The year in review...

2024

Celebrating  milestone events, honoring our loved ones who transitioned,  humbled by so many lessons, and praying for strength as we prepare to enter 2025.  

Monday Musings ... unfinished business

Yesterday's  Sunday's  message was about unfinished business.  What a timely sermon as we approach the year's end.   In scripture, Jesus demonstrated finished all the work assigned to him, Jesus is a perfect example  to inspires His followers to complete their assigned work.

Yesterday, Pastor also  encouraged the congregation to consider ways in which we need finish tasks. His list challenged us ... offer apologies where necessary, make a phone calls,  offer thanks  to family and friends.. and the list continued.

Then, I thought of my lists

I have a long list of things of tasks to finish.   I was a bit overwhelmed. I have  projects I want to finish in 2025.  

Then, this morning, I was encouraged by the scripture that Paul wrote in Philippians 1: 6

"And I am certain that God, who began  the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns." (New Living Translation)

When the tasks seem overwhelming, remember do the next right thing. 

Marvel at a simple story...

"Today, most of the 2.4 billions Christians will marvel at this simple story. Some will be huddled in refugees camps, others gathered in hiding, and many in great cathedrals. Millions of people will also hear this life-changing messages of Immanuel - God with us, for the very first time. And so I pray today will all my heart. 

Come, Holy Spirit and breathe new life into the greatest story ever told; let preachers preach it, angels sing it and cynics see it. Let mother's hold it, innkeepers host it, and prodigals return home to it. Let children  hear it, tyrants fear it, artists tell it, and heavens be filled again with your praise. And Lord, for those whose hearts are breaking today, would you seek them out especially and speak personally to their souls. May they receive your comfort, perceive your presence and believe your love for them all over again. "

Author unknown.  

Friendship Friday

Earlier this year, these two friends had "chance" encounter in the lobby of a hotel.  It has been years since they enjoyed a face-to-face meeting.  The  years seem to evaporate as they talked about  mutual friends, career moves, relocation,  children,  graduations, grandchildren,  and retirement. 

When it was ...

It's great to reminisce about good memories of my past. It was enjoyable when it was today. So learning to enjoy has two benefits: it gives me happiness right now, and becomes a good memory later."

George Foreman 

Friendship Friday

 "The heart of hospitality is about creating space for someone to be feel seen,  and heard and loved. It's about declaring your table as a safe zone, a place of  warm and nourishment."

Shauna Niequist 

 Our friends Keith and Libby created that safe place for us. We enjoyed a sweet visit in November.  Woody is their lovable dog. 

Keith and his  Brad brother made this table from Kentucky wood. 

There is always ...

 "There is always something to do. Hungry people to be feed, naked people to clothe, sick people to comfort and make well."

Nikki Giovanni

Advent

"This Advent we look to the Wise Men to teach us where to focus our attention. We set our sights on things above, where God is. We draw closer to Jesus ... When our advent journey ends  and we reach the place where Jesus resides in Bethlehem, may we like the Wise Men, fall on our knees and adore him as our true and only King."

Mark Zimmermann,  in Our Advent Journey 

Tasty Tuesday

 "Food taste better with friends."

Wonderful

Hundreds of years before the Messiah was born,  Isaiah the prophet under the direction of God  wrote these words;

"For to us a child is born,

to us a son is given

and the government will be on his 

shoulders.

And he will be called

Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,

Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace

Of the greatness of his government and 

peace

there will be no end.

Isaiah 9: 6 -7a