Saturday, June 25, 2011

Recreate

Summer has always been my favorite season. I love to be on the beach, on the water, cooking out, hiking, camping, or anything else I can find to do outdoors. In the summer, my family and I like to get away for a while. We turn off our cellphones and hit the road. I like to find new places to see and experience as a family. The wonder on our children’s faces that accompanies their “WOW” is priceless.



In the middle of our summer travels and activities, I encourage all of us not only to recreate but to RE-CREATE. The Oxford English Dictionary lists several related words and phrases: “bring back to life”; “regenerate”; “reinvent”; (and my favorite) “give room to breathe.” This summer I encourage you to continually RE-CREATE your relationship with Christ. Be faithful to your daily Bible Study, to prayer, to service, to worship attendance, to giving, and to the other means of grace. When you are in town, be present and active in worship, study, and service. As you travel, find other United Methodist congregations to join along in worship. We have been blessed to see our connections with others around the country and around the world.
Hear these words from Jesus, Matthew 11:28-30, in the Message translation:
“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly."

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Saturday, June 25, 2011

Recreate

Summer has always been my favorite season. I love to be on the beach, on the water, cooking out, hiking, camping, or anything else I can find to do outdoors. In the summer, my family and I like to get away for a while. We turn off our cellphones and hit the road. I like to find new places to see and experience as a family. The wonder on our children’s faces that accompanies their “WOW” is priceless.



In the middle of our summer travels and activities, I encourage all of us not only to recreate but to RE-CREATE. The Oxford English Dictionary lists several related words and phrases: “bring back to life”; “regenerate”; “reinvent”; (and my favorite) “give room to breathe.” This summer I encourage you to continually RE-CREATE your relationship with Christ. Be faithful to your daily Bible Study, to prayer, to service, to worship attendance, to giving, and to the other means of grace. When you are in town, be present and active in worship, study, and service. As you travel, find other United Methodist congregations to join along in worship. We have been blessed to see our connections with others around the country and around the world.
Hear these words from Jesus, Matthew 11:28-30, in the Message translation:
“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly."

No comments: