Ashland UMC A church on a mission to love Jesus and love our neighbors like Jesus. https://aumcfamily.org Mon, 13 Apr 2026 11:44:08 +0000 Mon, 13 Apr 2026 11:44:08 +0000 hourly 1 3600 SnapPages.com Pastor Doug's Thought for Today May 15 https://aumcfamily.org/blog/2026/05/15/pastor-doug-s-thought-for-today-may-15 Fri, 15 May 2026 07:56:48 +0000 https://aumcfamily.org/blog/2026/05/15/pastor-doug-s-thought-for-today-may-15

Good Morning,
Friday is here and with it the weekend is here as well.  I spent the evening putting a new belt on the mower deck.  I am glad I can do these things.  Carol got the yard mowed.  We get to watch our granddaughter Ada dance in her recital tonight.  She is so excited!  I have a funeral tomorrow and Carol is off to Canton for the 90th birthday of a high school friend's mom and put flowers on the grave of her mom.  I hope to get a little more accomplished on finishing up the room upstairs tomorrow afternoon.  We put our 3rd 5k run behind us this morning.  Get out and enjoy this fine weather.   Have a great day!

Blessings, Doug

Today's Scripture

Ecclesiastes 11:5 (New International Version)
 
As you do not know the path of the wind, or how the body is formed in a mother’s womb, so you cannot understand the work of God, the Maker of all things.

Today's Thought

This is a hard message to hear.  We want to understand and we want God to work along our lines of reason.  Clearly this isn't the case.  What we know is that God loves us and God's the maker of all things.  Just a thought for today!

]]> https://aumcfamily.org/blog/2026/05/15/pastor-doug-s-thought-for-today-may-15#comments 0 Pastor Doug's Thought for Today May 14 https://aumcfamily.org/blog/2026/05/14/pastor-doug-s-thought-for-today-may-14 Thu, 14 May 2026 07:52:50 +0000 https://aumcfamily.org/blog/2026/05/14/pastor-doug-s-thought-for-today-may-14

Good Morning,
It is another beautiful morning.  Today was a walk day, we got 3 miles, but no running until tomorrow.  I have a wedding this morning in the Chapel.  I have know the bride since she was a little girl.  The garden is going well.  Carol is battling deer and I think they are in for a battle.  I hope you have a great day!   Have a great day!

Blessings, Doug

Today's Scripture

Psalm 139:13-14 (New International Version)
 
For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.

Today's Thought

We are known and created by a loving God.  New life is a cornerstone of our God.  When we were forever lost God gave his only son that we might have new life.  We are indeed fearfully and wonderfully made!  God's works are wonderful.  Just a thought for today!

]]> https://aumcfamily.org/blog/2026/05/14/pastor-doug-s-thought-for-today-may-14#comments 0 Pastor Doug's Thought for Today May 13 https://aumcfamily.org/blog/2026/05/13/pastor-doug-s-thought-for-today-may-13 Wed, 13 May 2026 08:08:52 +0000 https://aumcfamily.org/blog/2026/05/13/pastor-doug-s-thought-for-today-may-13

Good Morning,
We had a great day on the Parkway and we ran another 5K.   It was easier today, but there is lots of room for improvement.  I have a trip to KC this morning to check on mom and dad.  I had an early meeting here and now I am off.  The plan is to be back for a 1:00 meeting.  Get out and enjoy nature.   Have a great day!

Blessings, Doug

Today's Scripture

Proverbs 31:30 (New International Version)
 
Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.

Today's Thought

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.  What is your vision of beauty?  The Proverb is correct, charm is deceptive.  May we always look beyond the surface. May we see beauty in the lives of those around us.  Just a thought for today!

