“Set Sail in 2020.” (My goal) Set your finest dining table and invite others in. A friend told me she was desiring community last week and she set sail. She invited three friends for dinner and asked them to each bring a guest not a pie or sugar cookie. (Acknowledging not an easy feat for them) She saw community in this because she knew it would be various cultures, ages and interest. She showcased a beautiful yet simple table. I saw pint jars with a few garden flowers. They were grocery store bundles as cold and snow in her area was not quiet ready to yield to blooms. Her husband gave freely to prepare the food and then slipped away to prepare his sails. This new community start-up left them all feeling invigorating and hopeful.

Psalm 107

23 Some of you set sail in big ships; you put to sea to do business in faraway ports. 

24 Out at sea you saw God in action, saw his breathtaking ways with the ocean: 

25 With a word he called up the wind – an ocean storm, towering waves! 

26 You shot high in the sky, then the bottom dropped out; your hearts were stuck in your throats. 

27 You were spun like a top, you reeled like a drunk, you didn’t know which end was up. 

28 Then you called out to God in your desperate condition; he got you out in the nick of time. 

29 He quieted the wind down to a whisper, put a muzzle on all the big waves. 

30 And you were so glad when the storm died down, and he led you safely back to harbor. 

31 So thank God for his marvelous love, for his miracle mercy to the children he loves. 

32 Lift high your praises when the people assemble, shout Hallelujah when the elders meet!

Yes, I want to set sail in 2020 as “community” …dictionary meaning of community… Ecclesiastical. a group of men or women leading a common life according to a rule.

Verses 42-43 of Psalm 107 ends with results of using The Rule for community…

“Good people see this and are glad;
    bad people are speechless, stopped in their tracks.
If you are really wise, you’ll think this over—
    it’s time you appreciated God’s deep love.”

“THE ADVENT journey reminds us that we cannot take the light for granted. Christ is near, and God partners with us, makes covenant with us, and asks us to respond to the light that has come into the world. We may not have to move far, but God does ask us to move, to be bold enough to step out on faith and seek the light.”—Todd Outcalt, Blue Christmas

Continue reading “Christ(mas) The Light”

What Are You Thankful For?

“Studies have shown that people who practice gratitude report experiencing more joy, express more compassion and generosity, and are even less likely to get sick.”

How do we nurture a spirit of thankfulness in our busy schedules? I find that being purposeful helps me to be vigilant in such a high stake action.

Happy Thanksgiving to All!

I received this prayer Shaw from a little girl who is five.  She came in swinging her pig tails and carrying a large bag.

I said what a beautiful bag!!!

She said, “It is for you”, at which I said, “For Me!!!”

She said, It is for your surgery.  I was puzzled.

Then I thought she probably over heard someone ask me about the eye surgery.  (Cataract surgery x2)

Her mother said she without her asking her went to the prayer Shaw ladies and asked them to make this prayer shaw for me.  

I was humbled by such a beautiful gift.  I’m running a little late on pray this am so now will put it on and pray.

I had to share this beautiful story of her gift.