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  • WORSHIP – what does it mean to You?

    Today my Five Minute Free Writes prompt is: WORSHIP

    Today is traditionally the day of Worship. The day we get dressed up, clean up, pack our families in the car (hopefully with not too much yelling done on the ride to church) and file in a semi-organized manner into a place of worship—or church/synagogue/mosque. You may hear various genres of music featured by a choir, orchestra, or praise band. Maybe there will be no instruments.           

    At the front of the gathering, a man of the “cloth” may stand in front of you. He/she may be dressed in a suit and tie, casual attire, or a robe and lapels with varied designs. However you choose and wherever you choose to get together on a Sunday morning or Saturday night, Scripture should be the main attraction. It shouldn’t be about the latest style of dress or how old the stained-glass windows are or where they came from, or who donated what within the four walls.

    Let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near (Hebrews 10:25).

    Some may say Worship can be done in the great outdoors among trees, flowers, or by the water’s edge. I’m not here to discuss where or who leads what, but there is one key element that cannot be ignored wherever Worship is exercised. The God of the Universe must take preeminence in the discussion. His teachings, parables, commands from the Bible need to be the focus. People groups, community awareness, or human agenda shouldn’t be the main directive.

    More importantly, how can I push to a deeper relationship with my God—the one who sacrificially died, rose again for me and you, and now sits on the throne. Consider asking yourself these questions.

    • How are you preaching/living out the life-saving Gospel to your family and neighbor? Does your talk match your walk?
    • Name a few ways that you are loving your neighbor.

    I’d love to dialog with you about your thoughts.

    *****

  • Grip of Despair

    When despair wraps its
    Ugly tentacles around my shoulders.
    Squeezes, squeezes, then
    Squeezes some more.      

    Intense pressure weighs upon my heart.
    Impending doom draws nigh.
    Hope dashed—shroud of darkness envelopes.
    Guard my heart. But, how?
    Decisions made—I have no control.

    Acknowledge crushed dreams.
    Reject despair.
    Yet despair returns full force;
    Multiplied with mighty power.
    No resolve in sight.

    Then I hear a faint whisper,
    Tell it to Jesus.
    Tell it to Jesus.
    There’s no other such a friend or brother,
    Tell it to Jesus alone.

    *****

  • Day #301 – Life Aboard a Boat – Part 2

    These skills will prove helpful:

    • Counselor (when the boat hits something in the water and it’s not your fault)
    • Party Planner (for the numerous potlucks, docktails, locktails (gathering together at or near the lock/canal waterways), spontaneous get together which Loopers are well known.)
    • Improvisor with little advance notice
    • Travel Agent (booking the next evening’s destination with a harbor master if you plan to dock at a marina)
    • A praying person (most helpful!) + having a network of praying people supporting you while you are out there.

    If you can handle the above (see Life on a Boat, Part 1), you are definitely in for the thrill of a lifetime. You will encounter many firsts on this trip with brand new sights, sounds, smells and people along the way. Walking through Arlington Cemetery and witnessing the changing of the guards at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Washington DC with the White House, US Capitol building and Library of Congress, Times Square, being on The Today’s Show in downtown New York City … amazing, each one in their own way! What will be your next adventure?

    Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover, Mark Twain.

    xxxxx

     

     

  • Day #300 – Life Aboard a Boat, Part 1

    This is a momentous occasion—300 days on the trail, the waterway trail that is! I find this hard to believe unless I look at my journal or calendar and see verification for myself. 300 days, 4848 miles, 16 states + Canada, and too many waterways to mention. What a whirlwind experience (wild ride) we have had throughout the entire 300 days! Still seems impossible to believe that we are ¾ done with the trip. In some ways, it feels as though we have just begun, and in other ways, it feels like we’ve lived aboard Sanctuary for much longer.        

    I am working on a job description for First Mate. Requirements needed for this position is quite extensive so it may be awhile before the list is complete. Here are a few points to consider:

    • Strong physical endurance most helpful. Ability to withstand sweltering heat and humidity, pelting rain, storms and cool temperatures. May occur within the same day. A strong internal constitution when encounter foreign water and foods. Ability to walk a lot, coordination in riding a bicycle, climbing in and out of a dinghy, and stepping many steps, tying knots, lassoing cleats/posts/rings in anticipation of docking
    • Excellent balance and no fear of the water or motion sickness prone—a definite plus!
    • Ability to tolerate long periods without family or friends you left behind. The flip side: you will meet many wonderful people along the way who share your trip with you off and on during  the 6000+ miles.
    • Days of isolation in tight quarters; other days you’ll be overwhelmed by people everywhere with no where to retreat.
    • Every day is different for approximately the next 365 days. No two days are the same even if you remain in the same anchorage, marina, or mooring ball.

