A church on a mission to love Jesus and love our neighbors like Jesus. https://aumcfamily.org Thu, 30 Apr 2026 08:01:41 +0000 Thu, 30 Apr 2026 08:01:41 +0000 hourly 1 3600 SnapPages.com https://aumcfamily.org/blog/2026/06/04/pastor-doug-s-thought-for-today-june-4 Thu, 04 Jun 2026 08:12:37 +0000 https://aumcfamily.org/blog/2026/06/04/pastor-doug-s-thought-for-today-june-4

Good Morning, It is a fine day in St. Joseph.  We may have some rain before day's end, but for now it is lovely.  This afternoon Carol and I will head to Annual Conference.  Tom Keller will join us tomorrow as every United Methodist Church in Missouri gathers.  Today is MDO as they move from Friday to Thursday during the summer.  It is always fun to see the young families bring their littles to spend the day.  I hope you have a great day and I hope to connect with. you this weekend.   Blessings, Doug

Today's Scripture

1 Chronicles 29:11 (New International Version)   Yours, Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendor, for everything in heaven and earth is yours. Yours, Lord, is the kingdom; you are exalted as head over all.

Today's Thought

We are only on the earth for a short time.  The time we spend here is time we spend as stewards.  Everything is the Lords and we are only entrusted with parts of it while we are here.  Are we being good stewards?  We certainly have room for improvement.  Just a thought for today!

]]> https://aumcfamily.org/blog/2026/06/04/pastor-doug-s-thought-for-today-june-4#comments 0 https://aumcfamily.org/blog/2026/06/03/pastor-doug-s-thought-for-today-june-3 Wed, 03 Jun 2026 08:06:49 +0000 https://aumcfamily.org/blog/2026/06/03/pastor-doug-s-thought-for-today-june-3

Good Morning, I am writing this for the second time today.  A little tech glitch and start again.  It is a beautiful morning.  Carol and I ran a little over 3 miles and the cooler temps along with lower humidity made a huge difference.  I am trying to get the last minute stuff together to leave for Annual Conference tomorrow.  Tom Keller will receive his liscense on Saturday!  This is a big deal!  Good job Tom.  Folks I love you all, get out and enjoy this beautiful day! Blessings, Doug

Today's Scripture

Proverbs 15:1 (New International Version)   A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.s

Today's Thought

The old saying "Sticks and stone may break my bones, but words will never hurt me."  Folks that is rubbish!  Words are powerful and can be hurtful!  What we say matters.  I encourage us all to be gentle and filled with the grace of God.  Just a thought for today!

]]> https://aumcfamily.org/blog/2026/06/03/pastor-doug-s-thought-for-today-june-3#comments 0 https://aumcfamily.org/blog/2026/06/02/pastor-doug-s-thought-for-today-june-2 Tue, 02 Jun 2026 08:07:28 +0000 https://aumcfamily.org/blog/2026/06/02/pastor-doug-s-thought-for-today-june-2

Good Morning, MDO Summer Session begins today.  We will see lots of kids and families.   It is a beautiful morning in St. Jospeh, warm but less humidity than Monday.  Tuesday is a walk day so it was a very easy and nice morning.  We are hoping to find the answers to why our cameras, a projector, and lights are not working.  The techs will be here today I hope.  This is Annual Conference Week so St. Charles will be hopping this weekend.  I hope you enjoy the day! Blessings, Doug

Today's Scripture

Hebrews 9:28 (New International Version)   so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him.

Today's Thought

Jesus overcame death.  The one time death was for us and overcoming death was to offer us life.  When Jesus comes again it will be the culmination of the Kingdom to come.  I hope we all choose to follow. Just a thought for today!

