Showing posts with label Life. Show all posts

I'm thankful, I suppose, for the little invention we call a camera. Because when the camera goes 'click' - instant memory! Certainly the real thing (memory, that is) is more vivid and vibrant than the moment caught on film, but the impact of the freeze-frame lets the reality come rushing back, better than the original.

From early days, we remember the good times, the bad times, the smiles, the jokes, the blessings, and the struggles that build the character that makes us who we are.

I remember first day of first grade. Arriving at school with my "twin" Sherry Long (we discovered shortly after moving to Cason, Texas that we shared a birthday): anticipation that something new and exciting was going to happen. Happy that I didn't have to face it by myself and quickly making a host of other friends to add to the one that I arrived to school with.

I remember my first crash. A real crash. Coaster brakes on bicycles on steep inclines should be applied early rather than late. Another thing for which I'm thankful is that the pick-up I ran into was mostly through the intersection and not just starting. Otherwise I'd probably be not here being thankful for memories.

I remember friends from the past. The laughs, the tears, the arguments. I remember the retreats to Mt. Lebanon with campfire devotions in the late October when it was getting cool. One year Randy even asked me to bring the devotional thought at the fire. Don't remember if it was a good devotion--probably a little lean because I spent the walk up the hill hiding behind the evergreens so that I could jump out and frighten the girls and younger youth (not much time to think about devotions on that walk).

I remember college days - at both HPU and OBU, separate but fond memories both.

See, the memories just keep flooding in. And if you've got a picture of photo album, the mountain will keep growing. Sometimes the tears (happy tears) will start flowing; at others the laughter just bursts forth and someone in the room with you will say, "What's so funny?" At which time you try to re-live and describe the memory, never doing it the justice that it deserves. And certainly without the Technicolor, VistaVision that replays in your mind. But the memory is still there and it's good. So, remember. And be thankful.

[Warning: this post might gross some of my readers of a more delicate composure out. Read at your own risk.]

This is not about the "shiny" moment that has someone yell "deer!" or "snake!" or "squirrel!" when you're driving down the road (although that can be a fun game). No, this is all about breakfast. Having been left to the care of the children while the Blushing Bride meets her sister with their grandma so that the sister and grandma can have a week's worth of road trip (scary! could be lots of squirrel sightings on this one) to Texas, I decided to make everyone's favorite breakfast food - cinnamon rolls!

To begin with, we were out of pecans, so I had to substitute the sliced almonds that I found (satisfactory substitution). Then I remembered the Bride saying just yesterday morning that we were out of powdered sugar. That means no icing (and while good, these cinnamon rolls need icing or they are dry!). By the time that the rolls were done I figured our local market would be open so I could get some powdered sugar to make the glaze for them. As we left the house, this is what Little Bit saw:

On this final day of Thanksvember, I have decided to save the very best for the climactic moment:

#30: I am thankful for LIFE in Jesus Christ.

At the ripe old age of six years, having lived all my life in the home of a Baptist minister, I said, "Yes," to Jesus Christ. Why? because I am a sinner, falling short of God's design for my life. The only way, according to Scripture, for me to "make the grade" was to accept the payment Christ made on the Cross some 2000 years ago. And so I did. I've learned that I cannot be good enough, work hard enough, or pay dearly enough to earn the Life that is available simply by accepting the substitutionary payment Jesus made on the Cross.

The payment is sufficient for a couple of reasons: Jesus was not marred by the sin that corrupts the lives of all other humans. Secondly, Jesus was not defeated by that execution. Instead He rose again conquering Death for all of time and eternity. The way to this salvation? Through Him (for a more detailed description of how to have this LIFE, click here). I would love for you to say, "Yes," to my Jesus today.

For this I am fully thankful.

#17: I am thankful for new life.

Yesterday, I had another pastor opportunity. One of the couples of my church became grandparents for the first time late on Tuesday evening. Naturally, I needed to make a trip to St. Louis to see the new boy. I got pictures to prove that I was indeed there, and I was again reminded of how precious, delicate, and promising new life is.

What a special memory his birth will bring, too. On Tuesday, we had the home-going celebration for this young mother's aunt (a 2-year battle with cancer). As the family gathered at our church for a meal after the graveside, one cousin (also expecting) left the hall with her family in tow (her little girl was born early on Wednesday morning--2:00). At that same moment, our deacon's wife was on the phone with her son-in-law with the understanding that they were on the way to the hospital. God, even as he welcomed one home, was giving to this extended family two bundles of joy! And life is a good thing.

Enjoy this new chapter Tiffany and Trevor. Count all the joy that your new little boy will bring. Thanks for letting me meet him.

#10: I am thankful for Mulligans.

For those who are not part of the golf scene, a Mulligan is a "do-over". Don't ask me all the rules about Mulligans, when I discovered them as a novice golfer (which I never went beyond), I thought I'd apply them to all those bad shots I had. Truthfully, I think you are allowed one per round (not one per hole, like I used to play).

Why am I thankful? Not because of the golf industry--I haven't played a hole, let alone a round in over 10 years--but because of the principle. Sometimes I mess up, hit the ball at a really bad angle, and make a big mistake. It's nice during those times to know that, once in a while, I'm afforded a "do-over." An opportunity to tee up again and take another try. Those opportunities don't come with every mistake or obstacle, but every so often I find that I'm back at the starting point ready to try again. This time I get to take my time, adjust my stance, and follow through properly.

And for this, I am thankful.

Having tested another site for a couple of weeks, and posting double (once here and once there), I've decided to keep Loom & Wheel here on blogspot. I am keeping the Loom & Wheel Words blog open, but will take a different direction with it. I haven't decided for sure what to do with it, but it will no longer be a mirror/shadow of this space. It will take more of a spiritual nature, reflecting my ministry and my spiritual journey. For those of you who love to read the deeper thoughts that occasionally ooze from my mind, you'll want to link there. I'll still be posting everyday wisdom and enjoyment here. Thanks for reading.