    Let’s pause for a moment.

    • Is God showing you a new door to open in your life today? Maybe an adventure in the making.
    • What do you suppose He is preparing you to encounter or withstand in the near future? Be brave and ask Him.

    In Part 2, we will consider useful skills to carry along for the trip ahead.

    xxxxx

     

  • Turbulent forecast ahead?

    Dark, ominous sky overhead         
    Warns of rain and inclement weather.
    Tempest clouds
    Speak of turbulent forecast.
    Yet, we are docked safe and secure
    Naught to worry or fear.

    Even though outside the
    Weather is frightful, I know
    He has this whole world in His hands.
    Deep within my soul
    I can truly say,
    It is well with my soul.      

     

     

     

     

    The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit, John 3:8.

    *****

     

  • Breathing in His Grace

    Swan Creek anchorage by Rock Hall, Maryland

    All is calm.
    All is still.                                             Fish jump occasionally.
    Blue Heron glides overhead.
    Subtle creek ripples
    Gently past our vessel
    Sanctuary – tucked away snugly
    Within a protected cove.

    Take a few deep breaths
    Breathe in His grace and 
    Breathe out His praise  *
    Breeze cooling as sun sets
    Slowly behind pine tree line.
    Another day draws to a close
    Opportunity to thank the One
    Who made all things possible.

    Picture taken at Swan Creek at anchor, Rock Hall Maryland

    • Matt Redman – Your Grace Finds Me! 

  • Sacrifice for You and for Me

    Thoughts while sitting on the Amphitheater steps of the Unknown Soldier Tomb:

    Oh, the tears, the blood shed
    Represented here in this place.      
    Row after Row after Row
    White tombstones
    Representing sons, fathers, uncles.
    Real live people.
    Real live losses.

    Days gone by.
    Ancestors, family, friends.
    What sacrifices!
    All to secure my freedom and yours.
    Words cannot describe
    The debt we owe
    To the many who’ve gone on before.

    I am humbled, speechless
    Driven to my knees.
    My only response
    Is Thank You.
    And then the tears flow.

  • Come to Me

    Come To Me                     

    Are you weary?
    Burdened beyond words?
    Rest is found in Him.
    In Him alone.
    Freely, generously without question.

    I can learn from Him.
    He is my Teacher; I am the student;
    ever learning,
    ever failing,
    then ever learning some more.

    He is gentle,
    humble in heart.
    Sweet, blessed, essential
    Rest is found in Him.
    He can satisfy my longing soul
    and fill an empty heart.

    thoughts taken from Matthew 11:28-29

    *****

  • There’s No Place Like Home

    There’s No Place Like Home                                                                                                                  

    Spring sprung while we were away.                       Red Dogwood at Home
    Jonquils pop tiny yellow & white heads.
    Trillium burst forth in uniform whites.
    Purplish buds appear from Red Bud tree.
    Pink-red colored Dogwood blossoms
    Surge out alive and well.

    To think I would have missed
    This grand display
    Had I not traveled this way!
    Iris whites shoot forth.
    Leafy rose leaves waking up.
    Assorted green tree buds say hello.
    Grass blades stand tall & proud.

    I’m so thankful for this chance     Trillum at Home
    To re-acquaint myself with
    My blessings I oft
    Forget amidst day-to-day routine.

    All shout Happy Spring
    Glad you are here now!

    Daffodils at Home

    Iris at home

  • Water Therapy

    beach at Wrightsville Beach Atlantic
    Atlantic Ocean – Wrightsville Beach

    Ocean waves thunder & roll
    Crashing unrepentant against the shore
    Greenish-blue water with froth on top
    Wind blasts sand on my skin
    Children chase seagulls
    Birds hover overhead
    Carried along with the breeze
    People play … enjoying life
    Others rest after a hectic week
    Some immersed in their favorite read
    Carefree feeling
    Place to unwind
    Absorb sun’s rays
    To just be!

    I stoop low
    Spying a smooth peculiar shell
    Purple hued edges
    Catch my eye
    I gather grains of polished sand
    As they trickle past my fingertips

    Praying
    May the wind smooth and polish
    My rough and jagged edges
    May I be beautiful and useful
    In Your sight
    For Your glory!