Treasuring each moment

Life is a great bundle of little things. – O.W. Holmes

As Mary watched her ‘child’ grow the bible says she treasured many moments and hid them in her heart. Hmm!

Remember as a kid biting into a nice freshly picked peach or apple maybe. All natural, plump, juicy, sweet as can be with no additives, preservatives, or artificial coloring. Much different than what you get today from the market. There’s a difference too, between the natural ‘sweetness’ of life and the things we think should be added to it. A hectic pace that keeps our calendars crowded and far from the pace God wants us to walk that we may savor the day(s), a vast number of online connections and conversations rather than a meaningful face to face encounter with a friend. God never said life has to be lived in the fast lane nor be crowded without margin. His idea is that we just enjoy the simple pleasures. Today would be a great time to start.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“…better a little with the fear of the Lord than great wealth with turmoil…” – Proverbs 15:16

A little smile goes a long way!

A smile is a curve that can set a lot of things straight. – R. Murray  

At the initial reunion, the Prodigal Father’s face told his son all he needed to know. AMEN!  

True, the shortest distance between two points is a straight line; but the quickest way to set someone’s heart at ease is with a curve of the lips, or smile. It can change the tenor of a room, conversation, or even an individual. It’s amazing when you truly think about it, but God made us in such a way that when we smile truly from our heart, our whole body feels it. It costs nothing, but gives so much; both to the one to whom it is given; and to the one who gives it, for you cannot give a smile without it warming your own heart. Life may have its ups and downs but never so much to where we can’t smile about it.  

Until Monday….  

Pastor Botts  

“A happy heart makes the face cheerful, but heartache crushes the spirit.” – Proverbs 15:13

Your Response

One’s outlook is determined by their ‘indwelling.’ – Anon

Though Joseph had many trials in life, the bible never gives us the impression that he felt he was ‘suffering.’ Hmm!

When we think about it, the Christian life should be one of continual celebration, but often we walk around feeling a lot like the weather – May ‘gray’ or June ‘gloom.’ In actuality, what determines who we are, how we feel, how we respond to life, and how we view what is happening is our attitude. We will all have ups and downs in life, good days and bad, but no matter the day or the circumstance, it should never stop us from celebrating all that is ours in Christ. We are all blessed beyond measure and with more than we truly deserve, and today is a part of that blessing. Therefore we should note that this very day is also a non-renewable resource, once it’s gone, it’s gone forever. Knowing it is such a precious commodity, should keep us celebrating and give us an attitude of gratitude.

Until tomorrow….

Pastor Botts

“…..a cheerful heart has a continual feast….” – Proverbs 15:15

Happiness: Attitude and Heart Choice

It is not our position that makes us happy or unhappy, it’s our disposition. – R. Murray 

Rehoboam took over the great kingdom of his father Solomon, and immediately got mad at the people. Hmm! 

It takes all kinds of people to make up this crazy mixed-up world, and unfortunately many are – sad, unhappy, depressed, etc. – and the truth is they don’t have to be that way, it all depends on how you look at life. God has gifted us with that life, but how we live it and enjoy its ups and downs, starts and stops, and sometimes indecipherable events is solely up to us as individuals. Material blessings may make life a bit more comfortable or easygoing, but they can never make one happy; for happiness is an attitude and heart choice. And though God says we should “choose life and its blessings;” He will not force us to do so. So if we’re waiting or looking for happiness, just know it’s been there all along. 

Until tomorrow…. 

Pastor Botts 

“A happy heart makes the face cheerful, but heartache crushes the spirit.” – Proverbs 15:13

Navigating the Course of Life

Yes times does fly, but remember you’re the pilot. – M. Altshuler

At 17, Joseph was sold into slavery and later went to prison. At 30, he was second in command only to Pharaoh. Why – he flew according to God’s plan. Hmm!

Another year has begun and it is moving along pretty quickly. Time will continue to march forward as God Himself pre-ordained it. But the good thing about it is He has set the pace such that life can be lived to its fullest potential, enjoyed immensely, and shared with others; as long as He is kept first. It’s only when we allow life and its circumstances and events to ‘pilot’ us that we seem to lack the time necessary for godly virtues and values. A good pilot knows his destination and weather conditions before he even takes off, allowing him to navigate the course smoothly and timely. If things are moving too fast maybe you need to seek God about a course correction.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“Folly delights a man who lacks judgment, but a man of understanding keeps a straight course.” – Proverbs 15:21

Share a Smile

The world’s best cosmetic and cure-all for what ails you are one and the same – A SMILE! – Anon Upon their reunion, when Jacob saw the joy on his brother Esau’s face; he too was comforted. AMEN! None of us would ever think to leave home unclothed. Nor would we neglect to take medicine we knew we needed to get well or maintain health. This is just good sense. Sometimes we need to apply this understanding to daily living. A smile given is a wonderful face and faith lifter, yet we sometimes dole them out as if we were getting charged for them. As our Heavenly Father has blessed us beyond measure and continues to do so, we have much to smile about. And as He works on us through the day, often there are some situations or circumstances that he puts upon us that we just have to laugh about, knowing He’s at His work. Smile! Until tomorrow….. Pastor Botts “A happy heart makes the face cheerful, but heartache crushes the spirit.” – Proverbs 15:13