pastor john's Weblog

I have been thinking about that oil spill down in the gulf this week. As it morphs into a ecological disaster of gigantic proportions, I am reminded that it started with a couple of holes that are small in comparison to the mess it is creating.

Sometimes small things have big impact.

For us a small thing, a grudge, or a dislike, or a prejudice can become something that gets way out of proportion too. They morph into hatred with a darkness that stains our souls and contaminates everyone else we come in contact with.

The interesting thing is that little acts of kindness create ripples way beyond what you would think too. I love that tv commercial from an insurance company that shows someone doing something nice that someone else sees and leads them to do something nice, and that is seen by someone else who does something kind for someone else. Kindness spreads.

What little thing can you do today that will spread. I hope it is something positive!

Disney is always an experience...as I reflect upon that unreal, but appealing world, what I remember the most is how many diverse and joy filled people I saw there. People were from all over the world, you could hear many different languages being spoken in restaurants and in the lines to the rides. I saw a lot of smiles...I saw grown ups with mickey ears or goofy hats...I saw children dressed up as pirates or princesses. I saw families taking photos with characters laughing and having fun. All of this made me think that church needs to get a little more "unreal," as well. We are suppose to be a little bit of heaven on earth, and yet we too often act like we are totally in the world and of it, when the Scriptural admonition is quite the opposite (being of the world, but not in it). Perhaps we need to make more occasions for joy reflecting that we know the end of the story for all of our lives. Maybe we need to learn to smile more because we know we are forever loved. Maybe we need to have a little more fun because we are connected together as family.
I love Disney, it always gives me something to ponder...

Easter is about new life, about new chances, about the realization of hope...at its core Easter is about joy. "He is Risen," will be the chorus in churches all around the world as we focus on the central affirmation of our faith, "He is Risen Indeed!" Without resurrection Paul said, "eat, drink and be merry for tomorrow we die." With resurrection we are given new life, eternal life in union with our Lord and Savior. Jesus said that in his Father's house are many rooms and he has prepared a place for us so that where he is we may be also. So, Easter Blessings to all, and may new life be in you bringing you joy!