Aloha & Hau’oli Makahiki Hou! We have had such an amazing new year already so far and we are so anticipating the “more” Jesus has for us this year!! As I was reading the other day in Luke rediscovering the birth of Christ verse 19 burned in my spirit, “But Mary was keeping within herself all these things (sayings), weighing and pondering them in her heart.” (Amplified Bible). NLT version says, “but Mary kept all these things in her heart and thought about them often.”
Ponder according to the World Dictionary means, “to consider something deeply and thoroughly; meditate, deep consideration.” As I was thinking about this verse I thought about how I process things in my life at times. Sometimes when things are pressing me I like to call my friend or talk with my hubby and “hash” it out loud talking it over and trying to make sense of things. Working in an occupation that requires counseling and having had counseling myself after the death of our daughter I know this can be a healthy way to go about “working things out”. However, it really burned in my heart when I read this making me wonder, “How often do I just go and “work things out” with another individual when maybe I should be pondering things in my heart allowing the Holy Spirit & Father God help me through these situations.”
I bring this up because I feel that this is a new year to do things differently, allowing the best “Counselor” bring freedom, ultimately drawing us closer to Him. When we draw close to Him we become aware of His presence , because when God’s presence is near, circumstances are changed, love is revealed, joy is released, freedom is given, and our lives are touched forever. Let’s start this new year out “pondering” the circumstances that we are faced with this year and press into His heartbeat allowing His plans to be fulfilled in 2012!
The New Year is here and we have a lot of great things in store for 2012!
Upcoming Events:
January 5 – Men’s Bible Study 6:30 p.m. @ AMP
January 10 – Small Group @ Fernandez’ home 6:30 p.m. (see Kevin or Kathy Fernandez for more info)
January 14 – Work Day at AMP beginning @ 6 a.m. We are being blessed by In His House of Restoration congregation to come and work to help us finish out our sanctuary. We will be hanging drywall, sanding, texturing, painting, etc…so come out and join us! If you do not acquire these type of skills but would like to volunteer to bring drinks, food, etc… please contact Michelle Carrier. Mahalo for making this day a success!
January 15 – Night of Worship @ 6:30 p.m.**(Note change of Date to Sunday evening)
January 18 – Girls’ Night Out (more details soon)
January 19 – Men’s Bible Study 6:30 p.m. @ AMP
January 27 – March 2 Fridays @ 6:30 p.m.
6 week Training Series “Transformed People/Transformed Cities” – Bill Johnson &
“The Art of thinking Brilliantly” – Graham Cooke
All those not located on Maui, you can tune in to our live stream @ 11 a.m. Hawaii Standard time on http://ustream.tv/channel/amp-church-maui/
Mahalo for all those who gave to AMP in 2011. As we start off the new year we are asking you to consider giving a “New Year’s Gift” as we try to finish the final stages of our building project. You can go to ampchurch.org and click donate now or you can mail your checks to:
AMP Church P.O. Box 7 Makawao, HI 96768
