Photo by Pastor Mark Woodward
By Pastor Mark Woodward
Maple Leaf Parish of the UMC Cherry Grove, Fountain, Preston, and Spring Valley: Faith Churches (and Lenora)
Just having fun! Here’s a picture of two of my granddaughters having fun with grandpa! How do you like my new hairstyle? We were having a happy and fun time together during the week of the Fillmore County Fair. There was a lot of laughter, giggling and smiling faces! I am so thankful for my five wonderful grandchildren. (Although I don’t think orange hair is my color!!!)
As we come into August, in these fleeting days of summer, I believe it is important for us to stop and think about just having fun and enjoying God’s blessings and gifts. Having fun each day, to be able to laugh and smile and to build good relationships is so very important. So often we can take life too seriously that we forget the simple, beautiful joy of everyday living … God gives to us the beautiful gifts of laughter and love and calls us to enjoy the wonder of daily living. Jesus reaches out to us to share with us the sheer joy of God’s grace, forgiveness and redeeming love.As a Christian, I believe Jesus fills our daily lives with great joy even in the midst of challenges, problems and troubles. In Jesus we can find great joy, comfort, peace and love.
So, in these late summer days please take some time to laugh, giggle, and have some fun and enjoy the beauty and wonder of life! Relaxation, Restoration, Recreation and Renewal are all God given gifts. Take some time today to enjoy the goodness of life and rejoice in the goodness of God!
I cherish the laughter, giggles and fun of my grandchildren and I cherish the joy God brings into our lives. Sometimes we just need to be aware of all that God is doing in our lives every day and to be truly thankful. I have long admired Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-1882) and genuinely appreciate his comments on the important things in life: “To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty; to find beauty in others; to leave the world a bit better whether by a healthy child, a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition; to know that one life has breathed easier because you lived here, this is to have succeeded.”
Take some time to laugh and enjoy each day! God’s love surrounds us in Jesus Christ! Rember: “This is the day the Lord has made!!! Rejoice and be glad in it!” (Psalm 118:24)
Also, please know how much you are loved by God!
I sure enjoy spending time with my grandchildren! By the way, in the picture I’m the one with the orange hair!!
Laughter, giggles and fun are so very important!!!! Praise be to God!
God’s blessings always,
Your friend,
Pastor Mark Woodward
Leave a Reply