Thursday, February 28, 2013

Semi-finals of Life

Day 13 Doxology:  I can't believe it has been 13 days of this Lenten doxology, and this is the first time I've posted anything about my old youth.  Let me explain...many of the girls in my old youth group have made it to the final four at the BJCC.  It just makes me feel so happy for them.  It makes me think that this is a culmination of their hard work together.  It reminds me what we can do when we become one heartbeat working for the same thing.  Basically, it just makes me proud.  You know, like I had something to do with it...funny, I know!  They are incredible girls, but as important as this is...it doesn't define them!  Win, or lose, they are so much more. 1 Corinthians 9:25

Wednesday, February 27, 2013

Song and Scripture

Day 12 Doxology:  It seems like I have happened up on a children's theme for my thanks and praise to God lately.  Between Raigin's song of "rain" and "Jesus" and Andrew's scripture video, our children are making us look good.  Gandhi said to the parents of a village at war, "Learn from your children..."  Maybe Gandhi's right...we could stand to learn a few things.  Songs and scripture...this should be fun.  Matthew 18:3

Tuesday, February 26, 2013

Heirs of God...

Day 11 Doxology:  I really do not have a picture for today's praise to God.  To be truthful it came to me in a text.  Raigin Franks allowed his mom to record a song that he had been singing.  The lyrics were "Rain came down, the Rain came down on the Lord, on the Lord..."  And it sounded great!  The funny thing is this isn't the first time that Raigin has made reference to God.  He has drawn me pictures, and written me notes about the God we worship on Sunday mornings.  As wonderful as each of these gifts were, maybe the greatest gift is the confirmation that Raigin is listening and learning.  What better gift could there be?  It reminds me of Romans 8:17

Monday, February 25, 2013

Piggly Post Office!










Day 10 Doxology: Today's Doxology moment came through a phone call. Interestingly enough, this person shared a great story with great enthusiasm.

The story goes like this...a Summit representative shopped at the Boaz Piggly Wiggly to find the best deal when an employee of P.W. approached this "Summit Rep" with a helpful heart.  A connection was instantly made, and hopefully this person will be forever likely linked to The Summit...Bravo everyone involved!

The connection of today's Doxology moment was as simple as this...I went into the Post Office in Oneonta and an attendant said, "I know you." I said immediately, "I'm sorry!"  She giggled (Sadly, out of respect and kindness) and then said, "you are the pastor at The Summit."

Now, I'm use to that in Albertville, but seldom do I get that kind of response in Oneonta, Al.  They usually say, You are the pastor at Lester (Short for Lester Memorial UMC- a previous appointment)?  I then reply with a longer than expected story of my appointment relocation (it's sad when you recognize it)!

This person shared that she had visited The Summit a couple of weeks ago and loved it. Way to go J. G.!  As she walked away she shared, "You know, the people were so nice there..."

These two stories made the most amazing God moments for my day...

Also, these two events happened within a couple of hours of each other...It reminded me how far God's reach can be if we choose to help...It reminded me of Dan. 4:11.  If we can remain connected to God... then we can be a conduit of love for our community.



Saturday, February 23, 2013

In Repair

Day 9 Doxology: This image greeted me this morning as I arrived shortly before 6:30am at the Sacred Heart Monastery in Cullman.  I could immediately hear John Mayer sing "In Repair" in my head as I saw the sign that reminded visitors that parts of the building/ grounds were under construction.  Mayer sings, "I'm in repair, I'm not together but I'm getting there." Isn't that a metaphor for our life?  The statue of Christ's open arms behind the sign is just a bonus. Eph. 4:24


Friday, February 22, 2013

God is With Us, Forever!

Day 8 Doxology:  Because of my adherence to this weekends Emmaus Walk at Sacred Heart Monastery, I have an almost continuance of yesterday's God moment.  It's probably because I am so in awe of elements of the monastic life idea.  In the foyer of this gothic architecture rest a 4x6 ft picture of this site around the late 40's, early 50's.  It reminds me of the ideology many feel regarding God. Whether we admit it we live our life as if God rest high on a throne ruling like some distant deity.  However, we have an advocate.  It reminds me of a Chris Tomlin song, "Forever God is faithful. Forever God is strong. Forever God is with us Forever, Forever."  Try reading Romans 5:5

