Merry Christmas

by   December 21, 2019 with No Comments

By Doug Creamer

            Most of you know that I am retired. I figured that since I was retired, Christmas decorating and preparations would go exceedingly smoothly this year. I couldn’t have been more wrong. I think I have been busier this year than in previous years. I look at my calendar and I have something to do or someplace to be every day this week, and that was the same for last week.

            I thought we would have our tree up early and be able to leisurely enjoy the process. I think we got a later start this year, and it isn’t quite finished yet! Even the outside decorating took longer because I had to get up the leaves and clean out the gutters. One good thing is that we have our shopping done already. We have become online shoppers. We did go to a few stores, but it is so much easier to shop online.

            With a few more days to go, I believe we will make it. We do have Jesus, Mary, and Joseph sitting out, but I need to get the snowmen that are sitting on the same table moved to a different place. There is some cleaning and straightening that needs to be done. I am also hoping to get the Christmas cards out today. And oh, it’s going to be nice day today, maybe I can get a few things done outside…. No wonder I had trouble getting to sleep last night, with my thoughts running so fast.

            We have been doing some of the traditional things to ready our hearts for Christmas. We pulled out our Christmas movies and have been watching them. I haven’t been playing Christmas music as much as I thought, but that will change; I am ready to sing along with all my favorites. I have been out a few evenings recently and have really enjoyed seeing some of the Christmas lights.

Honestly, I know things will get done and we will have a nice Christmas. There are a few gatherings to attend, and I am looking forward to our candlelight service at church. This morning I started a devotional book from my sister about Christmas, that I read every year. It tells the story mixed with poems and many of the great Christmas carols. It takes a week, but it helps to get my heart ready and my thoughts focused on the birth of our Savior.  

            Last week I was invited to speak to a book club that meets near Albemarle. We had a good group of folks and a very special time together. I really enjoyed seeing some old friends. I shared a story about how valuable we are in God’s eyes. We often think less of ourselves, but God thinks very highly of us.

            I shared with those gathered that it is hard to consider the birth of our Lord without realizing the purpose for His coming. He came to die for us. Sin had broken our relationship with God. There nothing we can do to fix it. We can’t do enough good deeds. We can’t earn God’s favor by trying to live right. The only way to restore our relationship with God is through the forgiveness that Jesus offers us at Easter. God thinks we are so valuable that He sacrificed His own Son so He could buy us back and re-establish the relationship He desired for us.

            God loves you more than you will ever understand. His gift of forgiveness is available to all who will receive it. Do you realize that the God of the whole universe wants to know you on a personal and intimate level? He wants to reveal Himself to you. Jesus came to make all that possible. He came, born in a manger, giving up all the comfort of heaven, to be with us. Jesus wanted to reveal the depth of God’s love, forgiveness, grace, mercy, and peace.

            All of this is available to you if you will open your heart to God. God’s done His part, now it’s time for us to do ours. I want to encourage you to not only receive, but also to open and experience God’s love this Christmas. He comes humbly as a baby born in a manger so we all can find access to Him. He is gentle and loving and cares deeply about everything in your life. Give God the best Christmas present He could ever receive…your heart, your life, given to Him. Merry Christmas! May God fill your heart and your home with His perfect love, His peace that goes beyond understanding, and His uncontainable joy!

Contact Doug Creamer at PO Box 777, Faith, NC 28041or doug@dougcreamer.com

This Season

by   December 17, 2019 with No Comments

By Lynna Clark

Currently we have three local grandchildren, all seven years old. I had the bright idea to host a sleep-over a few weeks back so their parents could have date nights. The kids get along great so I wasn’t worried at all about them. But my old bones do not function like they used to. Right now I’m going through a season of pain. I knew it would be hard to keep up.

At bedtime we put the two boy cousins in the guest room and our granddaughter was given the privilege of sleeping with her grandmother. David was blessed with the recliner. I think he was happy to make the “sacrifice.” After much giggling, adjusting of covers, lanterns and flashlights I passed out on my side of the bed. The next morning everyone was up and at ‘em long before me. David had the kids at the breakfast table as I toddled that way. When I came around the corner I heard sweet Marie say, as if sharing a secret, “Did y’all know Grammy snores?”

“HEY!” I startled her. “You’re not supposed to rat out your Grammy!”