]]> https://aumcfamily.org/blog/2026/05/13/pastor-doug-s-thought-for-today-may-13#comments 0 Pastor Doug's Thought for Today May 12 https://aumcfamily.org/blog/2026/05/12/pastor-doug-s-thought-for-today-may-12 Tue, 12 May 2026 08:01:34 +0000 https://aumcfamily.org/blog/2026/05/12/pastor-doug-s-thought-for-today-may-12

Good Morning,
It is a beautiful morning in St. Joseph.  We hit the Parkway with temps in the 60's.  Today was a walk day.  We run Monday, Wednesday, and Friday and walk the other days.  I find it hard to believe we are into the middle of May.  I love the color see with flowers in bloom.  Get out and enjoy the warmth. Have a great day!

Blessings, Doug

Today's Scripture

Proverbs 29:2
New International Version

2 When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice; when the wicked rule, the people groan.

Today's Thought

It is so true!  The righteous thrive and the people rejoice.  It is also true.  When the wicked rule, the people groan. We long for the rule of the righteous, may we thrive and rejoice.  May the groaning direct our hearts to the righteous.  Just a thought for today!

]]> https://aumcfamily.org/blog/2026/05/12/pastor-doug-s-thought-for-today-may-12#comments 0 Pastor Doug's Thought for Today May 11 https://aumcfamily.org/blog/2026/05/11/pastor-doug-s-thought-for-today-may-11 Mon, 11 May 2026 08:00:24 +0000 https://aumcfamily.org/blog/2026/05/11/pastor-doug-s-thought-for-today-may-11

Good Morning,
I hope you had a great Mother's Day Weekend.  It was a busy weekend at the Walter House.  Carol was able to get the garden planted, tomatoes are in the ground and we had Pete's girls for the weekend.  We were certainly tired by Sunday afternoon.  Today we were up and on the Parkway and I was able to run my first 5K without stopping since the new knee.  We have a very busy week at Ashland, I hope you connect with us.  Have a great day!

Blessings, Doug

Today's Scripture

Ephesians 4:32 (New International Version)
 
Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

Today's Thought

The call to forgiveness is a call to obey God.  We learn forgiveness by the one who offers forgiveness to us.  To ignore our forgiveness and not offer forgiveness is to forfeit the forgiveness God offers.  We will be forgiven ad we forgive.  Just a thought for today!

]]> https://aumcfamily.org/blog/2026/05/11/pastor-doug-s-thought-for-today-may-11#comments 0 Pastor Doug's Thought for Today May 8 https://aumcfamily.org/blog/2026/05/08/pastor-doug-s-thought-for-today-may-8 Fri, 08 May 2026 07:54:59 +0000 https://aumcfamily.org/blog/2026/05/08/pastor-doug-s-thought-for-today-may-8

Good Morning,
It was a lovely morning on the Parkway.  We continue to add miles, slowly for sure, but we are making progress.  A busy Mother's Day Weekend ahead.  We have Pete's girls this weekend which will be fun.  Mark and Winja announced the new baby is girl.  We are thrilled to welcome number 9 to the brood.  The weekend is coming the weather should be wonderful so get out and enjoy!  I hope you engage with Ashland this weekend we have great things planned. 

Blessings, Doug

Today's Scripture

Colossians 4:5-6 (New International Version)
 
Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.

Today's Thought

Paul is advising the church and followers of Jesus how to engage outsiders.  We are not to be judgmental and accusatory, but to act with grace toward them.  We should have conversations that are full of grace and seasoned with salt.  We are to win people to Christ, not attempt to argue them into faith.  Just a thought for today!

]]> https://aumcfamily.org/blog/2026/05/08/pastor-doug-s-thought-for-today-may-8#comments 0 Pastor Doug's Thought for Today May 7 https://aumcfamily.org/blog/2026/05/07/pastor-doug-s-thought-for-today-may-7 Thu, 07 May 2026 07:53:56 +0000 https://aumcfamily.org/blog/2026/05/07/pastor-doug-s-thought-for-today-may-7

Good Morning,
The week moves along.  Today is National Day of Prayer.  I hope you pray everyday, but today especially I hope you spend some time in prayer.  Christianity isn't a noun, it is a verb.  It is the life we live and a big part to that life is conversation with God.  Carol and I were out today and it was chilly, however today marks a warming.  I did the numbers yesterday and it looks like I have the potential to run the Half-Marathon in St. Joseph this year.  Carol is signing us up today. The weekend is coming but until then get out and enjoy the day!

