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Topic: Shopping (03/01/07)
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TITLE: The Perfect Present. | Previous Challenge Entry
By Julie Moore
03/08/07 -
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It was difficult to keep Pastor’s at the little country church. The secluded location usually caused them to leave for Churches near the larger cities. Being secluded from the hustle and bustle of a city was always inviting, but eventually it became too much for folks to handle if not raised in a similar area. As the lead Elder of their church, Beth’s husband, Doug, had been in contact with Pastor Albert for several weeks. He had been one of three Pastors of a large congregation in the city. Pastor Albert had assured Doug over and over again of their desire to escape the big city life.
Sunday morning was a beautiful sunny day, the perfect day to welcome a new Pastor and his wife. As the choir began the services, Beth noticed the dress worn by Miss Linda was still in good shape, but obviously a few years’ old. Was she avoiding embarrassing the ladies of the congregation by not wearing her fancy city clothes?
Pastor Albert’s first sermon was about the importance of our blessings from God and using those blessings wisely. After his sermon, Pastor Albert took a few minutes to explain why they had decided to come to the little country church. Although they were very close to numerous members of the church in the city, some members of the city church had continuously chastised them for their refusal to purchase expensive clothing and not give lavish parties. Pastor Albert’s salary from the city church had included extra money for just those purposes but they had not used it for those things. Instead they only purchased clothing that was from the bargain racks at the local department store. Parties were always simple with home cooked food by Miss Linda served buffet style. Pastor Albert’s extra wages were donated to the local charities for food and clothing. Although Pastor Albert had tried to change the beliefs of the city churches’ congregation, after five years they had not succeeded. After years of prayer they realized they were not helping the city congregation grow by staying. God showed them that at times, making a change meant separating from a situation to make a difference.
As the choir sang the closing hymn, Beth quietly left the sanctuary and took the lavender lace dress back to her car. She would return the fancy dress and donate the money to charity. Belonging to the little country church had never made her prouder as she was on this day. Buying the best of everything was not what God had planned for his blessings of money. Providing what is needed and helping others was Gods’ perfect present all along.
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