A LOVE WITHOUT END, AMEN!
In April 1990, "Love Without End, Amen", written by Aaron Barker, was recorded and released by George Strait. What a fun and powerful song! It speaks of childhood, fatherhood, and our Heavenly Father. And the message is a love without end! That is what we as Fathers, better yet Dads, should strive to own, show, and share...unconditional love that never ends. That is what our Heavenly Father does for us.
I am lucky to have a Dad who I have never doubted his love for me. And he is one of, if not the greatest, earthly example of what "a love without end" is. Now, I am challenged to live this kind of love with my children, and with everyone I come in contact with. You may say, well Pastor that is great, but I never had that experience with my father. Sadly, there are many who have not had great experiences or memories with their fathers. But I have really good news. We All - ALL OF US - have a Heavenly Father who thinks that we, including YOU, are the Best! He has so much love for each one of us. Unconditional. Unending. Incredible life changing LOVE! Now, claim it. As the song says...it's a love without end! Amen!
I got sent home from school one day with a shiner on my eye
Fighting was against the rules and it didn't matter why
When dad got home I told that story just like I'd rehearsed
Then stood there on those trembling knees and waited for the worst
[Chorus]
And he said, "Let me tell you a secret about a father's love
A secret that my daddy said was just between us"
He said, "Daddies don't just love their children every now and then
It's a love without end, amen"
It's a love without end, amen
When I became a father in the spring of '81
There was no doubt that stubborn boy was just like my father's son
And when I thought my patience had been tested to the end
I took my daddy's secret and I passed it on to him
[Chorus]
Last night I dreamed I died and stood outside those pearly gates
When suddenly I realized there must be some mistake
If they know half the things I've done, they'll never let me in
And then somewhere from the other side, I heard these words again
[Chorus]
A Love Without End, Amen! The kind of love that we can claim, and can share...
Last Sunday was a great day. Thank you to everyone who helped make it that way. A special thank you to Bobby and Marsha Glover for the new Griddle and for cooking the burgers and dogs. Ms. Val for the new tent to keep our chef dry in the sprinkles. The beautiful flower arrangements from Susan Card. And for everyone who participated - in Bible Study, Worship, and the Potluck. After everyone left, Patti, Sarah, and Mark were sitting in the Grace Center visiting when a beautiful, gentle white tailed young buck walked right by the door. A great way to top off the morning.
Please keep Marvin Raines, Marsha Glover's brother, in your prayers. He will be having heart surgery on Monday. Also, I am headed down to Tuscaloosa, AL today. Patti is at Cheerleading Camp and has hurt her knee. (For her to leave her "girls" early at camp, it must be bad.) So I am going to get her and bring her back home. Please keep her in your prayers.
I look forward to seeing you Sunday! And Remember...
You ARE Loved!
Pastor Lonnie
"More in '24"
(You can reach Pastor Lonnie by calling or text 615-496-2502 or send an email to lonniecastle@gmail.com)