Blessings, Doug

Today's Scripture

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (New International Version)
 
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

Today's Thought

The verse today is appropriate for National Day of Prayer.  We should pray continually.  It is an ongoing conversation with God.  Our life should be under the constant leading and direction of God and this only happens when we have a relationship with God.  Relationships come through communication.   Just a thought for today!

]]> https://aumcfamily.org/blog/2026/05/07/pastor-doug-s-thought-for-today-may-7#comments 0 Pastor Doug's Thought for Today May 6 https://aumcfamily.org/blog/2026/05/06/pastor-doug-s-thought-for-today-may-6 Wed, 06 May 2026 07:55:41 +0000 https://aumcfamily.org/blog/2026/05/06/pastor-doug-s-thought-for-today-may-6

Good Morning,
I hope you enjoyed Cinco de Mayo.  Carol and I went out for dinner at El Maguey and they were packed. We have arrived at midweek, though no MidWeek@Ashland until August.  Carol and I hit the Parkway this morning an ran a little over 2.8 miles.  We covered over 3.5 miles, but only ran 2.8.  the goal is next week to runaway 5k without stopping.  This is slow, but the knee is getting in shape.  I may not make a 1/2 Marathon by September but hopefully I will be close.  Get out and enjoy the day!

Blessings, Doug

Today's Scripture

James 5:16 (New International Version)
 
Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.

Today's Thought

James is so practical.  He calls it as it is and doesn't waste time trying to complicate it.  We need people in our life we can be honest with.  People we can confess our sins and pray with.  People that won't use our confession as gossip, but as heartfelt unburdening as we seek to be restored through God's grace.  I pray you have that person in your life.  Just a thought for today!

]]> https://aumcfamily.org/blog/2026/05/06/pastor-doug-s-thought-for-today-may-6#comments 0 Pastor Doug's Thought for Today May 5 https://aumcfamily.org/blog/2026/05/05/pastor-doug-s-thought-for-today-may-5 Tue, 05 May 2026 07:44:51 +0000 https://aumcfamily.org/blog/2026/05/05/pastor-doug-s-thought-for-today-may-5

Good Morning,
Happy Cinco de Mayo!  Tuesday has come and brought a little shower.  We can always use a little rain.  Today is MDO day, we will have lots of young families.  I want to remind you all that Sunday is Mother's Day and that we will celebrate our graduates from High School Sunday morning.  I am trying to spend a little time working on my room upstairs until I can finish it.  I am at the more challenging finish touches.  We didn't get out to the Parkway today because of the rain.  I hope you have a great day!

Blessings, Doug

Today's Scripture

Philippians 4:6-7 (New International Version)
 
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Today's Thought

I hope you read the Upper Room this morning.  The practice of thanksgiving is important.  We need to practice the act of thanksgiving.  When we give thanks we are changed, we become a more connected follower of Christ.  Being thankful is important for our walk of faith.  Just a thought for today!

]]> https://aumcfamily.org/blog/2026/05/05/pastor-doug-s-thought-for-today-may-5#comments 0 Pastor Doug's Thought for Today May 4 https://aumcfamily.org/blog/2026/05/04/pastor-doug-s-thought-for-today-may-4 Mon, 04 May 2026 07:57:44 +0000 https://aumcfamily.org/blog/2026/05/04/pastor-doug-s-thought-for-today-may-4

Good Morning,
May the 4th be with you.  Happy Monday as we enter the first week of May. We had a great weekend.  The room isn't complete, but the ceiling is in which allow me to finish with help.  We also were gifted a swing set by the Paden family and it is in place allowing the kids to have a great time Saturday afternoon.  Youth Sunday was outstanding.  The last few years we have changed up how Youth Sunday looks, this Sunday may have been the most incredible.  Don't forget this coming Sunday we celebrate Graduates of High School and Mother's Day.  I hope you get out today, we were out early and ran the most of the recovery period.  

