Dolphins at Sunrise

Last Sunday morning I couldn't sleep in. I'd listened to the waves for much of the night, so happy to know we were right there by the ocean. One thing I really wanted to do was to see the sunrise on the ocean. I finally got up and went out on our little deck. Although the sun had not yet risen, it was already getting pretty light out. I listened to the waves, which were pretty big by then, and just felt so happy. That's when it happend!

Dolphins!

Lots and lots of dolphins!

They were really close to the shore. In fact, I worried they might beach themselves. I couldn't believe I was seeing dolphins right from our room. I quickly dressed and made my way down to the beach, soon joined by Mike.  Although I never got any photos of the dolphins (they slip through the air very quickly), we enjoyed them for quite some time.

I can't tell you how beautiful it was but I'll try to give you an idea with photos.

Do you see the bird in this one? A dolphin had just jumped below it, almost in the spotlight of the sunrise.

Joy.

Looking at all that water, seeing the sunrise there...I felt so humbled.

Mike came up to me with his cell phone showing me the most perfect verses for the occasion. 

From Psalm 8

1 O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory above the heavens. 

2 From the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise because of your enemies, to silence the foe and the avenger. 

3 When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, 

4 what is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him? 

5 You made him a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honor. 

6 You made him ruler over the works of your hands; you put everything under his feet: 

7 all flocks and herds, and the beasts of the field, 

8 the birds of the air, and the fish of the sea, all that swim the paths of the seas. 

9 O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!

I think I need to give you more...

Well, that sure didn't do justice to the beauty and the feeling we were experiencing. I guess you will have to use your imagination.

Finally, we went back into our hotel and ate a nice breakfast with Ben and Sara in the hotel restaurant with another full ocean view.  It was a wonderful start to our day.

Mike & I found a sweet little congregation with which to worship. Mornings just don't get any better than that one! What a great start to what turned out to be a great day.  More tomorrow!

He Is With Us

Love & The Outcome

Remember when
Your hope is lost and faith is shaken
Remember when
You wonder if you're gonna make it
There's a hand stretched out
Through your deepest doubt

We can't pretend
To see the ending or what's coming up ahead
Don't know the story of tomorrow
But we can stay close
To the One who knows

CHORUS
We can trust our God
He knows what He's doing
Though it might hurt now
We won't be ruined
It might seem there's an ocean in between
But He's holding onto you and me
And He's never gonna leave, no
He is with us, He is with us, always, always
He is with us, He is with us, always

We believe
There is purpose, there is meaning
In everything
We surrender to His leading
He wants nothing more
Than to have us close

CHORUS

Our faith is sealed
Our hope is real
Come what may
We're not afraid

We can trust our God, always, always
We can trust our God, always, always

CHORUS 

He is with us, He is with us, always, always
He is with us, He is with us, always
Our God is with us

Church Under the Bar

James 4:8 

Draw near to God, 

and he will draw near to you…

 

As I said, Mike & I were in St. Louis last Sunday. We had gone through some tourist booklet, looking for a place to worship downtown. There were quite a few big churches to choose from but then we found a church called The Vintage Ten. We could tell from the website that it was a small group and that it wasn't fancy. We knew how to get there and we could even wear our jeans if we wanted to...and we did.

Let me tell you, I've never been to such a place to worship before. As we approached, I knew we were in for a bit of an adventure...

It doesn't look like an ordinary entrance to a church, does it?

Just inside the bar doors there sat a couple who greeted us warmly and 

pointed us toward the stairs.

When we got down there, we found a worship space set up in the middle of a dark basement room.

There were several rows of chairs set up.

There was coffee, cookies and water.

I saw no windows so they had some lights set up here and there.

People were friendly and kind.

Although we asked several people, we never really found an explanation for their church name.

Do you suppose the Vintage part is because it is under a bar...like vintage wine?

Maybe ten people started the church?

I just don't know.

Their regular pastor wasn't present so a seminary student was there to give the sermon.

He did a nice job.

A guy in shorts played the guitar and we knew most of the songs they sang.
It was really quite nice!

We worshiped.

We prayed.

