By John Warren

 

I have on my desk a gift that was given to Sandra and me when we got engaged nine years ago.  

A very romantic man who asked me if I would renew his marriage vows to his wife on their 50thanniversary gave it to us.  

This was not an unusual request I had done it before, what made it different was his wife, Mary, was a patient in the hospital and her diagnosis was terminal.  

So that day I went to B.F.’s house to pick him up for the renewal, he was looking dapper dressed in a sports coat and bow tie.  When we got to Mary’s room, she was dressed in her hospital gown complete with a bridal veil waiting for us in her wheelchair.  

They were for the moment like teenagers again on the way to the church, but we were rolling down a hallway to the chapel instead.  

That was a happy day for all of us.  

Mary went to be with the Lord a short time later with the man who held her hand and heart by her side.  

Oh, back to the gift, it is of two turtledoves sitting on top of a huge egg. On the egg is etched these words: “Our Life Together is a Miracle Unfolding”.   

We have started the new year with a devotional booklet created with a new devotional every day for l00 days.  It is my way to start the year off with new focus and hope. 

The devotional goes along with our Sermon Series on choosing a Guiding Word to keep you on track with your faith.  Here are some of the words our folk has chosen this year: Courage, Simplify, Joy, Still Exodus 14:14 “The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still”, Listen, Plans, Overcome, Joyful, Rejoice, Clarity and Thanks.

These are just a few of the many words my folks are using to keep them focused on their faith walk.  I was impressed to know that our Bishop Scott Jones shared with us his guiding word which is “rejoice.”  

You can see the devotional for each day by going on Facebook and search for FUMCOrangeTX   

A new day will dawn on us from above because our God is loving and merciful.  He will give light to those who live in the dark and in death’s shadow.  He will guide us into the way of peace.”  Luke 1:78-80

 

John Warren is Senior Pastor at First United Methodist Church, 502 North 6th Street in Orange.