Blessings, Doug

Today's Scripture

2 Chronicles 7:14 (New International Version)

if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.

Today's Thought

This is a powerful verse but maybe one of the most misused verses in the Bible.  This is a message to Israel as they return from exile.  It is a call to remember the promise of Abraham from God.  This isn't a promise to the United States.  It does however have a great implication for the church.  We should humble ourselves and pray.  It is important for the church to remember our covenant is with God.  May the promise of God be our calling in life.   Just a thought for today!

]]> https://aumcfamily.org/blog/2026/05/04/pastor-doug-s-thought-for-today-may-4#comments 0 Pastor Doug's Thought for Today May 1 https://aumcfamily.org/blog/2026/05/01/pastor-doug-s-thought-for-today-may-1 Fri, 01 May 2026 08:48:57 +0000 https://aumcfamily.org/blog/2026/05/01/pastor-doug-s-thought-for-today-may-1

Good Morning,
Welcome to the month of May!  It is a chilly morning, but warmth is coming.  Today we have MDO Concert, lot of families will be in today.  My boys are coming in after lunch and we will see what we can accomplish in completing my upstairs project.  Carol is mowing this morning and then Pete is bringing his girls, so Super Grandma mode will kick in.  We will no doubt have a fun and busy weekend.  I hope you enjoy the weekend and of course I hope you connect with Ashland.  

Blessings, Doug

Today's Scripture

Hebrews 11:6 (New International Version)
 
And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.

Today's Thought

Faith is and should be a direct response to the love of God.  Life changes when we recognize what God is doing in our life and what God has done to provide life for us.  May your faith guide your life.  Just a thought for today!

]]> https://aumcfamily.org/blog/2026/05/01/pastor-doug-s-thought-for-today-may-1#comments 0 Pastor Doug's Thought for Today April 30 https://aumcfamily.org/blog/2026/04/30/pastor-doug-s-thought-for-today-april-30 Thu, 30 Apr 2026 08:01:41 +0000 https://aumcfamily.org/blog/2026/04/30/pastor-doug-s-thought-for-today-april-30

Good Morning,
The Parkway was beautiful this morning.  We are seeing more people out as spring comes into its own.  We were able to get the garage cleared yesterday.  We have a pile of stuff for the dumpster on Saturday.  The boys will be in tomorrow and hopefully we will come close to finishing the project at the house.  This is a day to get out and I hope you have a wonderful day!

Blessings, Doug

Today's Scripture

Ephesians 4:15 (New International Version)
 
Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ.

Today's Thought

We will grow to become mature in Christ.  We do that by striving to know more and then do more to follow Jesus.  It is difficult to know how anyone can not love given the love we have been offered by Jesus.  We are to give as we have been given, to love as we are loved.  Just a thought for today!

]]> https://aumcfamily.org/blog/2026/04/30/pastor-doug-s-thought-for-today-april-30#comments 0 Pastor Doug's Thought for Today April 29 https://aumcfamily.org/blog/2026/04/29/pastor-doug-s-thought-for-today-april-29 Wed, 29 Apr 2026 07:43:08 +0000 https://aumcfamily.org/blog/2026/04/29/pastor-doug-s-thought-for-today-april-29

Good Morning,
It is another chilly morning in St. Joseph.  We were out on the Parkway and I ran the most continuous miles I have ran in my recovery, 1.5 miles.  I know that doesn't sound like much, but I am getting there.  We are at MidWeek and closing in on May.  Today we are going to remove some clutter from the garage, it has become a catch all.  Youth Sunday is this Sunday so make sure and be here or catch the service online.  My boys are coming Friday and we hope to knock out most of the upstairs remodel.  It is always something.  I hope you have a wonderful day!

Blessings, Doug

Today's Scripture

Job 19:25 (New International Version)
 
I know that my redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand on the earth.