]]> https://aumcfamily.org/blog/2026/06/02/pastor-doug-s-thought-for-today-june-2#comments 0 https://aumcfamily.org/blog/2026/06/01/pastor-doug-s-thought-for-today-june-1 Mon, 01 Jun 2026 08:00:01 +0000 https://aumcfamily.org/blog/2026/06/01/pastor-doug-s-thought-for-today-june-1

Good Morning, We have made it to June!  Our run this morning was brutal!  The humidity made it tough.  It seems like we missed the rain last night, but we have sufficient moisture for now.  My new grass is looking promising.  Sunday we baptized, we confirmed, it was a great morning of worship.  The challenge is we had a power surge and lost all our cameras and one projector. Yikes!  I hope it is something that is an easy fix.  It looks to be a great day, get out and enjoy!  Blessings, Doug

Today's Scripture

Revelation 21: 2-4 (New International Version)   I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”

Today's Thought

I love this image of the Kingdom to come.  Revelation has a lot of challenging messaging, but his is clear.  The Kingdom will be a wonderful place remade in the sinless intent of creation.  It is the perfect place and we are invited to live toward that end every day as a follower of Jesus.  How can we bring the Kingdom a step closer today?  Just a thought for today!

]]> https://aumcfamily.org/blog/2026/06/01/pastor-doug-s-thought-for-today-june-1#comments 0 https://aumcfamily.org/blog/2026/05/29/pastor-doug-s-thought-for-today-may-29 Fri, 29 May 2026 08:03:46 +0000 https://aumcfamily.org/blog/2026/05/29/pastor-doug-s-thought-for-today-may-29

Good Morning, It is a rainy morning in St. Joseph.  Carol went to Como yesterday to watch Ada play t-ball and she is on her way back this morning.  I did get out and ran 4 miles.  This is my longest run since before the knee surgery.  I feel encouraged.  This is the last weekend in May, Monday we spring into June.  We will confirm some of our kids this Sunday.  It is a big day to welcome new members to our church.  I hope you can connect for this special day.  We also have a baptism of a young person that asked me a couple of weeks ago if she could be baptized.  I am excited and honored to be a part of such a great day.  I hope you enjoy this weekend!  Blessings, Doug

Today's Scripture

Psalm 103:17-18 (New International Version)   But from everlasting to everlasting the Lord’s love is with those who fear him, and his righteousness with their children’s children— with those who keep his covenant and remember to obey his precepts.

Today's Thought

The Lord is with all who love and honor him.  The covenant of God David wasn't aware of was God would through His gift forgive our sin and offer us new life.  The covenant is ours if we accept it.  What a strength and comfort. Just a thought for today!

]]> https://aumcfamily.org/blog/2026/05/29/pastor-doug-s-thought-for-today-may-29#comments 0 https://aumcfamily.org/blog/2026/05/28/pastor-doug-s-thought-for-today-may-28 Thu, 28 May 2026 07:59:39 +0000 https://aumcfamily.org/blog/2026/05/28/pastor-doug-s-thought-for-today-may-28

Good Morning, What an incredible day!  Today was a walk day and we got 4 miles.  Tomorrow is a long run day and it will be 4 miles.  Thankful to be running again.  Carol is off to Como today to watch Ada play t-ball.  It will be a down today, back tomorrow trip.  We have a little event planned at the house Friday evening.  May is coming to an end and we are approaching the midpoint of summer.  I hope you get out and enjoy this great day! Blessings, Doug

Today's Scripture

Romans 12:15 (New International Version)   Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.

Today's Thought

A hallmark of the Christian faith is to share life.  We share the good times and we share the bad time.  We rejoice with those who rejoice, their good fortune should be celebrated.  We should also share the mourning.  When they hurt we hurt.  This is the yoke of Christ to share the burden and share life.  Just a thought for today!

