I am so glad you enjoyed it! Yes, that outfit did have a fall feeling to it. That was unintentional, but it really did work beautifully on the pumpkin walk. Blessings to you!
It was a lot of fun. I am so glad I got it on film. He didn't realize the camera was on, so when he didn't move from the table when I went to carve the pumpkins, I just kept going. And I am glad that you enjoyed the message. It is a joy to share with you! Blessings!
Such a truth I’ve hidden who I really am my whole life just to fit in . The people that were around me never want me to shine - thank you another amazing message ! Your videos make me face my fears and challenges me. Your light has shown through on this video you should be proud of yourself! ❤
This message is one I need to be reminded of myself each and everyday. It is a fearful thing putting the real us out there, but there really is nothing to fear because God is the one who made us each beautiful and unique. So here's to letting your light shine! Blessings to you!
Dear Donna, it was like you are talkung to me right into my heart. You are a blessing to my soul.🙏 I send you hugs from Germany. You are such a beautiful soul, I love your light💫💫💫💫💫thank you so much🙋🏼♀️💫💫💫💫
Pastor Donna, May I say, you look gorgeous in your 18th century jacket, skirt and large hat! Really impressed that you carved all those pumpkins yourself. I’d assumed you had a team of set designers to supporting you. I appreciate your message on the pumpkin prayer walk. ❤
First, thank you for the compliments. Part of shining my light is finally giving myself permission to dress in a way that gives me joy. My husband would prefer that I just throw on jeans and a tee shirt most days, but I love dresses. :) And I am laughing about the set designers. I wish! ;) All my videos are just me and my iphone set up on a tripod. I handle the props too. After carving those pumpkins, I had more to do for the next video. My hands are sore! But so glad you came and joined me at the farm! Blessings!
Pastor Donna, a beautiful message that rings true.... I love your Happy faced pumpkins. They looked so festive all lite up in the woods, on your pumpkin prayer walk! So special and pretty! Your videos are wonderful, and I always receive a message, or they leave me thinking about things!"❤❤❤ Blessings to you and your family. Fritz looks like a big teddy bear!! 🥰
Pastor Donna thank you for your wonderful HALLOWEEN message your prayer walk was wonderful . I just love your dog he is such a a big cuddly friend .I was wondering if you could keep me in your prayers I have to have some test on my heart and I am quite nervous thank you.
Fritz is a big teddy bear...all 100 pounds of him. I am so glad you enjoyed this time in Vermont with me! Yes, lots to ponder and prayer about. Wishing you a very blessed day!
Thank you!! My husband didn't realize I had the camera rolling...so I am not sure if I will be able to get him into future videos. Whenever he sees my iphone set up on a tripod he gets a nervous look and leaves the room. :) But I will try. Blessings to you!
So true. I have some pumpkins on my porch, but now I’m wondering why I stopped carving pumpkins just because my kids grew up. This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine……..
Hello Pastor Donna , once again I appreciate your message , another great video , I love your black jacket , it fits you very well . Thank you for sharing your light . Blessings .
Beautiful Donna. Such a wonderful message. It’s all so beautiful. The clothing, the colors, the animals, the pumpkins. I cried a little, I smiled, I laughed. I enjoyed this so much. Thank you from my heart. You are so calming. Your voice. Your videos. Loved it.
I am so glad you enjoyed this episode. Yes, there was a little bit of every emotion in it. :) Wishing you lots of love and blessings. May your light shine always!
God is using you to reach the lost, the hurting, and to all of us that wrestle with one fear or many. God knows everyone struggles with fear/ worry, with something. Thank you Pastor Donna for letting your light shine and being a vessel that God uses!!
It is amazing how the very thing I struggle with is the very thing God uses to help others. I am so glad I shared this with you! Thank you for being part of Old Stone Well Farm. Blessings!
A lot to unpack with this one. Let's just say, it was nice to see PJ, although I think involutarity. I saw Fritz taking head by showing his light of being heard while enjoying a treat. I know the feeling of "not being worthy" and trying to hide from God. But God always finds a way to ensure He finds us and we find Him. Your light has shined for many years, even if you hadn't seen it yourself. The pumpkin prayer walk I thought was how you started the carving at The White Church. Which your light still shines there as they continue that tradition. I also believe everyone who watches receives similar help that I received from you early in my journey; always having me shine where I was comfortable and not so comfortable. Thank you for your ministry.
Yes, a lot to unpack. :) And PJ didn't realize the camera was on. I guess we all go through those "unworthy" moments in life, and need to remember to trust the God light within. The pumpkin prayer walk was a new idea that came to me when I was out in the woods. But the inspirational message being carved in the pumpkins did begin at the church years ago. It is nice to hear the tradition continues. It is now being done, too, at the Maryland church I served. I hope you doing well...and your health is improving. Prayers are being lifted still for you. Blessings!
