Pastor’s Newsletter

Dear Trinity Church Family and Friends,

   The new year is upon us, and so is that “wonderful” tradition of making New Year’s resolutions—you know those promises about improving or changing our lives that we make in the morning on January 1, and break by evening of January 2.  Those resolutions usually involve changes in habits that will improve physical health and well-being such as eating fewer cookies and pizza, and eating more lettuce; walking around the block instead of sitting in the lazy boy, and drinking more water instead of pop.  Some people even challenge themselves to improve their minds by watching less TV and reading more good books. Once in a while resolutions are more altruistic-finding ways to be kinder to and helpful toward others.  Perhaps the best resolution was made by a friend of mine who resolved not to make any resolutions and thereby avoid the guilt that always comes with failure to keep the resolutions.

   In all of our resolutions however, few people I have encountered actually make resolutions regarding their spiritual lives, and that seems to be the most important area of our lives to be deepened and strengthened.  With that in mind, let me offer a couple of suggestions:

   Feel the need to go for a walk:  “walk in the light as God is in the light,  if we walk in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, His Son, purifies us  from every sin.” (I John 1:7)

 Need a change in diet: ‘ For the bread of God is He who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world. Jesus said, “I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry’”…(John 6:33,35)

  Want to shut off the TV and read a good book: “Everything written in Scripture was written to teach us, in order that we might have hope through the patience and encouragement the Scriptures give us”. (Romans 15:4)

 Need some “attitude adjustments”:  “Be joyful always., pray at all times, be thankful in all circumstances. This is what God wants of you, in your life in Christ Jesus”,( I  Thessalonians 5: 16)

Or how about this: BLESS THE LORD O MY SOUL, BLESS HIS HOLY NAME, EVERY DAY, IN EVERY WAY, BLESS THE LORD O MY SOUL!!!

   When my brother and I were small children, my mom taught us this simple little poem, and even when she wrote to us as adults, living away from home she often included it in our letters.  It would make a fine New Year’s Resolution:

Read your Bible

Humbly Pray

Trust in Jesus every day.

In Christ’s Service,

Penny Jane