De - stressing as opposed to distressing.

Think about it -

Act on it -

Now -

Live it everyday.

He will be called .....

Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Prince of Peace, Everlasting Father.

His name will be Jesus. 

(and the joke for the weekend - Baby Jesus was a Roman - because little Roman Davis had the part of Jesus for Jones Chapel's choir presentation of the Christmas story this weekend)

He was perfectly suited for the performances too. 

Smiling and reaching for his beautiful mama at seemingly appropriate times. 

Just beautiful.

As we sang to the baby in the Manger, I found myself really seeing the story fresh again.

I'm in a very reflective place today. 

God is moving in ways many of us can see right now. 

Leaving me.......

much as those shepherds in the fields.

completely amazed. 

I've made huge changes in my life this year.

Decisions that have been painful for me. 

Decisions that were painful for some around me.

I've worked diligently to get some major things settled. 

To progress in forward motion to a better place in my life. 

But with each of the decisions, I've found inner confirmation that I am following the path I need to be on. 

One of those decisions was to be a part of this performance. 

I was chosen to share the message of the gospel with the solo part of the song 

Nothing Compares to this. Which at first was exciting, then as the performance 

closed in, caused me so much stress that even today the stress triggered, adrenal fatigue is awful. 

But it was a message I really do believe. And I am thrilled to have been a part of the delivery of that message. 

Nothing compares to that moment of mercy so rich and so real

How could I ask for more?

And with the encouragement of the choir and director, both performances were very filled with glimpses of His glory. 

So Jones Chapel Choir and support crew, I thank you for allowing me to be a part of this message. It was a beautiful experience.

Besides --- look  --- I got to hold Baby Jesus - how cool is that? 

I found a recording of the song on you tube. 

This is not our performance, but it is a beautiful video and the arrangement is identical to the one we used. 

Take the time to really listen to the words

the entire Christ Story in just a few minutes of worship. 

Because really 

Nothing Compares to This.

Merry Christmas my friends. 

My wish for you this season. 

Love - Grace - Peace - Joy

Please take the time to quietly worship and remember. 

Then stand in awe and spread the news.

Christ is come

Come to the manger and see. 

Then come

Come to the cross and be free. 

Overwhelmed

Monday

Desk flowers

after a Sunday that left me overwhelmed with emotions

Piedmont Praise Group led our musical worship Sunday Morning.

Just Beautiful

A lady in our church - dementia has taken parts of her memory and personality

She lives with her daughter

Has very few moments of clarity

But I was witness to one.

As the praise group began a beautiful version of Silent Night

She broke into the song with them. 

The tears that had threatened all morning

Found the break in the dam and spilled. 

Nancy - sitting there by me 

Spilled her tears too. 

A God moment. 

A moment of thanksgiving. 

Praises sing. 

The tears were threatening anyway.

Because of a conversation I had on the way to church. 

I love the way these trees keep their leaves until the spring growth pushes them off.

When the breeze stirs them it sounds like papers rustling and I have often called that sound "paper lace"

I was looking at these all through the undercanopy of the trees and asked if he knew what kind they were.

Beech trees was the answer. 

Then I described my version of the sound. 

Doesn't sound like an emotional discussion at all huh?

Then he said water oaks keep their leaves too. 

And when they fall they make a clicking sound. 

Yes they do. 

I've noticed.

Even in the quiet, the forest has a soundtrack.

And someone else hears that same soundtrack too. 

Think about it.

-the rustle of birds landing on a branch

-the chatter of squirrels running through the trees and leaves.

-the lack of sound of an owl in flight

-a fish jumping with a resounding plop on the water

-the silence of walking out in a snowfall.

I'm in awe of recognizing that God gave us multiple ways to experience His creation.

I'm in awe of discovering that someone else is aware and willing to share their observations with me.

Yes is was a very good morning.