Remembering

Jeanette and I had a great trip to Williamsburg this past weekend. In October we took several days off and spent some time touring the Historic Triangle area, Williamsburg, Jamestown and Yorktown and while there we upgraded our entrance passes to last all year knowing we would be coming back. It is interesting to see how our world has changed, even the mindset of the people of that period versus our time period. It struck me odd that the actors or players in the different scenes did not fail to invoke God’s name and even His blessings on events. While amongst the crowds I could hear chuckles and phrases like “well you certainly can’t say that now-a-days” my how things change. We recently heard a series from our pastor on remembrance, remembering what God has done for us. I remember he said our past can keep us on track when we stray if we will just remember what God has done for us. Our trip this time was also to enjoy the company of many of my friends from the Virginia State Police who had retired and moved on to different stages in their lives. We had our usual memorial service to remember those of us whom had passed away during this past year and while listening to the Alumni Chaplain read from the 23rd Psalm I could see guys around me with tears swelling up in their eyes…the Holy Spirit was ministering and helping all of us remember what Jesus had done for us as he kept us safe during the many years we served. We prayed for those now serving, that they would be kept safe and would remember what good things God has done for them as well. It’s interesting to see when we get into those moments of remembrance that “political correctness” doesn’t seem to matter. Anyway, our time away was good and refreshing. This will help us as we approach the Christmas season…a time to remember what God did for us by sending His only Son to pay the penalty for our transgressions, yes, once again a time to remember. As we remember what He has done for us John 3: 16 comes to my mind…”for God so loved the world, He gave...” Lord, help us to always remember what you did for us…

The Turns in the Game of Life

Well the winter season is hitting us hard…snow a few days ago…8 inches here and now today it is forecasting icy and freezing rain. The Redskins lost another close game Sunday and yesterday we found out the place kicker Shaun Suisham was let go. Shawn attends out church and is a very nice man, so it was sad to hear the news. But, such is the game. We have lost a few close games this year and most feel we should have won each one…again, such is the nature of the game we call football. Speaking of the game…how about the game of life and the curves and hardballs it brings into our life. Lately things have been really busy “pastorally” trying to help people during this time of year. You hear hard luck stories about how life has thrown them a curve but every now and then one comes along that really touches not only your heart but your spirit as well. Our church did something a few weeks ago that was unusual…we gave everyone who entered our worship center a dollar bill. At least one of those dollars we will never get back as it has a rather neat story attached to it. When the “game of life” throws us a curve or a hardball we often turn back to God or turn and push into Him really hard, trying to hide or get comfort or maybe even asking if he is real. This man showed up in my office needing some guidenance, as the “game of life” had thrown him and his family a hardball and a curve at the same time. He related how he had lost his job and had used up all his savings and was broke. He came to church and instead of asking for money we gave some away. He got a dollar and heard God say I will take care of you…shortly his job back and as he shared this testimony with me I knew many would need to hear how God had taken care of him and be encouraged through his testimony. Here is a link to the sermon if you care to hear how Pastor used it in his message and how God used it to touch many that came that day. www.cfellowshipc.org then search for podcast. Then be prepared the Holy Spirit touched many people with just a short 2 minute testimony. The game of life does from time to time throw us curves and hardballs and how we deal with them determines the end result in more ways than we care to imagine. Don’t let the “game of life” get you down…turn and look into the face of God and He will always give you peace and answers.

A Walk in the Forrest

Well leaves have been raked and the grass cut for the last time this season. Recently my grandsons came to visit and Zakri the youngest and I took a walk along the path behind my home and in my subdivision…it is the “forest” according to little Zak. I took my camera along and took some pictures of him enjoying our walk with the dog and then he wanted to take some pictures. I told him to look around and tell me what you see…of course he said pretty quickly “just trees and leaves”. As we walked along I kept saying to him use your imagination and tell me what you see. It was pretty neat seeing how God suddenly opened his eyes and his mind to see other things…like the colors and the small water fall with leaves floating along and the beauty of the trees as they “let their leaves fall”. Some were falling on us as we walked. I was reminded of how God always brings out His glory even in death. Everything around us was dying and yet beauty was everywhere. I am attaching a couple of neat photos Zak took, using his imagination.

There is always something God has done for us if we will just pause and look. This past Thanksgiving was a time of fellowship (actually one of the core values of our church) with family, friends and with God. It is a time of remembering what He has done for us. One of our recent Sunday morning sermons was about being restored by God and a silent cardboard testimony was had…very impactful but again allowing us to see how God is able to snatch victory from apparent defeat and death…yes we serve a God who really cares and loves each of us. Ok, now back to my yard…now the leaves are gone I see that plants needs pruning…aah back to the reality of yard work…even in the mist of death…no beauty! Decorating for Christmas….it’s here already???