We sang.

We rejoiced.

I kind of felt like an early Christian, or one worshiping in a

country where Christianity is outlawed. 

I knew that people walking by on the streets and even likely

the people in the bar upstairs had no idea a church

service was going on down there.

We knew they were above us, though.

Whenever someone in the bar used the restroom and flushed a toilet,

we could hear the water whooshing by in the pipes around us.

It really just added to the charm.

I snapped a photo of the walls when I used the restroom.

It kind of gives you a sense of the space there.

So today, while I worship in our pretty building with windows and fresh air,

I will think of the people at Vintage Ten and know that they are also

worshiping the same God at the same time, just in a different location.

One Thing Remains

Christmas Eve Photographs

We have a weird family tradition of going out for Chinese food just before our Christmas Eve Service.  That started the first year we came to Wyoming.  Mike was doing two evening services with just a little time in between for a meal.  Since there was a Chinese buffet nearby, that was where we went.  Since our congregation moved to a larger facility we can all fit for just one service.  Still, we choose to go out for Chinese.  It may be weird but it works for us.

A big part of our Christmas celebration is our worship service at our church.  I love it.  We sing... a lot!  I like that.  Our church was full.  It was fun to see people we haven't seen for awhile. I enjoy seeing all the grown children who have come back for the holiday.  Mike's sermon was about children and how they can accept their gift of faith with such simplicity.  Near the end Mike told the story I'd told on my blog here.  He include those photos up on the big screen.  Cordelia likely hadn't seen those photos before and when she saw herself up there her reaction was great concern! I was surprised but she had a worried look on her face and repeatedly said, "Why is that me?" It was sweet.

One of the traditions during our service is the lighting of candles.  Everyone gets a little candle in a holder, the ushers light the candles of those seated by the aisles and soon we've passed the light down the rows and the room looks beautiful!  Then, we sing Silent Night.  It's a tender part of the tradition.

After the service, it is time for some photographs, home to finish Christmas Day preparations then off to bed.  Tomorrow I will tell you more about our Christmas Day.

My friend, Allen, would appreciate your thoughts and prayers today as he is back in the hospital. Please pray for his comfort.  Also, the whole holiday season, joyful for many, can be especially difficult for others. Some are dealing with a loss while others are just far from family and friends and feeling lonely.  I want you to know that I do not take for granted what I have here and now.  I wish you peace.  

Special thanks to Maria, Eric and Jim C. for taking photographs Christmas Eve

I don't often get photographed with my "baby", Sam.

I love him.

It was a happy night.

Elise was ready to be done but Cordelia and I were feeling the joy!

Bless the Lord, O My Soul!

Ten Thousand Reasons (Bless the Lord)

(sung by Matt Redman)

Bless the Lord, O my soul

O my soul

Worship His holy name

Sing like never before

O my soul

I'll worship Your holy name

The sun comes up, it's a new day dawning

It's time to sing Your song again

Whatever may pass, and whatever lies before me

Let me be singing when the evening comes

You're rich in love, and You're slow to anger

Your name is great, and Your heart is kind

For all Your goodness I will keep on singing

Ten thousand reasons for my heart to find

And on that day when my strength is failing

The end draws near and my time has come

Still my soul will sing Your praise unending

Ten thousand years and then forevermore

Jesus, I'll worship Your holy name

Lord, I'll worship Your holy name

Sing like never before

O my soul

I'll worship Your holy name

Jesus, I'll worship Your holy name

I'll worship Your holy name

(Click on Song Title to hear the music.  If you enjoy this song, please consider purchasing it through any of the usual outlets such as iTunes, Amazon, etc.)

You're Worthy of My Praise

One thing I've been thinking about lately is how much we (humans) try to make faith to be something about us.  I don't know if all cultures do this, but I know it occurs in the USA a lot.  Too often we choose a worship experience according to what it does for us, how it makes us feel.  Do we like the music?  Do we fit in with others in the congregation?  Do our children have enough activities available to them?  Are the sermons short enough so we don't get squirmy?  Is the service at a convenient time for me?

