Christmas eve at the our home and Kristine is demonstrating one of the whacko gifts her brothers got from MeMar D.  As we got sillier as the evening went on, I wonder, why sometimes there is not more to Christmas?  Why do we have Christmas in December?  Do you all know the true meaning of Christmas?  And I don't mean the the Hollywood version!

Candlelight 2011, Robert playing Tenor Sax!

Merry Christmas!

May Joy Reign in you hearts, during this blessed season!

Tyler James
My Grandson!
Performing at 
PreSchool!

Just another picture from the annual Christmas Breakfast.  The speaker was Ruth Martin and she was amazing.  She is a person who has influenced my life deeply in many ways.  Just wondering is there some one in your life that has influenced you?

My Favorite Boys!

Yep you guessed it!

I made them decorate the Christmas Tree!

LOL

The Annual Christmas Breakfast!

We had a blast at the Ladies Christmas Breakfast!  This was my table with my daughter Kristine in the 

center.   Just amazing fun, fellowship and food!

And the best part was the speaker Ruth Martin.  She got me thinking about things I just never 

thought of before!

Thanksgiving Day Football Game

Norwalk High Wins!!!

In all my life I never got to see Norwalk win on Thanksgiving it was a treat.

My son Robert playing at the Thanksgiving Day Game!r

One of the fun things about November is Corey's Orchestra Concert.  This is his first one of the season.
I love watching my children perform.  It is enjoying.  I love the seriousness of him playing.

Having fun Yet!

Micah, Corey and Isaiah!

At a band competition!

How precious!

Opening Day at the 911

Christian Center!

Today my family and I spent the day in New York with a purpose!  We went to the opening of the 911 Christian Prayer Center in NYC at ground zero.   It was an interesting day of twists and turns.  I learned so much today about people, places and things.

In the picture above is a friend of ours Dan Gallo.  He is opening up the event in prayer.  As we sat there a man named Tim Keller came in and preached a sermon.  There were some people in the room that were not to happy that this prayer center was going to open.  They began to shout out things and heckle the speaker but he continued to speak with no pause because of the distractions.  I can't help wonder what really did they accomplish that day.  Not sure!  But God's message prevailed.

After it was over Bill and I and Robert and Corey grabbed a bite to eat at a local Deli and tried to debrief from the craziness of that morning.  And we decided that that is not the way we like to worship.  I couldn't help think that maybe this was a poor way to spend our Sunday morning.

So after we had a bite to eat we went to our next destination the Museum of Natural History.  (our favorite museum is the Metropolitan)  The Museum of Natural History was really disappointing.  And really we thought it was poorly laid out.  Also some of the exhibits were not really based on fact.  We were bored within an hour and a half.

Barring everything else that happened that day, our family always manages to have some fun.  We did tons of walking and construction in the Subway terminal caused minor setbacks as we headed back to Grand Central.  I always love arriving back at Grand Central at the end of a day because I know Im on the final leg of the trip and soon I will be home.

So I end this rambling just to say, even though things didn't happen the way I thought they would and it wasn't an amazing day, it still was a time worthwhile because I was with my Family.

I Can Help Just One!

Today I want to share a parable of the Starfish that has had a

profound affect on my life.  I read a version of this in the book "The Hole in  the Gospel"  I hope it inspires you as it did me!

One morning an elderly man was walking on a nearly deserted beach. He came upon a boy surrounded by thousands and thousands of starfish. As eagerly as he could, the youngster was picking them up and throwing them back into the ocean.

Puzzled, the older man looked at the young boy and asked, "Little boy, what are you doing?"

The youth responded without looking up, "I'm trying to save these starfish, sir."

The old man chuckled aloud, and queried, "Son, there are thousands of starfish and only one of you. What difference can you make?"

Holding a starfish in his hand, the boy turned to the man and, gently tossing the starfish into the water, said, "It will make a difference to that one!"

