Some 'little' lessons

Yesterday, I got a call from a fellow clergy brother who asked me if I had taken any photo's lately, and I replied 'no because not long ago my 35mm canon had been stolen.' Well do you have another camera, and I said no why? Well in their church van they had found a 35mm canon with a perscription in one of the pockets that belonged to me ..... hallelujah! it was mine. Now the lesson I needed to learn was to stop jumping to conclusions, to stop inventing stories that fit my situation ....yes, my camera was gone, no, no one had stolen it! I HAD MISPLACED IT, I HAD FORGOTTEN IT. Only a few weeks prior a couple of us pastors had gone to an all day conference and I had left it in the van. Lesson One.
I called home to let mom know SWCOBL/and I would be stopping through on Thanksgiving to share Noon Dinner with her and the family before we proceeded on to Illinois later in the afternoon. Mom was really excited; however when I asked her if she had been reading the books she had taken out at the Library last week, she said they didn't interest her so she took them back. I guess my frustration showed through a little as I replied, 'Mom, the books were not for your interest they were for you to gain information on the grieving process we had set out to explore together.' I told her that I would get up early Thanksgiving morning and make some homemade biscuits which I enjoy doing. I learned that I need to better clarify why I suggest things some times; that its not about what we will enjoy, but how we can enhance our living a victorious life - that very thing must have caused Jesus more heartache and frustration than I will ever experience. Lesson Two.

LESSON THREE: I'm still working on this one, learn to write more coherently!

ENJOY THANKSGIVING!

Oh, Joseph, where are you?

After being in ministry for nearly thirty years, its always a 'personal challenge' to come up with a series of advent/lenten sermons you've never done before. Many hours are spent alone with God searching for his new direction in your preaching schedule. First, your series must be Christ-centered, then Biblically grounded, then culturally and personally applicable; quite a tall order to fill which is why I can't even begin to do it on my own. This year during a community pastoral get together the discussion centered on 'dreams' and how important they were among ancient believers. And as different dreams and dreamers of scripture were being discussed God revealed to me that this years Advent sermons should focus on dreams, to a people in an economy where dreams and hopes are better defined by lottery tickets or rich uncles passing on inheritances. NOw I'm not a big dreamer, and rarely if ever, remember a dream I've had; one of my spiritual brothers [Sage] remarked about how he used to 'journal his dreams' while in college and seminary .... 'journaling your dreams' a most out-of-this-world experience. I couldn't get away from that idea, and as I began to sense God's direction I got more excited. Finally, the answer came, 'we would talk this advent about the dreams that Joseph experienced' as given to us in the Matthew 1 & 2. We would take those four dreams and make them into three messages.
As I began to accumulate a notebook of notes, and research I wondered, 'why had I never thought of this idea before?' Here is a leading support character in not only the story of Christmas but the early formation of Jesus childhood, and except for obligatory reference he is given little thought of. I know scripture doesn't say that much about him, but not only is silence golden sometimes it is heavy with instruction and guidance. As I prepare for Sunday, Dec.6th [this weekend I will be spending with my wife celebrating her parents anniversary in Illinois], I researched our denominations hymnal and among all of the Christmas songs not ONE names Joseph,[check out your church hymnal?] much less implies that he's even in the picture. Were I someone who had never heard the Christmas stories and got all my information from that hymnal I might not even believe Mary was married. Mary, angels, shepherds and wise men all get at least one carol named for them ...........not Joseph. I have come across an illustration that highlights the oft unnoticed presence of Jospeh in a Christmas story by a four year old that is literally awesome, maybe I'll share it during this series. Well before I give too much away too early, let me just say, I guess its time we start learning the lessons Joseph so humbly and faithfully set for us that long ago Christmas time.

FAmily reunions?!

