They were ordinary walnuts laying on the ground, until my Dad picked them up. He cracked them open, cleaned out the insides {probably enjoying the snack} then glued the two halves back together with a piper cleaner hook- attached to the end. A coat of gold paint later, and he presented them to the family as Christmas Tree ordainments. One of them has hung on my tree for decades and this year I gave my other special "nut" to my son for his tree.
Paul calls Christians, "holy" in this opening of his letter to the Church. Holy means to be chosen or set apart for a special purpose. Just like my Dad's walnuts, we have been picked by God to proclaim his love and glory to the world... even if we still look a little nutty! Can you spot the "nut"? "Grace and Peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ."
To all of you that follow my Roaming Retired Reverend Blog, thank you for participating in my ramblings this past year and a half. You have listened and watched my reflections both in words and in digital pixels, and I thank you!
It is now three days away from Christmas and it is 85 degrees outside my door! Yes I am still adjusting to living in Florida! But the joy of faith, family and ministry fill my heart! May you know that same joy that only Jesus Christ can bring to our souls.
I am taking a break not only from Facebook but also my blog... come January 1st I will be back to daily posts on both. I start with thoughts around the New Testament book of Ephesians. Oh the challenge to find photos that fit with the lofty themes of this glorious Word of God!
Here is the family that gives me so much JOY!
I wonder where these wheels have traveled over the years? ...hitched to a team of horses... carrying people to church, the local store or maybe taking a couple on a date? Where are you headed in the last days of this year?
This Pennsylvania winter scene, reminds me of God's rhythm of life. There are times when life seems cold, discarded, useless... yes dead... But look closer - in the midst of ice and deadness there ARE shoots waiting for just the right time to burst with new life! Patience my dear friends, God is not through with us! He is just beginning ...
Our McCardle and Jaberg family celebrated our annual THANKMAS.... a Thanksgiving and Christmas event! We live in various parts of the world with obligations to loved in-law families... so we come together this one time of the year to be thankful and exchange gifts. Our family's young children selected the following "gifts" for families living in poverty around the world: A family of chickens, two goats and money to assist in purchasing a community water well...all through the Presbyterian Church USA. A fine day... a great family sticking together!
Looking forward to family gathering for Thanksgiving dinner. We will all be together with the exception of one nephew and his family, living in Moscow, Russia. I am ready for a day of photograph! Here is my camera looking forward into the day!
I have discovered that thanks - giving improves the quality of my life. Focusing on what I have and remembering who provides, changes the landscape in profound ways. Practicing thankfulness curbs our greed and desire to always want more.... helps us focus on the positive aspects of our relationships instead of complaining about minor irritations... keeps us humble before Christ and others who care for us... Yes "Rejoice and Give Thanks"!
One of my favorite holiday menu items is jelly cranberry sauce... This is a cranberry bog found in Epcot, Disney World. If it is a bog, is this guy a "Bogger"? :-)
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