The three of them laughed and began saying how next time they were going to switch places. It seemed nobody wanted to sleep with Grammy. Jesse looked at me with pity, moved from his place and put his arm around me.

“I’ll sleep with you Grammy,” he said in a sympathetic tone. Marie held her ground. But Able noticed and came to me as well. Hoping my feelings weren’t hurt, he too promised. “I’ll sleep with you Grammy.”

Jesse piped up. “You first!”

I thought David might snort Aldi-O’s through his nose.

These kids. They bring me so much joy. Seven short years ago we wondered if God would ever hear our prayers for little ones. Able was due to arrive the following May, but his brother Aven had died before birth. We had reason to be afraid when Able was born ten weeks early.

Our youngest daughter and her husband had been on the adoption waiting list so long that they had to go through another home study. That fall God saw fit to bless their home with two babies at once; a boy and a girl, three weeks apart.

Seven years ago at Christmas our home was quiet… well, except for the snoring. That’s been a lifelong… situation. There was no pitter-patter of little feet. There were no hand-crafted fingerprint gifts made for the mamas. I had no reason to count batteries or shop for Legos and Lite-Brites. But now!

Oh be still my heart! Everyone’s fighting over who gets to sleep with Grammy!

Maybe this season for you is not so jolly and bright. Perhaps this is not the most wonderful time of the year in your world. May I offer a word of hope?

Speak to the Lord the longing of your soul. Cast all your care on Him, for He cares for you. Then watch as He brings you through this season and into the next. He alone is faithful and true.

Just remember that His timing is always wiser than ours. So many things had to work out before we got our little ones. And this mystery illness still plagues me though we’ve begged Him for years to take it away. The pain grows greater each passing day. Yet I know He hears the longing of my heart and will continue to bless us “in due season, if we faint not.”

“He that spared not His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him freely give us all things?”

May the Lord bless you and keep you in His wonderful care, no matter the season you’re in.

Resources:

Galatians 6:9; Romans 8:32; 1 Peter 5:7

Embarrassing, But Still OK

by   December 16, 2019 with No Comments

By David Freeze

     There have been a few times over the years that I have been embarrassed enough to want to find a big hole and crawl in it. This Thanksgiving Day, I was able to watch the end of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade from New York City. One of the feature bands for the whole parade was the Western Carolina University Pride of the Mountains Band.

     Founded in 1938 with just 23 students, the band now has about 500 participants. They have a giant sound and amazing choreography when performing on the football field. Students have to apply for acceptance into the probably the top college band in North Carolina.

     Back in 1971, I was pushing hard for acceptance to the United States Military Academy at West Point. A lot of the early hurdles were complete, including all the academics and mental testing. Left to go in the early spring was a week’s worth of physical conditioning and medical testing. I went with two other prospective students, one from Rowan and one from Cabarrus, to Womack Army Hospital at Fort Bragg. I was diagnosed with a heart murmur on the second day and was immediately washed out of the program.

    With just a few months until high school graduation, I quickly applied to WCU and got in. Because I had played in the band at South Rowan High School and greatly enjoyed the experience, I decided to apply for the WCU band. I was accepted for that too.

    In early summer, I was notified that the band students had to report to school about 10 days early in preparation for the early football season performances. As a freshman drummer, or a part of the percussion department, I was in way over my head. I found out that the band was huge and filled with strong musicians, most of them accomplished music majors. Music majors had to practice for hours and then work in band practices too. Those band practices usually took half a day during that first ten days and at least two hours a day once school was in session.

     A lot was expected of the band members and learning the planned choreography was especially challenging. There was a new program each week to learn, usually only lasting about seven minutes when performed.

     As a meek freshman, I was committed to the program and would receive classroom credit for it. As the youngest percussion member, I was given the cymbals to play. Expected to make the perfect cymbal clangs at the right time, I worried more about screwing up my left and right, backwards and forward marching.

     The band went to East Tennessee State in Johnson City, far enough away that we would spend the night after the game. We were told the game was being televised, my first ever such experience. Still, I was excited to be a part of such a high performing band.

     Once arriving at the stadium, we did a walk through of the program and then about 200 band members went to the motel to dress for the game. Sleeping four to a room, I was fortunate to be sharing the space with one good friend and two others that I knew.

