"Oh, the Lord is good to me.
And so I thank the Lord
for giving me the things I need,
like the sun and the rain and the apple seed.
The Lord is good to me."
This is one of my girls' favorite blessings to sing before we eat dinner. As we prayed this blessing before we ate dinner last night, these words seemed to really sink in. As my family and I prepare to begin our new journey in Sundown, I am reminded of how good the Lord is to me.
First Methodist Longview, along with School for Little Children, holds such a special place in my heart. I grew up going to Sunday School and singing in the children's choir here. I was confirmed, baptized, and married in our Sanctuary. Now Travis and I have had both of our girls baptized in our church. My children now walk the same halls as I did at SFLC many years ago. God has provided a loving and Christian-based education to build a foundation for me and my girls.
God provided the opportunity for me to experience serving in ministry - an opportunity I never knew I needed. It has been an honor to be involved in ministry here at FUMC Longview. Getting to know, teach, and love each of the children and their families and the members of our congregation has been such a privilege. You have blessed my life more than you could ever know. My prayers for you and this church will continue to be steadfast.
Luckily, this isn't goodbye, just see you later! I will be back to visit my family often, and I look forward to worshipping with my Longview church family again soon.
In Christ,
Loren Buchanan
