I'm continually praying that God will connect us with other churches in hopes that we can connect and possibly work together in our community to serve, love and share Jesus with people. Tonight was an exceptional night! As we were worshiping at Winters Park a group of people came in near the end of our time with packages and a lot of good cheer. Come to find out, they were from New Life Fellowship Church in Garland and had come to sing Christmas carols and hand out gifts to the residents. I had the blessing of meeting the pastor, Ray Galligan, what a wonderful spirit of love and kindness that poured out from him. They brought around 20 of their church members with them, kids and infants and adults, full of love and the Holy Spirit. It was truly a gift from God to see them loving and giving to these wonderful seniors, who in turn loved them right back! The reality of the Body of Christ was overwhelming tonight! Thanks to New Life Fellowship, I look forward to serving with you in our community in the days to come.
Ray, thanks for the good work you are doing! I pray that God will give you the strength and wisdom to continue honoring Him through your works of service. You all are an inspiration to me! David
Wednesday, December 13, 2006
Saturday, November 18, 2006
Trusting in You Lord!!
Praying that God will send some people to us with a heart for giving!!! We need some people!
Thank you Lord!! We're trusting in You!!
Friday, October 27, 2006
Praising Him In The Storm
Thank you for the storms in life that mold us and build our character! I praise you in the midst of them because you are my keeper, protector of evil, and my guard!
Psalm 121 (New American Standard Bible)Psalm 121
The LORD the Keeper of Israel.
A Song of Ascents.
1 I will lift up my eyes to the mountains; From where shall my help come?
2 My help comes from the LORD, Who made heaven and earth.
3 He will not allow your foot to slip; He who keeps you will not slumber.
4 Behold, He who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.
5 The LORD is your keeper; The LORD is your shade on your right hand.
6 The sun will not smite you by day, nor the moon by night.
7 The LORD will protect you from all evil; He will keep your soul.
8 The LORD will guard your going out and your coming in from this time forth and forever.
Sunday, October 01, 2006
Great Day at WP
This was a great day, Dora is back and doing very well. The attitude there was one of faith and confidence in the Lord. Dora has been in and out of the hospital recently and we haven't been able to visit with her much, we have all missed her greatly. She has such a sweet spirit and loves th Lord so much, it just rubs off on you! Today she asked me to pray for her and as I asked her what specific problems she was having, I'm thinking physical, she said that she wanted me to pray that her heart was right with God. Wow! With all of her physical problems right now she is still focused on honoring God with her life. I continue to be strengthened through the lives at WP, the faith and love is something that they are teaching me in a way that I've never known. I love Dora and all the residents there and I love how God has put us all together as a family and how He is using them more than He is using us. God is so good!!! D
Saturday, September 30, 2006
Sunday 10-01-06 lesson notes
The Mission Is You
Christ in you, the hope of glory. Colossians 1:27
You have a mission in life and this is it: you. Your mission is not only your story, though that is part of it, it is you, because Christ is in you. You were made to be a vessel to carry Him and reflect Him through your personality as He lives His life through yours. You are the temple, the dwelling place of the most high. You are a carrier of Christ; He lives again in you. Jesus died, rose again and went to heaven in His new body, but He lives on through His Spirit in us. You could say He never really left; He just took up residence in us. John Fischer
Christ in you, the hope of glory. Colossians 1:27
You have a mission in life and this is it: you. Your mission is not only your story, though that is part of it, it is you, because Christ is in you. You were made to be a vessel to carry Him and reflect Him through your personality as He lives His life through yours. You are the temple, the dwelling place of the most high. You are a carrier of Christ; He lives again in you. Jesus died, rose again and went to heaven in His new body, but He lives on through His Spirit in us. You could say He never really left; He just took up residence in us. John Fischer
I. The bible calls us lots of things.
A. We are the fragrance of Christ wherever we go.
2 Corinthians 2:14-16 But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of Him. For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. To the one we are the smell of death; to the other, the fragrance of life…
B. We are a letter known and read by everyone.
2 Corinthians 3:2-3 You yourselves are our letter, written on our hearts, known and read by everybody. You show that you are a letter from Christ, the result of our ministry, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts.
C. We are a vessel carrying around treasure.
2 Corinthians 4:6-7 For God who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made His light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ. But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.
D. All believers together form the body of Christ.
1 Corinthians 12:12, 27 12 The Body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ. 27 Now you are the Body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.
II. You and I are God’s greatest statement. It’s why He made us.
A. How can I possibly be the equivalent of Christ walking around on earth?
1. We are a body. Together, each one using his gifts, forms the body.
2. We aren’t perfect, we are a work in process.
B. We are the evidence of the reality of Christ to the world, because God has
a mission, and the mission is you.
