10-'03

~ CHAPLAIN'S PAGE ~

MY NAME IS CHAPLAIN VIRGINIA NORRIS. I COUNT IT A GREAT HONOR TO BE YOUR CHAPLAIN. THIS IS THE FIRST OF THE MONTHLY MESSAGES I WILL BE POSTING ON THIS PAGE. THIS MONTH WE BEGIN A SERIES ON GOD. IN THE NEXT FEW MONTHS, WE'LL EXPLORE ~

WHO ARE WE? HOW DID GOD MAKE US? WHERE IS GOD? IS GOD FAR AWAY OR CLOSE BY ME? WHY CAN'T I FEEL GOD OR SEE HIM IF HE IS WITH ME? WHO IS THIS GOD? IS GOD JUDGMENTAL OR KIND AND FORGIVING? WHAT DOES GOD WANT FROM ME? HOW CAN I HEAR GOD SPEAK TO ME?

God has so carefully created us. He has provided us with a body that breathes by itself, circulates blood and restores itself without our help. He gives us senses such as hearing and eyesight to take in information and a brain that specializes in processing and organizing this information. We have the ability to decide what we will do with the information and legs, hands and a mouth to express ourselves and put our decisions into action.

Just wait. There's more, much more than just what our body can do. What kind of God would give us an imagination so we could bless others with art, poetry and timesaving inventions? Emotions are part of us. We can feel both joy and sadness. We have the ability and need to be understood and to understand others. We have received a human spirit, a soul, which draws us near to God. It helps us listen to God.

 

Examine yourself on the outside. How many details can you notice and be thankful for to God? Notice how each of the cells of your skin help to protect the whole body from diseases. Notice your eyes, your tongue, your teeth and fingernails. When you are sure there can be no more, think about your inner potential. How wonderful is your ability to talk, to communicate, to enjoy, to love. So much has been put into the basket of our lives. Take time to wonder. Take time to thank God with a heart full of gratitude. YOU ARE A LIVING MASTERPIECE!

 

THERE ARE SO MANY REASONS TO THANK GOD. FEEL FREE TO CONTACT ME WITH YOUR OWN QUESTIONS, THOUGHTS AND IDEAS ABOUT GOD. YOU MAY ALSO CONTACT ME WITH REQUESTS FOR PRAYER ABOUT YOUR NEEDS. CONTACT ME BY CLICKING HERE -CHAPLAIN- TO LEAVE ME AN E-MAIL MESSAGE. Chaplain Virginia Norris has a Master's Degree in Theology and received specialized training in counseling. She serves as an hospice chaplain and has been involved in counseling and chaplain services for 10 years. Additionally, Chaplain Norris teaches music. GLORY TO HIS HOLY NAME; LET THE HEARTS OF THOSE WHO SEEK THE LORD REJOICE. PSALM 105:3