Perhaps all of those considerations are valid, maybe even important.  However, they should not be the ultimate consideration.  Worship, by definition, is about paying reverent honor.  We are to worship GOD.  Nothing is more important.  We are to show adoration and respect to God, creator of all that is.  We are to WANT to worship God just for being God!

Worship is not about us.  Worship is about God.  Worship turns our thoughts away from ourselves and toward the one who gives us strength, love, comfort and protection. When I heard this song on KLOVE, sung by Jeremy Camp, it reminded me that we worship God because he is the one worthy of our praise.

He IS worthy of our praise!  Worship is all about HIM.

You're Worthy of My Praise
(click on title to hear song)

I will give you all my worship

I will give you all my praise

You alone I long to worship

You alone are worthy of my praise

I will worship with all of my heart

I will praise you with all of my strength

I will seek you all of my days

I will follow all of your ways

I will give you all my worship

I will give you all my praise

You alone I long to worship

You alone are worthy of my praise

You are worthy of my praise

I will bow down and I'll hail you as king

I will serve you, I will give you everything

I will lift up my eyes to your throne

I will trust you, I will trust you alone

I will give you all my worship

I will give you all my praise

You alone I long to worship

You alone are worthy of my praise

I will give you all my worship

I will give you all my praise

You alone I long to worship

You alone are worthy of my praise

You are worthy, You are worthy

You are worthy of my praise

Oh, I will give you all my worship

I will give you all my praise

You alone I long, I long to worship

Well, you alone are worthy of my praise

You are worthy of my praise

A Word From Pastor Mike: Top 10 Reasons to Worship Weekly

Yesterday Mike began his sermon with the "Top 10 Reasons of Why You Should Worship Weekly."  I thought you might enjoy them.

10)    Going to Worship is better than listening to someone scrape their fingernails on a blackboard.

 9)     People who worship have fewer cavities than people who don't brush at all.

 8)     Worship promotes weight loss.  No big meals - only low calorie bread and wine served at      communion.

 7)     Worship provides aerobic routines for you... stand up, sit down, stand up, sit down...

 6)     Worship provides another place for you to sing other than the shower.

 5)     People who worship cut down their exposure to dangerous ultra violet rays.

 4)     Baptism provides the side benefit of clean hair.

 3)     Candle lighting at worship provides a safe environment for your children to play with fire.

 2)     Worship exposes you to some of the nicest people and the greatest sinners.  Have fun by guessing who's who.

 1)     People who worship receive free grace, unconditional love, and a great retirement plan.

Yes, most of it was tongue in cheek.  That last one is a kicker, though, don't you think?

Mike's sermon spoke of God's ability to change and transform lives.  He spoke of Jesus welcoming imperfect people.  He spoke of how he strengthens the faithful, forgives the sinner, gives hope to the hopeless and changes stubborn minds.  I think most of us need to hear these words.

A Word From Pastor Mike: Christians are Messy

Over the years I've often heard people say they believe in God but don't want to belong to a congregation, they just prefer to worship on their own.  I think worshiping alone can be really satisfying and precious time.  I also think there is a reason that Biblically we are given examples of worshiping as a community.  In our recent church newsletter Mike speaks to this...

"For several years now, as the weekend approaches, I have been praying for people to come and
worship. As I drive to church on Sunday, I see the cars parked in our neighborhood and I pray, “Stir
them up, Lord.” I believe that we all need weekly help for our faith journey. God strengthens our
spiritual lives in Word and Sacrament worship."

What do you think?  Do you feel the need for weekly worship?  Maybe even more often?

Another thing I've often heard is someone stating they don't want to attend church because it is full of sinners,  perhaps naming names and pointing out their sins.  To that I say, "Of course!"  Sinners need a place to go for redemption and to receive the gift of God's forgiveness and grace.  I once heard a quote that a church is a hospital for sinners, not a museum for saints... or something like that.  Mike had some words about that as well...

"Life is messy. Christians are messy. Church institutions aren’t perfect and they never have been. So
why worship? Why shouldn’t we be a bunch of Lone Ranger Christians? Why not worship by yourself
in the great outdoors? Well, the Bible certainly encourages times of personal devotion and prayer
but the Bible never conceives of worship without people in community. We need each other and we
all need God."

