Consistency

Life has been anything other than consistent this summer. I had two great vacations: one to Colorado with friends and another to Texas with family. VBS was great but it sucked the life out of me. I've had a couple weeks to commit to the office but they were full of planning activities. Then we had a week of great loss where two wonderful people were laid to rest who passed away in the same day. In all of the previous activities, a lot of regular visits to our elderly, sick and worship guests were minimized which is my focus this week. However, last week I decided that some things needed to be consistent again. So, little by little I'm gaining some ground with working out (biking, walking, weights), scripture reading, meditation/prayer, family time, reading and getting outside (even though it's bloody hot!). Remarkably enough, I'm starting to feel better. When we increase stress in our lives and decrease stress reducing activities we begin to feel bad. I had developed headaches and a lot of shoulder/neck pain along with needing more sleep. These are symptoms that something is wrong. So, I'm not surprised that when I've worked out the last five days and spent some time meditating and doing things that I enjoy that I feel better.
Now to personalize this. How do you feel? Have you missed consistency in areas of your life that help you feel better? Maybe it's time to work on some consistency with me:) Pick something small this week and experience a win for consistency next week! And let's pray for each other too:)

Prayer Group

Kim Kirby, our Council Chair, has invited anyone to come pray at the church every Wednesday at 12:05pm. This last Wednesday, Kim, Betty and I prayed about the following things (and invite you to pray with us now):

Brook Stokes- motorcycle accident

Mike Walsh- hospitalized over reaction to medicine

Taloff Family

Eskridge family and friends

Pastor Jim, his family their vacation to work out and also for you mission, vision, service and leadership

Ben Taylor- friend of Voigt's in hospital

Jolie’s father- Paul Norman's sister

Dick Emery- hip surgery recovery

Hayworth family including Mary and Lynn

Our community and those that are in financial trouble and need help

Divorce – couples, kids & their property problems

VBS – planners, kids

Our body of Christ – our missions, service, small groups and the garden to be abundant to feed anyone that needs it

Our city government – including the Mayor, Aldermen and workers

Kyle Torster – his safety, his return and Jen and the kids

Joe Taloff update

I just got off the phone with a member of Joe’s family. After over a week Joe is still unresponsive and his health has not improved. Tomorrow Joe will be taken off life support as he requested in his living will. He will move to a care facility tomorrow as well. Joe’s feeding tube was removed and he has also contracted pneumonia. The doctors have projected that Joe has days to weeks to live as a result of removing the feeding tube and the pneumonia. Please pray for Joe, Joan and all of Joe’s family during this very difficult time.

Joe Taloff update

Pastor Joe Taloff went into the hospital yesterday morning. He was restless through the night and was getting in and out of bed a lot. At one point he passed out and hit his head on the side of an end table. The blow to the head was minor and the doctors believe it didn't cause the damage that they found. The ambulance took him to St. Lukes Hospital on the Plaza where they found out he had a brain hemorrhage. They did surgery immediately in order to drain the blood that was pooling on the right side of his brain. This is Joe's second day in the NICU. He is currently being supplied air through a breathing machine and his nourishment through an IV. He has not opened his eyes yet or tried to talk but is slightly responsive when he is touched. A nurse asked him to squeeze her hand and he did so. Joan is holding on and had some health issues of her own the day before Joe's hospitalization. When I called this morning and spoke to Joe's daughter, Joan wasn't in yet so I'm hoping she got some rest. Joe's condition does not appear to be neither good nor bad. We won't know if he has any memory loss or loss of motor skills until he regains consciousness. Please continue to pray for him, Joan and their family

What's Your Lenten Commitment?

This is my second opportunity to sink or swim with my Lenten Commitment. This year I chose to fast through Tuesday lunch and commit that time for prayer and meditation. Tuesdays are sermon preparation days, so it seems like a good day to stop after my study time for prayer and reflection. So we are in week number two, how are you doing with your Lenten Commitment?

Coyotes at the Parsonage and a follow up note about the 12 Hours of Prayer

I'm just amazed how we continue to see new animals in our backyard all the time. This morning we had a couple of coyotes walk up pretty close to the parsonage. Yesterday two different groups of dogs came through the yard as well. The first group was mutts and the second group was very nice looking hunting dogs that must have wondered off.
I also wanted to thank everyone who was able to attend the 12 Hours Of Prayer for the Normans on Saturday. I took the poster board sheets to them that many of you signed after church on Sunday. They really appreciated your prayers and the signed sheets- they are going to tape them up on the wall! The Day of Prayer was an amazing opportunity and we were blessed to have many folks all throughout our community participate. Thank you again!

12 Hours of Prayer for Sue Norman and Family

12 Hours of Prayer for Sue Norman and Family

This Saturday (February 6^th) from 6am to 6pm the Weston United Methodist Church’s sanctuary will be open for prayer for Sue Norman and her family. Three weeks ago Susan stopped chemo treatments because of her weakened liver. Hospice is doing their best to make her comfortable as the cancer grows. Prayer is the greatest gift we can offer to Sue and her family. Everyone is invited to spend some time in prayer and meditation for the Normans in Weston United Methodist’s sanctuary this Saturday from 6am-6pm. The Normans are aware of the event and feel tremendously blessed to receive your prayers and love.