Altitude & Aptitude can change Attitude!!!

On Thursday Feb. 26, Susan and I drove to Living Waters in Balsam Grove N.C. for a couples retreat. Upon arrival we were greeted by wonderful hosts who made our stay very enjoyable. We immediately met other couples who had arrived and began new friendships that I hope will continue for many years. We also met friends we already knew, but had no idea that they would be there. Among them were Paul Davis (we grew up together in Boston, Ga.) and his wife Wylene and Scott and Dee Dee Conley, our neighbors who live two blocks away. Also attending was Steve Bradshaw and his wife Marian.
Thursday evening we enjoyed the first of many great meals and joined the other couples for a wonderful night of praising God through music and teaching. We were introduced to Jim and June Evans,the principal speakers and June began the first of what turned out to be a great series to help strengthen our relationship with each other and with God.
During this retreat we were able to spend time with other couples, which gave us a chance to share our experiences with them and listen to their stories of trials and triumphs. Every corner of the lodge was filled with strangers who were becoming comfortable with each other and masks were beginning to come off so that parts of their lives could be shared. I think this was the best part of the time we spent there. We had a neutral ground on which to discuss issues in our lives and do so among other Christians who had similar joys and disappointments.
Our time at Living Waters came at a time when we needed, not so much marriage enhancement, but a reclaiming of the power of God in our relationship and the added strength we have if we stand in agreement. That power is available anytime and anywhere.
Yes, altitude (our God on high) and aptitude(learning of His power) can change our attitude about our purpose and power in this world.

...more barns.

Reminders of the Past as We Head into the Future

Well, the year 2008 has come and gone, but I don't plan on rehashing it like so many do on every news program in the country. Instead I've chosen to look back at reminders of the past that are still around but probably won't be for long. They are all around us but we rarely notice. Today,as I traveled to a friend's house north of Pavo to get a load of pine straw, I stopped at several locations to take pictures of some old farm buildings that are still standing. I had passed by these old relics every week and had taken for granted that they would always be there until one day one of them was gone. And most of the people who know their history have long since passed on too. If I could get all the stories associated with these old barns it would likely be a best seller.Just as we pass these old barns and assume that they will always be there , so it often is with our family and friends. If I were to make a new year's resolution, it would be to pay closer attention to those I pass each day and take for granted that they will always be there. To take the time to invest and improve the lives of those around us. One day when we pass by they may be gone -just like these old barns.

WE ARE THE MINISTERS & THE MINISTERED TO

I recently finished reading "Divine Nobodies" by Jim Palmer. His stories about his encounters with ordinary people and their impact on the lives of people around them helped me to better understand that we are all missionaries every day as we live and work in our families and communities. Now I already knew this, but his stories helped me to realize how much importance God puts on our everyday interaction in the world around us. We are His eyes, ears, mouth, hands and feet and we are to love those around us like Jesus would. In the epilogue of his book Jim wrote what seemed like page from my life.
This is an excerpt. "After giving up on ever doing anything spectacular for God, I found the time and freedom to develop those close relationships with a few believers who have become dear to me.Some of us gather regularly and celebrate the Lord's Supper. Adults and children huddle together in a front room, and the gospel comes alive once again through sharing bread and wine, reminding us of Christ's life within, His unconditional acceptance and sufficiency, and our need to depend on Him." ..."I'm just Jim--flawed, imperfect, maybe a little crazy, just a guy who wants to know Jesus better. "
He continues"Pressing forward, sometimes faltering, there are days when discouragement sets in and I feel I'm wandering around in circles. I think I understand Peter's description of 'aliens and strangers in the world' and often feel this way even among church people. Whatever the future holds I have my own intimately personal mustard seed of faith that God is real, present, and much more interested in me than I am in Him."..."He whispers to me in the wind, 'I AM what you're looking for.' "
Boy does this hit home!! Jim has passed down the same road that I am traveling. He has counted the same fence posts and hit the same potholes. But just like that special vacation we have all been on, we will reach our destination and rejoice in the rewards.

AFTER THANKSGIVING THOUGHTS...

As I sit here today looking back at the past few days, I am extremely thankful for all I have experienced and enjoyed. On Saturday before Thanksgiving we were able to enjoy time and a meal together with "my" family. My baby sister,Sue, was here from Smyrna and it was good to catch up a bit since we see each other so seldom. My brother,Tyrone and his wife Linda came along with their son Kevin, his wife Rebecca and their two little ones, Cale and Maris. We gathered at the home of my older sister, Janet and her husband Jack. Their daughter,Stacie and her daughter, Addison, were there, as well as our mother, who will be 80 Dec. 18. This was the most time we had spent all together in several years. What a blessing to be able to slow down long enough to enjoy some of the things we take for granted.

On Thanksgiving Day we gathered at Susan's mother's house to celebrate with "her" family. We shared another fine meal and enjoyed time with more family including our son, Chris,his wife Leigh and daughter Chloe.

The rest of the holiday weekend was spent shopping and putting up the Christmas tree and playing with Britney and Alex. They are a lots of fun but they sure do wear you out!!

Yes, we are very blessed to have family and friends with whom we can share our lives. Now as we move into the Christmas season, I hope we can carry our thankfulness over to our ultimate gift, Jesus Christ. Sometimes we get so caught up in our own lives that we just show up for His birthday party, then go home and forget that His birth was just the beginning of what should be a lifelong celebration for us. Lord help us to honor, worship and praise You after the party is over.

EARLY THANKSGIVING

A LOOK BACK AT SPRING & SUMMER

THE BLUEST BLUE

JUST A REMINDER OF THE BEAUTIFUL WORLD AROUND US. THE MORNING GLORY WAS CAPTURED RECENTLY BY OUR SON, CHRIS. WHAT A BEAUTY!!!