blessings

I share from the scripture in our meeting tonight and it should be interesting. Word has it that we will be packed in this tiny bar area in a local restaurant. We may have a logistic problem but I bet it will ignite the group.

What is happening is some former church- goers (at all levels) have heard a call for change. What so cool to me, is their drive right now seems to be involved in the changing of how church is done but what is going surprise them all is the most profound change will be them.

Tonight I am going to read Psalm 23 (no, it is not a funeral) in the context of how David wrote it. He was expressing the benefits he received due to being under the care of the Shepherd. It is truly amazing how David lays out the immediate care from being in God’s care.

We are lead, our cup over flows, goodness and mercy is on our heels, and even our fears are addressed. We often forget that pastoral blessings come to us because we are in the “fold”.

I bet there might be a few “first” tonight. At least one- Psalm 23 read in that bar! It is the first time I will do a talk on the Gulf Coast. Wish you could join!

Peace and Love!

I know it is easy for us all to forget the good stuff in our lives when we feel so pressed by a difficult economy. We hear talk all too often how “bad things are” and for sure it is difficult but if we choose to we can quickly look around and see we are very fortunate!

I observed yesterday a mom drop her daughter and friend off at the Destin Commons yesterday as many moms often do, but this one had uniqueness to it. The van pulls up and mom hops out and walks to the back and unloads a motorized wheelchair for her crippled daughter. Mom then walks to the passenger side opened the door and literally picked up her teenage daughter and placed he in the chair for an afternoon of hanging out (a common occurrence for kids at the commons I assure you).

Smiles were on everyone’s face! The daughter seemed happy and excited to be out like anyone would be on a beautiful spring day on the gulf coast! For a moment I had a sense of anger about this deal but then the light came on, this girl has fought through stronger emotions than mine and looked ready for a great day!

Ok, who else feels like a heel? All at once bills, calendar, work and general life stuff took a back seat and I remembered how fortunate I am! Let me count the ways for you.

Great Wife
Great kids (healthy too)
Great family relations
Great drive to work everyday
Great new opportunities coming my way
Great friends (new and old ones)
Great memories

Psalm 23:5 (NLT)
You prepare a feast for me
in the presence of my enemies.
You welcome me as a guest,
anointing my head with oil.
My cup overflows with blessings.

Feeling fortunate? Tell me about it!

Peace and Love.