug my legs, and say I love you Grandma. Perhaps
we adults should do that more often.
I love you Lord.
Joyce Winston
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Who Are You?
My life was blessed from the very start. I was adopted at the age of 11 minutes.
My adoptive parents worked at the hospital where I was born. My first bed was an
orange crate due to the lack of traveling infant beds during the war. When our Lord
was born he too had loving parents and his bed was made out of straw. Christ parents
and my parents each obeyed God. The key is that your parents love you just as Christ
does unconditional.
Adoption makes you wonder as an adult who am I? Where did I come from? Do I have
brothers or sisters? My hunt begins in 1993. It took me seven years to locate my family;
a reunion was set up—what a wonderful time we had! My adoptive parents were pleased
for me.
Just as the shepherd boy lost his sheep (his adoptive family) he sought to find the one that
was missing (Luke 15:4-7). We all can wonder and search about ourselves but each of us,
no matter our lineage, belongs to Christ our Savior! Let’s enjoy the journey we’ve been
given by daily reading God’s word and praying unceasingly.
Prayer: Gracious God, the commandments teach us to love you with our whole heart,
teach us to love our parents no matter the situation or circumstance. Help us each to be
thankful that our heavenly Father has watched over us so that we know who we are. Lord,
continue to guide us through our lives. Amen.
Peggy Hopewell
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Small Miracle
“...with God all things are possible."
Matthew 19:26
Traveling north on I-80 in a cold rain, I was growing rather tired when I noticed a change
in what I saw. Indeed, I'd been enjoying the beautiful autumn colors of crimson, gold,
bronzes, yellows and other colors of the trees along the interstate. However, now I was
seeing tiny snowflakes and wondered how could that be. Shortly, however, the Master
Painter had placed a magnificent piece of artwork before me as the tiredness seemed to
leave me. Two days later, on Saturday morning, as I woke up, I noticed a heavy snowfall
through the woods and down toward the lake and what a miracle of beauty that was! I
could hardly believe my eyes. The enjoyment was mine to behold. "Small Miracle"
number 1.
The night before leaving my son and his family to come back to Virginia, Zachary said to
me, "Grandma, come on upstairs and I'll play for you". Needless to say, I was on my feet
and followed him anxiously. Once in his room, he set up his electric guitar and began to
play some lovely pieces from his portfolio for me. I always hoped one of the 5
grandchildren would play an instrument and Zachary and his sister, Taylor, are the ones.
When he began to play, there came on his face a look of peace and contentment unlike
the typical teenager would very often have. Because of that, I felt total peace with his
music. To see him on the football field one would never imagine him with this talent.
God has indeed rendered a wonderful miracle with this grandson. "Small Miracle number 2".
Miracles do not have to be huge or 'earth shaking', but are things that leave a deep imprint
on our lives. God's mighty miracle at Christmastime can touch every life that will open
itself to it, and it will make such a new person. Are we ready for the Spirit of the Christ
Child to come again into our lives this Christmas season?
"All things are possible with God"
Barbara Parady
Thursday, December 10, 2009
A Greater Plan
Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord
Colossians 3:20
Every one has their own trials to face, to overcome. But believe me when I say: The Lord
has a greater plan. At four years old my brother and I were adopted by my aunt and uncle.
My mom was an alcoholic and a drug addict and my father, well, who knows. I don’t
remember the story but my Gramma has faithfully recounted it for me. When I was put
up for adoption my aunt was a newlywed. She turned to my uncle and said ‘I want those
kids’. My uncle replied ‘Well I don’t’. My aunt (who I now call my mother) gave him an
ultimatum. Us or a divorce. My uncle chose us.
The first day my uncle saw us my gramma said that he fell in love. Shortly after I was
adopted. My father and I have always been best friends and I doubt that anyone else
could ever understand me as well as him. My mother and I have had our issues but I
always turn to her in rough times. On October 13th 2002 my mother gave birth to my little
brother, and since then he has been a huge part of my life.
So though I was not born from their flesh they are my true parents. God put them in my
life because he knew they would be better for me than anyone else.