A. We are the fragrance of Christ wherever we go.
2 Corinthians 2:14-16 But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of Him. For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. To the one we are the smell of death; to the other, the fragrance of life…
B. We are a letter known and read by everyone.
2 Corinthians 3:2-3 You yourselves are our letter, written on our hearts, known and read by everybody. You show that you are a letter from Christ, the result of our ministry, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts.
C. We are a vessel carrying around treasure.
2 Corinthians 4:6-7 For God who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made His light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ. But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.
D. All believers together form the body of Christ.
1 Corinthians 12:12, 27 12 The Body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ. 27 Now you are the Body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.
II. You and I are God’s greatest statement. It’s why He made us.
A. How can I possibly be the equivalent of Christ walking around on earth?
1. We are a body. Together, each one using his gifts, forms the body.
2. We aren’t perfect, we are a work in process.
B. We are the evidence of the reality of Christ to the world, because God has
a mission, and the mission is you.
Wednesday, September 06, 2006
Help me to understand
Dear Lord,
In my ignorance I struggle with dealing with the challenges of many of the residents. I spoke to a man Sunday about his life and how bitter and angry he is with you and I must say I find it hard to understand why so many of these people must suffer so much. He was a builder of airplanes, elder in his church, successful business man, taught water skiing and C&W dancing and was very active serving other people. "How can God do this to me after all the years of service to Him?" Parkinsons is a terrible disease that steals the life from people in their prime. "I had always romanticized about retiring and spending my life serving God and loving my wife, enjoying the blessings that God had given me. Instead I'm confined to a 20'x20' room for the rest of my life." My warm and fuzzy life was interrupted with the reality of humanity. Why doesn't your church take care of these beautiful people, why is it so difficult to find someone to come and love these folks, why don't family members visit more often, why don't we respect these folks and help them to grow old and die with dignity and respect????
Father, forgive me for my frustration and lack of faith. Help me to see you in the lives at Winters Park. Please send out workers to meet the needs and be Jesus to these people, not just at Winters Park but at all nursing homes. Thank you so much for those that you have sent to serve with us, they are the most awesome people that I know, they give me hope.
I pray that I would live by faith and not by sight!!
Thank you Father! I love you! David
In my ignorance I struggle with dealing with the challenges of many of the residents. I spoke to a man Sunday about his life and how bitter and angry he is with you and I must say I find it hard to understand why so many of these people must suffer so much. He was a builder of airplanes, elder in his church, successful business man, taught water skiing and C&W dancing and was very active serving other people. "How can God do this to me after all the years of service to Him?" Parkinsons is a terrible disease that steals the life from people in their prime. "I had always romanticized about retiring and spending my life serving God and loving my wife, enjoying the blessings that God had given me. Instead I'm confined to a 20'x20' room for the rest of my life." My warm and fuzzy life was interrupted with the reality of humanity. Why doesn't your church take care of these beautiful people, why is it so difficult to find someone to come and love these folks, why don't family members visit more often, why don't we respect these folks and help them to grow old and die with dignity and respect????
Father, forgive me for my frustration and lack of faith. Help me to see you in the lives at Winters Park. Please send out workers to meet the needs and be Jesus to these people, not just at Winters Park but at all nursing homes. Thank you so much for those that you have sent to serve with us, they are the most awesome people that I know, they give me hope.
I pray that I would live by faith and not by sight!!
Thank you Father! I love you! David
Wednesday, July 26, 2006
AMAZING GRACE
Tonight Ms. Parks sang Amazing Grace in Korean for us. She is one of the most inspiring people I know, always excited about God and ready to worship anytime. She also prayed in Korean for us, she doesn't speak much English but it doesn't seem to matter, God somehow lets us all understand each other. The Church at Winters Park is a kaleidoscope of skin colors, religions and backgrounds. We have residents, staff and family members of both that attend pretty regularly, God is growing our family. Ms. Parks is in the last photo wearing the light pink blouse.
Wednesday, July 12, 2006
Thelma's 85th B-day Dinner
We had a great time Monday night with Thelma. Ate dinner at Babes Chicken Dinner House til we were stuffed and then ate chocolate pie for dessert. Check out the chicken hat they put on Thelma, I love it! Our daughter Lindsey was our waitress and got the whole restaurant singing Happy Birthday. We had a blast!! Enjoy the photos. D
Thursday, June 29, 2006
"We Touched Heaven"
Terry said:
The Church at Winters Park was shaken by the Holy Spirit in a big and beautiful way last night. It was our first time to meet for Bible Study at Winters Park (we will be meeting every Wednesday evening at 6:30 pm), and if last night is any indication, we are all in for an incredible ride. I never dreamed that such a powerful experience could be had in such a short amount of time.