Congratulations Donna!your carving pumpinks are wonderful!You spread the Christ light every time your inspired words give us strenght ,Thanks!❤ NO FEARS anymore,🎉 because inside this word I found the word "SAFER"!Yes! Be Safer with God means living in the light!("I will fear no evil..'(Psalm23). I choose to be " devote of the light" trusting in God's guidance .Have a great All Hallows Eve!👻
Hello Pastor . As the day is ending, how happy I was to see you. Your message was presented in an historical, biblical way. I interpreted the first one as gentle and not at all going against God's word. Both were informative and amazingly interesting. As a former educator, Halloween was a crazy day in the classroom. The kids were overly excited, and my favorite time was to remain late after school and transform my room into a thankful and historical month. Your message tonight is relevant, and so tonight I, as always, remember my late husband and the memories of Halloween night with our son. The ritual of a special dinner, a pumpkin cake, and candles lit everywhere, the knocks on the door were abundant! I'm in such disarray lately with the election climate and fear of the future. Love, respect, and confidence in these politicians are difficult. I hope for the best. God bless us all.
Gail, I love the Halloween memories you shared. The special dinner, pumpkin cake, lit candles and the knocks on the door! It brought a smile to my face. And I can see you in your classroom transforming it into a thankful month for November after the kids left. Memories are precious gifts. Always wonderful having you here with me...even virtually...and sharing with one another. Blessings and hugs to you!
Thank you so much for this wonderful video. It has made me look at my life in a different way. I want to let my light shine, but sometimes I feel I am not good enough. Your advice has given me the confidence I need to try. Your videos are so inspiring.❤
Hello Pastor Donna, I’m glad I saw this. Usually I wait for your reply from the previous post but I didn’t get one ☹️, no worries! I’m really happy to see so much of Fritz in the video. Lately I’m seeing a lot of dogs like him in commercials. Scrolling through on my LinkedIn I saw a post about veterans who need dogs if they are having trouble adjusting to life and there was a dog who looked exactly like Fritz. I can’t believe your husband didn’t want to carve pumpkins, that’s the best part of Halloween when you get older. I love that path you created. Before my surgery I would do something like that. I would start them at the end of my driveway and lead them to my house. We never had kids because there weren’t any near me. Now we have a kid who lives across the street, he ends up getting most of the bag. I was going through the comments last night. There was one I was going to reply to but I didn’t know if I should. I believe I had the perfect comment for her. I’m not afraid of much anymore but I think everyone in this country needs to get on their knees and pray that the government thinks about its own people and protect their own instead of giving everybody else money and weapons. That’s all I’m going say about that. Tell your husband to stop being a po-po head (that’s what my wife says to me). God bless you Donna and thanks for your videos. 🎃
I am so sorry for the delay in writing back. I am just now getting to my correspondence. Been on tight writing deadlines with my day job. But always a joy hearing from you. And Fritz has been in more videos and that makes me smile as I know of one special Fritz fan (YOU!) who loves to see him. And I will tell my husband to stop being a po-po head. (Love that, tell your wife thank you!) I had more pumpkins to scoop out and carve for the inspirational message...my hands were sore after I got done. And so, I hope you enjoy the newest video as well...Fritz is in it!! I can 't wait to talk to you more. Till then, blessings to you!
Fritz joyfully lets his light shine bright! I will more confidently now. Will remember the pumpkin carving and God working unneeded stuff out of my life, and the light overcoming the darkness. Thank you, Pastor Donna.
Thank you! You’ve nailed it again. I have spent so much of my adult years trying to be what I thought was expected of me. Reading self help books back in the day to help me fit in with my wardrobe, my parenting skills, my Christian walk, my life. Now I am just being who I am and it’s so much more comfortable. (too bad it took me 71 years to figure that out, well maybe 50) I know that I will always have that fear of putting myself out there. But it’s way past time of being who God wants me to be instead of who the world wants me to be. And I think it’s funny about your editorship of Presbyterians Today. I had given up reading it way before you came on board because it’s always been so academic. My faith is anything but and I have a hard time identifying with the denomination that I have been in all my life. I stay a Presbyterian but I am really somewhere in between main line denomination and evangelical and I have yet to find that niche out there. But I know that my relationship with God is not a denomination thing but a personal thing. Thanks again for often speaking my truth through your words.
Bobbie, your note resonated so much with me! I too tend to fall between mainline and evangelical. So much so that I think the powers to be at PCUSA headquarters never knew what to make of me...and thus edged me out. But I had many years of sharing my voice and light with readers like you. I still think there is a need in our communities of faith for more faith stories and less denominational agendas. We need to be true to the person God made us to be. I will always be grateful for that advice from the copyeditor it write in my own voice. So here's to letting our lights shine, even when the darkness in the world tries to overcome it! Blessings to you!