Shelby Juneau
Friday, December 11, 2009
Love One Another
Love is kind and patient, never jealous, boastful, proud, or rude. Love isn’t selfish or
quick tempered. It doesn’t keep a record of wrongs that others do. Love rejoices in the
truth, but not in evil. Love is always supportive, loyal, hopeful, and trusting.
1 Corinthians 13:4-7
Paul was especially concerned about the way the Corinthian Christians were always
arguing and dividing themselves into groups and about the way they treated one another.
Love, Paul tells them, is even more important than faith or hope. All of the problems in
the Church could be solved, if all the members would love one another, as Christians
should.
The love that Paul speaks about always brings glory to God. It’s contagious! You find
yourself filled with joy and wanting to invest and share the love of Jesus with others.
Thank you Merv, Lewis, Susan, Lori, Becky, Ken, Jean, Mary, Tom, Lisa, Jess, Rob,
Jeanne, Kathy, Dave, Evelyn, Betsy, Tommy, June, Jeannie, Dave, Cathy and so many
others who made God incidents in my life because their shared His love.
Prayer: O Father, we would thank Thee for all Thy love has given,
our present joy of sonship, our future joy in Heaven.
Thought for the Day
May your love overflow to reach every life that you touch.
Kathy Monteith
Saturday, December 12, 2009
All Nations
Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father
and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have
commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, to the close of the age.
Matthew 28:19-20 (RSV)
The Lord permits each person to choose the religion that they feel might appeal most to
their needs. As the Advent season approaches, now is a good time to reflect on the impact
that religion has around the world. When I retired as a Professor of Accounting at Old
Dominion University in 1998, I wondered how the good Lord had planned to use my
newly found spare time. Fortunately, He has given me to the opportunity to work with 15
developing countries and countries in transition as they attempt to improve their financial
management systems. Thus, these countries (with the good Lord’s direction) are better
able to identify what they need to do in order to reduce poverty, improve education, and
provide better health care.
I have visited huge mosques in Morocco and Turkey, as well as a beautiful temple in
India, where those of the Islamic and Buddhist faiths can go to renew their vows. I have
seen a leper in the Islamic region of Nigeria and a young man with AIDS in Zambia
while attending an Anglican church as they attempted to seek solace in their despair.
I have been on the Pakistani border on Christmas Eve and was able to help a young
soldier from India better understand the meaning of Christianity. Regardless of ones
religious beliefs, we serve an awesome God.
Through our church’s mission program to all continents throughout the world, each of us
has an opportunity to be involved in outreach (both locally and globally) to those in need.
May we always be mindful of the bounty that we have and be willing to share our good
fortunes with those less fortunate.
Jesse Hughes
Third Sunday in Advent, December 13, 2009
The Lighthouse
"I am the light of the world.”
John 8:12
Each time I see a lighthouse,
standing so tall with it’s light
leading the way,
As a ship tossed at sea,
on a dark night,
Seeing the light, knowing there safe ahead,
like with Jesus arms open wide,
to take you in.
Feeling the ocean breeze,
knowing it’s a touch from Jesus.
The Light will lead the way.
Jo Ann J. Johnson
Monday, December 14, 2009
No Room For Strangers
And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes,
and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
Luke 2:7
Recently, I have mulled over this verse and wondered how Mary felt having her first born
in a manager. All the dirt and everything around might have worried the new mom, yet
no-one knew that God had sent His son and yet no-one had room in their comfortable
establishments. How uncomfortable Mary must have felt and seemed like no-one cared.
The story brightens as this strange scene invites other outsiders like the shepherds.
Sometimes, I wonder if we in the church give our best to strangers among us. It seems
easier to give to those who do not darken our doors, but to those who come in, do we give
our best? Do we leave our comforts? Do we really say; “you are welcome” or do we just
relegate to the outskirts?
I have often identified with this verse. In my life I have often moved around and have felt
like a stranger when I have come to “established” churches. What I have come to believe
is that I hate being an “outsider” and that I should always make people feel welcome
because the establishment is God’s not mine… The church should always be the most
welcoming place, not just the first time that someone comes. We never know whom God
has sent.
Prayer: Dear Lord, Please always let me have room for You & others….
Cathy Powell
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
God Understands
We can rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God - all because of
what our Lord Jesus Christ has done for us in making us friends of God.
