27
Jun '24
Let Me Be Frank… Scala Sancta
27
Jun '24
Immediately, in the morning, the chief priests held a consultation with the elders and scribes and the whole council; and they bound Jesus, led Him away, and delivered Him to Pilate. 2 Then Pilate asked Him, “Are You the King of the Jews?” He answered and said to him, “It is as you say.” Mark 15:1
This is the Scala Sancta. According to an ancient Christian tradition, these 28 steps of the Holy Stairs are precisely the same ones that Jesus climbed several times on the day of his death sentence in the palace of Pontius Pilate. In 326, the Holy Stairs were transported from Jerusalem to Rome by the praetorium of Pilate at the behest of Empress Saint Helena, mother of Constantine. (excerpt taken from https://www.turismoroma.it/)
Scala means stairs, Sancta means Holy. They are covered with wood to protect the marble underneath. You can climb them, but there’s a catch. You must do it on your knees.
I’ve never climbed a flight of stairs on my knees, so I had my reservations. There were ladies already on the stairs praying silently as they made their way to the top and, before we knew it, Marea made her way to the first step. We (Bailey, Caden, and I) were committed. We started up the stairs.
Lee Strobel talks about the agony and torture of the cross in The Case for Christ. I’ve studied the anguish of the crucifixion, but I hadn’t thought about what led up to it. Mentally, emotionally, physically, Jesus was at the point of exhaustion as He took step after step to hear the fate He already knew. He was going to be crucified.
The first few steps are adjusting to the pain. You put your weight on one knee as you lift the other to make the next step. I felt like I should be praying, so I started with the Lord’s Prayer… a couple of lines and another stair. That morphed into Psalm 23 with the same idea.
As we continued, I noticed the indentations on the wood in the form of knees. The wood was smooth from continual wear. Every Friday of Lent, it is customary for many to make this pilgrimage. As you near the top Jesus comes into view. He is hanging on a cross.
I couldn’t remember the middle part of Psalm 23. So, I started praying for my family, naming them silently as I continued to ascend. Tears came as I continued. The pain was increasing, but this was a holy moment. I was overcome.
As I finished the flight of stairs I struggled to stand up. I was looking at Jesus and thought, “the cross was not the end for Him.” Whatever pain you are going through today is not the end. Our struggles will not end in defeat because there is a One who has already claimed victory over the grave.
His name is Jesus. He came that we might have life more abundant. Live.
We are Central… and we’re in this TOGETHER!
SOLI DEO GLORIA
-F
27
Jun '24
Something Don’d on Me – hackers
27
Jun '24
Luke 10:41-42 “My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her.”
A few months ago, one of my email accounts got hacked. Don’t worry, I didn’t lose my identity or anything. In fact, if it wasn’t so annoying, what the hackers did could be considered a Grade A++ Prank! (If it was one of you, though, I’m still not laughing!) The hackers didn’t “Steal” anything that we can find…they just took my email account and signed me up for thirty to forty different “U.S. Government Email Updates”. That means, they made it look like I REALLY wanted to hear about dozens of different Government services (and other non-governmental sites) and how they are working. On a daily basis. Sometimes MANY times a day.
I’ll give you a SHORT list of some of the email blasts I magically started receiving:
- US Customs and Border Protection Media updates (twice daily reports of how many people were stopped at the US/Canada border near Michigan
- National Institute of Health (In English AND Spanish) Sharing information about what they can find in your blood tests, and how they are developing a cognitive implant to encourage mental stimulation in American Indians.
- The IRS (Everyone LOVES getting mail from THEM!) On how they are calculating new milage rates and what depreciation rates mean to small businesses of 500 or less employees
- The National Forestry Service-what types of beetles are affecting trees in Washington and Oregon this year
- AND OF COURSE, the obligatory “1Click Pills Market” to buy legal medicines from India and “Car Warranty Search Engine”…in case, the warranty on my pickup had expired.
As I said, it’s annoying trying to delete all those emails and unsubscribe, but on another level, it’s actually funny. Someone took my email and pasted it into ALL those emails (and many more) just to flood my account with trash. As I was deleting some of these, it kind of “Don’d” on me that there was a spiritual lesson here too.
