Vol 3 No 18 - The Cat's Meow

Late in the evening yesterday, I found, in a most unexpected place, a great reminder of how important it is to be people not just of faith, but a faith that embodies good works. As we let our dogs out for the last time before bed, a dragonfly made its way into our home. Quite annoying, these little creatures can be, especially when buzzing all around your house. Then Erin and I noticed that our cat was absolutely fixated on the dragonfly, tracking its every movement. Since the insect in question was flying around the ceiling, our cat got visibly and audibly frustrated with his inability to get to the pest. After a couple of attempts to put him in position to catch his prey, we went on into the back.

Well, about 15 minutes later, the cat appears at our bedroom door and starts meowing loudly, as if he wanted our attention. So after a few minutes of this, I went to see what was going on. He looked up at me, with a look only cats can give, and then I saw it. Under his front left paw was the dragonfly, who by this point had gone to see its maker. Mew had done what he'd set out to do, and wanted to share it with us. He seemed so proud that he had done what we had thought not too long before would be impossible.

As I thought more about it this morning, I started asking again those questions that we all must face each and every day: "Am I proud of what I have accomplished today? Could I take to God what I have done today, in thought, word, and deed, and expect God to be pleased with my efforts?" In no way am I saying that my relationship with my cat parallels at all with God's relationship with us. However, could you take, willingly, to God how you live your life and expect him to be pleased with the results?

Just something to think about.

See you Sunday!
Lamar

P.S. Our denomination's General Conference begins TODAY in Fort Worth, TX. Every four years, representatives from every conference in our denomination meet to discern where it is that God is leading our movement, voting on our church structure and guidelines. The representatives (equally split among clergy and laity) are elected at the prior year's annual conferences by vote of each congregation's delegate to the annual conference. Each congregation's delegate to annual conference is elected by the charge conference of the local congregation. Please be in prayer for the clergy and laity delegates from Louisiana that God may give them the wisdom to do what is right and pleasing in the sight of God. More information about General Conference can be found here.

Vol 3 No 17 - Back in the Game

I cannot tell you how ecstatic I am to be back in the game this week after recuperating from my recent surgery - I have missed you all terribly and cannot wait to see each and every one of you during worship this weekend. As I told my friend Lynn Malone last week, I am truly blessed to have a job that I cannot wait to get to every day and am distraught when illness or injury keeps me away (after all, how many people in our society can honestly say they love their job)? Thank you again, one and all, for who you are and how much you have and continue to bless me and Erin.

One of the great things about getting back into the swing of things is returning to the routine of the church's life. Most all of you know, from having read your April newsletter, that we are going to see the return of weekly group and Bible studies starting next week. There are several different studies being presented; please find more information about all of these as you scroll down. I must note that I made an error in my column about one group - it will meet on TUESDAYS at 6:00, not Wednesdays at 7:00.

Finally, it would be a terrible omission to not acknowledge that today is the one year anniversary of the Virginia Tech Massacre. Whether we want to admit it or not, we never know when tragedy will strike us as we go about the routines of life. My hope and prayer for each of you is that you are constantly aware of, and engaging in the practice of, nurturing your relationship with God through Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit. We have the honor and privilege of serving a God who desires for us to commune with him not just when tragedies occur and we are searching for answers; no, our God desires for us to relate to him in all things, through all things. Can you honestly say that this is your outlook on life?

See you Sunday!
Lamar