Today's Thought

Job is a testimony to faith.  Job is confronted with all types of calamity and still he praises God.  His friends and family turn away and tell him to curse God, but her remains faithful.  He knows that his redeemer lives.  The book of Job is challenging and painful, but in the end Job is blessed for being faithful.  We have much to learn form this.   Just a thought for today!

]]> https://aumcfamily.org/blog/2026/04/29/pastor-doug-s-thought-for-today-april-29#comments 0 Pastor Doug's Thought for Today April 28 https://aumcfamily.org/blog/2026/04/28/pastor-doug-s-thought-for-today-april-28 Tue, 28 Apr 2026 07:57:52 +0000 https://aumcfamily.org/blog/2026/04/28/pastor-doug-s-thought-for-today-april-28

Good Morning,
It is a chilly morning, but we were able to get out and put some miles behind us.  It looks like the entire week will be a bit cooler, but seasonal for sure.  Everything looks so nice since the rain.  Nature's water simply does a better job at sprucing things up.  We are moving ever so quickly to the month of May.  We have had the April showers and I am ready for the May flowers.  I hope you have a wonderful day!

Blessings, Doug

Today's Scripture

Philippians 2:5-8 (New International Version)
 
In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross!

Today's Thought

Humility is a key characteristic of the followers of Christ.  Our human nature battles with Kingdom principles.  I find the thoughts of Holy Week stretching into today.  Do we want Jesus or do we want power and control.  The church is not a political movement we are an agent of transformation.  May we humbly follow the examples of our Lord.  Just a thought for today!

]]> https://aumcfamily.org/blog/2026/04/28/pastor-doug-s-thought-for-today-april-28#comments 1 Pastor Doug's Thought for Today April 27 https://aumcfamily.org/blog/2026/04/27/pastor-doug-s-thought-for-today-april-27 Mon, 27 Apr 2026 08:15:55 +0000 https://aumcfamily.org/blog/2026/04/27/pastor-doug-s-thought-for-today-april-27

Good Morning,
The storm last night yielded about 2 1/2 inch of rain at our house, but I have heard reports of over 3 inches.  The power was out for a couple of hours and at church the Internet was out due to a power conditioner going down.  I have it patched and up for now.  Needless to say we were not out on the Parkway this morning.  We had a wonderful birthday party for Emma Saturday and found out a new baby is on the way.  Yes, we are excited.  We end April this week and then off to May.  May is so busy but always exciting.  I hope you have a wonderful day! 

Blessings, Doug

Today's Scripture

Luke 19:10 (New International Version)
 
"For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”

Today's Thought

Jesus came to save us!  We owe everything to the grace of God in Jesus Christ. The society we live in pushes the thought we get what we deserve.  This is the opposite of what we know in our relationship with Jesus.  Jesus came to save us from ourselves.  Just a thought for today!

]]> https://aumcfamily.org/blog/2026/04/27/pastor-doug-s-thought-for-today-april-27#comments 0 Pastor Doug's Thought for Today April 24 https://aumcfamily.org/blog/2026/04/24/pastor-doug-s-thought-for-today-april-24 Fri, 24 Apr 2026 08:27:24 +0000 https://aumcfamily.org/blog/2026/04/24/pastor-doug-s-thought-for-today-april-24

Good Morning,
The storm last night yielded about 1/2 inch of rain.  I love how green and alive things are becoming.  We hit the Parkway this morning and clearly we are gaining more daylight everyday.  The weekend is here and we shall be very busy.  Did you watch the Draft last night?  Interesting that we really won't know how it went until we are into the season with the picks.  I hope you have a great weekend and of course connect with Ashland. 

Blessings, Doug

Today's Scripture

1 Peter 1:18-19 (New International Version)
 
For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect.

Today's Thought

Life isn't based on economic success.  Salvation can't be purchased but received as a gift from the God who gave it.  May we live into the Kingdom to Come and not strive to win in the kingdom of today. Just a thought for today!

