Weekly Newsletter

Hello friends, 

My Friday note will usually consist of something that happened the past week, or something going on in the world. It might simply be a prayer or a look into a scripture passage, or like today it might be something I stumbled across and found thought provoking. Before we get into “Interview with God” (author unknown) I want to thank Tammy, Tracey, Ray and everyone who was involved in the celebration for myself and my family this past Sunday. We loved it! The wreath and notes I received really touched me. We are truly blessed to be a part of the Orchard Family!

And now, “Interview with God,”
I asked: "What's the one thing that surprises you most about mankind?" He answered: "That they get bored with being children, are in a rush to grow up, and then long to be children again. That they lose their health to make money and then lose their money to restore their health. That by thinking anxiously about the future, they forget the present, such that they live neither for the present nor the future. That they live as if they will never die, and they die as if they had never lived..." His hands took mine, and we were silent. After a long period, I said, "May I ask you another question?" He replied with a smile.
"As a Father, what would you ask your children to do? ," "To learn that what is most valuable is not what they have in their lives, but who they have in their lives. To learn that a rich person is not one who has the most but is one who needs the least. To learn that they should control their attitudes, otherwise their attitudes will control them. To learn that it only takes a few seconds to open profound wounds in persons we love, and that it takes many years to heal them. To learn to forgive by practicing forgiveness. To learn that there are persons that love them dearly, but simply do not know how to show their feelings. To learn that money can buy everything but happiness. To learn that while at times they may be entitled to be upset, that does not give them the right to upset those around them. To learn that great dreams do not require great wings, but a landing gear, to achieve. To learn that true friends are scarce; he/she who has found one has found a true treasure. To learn that it is not always enough that they be forgiven by others, but that they forgive themselves. To learn that they are masters of what they keep to themselves and slaves of what they say. To learn that they shall reap what they plant; if they plant gossip, they will harvest intrigues; if they plant love, they will harvest happiness. To learn that true happiness is not to achieve their goals, but to learn to be satisfied with what they already achieved. To learn that happiness is a decision. They decide to be happy with what they are and have, or die from envy and jealousy of what they lack. To learn that two people can look at the same thing and see something totally different. To learn that those who are honest with themselves without considering the consequences go far in life. To learn that even though they may think they have nothing to give, when a friend cries with them, they find the strength to appease the pain. To learn that by trying to hold on to loved ones, they very quickly push them away; and by letting go of those they love, they will be side by side forever. To learn that even though the word "love" has many meanings, it loses value when it is overstated. To learn that they can never do something extraordinary for Me to love them; I simply do. To learn that the shortest distance they could be from Me is the distance of a prayer." 

This Sunday we begin a new sermons series, “The Summer of Love.” Through this series, we will look at four different ways we can love God and the people around us by following the example and teaching of Jesus. Remember, it is the first Sunday of the month, so we will be celebrating Holy Communion. If you are watching from home, don’t forget to have some bread and juice handy. See you on Sunday at 9:30.

God Bless,
Pastor Robyne