What truth ! I’ve been thinking about this all week AND here you are saying what I’ve been thinking. Synchronicity I would say! Thank you so much for bringing to light issues that need to be dealt with no matter what one’s age. trying to live in the light but it sure is difficult. Thank you again Pastor Donna for your wonderful words and visuals happy Halloween !🎃🎃🎃🎃
A pumpkin prayer walk! What a great idea! I love the analogy of Christians being like pumpkins and God coming into our lives, wiping the dirt off of us, scooping out the gunk and shining His light through us. So amazing! I hope you have a wonderful Halloween and God bless you!
I am so glad I shared the pumpkin prayer walk with you! I had wanted to fill the woods with more pumpkins! Maybe next year. :) Thank you for spending time at the farm with me. Many blessings to you!
Thank you Pastor Donna for taking us with you in your Halloween walk and for your thoughts and deep messages! Love your humour! God bless from sunny Belgium 🍁🎃
I am so glad you enjoyed it!! And yes there was a bit of comedic relief in this video! (My husband had no idea the camera was on!) Many blessings to you!!!
Such a wonderful Halloween video with a poignant and empowering message. Thank you Pastor Donna. On the light and funny side of things, I chuckled at your husband's expressions and couldn't help but wonder what his thoughts were. If I had to caption it, I probably would guess it was something like, "Oh no, you've got to be kidding, carve pumpkins? Not me. I'm outta here." On a more serious note, your message brought to mind my favorite Bible verse that has seen me through a lifetime of doubts, worries, concerns, and fears. Isaiah 41:10 "Fear not, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand". May we all place our faith, trust and belief in our Heavenly Father who loves us and be a reflection of His light so that we might shine ours to bring praise, glory and honor to Him in all that we do.
So glad you enjoyed this video!! Yes, my husband's expressions were priceless and that is exactly what he was thinking. Surrounding you with prayers and many blessings!
Love your idea of a pumpkin prayer walk. I would certainly go on one. I wrote and illustrated a story book, called, The OH-NO Pumpkin. A little boy named Ryan bought him from a pumpkin patch, cut him from the vine, took him home, and carved him. He carved the mouth in the shape of an '0'. He entered him in a contest and won. I read that story to both my children every Halloween for years. I'm a Jesus follower, and don't feel carving pumpkins wrong. I still carve an OH-NO pumkin every year.
Oh that book sounds wonderful!!! How I wish that I could have folks join me on the pumpkin walk!! That would be awesome! Thank you always for joining me at the farm! Blessings!
Dear Pastor Donna, I just watched your video on my TV. I enjoyed it very much. Like you, i love the fun and childlike creativity every season. I try every year to invite friends to bring their pumpkins, and we carve and decorate, and paint together, then enjoy some homemade soup, desserts and hot chocolate, etc. Matthew 5:15 came to mind. I love your candelstick holder. Your light shines brightly and gives your followers the invitation to bathe in its warmth and peace. When we lose the childlike wonder and allow it to go dormant, i believe we are cheating ourselves out of a marvelous journey. I agree that as i get older, i have to think about things i never even considered in my 40s, 50s, and 60s. I am 74, and i asked myself how did i get here?? Lol. But then, i turn to gratude because so many i know in my life never experienced that privilege. I like Marianne Williamsons' writings. I never heard of the quote you mentioned that the two things we fear are life and death. It really made me ponder that one! It is in being personable and down to earth that i believe helps others to connect and see the human side. Keep shining your light and being you. YOU are a beacon. God bless. Phyllis from Central PA ❤
Phyllis, I am so glad you enjoyed your time at the farm with me. I love that you try to have friends come together each year to carve pumpkins. What fun! We should never lose that childlike joy and wonder...never! So here's to embracing this day as child of God...seeing His world with eyes of faith and wonder! Blessings to you!
Once again Pastor Donna, you have touched my heart and invited all who have the privilege of encountering you, to emerge from hiding, confront the fears, and allow God to free us to become whom He has called us to be. We are asked not to hide our light…, I am disabled now and I often hide both physically and emotionally. With God’s grace and the action of the Holy Spirit working through you, I give my fiat to God and trust in the beauty of the Holy Spirit shining through me. We are blessed by the gift of who you are Pastor Donna. Blessings, Colleen
Colleen, I am so glad you spend time here at the farm with me and that the message I shared (one I need to be reminded of myself soooo many times) resonated with you as well. No matter what our circumstances, there is always God's light within us wanting to shine out into the world. Yes! Let your beautiful light shine for others to see! Prayers ascending and surrounding you with many blessings!
