NEWS

Thankful Thursday 2-2-2023

Groundhog’s Day

Thankful Thursday falling on Groundhog’s Day makes me think of the thirty year old movie Groundhog’s Day starring Bill Murray. In the movie, his character gets to report on the weather prognosticator, Punxsutawney Phil, but finds himself in a repeat cycle of waking up to find it is still Groundhog’s Day. Sometimes it can feel as if our days are on a repeat cycle.

When I find myself in one of these funks, I pause to look at whether I have been incorporating my devotion time into my days. Often times, I find the monotonous routine I’m keeping has lacked time in the Bible. And this makes sense. Because the Word is alive (Hebrew 4:12), it always offers something new for the mind. If I haven’t taken the time to be in the Bible, I do not learn new thoughts or see different approaches that can help me grow in my life.

While not having to think about the life I’m living might seem to be an easier route to take some days, it definitely is less exciting and invigorating than getting into the Word and applying God’s thoughts to life. Living a life with Jesus is not without its challenges, but it is so fulfilling and rewarding as we keep our eyes on Him, His thoughts, and His ways for us. Our journey through life with Jesus as our guide brims with possibilities for growth if we are willing to break our cycles, meet Him in His Word, and learn from the goodness He provides.

Blessings!

Thankful Thursday 2-2-2023 Experience Opportunities:

All are invited to Worship both online and in person. Worship services occur at 8:00 am*, 9:15 am, & 10:30 am*. (*8:00 & 10:30 AM worship services are livestreamed on our YouTube channel: @GravelHillUMC. Subscribe & click the bell to be notified when streaming starts.) Christian Education occurs at 9:10 am. To learn more about online worship, click here. Or want to revisit a message that really spoke to you? Check out our Sunday Sermons.

Want to be part of a prayer group? We come together in a collective effort to support and lift up others during your time with God. Join our Facebook group: Gravel Hill Prayers. It is a closed group to be mindful of the private and sensitive requests made. And it’s purpose is for you to be a prayer warrior both interceding where others are asking for assistance in prayer and requesting prayers for situations that need lifting. To join, please send an email to Katie.

Thankful Thursday 1-26-2023

Collective Joy

Thankful Thursday lifts up praises for good connections. We are built to have connections with each other. From strong tight ties with family and friends to weaker ties with the cashier we see each morning paying for our coffee or the delivery person who is dropping yet another package at our door for us, each connection holds value and impact in our lives. And when we reach out, check on each other, and spend time together, it strengthens those connections.

When shared with our connections, our moments of joy double and sadness become halved. Our family has gotten to experience the joy of sharing waited-for great news. As we shared the news with those whom were waiting with us, the collective joy rose with each conversation and each connection.

This good news has given strength to our bones that were becoming weary in the waiting. God was with us in the waiting and He is with us in the celebration of the good news. The collective joy rising is part of enjoying this connected life God has gifted us.

Tap into your connections. Check on your people. Listen closely to those needing a quiet ear & focused eyes. And smile, cheer, and dance in joined celebration for the good God is doing.

Blessings!

Thankful Thursday 1-26-2023 Experience Opportunities:

All are invited to Worship both online and in person. Worship services occur at 8:00 am*, 9:15 am, & 10:30 am*. (*8:00 & 10:30 AM worship services are livestreamed on our YouTube channel: @GravelHillUMC. Subscribe & click the bell to be notified when streaming starts.) Christian Education occurs at 9:10 am. To learn more about online worship, click here. Or want to revisit a message that really spoke to you? Check out our Sunday Sermons.

Want to be part of a prayer group? We come together in a collective effort to support and lift up others during your time with God. Join our Facebook group: Gravel Hill Prayers. It is a closed group to be mindful of the private and sensitive requests made. And it’s purpose is for you to be a prayer warrior both interceding where others are asking for assistance in prayer and requesting prayers for situations that need lifting. To join, please send an email to Katie.

Thankful Thursday 1-19-2023

A New Path

Thankful Thursday gives thanks for road blocks. You may ask, “Why are you thankful for road blocks?” Good question.

Road blocks seemingly stop our progress forward. They get in the way of our travels from point A to point B. But these road blocks provide the forced opportunity to look at the entire situation from a wider perspective. In doing so, a new thought or option may pop up as a solution to the present challenge before you.

When we keep ourselves steeped in God’s Word, the Bible, we draw from the ultimate source that provides new and different ways of thinking. We know that sticking close to God and His Word may not give us the direct answers, but does give us the confidence that He will take our willingness to learn, our open hearts, and our actions and use them for His glory.

Isaiah 55 shares the open invitation for each of us to come to Him with and throughout our lives. Here is small snippet from that chapter:

⁸ “For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
    neither are your ways my ways,”
    declares the Lord.
⁹ “As the heavens are higher than the earth,
    so are my ways higher than your ways
    and my thoughts than your thoughts.

Are these new ways easy, comfortable, or fun? Rarely, the answer is yes. Usually the answer is no; however, God does use these road blocks for His glory.

So while the road block was not our initial chosen path, new thoughts and experience emerge from the journey. The road block actually becomes a diverter leading to growth. A new way of thinking. New experiences. A higher way aligned with the path God has in mind for us.

Blessings!

Thankful Thursday 1-19-2023 Experience Opportunities:

All are invited to Worship both online and in person. Worship services occur at 8:00 am*, 9:15 am, & 10:30 am*. (*8:00 & 10:30 AM worship services are livestreamed on our YouTube channel: @GravelHillUMC. Subscribe & click the bell to be notified when streaming starts.) Christian Education occurs at 9:10 am. To learn more about online worship, click here. Or want to revisit a message that really spoke to you? Check out our Sunday Sermons.

Want to be part of a prayer group? We come together in a collective effort to support and lift up others during your time with God. Join our Facebook group: Gravel Hill Prayers. It is a closed group to be mindful of the private and sensitive requests made. And it’s purpose is for you to be a prayer warrior both interceding where others are asking for assistance in prayer and requesting prayers for situations that need lifting. To join, please send an email to Katie.