]]> https://aumcfamily.org/blog/2026/05/28/pastor-doug-s-thought-for-today-may-28#comments 0 https://aumcfamily.org/blog/2026/05/27/pastor-doug-s-thought-for-today-may-27 Wed, 27 May 2026 07:48:20 +0000 https://aumcfamily.org/blog/2026/05/27/pastor-doug-s-thought-for-today-may-27

Good Morning, It is a beautiful morning in St. Joseph.  We hit the Parkway and ran a little over 3 miles.  The kneed is stronger and I am getting my breath back.  Today I have a funeral celebrating the life of Judy McFall. This is a short week since we were off on Monday.  It is hard to believe next weekend is Annual Conference.  The month of June will fly by.  Get out and enjoy a wonderful day!   Blessings, Doug

Today's Scripture

Acts 20:24 (New International Version)   However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.

Today's Thought

The goal is to finish the race.  When I am out running I always consider it a good run when I finish.  Paul understood our life of faith the same way.  A good day of faith is a day we finish.  The testifying to the good news of God's grace is in the way we live the day.  May we always reflect the love and grace of God.  May we someday hear the words, "Well done good and faithful servant."  Just a thought for today!

]]> https://aumcfamily.org/blog/2026/05/27/pastor-doug-s-thought-for-today-may-27#comments 0 https://aumcfamily.org/blog/2026/05/26/pastor-doug-s-thought-for-today-may-26 Tue, 26 May 2026 07:47:59 +0000 https://aumcfamily.org/blog/2026/05/26/pastor-doug-s-thought-for-today-may-26

Good Morning, I hope you had an enjoyable Memorial Day Weekend!  We had a very relaxed weekend.  Great worship, great weather, and topped it off with a trip to see Emma and family.  Weird to start the week on Tuesday, but here we go.  Get out and enjoy wonderful weather. Blessings, Doug

Today's Scripture

John 3:17 (New International Version)   For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.

Today's Thought

OK.  It is time to do a little less condemning and little more rejoicing in God's goodness.  God comes to save us, to pour out grace.  We should do that!  We should pour out some grace.  We should love a little more.  We clearly should judge a lot less. Just a thought for today!

]]> https://aumcfamily.org/blog/2026/05/26/pastor-doug-s-thought-for-today-may-26#comments 0 https://aumcfamily.org/blog/2026/05/22/pastor-doug-s-thought-for-today-may-22 Fri, 22 May 2026 07:41:22 +0000 https://aumcfamily.org/blog/2026/05/22/pastor-doug-s-thought-for-today-may-22

Good Morning, Friday has arrived and the weekend along with it.  This is Memorial Day Weekend, so it will be a long weekend for many.  The office will be closed Monday.  The weather is great this morning and we put a few miles behind us.  Today is my middle son Peter's birthday.  Happy Birthday!  I start the day with meetings downtown and then back to Ashland.  I have you connect with Ashland this weekend!  Get out and enjoy! Blessings, Doug

Today's Scripture

Galatians 5:13 (New International Version)   You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.

Today's Thought

I have often said that just because you can doesn't mean you should.  Paul is telling the followers that they are free but use their freedom for good.  Just because you are free doesn't mean you should do selfish things.  Freedom allows us to love and serve one another. Just a thought for today!

]]> https://aumcfamily.org/blog/2026/05/22/pastor-doug-s-thought-for-today-may-22#comments 0 https://aumcfamily.org/blog/2026/05/21/pastor-doug-s-thought-for-today-may-21 Thu, 21 May 2026 07:59:26 +0000 https://aumcfamily.org/blog/2026/05/21/pastor-doug-s-thought-for-today-may-21

Good Morning, We made a quick trip to Como last night.  It was a great trip!  Ingram graduated from elementary school which was nice, but he won a couple of awards.  The first was scoring in the top 15 % in his class in academics, but he also was the boy chosen for the American Legion Award.  We were very proud so say the least.  The only challenge in the trip was road construction.  Construction added at least 40 minutes to the trip.  We received another 1 inch of rain last night.  I think we are in good shape with moisture.  I hope you enjoy this very cool and wet day.  Get out and enjoy! Blessings, Doug

Today's Scripture

1 Corinthians 1:10 (New International Version)   I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought.

Today's Thought

Paul is saying that in Christ we should all agree.  This doesn't not imply that we should all have the same opinions in everything, it means we should all agree on what Jesus wants of us all.  We should embrace what Jesus said as rule and we should strive to have a life that reflects in unity all of that he asks of us.  Just a thought for today!