Romans 5:11
There are many days we may feel that no one understands the unique pressures we face
daily. However, God knows us intimately and cares about what concerns us. He can see
our circumstances from an all encompassing viewpoint.
As you woke up this morning you may have felt you had many trials to face. Soon this
will end. You will be prepared with the patience, faith, and humility you need. God
knows what is needed for each person.
This morning God is calling you to learn from him. God loves us and we can trust him!
He is with us at all times. He encourages us to be strong even when changes occur in our
lives. He has comforted you in order to prepare you to encourage others.
You have his truth engraved with you. He knows exactly what you need so be patient and
trust Him.
Prayer: Thank you, God that trials don’t last forever, but that the qualities you build in
me do. You are truly good to me. Amen
Sarah Sudduth
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Call Things That Are Not As Though They Were
(As it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations,)
before him whom believed, even God, who quickeneth the dead,
and calleth those things which be not as though they were.
Romans 4:17 KJV
As our eight year old granddaughter lay in a coma in ICU on a ventilator with life
supports, the doctors delivered the grim news, “Those who survive encephalomyelitis
(inflammation in the brain and spinal chord) have a 50/50 chance of impairment, some
more severe than others.” She was receiving the best medical treatment in Minnesota that
is available in any children’s hospital in America, yet the doctors told us to pray. Ours
son and daughter-in-law activated every prayer chain in every church they knew and
asked not only to pray for survival but complete recovery. The family was vigilant, taking
turns by her bedside 24/7, praying and telling Kimberly that she was getting better.
Within a few days the word traveled around the country, then to Europe and to the Mid
East, even to the Wailing Wall in Jerusalem. In her hospital room, we quietly sang hymns
of the ages.
I cannot say that doubt did not creep into my mind at times, but I dismissed it and clung
to the scripture above. I truly know now what it is to have nothing but a prayer and
sometimes, that’s all we need. After about 10 days, Kimberly’s eyelids fluttered! The
next day, she opened her eyes for a few seconds at a time. The third day, she tried to
focus her eyes and each day she showed a little progress.
As I write this on November 1, Kimberly is fully awake, surprising the doctors and the
therapists with her progress. By the time you read this, I fully expect that she will
continue to get better every day because God honors the prayers of His people!
I feel honored to have witnessed a miracle!
Prayer: Lord, thank you for those who remind us of your presence and work. Amen
Thought for the Day:
Long after we’ve done all we can do, God will still be working.
Joyce Fly
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Missionaries
God also testified to it by signs, wonders and various miracles,
and gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his will. Hebrews 2:4
So we are to use our different gifts in accordance with the grace that God has given us.
If our gift is to speak God's message, we should do it according to the faith that we have;
if it is to serve, we should serve; if it is to teach, we should teach... Romans 12: 6, 7
As a Peace Corps volunteer in Macedonia, my first three months were spent in training in
Skopje. Afterward, each person in the group was sent to a different town or village. I was
assigned to Strumica (STROO-meet-zah) in southeastern Macedonia to work with
English teachers in a high school. During our training period we had had four hours of
language class a day, but we still had much to learn. Consequently we were encouraged
to find a tutor in our places of assignment, preferably someone who was not from the
place where we worked. The Peace Corps would reimburse the cost of the lessons.
A few days after I had moved to Strumica, I visited the public library. I went into the
children’s department and the woman at the desk asked (in Macedonian) if she could help
me. I told her I was looking for a book. She explained that I was in the children’s
department. “I know,” I said; “I read Macedonian like a child.” She asked where I was
from and as soon as I told her, she smiled and said, “I speak English.”
Zaga invited me to her home for coffee. We quickly became friends and a few days later
I asked her if she would be my tutor. She agreed and we began lessons.
Several weeks later she said, “Carol, I must tell you... when you asked me to be your
tutor, I had only two denars (about 5 cents) in my purse. I did not know how I would feed
my family until my next paycheck. You were a gift from God.”
Of course, Zaga has been an even bigger gift to me with her friendship and caring over
the past 12 years.
Prayer: Thank you, God, for the people you send into our lives
just when we need them most. Amen.
