Archive for November, 2009

When we think of thanksgiving often Turkey  and dressing comes to mind, unless one is from new England when the word is stuffing, or in the Hispanic community when Tamales might take the place of turkey.  But the real root of Thanksgiving is more than what we have for dinner on Thursday (and I am very grateful that most of our family will be here Thursday and we have a 24 LB turkey in the freezer on hold).  When the pilgrims celebrated that first thanksgiving it was serious business.  More than half those early settlers in New England did not survive the Atlantic crossing on The Mayflower.  Then at that first winter another half, give or take, died of disease, cold, and starvation.  In their attempt to build the city of God in the new world the sacrifices were immeasurable.  It was a miracle than this handful of men and women and children could gather around a full table, enjoy a great meal, and mark (despite the hardships)  their thanksgiving to almighty God;  give thanks for what God had set before them, instead of as human nature often demands, list their sacrifices and hardship of the previous year.  They did not see the founding of this new colony as being built upon their own sacrifices or fortitude, but upon the providence of a faithful God,  they took no credit for their nerve and steadfastness, instead they gave the credit to a merciful God. Thanksgiving is about a providential, merciful God who loves us and we follow.  When we remember God’s faithfulness, trust God fully, and then respond with absolute thanksgiving, we have a more clear picture of the relationship between humankind and the creator.    Thanksgiving is about that relationship!  (I hope we all have great family and friendship times this next week, and in those times find moments to give thanks to a providential and merciful God)

Fort Hood

Like all of us I was shocked by the tragedy at Fort Hood recently.  I was on my way back from Dallas as I was hearing it on the news.  As the information unfolded before us many thoughts came to mind.  Why, is almost always the first.  I am not sure we can ever identify why when a senseless slaughter happens like this.  I have a tendency to just think that evil seems to have won for a moment.  Acts like this have a source in evil as far as I’m concerned.  But there are other thoughts as well.  Two Police officers, one a female who was on traffic duty, running into flying bullets, risking their own lives when they don’t have to, facing that evil, and taking it down.  How many lives had to have been saved.  And then soldiers all around risking their lives for their friends, pulling them away form the gunmen, bandaging, encouraging, and many surely praying.  And then a base, a city, a state, and a nation coming together in support, prayer, and help.  Evil can make its vain attempt to win, but good, especially good based in faith and our blessed American Way, will always win.  Our prayers are with the many who lose loved ones, family, spouses, parents, children, and friends.  At our Veteran’s Day service this Wednesday, we will find a moment to mark this tragedy facing it with resilient faith.

Carry the Light

Sunday evening Rhonda and I had a chance to attend the “Carry the Light” celebration c0ncert and CD release party at our Church in the Sanctuary.  Our music and worship arts folks, directors, singers, orchestra, choir,  Bands, all joined together to offer a time of celebration and inspiration that impacted everyone present and I am sure honored God.  Not only was the music amazing, but the Spirit of God was tangibly in present in the participation of the congregation, both in awe and in singing.  There was a 1,00o CDs available of the music that had been previously recorded, almost 700 went out immediately, folks wanting to take the Church home with them in this special way.  I am continually amazed and inspired by the folks in our Church who lead us in worship week in and week out.