Many of us have long lamented the tradition of family reunions demise. Some of my most cherished memories come from those family holiday reunions when I played, and even hunted with, my cousins. One didn't even contemplate missing a holiday reunion party. In the beginning it was the playtime, whichever farm the reunion was held on would have a special uniqueness that just couldn't be missed. At one uncle's farm it was the long path leading back to the woods that facilitated our playing 'road' games' .. sometimes I got to be the state policeman, but greater still was getting to play the road-robber; at another uncle's farm swinging, [some of the braver ones jumped] from the hay mow down to the center platform nourished dreams of tarzan. One uncle had a woods that was just plain out of Eden; hours of cowboys and indians were spent reenacting John Wayne movies. Then as we got older, we were allowed to accompany the men on pheasant and rabbit hunts, then after passing homebreed hunting tests we fancied ourselves 'full-blown' hunters. The hunting tests usually meant that we had begun to hunt with our fathers before being allowed to hunt with the family group; and we still had to stay close to our fathers. Eventually we came to place where as family patriarch/matriarchs left for heaven an increasing amount of time was spent spinning tales of yesteryear. Oh, how I miss those times.
Just this morning I read an AP article, 'Goodbye jobs, hello mom and dad, say young adults. A silver lining in a depressed economy? Later in the article the author says this, "this trend of kids returning home could create longer-term ripple effects in social relationships, from multigenerational family tensions to delay marriages.' Wow, what a negative conclusion! What about the possibility of familys being reunited, grandkids really learning who their grandparents are, strained relationships reversed, care for aging parents rekindled .......... family reunions - hey there's an idea, and just maybe in some cases the family dinner table becoming again a gathering of ideas and relived memories. And a long range possibility might be neighorhood renewals - neighbors celebrating together - a sense of cultural heritage redeveloping ... a new melting pot?! The ghost of the past making a reappearence to enhance a new present. Perhaps absence not only makes the heart grow fonder - but more receptive?? I'm dreaming. I would dearly love to hear about your reflections on family reunions.
You can find the article at http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/ap_on_go_ot/us_boomerang_kids

The End of Words

The End of Words; Richard Lischer. Wm.B.Eerdman's Publishing Co., GRand Rapids, Michigan. A brief book review.
I rarely read a book twice, I could probably count on both hands and still have a finger or two untouched with the number of times I've re-read a book. But the book 'The End of Words' is a fantastic read. Matter of fact the first time I read it I was into it that I failed to take notes and mark significant thoughts that applied to me. So I am re-reading it, this time with marker and pen at hand. This book proposes that we return to the basic principals of simply delivering God's word to the people; that all these modern, technical helps [video clips, power points, etc.] have influenced us to delute the message. That in trying to be relevant we have strayed from allowing God's Word to be fully explained to his people. We have erred, and Dr. Lischer in his book seeks to draw us back to the 'Source,' and to be more attentive to the 'Voice' of God's Word.
Maybe, well probably, its just me, but I believe it should be required reading for everyone who preaches, teaches, and shares about God's Word. Perhaps an unintended blessing of postmodernism is that we are required to return, to again began to fully lean on the Word, and quite trying to relevant in whatever form its tempts us.
Richard Lischer is the Cleland Professor of Praching at Duke Divinity School.

Just a thought!

Yesterday in worship we were giving thanks for the many blessings we've all experienced; and my wife mentioned how thankful she was for God's grace and goodness, how her mother had been widowed twice [her first husband was my wife's father, who she barely remembers; and my son gets his looks and stature from] and we will all celebrating her 40th wedding anniversary to her husband this weekend in Illinois [He is indeed a fantastic person, in many ways so like my father]. As my wife spoke about her thanks, I thanked the Lord for our 37th anniversary we celebrated this fall. God is certainly more than good. While visiting in Illinois this weekend we plan on also visiting with our kids from the southland for a little while also. So I'm praying for a safe journey there and back for all of us; Thanksgiving is such a wonderful time of the year!