Carol Partridge, GBGM Missionary
United Methodist Church, Strumica, R Macedonia
Friday, December 18, 2009
Where Does My Help Come From?
He will not let you stumble;
the one w ho w atches over you w ill not slum ber.
Psalm 121:3-4
Romans 8:28 is a bible verse that most people know. I remind myself often that God is in
control and hears our prayers. We have prayed non stop for our daughter who has been
fighting cancer for about seven years. Also, my brother has reconnected with the family
and he is in very bad health. We have quality time with our daughter and my brother.
Pastor Bob Woodfin gave me this article that I would like to share with you. It reads:
“I am God. Today I will be handling all of your problems.
Please remember that I do not need your help.
If the devil happens to deliver a situation to you
that you cannot handle DO NOT attempt to resolve it.
Kindly put it in the SFJTD (something for Jesus to do) box.
It will be addressed in MY time, not yours.
Once the matter is placed into the box,
do not hold on to it or attempt to remove it.
Holding on or removal will delay the resolution of your problem.
If it is a situation that you think you are capable of handling
please consult me in prayer to be sure that it is the proper resolution.
Because I do not sleep nor do I slumber, there is no need for you to lose any sleep.
Rest my child. If you need to contact me, I am only a prayer away.”
My brother visited us for nine days recently and we had an opportunity to get to know
each other. Also, our daughter is going with us to New York City soon for a few days.
Both parties are able to do things thought impossible.
I must admit that I have not always put my concerns in the box and left them there. I
know that our God is an awesome God.
God is good all the time, and all the time God is good.
Bonnie Hulton
Saturday, December 19, 2009
A Hand Shake
Read Romans 16:1-16
Greet all your leaders and all God's people
Hebrews 13:24
When I came to First Foxhill, 35 years ago, what comes to my mind is the warm and
friendly handshake extended to me by Merv Shearer. You could always count on Merv
being at the door every Sunday, greeting everyone both young and old. Merv did this for
years by himself, and if he didn’t greet you when you entered the door, you would always
know that Merv would find you and shake your hand before you left Church that day.
I am not sure how long Merv continued doing this by himself, or how large the church
had become before he started asking other people to be greeters along with him.
When it got to be too much for Merv to get people to help him greet, I was asked to take
his place in getting other people to serve as greeters along with him. What an honor it
was for me to be asked to fill Merv’s shoes.
I know Merv has been there a lot longer, but for the last 35 years, knowing that on
Sunday mornings Merv will be at the door with a smile on his face and an
outstretched arm to greet everyone, has been a blessing to me as well as to others.
Merv, I want to say Thank You, for myself and for others, for starting Sunday
mornings off right. With a warm smile and a firm handshake you let the love of Christ
shine through to everyone you meet. We Love You very much. GOD BLESS YOU
Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, help us to greet all those who enter your house,
welcoming them with the love of Christ in Christian fellowship. Amen
Love in Christ, Frances Seely
Fourth Sunday in Advent, December 20, 2009
Little Ones
“See that you do not despise one of these little ones. For I tell you that in heaven
their angels always see the face of my Father who is in heaven.”
Matthew 18:10 (ESV)
Evan Julius
I see God through his green eyes.
Through his innocent belief of people’s lies.
I see God through his clumsy speech.
Through his laughter, pure and incredibly sweet
I see God through his determination
To overcome; to climb that mountain.
I see God through his chubby hand around mine
‘Come on Sissy play one more time!’
I see God through his eagerness to forgive
Through that heartbreakingly beautiful smile
Through his thirst to live
I see God through this six year old boy
Sent from Him to show me meaning and joy.
Some people would look at a six year old autistic child and ask ‘Where’s God in this?’
But look beyond that to the amazing wonder that is this child and see for yourself that
God is everywhere in him.
Shelby Juneau
Monday, December 21, 2009
In Law’s Acceptance Through God’s Love
How excellent are the Lord’s faithful people. My greatest pleasure is to be with them.
