Scripture Verse for Week of January 25-31, 2004

New Revised Standard Version

Matthew 28:16-20

The Commissioning of the Disciples

16 Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain

to which Jesus had directed them. When they saw him, they worshiped

him; but some doubted. And Jesus came and said to them, "All authority

in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make

disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the

Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that

I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the

End of the age."

Version 1 of January 2004

It is now January 2004. We are celebrating the Epiphany season, the Light of Christ.

Myron celebrated his 59^th birthday on January 23, 2004. His birthday is very easy to remember as the sequence is 1 2 3 4 5. January 23, 1945. A clerk once pointed that out to Myron and he thought it was pretty neat. Not many people have a sequence of their birthdays that is quite as easy to remember.

This morning, I was thinking of getting up out of bed and found out that our church service had been cancelled. I don’t think I remember the one and only time before that our church service has been cancelled. We are in an ice storm and are expected to get 1-2 inches of snow on top of it by tomorrow morning.

I don’t mind the snow but I hate driving and being on the ice. I am the clumsiest of all women, one who trips and falls off the front stoop and has slipped and fallen on the ice in our early days of marriage. I’ll stay in the house, thank you. I have messed up my wrists by falling on the ice. I have messed up my ankle falling off the front stoop when there wasn’t even any ice around. So, when I know there is ice and snow around, I want to be the most careful person that I can be when in this situation.

So, on a cold icy rainy day like today, I made vegetable beef soup and it warms the inside. My family has never been picky when trying new foods or trying new things and I’m thankful for that. They have always been good eaters and soup is one of my specialties.

I am constantly reminded of the Lord’s light in my life. I am always reminded of his Great Commission. His message is clear, "Go and Tell all Disciples about me." Not growing up in the Baptist doctrinal belief, I am lacking in the evangelistic efforts we are to do. I am wanting to learn how to share Christ’s love with others and to bring the message that He gave us. It is not easy, but with God’s help and the Holy Spirit, he will lead me to share the Good News with those that need it most.

It’s a good winter season because the Lord is in our life. It doesn’t matter whether it snows or rains ice or whatever. Happy winter season all. Let’s not be bashful to go out and share the Lord with our neighbors and friends who don’t know him. Put on the Light of Christ and it will be easier and easier each time we do.

God bless you all. See you next month.