Minister’s message
Take twelve, fine, full-grown months, see that these are free from all old memories of bitterness, rancor, hate and jealousy; cleanse them completely from every clinging spite; pick off all specks of pettiness and littleness; in short, see that these months are freed as much as possible from the past.
Cut these months into thirty or thirty-one equal parts. This batch will keep for just one year. Do not attempt to make up the whole batch at one time (so many persons spoil the entire lot in this way), but prepare one day at a time, as follows:
Into each day put; twelve parts of faith, eleven of patience, ten of courage, nine of work, eight of hope, seven of fidelity, six of liberality, five of kindness, four of rest, three of prayer, two of meditation, and one well selected resolution.
If you have no conscientious scruples, put in about a teaspoonful of good spirits, a dash of fun, a pinch of folly, a sprinkling of play, and a heaping cupful of good humor.
Pour into the whole love ad libitum and mix with a vim. Cook thoroughly in a fervent heat; garnish with a few smiles and a sprig of joy; then serve with quietness, unselfishness, and cheerfulness, and a Happy New Year is certain.
As I write this message I find myself reflecting on the year of 2013. I think about the changes that we all have been a part of and I’m thankful that God has brought me to be among you all as minister.
I won’t presume to speak about the hopes and dreams that may have existed here in the Valley as 2013 began but I can tell you all that I had no idea that God would bring me here to serve. There have been many times in my life that I believed a move from Ajax was in my future but each time God kept me there. This time when I was sure I would be staying close to home again God’s plan took me down the highway to the East. God is the only one that truly can direct us to the things and places that will bring about the things God desires.
As we all journey through the coming year I look forward to learning with everyone and growing together as both communities strive to make a difference in our little part of this wonderful Creation that God has put us all in. There will be things and changes we like and do not, there will things we try and don’t work well and others that will be better than imagined. While we may need to plan and keep ourselves moving towards the future let us all take note of the above recipe and prepare each day as it comes because as last year has taught us the Holy Spirit is the one that guides us through the plan to bring glory upon God always.
Yours in Christ
Barry