Thrill & Rejoice! - January 2023 Newsletter

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 “Epiphanies awaken the soul.” ― Adrienne Posey

I’ve started writing this article too many times. I keep waiting for MY epiphany. 


Feeling the inspiration course through our veins is such a good feeling - especially when I have a deadline. But it can be so disheartening when it’s not there. 


That’s the fleeting nature of epiphanies. They come - and hopefully, at least one has come to you - that the grace of God through Jesus Christ has forever changed you into believing that he is the Son of God who came to redeem the world’s hurt and harm with his sacrifice of purity and love.


But much like love and sometimes faith - epiphanies escape us when we need them the most. You know what it feels like, but it’s not something that always sticks around, like a soul earthquake, revealing something new. Your soul is lit up and determined to change your life.


The wise men had a long way to travel and knew very little about what they would find once they arrived. They were opening themselves up to be attacked and robbed for their faith, yet they continued. Commitment to the truth led them into a foreign land at a time that also could have gotten them killed. But God was faithful - he knew that these people needed to witness the coming of the Lord. 


Do you think they questioned what they were doing during their journey? The Bible doesn’t tell us, but you’d think. We don’t know how long they journeyed either, so I bet there may have been some complaining since we know they were human, too. 


But what does that mean? It means there are thrills in the life of faith - like during an epiphany that changes the course of your life in a leap of faith, and there are times to rejoice. An excellent way to remember your epiphanies is to celebrate them and rejoice at what God has told you. I bet those wise men were rejoicing after being led to the Christ child. Not only that, but I guarantee they were praising God for the visions that told them to go another way home. 


We can get so impatient that we want the thrill of Epiphany, but the real work is in the daily reminding ourselves and others of the miracles and blessings that God has given us. Let us awaken the generosity and gratitude within ourselves and others to be a light and blessing. 


Pastor Dan




Pastor's Picks


WATCH: The Farewell. The subject of dying needs nuance, but this movie brings heart along with humor that we all sometimes need to keep going during difficult times. Highly recommend. 


LISTEN: Sonder by Dermot Kennedy. This album is great from start to finish - I put this on repeat after it came out, and I love it. His lyrics are thoughtful, and the production is worth your time. Favorite song : “One Life”


READ: Second Chances by Max Lucado. The new year is a chance to have a fresh start and more grace for ourselves and those around us. This book is a collection of short stories that inspired me on how to see that as well. 

Location: Fort Wayne, IN, USA

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