What a great topic. I am most afraid of rejection. I have had so much of it especially from my Ex husband. I just act like I think will get accepted. I now have an infant granddaughter and spend time with her each week. She is helping me get back to who I am and to letting my personality light shine through. It is truly a blessed time and her parents encourage me.
What a blessing your granddaughter is in your life. Yes, rejection is a fearful thing and often leads us to take on a fake persona. But God made each of us beautifully unique and that light should shine! So shine on, my friend. Blessings to you!
Thank you for your wonderful Halloween message I loved your Halloween prayer walk it was wonderful. FRITZ is such a wonderful dog he is so cute, I was wondering if you could keep me in your prayers ai have to have some test on my heart and I am quite nervous thank you.
Very cute pumpkin video. But I'm with the hubs...one of my personal choices is just not participating in seasonal activities like decorating and pumpkin carving. 😂
I can’t get that lonely cow out of my head 😢. I’m so glad your chickens have kind hearts. Hopefully the other cows will accept her at some point. Perhaps she comes to mind DAILY because I am in a season of great loneliness myself , and like the cow, I’m struggling to understand why? Thank you for being on the other end of my computer 😊. I remind myself DAILY that I am important- and it’s important to be me, the me God created me to be. I can’t afford to play small and have let too many other people tell me who and what I should be. No more but boy am I getting push back from that! Suddenly, when you have boundaries and speak up with your wants and needs, people don’t like you anymore. Waiting for God to show me the way to those who will respect and love me for who I am - not who they want me to be.
No you can't afford to play small. God has a plan for you...you have a purpose. As for that cow, I am happy to report that she seems to be finding her place and purpose with the rest of the herd. God has a way of clearing our paths...sometimes we are asked to wait patiently when it seems like nothing is happening or that we have been forgotten. But we haven't been forgotten and a lot is happening, as God is working behind the scenes and His purpose will be revealed in time. No, you are not alone. Trust God and greet each day with great anticipation! Blessings to you!
I am so afraid of being forgotten (lonliness). I was "unseen" as a child. I'm terrified of that happening to me again. I sometimes feel desperate about it. I have great kids, but they have their lives. I have to figure out how to be ok with my aloneness.
Your note tugged at my heart as I can relate to the being unseen. I am holding you in my prayers. God's light is shining on your path, guiding your future. And remember, even when we feel alone, we are never truly alone. Grab hold of God's hands, call upon his name...and then be amazed at the God moments that begin to fill your life. Prayers ascending and many blessings to you. And also remember that you are seen by a great and loving God!
We need more christlike women like you hide it under a bushel no I'm going to light it shine I've been going to a methodist church since before covid I had an old mindset that God has had to get rid I was afraid to listen to women pastors cause as a former Baptist I was taught God doesn't allow preach and that it was rebellion but I believe since listening to you and my pastor Stephanie that God waste nothing and God can use women too to spread and preach the gospel
Bible says, Perfect love casts out all fear. Fear is not from God, but from the enemy. Love how affectionate your dog 🐶 is.
I'm a little late here, but does she look like Bo Derek or what? Talk about a natural beauty and her light is so shining as I have never seen it!
Thank you Donna, loved the 🎃prayer walk! Love your outfits as well.
I am so glad you enjoyed it! Yes, that outfit did have a fall feeling to it. That was unintentional, but it really did work beautifully on the pumpkin walk. Blessings to you!
Hello Donna,
I don't participate in Halloween but I really enjoyed your pumpkin prayer walk.
You have a such a beautiful family, God bless 🙏🍂🍁🤗
Thanks for the giggles! Your husband is a good sport. You are adorable together. Loved your message.
It was a lot of fun. I am so glad I got it on film. He didn't realize the camera was on, so when he didn't move from the table when I went to carve the pumpkins, I just kept going. And I am glad that you enjoyed the message. It is a joy to share with you! Blessings!
Such a truth I’ve hidden who I really am my whole life just to fit in . The people that were around me never want me to shine - thank you another amazing message ! Your videos make me face my fears and challenges me. Your light has shown through on this video you should be proud of yourself! ❤
This message is one I need to be reminded of myself each and everyday. It is a fearful thing putting the real us out there, but there really is nothing to fear because God is the one who made us each beautiful and unique. So here's to letting your light shine! Blessings to you!
Another wonderful video. Fritz made me laugh….he is such a loving and playful furry boy!
Yes, he is a loving and playful boy. He's been jumping in front of the camera a lot lately. :) Blessings to you!
