1st Presbyterian Church Coeur d'Alene ID
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Experiencing Joy and Small Graces

12/27/2022

3 Comments

 
Dear brothers and sisters,

Charley and I have been reflecting on the significant changes in our family’s life over the past few months. Unsurprisingly, Leighton has introduced many new experiences. Whether planning travel around nap times or judging all restaurants by whether or not they have a changing station in the bathroom, ​we are once again experiencing life in challenging ways. Who would have thought that going to the grocery store could take so much​
Picture
Pastor McLane Stone
preparation? Comparing our lives B.L. (Before Leighton) to A.L. (After Leighton), we sometimes wonder at the mystery of time and space that existed in our home when we were a one-child family.

While the major changes in our life are often the most obvious, it’s the little changes that have brought the most joy. I no longer dread the sound of my alarm clock because I know that I get to be the one to see that smiling face looking up from the crib in the dim morning light. I love watching my little boy get passed around Krueger Hall between Sunday services. There are many other small moments in my day where I experience great joy, and all of them feel like small graces—good gifts from a loving Father.

As I read the four Gospels, I’m struck by the fact that so much of Christ’s ministry occurs in these small moments of everyday life. Certainly, turning water into wine is a spectacular occurrence, but it takes place in the context of a simple wedding, a moment that finds Jesus surrounded by family and friends. In John 21, Jesus reveals himself to his disciples as the risen Lord, not as a great king robed and crowned on his throne, but as a brother and friend sitting around a warm fire sharing in good food and conversation.

My prayer for you this coming year is that you experience these small graces in your own life and take the time to celebrate them. We sometimes forget that through the power of the Holy Spirit Christ is present in our lives at all times. Though he is certainly at work in the “big” moments, his love and mercy are no less present in the mundane, day-to-day experiences that we often take for granted. These moments frame our lives as we encounter a God who loves us beyond anything we could imagine or expect.

As we enter into a new year, let our hearts be tuned to God’s movement. Each day, he calls us to respond to his good gift of grace, and in our response, share it with a world that desperately needs it. May we pursue his Kingdom with love and hope, always placing his Word before us.

In courage and grace,
Pastor McLane
3 Comments
Fiona Cochrane
12/28/2022 06:14:11 pm

I was pleased to see a communication from you, I haven't been well enough to attend services and being immune compromised, I avoid gatherings, Certainly feel that my life is restricted but I firmly believe that this is God's plan for my last decade or so.

I love your enthusiasm...even with its challenges. I wish you joy in your ministry and a Happy Hogmanay!

With love...Fionq

Reply
Jean Gilmore
12/29/2022 03:59:05 am

Thank you for sharing the reality of Jesus in our lives when it is so easy to forget He is here with us every moment of every day to provide opportunities to share Him with others. Being people of the Word is a wonderful thing!

Reply
Jackie Velez
12/30/2022 09:40:13 am

Your message is a great reminder for us to take the time to smell the roses and be fully present in the moment. This is such an exciting time for you and your family with all of the resent changes such as, the addition of Leighton to your family and your new job as our pastor. We are so blessed to have you as our pastor.

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  • Home
    • Connect With Us >
      • Prayer Request
      • eNews Archive >
        • 2020 eNews Archive
  • Who We Are
    • Our Mission
    • Leadership & Staff >
      • Job Opportunities
      • Blogs >
        • Blog Archive 2021
        • Blog Archive 2020
    • Elders, Deacons & Ministry Teams >
      • Christmas Families
      • Annual Clothing Givewaway
    • History >
      • Past Ministers
    • What Presbyterians Believe
    • Annual Reports
  • Ministries
    • Children & Families
    • Youth
    • Missions
    • Serve >
      • Choir
      • Church Ministry Teams
      • Ecumenical Kitchen
      • Family Promise
      • Handbell Choir
      • Knitting for Warmth
      • Praise Team
      • Reception Team
      • VBS Planning Team
    • Grow >
      • Book Studies
      • Men's Fellowship
      • Presbyterian Women
      • Sunday Bible Study
      • Women's Circles
    • Connect >
      • Dinners at 6-ish
      • Flying Solo
  • Sundays
    • Classic Worship
    • Contemplative Worship
    • Sermons
  • Giving