How much of the world BOMBARDS our brain with trash and insignificant data, info, and junk? It can be in ads, in media, in work projects, in family needs, in crises, in politics, and many other forms. A great deal of what we process IS important…but how much more is just SPAM? I believe our enemy will do ANYTHING he can to distract us, to over-stimulate us, to get us upset or worried or angry or fretting about things that are NOT eternal…to keep our eyes off of Jesus and the things that DO MATTER!
In what way, has the enemy distracted YOU this week? Is it all that extra work that you seem to be getting from the boss? Is it that pile of bills on the table that never seems to get “Caught up?” Is it your health and those nagging issues that just won’t go away? Much like when Jesus was speaking with Mary & Martha… “She has chosen the GREATER things!”
Take a minute to look at what is FILLING your time and brain space right now: Is it KEEPING you away from the IMPORTANT things? Like Bible study, prayer, time with your children, taking care of your health?? Delete that which is keeping you apart from God’s purpose…and focus on HIS things!
Now if you’ll excuse me…I need to keep deleting emails!
Shalom – Don
17
Apr '24
Let Me Be Frank… busy
17
Apr '24
2 “I know all the things you do. I have seen your hard work and your patient endurance. I know you don’t tolerate evil people. You have examined the claims of those who say they are apostles but are not. You have discovered they are liars. 3 You have patiently suffered for me without quitting.
Revelation 2:2-3
Marea noticed a bumper sticker this week that said, “Jesus is coming! Look busy!” Pretty timely because there’s been a lot of buzz surrounding the end of days the last couple of weeks. We chuckled and then I thought, “Does He really want us busy? And, if He does, busy doing what exactly?”
The book of Revelation starts with seven letters to seven churches. Revelation 2 begins with a letter to the church in Ephesus. It’s a glowing commendation and the Lord is pleased with all their hard work. They’ve checked all the boxes, and I can only imagine their smiles as they read. And then… “but I have this complaint against you…”
Talk about taking the wind out of their sails. Why would He have a complaint? Their résumé is exemplary!
4 “But I have this complaint against you. You don’t love me or each other as you did at first! 5 Look how far you have fallen! Turn back to me and do the works you did at first.
If the devil will not make us bad, he will make us busy.
Corrie Ten Boom
Jesus is coming! Sit down. At least that’s what Mary did in Luke 10:38-42. She took the time to listen and learn. There will always be much to do, but the church in Ephesus was doing SO MUCH they forgot why. They didn’t love or honor Jesus in the way they did at the beginning. Their hearts were distracted by service. Service isn’t bad… we should set our hands to Kingdom work… but when our work comes at the expense of resting in Him, it’s no good.
Also, if God knows everything, I’m pretty sure He knows if you’re just acting busy. I said this past week, “What you believe changes your heart.” When He has your heart, He will have your hands too. The stuff of earth will always compete for your attention, make space for Jesus. Live in the light of the resurrection and keep Him as the center point in your life.
May we be aware of His Presence.
Soli Deo Gloria!
F –
17
Apr '24
Something Don’d on Me! compassion
17
Apr '24
Ephesians 4:32-“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”
Dietrich Bonhoeffer once said: “We must learn to regard people less in the light of what they do or omit to do, and more in the light of what they suffer.” Compassion is the bridge that allows us to see ourselves in each other. In the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37), we encounter three travelers on this perilous road. Two, a priest and a Levite, see the wounded man but continue on their way. Their reasons might seem valid—religious restrictions, a tight schedule. But their actions reveal a deeper truth: they’ve chosen a comfortable distance from suffering.
Then comes the Samaritan. Unlike the others, he doesn’t just see the man; he is moved with compassion. The word itself is a tapestry woven from two threads: “com” meaning with, and “passion” meaning to suffer. Compassion is to enter into another’s pain, to feel it alongside them.
The Samaritan’s journey, and his own schedule and agenda, becomes less important than the suffering stranger. He takes a detour, a willing disruption in his plans. This detour is a powerful metaphor for compassion. It reminds us that true love often requires us to veer off course, to step outside our agendas and routines.
Here’s a tough question: Have you and I made life choices that keep us at a safe distance from the pain of others? Busyness, social circles, even religious obligations can create a comfortable numbness to the suffering around us. We become experts at “seeing” without truly seeing, missing the vulnerability that connects us all.