]]> https://aumcfamily.org/blog/2026/04/24/pastor-doug-s-thought-for-today-april-24#comments 0 Pastor Doug's Thought for Today April 23 https://aumcfamily.org/blog/2026/04/23/pastor-doug-s-thought-for-today-april-23 Thu, 23 Apr 2026 08:05:08 +0000 https://aumcfamily.org/blog/2026/04/23/pastor-doug-s-thought-for-today-april-23

Good Morning,
A very cloudy morning in St. Joseph.  We were on the Parkway and it was a great day to run.  We have a busy weekend just around the corner.  We have dinner and theater tickets for Friday night, a BD party on Saturday, and then worship and a funeral on Sunday.  Oh, and I about forgot we have the NFL Draft tonight.  A big night for Chiefs fans with 2 picks in the first round.  The rain is coming and much needed.  I hope you get out early and enjoy this day.

Blessings, Doug

Today's Scripture

Romans 14:11 (New International Version)
 
It is written: “‘As surely as I live,’ says the Lord, ‘every knee will bow before me; every tongue will acknowledge God.’”

Today's Thought

Every knee will bow and every tongue will acknowledge God.  We know this is true, but what does it really look like.  A knee bowed before God has to acknowledge and and live into the life of Jesus.  It is not about saying one thing and doing another.  I am reminded my kids would say "I'm sorry, to because they were sorry, but to get them out of trouble."  It didn't work.  A life that isn't given to living out God's will, no matter what is said, will not deceive God.   Just a thought for today!

]]> https://aumcfamily.org/blog/2026/04/23/pastor-doug-s-thought-for-today-april-23#comments 0 Pastor Doug's Thought for Today April 22 https://aumcfamily.org/blog/2026/04/22/pastor-doug-s-thought-for-today-april-22 Wed, 22 Apr 2026 07:59:30 +0000 https://aumcfamily.org/blog/2026/04/22/pastor-doug-s-thought-for-today-april-22

Good Morning,
We have reached the middle of the week.  The weather continues to be beautiful and the Parkway was lovely.  I want to remind you Franklin Thackery's funeral will be Sunday afternoon.  Visitation begins at 2:00pm here at Ashland.  I hope you get out and enjoy this wonderful day.

Blessings, Doug

Today's Scripture

Romans 1:20 (New International Version)
 
For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.

Today's Thought

Spring for me is such a powerful demonstration of the power of God.  Creation is on display as things green up and flowers bloom.  God continues to create new life.  May the power of God encourage us as we look at the world around us.  Just a thought for today!

]]> https://aumcfamily.org/blog/2026/04/22/pastor-doug-s-thought-for-today-april-22#comments 0 Pastor Doug's Thought for Today April 21 https://aumcfamily.org/blog/2026/04/21/pastor-doug-s-thought-for-today-april-21 Tue, 21 Apr 2026 08:00:37 +0000 https://aumcfamily.org/blog/2026/04/21/pastor-doug-s-thought-for-today-april-21

Good Morning,
It is another lovely day.  We hit the Parkway at daylight and put our 3.25 miles behind us.  We are now running over 2 mile of this, which may not seem like much, but following my knee surgery it is a big deal for me.  Carol got all the plants in pot yesterday and we were able to get the irrigation going last night.  Things look very pretty.  We hope to get garden going by Mother's Day.  It will be so nice today, I hope you can get out and enjoy!

Blessings, Doug

Today's Scripture

John 10:28-30 (New International Version)
 
I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand. I and the Father are one.”

Today's Thought

When we give our lives to Jesus we are under his protection.  We are forever His when we decide to give ourselves to Him.  Eternal life may seem a ways away, but my friends every day is a gift.  Don't take it for granted and don't take the gift of God in Jesus Christ for granted.  Jesus offers us life.  Just a thought for today!