     Back at the game, everyone anticipated the halftime performance of the best band around. I was a little nervous but not overly so. With the performance finally underway, I stayed on track until……, I turned the wrong way and immediately stood out like the worst swollen sore thumb!

     Once the program finished and the band back in the stands, the band director (I will never forget his name but won’t use it here) immediately called attention to my error. He said, “Where is Mr. Freeze? Let’s hear it for Mr. Freeze turning the wrong way!” Immediately the whole band said, “Duhhh!”

     For the rest of the game, the evening at the motel and the long ride home, only the one good friend spoke to me. Those errors simply were not made in that program. It seemed as if no one forgot for the rest of the football season, at which time my experience with the WCU band was complete.

    Embarrassed tremendously, I never turned the wrong way again and the bad memory faded. When I look back on it now, I’m at least smiling inwardly. What I thought at the time was the worst possible experience, was certainly not. And probably long forgotten by everybody but me.

    I raised my head, owned my mistake, learned from the experience and moved forward. Just one of many times over the years.

Ready to Renew

by   December 15, 2019 with No Comments

By Ann Farabee

The reminders kept coming. I paid them no attention. As I walked in, employees would cheerfully say, “It’s time to renew!” It was something I needed to do. It was something I wanted to do. It was something I planned to do. Just not that day.

Oh, there could be benefits in renewing – physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual. It would take exerting a little effort, though. I apparently was failing to make renewing a priority.

Then, one day, as I scanned my card to gain entrance. Nothing happened. My gym membership had reached the expiration date.

What? I had not renewed it in time? Yes, I knew about it, but I had been too busy!

More bad news. Since I had failed to renew on time – I had lost the best outcome – the lowest price!

This, however, was followed by good news, when I heard these words, “You have been faithful. We are going to waive that additional fee.”

Ahh – I love when grace and mercy are shown.

God’s Word tells us – and His Spirit reminds us – to renew. And renewing on time – is to our benefit. But, if we are late, He still makes provision for us, and may very well waive the additional fee!

Ready to renew?

Renew our mind – Romans 12:2 says for us not to conform to this world, but to be transformed by the renewing of our mind. Transformed means dramatically changed. That is what renewing our minds will bring – a transformation from earthly minded to spiritually minded.

Renew our hope – Jeremiah 31:15-17 tells of Rachel weeping for her children and refusing to be comforted. The Lord told her to refrain from weeping, for her work would be rewarded, and that there was hope in the end that her children would come again to their own border. By the authority of Jesus in us…. we have hope. Not only for our children, but hope in all things – God has plans for us – plans to prosper us, not to harm us, and to give us hope and a future.

Renew our strength – Isaiah 40:31 tells us that if we wait upon the Lord, He will renew our strength. We will run and not be weary. We will walk and not faint. How is our strength renewed? You heard it right! The Lord renews it for us – all we have to do is wait.

The word ‘renew’ can be defined as resuming something after an interruption. Sometimes, it seems we tend to get interrupted from things of God – by things of the world. That can be a time when we may feel that our minds, our hope, and our strength – are about to expire.

God’s Word tells us differently:

Our mind can be renewed.

Our hope can be renewed.

Our strength can be renewed.

And… there is no expiration date.

Ann is a speaker and teacher. Contact her at annfarabee@gmail.com or annfarabee.com

Keeping Secrets

by   December 14, 2019 with No Comments

By Doug Creamer

            It is that time of year for secrets. Boxes arrive and you are not allowed to open them or peek in. There are bags in the car that you cannot bring in or see what is inside. Packages are wrapped and hidden in places where the kids won’t look. I like the secrecy of the season. There is excitement everywhere. We are quickly closing in on the big day; I hope you are ready.

            It seems there is less secrecy as we get older. My wife and I help each other pick out what we really want so we don’t have to fight the returns. It works better that way, but there are still a few things that we keep hidden until Christmas day. We work hard to have fun and make the day a very special time together.

            I have to admit, I am much better at keeping secrets as an adult than I was as a child. I remember one year at Christmas my dad had decided to get my mom a TV for their bedroom. The night he went to pick it up he had all the kids with him. My older brother and sister were good at keeping secrets, but my dad knew that I wasn’t. After all, it was a TV.

            Dad had the guys load the TV in the truck. He turns to me and tells me that he is getting mom some bags of soil for her garden. My mother has always had the nicest flower gardens. I knew my mom would love getting the soil that my dad had picked out for her. He told me it was a secret and I couldn’t tell mom and spoil his big surprise.

