daily life as life goes on . . .

My wife asked God to stretch her.  After going through a cashier line, the cashier, whom she barely knows, approached her and asked to meet with her to talk. 

I sat with a social worker who is inaugurating a wellness program.  Our ministerial were asked to participate after we had pointed out that we are the “professionals” in town related to spirituality.  Because a number of social workers have come to know me, they felt comfortable with opening up this avenue of participation.

Sometimes just being around long enough helps to establish rapport in a town.  Sometimes just being there let’s God establish rapport with those around you.  Which ever way it works, God has this plan to intersect our lives with the lives of others, for His sake.

Thanks, God, for opportunities that you bring our way!

I’ve had a sheet of paper in my possession for the last few months.  Ripped from a Christian magazine, there is a website indicated to get to podcasts from Beeson Divinty School (www.beesondivinity.com/podcast).

I happened upon Sinclair Ferguson’s podcast with Timothy George.  In the midst of listening (and I’m not a regular podcast listener), Sinclair is talking about preaching.  He says that some days the worst sermons he preaches, from his perspective, are the ones that touch people.

I had one of those times recently.  When I got up on Sunday I had already told the operator of our PowerPoint that I wasn’t sure what I was going to say.  I had a script, but it was missing something.  I knew it.  And time marches on, regardless of  who you are or what you feel! 

So I stood and preached on hope – the first Sunday of Advent , November 28th (you can find the sermon through our church website – www.kindersleyalliance.com – check out the sermon tab).  I found myself being passionate and strangely found the listeners listening.

After service I placed the sermon on the internet.

I decided to listen to it. 

Once again. 

I seldom do that.

Listening to what I said confirmed some things I truly believe.  From my heart and not just the script.  I’m  glad I listened!

Sometimes the unscripted moments are the ones we need to go back to.  To look at our passions.  To realize that our weakness is God’s strength.  To listen to what God has placed on our hearts.

Go back to the time you compassionately spoke to your child about their future.  The time you said sorry because you really were.  The time you leaned forward in your chair to make a point. 

Go back to the unscripted times and see what God was saying to you and through you.

So, we’re sitting here listening to the show – “The Sing Off”.  This is music without instruments.  I love it.

My own background is in vocals.  Anything that showcases the voice . . . I love to see how it’s done.  A Yale group just did that thing . . . sassy and traditional, loud and soft, dynamics that were unbelievable.

So, for two hours I’m actually watching a show that I wouldn’t mind being on!  It makes me want to sing!

3,465 books, 85 hours and just plain fun.

That’s what it took to get Tim Crump’s books catalogued.  This was phase one.  There is still the need for family to choose books they may like, and then to sell the remainder.  Every once in a while I was asked when I would be done, and even why I was doing this.

Done – when it’s done.  Reason – a final request of a friend.

Funny how completion of even a stage in a project provides a sense of fulfillment and satisfaction.  Funny also, that this would be a pleasurable activity for me.  Four hours would go by without a thought.  For others it would have been interminable.

YEAH!