Welcome to another week. I don't know about you, but I'm having a terrible time coping with the stress of living in our world. In my own life, Common Core curriculum, problems within my church, and horrible winter weather combine to make me unable to process or even listen to local, state, or world news. I hear the world ISIS and my blood turns cold. I'm so afraid.
My therapist once asked me what my life would look like if I lived without fear. I couldn't answer her on the spot. I've thought about it since. Here are the changes I'd make if I lived fearlessly:
I'd share my faith in Christ with others more often.
I'd stand up to family members who make me miserable.
I'd worry less about the
condition of our church.
I'd let toxic relationships fizzle or actively put an end to them.
I'd listen to news and pray over the problems in our world.
How about you? What are your fears? What might God help you overcome if you stop allowing fear to dictate your actions?
When I wrote that I'd stand up to family members and/or end toxic relationships, I'm not talking about knee-jerk reactions to friendships or family problems. I'm talking about creating boundaries with people who affect your life and mindset because of the way they treat you. I'm sure you've got someone in mind.
There are a lot of elderly or injured people shut in this winter. It’s been so dangerous out. I’ve gotten stuck in my driveway four times and almost slid off the road once. Most people have three to four inches of ice on their driveways. As of this writing it’s one degree Fahrenheit outside. That’s right: one degree.
Roughly forty stalwart souls braved the snow on Sunday, February 15, to attend the Valentine’s Day dinner at Fallowfield United Methodist Church. They enjoyed a potluck dinner and exchanged their final gifts with their secret pals. They also told each other whose secret pal they were.
Fallowfield United Methodist members and friends made chicken pies on Saturday, February 21. I will give you the exact count in next week’s column. We made 270 pies on February 7. All profits will be donated to missionaries and local charities.
I will give a full report on Don Moen’s concert in next week’s edition.
Pastor Dave Bell will offer weekly Lenten Worship services at Fallowfield United Methodist starting Wednesday, February 25, at 7 p.m.
Calvary United Methodist Church in Greenville holds Lenten lunches on February 25, March 4, 11, 18, and 25 at 11:30 a.m. Lunches cost $4.00 for adults and $2.00 for children. There will be a speaker and music at every luncheon.
Blessings!