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Pastor Ed's Blog

• May31Thu

  In Celebration of life

  May 31, 2018

  In Celebration of life
  
  This past Victoria Day weekend, was the first holiday weekend since family day in February.  The weather was decent and people were out and about celebrating with fireworks. It is so wonderful to be home with family and friends and take the time to relax and catch up with one another and do some around the house chores.
  
  The long weekend is like the gateway to summer. The hot weather we are experiencing lately has made us a little uncomfortable, but also excited about the upcoming holidays where most people have a chance to slow down and take time to celebrate life.
  
  When you come to think of it, life is beautiful. Life is a gift for which we give our God thanks. In a recent worship service we talked about how in fact, everything we have in life is a gift.  Certainly, we can fill up a page with everything which is not so good in life (we too often go there first - bad habit). On the other hand, when we focus on the goodness and ponder the absolute miracle of life, our tendency is to respond with gratitude to our loving God.. Then in spite of the challenges and storms in life, we can rest in the joy of the one who provides and will continue to provide good things in life and for eternity.
  
  "Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows (New International Version)."          James 1: 17

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• Apr4Wed

  Building on Resurrection Joy!

  April 4, 2018

  Building on Resurrection Joy!
  
  We are in Easter tide - the time period between the resurrection (when Jesus rose from the dead on the first Easter Sunday) and Pentecost (the outpouring of the Holy Spirit). During this period, we celebrate the joy of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Through the resurrection, we know that Jesus in his deep love, defeated death and any evil that leads to death. The joy of that victory is experienced when we personally receive this gift of Christ's victory and give thanks each day for his amazing love.
  
  What is joy? Is joy just a happy response to good times and fun? The joy of the resurrection of Jesus is celebrated on Easter Sunday, and we certainly feel that joy on Easter weekend! However, Jesus wants that joy to be with us at all times-- even in times of pain and hardship. For the follower of Jesus, joy is not just a fleeting response to good experiences and accomplishments. With the power of the Holy Spirit, Joy is something that we cultivate and nurture together through the joy of worship, in meeting together, and through helping and encouraging others. Jesus laid the foundation for human joy at Easter. Lets build on it together into Easter tide and throughout the year!
  
  The Joy of the Lord is our Strength!
  Blessings.
  Pastor Ed

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