Sometimes Pastor Mike is a pretty smart guy, huh?

He and I have also been talking about being authentic people.  One way to do that is to be more open about our shortcomings.  Sometimes people believe a pastor and his family all lead crisp, clean and well-managed lives.  I kind of like letting people believe that, actually.  That is because I am a prideful person and I am working on that.

OK, so I am here to tell you that we goof up also.  We make mistakes over and over again.  One thing about writing a blog is a person can just put up a few pretty pictures and it looks like all is wonderful.  We do have a really nice life, but we do not have a perfect life.  By showing our shiny side on my blog, I worry that someone will think they themselves lead a lesser life.  So, let it be known that like everyone, we are sinners.  Like everyone, we are offered a chance of forgiveness and healing.  Now, isn't that what it is all about?  I think I will head to church now to be with all the other faulty people.  I fit in there.

Ww

We are certainly on the final stretch with the ABC's of Bible Memorization! 




 Psalm 100:2 Worship the Lord with gladness; come into his presence with singing.

Beth Moore, Travis Cottrell and Marriage Encounter

What are your plans for the week-end?   Anything fun?

We have a busy one ahead for us.  Tonight and tomorrow we are going to be at a Beth Moore event.  If you don't know who that is, check here and here.  It will be fun.  I enjoy her speaking style.  She can be earnest and funny at the same time.  I've not heard her live but I've attended many of her video Bible study sessions.  Tonight I am a helper and will be assisting people to their seats or something like that.  My responsibilities end when the program begins so I won't miss any of it. 

Travelling with Beth is Travis Cottrell.  Do you know him?  If you listen to KLOVE you've heard his music.  Our worship team sings some of his songs as well.  Travis stopped in at our church yesterday and Mike got to meet him.  I'd tried earlier in the afternoon to just "happen" to drop by but my timing was off so I didn't get to meet him.  I'm really looking forward to the music part of the evening.  Thousands of people singing worship songs together is quite an experience I expect!

Also this week-end Mike and I will be attending a closing service at a Marriage Encounter Week-end.  Have any of you been to a Marriage Encounter Week-end?  Mike and I think highly of Marriage Encounter.  It is a great organization that makes these week-ends available for couples as a way to strengthen their marriage. 

I was kind of nervous the first time I heard about a Marriage Encounter Week-end.  Working on marriage issues in a crowd seemed like an intimidating thing.  As it turned out, privacy is greatly respected.  The basic format was simple.  You all stay at a hotel for the week-end, leaving the world behind.  It is advised to leave the tv off, leave watches behind and just focus on your marriage.  Our week-end was in 1988 in Denver, CO.  The St. Louis Cardinals were in the World Series that week-end!  It is possible that our tv came on a bit, but what happens in Denver stays in Denver ok?

During the week-end they had sessions where speakers introduced topics and told their stories.  Couples attending are never put on the spot to tell their own stories, though.  Instead, we were all given questions to answer by writing in our own notebooks.  One member of the couple would do this up in the room while the other sat in the conference room or another quiet spot.  After a certain amount of time the couple is reunited in their own room to discuss answers.  That basic format was repeated all week-end, covering various topics.  We were given lots of good information to help develop great communication skills. 

After attending a Marriage Encounter Week-end couples are encouraged to join a small group of local couples.  We had so much fun with our couple friends!   I think the first time we were in a group of 4 or 5 couples and we met monthly to do small exercises similiar to the ones done at the week-end.  We had so much fun, though, and made some great friendships as a couple.  I fondly remember a lot of laughter.

We are not attendees for this week-end but we've been given the names of a couple that are attending.  Mike and I will be praying for them this week-end.  Every great marriage has an influence on others around them.  We will be praying for this couple to develop a great marriage, to learn skills to help them stay close to each other and to always, always keep God in the center of their marriage.  We have a candle that we will be burning this week-end, helping us remember to pray. 

On Sunday afternoon we will meet this couple and give them the candle.  Cool, huh?

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