Veteran's Day

WELL, I truly enjoyed yesterday; and I survived a trip to the dentist office for x-rays and a cleaning, then only to be told I need to return today. My blood pressure shot up about 40 pts from normal in the dentist office. Today I'm a little more calm although that may be a trap! A couple of restaurants in our town gave vet's a free meal, so my wife and I ate lunch at Applebee's and it was delicious and I thanked them for their remembrance. Then later we decided to stop at another restaurant for a light supper, and when I asked if they gave free veteran meals the lady said no, she'd never heard of such a thing - I felt terribly embarrassed and was afraid she thought I was arrogant, but mostly I was a little hostile towards the person who had so assuredly told my wife the restaurant was a participant in that program. As I was finally able to gain some composure after we ordered, we observed there were only about a half-dozen people,
where at Applebee's there were people waiting outside, I told my wife the owners of the restaurant we were in had missed a real economic blessing because most vets brought wives or friends with them to enjoy the occasion. Then a question popped onto the screen of my mind, how many blessings had I missed because I failed to praise/thank God for his goodness to me - I'm not so sure I want an answer to that.
While reading the news headlines yesterday I came across an article 'Milwaukee muggers see Army ID, return wallet.' It seems that a Milwaukee Army reservist' was confronted with four thugs on the streets, pushed into an alley and made to lie on the ground while, with a gun pressed against him, they began to steal his belongings. The robber-leader in searching his wallet saw his reservist card and immediately ordered the others to give back the items they were stealing, matter of fact the leader told him they appreciated his service and actually apologized..go figure. Here's the website if you'd like to read the whole story - www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5jDFTbMAAo3-80-sd_EZ_fhPq6TOAD9BT3JGO0. The police reported another robber incident within 40 minutes in about the same area and noted that a corrections officer had been mugged, when the robbers came across his corrections ID they were not impressed and kept his stuff. Now this is really perplexing, to think that there is still honor among thieves, an honor for those who serve our country. I rejoiced in not only the blessings of those who gave free meals [and it certainly was a good economic move for them, but they deserved it] but also in the fact that those who serve our country are NOT forgotten. thanks.

Teeth & Termination

Just some uneventful news so far this week. Sunday afternoon I was in my office, chewing a bit' - of - honey and chomped down on something hard ... now what could that be? So I took the candy out of my mouth, and to my surprise there was a 'tooth' in the candy - that will get your mind spinning. How did a tooth get in my candy .. you might know it would be my candy .. how much could I sue Nestle's for .. would the settlement let my wife and I take trips to different places around the world .. how many taxes would we have to take out? As I was somewhat troubled by the health hazards of chewing on someone else's tooth I tried to balance that with how wealthy I was about to become ...... then, yes, you've guessed it .... my dreams evaporated - my tongue had located the vacant spot where 'that' tooth used to reside! There would be no riches forthcoming,
the only thing looming in my future was a trip to the dentists' chair - that chair where my blood pressure spikes another 20 points, that chair where nightmares become reality, that chair where all kinds of pointy things enter my mouth, that chair where the only positive thing I've heard heard is, 'that's will be all!' Now don't get me wrong, I have the greatest dentist in the world, but I'm still convinced he probably chose to be a dentist because of some guilt complex about his past. Tomorrow 10:30AM.
This morning I went the big-city north and signed up to be enrolled in the Veteran's Affairs Health system. Oh yah, I'm 60 now - life is on the downward side. While over there I also went past the Veterans Home, so when I get to be too much of a pain, now that I'm into the system, my wife and kids can just commit me there. Just think on nice warm days I can sit on the porch, drink ice tea, and recall all the life-saving tasks I did while serving my country[that shouldn't be difficult I was a clerk, the only thing I saved were paper clips]; then in the winter, I can sit on the porch all bundled up drinking hot cocoa and watching my breath spiral into the wind and trying desperately to recall 'how did I get here?'. A couple years ago I had gone to the same clinic and was given some papers to fill out and bring back with my DD214[for those of you not familiar with this form, its your discharge form]. For some reason I didn't have a copy and when told I should have registered it at the county courthouse when I got home from the Army I didn't recall ever doing that. But then the VA counselor here in town convinced me to call there and find out, just in case. Wow! what a just in case, I had filed the form and they could mail it to me; better still my hometown county courthouse did such a service free from veterans. However, since my mother has her hair done every week in the same town she picked it up for me, then when my wife was visiting her this past weekend mom sent it home with her. Now I feel really good, I'm about to become another number in a government system, can it get any better than this. I mean even when it gets to the point I start forgetting my name all I have to do is show them this little card with 'the number' and the eagle on it, presto I'm in luck again. So I don't get to take extended trips to places I've never been, I'm still assured of a place I never want to go to! Wonder if they have a dentist' chair there?

