Giving Thanks

 I wish I could come up with a clever spin on Thanksgiving, but nothing is coming to me.  Let me just say that I have so many things to be thankful for, and I am quite sure I take most of them for granted most of the time.   Here's what I got:  The opportunity to work at something I love with my son, Michael, and Janet.   Relatively good health.  Close friends to share life with.  My mom and brothers close by.  Kids that are close by and grounded.  Six grandkids that are pure joy (and energy).  My precious wife, Caroline.  A church with people we love and that loves others.  A Savior that died for me.  I hope your list is long, too.  But if it isn't, I pray that 2021 brings you new hope and new life.  Happy Thanksgiving.

Uncommon collaboration

 

For those of you that follow this blog, you know how important music is to me and my family.  I love most styles from symphonic to pop to country.  I wasn't that interested in country music before Carrie Underwood made her debut on American Idol.  I get that most long-time country fans don't consider Carrie "real"  country music, but she is what started it for me.  I think my country horizons have expanded some since then.  Caroline and I are currently watching Ken Burn's documentary on country music which is fascinating.  Many see the Carter family in SW Virginia as being the roots of country music in the United States.  My parents were from this area, and we visited the Carter Family Fold as young adults, way before I was able to appreciate it.  There are two trends in pop music that I have noticed.  The first is the collaborations between different genres.  The second is that artists from all genres are getting more bold singing about their faith.  I don't know what is in these artist's hearts, but I choose to believe they are sharing something that represents truth to them.  I was thrilled to see this collaboration from Carrie and John Legend, who  is also one of my favorites.  Merry pre-Thanksgiving Christmas.

...building up

 I watched our country, my friends and my family struggle with the decision over who to elect as president.  I struggled myself, but not publicly.  I can't imagine the pressure that will be on Joe Biden as he takes office.  The problems are enormously complex, and there won't be any easy solutions.  Complicated solutions will cost a lot of money, and I understand I will be paying my share of that.  I am encouraged that Biden is claiming to depend on his faith and on the Bible.  I hope that is true and becomes more true over time.  He referenced Eclesiastes: 3, 1-3 in one of his speeches. " For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted; a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up."   I am praying hard for that building up part.

Unbridled Love

I was shocked and saddened this week when I learned that the sister of one of my best friends was killed in an automobile accident this week.  My friend was devastated, but I treasure the few minutes we had to speak by phone.  I could think of nothing to say that would help.  His love for her is unbridled, and he misses her deeply already.  I just listened.  In the midst of unspeakable sadness, it is only God that gives us strength because of the promise of being reunited one day.  One of my friend's pastors recorded this message, no doubt with my friend in mind.