Greetings, Grace and Peace to you,
As I have been preparing for my retirement, (cleaning up my office, sorting files and books), I found myself journeying down memory lane, and one starting point to that journey are the various “bookmarks”, that I seem to have collected over the years, an astonishingly large collection, I might add. However, as I removed them from books that were to be donated or given away, I couldn’t help but notice the designs and/or the pages these bookmarks were marking.
Some bookmarks were nothing more than a scrap of paper, hastily placed to mark that important Bible passage or thought. Other bookmarks are ornate and a couple are hand-
made, like the one I received from Heartstrings preschool my first year. Yet still other bookmarks, were received as gifts, “marking” a special milestone in my life, such as Licensed to Preach school and Course of Study graduation.
There are several that are quite possibly antiques, as I inherited them (along with the books) from family and friends. Some are mass produced, marking a particular Bible study program, Lenten or Advent study.
And yet there are others that I personally have chosen, based on the sentiment expressed, such as a Harry Banks quote from positive thinking; “For success, attitude is equally as important as ability.” For me this has been a lifelong “truth”, attitude matters... interestingly I found that particular one in a “theology” textbook!
Closely aligned to that idea is the “Prayer of John Wesley”; I am no longer my own, but Thine. Put me to what Thou wilt, rank me with whom Thou wilt. Put me to doing, put me to suffering, let me be employed for Thee, or laid aside for Thee. Exalted for Thee or brought low for Thee. Let me be full, let me be empty, let me have all things, let me have nothing. I freely and heartily yield all things to Thy pleasure and disposal ... and now O Glorious and Blessed God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit ... thou art mine, and I am thine. And the covenant which I have made on earth let it be ratified in heaven. Amen. The “serenity prayer”; God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference. Amen.
One bookmark I handcrafted for myself, is Psalm 150 (Common English Bible)
Praise the Lord!
Praise God in his sanctuary!
Praise God in his fortress, the sky!
Praise God in his mighty acts!
Praise God as suits his incredible greatness!
Praise God with the blast of the ram’s horn!
Praise God with lute and lyre!
Praise God with drum and dance!
Praise God with strings and pipe!
Praise God with loud cymbals!
Praise God with clashing cymbals!
Let every living thing praise the Lord!
Praise the Lord!
Now as Judy and I are preparing for “a New Adventure”, I’ll leave you with the thoughts expressed in ... well it’s not really a bookmark, it’s more of a wallet card that my loving wife created for me; “Pastor Hubby, every time you open this wallet. Remember you can do all things through Christ who strengthens you. I believe in you. Love Judy”
This sentiment, of Christ’s love, is true for each of you, truly you can do all things through the love of Christ!
There it is folks, love ... we wish it were possible to express how very much each of you have meant to Judy and I ... throughout our ministry together.
“Thank you” for your support of my ministry with you, doesn’t seem enough, although count me blessed. I am grateful for the opportunity of walking with each of you. Remember that “You are blessed, to be a blessing to all you meet!”
Till we meet again,
Pastor Scott