Saturday was the 2nd anniversary of Jill’s death.
I spent time with my daughter and her family. This was a good thing, helping myself and my daughter process our memories.
As well, I took off a few days just for a personal retreat. I have returned refreshed and ready to head into new adventures.
Thanks for your prayers and support. Thanks also to God for his working in my life – opening up new imaginations and affirming the work he has done to this point.
Sometimes you wonder how a few words can summarize a huge concept. We say a picture paints a thousand words. Maybe a well chosen turn of phrase can also express a thousand words.
At least, that’s the way the best of Twitter would be. In another twist about short phrases, one which I have tested more than once, the best remembered phrases tend to have the lilt of 12 syllables.
The other day I was listening to one of those videos (with Tim Keller – sorry it was on a live feed that I don’t have access to a day or two later) that had a great idea wrapped in a few words. I’m going to try to summarize it in the 12 syllables and see if we can catch it (and hold on to it, I hope!).
Go after God for blessing – expect God to lame you
OK, depending on how you pronounce “blessing”, you have 12 syllables!
The idea comes from Jacob wrestling with God (Genesis 32). He wouldn’t let go until God blessed him, but then God gave him a weakness for the rest of his life. We live in God’s favor and protection when we are stooped in weakness before God and others.
Not a bad Twitter feed. Now, maybe I should join Twitter!!
Last night was a “potential” three bookings night.
Two of the bookings were related to either church or to friends. The third booking was family related.
Nothing of great consequence. A night out at the movies. No earth shattering movie. Just an action flick that is making the rounds.
If the matter was related to the movie itself – movies come and go.
Family remains.
The choice was a good one!
For years my job was to coordinate church music and worship.
This included scheduling, finding new prospects, integrating a whole range of options into a single worship service, and on the side – having opportunity to lead a music team.
Since arriving in Kindersley almost nine years ago, other responsibilities have been foremost. I can’t remember the last time I led a team. I’ve played on teams, helped to fashion service orders, but not led a team.
Sunday we were in need of a leader. As schedules go, this was that fluke weekend. No one was around or available. Some great musicians were available but not available to prepare and lead the team.
I arrived a bit early and set up. A lot of past memories arose. The good kind.
As team members arrived we “did music” together in our warm up. The practice was great and joining together for worship with the congregation an hour or two later was also impactful – both for them and for me.
God is good. Sometimes the unexpected puts you in the path of blessing. Thanks to all those who worked with me yesterday – this was a blessing!