A word from our Celebrate Generosity Prayer Chair, Laura

Greetings Good Shepherd Family,

 I continue to pray for our "Celebrate Generosity" campaign and hope you have been doing the same.  For the majority of you, the first you heard of the campaign was in my letter or maybe it was today when John spoke at Church.  I find myself wondering if any of you are feeling a bit weary or perhaps you may even be struggling a little bit right now.  You want to be the hands and feet but you don't feel you have enough of anything to even sustain you. You don't have enough energy, enough time, enough patience or enough money.  I would not be speaking the truth if I were to tell you that I have not been struggling myself.  This past week, I found myself emotionally and physically exhausted. 

 

I was reminded that Jesus is forever faithful.  "Come to me all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens and I will give you rest" (Matthew: 11:28).  I went to Friday night Bible study and I found my rest.  There were fellow believers ready with hugs, listening ears and encouraging words and prayers.  I realized there are times when we are there to help lift the spirits of others and there are times when we simply feel like all we want to do is rest in the arms of someone who truly cares.  Yes, Jesus truly cares.  He always has and always will and that is why He has given us each other.  I need my Good Shepherd Family!   

 

Often we talk about the ministry we do for others outside of our Church.  Today, I give thanks for the ministering we do within our own Church Family. Heavenly Father, I give thanks to you for giving us the opportunity to be a blessing to each other.  I give thanks that when one or more of us are weak, you give others the strength to help lighten our load and lift our spirits.  

 

Dear friends, may you always know the blessing we have in worshiping in a place where you can truly come as you are.  May you always find open arms to hold you when you need them and when you find yourself well rested and healed, may you offer your open arms to someone else.  Above all, may you always know that the ultimate healer truly is Jesus.  He sustains us and knows us inside and out. He provides us with all that we need. Take some time to rest in His presence. 

 

Peace and Love,

 

Laura Voruz

--
Renea Horn Johnson
Pastoral Assistant
Good Shepherd Church