Why was I jumping out of a perfectly good airplane? My bucket List, of course. I had always wanted to sky dive and didn't want to be as old as Bush 41 when I did it. My life was in the hands of a complete stranger. Oh yes, I met him just minutes before being strapped together with him to jump out of an airplane. So how did I come to grips with it? Research had been done to ensure that I was going to the best facility with quality and qualified people who would be in charge. The reputation was there. Check. Another factor was having people with me for support and encouragement. Check. Upon meeting my instructor, Mike, there was a tinge of disappointment. The others were young and fit, mine was older and not as fit, but he quickly won me over by trying to scare me. I didn't budge in my dedication to take the leap, but came right back with rebuttals to his comments. That seemed to be the turning point and he decided to make it the event of a lifetime for me. ...
The two toned smooth river rock was picked up from the very area where David killed Goliath. We were in the valley surrounded by mountains when the tour leader pointed out the hill where the Philistine army would have been camped and then turning about 180 degrees he showed us where the fearful Israelites would have been trying to figure out what to do about the giant who was taunting them day after day. And then he showed us the direction David would have come while on the errand for his father when he learned of the dilemma facing his brothers and his nation. The grown army men were dismayed and terrified, but the teenage shepherd was not afraid in the least. The others were looking down at the problem, but David was looking up. God had been preparing him for years for this moment and he was ready physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually. We were encouraged to pick up a rock from the stream bed as a reminder that if God can use a slingshot, a smooth stone and...
The stockings should be hung by the chimney with care and reindeer landing on the roof instead of dogs (that as a story for another time) but instead my house seems to be in chaos. Yes, I know that Pastor Craig's sermon series this month is entitled White Serenity and it is meant to help us focus on a peaceful, worshipful season. That's what I want, but that is not exactly what I have. Our condo has been overly crowded with people and packages; wrapping and toys; food and sticky notes all over the floor, placed strategically by a two year. I love every minute, even though it is far from serene. Focusing on what is really important during this season and the message of hope and salvation that the birth of Jesus brings, can be accomplished even with chaos around. After all, think about the first Christmas. On the beautiful Christmas cards we see each year, the scene looks picturesque, each participant perfectly placed. However if we stop and think about ...
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