(source unknown)

This my friends has inspired me to help just one person who might need it.   I hope it does the same for you.  I want to make a difference  in lives of people one by one.  I want to help.

BLESSINGS!

These are a few of my favorite things!

"When the dog bites
When the bee stings
When I'm feeling sad
I simply remember my favorite things
And then I don't feel so bad." (Sound of Music)

Maria's favorite things were raindrops on roses, whiskers on kittens

bright colored copper, apple stroudel

Cream colored ponies and much more.  I won't name them all

cause there not my favorite things.

The Zebra is one of my favorite things, his stripes are so cool. He seems so 

intelligent.  He is just so beautiful.  I can stare at him for hours and wonder what happened to 

Zebra.  Wouldn't it been cool if we could have Zebra races.  My favorite thing!

My favorite thing.

In that song sung by Maria, there is a line that is so true in my life.

 "When I'm feeling sad, I simply remember my favorite

things.  And then I don't feel so bad"

So here goes my list of favorite things.  Not necessary in order or all inclusive.

My Family

Zebra's

Lion's

Tigers

Cooper my dog

Dunkin Donuts Hazelnut Coffee with skim milk and one splenda

my Apple Laptop computer

my Ipod

Music

Jazz

Classical

Guitars

Saxaphones

Cellos 

Drums

Baseball

Apple pie

luxury cars

Football

Nikon cameras & lenses

Peach Tea

Roses

Daisies 

Carnations

Nutella

Chocolate

Sorrento

Florence

Assisi

Rome

Belize

Valley of Peace

St. Croix

Sunsets

great conversation

Old and long friendships

Hanging out at church

Snow days when you go outside and it's quiet

Darkness

The Sun on the water

Weddings

Baby showers

Old Movies

And my final thing, even though some of these

are not things.  

My Faith in God!!!!!!!!

"These my friends are are a few of my favorite things!

Sunsets Always!

Okay, I confess, I'm very proud of this picture.  The colors are so vivid.  I feel like this sometimes.  I feel like this picture sometimes.  It's kind of the story of my life.  You see I have seen many sunsets!  But not a lot of sunrises.  The reason for this is because truthfully, Im usually not up for sunrises.   The truth is why would anybody want to be up that early.   Oh Maybe someday!  
Morning time is not my favorite time of the day anyway, but I sometimes wonder what I'm missing.  And I guess this is my point.  The story of my life is that I don't want to miss anything.  So I Journal, I read, I travel, I make many friendships.  I've sung and done music.  I've sang and played at weddings and funerals. I've done many sports and there is so many more to do.  So what am I missing, I'm missing plenty of sunrises, more walks in the park, traveling more in Europe.  A trip to the Greek Isles, maybe a cruise there.  Who knows what I will do next.  
Oh Maybe someday those sunrises that are eluding me will appear and I will sigh, my someday is here!  IT'S HERE

Signs That Make Me Look Twice!

Every once in awhile as I am driving I glance at signs on the road.  Sometimes I have to stop and take a second look.   One particular night I took a picture of this sign because I could not get it out of my head.  Am I attractive because of the way I look or because I am kind?  Am I attractive because of my outward beauty or my inner beauty?  

I can only answer that on who I like to hang out with.  And I can honestly say outward appearance of another human beings life plays a non important Role.  But the in-depth, inner beauty makes all the difference. 

So I just want to make a few comments.  A kind person is attractive.  When someone does something for you that is so nice, for some reason a bond forms.  But what is really cool something changes in you.  The edge is removed.  You lighten up and your not so focused on yourself.

A couple a weeks ago I was asked by a couple of friends from church if I would go with them to a park in Bridgeport and contribute to lunch and play frisbee with some Women who have had a hard life.  And I said yes to both.  That afternoon I ate lunch and played frisbee with ladies from this program.  It was an afternoon of not focusing on me.  And I was blessed with a good time and getting to hear some hilarious stories.  

I know I will be having more opportunities to do things like this, my prayer is that I won't miss it when it smacks me right in the face!  

