Mid-week News 1-23-13

Dear Family of faith, Life can change so fast! I was thinking about that as I drove home one evening last week with all the cars whizzing toward me at 60 m.p.h. in the opposite lane. All it would take is one distracted texter or someone juggling a cell phone to swerve into my lane and that would change my life forever. It really is an act of faith to get in your car these days, isn’t it? We have to believe that those in the cars around us will stay in their lanes and drive safely even though we have no control over what other people do. A lot of life is like that—we have no control over it, and things that happen outside our control can radically change our futures. I don’t know about you, but, in view of that, I am so glad that God promises to walk with us through all of life. And if others choose to hurt us or make life difficult for us, God can use every circumstance and event for good. Remember that if you find yourself in a hard spot today. This Sunday will be a day of celebration, not only because we are installing our officers, but we are also receiving into membership 18 people. Come, welcome the new members and celebrate God’s goodness! My sermon for the day is entitled “What Could Have Been.” Do you ever think that you are too old to be of any good? I read with interest about the Nobel Prize winner Rita Levi-Montalcini, a biologist from Italy, who died last December at age 103. She kept an intensive work schedule through age 100! When I read about people like that, I wonder whether they ever complained about their aches and pains or said, “It’s somebody else’s turn” and “I’m too old to help”? Sooner or later we all come to the full-stop in life (death). Until that time shouldn’t we keep running? I have a feeling that those who keep going last longest? What do you think? You are wonderful people, and God has blessed me much through you. Keep hugging! With affection, Pastor Carlan