The River of Doubt

A Book Review: 'The River of Doubt: Theodore Roosevelt's Darkest Journey.' Millard, Candice. New York, New York. Broadway Books Publish. 2005
This is an absolutely thrilling book, and probably one that is not that well known among Americans. Stinging from a defeated attempt for a third term as US President Theodore Roosevelt goes to the Amazon Basin, there to explore and map out a tributary of that great river that is unknown to civilized man. Although a few have gotten a little ways, no civilized man has ever gone its entire length and mapped its course.
For those who enjoy travel logs this is great, Ms. Millard provides information about the plant and animal life along their trip that makes it come alive ... at times you can almost feel the insects bites and jump at every little noise mentioned. If you're real focused you'll find yourself anticipating what's around the next bend or seeing hidden Indians along the banks as surely Teddy and the explorers must have. To think that a former US President would take such a journey is incredible, and then almost die on the trip, wow what a story. I'll let you read the book for the details and suspense.
In this review I would rather focus on the psychological aspects of the story. One thing that caught my attention was the fact that Teddy in his pursuit of conquests fmay have failed in some of his aspirations as father. Although it seems that all his kids grew up rather well adjusted yet he leaves them with expectations that can rarely be met, and a relationship that is based more achieving than being. I know that often times in the book those who are close to him speak about 'loving him' though I question in what context do they mean love him? Is it in the sense of hero worship, which can have its positive aspects, is it in the sense of personal intimacy, love doesn't seem to be a major expressive factor even in his relationships with his wife ... rather, to me 'this loving him' appears in the context of 'awe.' It also often appears to me that his 'awesomeness' tends to create a dependency upon him, that relationships with him are built not on how two may relate more intimately but how closely the other can cling to Teddy. One particular illustration comes to mind, and I will try to explain it without getting into particulars in the story. As the expedition begins Teddy's reckless son Kermit agrees to go on the journey simply to pacify his mother's concerns about his father; however deeper into the story we find Teddy trying to become the protector of his son - why? glad you asked - because the recklessness of Kermit mirrors the character of Teddy himself. I'm not so sure the former president ever recognizes this, but it is one aspect of how his character so monopolizes his family members that they will often go to any bounds to make sure he loves them. With his seemingly boundless abilities and energy I wished that he could have been more like President Carter, and even President Adams, in the sense that he put those post-presidential energies to work helping out his fellow man or found a way to positively influenced his country's well being. [Though there were probably few men who loved their country more at that time than he did] Having said all of this I am sure that I would have felt nothing but admiration for the man, and been humbled to have merely stood in his presence. I must say that in contrast to all I've said he was a man not unaware of the price others were willing to pay for the success of the journey. Numerous times Teddy forgoes his own welfare for that of the workers along with them, and at one time offers to stay behind the expedition so that he won't slow them up. This book is indeed an extremely rare look inside a president, and it all happens after he has left public office. I hope that you ENJOY this book half as much as I did. I can't say as I am fully satisfied with this review for I fear that some of you will take it as negative and I in no way mean for it to be; therefore I may change and add it from time to time as thoughts come to me.

Getting frustrated!