Psalms 16:3 & 16:1-4
In the 1960’s my late-ex-Mother-in-Law (Betty) didn’t accept me at all. I was 17 when I
married her youngest son, who was 21. She came to our wedding with his brother. No one
else was there. As we said the vows, the background words were not nice at all. Still I felt
the marriage was right in God’s eyes as we had a baby on the way who needed a Mommy
and Daddy. I had no doubt we loved each other and would make great parents! Betty’s son
had told me his name was Bill. When I went to sign the marriage certificate I found out his
name was Alfred. I questioned him before signing and he said Bill was a Nickname and he
like the way I said it and wanted me to call him by Bill. His military career soon sent him
to Andrews AFB. By then our little baby girl, Sue, was 4 months old. Being so young and
being raised Catholic we were soon expecting our second daughter, Wendy. While living in
Maryland A’s Mother came to visit us a number of times after Wendy was born. First the
weekends for visits turned into weeklong visits. At one point his Mom gave me some
helpful advice to help clear a rash Wendy had gotten and I couldn’t seem to cure no matter
what the Doctor advised. The next time Mom came for a visit Wendy’s rash was gone.
Mom saw, then, that I was willing to take her advice. After that she started longer visits
where it was just me, Mom, Sue and Wendy. The visits seemed to get warmer. One of her
long visits she seemed to be in a more delightful mood which really nice to see!
As usual I was caring for my girls with baths, feeding and bottles. Then I started my
housework, dishes, beds, dusting, etc. By then I sensed urgency in Mom’s voice for us to
have our usual “cup of tea” tradition we had. During these times I learned Mom believed
in a “Loving God” and she really was a very new person, also a “voice” inside me was
saying “The house work can wait; Betty is more important.” When I got to the table
where we had our tea, Mom had poured a cup of tea for both of us, set the table with
spoons, sugar, and some cookies she had bought with her on a bus from Delaware.
I almost cried! As we sipped our tea and nipped at our cookies, she told me how sorry
she was for misjudging me and for thinking I was like one of my wilder Siblings. I tried
to tell her it was OK but she said, “Let me finish”, so I listened as she said she’d be proud
to have me call her ‘Mom’ as I was the Daughter she always wanted to have. Everything
stopped and seemed to stand still as our hearts connected and God blessed us.
Al and I had another Daughter, Patti, in 1964. She was born at Dover AFB. Around that
time Mom moved to California and gave us some cast iron pots and wooden spoons.
I still have them today and will pass them on to my girls.
Prayer: Loving Lord, teach us to be able to see others through Your eyes.
Mary Petrucci Branch
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Do you believe in miracles? Yes, I believe in miracles!
This, the first of his miraculous signs, Jesus performed in Cana of Galilee.
He thus revealed his glory, and his disciples put their faith in him.
John 2:11
Last May our grandson was coming home from work in Winterville, NC. It was after
11:00 p.m. Someone ran a stop light and hit him in the right frontend of his truck. This
person was speeding and his car was out of control. Keith was shoved into a culvert and
his truck rolled over and the top smashed down. It was so bad when the police arrived;
they had to cut the roof off in order to free him from the truck. He was not hurt, just a
couple of small cuts on his head. Luckily he had his seat belt fastened and had air bags in
the truck. Police told him that if the car had not hit him the young man would have hit a
concrete wall and been killed instantly. Jesus was watching out for both of these young
men that night. All day on Saturday I thanked God for being with Keith that Friday night.
He is married and has a six-month baby girl. He could easily have broken his back or his
neck and been paralyzed for the rest of his life. God works in mysterious ways.
Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for being my co-pilot whenever I start out on a trip. Teach the
young people to not drink and drive; in fact, to not drink at all.
Aileen Haight
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
He Suffered For Our Sins
The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof.
Psalm 24:1
Many years ago I lay in the hospital with a fractured leg from an accident. I was in pain
that I thought I couldn’t bear until I remembered our Lord and Savior who hung on the
cross with not one limb but all four nailed to the cross. What pain that I bore was but a
fraction of what He had to bear and it made me realize what He suffered for our sins to be
forgiven. It made me conscious of the pain He endured that we might have our sins
forgiven and have everlasting life. I was ashamed for not realizing what He had done for
us, and made my pain seem vary incidental in comparison. It is a shame that it takes a
tragedy in our lives to make us realize the great blessings we have. Before I was healed
enough to be released from the hospital and to get to go home I had to learn patience. It
was a time for me to not only think of the blessings I had but also to put my trust and
faith in the Lord.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, I thank You for the grace that is at work in my life, and I thank
You for the peace that comes as a result. I know that You will never fail me. Amen.