Yes, I say Yes to KINDNESS being attractive!

Amazing Book for Me!

No words can express all the thoughts, tears and just great honest writing that Amy did in this book!
I am most thankful that a friend picked up this book and read and said that it was for me!

So this book gave me a view of her life with touching stories.  She weaves in some of her poetry and songs.  Some how I understand her now better.  And how really all my life she has been an inspiration and she still is.

When I became a Christian she was one of the first Christian Artists that I listened to.  She was amazing her voice was amazing.  Fathers Eyes was one of my favorite songs.  But what is really cool is that now all those lyrics that I used to sing now have a special meaning because somehow I understand.

Although I don't know her personally the stories in this book helped me connect to her and inspired
me.  If you have a chance read this book.  It's a light read and the short stories are great.

Memorial Day Parade


Many, many, many have lost there lives
for our country.  For that I am grateful!

Every year I go to the parade in our city.
It is so much fun.  But this years parade
was awesome because it moved and there
was not huge space in between the different
groups of marchers.

I actually had so much fun.  But the best
of my day was to see my 15 year old
son march with his High School Band.
I am so proud of him that he was a part of
this remembrance of our fallen hero!

Kudos My Dearest Son!

To all that has been, THANKS!

To all that will be, YES!

Women's Ministry

To all that has been, THANKS!

Well, where do I begin.  Somewhere in this month I wanted to address the fact that I have with much trepidation and prayer felt that God has been moving me out of Women's Ministry.  So on May 10th at the Hope Business meeting I gave my last report and introduced the new Women's Ministry Director.  The last five years I have ate, slept and lived Women's Ministry.  I am so passionate about the need for Women's ministry but for me it was an end of a season in my life.  God has led me through a wonderful season in my life.  And I am most thankful and grateful for this season.

So for the last few weeks now, cards have been trickling in from different women that I have shared my life and passion for God with.  And the words that I keep hearing over and over again, "Many, many women have been touched by you."  These words have been the most encouraging because I really never knew the effects of my ministry while doing it.  I just kept on leaning on the Lord to help me with a ministry that was so hard, painful sometimes and I was so clueless sometimes.  But He in unfailing love continued to grow me to really feeling like this ministry was so me.  I SAY THANKS!

Mostly I have to admit.  That being a part of Gods ministry and investing time in many many women has changed me more.  I see the big picture now and how the Lord wants me to continue the many things I was doing but just not in the context of being the Women's Ministry Director.  The lessons I learned along the way were life changing.  I SAY THANKS!

To All that will be, I SAY YES!

Right now I'm saying yes to rest and focusing more on HIM and my family.  I'm saying no to things now that I usually don't.  These things that I am saying no to are all good things but maybe not the thing He wants for me.  I am seeking Him for the things that will be next in my life!  I want His total leading in the things that will be.   I'm headed for surgery in a couple of weeks,  I don't know what the results will bring but I do know one thing, it will be more rest and a time for me to do a lot of reading in which I love to do.  Also it will be a time of journaling, blogging and fun stuff.  

To This I say Yes!

And again To all that will be, I SAY YES!

I'm in this leadership group at my church and this was required reading.  I kind of rebel sometimes against required reading, but I obeyed.   We actually had 2 times where we openly discussed this book.  This is a book that talked about the spiritual disciplines and that we should discover them in our lives or maybe continue to practice them in our lives.  John Ortberg did it in a unique way.  One quote that stuck out for me was, "Now, with God's help, I shall become myself. "~ Soren Kierkgaard  As I pondered this quote I realized that I need more than God's help, I need his daily presence.  I don't want to be doing anything with out Gods guidance, without His Spirits promptings.  I am amazed at how anybody could live without his help.  I know I don't want to.  