One of the residents, Dora, really got my attention; she was jumping out of her wheelchair totally moved by the Holy Spirit and excited by the Word of God. You could tell that she hung on every word that came out of Pastor David's mouth. Dora wasn't the only one alive in the Holy Spirit -- Taj, a native of India, blessed us all with words of love and encouragement that only the Holy Spirit could translate .... and translate He did. Our hearts were filled with great warmth and joy from the words this beautiful, Godly woman spoke. I couldn't help but smile (from ear to ear) as Thelma, an awesome woman from a conservative baptist background, lifted her hands to the Lord on high with emotion and joy for what appeared to be the first time. I could tell by the joy in her face, by the twinkle in her eye that she was truly in love with her Savior and that she had forgotten her physical pain. I, too, was moved by the message and the movement of His Spirit and love -- how could I not be!
The turnout was great and was received well by all -- even several of the staff often paused from their duties to hear the Word of God and sing sweet songs of praise.
I would like to personally thank Rick for his faithfulness … for sharing his gifts of music and his love for Christ, as well.
Experiencing God so deeply together with the beautiful body of Christ has me looking forward to our Sunday worship and now to the Wednesday Bible Study. Once a week just wasn't enough!
As I reflect on last night, I can only come to one conclusion: I experienced Church … the way it was meant to be. We often say: "We are going to church," but even sweeter is being the Church … the true bride of our loving Savior, Jesus Christ. I don't deserve this blessing, but through His blood, all is well with my soul.
I wish everyone a safe and glorious holiday weekend and pray with bended knee for the residents, friends, and families of Winters Park!
Blessings,
T
Rosemary said:
"Last evening, did you hear Dora or did she tell you? As she reached out to Jane next to her, she says to me, "We both agree that we have touched heaven tonight." What a blessed moment for me.
We did touch heaven last evening. As we shared Truth with one another, we were lifted higher and higher. Some of us were lifted out of our pain for a moment, being set free in the Truth that sets one free. Marie was so very thankful that we came. I sensed a peace about her."
That was part of an e-mail that Rosemary sent me this morning. Last night was our 1st Wed. bible study/fellowship and there's not much more that I can say than what Rosemary said. We laughed, cried, worshiped, praised God, sang, raised our hands to God, rejoiced, prayed, held hands, hugged, read God's word, discussed God's word...It was a great day!! D
The Church at Winters Park was shaken by the Holy Spirit in a big and beautiful way last night. It was our first time to meet for Bible Study at Winters Park (we will be meeting every Wednesday evening at 6:30 pm), and if last night is any indication, we are all in for an incredible ride. I never dreamed that such a powerful experience could be had in such a short amount of time.
One of the residents, Dora, really got my attention; she was jumping out of her wheelchair totally moved by the Holy Spirit and excited by the Word of God. You could tell that she hung on every word that came out of Pastor David's mouth. Dora wasn't the only one alive in the Holy Spirit -- Taj, a native of India, blessed us all with words of love and encouragement that only the Holy Spirit could translate .... and translate He did. Our hearts were filled with great warmth and joy from the words this beautiful, Godly woman spoke. I couldn't help but smile (from ear to ear) as Thelma, an awesome woman from a conservative baptist background, lifted her hands to the Lord on high with emotion and joy for what appeared to be the first time. I could tell by the joy in her face, by the twinkle in her eye that she was truly in love with her Savior and that she had forgotten her physical pain. I, too, was moved by the message and the movement of His Spirit and love -- how could I not be!
The turnout was great and was received well by all -- even several of the staff often paused from their duties to hear the Word of God and sing sweet songs of praise.
I would like to personally thank Rick for his faithfulness … for sharing his gifts of music and his love for Christ, as well.
Experiencing God so deeply together with the beautiful body of Christ has me looking forward to our Sunday worship and now to the Wednesday Bible Study. Once a week just wasn't enough!
As I reflect on last night, I can only come to one conclusion: I experienced Church … the way it was meant to be. We often say: "We are going to church," but even sweeter is being the Church … the true bride of our loving Savior, Jesus Christ. I don't deserve this blessing, but through His blood, all is well with my soul.
I wish everyone a safe and glorious holiday weekend and pray with bended knee for the residents, friends, and families of Winters Park!
Blessings,
T
Rosemary said:
"Last evening, did you hear Dora or did she tell you? As she reached out to Jane next to her, she says to me, "We both agree that we have touched heaven tonight." What a blessed moment for me.
We did touch heaven last evening. As we shared Truth with one another, we were lifted higher and higher. Some of us were lifted out of our pain for a moment, being set free in the Truth that sets one free. Marie was so very thankful that we came. I sensed a peace about her."