Gladys Burtt
Christmas Eve, Thursday, December 24, 2009
CELEBRATE!
“I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people.
The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today...”
Luke 2:10-11
All of God’s children are filled with delight;
Something exciting is happening tonight.
Dancing and praying and giggles galore,
Singing and praising and so much more.
Some of these children are tiny, it’s true,
And some of these children are seventy two.
The news we have heard; it came from afar,
Received by the heart, transmitted by star.
Quiet meditation, exuberant joy
Greeted the birth of God’s own baby boy.
Oh, the story’s quite old but renewed every year
Bringing hearts light and hope, crowding out fear.
Prophecies, promises, God’s Holy Plan
Fulfilled in our Jesus, The Savior of Man.
The gifts of His presence, His peace and His love
Showered upon us from our Father above.
Yes, something exciting has happened tonight
And all of God’s children are filled with delight.
Glenda Helms
Christmas Day! Friday, December 25, 2009
Jesus “Went Back In”
And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes,
and laid him in a manger;... Luke 2:7
An E-mail video came whistling across my computer last week that made me drift back
into childhood memories. The video from Germany displayed the largest model railroad
layout I have ever seen. Having always been fascinated by trains this really caught my
interest. That wonderful Christmas when I with great childhood anticipation ran into the
living room and discovered the “American Flyer” my love for trains was sealed. The
model freight train was circling around the Christmas tree, wooing me into a hobby that
was to remain with me.
Railroaders have been a part of my family as great uncle Claude was a conductor on the
C & O out of Charlottesville. Uncle Charley was an engineer also on the C & O.
Unfortunately Uncle Charley was killed in a train wreck at Shadwell carrying German
prisoners of war to the prison camp at White Hall.
Trains running around Christmas trees, nostalgia, Advent season, where do we go from
here? Uncle Charley was thrown clear of the wreck. He was unhurt but his fireman was
trapped in the engine cab. Uncle Charley went back in and saved the life of his fireman.
He was scalded by the escaping steam from the ruptured boiler and later died.
Jesus “went back in” and saved our lives having given His life for ours!
Merry Christmas, Tommy Markham
Saturday, December 26, 2009
Daily Blessing
Our Sunday School teacher reminds us almost weekly to start each day with God and
prayer, but don’t stop there! There are so many places and times you can show love by
making other people’s day blessed and so will yours be. When people smile at you, smile
back and maybe make an appropriate addendum. Treat people as though they are worth
your speaking to them. God made us all and He loves us all.
When I was a child, the Virginia Conference ADVOCATE always had a children’s page.
My grandmother always saved her ADVOCATES and read them to me when I came to
visit. I loved it and looked forward to that time with her. Whenever we were there on
Sunday, we always went with my parents and some of our other relatives. Yes, it was a
blessing to be with our extended family.
When our grandchildren come now, we have a number of rituals they do not forget.
There are the things they remember: tea parties (even if they are all boys), snacks such as
grapes, which one time one of them reminded me he liked the red grapes too (I had been
having only green and I was pleased he felt free to tell me he also liked red ones),
crackers and cheese, apples & other cut up fruit sometimes the candy dish is full and
other times it is put away after I ask our daughter, Libby. It is a most wonderful blessing
having two great grown children and Libby’s three children 4, 7, 20 who live in
Portsmouth. It is nice that Mark (who is in Northern Virginia) and Libby keep in close
touch via the cell phone.
Whenever we help someone, we are serving God. Remember your love ones and others
you might think of particularly with prayer. It always helps too to drop a note and tell the
person you are praying for them. Even a few loving sentences can express your love and
your feelings for them.
We have a grand Church. One of the things that impresses me most is that so many
respond when asked to help in ay way. This makes for a strong church!
We are surrounded by blessings daily. Thank the people for whom you see give of their
talents and time and add their good deeds in your talk with God.
Nancy W. Markham
Sunday, December 27, 2009
Mothers Love
But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.
