Sunday, December 3, 2023

Sunday's Blessing – 12/03/2023

May the wonder of Advent bring out the child-like wonder in you
May you know the magic of dreaming as you consider the miraculous birth
May you gain new hope in knowing that Messiah still lives
May your days ahead be greater than any behind because you have a future in Him
May you see the goodness of God in each gift, given or received
May you engage in inclusion instead of exclusion, because He came for all mankind
May you experience the love of Christ like embracing a newborn
May your joy overflow as the “thrill of hope” rises to new heights
May you be all you were created to be, which is a lot

Sunday, November 26, 2023

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

Friday, November 24, 2023

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 ...

Thursday, November 23, 2023

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, November 19, 2023

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

Friday, November 17, 2023

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, November 12, 2023

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