]]> https://aumcfamily.org/blog/2026/05/21/pastor-doug-s-thought-for-today-may-21#comments 0 https://aumcfamily.org/blog/2026/05/20/pastor-doug-s-thought-for-today-may-20 Wed, 20 May 2026 07:47:51 +0000 https://aumcfamily.org/blog/2026/05/20/pastor-doug-s-thought-for-today-may-20

Good Morning, We made it back to the Parkway this morning.  My mileage total was 3.74, but the important number is the 3.2 we ran non-stop in the middle.  Friday we push the total running to 3.5.  It feels good.  Tonight we are off to Como to watch a graduation of my middle grandson from elementary school.  A fast trip, but important one to make.  We are brainstorming ways to increase engagement and connection at Ashland.  Keep an eye peeled for some new things coming before summer is over.  Get out and have a great day! Blessings, Doug

Today's Scripture

Romans 15:5-6 (New International Version)   May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Today's Thought

Paul tell us that we should have the some attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had.  Think about that for a moment.  Did Jesus hate or persecute anyone?  Did Jesus hold a grudge or seek ways to get even?  The answer of course is no to all these things.  Jesus loved everyone.  There is no room in the Kingdom for these ugly and negative thoughts.  Those that want to follow Jesus do what Jesus did and live by example this life in Christ.  Just a thought for today!

]]> https://aumcfamily.org/blog/2026/05/20/pastor-doug-s-thought-for-today-may-20#comments 0 https://aumcfamily.org/blog/2026/05/19/pastor-doug-s-thought-for-today-may-19 Tue, 19 May 2026 07:44:12 +0000 https://aumcfamily.org/blog/2026/05/19/pastor-doug-s-thought-for-today-may-19

Good Morning, What a storm!  We had 3.25 inches of rain last night bringing us to 3 day total over 5 inches.  We had some limbs down, but I saw large branches down on my way to church.  The power went out and I had to bring everything back up at church due to the outage.  MDO is on break so we will have a little quieter day.  I hope you are all safe and have a great day! Blessings, Doug

Today's Scripture

James 3:17-18 (New International Version)   But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.

Today's Thought

I want us to take notice of what James says/. Wisdom from heaven is pure.  James then points us to the characteristics of pure wisdom.  Wisdom is peace-loving, it is considerate, it is submissive, full of mercy and good fruit.  This is significant in thinking about our path forward.  It appears to me we have embraced distorted wisdom.  May we regain purity of wisdom. May we love God and love our neighbor.   Just a thought for today!

]]> https://aumcfamily.org/blog/2026/05/19/pastor-doug-s-thought-for-today-may-19#comments 0 https://aumcfamily.org/blog/2026/05/18/pastor-doug-s-thought-for-today-may-18 Mon, 18 May 2026 08:11:32 +0000 https://aumcfamily.org/blog/2026/05/18/pastor-doug-s-thought-for-today-may-18

Good Morning, I hope you had a great weekend.  Carol and I were in COMO for a dance recital, Carol went to Canton for a BD Party, and we ended the weekend with a Graduation Party.  I finished reading Theo of Golden last night and it is a great read!  We have a crazy week, Carol is off to Como Tuesday after the Discovery Center, then back Thursday for PEO.  It is hard to imagine we are headed into Memorial Day Weekend.  The rain is great with more rain coming.  Enjoy the day! Blessings, Doug

Today's Scripture

Hebrews 6:10 (New International Version)   God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them.

Today's Thought

The value in this verse is it shows God we love God by helping his people.  This is an important.  Loving God's people reflects our love of God.  I hope we ask ourselves how we are doing this.   Just a thought for today!

]]> https://aumcfamily.org/blog/2026/05/18/pastor-doug-s-thought-for-today-may-18#comments 0 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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!

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