Dylan's Thoughts: February 2026

It absolutely baffles me to think about all that has changed in the last year.  Meeting new people, learning new things, reading books... if you get down to it, last year at this time, I had never heard of "Sweet, Sweet Spirit," I had not yet preached a sermon in a pulpit, and I still had an appendix.  A lot can change in a year.

The greater joy, though, comes in realizing what has remained the same.  Pastor Ben pointed out in the last blog post that we all have a "sense of renewal" as we begin again each year.  Renewing our commitment to one another, to the Great Commission, to Jesus Himself, we are all beginning afresh with what is already warm and familiar.  We are each taking the next steps as we progress further and deeper into the journey of living in this world, but not of it.  And we do so, in the words of a song that I love, "One small step, two at a time," because the Lord is our Shepherd, and He does walk with us.

No matter what might change in any season of life, though, Jesus Christ is King of kings, and He is seated firmly and graciously upon His throne.  Take confidence in this as we continue to move forward together.  We will learn new songs, we will learn old songs, we will read the Word, and we will most certainly pray.  Oh boy, will we pray.  Throughout it all, my wonderful Christian siblings, we will grow to look and love more like Jesus!

Mollie and I are so blessed to have received the call to come to New Hope Baptist Church, to be joined with this incredible family of worshipful believers, and we extend our thanks and our love for your acceptance and welcoming "Sweet, Sweet Spirit" to us... even though there's now one less appendix.

Grace and peace to you!