Dear Partners in the Gospel,

Little choices and big choices confront us. How will I begin this day? What will I do for the rest of my life? God gave us the gift of choice. This gift was a part of the “package deal” when we were chosen by God to be God’s holy people. Because we are chosen, we have the freedom to choose. Each of us has control over our thinking, our actions, our bodies, and the expression of our emotions. We have power, and are empowered, to grow and develop in grace. We have the power to become more than we can imagine and to become all that God meant us to be.

We can choose to make a difference in our family, or community and our world, every day.

On Confirmation Sunday I shared a portion of “On the Anvil”, a book written by Max Lucado entitled “Today I Will Make a Difference.” Because I received so many requests for a copy of that reading, I am sharing that article with all of you in this edition of the newsletter

 My prayer is that this will become a daily inspiration for you to make a difference too!

Today I will make a difference. I will begin by controlling my thoughts. A person is the product of their thoughts. I want to be happy and hopeful. Therefore, I will have thoughts that are happy and hopeful. I refuse to be victimized by my circumstances. I will not let petty inconveniences such as stoplights, long lines, and traffic jams be my masters. I will avoid negativism and gossip. Optimism will be my companion, and victory will be my hallmark. Today I will make a difference.

I will be grateful for the twenty-four hours that are before me. Time is a precious commodity. I refuse to allow what little time I have to be contaminated by self-pity, anxiety, or boredom. I will face this day with the joy of a child and the courage of a giant. I will drink each minute as though it is my last. When tomorrow comes, today will be gone forever. While it is here, I will use it for loving and giving. Today I will make a difference.

I will not let past failures haunt me. Even though my life is scarred with mistakes, I refuse to rummage through my trash heap of failures. I will admit them. I will correct them. I will press on. Victoriously. No failure is fatal. It’s OK to stumble – I will get up. It’s OK to fail – I will rise again. Today I will make a difference.

I will spend time with those I love. My spouse, my children, my family. A man can own the world but be poor for the lack of love. A man can own nothing and yet be wealthy in relationships. Today I will spend at least five minutes with the significant people in my world. Five quality minutes of talking or hugging or thanking or listening. Five undiluted minutes with my mate, children, and friends.

Today I will make a difference.

Let’s all strive to make a difference in our families, our community and the world for the sake of the One who called and commissioned us to MAKE A DIFFERENCE!

Blessings,

Pastor Sue