Last night I ventured into the religious no man's land when I introduced a study by citing from the novel 'The Shack.' You would have thought I have now turned heretic and the people need to be on their guard because I've been influenced by he who rules the night. I'm not writing a critique of the book yet, because I still have a couple chapters to read, which I'll complete before I turn in tonight, but I want to take some space here to vent.
In my opening comments I was careful to explain that the book is no theology textbook, matter of fact I don't even know that there are any deep truths in it ... but it is mostly a book that causes you to reflect on what you believe, particularly about the Trinity. I guess the reaction I got was similar to people who don't want to even discuss Harry Potter or Lord of the Rings; people who haven't read the material, but because of entrenched opinions are sure thinking outside the box is not a religiously healthy thing to do. Now I certainly don't recommend people who have a new, and/or weak faith read this kind of thought provoking material because it might have an undue influence on their fledgling faith, but to those of us who have a somewhat tested and mature faith, should we not find a challenge in reading this ... not to realign our faith but to develop it. I think that we sometimes 'react' in our reading rather than being 'proactive'. Okay I hear you, how in the world do we be 'proactive' if we've already read something ... here's what I do, I refuse to react to what I'm reading particularly if its theological in nature. I mark the text just read, get out the scriptures and try to find as many verses as I can that relate to that portion, then after I have read both the book and the bible I look to see how well the two relate to each other, is the text following scripture, [please take note of the priority of scripture that I've made] or is it taking a different direction, and what is the future outcome pointed to.
I think we need to be especially careful that we don't attach meaning to the authors writings that were never intended; ex: if the author is struggling to work through a concept we must be careful that we don't interpret that author's intention as trying to mislead the reader, rather than trying to find an answer. So far in my reading of 'The Shack' I find the author struggling with his past, trying to find some kind of answer, trying to come to grips so that the past can be released. Now I may be extremely naive, but I don't believe the author is trying to present a correct theology of the Trinity here, nor do I believe he is trying to persuade us to interpret the Trinity as he does, but he is questioning ... why are we so afraid to question? There is a hidden danger in not being able to question and that is that we cease to grow, we cease to develop a more intimate relationship with Christ in new areas of our lives. I'm reminded that Paul said we 'are to work out our salvation,' meaning that there is a continual growing that must be taking part. Although growing can be an exciting time, I more often find it to be hard work, often times painful and certainly most of the time challenging; yet as Christians we tend to want our growth to be happy and exciting, and not challenging but comforting. The God that I serve is certainly big enough to not feel threatened by my questions, and gracious enough to tarry with me as I work them out, maybe its the time to work, and cost of working them I shy away from.
The main question that I had tried to propose was never really answered, 'how close of a relationship do we have with the Holy Spirit?' Whenever we appeared to get close to the answer a comment on the hierarchy of the Trinity surfaced. Now I will be the first to admit I'm not big on that issue, 'who is greater God, Christ or the Spirit' because I don't believe there is an answer to that question, matter of fact I'm almost convinced that is not a correct question at all. An intimate relationship with God dissolves that issue, matter of fact an intimate relationship with God does not even see such an issue; for a wholesome relationship with God means communion with the Son and the Spirit also, in the same context, in the same depth, without any competition. How do we establish an intimate relationship with just one aspect of God, when the way to God is through the Son and the Spirit facilitates our coming to the Son? Well now I'm entering into a theological quagmire, and I don't know where the land mines are so I'm backing out. Perhaps we fail to realize that even 'novel's' can be inspired to the point that they cause us to think without having to arrive at an answer ... could it possibly be that that inspiration could even point us to developing a greater relationship. As I read this for the 'umpteenth' time I have to chuckle a little when Ithink of how upset people must have been at the teachings of Jesus; for these were certainly concepts beyond what religious leaders had been telling them for centuries.

How did they grapple with his teachings? Where did they find others that were even willing to discuss them? Did Jesus teachings cause them to want to develop deeper relationships with God?

Good to have SWCOBL back!

My precious SWCOBL has returned from spending the week-end with my mom in Ohio. She had a good time and was able to help mom get up her Christiams decorations, [yes its the first part of November, but mom has always been the early bird in getting decorations up; guess she wants to catch the winter worm before anyone else] and SWCOBL got to visit with gram, and also our niece. She had a safe trip both there and back, and I thank God for that. Now its getting time to turn our focus on a Thanksgiving reunion with her family in Illinois, and a partial family reunion with two of our kids and their families who are also coming to the reunion celebrating my wife's parents '40th' anniversary. I forgot to mention that my wife also brought back with her some 'kickin' home-made chili she created at my mother's house; its almost as good as my home-made jambalya .... ummmm, thinking of jambalya, I'll fix jambalya for the 'men's hunting banquet' this saturday night?!

Here is the jambalya recipe I think I'll use. Its really a conglomeration from a bunch of different recipes I've put together [I would be interested in any suggestions]
1 Cup chopped celery
1 Red[or yellow] bell pepper chopped
1 onion, chopped
1 lb. andoullie sausage
1 lb. chopped chicken
1 pkg. [40-51] shrimp
2 can [14.5 oz.] cans crushed tomatoes w/liquid [w/chili flavoring]
1 small can of tomato paste
2 cups chicken broth
2 cups tomato juice
1 teaspoon dried thme
2 teaspoons chili powder
1 teaspoon cummin
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 teaspoon oregano [I use oregano in everything]
*Cook chicken then chop into pieces.
*Heat celergy, bell pepper and onions until sauteed.
*Add chicken and sausage to pot, pour in crushed tomatoes, chicken broth and tomato juice.
add seasonings plus kosher salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, then turn down heat and cover for at least 20 minutes.
[if I have some crab meat in the pantry, I'll throw that in the mix also.]
*Add cooked shrimp for another 15 minutes.
*Now taste, and see what needs to be added.
*THIS IS BEST MADE THE NIGHT BEFORE, SO THAT IT CAN SPEND ALL DAY MARRYING THE FLAVORS IN THE FRIG. THEN REHEAT AND SERVE!

