Sunday’s Blessing – 11/26/2023

As we approach the beginning of Advent

It is very appropriate that we begin with Thanksgiving

Acknowledging that we do not have everything

Without the help of others, especially God

Thanksgiving forces us outside of ourselves

To admit shortcomings, our need for grace

And noticing where help is provided

Prompting new appreciation of others

It is hard to receive a gift when we have no need

How can we welcome a Savior when we are not lost

Why do we need a Messiah if we are already complete

How can we embrace the precious Lamb without empty arms

Recognize the areas where there is lack

It’s not a sign of weakness

It’s a confession that we have needs

And encourages us to ask for things

This gives way to open doors

Access to our hearts which have been barricaded

We unlatch the fortified access to our soul

And feel the warmth of love, the love of God

It all starts with Thanksgiving

The Journey - Week 17

 I haven't posted in The Journey in a while. I've settled into a routine that is workable. My trips to the gym have been disrupted by foot surgery which kept me out of pocket for the past five weeks. I hope to resume exercising next week.

Most of the people I met at the campground have left. Some new ones have arrived. Lots of folks coming and going. I'm constantly amazed at how many nomadic people there are in the U.S. I had no idea until now. It will be interesting to see how the holidays affect the activity here.

I haven't decorated anything yet, but I hope to change that in the coming weeks. We will see.

Cullman has a huge Christmas celebration planned. As a matter of fact, it begins tonight and goes through December 23. It's touted as the largest in the U.S. I can't refute it, but I don't know if it's one of those "World's Greatest Cup of Coffee" claims or not. I'll check it out at some point.

Looking forward to singing with the Crossroads Baptist choir for Christmas. We start rehearsals this coming week. I discovered a neat Christmas playlist on Spotify. I've enjoyed listening and getting into the spirit of the season.

I'll try to update more frequently. Things have been pretty busy lately. Until next time ...

Thanksgiving 2023

The morning light presses through the fog

Like a cutter making its way through the North Sea

Each trying to keep the other from accomplishing its mission

The fog, a low-hanging cloud of mist, brings confusion

The light attempting to bring clarity

Above the cloud the sun rules, shining brightly

Below the fog, we amble about aimlessly

Searching for a way out, but not finding it

Running into things unexpected

Yet still hoping for a better outcome

As it always has for thousands of years

The sun eventually wins by melting the fog

Allowing the clarity of its rays to reach us

Once again illuminating our path for our journey

We continue our travels without gratitude

Unaware of the battle which rages every day

We amble about somehow thinking we are in control

That through our own effort, the fog lifted

Our perspective is jaded by lack of truth

By pride of what we deem to be knowledge

Today of all days we must find a way

To direct our focus on the reality

That the sun is the one actually in control

It created the cloud of fog in which we struggled

And then blew it away with its beams

Without its warmth we would freeze

Without its light we would be blind

Without its rays our health would struggle

Without its pull, our earth would be adrift

It tends to our world, and us, without ever demanding anything

Today, be grateful for all you have

Be grateful for how long you survived this chaos

Be grateful for the people in your life

Be grateful for those who have preceded us

Be grateful …

Sunday's Blessing - 11/19/2023

May today be filled with wonder

Of things both great and small

The sun, moon, and stars

The butterfly, the bird’s call

May you never miss a chance

To thank God in your day

He made it all, both small and big

Everything along your way

From spectacular to mundane

It all matters to Him

Especially you, the image of God

Not created on a whim

Live from this blessed place

Of knowing your Creator

Each breath, each step, each passing thought

Always surrounded by splendor

The challenge is to be aware

To notice what is all around

Things of wonder fill your world

Many without a sound

It’s up to you to look and see

Do not miss a single one

Make the most of each new day

Before your time is done

Since we know not the time or day

No need to worry much

Just live your life with great intent

Your world so needs your touch

Thanksgiving Blessing

Thanksgiving Blessing

May the Lord grant you grace to be thankful

Even if there is nothing you can be thankful for

Be thankful you are still alive, giving you opportunity for better

Be thankful you did not quit when it seemed the only option

Be thankful you still have the ability to choose

Be thankful there is a God who loves you more than you can imagine

Be thankful this same God is longing to hear from you

Be thankful you are invited to His table – always

Be thankful you have one more opportunity – today – to respond to Him

Sunday's Blessing - 11/12/2023

May the Lord be:

The Purveyor of your passion

The Protector of your pain

The Provider of your peace

The Person of your pursuit

The Energy of your enthusiasm 

The Efficacy of your excellence 

The Encourager of your emotions 

The Embodiment of your endearment 

Send In the Light

[verse 1]

In the beginning the world was formless and void

Darkness hid the deep

In an instant it changed forevermore 

When God began to speak

[chorus]

He said, “Send in the Light to show them the way

They need hear all I have to say

Word of God, speak, and bring everything into view

Touch their hearts and make all things new

[verse 2]

Once perfect, created in the image of God

Mankind fell into sin

But year after year they waited for help

Messiah’s reign to begin

[key change]

[verse 3]

Just when the world had almost lost hope

It’s then the Angel appeared

Sweet Mary became the mother of God

Hearts melted which once had been seared

[repeat chorus]

[bridge]

See, the same voice which spoke, “Let there be light.”

Is the same one we hear today

Brought to us on Christmas morn

He came to show us the way

[verse 4]

Jesus now lives inside of our hearts

Teaching us how we should live

Just as He did on that Christmas morn

New life each morning He gives

[repeat chorus]

(c) Kurios Music 2023

Sunday's Blessing - 11/5/2023

Seek the truth, He can be found 

Desire wisdom, you can know

Pray for peace, it will guide you 

Live for love, it is life