A CHRISTIAN MISSION
February 2025 Newsletter
Prayer Request: Pray that God will guide you in becoming more loving and compassionate toward the people in your life, allowing His love to shine through your actions and words.
Ask Him to help you see others through His eyes, understanding their needs and showing kindness in every interaction.
Please call us if you have any questions about the Mission or how you can help. 432-337-8294
A Word From Our Director ~ Pastor Andrew Pistone
Romantic Love According to Children
(portions inspired by John MacArthur & Charles Stanley)
At this time of the year, when the stores are full of Valentine's merchandise, we are reminded of “romantic” themes. It's fun to observe the imagination of children and to enjoy their thought processes. Children – looking at the adult world - were asked a series of questions related to love. I think you'll enjoy their comments.
They were asked:
How do people in love usually behave?
Wendy, Age 8, said, “Well, when a person gets kissed for the first time, they fall down - and they don't get up for at least an hour.”
They were asked another question:
Why does love happen between certain people?
Andrew, Age 6, said, “Well, one of the people has freckles, so he finds somebody else who has freckles, too.”
Mae, Age 9, said, “Nobody's really sure why it happens, but I heard it has something to do with the way you smell, and that's why perfume and deodorant are so popular.”
Manuel, Age 8, said, “I think you're supposed to get shot with an arrow or something, but the rest of it isn't supposed to be so painful.”
Then, they were asked:
What do you think falling in love is like?
John, Age 9, said, “It's like an avalanche, and you gotta run for your life.”
On the role of “looks” in love, the children were asked:
How important are your looks when it comes to falling in love?
Anita, Age 8, said, “If you want to be loved by somebody who isn't in your family, it doesn't hurt to be beautiful.”
Brian, Age 9, said, “It isn't always just how you look. Look at me, I'm handsome as everything, and I haven't gotten anybody to marry me yet.”
Christine, Age 9, said, “Well, beauty is skin-deep, but how rich you are - can last a really long time.”
And when the children were asked:
Why do people hold hands when they're in love?
Gavin, Age 8, said, “Well, they wanna make sure their rings don't fall off because they paid a lot of money for them.”
And then, there were some general opinions about love that were interesting:
David, Age 8 said, “Love will find you, even if you're trying to hide from it. I've been trying to hide from it since I was five, but the girls keep finding me.”
Regina, Age 10 said, “I'm not rushing into being in love. Fourth grade is hard enough for now.”
Then, they were asked To make suggestions about sure-fire ways to really fall in love:
David, Age 6 said, “Tell her you own a whole bunch of candy stores.”
Bart, Age 9, said, “Well, one way to do it – to make a person fall in love – is to take her out to eat and make sure it's something she likes to eat. French fries always work for me.”
Then, they were asked:
How can you tell if two adults eating in a restaurant are really in love?
John, Age 9 said, “Well, they'll be just staring at each other, and their food will get cold - while other people eat.”
Bobby, Age 10 said, “See if the man picks up the check.”
Then, they were asked:
How do you make love last a long time?
Robert, Age 7 suggests, “Spend most of your time loving – instead of going to work.”
Erin, Age 8 said, “Don't forget your wife's name. That will mess up the love.”
Dave, Age 8 said, “Be a good kisser. It might make your wife forget that you never take out the trash.”
Well, the children did figure out that there are lots of aspects to romantic love. Of course, romantic relationships are very important, and it's a good time to remember that the One and only living God is the One who created love.
Agape (love) is one of the rarest words in ancient Greek literature, but it's one of the most common in the New Testament. It's not like our English word “love,” because it never refers to romantic or sexual love (eros) – or to friendship or brotherly love (philia.) Agape love is the highest form of love. It's God's kind of love, and it involves sacrificial commitment. It's not a feeling - but a decision. It leaves no place for pride, arrogance, or self-glory. It's rare – because it doesn't come naturally to our selfish human nature. It's a fruit of the Spirit. (Galatians 5:22)
God's Love & Our Obedience
Christians are called to love (agape) God. “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength.” (Deuteronomy 6:5) How do we work that into our daily lives? – By being obedient. In John 14, Jesus reminds us three times that love for Him equals obedience. In essence, He says that we can't say we love Him and choose to keep ignoring our pattern of sin. “We love Him because He first loved us.” (1 John 4:19)
We can make a fresh commitment today - to reading God's instructions to us and to being obedient…for our joy and for His glory.
Pastor Andrew
(Some portions paraphrased from the writings of Charles Swindoll.)
Thrift Store
If you haven't had a chance to shop at one of our Thrift Stores, we hope you will do that soon. The proceeds from the store are a significant source of our support. You will find thousands of quality items at incredible prices, and you can shop with confidence that your dollars are helping to change lives.
Our stores are located at 1515 E. 8th St., Odessa & 1020H Andrews Highway, Midland
Our hours for shopping are Monday - Saturday from 9:00 am – 7:00 pm.
We continue to take ALL donations with grateful hearts. We could not do this without your help.
We will come to PICK UP any donations – call us at 432-337-8294 to schedule a pickup. You can also drop off your donation at the Thrift Store,
Please visit us on Facebook: www.Facebook.com/DoorOfHopeThriftStore
All donations are tax-deductible.
Please check out our latest post and like our page at https://www.facebook.com/DoorOfHopeMissionTX
Funds / Donations Needed
Your financial support will help us provide hot meals, a safe place to sleep and shower, and exposure to the truth of God's Word through Bible study and counseling to those who struggle with addictions. Many come to know Jesus as Savior because of the work God is doing here at the Mission.
There are a few ways you can give:
#1: PayPal Giving Fund:100% of your gift goes to the Mission. Paypal does not charge a processing fee when you use this service. If you would like to make a direct financial donation, you can go to PayPal using the link below.
https://www.paypal.com/us/fundraiser/charity/2432315
#2: Use our Website http://www.doorofhopemission.com/donate.html
#3: Mail a Check to Door of Hope Mission PO Box 1789, Odessa, TX 79760
#4: When you Shop on eBay, add us as your preferred charity, and a portion of your purchase will go to the Door Of Hope Mission.
With Ebay: You must add the Door Of Hope Mission to your favorites. Click the link to add us.
https://charity.ebay.com/charity/charity-name/2432315
If you have any questions, please call us at 432-337-8294.
The Door of Hope Mission is supported 100% by DONATIONS and our thrift store. We do not take money from the government because they would restrict us from preaching about the freeing power of Jesus to those we help.
All donations are tax-deductible.