The Waiting is done...

Christmas Eve, my favorite night of the year. The shopping is done, whether it is or not, and its time to gather. The wait is almost over, and we know what is coming, or at least some of it! Sneaky peekers??? Not me.
Its been a crazy year. Some huge celebrations, some terrible losses, and lots in between.. But as the pastor said tonight, we made it. If that was the goal, anyway. We define success by the calendar year, but sometimes its just best to look at the big picture, relish what we have, work on what needs it, and know that there's more to all this than we can touch, but not more than we can feel. Peace. Truth. Hope. Love.

The Advent Wait is over, and its time for a birthday party. All are invited...

A Son is born, a Child is given. Mighty, Counselor. Emmanuel.

Merry Christmas!!!

JFK assassinated today, 50 years ago. BUT...

But did you know that another significant figure also died that same day, November 22 1963? Clive Staples Lewis, more commonly referred to as C.S. Lewis. His writings, both fiction and non-fiction, and all faith based, have been circulating for many years, although the re-introduction of the Narnia series, and the accompanying film, probably got him more attention than in the past. Obviously, his death, from renal failure, was passed over for more significant events that day, but his legacy lives on and has perhaps reached an audience that might not have been expected.

I would be remiss if not to mention JFK on this memorial day. I remember it too well, even though only 6 years old at the time, in first grade. It was a dark day, and the swirl of events and theories abounds. Having visited there with my daughter last summer, it is still eerie.

The discussion around the character, flaws, tendencies, and strengths of John F Kennedy is endless, as are the theories about his untimely passing. If you have ever visited the gravesite and seen the eternal flame burning, you know his life meant something, His presidency was only 34 months, but some of his quotes are also eternal.

• "Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country."
• And the lesser known "My fellow citizens of the world: ask not what America will do for you, but what together we can do for the freedom of man."

Kennedy's constant message of peace, cooperation, fulfillment, and purpose, whether it be to the moon, or just to the next door neighbor, continues to remind us that we are here for a reason. And the best use of our space on earth would be to find that purpose, and use it for the Greater Good.

Happy Halloween, Really!

Here is my take on today's "holiday." Some think this is a dark and/or evil celebration. While I don't care to refute that, I do care to focus on the obvious current practical activity. Most people don't really know its origins, which could just as easily have been Christian in nature. Let's just embrace it for what it is now, a social time for kids and adults to have some fun, go meet each other, exchange pleasantries, maybe find some new friends or meet some neighbors, and eat some good food. And some candy. It doesn't have to be any more complicated than that. Your dentist will love you, and you don't have to eat it all in one sitting.

Yes, be careful, keep an eye on the kids in the street, but have a good time. Lord knows we need an excuse for a diversion these days.

Come see me in my driveway if you are nearby. Looks like the rain has cleared out, so we will be open for the party! Bring it on!

September 12, 2013

Good morning. If yesterday was Never Forget, then today has to be Always Remember.

 

On Sept 11, we were attacked. On Sept 12, we responded. With typical American fortitude and determination. Things are looking pretty messed up right now, but we are not helpless. We are in fact ordained for truth justice and spirit. God help us that we can respond in the appropriate way. Make it a good day, folks...

In Memoriam - Bailey Cooper

So little time, so much impact. Thank you Bailey. You are not gone, just ahead of us.