Tuesday, March 25, 2008

The Storm

This is something that I recently received in an e-mail. It is a little lengthy, but is well worth reading. It was a great encouragement to me - I trust it will encourage someone else as well.

A pastor had been on a long flight from one place to another. The first warning of the approaching problems came when the sign on the airplane flashed on: Fasten your seat belts. Then, after a while, a calm voice said, "We shall not be serving the beverages at this time as we are expecting a little turbulence. Please be sure your seat belt is fastened."
As he looked around the aircraft, it became obvious that many of the passengers were becoming apprehensive. Later, the voice of the announcer said, "We are so sorry that we are unable to serve the meal at this time. The turbulence is still ahead of us."
And then the storm broke. The ominous cracks of thunder could be heard even above the roar of the engines. Lightning lit up the darkening skies, and within moments that great plane was like a cork tossed around on a celestial ocean. One moment the airplane was lifted on terrific currents of air; the next, it dropped as if it were about to crash.
The pastor confessed that he shared the discomfort and fear of those around him. He said, "As I looked around the plane, I could see that nearly all the passengers were upset and alarmed. Some were praying. The future seemed ominous and many were wondering if they would make it through the storm.
"Then, I suddenly saw a little girl. Apparently the storm meant nothing to her. She had tucked her feet beneath her as she sat on her seat; she was reading a book and everything within her small world was calm and orderly.
"Sometimes she closed her eyes, then she would read again; then she would straighten her legs, but worry and fear were not in her world. When the plane was being buffeted by the terrible storm when it lurched this way and that, as it rose and fell with frightening severity, when all the adults were scared half to death, that marvelous child was completely composed and unafraid." The minister could hardly believe his eyes.
It was not surprising therefore, that when the plane finally reached its destination and all the passengers were hurrying to disembark, our pastor lingered to speak to the girl whom he had watched for such a long time. Having commented about the storm and behavior of the plane, he asked why she had not been afraid.
The child replied, "Cause my daddy's the pilot, and he's taking me home."
Let us remember: Our Father is the Pilot. He is in control and taking us home. Don't worry.

Sunday, March 23, 2008

HE IS RISEN!

This morning, Dad and I were at an Easter sunrise service on top of Jack's Mountain. Dad had been asked to speak, so away we went. Dad thinks it was the shortest message he ever gave. Before he started, I told him to remember the five Bs of public speaking - Be Brief Brother Be Brief - he was!
In case you're wondering - yes, it was extremely cold up there!
There was actually a pretty good group of people there. It was a very ecumenical gathering: A Brethren-In-Christ pastor was in charge, a God's Missionary pastor spoke, a Methodist pastor prayed, and there were Mennonite people in attendance, and these are just the ones that I know about!
This is the sunrise that we were privileged to see during the service.
Here is the crowd of 43 people listening to my favorite pastor speak - very briefly - about Christ's resurrection.
Thanks For Dropping In!

Tuesday, March 18, 2008

A Good Evening

This evening, we attended the annual drama presented by the Mifflin County Home Schoolers. This year's was titled Bridge of Blood. It was the story of the five missionaries who gave their lives for the Auca Indians in Ecuador.
It is a great play with a great message and they did a great job presenting it!

Miriam Shuell (usually known as Angela Sickler) giving her testimony
The missionaries' wives talking
Pete Fleming (also known as Adam Sickler) and his wife
All of the missionaries and their wives - from left to right - Jim Elliot, Ed McCully, Nate Saint, Pete Fleming, Roger Youderian
Thanks For Dropping In!