Pastor Patricia’s Pauses

Here we are! January of the New Year! As we start 2022, I pray that those of you who make New Year’s Resolutions chose something that helps you grow spiritually. I know that Klove, the Christian Radio station that I listen to, does a “30-Day Challenge”. For 30 days, the person listens to only Klove on the radio (89.1 FM). Then, they occasionally will have people say how listening to only positive Christian radio has changed their lives. It is really powerful stuff!

The Christmas season, liturgically, goes all the way to Epiphany. January 6, 2022 is the day we celebrate Epiphany. I’ve always wondered why people rush to take down their Christmas decorations the day after Christmas. Ours are usually up until at least January 1! Depending on the year, sometimes I leave them up all the way to January 6. I imagine it is a matter of one’s choice – or when one has the time to pack it all up again for next year.

For me, personally, I rarely make New Year’s resolutions. It is not that I don’t want to better myself in some way, but I am such a creature of habit that I find habits hard to change. If I do make a New Year’s resolution it usually is to eat better. Lord knows, I love my sweets!

I will be starting up another bible study sometime in January. I haven’t decided yet what it will be on, but it will probably happen on Thursday nights at 7:00 pm. If you have any ideas of something you would like to hear about, let me know. An alternate day/time would be on Saturday mornings. If you have any preference for day/time or subject – please let me know.

My final Semester of Seminary starts February 7, 2022. I’m looking forward to graduation on May 21, 2022 with my Master of Divinity. I doubt I will actually fly to Dayton just to walk across a stage to get a piece of paper – but I plan on celebrating somehow! Stay tuned! My coursework has been amazing. Some would say I’m addicted to education, but I simply love – love – love to learn.

My prayer for you all is that you stay healthy in the New Year. If you haven’t gotten your Covid-19 series of shots, I would highly recommend them (both as a physician and as a pastor). It has saved lives.