The Samaritan “came up to him.” This simple act speaks volumes. Proximity allows him to see the man not just as a victim, but as a whole person—wounded, yes, but deserving of care.Perhaps in that moment, the Samaritan recognizes a reflection of himself. He, too, knows what it means to be ostracized, to be on the margins.
Compassion, at its core, is about this recognition. It’s the spark of empathy that ignites when we see a piece of ourselves in another’s struggle. The brokenness we witness might be theirs today, but it could be ours tomorrow. Compassion, then, is not a “duty” or a “requirement” to get my “Heaven Entrance Card.” Rather, it is the EXPRESSION of Christ living WITHIN you and me! When we are LOOKING for others and how we can encourage, we are seeing the echo of God within each of us!
To whom can you show COMPASSION this week?? Many of you may be thinking of a name right now. Others might be thinking of those people with the cardboard “Need Help” signs that sit on the corner of the Farmer’s Country Market parking lot. Either way…can you INTENTIONALLY PLAN to show compassion this week? Can you LOOK for places to pour out His Love??
THAT is the mark of a Vibrant Church-one that searches for the “left outs” and make them the “welcome invitees!” May that be our calling this week: To HAVE COMPASSION on one another!
Shalom, Don
17
Apr '24
Let Me Be Frank… the reflex
17
Apr '24
17 Pray without ceasing.
1 Thessalonians 5:17
Reflex – something that you do automatically and without thinking, as a habit or as a reaction to something.
Why do we yawn? According to a NY Times article, “Until about 30 years ago, scientists explained yawning as a way for the body to take in a large amount of air in order to increase oxygen levels in the blood in response to oxygen deprivation.” Studies in 1987 disproved that hypothesis, but we still don’t really know. There are rabbit trails to be had here, my friends. Feel free to explore the possibilities of why we yawn.
How about contagious yawning? You see someone yawn in a public place and you do the same. Pretty soon everyone seems to be yawning, one after another. This is from Medical News Today, “One of the most common theories is that contagious yawning is a sign of empathy for others. Seeing a person yawn may cause the viewer to yawn, especially if they are close to or comfortable with that person.”
Empathy. Compassion. Kindness is contagious. So is anger, sometimes.
What happens when things aren’t going your way? One thing after another and you’re praying for something, anything to change. All you need is a win. What’s your reflex – the thing you do automatically and without thinking? What’s mine? I hate to say it, but it’s probably not empathy or peace for me.
How does that change? Thessalonica was a prominent city in Macedonia. Paul and Silas went there to preach and after three weeks, Thessalonian Jews formed a mob to run them out of town. There were a few that believed – and that started the church. The mob followed them to Berea and tried to stir up trouble there. That must have been hard for Paul. He wanted to stay longer to minister. His final instructions in his first letter are a handbook of living in hostility, extending compassion, and relying on God.
Our reflex may be automatic, but I believe we can change it. How do we do that? Let me sum up Paul’s final thoughts in that letter.
Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing. Give thanks. REPEAT
We can make a change. The road may be difficult, but we do not walk alone. A dear friend of mine struggles with anger (so do I). He’s different now. It’s because of Jesus. Be honest with yourself… how’s your headspace? How’s your heart? What’s your reflex? Eyes on Jesus. Rejoice, pray, give thanks. REPEAT
May we be aware of His Presence.
Soli Deo Gloria!
F –
17
Apr '24
Something Don’d on Me! identity
17
Apr '24
I Peter 3:15 – “But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.”
The Pageantry. The Passion. The Performances. The Masters! Every year, CBS runs promos for this illustrious golf tournament at Augusta National in Georgia. The voice of Verne Lundquist (sadly retiring this year), the images of Arnold Palmer or Jack Nicklaus from previous years…all of it is amazing! I don’t WATCH golf much, but I love seeing THIS tourney…mainly to see all of those glorious GREEN fairways, majestic trees, & NO WIND!
This year, I tuned in on Sunday (to see all that luscious green) and watched for a little while. I had to go get some work done at the office, so I left and didn’t get to see the finish. But I DID get to hear the interview with the winner on the radio on the drive home. After what I heard, I immediately went home and watched the “Green Jacket” ceremony!
