WORSHIP WITH JOY

On March 1st I will begin a year serving as the Intentional Interim Senior Pastor of the Shippensburg First Church of God.  “Ship” has a rich history of missions, outreach, evangelism and biblical teaching.  When there is a pastoral change, there is always a sense of apprehension, uncertainty and even sometimes, grief. It is a time for celebrating the church’s history, revisiting and refocusing the mission, and drawing close to the Lord as we remember that we are the Body of Christ.   One of my goals is to help the church celebrate the joy that comes from belonging to and serving God.

SIGNS OF JOY

Join me today in a photographic journey through the joys of life, especially life in Christ.

HE HAS SET US FREE!

I HOPE THIS GETS TO YOU

Carlos Whittaker posted this on his blog Ragamuffin Soul. It’s a great expression of creativity and for me, a metaphor of the joy and blessing that comes from the “parts” of the Body working together in the unity of the Spirit.

It’s also just a whole lot of fun.

THANKSGIVING

It is the end of a family Thanksgiving celebration. We have been gathered at the home of my daughter Katie and her husband in Toledo. For the first time in several years my entire family has been at the same place for this holiday. Two more of my children, Christi and Chris arrived last night with their families. When they finally arrived after several hours of traveling through the rain and sleet of the Midwest, we gathered at a local Mexican restaurant for a pre-Thanksgiving feast. This morning my two sons-in-law and I found the only restaurant that appeared to be open in this part of Toledo, a Steak and Shake, and began the day’s eating with a good All American breakfast.

Throughout the day between us we made trips to Krogers and Walmart, various persons began cooking portions of the meal, and we watched a whole lot of football. I caught my son Chris and his new wife Megan dancing a couple of times (the cheek-to-cheek variety). My grandson Jake entertained us with his 2-year old brilliance. Katie’s dogs, Bella and Maisie, sniffed and barked and begged. Later in the afternoon my son Michael and his family arrived from another Thanksgiving celebration. Then we ate … deep-fried turkey and all the fixings. Pumpkin pie…sugar free for me. As the third football captured the tube, the ladies retired to the basement to play a mad game of Scrabble.

There were amzingly few arguments or tense moments.

There was the treasured moment of being the family patriarch offering the family Thanksgiving prayer.

It’s 10:39. The Jets have only managed a 10-7 lead over the Bengals. Michael and his family have headed back to Michigan (he’s the only one who has to work tomorrow). I am blogging from the kitchen. The sons-in-law are watching the game. Chris and the ladies have returned to the basement to avoid Tim’s agony at the futility of his beloved Bengals.

In the midst of all this I pause to say this prayer:

Lord, blessed is the family whose heart belongs to the Lord.

Who has learned to love and enjoy one another.

Who treasures one another’s company.

Who understands that their blessings are gifts from You.

This is as you intended it, and I am truly blessed to be the Father of such a clan.

May we ever remain faithful and thankful to You.

In the name of the Giver of Every Good and Perfect Gift, I pray.

Amen.

OH HAPPY DAY !!!!!!!