Happy Birthday U.S. Marine Corps!

Happy Birthday, U.S. Marine Corps!
Live life; but, please, stay out of trouble!

"What gain have the workers from their toil? I have seen the business that God has given to everyone to be busy with. He has made everything suitable for its time; moreover he has put a sense of past and future into their minds, yet they cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end. I know that there is nothing better for them than to be happy and enjoy themselves as long as they live..." Eccl 3:9-12
Live life!  I can't even begin to count how many times I have told people to live life; enjoy life! I believe some think, "who is she kidding? She's a Christian and a pastor. What can she know about fun?"  My fun may not be like a lot of people's idea of fun; but, I do know about enjoying life; about enjoying the numberless gifts that God has given me.

My husband has retired twice now. He tried to keep working; but, found life can be pretty boring without work so he is still working. I will retire next summer; but, I have a feeling that I will also continue to work at something.

Howard's first career was as a United States Marine.  Recently, we have been spending the Marine Corps Birthday at our son, John's house, as he also served in the U.S.M.C.. The Marine Corps Birthday brings both joys and sorrows. The sorrows comes in remembering the past and so many lost friends as well as the loss of a lifestyle. The Marine Corps was and is truly a family to those who have served and to their families. The joys also comes in remembering all those people of the and all of the good times shared with them as well as opportunities from time to time to see them once again. I will always be thankful for the years spent as a part of the Marine Corps family.

"For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven.." Eccl 3:1

Happy Birthday, United States Marines! Life live; enjoy it to it's fullest!

God's Peace - Pr. J

Life Can Be Very Full

Marine Barracks, Rota, Spain 1980-1982 Reunion

I am late today! We just returned from a Marine Barracks, Rota, Spain reunion held in Williamsburg, VA.  No we didn't do any site-seeing; but, we did have an awesome time visiting with people we had not seen in years and some that we had never met. One thing about reunions is that they make me realize that I am old. We were all very young when we were in Rota. We also stopped in at Parris Island on our way to Williamsburg. It amazes me how young Marines really are when I see them. It's a shocker. Were we really that young and out on our own so many miles from families? But, they are not without family. The Marine Corps is family; a family that tends to look out for each other for years after they  have retired or otherwise left the service.

Family is important. The church is family, as well. So it pleased me very much to see that so many of our loved ones from our previous years together are also our brothers and sisters in the family of God.

Family is important. As we headed home, we received some sad news. Our granddaughter's step-father has been missing since November 7, 2017. They found him yesterday in the Portage Canal in the Keweenaw. I did not know him well; mostly through my granddaughter. His family grieves today and will grieve for some time to come.

May God bless them and us all with peace of heart and mind and joy in the knowledge that Jesus is Lord. He is King of Kings.

Pr. Judy

Are You Your Brother's Children's Keeper?

Youth Choir at Toys for Tots Concert,

Skanee, MI

Is there anyone among you who, if your child asks for bread, will give a stone? Or if the child asks for a fish, will give a snake? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good things to those who ask him! “In everything do to others as you would have them do to you; for this is the law and the prophets." Matt 7:9-12 NRSV

"Am I my brother's keeper." (Gen 4:9) This was Cain's response when God asked him where his brother was after he had killed Abel. Are you your brother's keeper? Are you your brother's children's keeper? I hope that you are answering in the affirmative.

At our last congregation council meeting we discussed Christmas and how we can best help serve the children in Flagler County. We discussed a couple of different way to contribute to those in need and to help ensure that children will not get left out as most of the rest of the country celebrates Christmas.

It is about time for the Marine Corps Annual Toys for Tots Drive to begin again. Howard and I have been working with various Toys for Tots programs more than a few decades now. It started for us in Rota, Spain. But, in Spain the children at the orphanage did not normally receive gifts on Christmas day. Instead, they received gifts delivered by three young Marines on Three Kings Day, on the day the three wise men or kings brought their gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh to the baby named Jesus.

Toys for Tots helps to ensure that every child will have a gift as they celebrate Christmas. I understand that there are other programs in addition to Toys for Tots in Flagler County that are here to serve children during the Christmas season. Watch your newsletter and bulletin at Christ Lutheran in Bunnell for more information on what we will be doing as a congregation.

Where ever you are there are children in need. Yes, you are your brother's keeper. You are your brother's children's keeper. May God help us to do for them even as we would do for us and for our own children.

God's Peace - Pr. J 

Guarding The Gate To Paradise

Vernon Weand 1938-2017

"Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am."   (John 14:1-3 NIV)

I have been preparing a funeral service for one of the many faithful members of Christ Lutheran Church this morning. Vernon was also a Marine. It has been many years since Vern actively served as a Marine. But, the Marine Corps has a saying "once a Marine, always a Marine" so today we are commending into the hands of Almighty God a U.S. Marine.

There is this rumor that says that U.S. Marines guard the gates to paradise; to our heavenly home. But, I assure you that it is just a rumor. I do not think that God would make any Marine who believe in Him guard His gates while the rest of us are inside walking around and talking with Jesus. Marines usually don't mind a celebration and I am also pretty positive that they will be at the great banquet feast in our Father's house; rather than outside guarding the doors. 

Jesus told his followers that he was going to prepare a place for them in our Father's house. He has and he returns for all who believe to take us to our heavenly home.

May God grant comfort and peace in the knowledge that all who believe; even though they die; yet, shall live.

God's Peace - Pr. J