Thursday, February 21, 2013

Lasting Architecture, Timeless Words

Day 7 Doxology: Today I've stepped away from the usual, but don't blame me...blame God.  I'm working an Emmaus Walk with a new community at Sacred Heart Monastery-a beautiful architecture. This Emmaus Walk is filled with members of the protestant church, and yet, I was made to feel very welcome at this monastery of Benedictine Sisters.  Now, everything I'm sharing may seem negative or prejudice, on the contrary.  Every inch of my experience says...welcome.  This begs the question that I sat and pondered...Would our local best, and not so best, protestant churches provide as warm as the welcome that I received tonight?  In Sermon 39, John Wesley said, "Though we cannot think alike, may we not love alike? May we not be of one heart, though we are not of one opinion? Without all doubt, we may. Herein all the children of God may unite, notwithstanding these smaller differences." How far have we come? Wesley's scripture for this 1750 sermon was 2 Kings 10:15. What will last longer, Wesley's words or this 100+ year old structure?  One thing is for certain...both will take constant maintenance.  If left unattended they will both crumble and fall.  It looks like these Benedictine Sisters are doing pretty good.


Today
1903

Wednesday, February 20, 2013

Lollipop Guild

Day 6 Doxology: Today's image is a little unorthodox. That's the disclaimer.  Here's what I want to ask...how long has it been since you laughed?  I mean really laughed? I'm asking...to lay down on the floor, laugh; to worry about your next breath, laugh; a face hurting laugh? A beautiful friend reminded me how important it is to laugh tonight.  And, not just to laugh, but to laugh at one's self.  According to many websites laughter has several health benefits.  Succinctly, as great as the health benefits are for the body...they could never compare to what laughter does for the soul.  I could never fully explain this picture within the context of our evening, but let's just say that I'm more healthy now than before.  Proverbs 16:24.

Tuesday, February 19, 2013

The Tower of Babel...

Day 5 Doxology: We've only been on the Lenten path for 5 days, and I've already uploaded 2 videos.  My technological skills are amazing.  I guess, at whatever the level, my techno' skills would be considered a gift.  Today's video was my being in awe at the gifts of man.  This bridge opened Valentine's day after construction seemed to never end.  But, it did.  And, when it did...it was amazing.  Mankind's ability to build is incredible!  For those that can build something out of nothing...I hope you give God thanks for your ability?  The fear is that what we build whether a bridge, a doughnut, a dress, even dressing becomes the recipient of our worship thereby diverting our real calling in life.  It reminds me of another story...Gen. 11:1-9








Monday, February 18, 2013

1st and 3rd In a Daughter Contest

Day 4 Doxology:  I had witnessed God throughout the day, but none of the images I prepared touched my heart like this image of J-1 and J-3.  I like to think of it as 1st and 3rd in a daughter contest.  It reminds me just how unique we are. It reminds me of Jeremiah 1:5

Saturday, February 16, 2013

Love of the "AB"normal


Day 3 Doxology: I went thru the day, and I noticed God everywhere. I sorted thru mental images like the one of the worn coloring book stashed behind a Hymnal at Skyler's grandmother's funeral, or the largest sunset I've felt in months, maybe years. But, I always kept coming back to the first selfish image of the day...J-1 and her friends eating breakfast that I cooked, after pulling an all night movie marathon. I pray that I get to cook many more breakfast that fill the room with the sound of laughter and the smell of bacon. Laughter is contagious and the bacon...well, it's just good. Then I found myself at Luke 1:17.

-Tony

Birds of a Feather...


Day 2 Doxology: I pulled off the road in Gadsden and took a picture of this tree. It seems like such a contrast between life and death. I immediately thought about God and how God is at work even if we are not paying attention. How many vehicles passed by this same image of creation and never gave it a second thought? It reminded me of Matthew 6:26!
-Tony

The Rhythm of Life


Day 1 Doxology: As promised...today's Doxology moment. This video is of the girls in my life in harmonious synchronization...how could a father want anything more? (John 11:52)
-Tony

Lent 2013


I want this year’s Lent to really open my eyes to God.  I want to become more aware of God at work in and through me.  So, my plan is to find God throughout the day, take a picture and share my observation and conversation-my observation of God at work usually going unnoticed, and my conversation with God and the way my attention was gained.  My hope is that it will get easier and easier to find God's daily presence and notice less of myself.  Wish me luck!
-Tony