Merry Christmas and Happy New Year Y'all!!!!

The Grace and Peace of our risen Lord Jesus be with you. What an eventful six months it has been. In all honesty, I’m not really sure where to begin. From my initial white knuckle drive down Hwy. 278 on July 3rd to what shall be a memorable week starting with our Christmas Eve service through Epiphany Sunday, every moment has been special. So much I have seen in the ministry of Church of the Palms complimented by the passion of its members. Your love is amazing. Let me express it this way:

Touched by Love

By

David Norrell

My future is haunted by my past

Many times I have strayed from your path using my own light

When that light dimmed, fear overcame me

Yet, your presence I did not seek

Your unmerited grace I have not earned

 

Happiness is deceiving

Outward appearance masked the pain deep in my soul

I lived as though your existence was a myth

Love, once a companion, abandoned me

Even you’re your love seemed distant

 

Walls were erected, moats flooded

Barriers built by human hands

Failed to protect my heart which had grown cold

I pushed but you pushed back

Your love was draped like a shawl around my neck

 

My heart is made warm by your touch

From my childhood till now made known through others in my life

Never has your perfect love left me

I don’t understand though

Why do you still claim me?

 

Oh God, found in you is every desire I want

Continue to perfect me in your tenderness

Please give me strength and stamina and words

Include the heart of a servant

So all will know what it means to be touched by unconditional love.

 

Thank you, Church of the Palms for your love and grace. I am so excited about what 2011 holds for our ministries. See y’all soon!