Dear Donna, it was like you are talkung to me right into my heart. You are a blessing to my soul.🙏 I send you hugs from Germany. You are such a beautiful soul, I love your light💫💫💫💫💫thank you so much🙋🏼♀️💫💫💫💫
Pastor Donna, May I say, you look gorgeous in your 18th century jacket, skirt and large hat! Really impressed that you carved all those pumpkins yourself. I’d assumed you had a team of set designers to supporting you. I appreciate your message on the pumpkin prayer walk. ❤
First, thank you for the compliments. Part of shining my light is finally giving myself permission to dress in a way that gives me joy. My husband would prefer that I just throw on jeans and a tee shirt most days, but I love dresses. :) And I am laughing about the set designers. I wish! ;) All my videos are just me and my iphone set up on a tripod. I handle the props too. After carving those pumpkins, I had more to do for the next video. My hands are sore! But so glad you came and joined me at the farm! Blessings!
I can relate to so much of what you say, thank you. I absolutely loved your Pumpkin Prayer Walk!!!
I am so glad you enjoyed the prayer walk...and the message. It is one I need to remind myself of many times! Blessings to you!
Pastor Donna, a beautiful message that rings true....
I love your Happy faced pumpkins. They looked so festive all lite up in the woods, on your pumpkin prayer walk! So special and pretty!
Your videos are wonderful, and I always receive a message, or they leave me thinking about things!"❤❤❤ Blessings to you and your family.
Fritz looks like a big teddy bear!! 🥰
Pastor Donna thank you for your wonderful HALLOWEEN message your prayer walk was wonderful . I just love your dog he is such a a big cuddly friend .I was wondering if you could keep me in your prayers I have to have some test on my heart and I am quite nervous thank you.
Just getting to this message now...apologies...but holding you in my prayers!!
Fritz is a big teddy bear...all 100 pounds of him. I am so glad you enjoyed this time in Vermont with me! Yes, lots to ponder and prayer about. Wishing you a very blessed day!
Thank you Pastor Donna, your videos leave so much to think about. God bless
:) Blessings to you!
I love your pumpkin prayer walk! And it was fun to see your husband. He should join you in more videos!
Thank you!! My husband didn't realize I had the camera rolling...so I am not sure if I will be able to get him into future videos. Whenever he sees my iphone set up on a tripod he gets a nervous look and leaves the room. :) But I will try. Blessings to you!
So true. I have some pumpkins on my porch, but now I’m wondering why I stopped carving pumpkins just because my kids grew up. This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine……..
PS My hubby says you need to get a Sheetrock saw to carve your pumpkins with, makes it easier.
Thank you Pastor Donna love your vidoes they are so encourageing❤
That would make carving easier! Thank your husband for me.
I am so glad you find them encouraging. Blessings!
Yes, carve some pumpkins and let your light shine!
Hello Pastor Donna , once again I appreciate your message , another great video , I love your black jacket , it fits you very well . Thank you for sharing your light . Blessings .
Thank you!!! That jacket was the perfect addition to my outfit for this prayer walk. I pray you are well!!!! Blessings to you!
Thank you, what a gift you have, of encouragement and communication. I so look foreword to your videos . God bless
Thank you!! Your words mean a lot. Blessings to you!
Loved your video❤🍁🍂🍁🧡💛
Thank you!! Blessings to you!
Beautiful Donna. Such a wonderful message. It’s all so beautiful. The clothing, the colors, the animals, the pumpkins. I cried a little, I smiled, I laughed. I enjoyed this so much. Thank you from my heart. You are so calming. Your voice. Your videos. Loved it.
I am so glad you enjoyed this episode. Yes, there was a little bit of every emotion in it. :) Wishing you lots of love and blessings. May your light shine always!
Thank you!! Great message of encouragement ❤ Fritz is beautiful.😃🎃🍁
Thank you! Yes, Fritz is a beauty. So glad you spent time with me at the farm! Blessings!
God is using you to reach the lost, the hurting, and to all of us that wrestle with one fear or many. God knows everyone struggles with fear/ worry, with something. Thank you Pastor Donna for letting your light shine and being a vessel that God uses!!
It is amazing how the very thing I struggle with is the very thing God uses to help others. I am so glad I shared this with you! Thank you for being part of Old Stone Well Farm. Blessings!
A lot to unpack with this one. Let's just say, it was nice to see PJ, although I think involutarity. I saw Fritz taking head by showing his light of being heard while enjoying a treat. I know the feeling of "not being worthy" and trying to hide from God. But God always finds a way to ensure He finds us and we find Him. Your light has shined for many years, even if you hadn't seen it yourself. The pumpkin prayer walk I thought was how you started the carving at The White Church. Which your light still shines there as they continue that tradition. I also believe everyone who watches receives similar help that I received from you early in my journey; always having me shine where I was comfortable and not so comfortable. Thank you for your ministry.
