Jay craig

6 jr

“If I had my life to live over again, I would have talked less and listened more. Instead of wishing away nine months of pregnancy and complaining about the shadows over my feet, I'd have cherished every minute of it and realized that the wonderment growing inside me was to be my only chance in life to assist God in a miracle. I would have cried and laughed less while watching television, and more while watching life. There would have been more I love you’s. More I'm sorry’s. More I'm listening. but mostly, given another shot at life, I would seize every minute of it. and never give that minute back until there was nothing left of it.” -Erma Bombeck
Friends, we can't undo the done, but we can do now, things that need not be undone. “... I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead...”. -Phil.3:13

6 jr

If you attend a giving church, or especially if you Don’t attend a giving church, here’s an idea for you. I just read about it. Just before the offering plate or basket is to be passed, tell those in attendance, “If you have a pressing need, feel free to take money Out of the container, instead of contributing to it. “Give, and you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full…”. Lk.6:38

6 jr

When I was in high school mixed chorus, we sang the song with the lyrics,
“No man is an island, no man stands alone.” (Peter Schickele)
It was a pretty song. Furthermore:
Nobody is a whole chain. Each one is a link. But take away one link and the chain is broken.
Nobody is a whole orchestra. Each one is a musician. But take away one musician and the symphony is incomplete.
We need each other. You need someone and someone needs you.
To make this thing called life work, we gotta lean and support. And reach out and embrace.
Especially in the God family . . . where working together is needed for survival.
Love each other with brotherly affection and take delight in honoring each other. Never be lazy in your work but serve the Lord enthusiastically. Be glad for all God is planning for you. Be patient in trouble, and prayerful always. When God's children are in need, you be the one to help them out. And get into the habit of inviting guests home for dinner or, if they need lodging, for the night. -Rom. 12:10–13

6 jr

Hand fed
Spunky may have set a record for being the world's laziest puppy. Instead of eating directly out of his dish, each morning, he has Marge or I feed him, by hand, one or two dog food pieces at a time. Yes, we know it's our own doing, but he enjoys being spoiled. "...he will feed them himself...". -Eze.34:23

6 jr

My younger grandchildren and great grandchildren seem to change so fast. So often when I see one of them, I notice little changes.
In Psalm 103, David wrote a poetic song that praised God while also reflecting on how quickly the joyful moments of our lives pass by: “The life of mortals is like grass, they flourish like a flower of the field; the wind blows over it and it is gone” (vv. 15-16).
But despite acknowledging the brevity of life, David describes the flower as flourishing, or thriving. Although each individual flower blossoms and blooms swiftly, its fragrance and color and beauty bring great joy in the moment. Though the joys of life pass so rapidly, we should still enjoy the fragrance and beauty of the rose before it fades.