Luke 2:19
My Mother was a Mom’s Mom. I was her only daughter. I had a career and my life did
not include children. I loved my Mother though.
Mom had cancer. It wasn’t very kind to her but it did give us several opportunities to talk.
Really talk. “Carmen Marie! I want to tell you something. I know you love me. And I
know you know that I love you. But I pray one day you really know how I love you.”
How would that be possible?
My Mother died the day before her 76th August birthday. My September birthday was
sadder for no notice from my Mother. October brought a two inch by two inch newspaper
ad about adoption. A birthday present just a little bit late? January brought adoption
acceptance and a year later a baby’s photo – two inch by two inch passport photo size.
Not a glitch in anything. March brought a trip to the Orient and the gift of a little China doll.
I knew the instance she was placed into my arms what Mom meant so many months
before. I did not have to hear with my ears for I knew it in my heart, “Carmen Marie, now
you know, how I love you.”
The years have come and gone. That beautiful baby is now so grown. And every day I
know just how my Mother loved me. More than any words can say.
Prayer: Father God, never let me forget that I am your child. Loved by you with a love
more than I will ever be able to know, greater than I can ever understand, and as simple
as that you just love me. Thank you for being my Father. Amen
Thought for the Day
God blessed us with a great gift – children.
Carmen Stupica
Monday, December 28, 2009
We Are Precious To God
Praise the Lord, my soul! O Lord, my God, how great you are! ...You make grass grow
for the cattle and plants for us to use, so that we can grow our crops...The cedars of
Lebanon get plenty of rain - the Lord's own trees, which he planted. There the birds build
their nests; the storks nest in the fir trees.
Psalm 104: 1, 14, 16-17
In our village of Murtino, Macedonia our United Methodist Church is across the street
from the Orthodox Church of Saint George. About half of the families in the village are
Methodists and the others are Orthodox. On the steeple of the Orthodox Church there is
a stork’s nest; it has been there several years. It is made of sticks and twigs, with even
some rags woven into it. Every year the storks return to the same nest.
The storks come in late March. While they are in Macedonia, the young are born. Both
parents must work to keep the two or three young storks fed with fish, frogs, insects,
lizards and mice, which are plentiful here in the streams and fields around the village.
By late August or early September, the young are strong enough and big enough to
migrate with their parents to Africa.
To have a stork’s nest on one’s roof is said to be good luck, so no one bothers them. We
used to have a nest on the steeple of our Methodist Church, but one winter in a storm it
fell down. Some people said that because “our” nest had fallen down and the nest on the
Orthodox Church remained, the Lord had looked more favorably on the Orthodox
Church.
Bad things sometimes happen. Things we cannot control. Do we believe God is
punishing us, that God no longer loves us as his children? No! We can read the Scriptures
and know that we are precious to God who always loves us and provides for us.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, we thank you that we are called your children.
We thank you for all that you give us, for your guidance and care.
We praise you and glorify you. Amen.
Slave Azmanov, pastor
[SLAH-veh ahz-MAHN-ov]
UMC - Murtino, Macedonia (partner church)
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
God Cares About Details
Then the Lord gave the donkey the ability to speak. “What have I done to you that
deserves your beating me three times?” it asked Balaam. “You have made me look like a
fool!” Balaam shouted. “If I had a sword with me, I would kill you!” “But I am the same
donkey you have ridden all your life,” the donkey answered. “Have I ever done anything
like this before?” “No,” Balaam admitted. Then the Lord opened Balaam’s eyes, and he
saw the angel of the Lord standing in the roadway with a drawn sword in his hand.
Balaam bowed his head and fell face down on the ground before him.
Numbers 22:28-31
Until I worked with Middle School kids, I never realized the Bible included a story about
a talking donkey. I had encounters with animals where I believed God was involved – but
I thought that admitting that would make me seem a bit crazy.
When Douglas was in elementary school, he & my husband brought home an iguana. I
was less than thrilled, especially when Lightening grew to more than 2 feet long. One day
we came home and Lightening was missing. Always the calm one, Greg wasn’t in a rush
to find him. I, on the other hand, could not find him soon enough, imagining Lightening
crawling into bed with one of us that night. I checked each room, high and low.