Yes, a lot to unpack. :) And PJ didn't realize the camera was on. I guess we all go through those "unworthy" moments in life, and need to remember to trust the God light within. The pumpkin prayer walk was a new idea that came to me when I was out in the woods. But the inspirational message being carved in the pumpkins did begin at the church years ago. It is nice to hear the tradition continues. It is now being done, too, at the Maryland church I served. I hope you doing well...and your health is improving. Prayers are being lifted still for you. Blessings!
Congratulations Donna!your carving pumpinks are wonderful!You spread the Christ light every time your inspired words give us strenght ,Thanks!❤
NO FEARS anymore,🎉 because inside this word I found the word "SAFER"!Yes! Be Safer with God means living in the light!("I will fear no evil..'(Psalm23).
I choose to be " devote of the light" trusting in God's guidance .Have a great All Hallows Eve!👻
So glad you enjoyed it!! Blessings to you!
Hello Pastor . As the day is ending, how happy I was to see you. Your message was presented in an historical, biblical way. I interpreted the first one as gentle and not at all going against God's word. Both were informative and amazingly interesting.
As a former educator, Halloween was a crazy day in the classroom. The kids were overly excited, and my favorite time was to remain late after school and transform my room into a thankful and historical month.
Your message tonight is relevant, and so tonight I, as always, remember my late husband and the memories of Halloween night with our son. The ritual of a special dinner, a pumpkin cake, and candles lit everywhere, the knocks on the door were abundant!
I'm in such disarray lately with the election climate and fear of the future.
Love, respect, and confidence in these politicians are difficult.
I hope for the best.
God bless us all.
Gail, I love the Halloween memories you shared. The special dinner, pumpkin cake, lit candles and the knocks on the door! It brought a smile to my face. And I can see you in your classroom transforming it into a thankful month for November after the kids left. Memories are precious gifts. Always wonderful having you here with me...even virtually...and sharing with one another. Blessings and hugs to you!
Thank you so much for this wonderful video. It has made me look at my life in a different way. I want to let my light shine, but sometimes I feel I am not good enough. Your advice has given me the confidence I need to try. Your videos are so inspiring.❤
I am so glad you enjoyed this!! It was a message that I need to hear myself many times! Blessings to you!
Hello Pastor Donna, I’m glad I saw this. Usually I wait for your reply from the previous post but I didn’t get one ☹️, no worries! I’m really happy to see so much of Fritz in the video. Lately I’m seeing a lot of dogs like him in commercials. Scrolling through on my LinkedIn I saw a post about veterans who need dogs if they are having trouble adjusting to life and there was a dog who looked exactly like Fritz. I can’t believe your husband didn’t want to carve pumpkins, that’s the best part of Halloween when you get older. I love that path you created. Before my surgery I would do something like that. I would start them at the end of my driveway and lead them to my house. We never had kids because there weren’t any near me. Now we have a kid who lives across the street, he ends up getting most of the bag. I was going through the comments last night. There was one I was going to reply to but I didn’t know if I should. I believe I had the perfect comment for her. I’m not afraid of much anymore but I think everyone in this country needs to get on their knees and pray that the government thinks about its own people and protect their own instead of giving everybody else money and weapons. That’s all I’m going say about that. Tell your husband to stop being a po-po head (that’s what my wife says to me). God bless you Donna and thanks for your videos. 🎃
I am so sorry for the delay in writing back. I am just now getting to my correspondence. Been on tight writing deadlines with my day job. But always a joy hearing from you. And Fritz has been in more videos and that makes me smile as I know of one special Fritz fan (YOU!) who loves to see him. And I will tell my husband to stop being a po-po head. (Love that, tell your wife thank you!) I had more pumpkins to scoop out and carve for the inspirational message...my hands were sore after I got done. And so, I hope you enjoy the newest video as well...Fritz is in it!! I can 't wait to talk to you more. Till then, blessings to you!
Fritz joyfully lets his light shine bright! I will more confidently now. Will remember the pumpkin carving and God working unneeded stuff out of my life, and the light overcoming the darkness. Thank you, Pastor Donna.
Yes, Fritz has no problem letting his light shine! Blessings to you as you shine through this day and in all the days to come! Blessings!
Thanks Donna! Isn’t it amazing when others can see when we’re not being ourselves?
It is amazing...and we need those friends in life to remind us to be ourselves. Blessings to you!