]]> https://aumcfamily.org/blog/2026/04/21/pastor-doug-s-thought-for-today-april-21#comments 0 Pastor Doug's Thought for Today April 20 https://aumcfamily.org/blog/2026/04/20/pastor-doug-s-thought-for-today-april-20 Mon, 20 Apr 2026 08:00:05 +0000 https://aumcfamily.org/blog/2026/04/20/pastor-doug-s-thought-for-today-april-20

Good Morning,
It is a beautiful day in St. Joseph.  Today we hit the Parkway without headlamps.  We will now have morning light until October.  We were able to get the garden cleaned up and ready for planting on Saturday.  Carol has tons of plants ready to be potted, but waited until after the weekend for some warmer weather.  It is really looking like spring.  We had a great day at church; Ashland music is simply second to none.  A busy week ahead, so I better get with it.  I hope you have a great day!

Blessings, Doug

Today's Scripture

1 Corinthians 15:55-57 (New International Version)
 
“Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?” The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Today's Thought

I am honored to be able to share these words at every funeral I preside over.  It is what make the pain of human death bearable.  We know that Jesus overcame death and gifted us life when we follow Him.  May we all declare Him Lord of our life.  Just a thought for today!

]]> https://aumcfamily.org/blog/2026/04/20/pastor-doug-s-thought-for-today-april-20#comments 0 Pastor Doug's Thought for Today April 17 https://aumcfamily.org/blog/2026/04/17/pastor-doug-s-thought-for-today-april-17 Fri, 17 Apr 2026 08:08:48 +0000 https://aumcfamily.org/blog/2026/04/17/pastor-doug-s-thought-for-today-april-17

Good Morning,
Happy Friday!  The weekend is here and with it a chance to catch up on some undone chores.  It looks like rain today and Carol is mowing the yard to get ahead of it.  I am so thankful she enjoys mowing.  We did get out and grabbed some miles this morning.  I hope you make it a point to connect with Ashland this weekend.  Get out and enjoy this wonderful day before it rains!

Blessings, Doug

Today's Scripture

1 Corinthians 1:18 (New International Version)
 
For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.

Today's Thought

The power of the cross is important for Christian people.  The cross a symbol of death was transformed by the resurrection of Jesus.  We now look to the cross as a reminder of what Jesus did for us so that we would not perish.  We are saved but he power of God. Just a thought for today!

]]> https://aumcfamily.org/blog/2026/04/17/pastor-doug-s-thought-for-today-april-17#comments 0 Pastor Doug's Thought for Today April 16 https://aumcfamily.org/blog/2026/04/16/pastor-doug-s-thought-for-today-april-16 Thu, 16 Apr 2026 07:48:45 +0000 https://aumcfamily.org/blog/2026/04/16/pastor-doug-s-thought-for-today-april-16

Good Morning,
It was a lovely morning to be out on the Parkway.  I am getting close to the 2 mile mark running.  I am taking it slow, but my heart wants to just run.  Carol and Kathy are headed to a nursery today to get plants.  Last night Carol and I reseeded our side yard, the squirrels have raised havoc under our old oak tree.  We are headed to the weekend so lots other accomplish today.   Get out and enjoy this wonderful day!

Blessings, Doug

Today's Scripture

Romans 13:8 (New International Version)
Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law.

Today's Thought

Do we ever think of a debt to love one another?  We are all committed to paying whatever financial debt we might incur.  We have a debt to Jesus for the life he gave for us.  May we daily repay the debt of love but loving our neighbor as ourselves. Just a thought for today!

]]> https://aumcfamily.org/blog/2026/04/16/pastor-doug-s-thought-for-today-april-16#comments 0 Pastor Doug's Thought for Today April 15 https://aumcfamily.org/blog/2026/04/15/pastor-doug-s-thought-for-today-april-15 Wed, 15 Apr 2026 07:51:44 +0000 https://aumcfamily.org/blog/2026/04/15/pastor-doug-s-thought-for-today-april-15

Good Morning,
Today is Tax Day, I just put ours in the mail.  We awoke to thunder and rain this morning, so we didn't get out.  I will try and get some steps in to offset not running this morning.  We had Ad Council last night and I ask them a question I will pose to you as well.  "Why do you Believe?" and voice it without quoting scripture, citing tradition, or getting defensive.  This is all about a personal relationship with God.  We will talk more about this throughout the year.  It will be warm today and the rain will pass.  Get out and enjoy his wonderful day!

