SUNDAY SERVICES:

The Role of Expectation in Strengthening Faith

Expectation is a wonderful force in the world of faith, acting like a spark that encourages believers to dive into deeper spiritual experiences. In the story of Luke 3, expectation is more than just waiting with excitement; it's about being truly ready to see God's promises come to life.

Embracing the Power of Reflection

As we stand on the cusp of a brand-new year, it's a great time to pause and think about the journey we've taken through 2024. Reflecting isn't just a passive activity; it's a powerful way to light up the path ahead.

Looking back at the highs and lows of the past year, we can gather insights that will help guide our choices and actions in the coming year. This process of looking back to move forward lets us see what worked, recognize what didn't, and plan for growth and improvement in 2025.

The Wilderness as a Symbol of Transformation

In the rich tapestry of the Christmas story, the wilderness emerges as a wonderful symbol of transformation. Often overlooked, this barren land is where the magic happens.

The wilderness, with its wild landscape and lack of human structures, sets the stage for divine moments and spiritual refreshment. It's in these quiet places that characters in biblical stories experience big changes, opening the door to a new understanding of faith and purpose.

In this fast-paced world, it's easy to feel overwhelmed by the constant barrage of distractions, disappointments, and the complexities of life. For many, this can lead to a sense of being spiritually adrift, struggling to maintain faith and focus on what truly matters.

My birthday is coming up this week. The big 31…not so big I know, but it’s got me thinking back. 

I think about my 20’s and man were they a doozy. I’m sure most people can say that about their 20’s. 

For me, I think about the amazing experiences…and the heart-breaking ones. 

I think about the five surgeries I had, including one that was one of the most traumatic experiences in my life. I think about my very public struggle with health, both physical and mental. 

I think about the wonderful, amazing friends I made and the ones I lost along the way. 

I think about falling in love and getting my heart broken. 

I think about the people who lifted me up and the people who tore me down. 

I think about losing my faith in God and everything I believed in; and then finding my way back to a relationship with God, stronger than I ever could have fathomed.

And so we keep going down the rabbit hole…

I will never forget the morning I asked a friend, “How are you?’ and he answered, “Battling the black dog!”

I responded, “What does that mean – the black dog?”

“You’re not familiar with that term?” He asked.

“Not at all.”

“It’s depression. Winston Churchill called it ‘the black dog’.”

“I am very sorry.  How are you battling?”

Before he could answer, we heard the signal for our meeting to begin.

My thoughts turned toward Depression.  It was only in retrospect that I surmised my friend used that term with me because of my work as a mental health counselor.

A life free from worry.  To some of us, it sounds like Shangri-La: wonderful and impossible to find.  But we aren’t doomed to be worry's prisoner.  Read on if you would like to know “How do I stop worrying?”

I am no stranger to this topic.  Over the course of my life I have chewed my nails to stubs, bitten the skin around my nails, pulled out my eyelashes, and stress-eaten cheese, chocolate, and jellybeans.  

I have stayed awake countless nights, playing out different horrible scenarios.  I have had panic attacks and crying jags.  It’s not pretty to admit, but I have let worry take over my life.

If someone had said to me in a time of intense worry, “I know the secret of how to stop worrying,” I would have laughed (bitterly) in his face.