Thank you! You’ve nailed it again. I have spent so much of my adult years trying to be what I thought was expected of me. Reading self help books back in the day to help me fit in with my wardrobe, my parenting skills, my Christian walk, my life. Now I am just being who I am and it’s so much more comfortable. (too bad it took me 71 years to figure that out, well maybe 50) I know that I will always have that fear of putting myself out there. But it’s way past time of being who God wants me to be instead of who the world wants me to be. And I think it’s funny about your editorship of Presbyterians Today. I had given up reading it way before you came on board because it’s always been so academic. My faith is anything but and I have a hard time identifying with the denomination that I have been in all my life. I stay a Presbyterian but I am really somewhere in between main line denomination and evangelical and I have yet to find that niche out there. But I know that my relationship with God is not a denomination thing but a personal thing. Thanks again for often speaking my truth through your words.
Bobbie, your note resonated so much with me! I too tend to fall between mainline and evangelical. So much so that I think the powers to be at PCUSA headquarters never knew what to make of me...and thus edged me out. But I had many years of sharing my voice and light with readers like you. I still think there is a need in our communities of faith for more faith stories and less denominational agendas. We need to be true to the person God made us to be. I will always be grateful for that advice from the copyeditor it write in my own voice. So here's to letting our lights shine, even when the darkness in the world tries to overcome it! Blessings to you!
What truth ! I’ve been thinking about this all week AND here you are saying what I’ve been thinking. Synchronicity I would say! Thank you so much for bringing to light issues that need to be dealt with no matter what one’s age. trying to live in the light but it sure is difficult. Thank you again Pastor Donna for your wonderful words and visuals happy Halloween !🎃🎃🎃🎃
Yes, trying to live in the light is not alway easy but we try each day! Blessings to you!
Great video! 🧡✨🎃
Thank you!! Blessings to you!
A pumpkin prayer walk! What a great idea! I love the analogy of Christians being like pumpkins and God coming into our lives, wiping the dirt off of us, scooping out the gunk and shining His light through us. So amazing! I hope you have a wonderful Halloween and God bless you!
I am so glad I shared the pumpkin prayer walk with you! I had wanted to fill the woods with more pumpkins! Maybe next year. :) Thank you for spending time at the farm with me. Many blessings to you!
Thank you Pastor Donna for taking us with you in your Halloween walk and for your thoughts and deep messages! Love your humour! God bless from sunny Belgium 🍁🎃
I am so glad you enjoyed it!! And yes there was a bit of comedic relief in this video! (My husband had no idea the camera was on!) Many blessings to you!!!
Many Thanks for your inspirational and meanful Pumpkin Walk. Iam going to buy Marianne Williamsons book Return to Love Blessings❤😊
So glad you enjoyed your time at the farm with me. That writing from Williamson is one I need to be reminded of often. Blessings to you!
Such a wonderful Halloween video with a poignant and empowering message. Thank you Pastor Donna. On the light and funny side of things, I chuckled at your husband's expressions and couldn't help but wonder what his thoughts were. If I had to caption it, I probably would guess it was something like, "Oh no, you've got to be kidding, carve pumpkins? Not me. I'm outta here." On a more serious note, your message brought to mind my favorite Bible verse that has seen me through a lifetime of doubts, worries, concerns, and fears. Isaiah 41:10 "Fear not, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand". May we all place our faith, trust and belief in our Heavenly Father who loves us and be a reflection of His light so that we might shine ours to bring praise, glory and honor to Him in all that we do.
So glad you enjoyed this video!! Yes, my husband's expressions were priceless and that is exactly what he was thinking. Surrounding you with prayers and many blessings!
@oldstonewellfarm
Thank you Pastor Donna. Brightest blessings to you today and always. ❤️
Love your idea of a pumpkin prayer walk. I would certainly go on one. I wrote and illustrated a story book, called, The OH-NO Pumpkin. A little boy named Ryan bought him from a pumpkin patch, cut him from the vine, took him home, and carved him. He carved the mouth in the shape of an '0'. He entered him in a contest and won. I read that story to both my children every Halloween for years. I'm a Jesus follower, and don't feel carving pumpkins wrong. I still carve an OH-NO pumkin every year.
Oh that book sounds wonderful!!! How I wish that I could have folks join me on the pumpkin walk!! That would be awesome! Thank you always for joining me at the farm! Blessings!
Dear Pastor Donna,
I just watched your video on my TV. I enjoyed it very much. Like you, i love the fun and childlike creativity every season. I try every year to invite friends to bring their pumpkins, and we carve and decorate, and paint together, then enjoy some homemade soup, desserts and hot chocolate, etc.
Matthew 5:15 came to mind. I love your candelstick holder. Your light shines brightly and gives your followers the invitation to bathe in its warmth and peace.
When we lose the childlike wonder and allow it to go dormant, i believe we are cheating ourselves out of a marvelous journey.
I agree that as i get older, i have to think about things i never even considered in my 40s, 50s, and 60s. I am 74, and i asked myself how did i get here?? Lol.
But then, i turn to gratude because so many i know in my life never experienced that privilege.