That was part of an e-mail that Rosemary sent me this morning. Last night was our 1st Wed. bible study/fellowship and there's not much more that I can say than what Rosemary said. We laughed, cried, worshiped, praised God, sang, raised our hands to God, rejoiced, prayed, held hands, hugged, read God's word, discussed God's word...It was a great day!! D
Tuesday, June 27, 2006
WEDNESDAY NIGHTS
Wednesday, 6-28-06, we will begin meeting weekly in the TV room for Bible study and some good ole fellowship. Everyone is welcome!! We will be discussing the sermon topic of each previous Sunday and hopefully gain some wise insights from each other to help us better understand God's will for our lives.
6:30pm - 7:30 or 8:00pm
Look forward to hanging out with everybody and talking about God!! D
6:30pm - 7:30 or 8:00pm
Look forward to hanging out with everybody and talking about God!! D
Thursday, June 15, 2006
My Baby Girl
My baby girl Lindsey (she's 17) has been joining us for the past few weeks for church. Although it's been tough getting her up Sunday mornings she still gets up and comes. The first couple of times she thought that it was kinda wierd but the last 2 weeks she has begun to see the beauty of the fellowship. Last night she joined us for the Lord's Supper, we just asked her if she wanted to go and she said yes! For me it's one of the proudest days of my life to see my daughter loving these seniors and actually starting to connect with some of them. I don't know how long she will keep coming but I'm savoring these moments and praying that God is using this time to really show her, and all of us, the blessings of serving. I pray that she sees God in the faces of these wonderful people and that her heart will be changed forever. Thank you, Father, my cup is running over!! D
Sunday, June 11, 2006
Going Home
As I was sitting at the back of the room today the music was blessing my heart as I was experiencing a great time of worship. I noticed a lady sitting in front of me, I did not know her, she began to tremble and move about in her chair in a very uneasy manner. I approached her and asked if she was ok, she said she was. I aked her her name but she did not remember. As I introduced myself to her I gave her a hug and told her that I was happy to meet her. She told me that she just wanted to go home. I pressed my cheek to hers and began to pray for her, my cheek became moist as I noticed that she had begun to cry. As our tears blended together on our cheeks I began to sense the incredible love of God for this lovely woman and myself. What a gift to share this blessing with this lady without a name. I sensed her trembling soften a bit as we held each other and began to think how sweet a day it will be when we each reach our ultimate home in heaven. D
Wednesday, June 07, 2006
Rosemary's Heart
Hello David and Rick!
I was just sitting here thinking… I have never been in ministry before where ONEness in the Holy Spirit permeates as much as I experience with you guys at Winters Park each and every week. It seems that no matter what is going on, love covers a multitude of sins--all the imperfections that each of us have is covered with the blood of the Lamb, and His love and forgiveness creates total acceptance. Those people know we love them--just the way they are, and they shall know that we are His disciples by the way we love one another. We really have a Good thing going there, and I continue to be amazed, but I think it is the ONEness in His Spirit that brings such delight to my heart. I know I am trying to put God into words here as I always am trying to explain things and come to conclusions in my own mind and really there is no way to confine Him to words but I sure like trying and it thrills my soul over and over and over again to be serving Him with you. I just wanted to share these thoughts with you. I cannot contain myself sometimes. My kids think I'm crazy. Mom, how can you be so excited about old people?! If they only knew!
Thursday, May 11, 2006
Breaking Bread Together
Last night we broke bread together as we remembered the broken body and blood that was shed by our Lord Jesus. It's really amazing how God works, none of our group was very motivated last night and most of us would rather have simply stayed home, but God had something else in mind. As we began our service last night and everyone started coming in to the room, a very moving thing happened, God began to touch our hearts and move on Winters Park in a very special way. I can't really explain what happened other than to say that the Holy Spirit blessed us in an incredible way! We had an intimate meeting with God and each other that my words can't adequately describe. I thank God for the people at Winters Park, staff and residents, they have helped complete my life.
Saturday, April 22, 2006
Living inside-out
Tomorrow we will be beginning a new series about living "inside-out". This is not my original idea but it has been at the forefront of my walk with God for some time now and I would like to share this with as many people as possible. I'm using Tim Stevenson's book "Living inside out" as my outline but I have many thoughts on this as well. I've met so many people that don't seem to have an exciting Christian life and can't seem to make "it" work, but as Tim puts it, "It doesn't work but He always does. We're going back to the basics and hoping that some people, including myself, will find a fresh and exhilarating experience with God as we continue to fall in love with our Saviour. Major Ian Thomas has described the Christian life in a nutshell, "Jesus Christ gave His life for you, so that He could give His life to you, so that He could live His life through you. This and only this is genuine biblical Christianity - Living inside out." I can't wait to see how God uses this to touch all of our lives. The photo is from Easter Sunday, we had a great time of worship, come visit some time!
Peace! David
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