Back Roads Photo's

[can you spot the deer in the center of the pic?]

[if anyone knows what these mushrooms are, and whether

they are edible, please let me known]

ENJOY!

Delightful Dinner for All the Senses

Yesterday, SWCOBL and me, were invited to a couple's home for dinner after Sunday AM worship! And what a wonderful time it was, the fellowship was endearing and the food a real treat. Our appetizer was hot apple cider and crackers stacked with cream cheese, cucumber and topped with dill and pimento slices .... it was good. Then we sat down at the table and were treated to a California salad consisting of young spinach leaves, red onions, light blue cheese, nuts and tangerines, topped with homemade cherry vinaigrette served with hot tea or coffee! The main course was homemade lasagna and green beans with garlic/cheese slices of bread. Our hosts then served us ice cream with homemade chocolate topping - the chocolate topping was fantastic, and topped with crushed pecans. WOW! What a dinner ... thanks again to our friends.
This came after a spiritually rewarding Sunday AM worship. First our souls were filled with God's Word/Worship [we had a new young couple about to have their first child visit who told us they would be back and a young teen girl saved at the altar!] then our hearts were filled with additional bountiful fellowship around the table, and our bodies were deliciously stuffed. What a day in the 'family!'

Communion Tables & Altars

I have just read an amazing article in the "Leadership Journal, Fall 2009: Your Walls Talk, p.21-23, by Paul Louis Metzger. The author challenges us to rethink forsaking the communion table [and though he didn't include it, I want to include the altar] in our worship in an attempt to make people feel more comfortable; quite the opposite I believe, we are trying to make people feel less threatened. The author talks about what message the communion table sends to the people: 'a symbol of sacrificial love that breaks down cultural divisions and barriers of affinity. It reminds us that life is about being chosen by the Lord for interpersonal communion rather than choosing to consume stuff, and it reminds us we are called to take up our cross rather than seek personal comfort.'[p.22] Sometimes I wonder if we, the leaders, are more timid about worship around the communion table than the congregants? We're told by our denominational leaders how many times its considered appropriate to serve communion. Oh I know its done as a guideline because if it wasn't there in some churches communion might rarely be served, but there are no scriptural commands so why do we feel compelled to observe them and offer the elements of sacrifice and love to our people at every worship experience?. The tired adage, 'it may become a ritual' doesn't fly anymore. I agree with the author that the communion table is to be a time/place where the family can gather together and celebrate the blessings of his love for us, and in the process celebrate our love for each other.
Another place in worship that I feel has been forsaken is the altar, with its accompanying pastoral prayer. In our church the Family Prayer time is a special time/event in the worship service where family is encouraged to gather 'at the foot of the cross' for a variety of reasons, not the least being simply because the Spirit has guided one there. This is a time of family coming together. Attendance there is sporadic, some Sundays there are many, others hardly any'; yet I'm convinced there is never the full compliment that the Spirit is calling. The centuries long training that the altar was only a 'mourners bench' makes it tough to open our people's eyes to the communicative value in gathering there with the family. People are quick to judge why someone has come to altar, rather than opening up their hearts/minds to going there themselves. Now I'm not complaining, just this past week we saw a young teenage girl saved at our altar, and we anointed a young father because his mother has elected not to have more stents and instead has gone home to die among her friends; and people will come when specifically invited. What I am talking about is the 'altar becoming a familiar place of community during the worship; I fear we have become to comfortable in entering worship, finding our seat and then with our posture saying, 'now I'm going to sit here, would you feed me.' Wouldn't it be so enriching if people viewed communion and family prayer as ingredients of worship that they almost couldn't imagine worship not having?
Much of our younger generation is being drawn to sacred symbols, to worship times of interaction. How wise it would be of those who are Christian exemplars to place themselves at the altar during family prayer time, and partake of the elements offered there as a spiritual teaching of those who are younger, so that when they become worship leaders ... communion and prayer time will be enriching family events in worship; and one doesn't just come to worship for the inspirational singing, or the motivational message, but prepared to use all the times/places of worship for praise .. this I long for.
As I read the rest of this journal, my current plans are to continue journaling my thoughts from the articles ... I know that you have limited time, but your thoughts will enrich my understanding. thanks.