I like Marianne Williamsons' writings.
I never heard of the quote you mentioned that the two things we fear are life and death. It really made me ponder that one!
It is in being personable and down to earth that i believe helps others to connect and see the human side. Keep shining your light and being you. YOU are a beacon. God bless. Phyllis from Central PA ❤
Phyllis, I am so glad you enjoyed your time at the farm with me. I love that you try to have friends come together each year to carve pumpkins. What fun! We should never lose that childlike joy and wonder...never! So here's to embracing this day as child of God...seeing His world with eyes of faith and wonder! Blessings to you!
Once again Pastor Donna, you have touched my heart and invited all who have the privilege of encountering you, to emerge from hiding, confront the fears, and allow God to free us to become whom He has called us to be. We are asked not to hide our light…, I am disabled now and I often hide both physically and emotionally. With God’s grace and the action of the Holy Spirit working through you, I give my fiat to God and trust in the beauty of the Holy Spirit shining through me.
We are blessed by the gift of who you are Pastor Donna.
Blessings,
Colleen
Colleen, I am so glad you spend time here at the farm with me and that the message I shared (one I need to be reminded of myself soooo many times) resonated with you as well. No matter what our circumstances, there is always God's light within us wanting to shine out into the world. Yes! Let your beautiful light shine for others to see! Prayers ascending and surrounding you with many blessings!
What a great topic. I am most afraid of rejection. I have had so much of it especially from my Ex husband. I just act like I think will get accepted. I now have an infant granddaughter and spend time with her each week. She is helping me get back to who I am and to letting my personality light shine through. It is truly a blessed time and her parents encourage me.
What a blessing your granddaughter is in your life. Yes, rejection is a fearful thing and often leads us to take on a fake persona. But God made each of us beautifully unique and that light should shine! So shine on, my friend. Blessings to you!
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Thank you! :)
Yes .. 🙏🏼..
Amen!
Pastor Donna thankyou for your wondder
:) Blessings to you!
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:) Blessings to you!
Thank you for your wonderful Halloween message I loved your Halloween prayer walk it was wonderful. FRITZ is such a wonderful dog he is so cute, I was wondering if you could keep me in your prayers ai have to have some test on my heart and I am quite nervous thank you.
Holding you in my prayers.
Very cute pumpkin video. But I'm with the hubs...one of my personal choices is just not participating in seasonal activities like decorating and pumpkin carving. 😂
I let my husband know that he isn't alone! :) So glad you enjoyed your time at the farm with me. Blessings!
Fear. I finally understand the emotion
Amen.
I can’t get that lonely cow out of my head 😢. I’m so glad your chickens have kind hearts. Hopefully the other cows will accept her at some point. Perhaps she comes to mind DAILY because I am in a season of great loneliness myself , and like the cow, I’m struggling to understand why? Thank you for being on the other end of my computer 😊. I remind myself DAILY that I am important- and it’s important to be me, the me God created me to be. I can’t afford to play small and have let too many other people tell me who and what I should be. No more but boy am I getting push back from that! Suddenly, when you have boundaries and speak up with your wants and needs, people don’t like you anymore. Waiting for God to show me the way to those who will respect and love me for who I am - not who they want me to be.
No you can't afford to play small. God has a plan for you...you have a purpose. As for that cow, I am happy to report that she seems to be finding her place and purpose with the rest of the herd. God has a way of clearing our paths...sometimes we are asked to wait patiently when it seems like nothing is happening or that we have been forgotten. But we haven't been forgotten and a lot is happening, as God is working behind the scenes and His purpose will be revealed in time. No, you are not alone. Trust God and greet each day with great anticipation! Blessings to you!
@ thank you so much my friend!
Just be yourself, it's how God made you.
Amen! Now to remember that each and everyday! Blessings to you!
I am so afraid of being forgotten (lonliness). I was "unseen" as a child. I'm terrified of that happening to me again. I sometimes feel desperate about it. I have great kids, but they have their lives. I have to figure out how to be ok with my aloneness.
Your note tugged at my heart as I can relate to the being unseen. I am holding you in my prayers. God's light is shining on your path, guiding your future. And remember, even when we feel alone, we are never truly alone. Grab hold of God's hands, call upon his name...and then be amazed at the God moments that begin to fill your life. Prayers ascending and many blessings to you. And also remember that you are seen by a great and loving God!
We need more christlike women like you hide it under a bushel no I'm going to light it shine I've been going to a methodist church since before covid I had an old mindset that God has had to get rid I was afraid to listen to women pastors cause as a former Baptist I was taught God doesn't allow preach and that it was rebellion but I believe since listening to you and my pastor Stephanie that God waste nothing and God can use women too to spread and preach the gospel