The winner this year – Scottie Scheffler – is currently ranked #1 in the world! This is his SECOND Master’s win in 3 years! He is on fire, and he is seemingly well-liked by all his peers. Comparisons to Tiger Woods and Jack Nicklaus are thrown around often, and he just seems to keep his ego in check. But it is what happened this PAST Sunday, that made me sit up and take notice.
After the “Green Jacket” ceremony, there was a press conference. Most of the questions are from sports reporters that ask about what type of club he used here and what was he thinking on this part of the course. But when one of the reporters asked about his identity (Like who does he feel he is as a golfer) his response was monumental! Check it out here:
“That’s a really good question. I was sitting around with my buddies this morning, I was a bit overwhelmed, I told them, I wish I didn’t want to win as badly as did I or as badly as I do,” Scheffler said. “But I love winning. I hate losing. I really do. And when you’re here in the biggest moments, when I’m sitting there with the lead on Sunday, I really, really want to win badly. And my buddies told me this morning, my victory was secure on the cross. And that’s a pretty special feeling to know that I’m secure for forever, and it doesn’t matter if I win this tournament or lose this tournament. My identity is secure for forever.”
The reporters then asked him about his faith and how he uses it on the course:
“I have been given a gift of this talent, and I use it for God’s glory. That’s pretty much it,” Scheffler said. “So, when I’m out there, I try to compete to the best of my abilities. Like I said, I really want to win. I don’t think there’s anything wrong with that either. At the end of the day, like I said, my identity is secure already, and I get to come out here and compete, have fun, enjoy it; and then at the end of the day, win or lose, my identity is secure.”
Some might say I like his statements because I’m a Christian (and that’s not wrong!) but why I REALLY like it, is that Scottie LIVED OUT that verse above from 1 Peter. He spoke about his HOPE! He had an answer for WHY he lives with that hope! And he did it with gentleness and respect!!
It may not be as big as the Masters Tournament…but it can be EQUALLY AS EFFECTIVE! Be READY to talk! Be ready to give that answer for why Hope matters to us and why we live differently! And do it kindly-not beating people up with the Bible!
When we live out L1 & L2, we WILL change our community! And THAT is what we are called to do! Now if you’ll excuse me, I feel inspired to head to the driving range!
Shalom – May HIS PEACE and HIS HOPE Fill You This Day!
Don
15
Jan '24
Let Me Be Frank… seek the Lord
15
Jan '24
6“Seek the Lord while He may be found;
call upon Him while He is near”
Isaiah 55:6
It’s the dawning of a new day! It’s the beginning of a new year! Opportunities abound and the promise of a reset fills our hearts with hope. So, what sets this year apart from the rest? What matters most? Where should we start?
“Seek the Lord while He may be found.” The Lord is not hard to find. Ever present, He is both intensely powerful and intimately personal. The King of Glory wants relationship with His people, but sometimes He takes a backseat to everything else in our lives. God is still there, but we stop looking. Other things come to try and fill the void in our hearts, but they won’t satisfy.
When the Lord begins to fade from our thoughts what are we to do?
- Daily Bible reading plan via YouVersion
- Worship playlists (I’m listening to a Jeremy Riddle album right now)
- Prayer requests, a gratitude journal, and specific times of prayer. (Coffee with a friend will NOT happen if you don’t schedule it. Scheduled prayer and quiet time creates routine and routine creates consistency.)
- Connection with others – Do you have people that really KNOW you? Do they hold you accountable? Do you ask for prayer, or do you try to handle it in your own? We are NOT meant to live in isolation. We need each other.
“Call on Him while He is near.” This is more about Presence and less about proximity. He is always near (proximity), but we may not always be aware of His Presence. Life will threaten to numb our hearts to Holy Spirit. We are overwhelmed with information situations. Our hearts race as anxiety sets in. There are triggers for all that, but one thing I have found to calm my spirit is take life slowly.
In “The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry” John Mark Comer writes, “To restate – love, joy, and peace are at the heart of all Jesus is trying to grow in the soil of your life. And all three are incompatible with hurry.”
What is God trying to grow in the soil of your life? Here are some of the things I believe He is saying to me in this season.
Live life on purpose. Be intentional with your time. Be proactive, not reactive. Think of others often. Don’t take what you have for granted. There will never be enough time. Spend it wisely.
