Musings and Marvelings on my Jesus Journey

 I am marveling about.... A Man named Jason. A man who had a big heart. He had a love for Jesus that was palpable and a concern for others that was undeniable. His life was hard. Really hard. But it was blessed. Really blessed. He knew his parents' and family's deep and abiding love, and he knew the support and friendship of many, oh so many! Back during his teen years and early twenties, he was care free. Enjoyed his friends. Partied. Then came that fateful day. He and his friends, out on the Mackinaw. Doing what they had done often before. Diving from a tree limb into a deep area of the waters. For some reason (well, he said he was showing off) he attempted a flip which took him beyond the deep area and landed him on a sandbar. And it broke his neck. Life would never be the same. He became destined to life from a chair. Unable to walk or even use his hands and arms like they were meant to be used. He became dependent on others to care for him and see to his most basic needs. ...

  I am musing about... Pilgrims. Do you like "the pilgrims"? I like them. I loved the stories we heard in school of how they came from across the ocean in search of religious freedom and greater opportunity. I was touched by the accounts of the hardships they faced; loss at sea, sickness, extreme cold, needing to clear a wild land to build rustic shelters and prepare virgin soil for the planting of seeds. All while dangers surrounded them on every side. I love the redeeming story of that first Thanksgiving; a table laden with the fruits of their first bountiful harvest. A time of gathering with friends, new and old, those from their home land and those from their new land. I love the beautiful story of the kind natives who came along side them, providing practical help and instruction. It was a joyful time of giving thanks to God for His provision and faithfulness. The early pilgrims helped form the backbone of our country. They exemplified courage! They exhibited a strong an...

  I am musing about.... Silence I am sitting here in front of my laptop in a place of silence. No big revelations about what to write about. Except, actually... there it is, I will write about how.... there are times...  when God is silent. His presence is felt. We are assured of His nearness. But we hear....nothing. Nothing but the beat of His heart in the love He pours out as shown by the many provisions that surround us, the way He cares for us. Nothing but His breath in the blowing wind. The breeze; His touch as it epitomizes His creation and His power; ever present, constrained at times, awaiting it's full manifestation. Nothing but His voice in the sounds around us, if we are truly listening.... the laughter of children, the bubbling of a brook, the voices of praise, the cry of a newborn baby, the song of a bird in flight.... Nothing but...maybe... Silence, quiet, solitude.... A gift in itself. Sit in it. Bask in it. Learn from it. Grow in it. Lean into the silence and k...

  On this Veteran's Day, I am musing about how we are... FREE! Free.... to destruct or thrive!  0h THANK YOU Heavenly Father for the free nation that is ours! THANK YOU to our service men and women of today and to all those who willingly fought and unselfishly gave...so that we could be free. Free to let our voice by heard, to worship as we please, to vote our conscience! Are these freedoms being challenged? Yes! Is free speech being censored? Yes! Oh there are concerns...ample concerns! So, a disclaimer of sorts. Is what I am about to relate my own humble, personal opinion?  Yes, it is. I am basing it on God's Word which is where I obtain my world view. Which is where I find Truth. Dear readers, I surmise that most of you agree with me, but if you do not, that is your right. We both have rights to express our opinions.And that is because we live in a country that allows us this privilege! And for that, I am thankful! Aren't you? So, getting back to my message. Yes, there...

  Yesterday was sweet!  Busy, blessed and sweet.  A family who is quite special to us "gave dinner" in church. That is what we all take turns doing in our denomination; providing lunch for the congregation. It varies some but it usually consists of sandwiches, fruit, relishes, maybe some chips and ....lots of sweets :). It might seem somewhat overwhelming to provide for around 300 people or so, but it is a pretty refined process by now, as notes are passed on and everyone helps out, doing their part when and how they can. Yet, individuality and creativity are a part of it too, as each Sunday may have a little different twist, depending on who is hosting. And it is always good :) Anyway, they served a lovely lunch. One of the items on their tray is worth a mention here. They were beautiful "tarts"; creamy, luscous, filled cake-like edible forms, each beautifully garnished. They were actually lovingly made and contributed by our sweet home town coffee and pie shop own...

  I am musing about... Fogginess Do you like foggy mornings? I can't say that I do. They are gray, murky and dangerous. They have a way of making one feel "boxed in" and possibly even lonely. What is it about fog? It is created (by God) as a responese to a particluar weather scenario; typically when the coolness of the morning mixes with a humid environment. As the morning temperature rises, and often as the sunlight appears, the fog starts to dissipate, making way for clear visability once again. Do we not each have those "foggy" times in life, when the personal environment around us creates a time of possible disorientation, confusion or loss of vision? It is often a time of venturing into the unknown, a time of learning to look to and trust in Him who knows and sees all, who is paving our way, even when we do not see the path, or even the path-maker.  When I am driving in fog, I drive slower, turn on my lights, turn off distractions and often crack my window ...

  I am musing about.... Our youth coming to Jesus What is the most important thing we can teach our children? To "come to Jesus", to surrender their whole heart, to DECIDE to COMMIT to LIVE FOR HIM. Why the emphasis? Why the "shouting"? Well, here is where I am coming from. I have read about, heard about and talked with dear ones who were "raised in church", considered themselves "Christians", knew the basics, but never truly grasped the Gospel and where they fit in to it. I don't know. What do you think? There are those who are brought to church, taught the lessons, prayed with and for, were involved in all the youth group, Awana, mission trip things.....and yet, came to a point in their life where they questioned their faith, or admitted that they did not really "get it", those who were having trouble living the life, trying hard to "be good" and to do the "church thing" but not feeling the joy or experiencing ...