A Thanksgiving to Remember

Grace Moment by Moment-weekly column
This Thanksgiving holiday is filled with poignant reminders of God's Grace and blessings I'd like to share. My church-Albright United Methodist Church in Mishawaka, IN is preparing to move back into the educational building sometime next month. Despite losing our sanctuary in a fire October 4th, we have much to be thankful for. The community we have and continue to serve, has poured forth with help to us. It's been a very humbling experience to be on the receiving end of so much support and love.
There is also the sad fact, we are a nation still at war with terrorists who seek to destroy anything or anyone who stand for God. As of today, the troops remain committed to the course of standing in the gap between the terrorists and the innocents they are trying to protect. When they are able, the soldiers provide Hope to everyone they meet.
With so much sadness in the world, I thought it would be a good idea to reflect on some 'little things' we take for granted. Here's a poem that sheds light on what I mean. God bless and I wish you all a Very Happy Thanksgiving!

Thank God For Little Things That Often Come Our Way!

Thank you God, for little things that often come our way.
The little things we take for granted every day! . . .
The morning's glory as we rise,
which meets our tired, worn out eyes.
The music of the birds we hear,
when we face ourselves in the mirror.
The soul-cleansing bath we take,
when we get a good old coffee break.
The deafening, relentless roar
in traffic, as our tempers soar.
The maddening dash for cash
when the tradepoints flip and crash! . . .
May we never take these for granted,
nor the other blessings we've been handed.
May we always know
how much You love us so.
We must never underestimate
or stop to appreciate,
that through these blessings we often grow
to love You even more so!

Written by:
Belle Anne Leslie

Written on:
July 6, 1991

Revival's A Coming!

Grace Moment by Moment-weekly column
It seems every year about this time, churches the world over focus on what has been accomplished for God in their members' lives. Then they look ahead to what is coming for the new year. They plan and schedule every detail leaving very little room for change.
Sadly in their eagerness, I believe they have left out the most important part of church. Spontaiety. How can the presence of the Holy Spirit going to work with an empty hollow shell? The answer is obvious!
If people are willing to be flexible and adaptable in their Christian walk, the Holy Spirit will move in and begin to fill that empty hollow shell with thankfulness, joy, and Christ's Love. The key part is 'how willing are we to experience change? The kind of change that makes us uncomfortable, out of sorts and yes, a bit fearful.
This poem will (hopefully!) give you an idea of what I mean.

A Brokenhearted Cry
It began a low whisper,
spreading to every brother and sister.
Awakening as it rolled,
the heart of every spirit and soul.
Seeking to renew
our every longing for You.
Its purpose can not be curbed,
nor will its mission swerve.
Can you uncover its mask?
"What is it?," you ask.
It's a burning desire,
to kindle revival's fire.
All across the land,
you can feel its mighty hand,
pushing its way,
demanding to stay,
unwilling to bend,
until you defend!
With a broken hearted cry,
I ask, "Who is on the Lord's Side?"

Written by:
Belle Anne Leslie

Written on:
February 12, 1992

In Appreciation of Pastors, Part Two

Grace Moment by Moment-weekly column
What would Pastor Appreciation Month be without acknowledging the unsung heroes behind those in the pulpit? I mean, of course, the spouses. Specifically, Pastors' wives. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for all that you sacrifice in the name of ministry. Though the poem I've included is written with wives in mind; it is applicable to both genders. God bless you and know you are always in my prayers.

Pastors' Wives:
A Heart Full of Love
A Pastor's wife is gentle and kind,
and always willing to give of her time,
by letting her husband help someone desperate in need.
No reward does she get for this honorable deed.
Though her life is very lonely at times,
as she supports her husband in prayer, God's Love shines.
Her strength keeps the family growing,
even when illness is slowing
down their life walk, to a crawl
one can see, they still remain true to God's call.
With each impression their heart makes
one can hear the resounding cry, "I've done it for Christ's sake!"

Written on:
August 26, 1994

Written by:
Belle Anne Leslie
&
Mildred A. Baker

Scripture Reference:
Proverbs 31:10-31

In Appreciation of Pastors, Part One

Grace Moment by Moment-weekly column
October is Pastor Appreciation Month. I thought it appropriate to include something encouraging for all the Pastoral Staff serving Christ around the world. Here is a poem I wrote a few years ago that sums up thoughts on ministry from a Pastor's perspective. God bless all of you! You are in my prayers.

Pastors:
Always Seeking To Do God's Best
"Dear Father, this week I learned
if I continue to yearn,
for the approval of men,
I would not come to depend,
on what is the Will of God
but on mine, as I traverse life's sod.
Help me to remember,
I am Your child forever!
That I need not feel trapped or constrained,
nor without Your strength, though mine is drained.
Help my flock to understand, and not take offense
when I must follow Your Word, and commence
to confront those who commit to do wrong,
and who refuse to turn aside their wrath, replacing it instead, with Love which suffers long.
If there is one thing I could do to reach
the lost and my flock, it would be to teach
them, "and now abide faith, hope, and love,
these three; but the greatest of these is love."
Father, as I seek to do my best,
I know You will do the rest,
and may this ever be my song to sing,
"Jesus, You are Abba, Daddy, Father, Lord of Lords and King of Kings! Amen.'"

Written on:
August 28, 1994.

Written by:
Belle Anne Leslie

Scripture Reference:
I Corinthians 13:13