I encourage you to spend the month of January trying to answer this question… What is God trying to grow in the soil of your life?
He is near. May we be aware of His Presence.
Soli Deo Gloria!
F –
15
Jan '24
Something Don’d on Me! new year
15
Jan '24
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9
So, did you stay up to watch the “Ball Drop” in New York City?? I must confess…I did not. I preferred to ring in the new year with friends across the Pond! (Transparency: I did not GO to England or France…I just celebrated the new year when they did…about 8:00pm our time!) I’m not much of a “Night Owl” these days and Midnight just seems so far away!
I did however watch a news story on the famous gathering at Times Square in New York. Did you know that people start lining up at LEAST 24 hours before so they can have the front row when the countdown begins? And here’s a fun fact: You are not allowed to bring chairs, food, or blankets to mark out territory! That means you have to STAND up for all that time!! PLUS, you can’t bring food, so you have to have someone go get it, so you don’t lose your place…and where are the bathrooms for 250,000 people?? I’ve never really wanted to see that event…but after that news story, I have ZERO desire to go!
Why has this nonevent turned into a huge, money-making holiday? Most other holidays celebrate a reputable person, famous birthdays, document signings, or a noted event. But New Year’s Eve only celebrates the passage of time—something that most of us would rather not recognize. We make a huge deal out of it because it signals the end of an old era and the start of a new one. The old year’s problems, heartaches, and struggles seem to vanish and become a faded memory when we think of getting the chance of a new year and a new start. We make plans to head to the gym, to diet better, to read more, to fold that pile of laundry that never seems to get done!
I wonder if the Israelites had any similar feelings when they stood with Joshua looking forward to a new era ahead of them. They had wandered for 40 years in the desert, and finally they could see land flowing with milk and honey ahead. Better yet, they had God’s promise that He would never leave or forsake them. Did they make “resolutions”? They had PLENTY of problems and heartaches to leave behind…DID THEY? They had an opportunity to see the GREATNESS that was ahead of them…DID THEY?
As you stand with your back to the old year and look forward to the new one, you can have hope in the promises of God. But here’s the real question: WILL YOU? Now that the Ball has dropped, the Calendar has turned and it’s time to get on with the business of 2024, will you walk in the PROMISES of GOD?
We are starting a new season at Central with a theme: ANOTHERING! We are going to look at the “One Another” passages in the Bible (there’s 59 of them!!) and how they APPLY to the work of the Church in His Kingdom! Will you look into the “Land of Enchantment” with us and how we can see God’s Promises at Work??
Andy Stanley wrote, “The primary activity of the Church was one-anothering one another!” Let that be our mantra as we step into 2024! May we care SO MUCH for the neighbors around us that they HAVE to see God and glorify Him! May we “encourage one another daily” (Hebrews 10:24), may we “Carry each other’s burdens” (Galatians 6:2), may we “Live in harmony with one another” (I Peter 3:8), and may we truly “love one another” (I John 3:11)!
And may 2024 bring us a great awareness of EACH OTHER and how powerful the work of “Anothering” can be! “The Lord our God will be with us wherever we go!” (Joshua 1:9)
May Peace Be Upon Your Home and Your Heart in 2024 – Shalom Alachiem
15
Jan '24
Something Don’d on Me! examine words
15
Jan '24
“Now these Jews from Berea were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so.” Acts 17:11
Big kudos to Alex Juarez who caught my TYPO in the Sunday Sheet this week! Apparently, I was in a big hurry to send it in to Candace and my fat fingers made a mistake…have you caught it yet? Go turn to the Scriptures and tell me what you see! (Hint: Paul’s letter to the Church in Rome was NOT that long!) Yep…that was supposed to be Romans 12:4-5!
I know it’s not really a big deal…I wasn’t trying to re-write Scripture or teach a “New Gospel”…I just made a typing error. But I’ve pondered about it for a couple of days now. Alex practiced an ancient tradition that the Bereans were COMMENDED for doing: EXAMINING THE WORDS! We often say we are a “Bible Believing and Bible USING” Church…we want our Bibles OPEN and looking at what the writers said in context so that we can follow the Teachings of Jesus as completely and correctly as possible. DON’T TAKE MY WORD FOR IT…we ALL need to look and make our understanding complete!