            I think my dad was wise because I was able to keep the soil a secret, but a TV would never have made it to Christmas day! I remember when he gave it to her, asking him about the secret present he had. He had to explain to me that there was no soil and that I had done a good job keeping his secret. In the end, I still think he was right in not telling me.

            Keeping secrets can be fun, especially at Christmas. But the truth is that God did not keep the coming of His Son a secret. You can look all through the Old Testament and find many predictions about the coming Messiah. Moses and King David both told the people of His coming. Almost all of the Old Testament prophets spoke with anticipation of the coming Christ.

            God announced the birth of His Son to the shepherds. He placed a bright star in the sky over Bethlehem. Then He sent three wise men from a faraway land to seek and find Him. It was no secret that the Christ was born. But even God had to hide Jesus and keep His location secret when Herod decided he wanted to kill the Christ.  He secretly sent Him to Egypt.   

            His story and His life are no secret. The Bible tells us plainly about who He was and how He led His life. His mission was clear. We had messed up our connection with God through sin. Jesus had to come and repair our broken relationship. To repair the brokenness, He was destined to die. His blood offered the forgiveness that could save our souls.

            God knew we could not fix what was broken. So He did everything from His side to restore our relationship. Now the ball is in our court. It’s up to each of us to make a decision whether we want to accept God’s greatest gift of His Son.

            To open and receive the gift requires faith. Knowledge of Jesus is not good enough. Every demon in hell has knowledge about Jesus. When we exercise our faith and believe and trust God, salvation can enter our soul. That is the gift of Christmas, the hope of eternal life with God in heaven. It’s only good if we receive it. It’s up to us now, not God.

            So, what have you decided to do with the Christ of Christmas? I want to encourage you to open your hearts, exercise your faith, and receive the Lord Jesus as your personal savior. You can know right now your eternal destination if you will accept God’s gift to you. There is no other way except through faith in the greatest gift of all time, Jesus the Messiah. It doesn’t matter who you are or what you have done, God stands with open arms waiting to receive you. 

Contact Doug Creamer at PO Box 777, Faith, NC 28041or doug@dougcreamer.com

The Gift of Time from a Different Point of View

by   December 9, 2019 with No Comments

By David Freeze

   The most unusual “outrage” came last week over a stationary bicycle commercial. Outrage is one of those words that I hate to hear, especially since it is so overused amid political comments recently. Retiring the word would suit me just fine.

   Here’s what happened. I saw the commercial depicting a husband who gave his wife one of the finest stationary bikes available on the market. Peloton is the brand name and that word too made all kinds of media for the next few days. One report said that the video had over 700,000 comments within a few days and the actor playing the dad was often ridiculed. After all, did people forget that he was an actor playing a role?

     The thought of a husband giving his wife an exercise bike riled the women of The View and Jenna Bush Hager told Hoda Kotb, “My husband better not ever give me a gift like that!” Another word, sexist, was often used to denigrate the commercial.

     Why not give the gift of possibly the best home stationary bike in the world, one that can quickly connect the rider to an online spin cycling class at will? The gift of exercise, not the gift to shame a seemingly normal body size mother as suggested by so many on TV. I polled a few of my exercise clients and some other long time runners and they all agreed. Include me in joining the long list of folks who would love to receive this specific Peloton bike. I have often thought of how cool it would be to have a high quality bike like this upstairs to use whenever I wanted, just as the mom in the commercial could now do. Spin classes are often filled to capacity at local gyms, usually on bikes not as high quality and realistic as this one. One other commercial for a similar bike shows a woman pushing herself hard while watching a winter snowstorm falling outside her window.

      Why does this matter so much to me? How could that gift give back many times over to the wife, husband and the rest of his family? Well past my best efforts on the sports fields and the roads of running, I am old enough now to appreciate good health. I remember my own story from years ago of wanting to get healthier with an idea of looking ahead to a long life with my loved ones. I was successful and one of the major tools along the way was a form of cycling, both stationary and road.

      As the days of the week went by, the opinion somewhat shifted away from all the “outrage” to one of understanding and support. Here is exactly why I agree with that shift. I have said it often and will continue to say this for the rest of my life. The one single biggest gift we can give to others is the gift of our time. It doesn’t have to cost anything and can take many forms.

     As an example, I love it when my daughters come to visit, and we can just talk with no other pressures or expectations. I would rather do that than go out for the nicest meal available or some type of entertainment. And friends too, old and new, I am going to make the gift of time for them just as I hope they will.

     Now back to the guy who gave the Peloton bike for Christmas. My first thought when seeing the commercial was that the actor portrayed a young husband who gave a gift from the heart, one that his wife could use at home. Simply in hopes that his wife would enjoy herself and also be around to have lots of time with him and their family. What could be better than that?  

Shopping?

by   December 8, 2019 with No Comments

By Ann Farabee

Shopping? How did Black Friday go?

Black Friday is the name for the day after Thanksgiving, which is considered the beginning of the Christmas shopping season. It began in 1952 – although the term Black Friday was not used until 1961. It has become the busiest shopping day of the year.

I personally have refused to ‘buy in’ to the belief that Black Friday has the best deals.

Not me. My plan was to shop from home – on Thanksgiving Day – beginning at 3:00. No fighting traffic, no pushing through crowds, no waiting in line, no trying to navigate where to go when.

A cup of coffee, a slice of pecan pie, and my computer from the comfort of home.

I found a deal! 40% off! I knew it! I knew it! Shopping with the crowd on Black Friday was no real advantage – this store had what I needed – why keep looking? I went for it!

I selected needed items. It was taking some time, but it would be worth it! It was only Thanksgiving Day – and much of my shopping would be done! I am a super shopper!

$600 worth later for only $360 – I smugly shut down my computer – and rewarded myself with a turkey sandwich.

I smiled. I had a heads up on the Black Friday shoppers.

But…sigh…. Black Friday morning arrived. I awoke to an email from the same store I had made my purchase from. It now offered not a 40% off, but a 50% off. Mental math informed me that my $600 purchase could have been $300 – not the $360 I had spent.

Too much time had been spent looking for what I thought was the best deal – and it ended up not even being the best deal.

So – hats off to you savvy shoppers out there!

I tried.

However, there is one great deal none of us can afford to pass up!

In case you missed it, here is some info:

DEAL OF THE DAY! IT’S FREE! We do not even have to make the purchase! It has already been made – when Jesus died on the cross for our sins to purchase our salvation!

Don’t know how to locate the deal?

Here is your special access code: John 3:16

For God so loved the world that He gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

As for Black Friday? And the greatest Door Buster?

No sale – or gift of any price – could begin to compare with the gift the world was given on the darkest Black Friday – as Jesus gave His life for our sins.

And three days later, He became the real Door Buster – as He burst forth from the tomb – giving the world the greatest gift ever given – victory over death!

It was – and is – the deal of a lifetime!

Ann is a speaker and teacher. Contact her at annfarabee@gmail.com or annfarabee.com

Family

by   December 7, 2019 with No Comments

By Doug Creamer

            The holiday season is officially upon us. Retailers have been pushing the holiday season for a couple of months, but I always try to hold off until it actually arrives. This year as I drove to my in-law’s for Thanksgiving I noticed that some people had their Christmas decorations up. When I drove down our street coming home from Thanksgiving I noticed almost all our neighbors had Christmas decorations up, both inside and out.

            I have to admit that it is hard to sit here and write this column as I want to be outside getting my Christmas decorations up. I am going to have to work on getting some of the leaves up before I put the decorations out. I am excited to get started decorating for Christmas.  

            At this point, I have already helped decorate two Christmas trees. I helped my brother and sister decorate my mom’s tree, and then while I was home for Thanksgiving helped my in-laws get their tree up and decorated. It’s nice to be able to help family get ready for the holidays.

            I like spending time with my family. Both of my parents have birthdays in November so we were able to gather around them and celebrate their special days. We shared meals and lots of laughs. We talked about growing up and the special times we shared as a family. It is good to see and hear how my family members are doing.

            We spent Thanksgiving with my in-laws. My father-in-law and I peeled over five pounds of potatoes, and I am not sure how many pounds of sweet potatoes. There were multiple meats to choose from, as well as five different desserts. I ate plenty of great food and got the opportunity to spend some quality time with my wife’s side of the family. I had some very interesting conversations and washed plenty of dishes.

            Many people travel long distances to be together for the holidays. We have traveled and we have stayed at home. Both have their perks. In today’s world with blended families, husband’s family here and wife’s family there, it’s almost impossible to be at every family gathering.

