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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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