Thank you for practicing grace to me because Almighty God knows that I do NOT know it all! We really are learning TOGETHER!!
As we continue to dive into this word and theme for our year: ANOTHERING, I’m challenged at how MUCH we need to be “People of the Word” (Last year’s theme) and how we need to show that GRACE to others! Charles Spurgeon was once having a tough day-he said he came home discouraged, weary & depressed…when a verse flashed in his mind: “My Grace is sufficient for thee!” (2 Cor. 12:8) He said he started laughing and said out loud, “Of COURSE, it IS sufficient for me!” He went on to share this: “His Grace is so strong that it shall never run out! It was as though some little fish, being very thirsty, was troubled about drinking the river dry, and the Father of the River said; “Drink away, little fish, my stream is sufficient for you!” Or as if a little mouse in the granaries of Egypt, after 7 years of plenty, feared he would eat it all up, and Joseph came in to say, “Cheer up, little mouse-my granaries are sufficient for you!”
Part of ANOTHERING is going to be diving DEEP into the GRACE that Yahweh gives to us! And because that VAST OCEAN OF GRACE has been opened to you and me…then we need to SHARE that grace with one another!We are going to look at another passage this week: “Carry one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the Law of Christ.” (Gal. 6:2) SPOILER ALERT…it’s not as easy as just “saying” I care…it’s being Jesus to someone! Even KidZone will be looking at “Carrying each other” this week…and Kidzone will be in action on SATURDAY AND SUNDAY!
THERE’S A PLACE FOR YOU HERE AT CENTRAL! Maybe you are here every week…maybe you haven’t been in a while-doesn’t matter, you are WELCOME and WANTED here! And you are valuable to God! May we look to Jesus as the one that perfects our faith, and may we link arms with one another as this new year continues!
God Bless You All- May HIS PEACE Be Upon Your Home and Heart!
(And keep your Bible and your Sunday Sheet OPEN!)
Don
15
Jan '24
Let Me Be Frank – anothering
15
Jan '24
24 Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works.
Hebrews 10:24
“I’m with you.” No matter where we end up, no matter what comes next, I’m with you. How comforting would that be to hear? To know, beyond the shadow of a doubt, that you will not have to face today (or tomorrow) alone.
There are two sides to anothering. One side is serving others. No longer on the sidelines, we are called to volunteer, to encourage, to make meals, to ring bells, to work KidZone, and to use our talents and gifts to benefit the Body and glorify God in the process. Serving is essential for anothering.
Side two is the journey. Think of the term “doing life” with one another. The Early Christians were an excellent example of this. Sharing what they had, eating meals together, text threads… wait, how did that get in there? You get the idea.
“I’m with you” is a great way to think of “doing life” with someone. Where you go, I’ll go. Need to talk? I’m here. Power tools? I’ve got them. Why are you upset? Sit down and tell me.
I pray you are challenged by this series and the choices you make that bring you closer to or further away from others. I pray that God will send someone to speak into your life in a powerful way, whether by example, relationship, or words. I pray that Holy Spirit will move in your heart and illuminate opportunities for connection.
I worked with Alan Dodd for several years at PJHS. I reconnected with him while Marea and I were at Victory Life. I had the honor of playing at his wife’s funeral last year. He was there with his newsie cap and bright smile, but there was a line of people that wanted to talk to him. I left after playing… and had the honor of playing at his funeral this past Saturday.
I should have made time to see him that day. If I knew he would pass a couple months later, I would have. As humans we don’t have that luxury. Anothering is more that getting in the game, it’s listening. Who is Holy Spirit telling you to reach out to? Haven’t heard from _________ in a while? They haven’t heard from you either. Send a text.
The old me would internalize guilt and wish for yesterday. Nowadays, I’m trying something new. I prayed for his family as I played piano. I played all his favorite hymns, not as an attempt to make amends, but as a way to honor his well-lived life. Life is too short for condemnation.
God is with you. He is for you in every way imaginable. He wants you to get where He wants you to go MORE than you want to get where He wants you to go! How can you another? What is God saying to you today? Are you listening? Every day is an opportunity and we’re in this together!
May we be aware of His Presence.
Soli Deo Gloria!
F –