            I think that it is important to make the effort to be together, but why does it have to be on ONLY one specific day? Can’t we celebrate Christmas anytime we can get the family together in one place at one time? That way there is no rushing and possibly a much more relaxed atmosphere. We can visit and connect without feeling pulled in multiple directions.

            I believe it’s important to find a way to be together at some point during the holiday season. With families separated by long distances, it might be physically impossible to make the trip. That’s when we can use the power of our global communication systems to make it possible. Whether it is Facetime or through another virtual app, we can find a way to gather and spend some special moments together.

            There is no perfect “Brady” family on earth. We are all imperfect people trying to connect with each other and create memories that will last a lifetime. Some memories are tender and sweet, while others make us laugh until we hurt. We try to put our best foot forward, without tripping over it, and share the love we have for each other. We know the flaws but hope that we can look past them and share the love of the season.

            I believe God does that with each of us. We’re not perfect, yet he welcomes us into His family. He knows our weaknesses and flaws, and yet His grace covers over it all. He knows how many times we have doubted and almost given up, yet His love pours out for us. He knows how often we feel inconvenienced by Him, yet He still wants to spend time with us. He pursues us relentlessly because we are His children and He wants to have a relationship with us.

            I want to encourage you this holiday season to connect with loved ones. I know it is hard to express your love and appreciation, but take the risk and open your heart. Sometimes it won’t go well, but try. Give your pain to God. God revealed how much He loved us by sending His Son to be born in a manger, yet destined to die on a cross. He still loves us no matter what we have done. We are His children and He wants us all around Him. So in spite of everything, make the effort to connect, to love, and to be loved during this holiday season. 

Contact Doug Creamer at PO Box 777, Faith, NC 28041or doug@dougcreamer.com

The Pilgrims

by   December 1, 2019 with No Comments

By Ann Farabee

The days must have felt like an eternity – and they slowly turned into months while sailing on that ship.

They had been willing to make sacrifices in order to travel to a new land. It was a stormy season. Food began to run out. They slept on wooden pallets. No baths. Chamber pots. Seasickness was rampant. The smell onboard was horrendous. Sickness came often – in many forms. The work load was heavy because maintaining and sailing a ship 24 hours a day involved the efforts of everyone.

And the children? Their days and nights probably felt long due to the hardships. But, they helped with work around the ship and took care of younger siblings. They also spent time playing games and running around.

The desire of all their hearts was to attain a new life where they could worship God freely.

We call them the Pilgrims.

And they were on a pilgrimage.

A pilgrim can be defined as one who travels on a long journey. A pilgrimage can be defined as the journey. It is hard to clearly envision their days, because recorded accounts often leave out the heart – but as we know, being in a relationship with the God of the universe includes matters of the heart – like love, dreams, goals, feelings, desire… not the seen, but the unseen.

They were people like us:

Dads wondering if maybe they should not have come.

Moms worrying if the trip was too hard on the children.

Children – sick and hungry – trying to find something to pass the time.

There were even some orphans onboard – who may have felt alone and fearful.

Doubts probably crossed everyone’s mind at times.

And then… perhaps as hope seemed lost – LAND AHOY!

Imagine that moment. The moment they had kept in view in their hearts the entire trip – knowing that it one day would come. Envision them gathering around on deck and staring at that speck of land ahead, watching it appear to grow larger and larger right before their eyes.

They had not belonged on the ship, nor had they felt at home on the ship. In their hearts – they knew they had been strangers and pilgrims who were bound for their permanent dwelling place.

When they reached the shore – they knew. They were HOME. As their feet touched the ground, their emotions plummeted them to their knees as they began to cry out prayers of thanksgiving to God.

Their faith in their God – and sacrifices made – had not only impacted each of them – but impacted generations to come. Worth it.

*Like the pilgrimage of Abraham to the Promised Land.

*Like the pilgrimage of Paul, as he traveled on foot to share the Gospel to the world.

*Like the pilgrimage of Jesus from heaven to earth – so we can go from earth to heaven.

*Like our pilgrimage from our home on earth – to our eternal home in heaven.

Be a pilgrim. Stay on your pilgrimage. It will be worth it.

God promises provision for it.

God provides power for it.

God has a prevailing purpose for it.

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