Day #1833

January 7, 2019 

Sometimes things just don’t work out. Expectations are high, hopes are built-up, the result would have been an easy answer, but then things change and the end is disappointing. It is in those times that I try to remember that God knows the bigger picture and something even more “right” will come along. It will mean more work, more prayer, more hoping and seeking, but tomorrow is another day and another opportunity. Fingers crossed for the next time! 

Blessings.

Day #1832

January 6, 2019

Instead of a Simon says, today is a Simon does. Yes, he’s learning to play the organ (even if the video doesn’t play, that’s him at the keyboard with little brother watching).

Being a church organist might just be in his future. Who knows!

Blessings.

Day #1831

January 5, 2019

On the twelfth day of Christmas, time spent catching up on twelve days of Daily Intersection reminds me what a joy this Christmas season has been. Worship, laughter, tears, visits, food, hugs, song, prayer, lights, gifts, love…oh, so much to be thankful for! May the gift of this season, the gift of God’s Son, Jesus Christ, and the gift of friends, family and relationship carry us through each and every day of the year(s) ahead. The Lord bless and keep us all! Amen.  

Blessings.

Day #1830

January 4, 2019 

On the eleventh day of Christmas, eleven colleagues gather for dinner and conversation, along with spouses and friends. This is an annual tradition and is always a good way to bring an (almost) end to the Christmas season and begin a new year. I am thankful for these folks (and others since not all were able to attend) who walk with me in this journey of faith, teach me, challenge me, listen, comfort and pray with and for me. You are a gift!

Blessings.

Day #1829

January 3, 2019

On the tenth day of Christmas, ten reasons to give thanks (in random order):

1. Prayer!
2. Visits
3. Conversation with others
4. Time with my hubby
5. Laughter
6. Our dog
7. The faith others have and share
8. Friends
9. Family
10. Learning

Blessings.

Day #1828

January 2, 2019 

On the ninth day of Christmas, following 8 days of vacation, there must be 9 million things to do. Haha! 

Oh, how good it is to be back!!!

Blessings.

Day #1827

January 1, 2019 

On the eighth day of Christmas, and the first of the New Year (Happy New Year, one and all!), eight hopes for 2019: 

1. An increased awareness of the love God has for all of creation
2. New friendships and strengthened “old” friendships
3. Seeing God’s presence more clearly every day
4. Guidance in work and play, office and home
5. Strength of body, mind and spirit
6. Less worry and more trust
7. More willingness to share from the bounty God provides
8. Saying more often: thank you, I’m sorry, I love you, we can do this

Blessings.

Day #1826

December 31, 2018

On the seventh day of Christmas, we are traveling again - this time back home. We certainly wish there had been more time to see everyone in NC we would have liked to, but hopefully next time. 

So on this final Monday, and day, of 2018, a seven-word prayer for the week, 2019 and beyond:

Gracious God, help us share your love. Amen. 

Blessings.

Day #1825

December 30, 2018 

On the sixth day of Christmas, and the last at the coast, something I have always wanted to see - wild horses on one of the coastal islands. Carrot Island is one of the homes to wild horses, and we were fortunate to catch a glimpse of some of them just before checking out of the room. 

Beautiful!

Blessings.

Day #1824

December 29, 2018 

On the fifth day of Christmas, five hours or so of driving allowed us to see more family, share more hugs and love, remember and celebrate the life of a beloved cousin, sister, daughter, wife, and friend, then end the day with more of those favorite foods - 5 delicious oysters (plus a few). 

A beautiful day!

Blessings.

Day #1823

December 28, 2018

On the fourth day of Christmas, a reminder that our relationship began here in NC. These four lilies are like ones used in our wedding flowers, especially my bouquet. 

Rather surprising to see them this time of year. Maybe they were here just for us. :-)

Blessings.

Day #1822

December 27, 2018 

On the third day of Christmas, Krispy Kreme - some of those favorite foods I mentioned, enjoyed where they began!!! 

And spending time with loved ones - priceless!

Blessings.

Day #1821

December 26, 2018 

On the second day of Christmas, two weary travelers. All day travel tends to make one a little goofy, and tired, even in the midst of excitement.

And the family, oh were they surprised!! Hugs and tears of joy abound!

Blessings.

Day #1820

December 25, 2018 

On the first day of Christmas, we began the day early by traveling to North Carolina, looking forward to surprising some family, eating some favorite foods, and finding a little rest and relaxation. 

It was hard to believe the number of folks who were traveling by plane on Christmas Day. With our three different flights, this picture shows the busyness at just one of the airports. 

Today we give thanks for those who work this holiday, the many wishes of Merry Christmas and smiles they gave, and the invention of the type of travel that allows us to see family at this time of year. 

Merry Christmas to all! Blessings.

Day #1819

December 24, 2018 

A prayer on Christmas Eve for the week that includes Christmas Day and the beginning of the season:

Almighty and Loving God, thank you for all the gifts you give to your creation. Water, air, land, creatures, love, relationship, food, shelter, forgiveness…the list goes on and on. But on this eve of the celebration of the birth of Jesus, thank you for the gift of Light. The Light of the World, Jesus the Christ, is the greatest and most mysterious gift of all. Open our eyes and hearts to this amazing gift and what he has to teach us. Amen. 

Blessings.