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IN A QUIET PLACE |
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I was reminded recently of a passage in Jeremiah a friend of mine in my Stephen Ministry class used for a devotion several years ago.
The prophet was speaking for the LORD when Jeremiah wrote: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” (Jeremiah 29:11-13)
I don’t remember what was going on in my life at the time of that meeting, but I know I was feeling stressed because hearing that verse read out loud was like manna from heaven! I wrote that verse down on a 3x5 card and then carried it in my pocket for weeks. The card became bent and wrinkled, but I always had it with me. The verse became my prayer as I prayed knowing that God had a plan for my life even if I had no clue!
Sometimes the best prayers are the ones found within the pages of God’s Written Word!
Praying in His words, Pastor Jean
Aloha!
As you may know by now, I am on vacation from May 2 through May 15th as my sister and I will be “cruising” the high seas to Hawaii! My sister, Kyle, and I first began dreaming about a trip to Hawaii in March 1996, but it was always a dream until this past year when my mother gifted me with this trip. What a surprise! How she has blessed me! While I am off cruising, you will, too, be blessed as two pastor friends of mine will be leading you in worship while I am gone. Bev Devine, Chaplain at the Beautitudes, will be preaching on May 4th, and Valerie Fairchild, who also comes from my home church in Flagstaff and is currently serving as the Associate Pastor at 1st UMC of Tempe, will preach on Mother’s Day, May 11th. If there should arise a need for a pastor, please call Willie Jo in the office (602-942-9288) who will then contact other pastor friends of mine who have agreed to serve as pastoral backup in my absence.
Aloha, indeed! Pastor Jean |