Another quote was a paraphrase of what Jesus said.  "Love God, Love People."  Thats what we should be doing.   I want this to be a part of my life, so much so that when people talk about me long after I'm dead they will say I loved God and I loved people.  That is a challenge everyday because I act like I don't love God at times because I'm so selfish.  And loving people is hard, especially the people who are hard to love or a pain in the neck, or just plain unlovely.   Yet God commands us to to do just that.  You know in my 47 years of life I have met so many Christians who make themselves to be so spiritually superior to others that they forget to humble themselves like Jesus did.  Including myself on this one.  I struggle sometimes to put others needs before my own.  Wow what would my life truly look like if I loved God and loved others everyday.  


I could ramble on about this book and it had so many good points in it.  But the goal is to live a transformed life by abiding in Him.  And if we try to do it in our own strength we blow it.  In fact we blow it every time.


So let me leave you with this thought and this is not from the book but maybe a concept I deducted from the book.  The spiritual disciplines come in many forms.  We can pray and read His word, we can journal, we can even stand on our heads, but if we are doing it out of duty rather than love WE BLOW IT!  You see I love God and I want to spend time with Him.  I want the HS that lives inside of me to change me the way that He wants me to change.  And when Jesus was here on earth, He loved the Father and He loved people.  So much that He gave up being in the constant presence of the Lord in the heavens.  So much that he took on a human form and became a man.  So how much does it take for us to die to ourselves to become closer to Him.  All I know is I want to pursue that.  I want to love Him with all my heart, mind and soul.  But ME, MYSELF and I get in the way of that!!!!!

A Fond Memory

As the Hope Team just got back from spending a week in New Orleans serving in the City where Hurricane Katrina wreaked her havoc.  I can't help but think of the week that I had spent there a year ago.  I have so many memories.  One thing for sure is that when I was there I realized for the first time how small and helpless we really are and how small and helpless I really am.  

It didn't take long to realize the devastation that the Hurricane did.  There were traces everywhere.

When I was there it was like I lived in two worlds.  The place where we slept across the causeway and then where we worked in New Orleans, on a street called South Derbingy.   All that week I had the privilege of bringing hungry teenagers to eat.  All around us were houses boarded up or people homeless.  It was hard to take in.

One day coming back from lunch I got lost and ended up on another South Derbingy.  But I guess for the kids that traveled with me all week I guess I was constantly saying "Where am I".  So they were used to it.  So they didn't know that I was really lost this time.  But it was a very scary moment for me and my GPS that kept on bringing me to the same spot.  

So that day as I said "Where am I".  I realized that I can't be in the USA, could I be.  A country that helps in so many other disasters.  Surely can't we help are own countrymen.  Or when I said "Where am I",  I realized that this was where I was supposed to be at this moment in time.  

On the last day at the airport going home once again I got lost in the airport cause I couldn't find the rental place.  And again I said "Where am I".  Well, I guess it has been tradition for team Hope in prior years to give plate awards and guess what award I got?  Yep You guessed it I got the "Where Am I" award.  Till this day sometimes I really don't know where I am.  But I guess thats a good thing!  At any rate whenever I say the words "Where Am I" it brings me back to that moment of time when I was the most uncomfortable and the most vulnerable and very humbled.

Living Beyond the Irreducible Minimum

My Dog Cooper is a yellow Lab. He's about 3 years old now, coming into his own. Still learning and very playful but also has a lazy streak in him.   Not what I expect.  My family is a very active,hyper family.  So I was expecting a very active, hyper dog to fit in.  So when looking into this breed.  Here is what I wanted.

Labrador Retrievers, originally from Newfoundland, were initially used in work alongside fisherman, helping to pull in nets and catch fish that escaped from fishing lines. After being crossed with Setters, Spaniels and other Retrievers, the Labrador Retriever honed its skills as a true retriever. From this point in the breed’s history, "Labs," as they are affectionately called, were bred primarily to perform as an efficient retriever of game, with a stable temperament suitable for a variety of activities beyond hunting.

 An ideal sporting and family dog, the Labrador Retriever thrives as part of an active family or as a trusted hunting companion. A double-coated breed which sheds seasonally, regular grooming keeps his coat at its water-resistant best. Because of his even temperament and trainability millions of Americans own a Labrador Retriever as a pet.

