GOD'S LOVE

One of the simplest and most powerful ways we can show God’s love for others is by treating them with dignity, no matter who they are or what their relationship to us.  When we take time to notice, greet and meet the eye of those around us  -- especially those who serve us – and when we speak kindly and patiently with them -– even when we feel we are not being well treated -- this give them dignity and shows God’s love.  Today, work hard to treat everyone with dignity and respect.

John van de  Laar

www.sacradise.cm

LIFE IS A JOURNEY

Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well-preserved body. But rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn, and loudly proclaim...WOW! WHAT A RIDE!

Prayer of Peace for Our World

A Prayer for Our World
In light of the crisis in Syria
Sacred One,
We confess to you that we are often blind

to the plight of our neighbors.
Instead of turning the other cheek, we look the other direction.
Rather than hearing the cry of the oppressed,

we turn up the volume in our lives.
Rather than be prophetic,

we heap words that are meaningless to make us sound good.
There are people dying in Syria - suffering, displaced, lost.
The innocent go to bed each night,

afraid of what the darkness will bring.
We pray for peace in Syria.
We pray for those in power.
We pray for those who are suffering.
We pray for leaders who must make difficult decisions.
Will you join us as we pray and fast this day?
Will you change what is happening in Syria,
as you sit in the ashes with the innocent,

the suffering and the lost...
We don't know the answers, but we know that you do.
Please draw us closer to you.
Please hear our prayers.
Please show us your way.
Free us for joyful obedience, not because of what we can do...

but because of who you are.  Amen 

-DJ del Rosario  Pastor, Bothell UMC, Bothell, WA

Silence is Good

God is a friend of silence. 

See how nature – trees, flowers, grass – grows in silence;

See the stars, the moon and the sun, how they move in silence.

We need silence to be able to touch souls.

Mother Teresa

My Wish for You

This is my wish for you:

Comfort on difficult days,

smiles where sadness intrudes,

rainbows to follow the clouds,

laughter to kiss your lips,

sunset to warm your heart,

hugs when spirits sag,

beautiful for your eyes to see,

friendships to brighten your being,

faith so that you can believe,

confidence for when you doubt,

courage to know yourself,

patience to accept the truth,

love to complete your life.

God's Gifts for Us

How precious, O God, is your constant love!

We find protection under the shadow of your wings.

We feast on the abundant food you provide;

     you let us drink from the river of your goodness.

You are the source of all life,

     and because of your light we see the light.

Psalm 36:7-9  (TEV)

God's Grace Belongs to You

The grace of God means something like: Here is your life. You might never have been, but you are because the party wouldn't have been complete without you. Here is the world. Beautiful and terrible things will happen. Don't be afraid. I am with you. Nothing can ever separate us. It's for you I created the universe. I love you. There's only one catch. Like any other gift, the gift of grace can be yours only if you'll reach out and take it. Maybe being able to reach out and take it is a gift too.

-Frederick Buechner

Wishful Thinking