When All You Can Do Is Trust God And Pray

Life is really something. You grow along the way with friends and family and a lot of times, your friends become a family to you. That's the way it is with the people that I work with every day. We've been through tough times, good times and hilariously funny times. We've grown to love each other very much. God has knit us together.

But what do you do when one of your great friends ends up with a health problem that stops them in their tracks?

First, I think we try to wish that it wasn't happening. But then we realize that it's not going away. We always want to think that the bad stuff happens to other people. Not to the people in our own lives.

Then we pray, and hope, and wait. And sometimes....something happens, and one day your friend just isn't the way she has always been....and you realize....you gulp.....and you cry. Then you drop to your knees and really open your heart and cry out to the Lord.

I pray for people every day. But it's different when God has knit the two of you together.

Have you had this experience? Tell me about it by clicking on the little
"comments" below.

Blessings to You,
Pastor Naomi
www.wacathedral.org

We Still Love Difficult People

I was reminded this week that while we think of ourselves as so easy to get along with .........and very easy to talk to..... oh, and great communicators to boot. Other people in our lives sometimes think otherwise. And yet, we would not want someone to stop loving or caring for us just because they think we're difficult. In fact, the thought of losing the love of others is hurtful.

And so it goes that if we have people in our lives who are difficult to deal with, we can't withdraw our love from those difficult people. People may be tough to deal with, hard to reason with, just outright the type that drive us crazy.....and we still must love them. WHY???!!!! Because Christ loves us whether we are good or bad, happy or sad, thinking clearly or all mixed up.....Christ still loves us and is constantly trying to help and guide us if we will just allow him.

You know all about yourself......even the stuff you wouldn't tell anyone else. And yet, remember that God knows too. And He still loves you dearly.

Have you ever had an experience where you loved someone who was difficult?
Let me know by clicking on the little "comments" below.

Blessings to You,
Pastor Naomi
www.wacathedral.org

Neighbors Are A Blessing

Neighbors are truly a blessing. One of the definitions of "Neighbor" is: 4. A person who shows kindliness or helpfulness toward his or her fellow humans: to be a neighbor to someone in distress. I experienced this kind of "Neighbor" this week when I went home with a huge headache and feeling very nauseous. My next door neighbor was stopping by to pick up a package that was delivered to our home that I said that I would be happy to receive since she would not be at her home to receive it. She was so happy to have someone do that for her. Unfortunately, prior to her arrival I ended up in the restroom vomiting. So I decided to just put her package outside on the porch with a note telling her what I was up to. It wasn't even 10 minutes later when I received phone call asking how I was doing. It surprised me really. She was willing to bring over any needed supplies for a "sicky" that I might need.....soup, soda, crackers etc. I have to tell you that it was so comforting to know that someone cared so much to even offer to do that for me.

God wants us to be in fellowship with others. He wants us to CARE for one another and to receive CARE from one another. God knew that we would need one another.

Do you have a CARING NEIGHBOR story to tell? Then click on the little "comments" below and tell me your story.

Pastor Naomi
www.wacathedral.org

The Holy Spirit Will Guide Us In Difficult Times

This week was such a blessing for me as I watched C.A.R.E.S. Ministries work beyond our own church building and our surrounding community. We have members of Washington Cathedral that travel south for the winter each year and return in the spring. They're called "Snowbirds". This year one of our "Snowbirds" headed south only to find himself in the hospital in need of surgery. It saddened me that I couldn't just get into my truck and head the hospital to be with this precious person to offer prayer for this surgery. Instead I had to stop and have the Holy Spirit help me in solving my problem of helping a dear friend in need. The solution came quickly as I prayed. We have other "Snowbirds" who travel south. Make some calls and see if someone will be an extension of our church hands to that hospital. Sure enough, a dear member of our church, Linda Apted, agreed to help. Her visit was such an encouragement to our friend in the hospital. And, in turn, she too was blessed!
Have you ever had a moment like this.....where you wanted to help but couldn't and yet....with prayer.....allowed the Holy Spirit to show you a way to meet a need? If so, let me know by clicking on the little "comment" below.
Blessings to you,
Pastor Naomi
www.wacathedral.org

Say "Yes" to saying "HELLO"!

It's really fun to walk down the street and say "Hello" to people. Sometimes I wonder if people are just waiting for someone to connect with them. Most people smile and return the greeting. Which makes me very happy and blesses me a lot. I think they are very happy to have someone CARE enough to just say "Hello". Others seem very surprised and just smile. All in all, it's usually a pretty good experience for both of us.
Do you have any fun experiences from saying "Hello" to people on the street?
If so, then click on "comments" below and tell me about them.

ALSO, PLEASE VISIT OUR CHURCH WEBSITE FOR TONS OF INFORMATION
http://www.wacathedral.org/

BLESSINGS TO YOU,
Pastor Naomi M. Marquez-Blake