Pastor’s Ponderings—October 2026 (copy)

To the church of God as found at Marion Salem Church, called to be saints together with those in every place who call on the name of the Lord Jesus Christ: You are miracles of God’s grace and mercy!

November brings with it important events in the life of the Church. All Saints Day

this year is on a Sunday, Thanksgiving is always present, and this year Advent starts on

the last Sunday of November. So it will be busy as we start into the holiday season. I’m

already feeling a bit of that busyness because I am shocked that we are already through

October and finding ourselves at the end of the year like this. So keep in mind, that as

the days grow darker and the social calendar seems to fill up, to hit pause.

Pause for prayer. One of the things that seems to be forgotten about so easily is our conversation with God. We

need to continue to speak with the Lord and listen. The heavenly dialogue that sustains us and guides us is

important for our spiritual health. This is obvious, yet we often get ourselves in trouble on the obvious. So keep the

habits of daily prayer: daily personal devotion time, corporate worship, and consistent conversation in your spirit

throughout the day.

Pause for adoration. While prayer is conversational, sometimes we make it a laundry list of needs, wants, and

complaints. Do not forget to be thankful for that which you have received. Spend time in praise for who Christ is,

what He has done. Wonder at God’s creation. Bask in the presence of the Holy Spirit.

Pause for the yous, the other people in your life. There are people who surround us and when things get busy

tasks take priority and people go to the backburner. Be aware of the people who you share life with, whether it is

those close to you or those a little bit further away. Just because the weather gets colder does not mean love has to

grow cold.

Pause for sanity’s sake. I know far more people who are able to overload their schedule than those who are on

the opposite end of the spectrum and are lazy. This is beyond making time for yourself. If you run yourself ragged

until you get to those personal times, they won’t be helpful. Do not pack yourself in so tightly that there are no

margins for the sake of your sanity.

Pause for enjoyment. God did not intend for us to go from one activity to the next, rushing everywhere, and

never taking a simple moment to enjoy life. The leaves are changing, watch the colors, enjoy it. Put down all the

things that need to be done for a time and do something just because it makes you happy. There is no wrong in

taking pleasure in the gifts God has given us.

Pause this November, because if you don’t you miss out on so much that God has to offer during these days.

Blessings

Jason