porchpondering.com

Happy Thanksgiving

We are hosting the Thanksgiving meal for the first-time ever in our home. In past years (04, 05, and 06) I've taken a train ride with Andy to Thousand Oaks on Thanksgiving Day. It was always a great adventure but this year is different. We'll have a total of 22 in our home for dinner. My other sister, Beverly, is here to celebrate with us. Here we are getting the spuds ready for this afternoon. I'm off for to swim in a few minutes but I wanted to post a quick something in preparation for the purpose of this day.

Give thanks!

For recent adventures and for adventures to come, in particular Costa Rica in December...

For the comfort of God's Spirit in the midst of grief and for hopeful new beginnings...

For the gift of neighbors and friends...

For the heart-felt response of those who have recently found a home at Village Pres...

For those I serve along side, Leanne, Matthew and Chris...

For our capable Leadership Team who selflessly serve...

For those among us who are stretching themselves for the sake of Christ's kingdom...

For my family and the many ways they bring wonder to my life...

For my beautiful wife who continues to become even more so as the years go by...

For computers and other technological gadgets that make posting words like these so easy (no, an iPhone is not yet on my list of things I need)

For health in body and for the cool pool that is waiting for me.

Thank you, Lord, for all the blessings you've showered upon us! May you be pleased with the grace that we share throughout the year.

Words Needed

A friend of mine recently reminded me of the necessity of words in relation to the communication of the gospel. Yes, we need to live our lives in ways that prompt inquiry but when people ask about the reason for the hope that is ours, Peter tells us that we should be ready to offer an answer (1 Peter 3:15). And so I've personalized these words of St. Francis that hang on the wall in my office. (if you click the image, it's easier to see but still not easy)

Processing

My apologies for the infrequent blogging as of late. I've been sorting through some issues in my life and so I haven't had the energy to do much writing.

In recent days I've been thinking about how my own experiences in life continue to shape my expectations of God and the future. This is especially true in relation to a few of the fears I wrestle with in life. Yes, pastor's have issues too but that's not surprising. It's not a matter of me having to be strong for others, I can do that, but I've become more aware of my own need to trust and believe God in the deeper corners of my being. It's not easy to admit my own weakness but it's there. I need to learn to trust in face of my own fears.

In the Gospel of John we hear Jesus speaking again and again about his Father. Jesus had much to say about his Father because he was speaking from the depth of a personal relationship. The Son, Jesus, was convinced of the Father's love and so the Son loved the Father in return. Jesus didn't have to prove anything to the Father but his actions were prompted from by the encouragement and love he received from the Father. That's what a grace relationship is all about. Lately, I feel like I'm laboring with something to prove. It's a subtle distinction, maybe too subtle to blog about I know it's time for me to let "the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God, the Father" have its work in me. Just a reminder that the benediction is for pastor and people alike.

Last night I gathered with old friends in Fullerton on what would have been Kurt Regitz's 43rd birthday. It was good to be together. We're getting through this loss but it still hurts. Just a bit more of the "processing" I've been doing lately.

Matthew in the Morning

This morning I took Matthew and his friend Tyler on an outing to San Onofre. Lots of fun. A few good waves. Here's one of them.

Veterans Day

I received an email from a neighbor the other day encouraging everyone to add just one more name to the list of cards that will be sent in the Christmas season. I think today is a good day to ask you to do the same.

Please send your Christmas letter to:

A Recovering American Soldier
c/o Walter Reed Army Medical Center
6900 Georgia Avenue, NW
Washington, D.C. 20307-5001

You can be sure they are going to hear a bit about the Wright family this year back in DC.

Music for the Heart

If you appreciate what we've been singing on Sundays, you might want to purchase the iMix listed below. I tried to post it on the side panel but it was just too big. Seriously, this is really enough to get you started.

Note to self: do more blogging.