Lightening was nowhere to be found. I prayed for some help.
Our cat Alley was under foot more than usual. She kept returning to the entrance to
Jessie’s bedroom. I finally just stopped and looked. Alley remained in one specific spot,
commanding me to come to her level. I stooped down and looked across the room.
Hidden inside Jessie’s computer desk, lying across her recessed keyboard, was the
frightened iguana.
For anyone who doubts that God is interested in the minute details of your life, rest
assured. God used our cat to show me where I could find that iguana. And we all slept
very well.
Prayer: Thank you, Father, for caring about the details of our lives.
And for using Your amazing power to help us when we call on You.
Kathy Fisher
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Learning That Prayer Works
Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything.
Philippians 4:6
Too often I let myself slowly get anxious about things. It can be big matters or small. I’ll
come to a point (the end of my ability to do anything about the situation) when I have to
just say a prayer for help and all to often that is all I can pray - ‘HELP’!
Through these prayers I am finding out that help does come. Some how just praying
calms me down and I can go to the next step (one step at a time). A couple of weeks ago
I was going away for the weekend with a friend. In the past this type of outing had
sometimes ended with hard feelings and a sense of failure on my part. I didn’t want this
to happen again. I prayed before leaving that God would be with us and asked for his
help. Half way into the trip, for some reason, I started letting things bother me. Before
long I was aggravated and knew I was not being the loving person I had prayed God
would help me to be. I got alone and started praying “Jesus, Jesus, Jesus”. I reminded
God that I’d asked for his help before this trip and now I needed it. It was not one minute
when a calm came over me. I was able to go to this person and actually have a loving
heart towards them.
The second part to the scripture above says ‘Tell God what you need, and thank him for
all he has done’. After praying and getting help or direction, it’s easy to forget to give
thanks to God. The crisis is over and we move on. I think by thanking God we remember
we prayed and can see that praying did help.
I’d like to thank all those who gave devotions for this Advent booklet and the children for
their beautiful illustrations. This was something else I prayed for. By the end of October I
had only three devotions and was wondering how could this work with so little responses.
It came to me that I should try praying for people, that they wouldn’t be too busy or
afraid their devotion wouldn’t sound right. Well it wasn’t long and I started hearing from
people and receiving more devotions. TYL (Thank You Lord)
Prayer: God you tell us to pray. Help us to turn to you more often
and make you first in our lives. So be it.
Lisa Hite
New Years Eve, Thursday, December 31, 2009
Look for God
But if from there you seek the LORD your God, you will find him
if you look for him with all your heart and with all your soul.
Deuteronomy 4:28-30
My father-in-law was terminally ill with colon cancer, my father was bedridden with
COPD, I had two small children with no health insurance, I was working part time, we
were $25,000 dollars in debt, my husband’s business was failing, he was never home, my
marriage was suffering, and I prayed. I prayed for healing, I prayed for more money, I
prayed for wisdom, I prayed for help. One day I found myself sobbing in the shower so
I began to pray, “Lord, I need you. I cannot do this alone. I have tried to be faithful. I
don’t know what to pray. I give it all to you. Please show me where to go….” As I stood
there crying out to God, I felt his presence. His hands touched my shoulders as lovingly
as my earthly father would. I heard his voice with words as clear as if he were standing
beside me in the flesh. He said “Don’t worry I have a plan.” With those words came a
flood of peace which passes understanding. With those words came relief.
That day everything changed. I began to look for God everywhere: the smile on my
children’s face, the squeeze of my father’s hand; the flowers that bloomed, the generosity
of neighbors, the extension given by creditors, even the penny on the street. My
circumstances didn’t get better. My father in law died but I was able to share with my
children about heaven. My husband and I divorced but God provided our needs and we
sold the house and paid off our debts. God provided me a new job with health insurance.
Both my parents died but they left me with lessons I hope to pass on to my children.
God is in the small stuff, every day! (If you get a chance, read the book “God is in the Small Stuff
and it all matters” by Bruce Bickel and Stan Jantz)
Prayer: Lord, help us to remember you have a plan for us and
that you are aware of our needs long before we are!
For your unfailing love and grace, we are truly thankful. Amen.
Laura Harris