Blessings, Doug

Today's Scripture

Romans 10:9-10 (New International Version)
If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.

Today's Thought

I wrote the first part of today's message before reading today's scripture.  They are interrelated.  We can't really proclaim "Jesus is Lord" if we don't live the life reflecting our belief.  Do we have the heart of Christ?  Do we give our selfish desires over to the teaching of Jesus?  It only happens when we believe in our heart.  Just a thought for today!

]]> https://aumcfamily.org/blog/2026/04/15/pastor-doug-s-thought-for-today-april-15#comments 0 Pastor Doug's Thought for Today April 14 https://aumcfamily.org/blog/2026/04/14/pastor-doug-s-thought-for-today-april-14 Tue, 14 Apr 2026 08:00:12 +0000 https://aumcfamily.org/blog/2026/04/14/pastor-doug-s-thought-for-today-april-14

Good Morning,
Carol and I hit the Parkway for another great morning.  I am feeling like I really will run distance again.  Today felt great and I am getting my wind back.  The weather is finally allowing my yard and hedge to recover.  Some flowers will not bloom this year, but that is the way of life.  Carol is planning on getting some plants this week, so we will start moving in the direction of summer.  Get out and enjoy his wonderful day!

By Noon today!
We have Easter Lilies that you may have if you come to the Ashland door and pick them up.  Please come and take one or more.  

Blessings, Doug

Today's Scripture

1 Corinthians 15:1, 3-4 (New International Version)
 
Now, brothers and sisters, I want to remind you of the gospel I preached to you, which you received and on which you have taken your stand.

Today's Thought

I think we all need reminded of the gospel Paul preached.  We need reminded of the Gospel Jesus preached.  A place to start, do love God with your whole heart, mind and soul?  Good!  Do you love your neighbor as yourself?  We need to look deeply at this.  We must reflect this in our thoughts, our actions, and words.  Just a thought for today!

]]> https://aumcfamily.org/blog/2026/04/14/pastor-doug-s-thought-for-today-april-14#comments 0 Pastor Doug's thoughts on Sunday's message. April 12 https://aumcfamily.org/blog/2026/04/13/pastor-doug-s-thoughts-on-sunday-s-message-april-12 Mon, 13 Apr 2026 11:44:08 +0000 https://aumcfamily.org/blog/2026/04/13/pastor-doug-s-thoughts-on-sunday-s-message-april-12
Subject: Peace in Pieces: Finding Honesty in Our Brokenness

Dear Church Family,

I hope this message finds you well. This Sunday, we began a new sermon series called "Peace in Pieces," addressing something many of us are experiencing but rarely talk about: the reality that we're not fine, and that's okay.

Summary: The sermon explored the widespread anxiety, mental health struggles, and financial stress affecting our communities today—including right here in Ashland. Through Psalm 22 and the example of David, we learned that God doesn't expect us to pretend everything is perfect. Instead, He invites us into honest relationship where we can cry out to Him with our fears, anxieties, and struggles. Just as Jesus cried "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" from the cross, we too are permitted—even encouraged—to share our brokenness with God and with one another.

Takeaways:

God loves honesty. David and Jeremiah show us that we can share our deepest fears, anxieties, and struggles with God without pretending to be fine.
Stop performing and open up. The pressure from social media and even church culture to appear perfect is not what God asks of us. We don't have to be okay all the time.
Identify where you're pretending. This week, take time to honestly acknowledge to God (and perhaps a trusted friend) what in your life you've been pretending is fine when it really isn't.
This is just the beginning of our journey together. In the coming weeks, we'll explore how to find peace even when everything feels like it's in pieces. You don't have to walk through this alone.

Grace and peace,

Pastor




Pastor. Doug


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