With this being said I love my dog but he is not your typical definition of a Yellow Lab.  And the picture above is an example of that.  We went to the doggie park to run!!!!  Did you hear me to RUN!  And after running a bit.  He lays down in the middle of the field.  Like he wants to take a nap.  I am just not feeling this at all.  So I throw the ball and he just stares.

So Lori, what is your point.  He (my dog) has accepted the Irreducible Minimum.  The bare minimum, he ran briefly, he fetched the ball twice and he was done.  He was not concerned about being the best dog in doggieville.  He was just okay with being below average.  Not being exceptional, just existing.  And for us we sometimes do life this way.  Accepting the bare minimum.  As CS Lewis puts it "we are far to easily pleased".   You see, Cooper was easily pleased, according to his minute doggie brain he measured up, and now it was time to take a nap.  Blahh Blahh Blahh.

Well I want more, in life, more from life, more from my dog, more from everything I do.  I want to be exceptional.  I want to make a difference, not settle for second best, Especially not in doggieville. So it's to the park everyday until he gets it right.  And as you see below, I think he's got it!

Boy of Destiny

     It has once been said that "A person often meets his destiny on the road he took to avoid it" 

       My son Corey always refers himself has the "Boy of Destiny".  And all of us adult like people get a big kick out of this statement.  He especially says this after he has a lesson with his cello teacher.  He is like on fire to play.  And tells me about his dreams.  I love it!  

On another note Corey loves to draw too and is an excellent artist for his age.  He has mountains of mountains of sketchbooks full of masterpieces.  

    So as I ponder his gifts and talents.  He is a gifted musician he can play cello and percussion instruments.  He is also a gifted artist.  So I wander what will he be a "Boy of Destiny" in.

I came across the quote above in a book that quoted that quote and I wonder will it be ART or Music?  If I take the quote literally since Corey always takes the road to avoid practicing Cello, will it be that?  And all of us really do know how much we really love  to practice our instruments at times.  Or will he be the aspiring artist studying abroad and eventually becoming a part of the avant garde of Artists?  Who knows but I have found destiny in all the unlikely roads that I have traveled on.  

One Question???????

Hi, you know I'm stretching it and totally having writers block with this blog post.  But I had to do it.  I just want to know one thing.  Where have all the socks gone?

Now here is the thing, I know I am not the only person with this problem.  But I am coming forward and finally admitting it.  This is a picture of all my entire families unmatched socks.  This is disturbing!  Is there a support group for this?  Do I need PROZAC?  Am I just plain old nuts.  WHERE DID THEY GO?   Inquiring minds such as I would like to know????  

Okay, so you say Lori, unmatched socks are a part of life.  Who would even write about it?  I say tell me why?   Why is it when I put matching socks in the washer and then to the dryer I sometimes end up with one?  Why is it that when I go into the rooms to search high and low for the unmatched socks they are no where to be found?  

Some more thoughts and other people suggestions.  One, some people believe that the washer or dryer has ate them.  MYTH!

Some people believe that they are still somewhere in the house hiding.  MYTH!  Others like myself, believe there is a sock conspiracy going on.  What do you believe?  

Do you remember the song by the Kingston Trio in the sixties, called where have all the Flowers gone?

Well here is my version of Where have all the Socks Gone!  Yes I know I am mad crazy!

Where have all the socks gone?
Long time passing
Where have all socks gone?
Long time ago
Where have all the socks gone?
Not Covered with flowers Im sure!
When will we ever learn?
When will we ever learn?

Not sure if we will every learn 

where they have gone,

but I do know one thing, they are not 

covered with 

flowers somewhere!  And they are 

gone for sure!

Our church is now planning it's New Orleans Trip.

New Orleans is on my mind a lot now.  I'm sad that 

I will not be able to go this year.  But the doors are closed.  

Amazingly this is one of the houses in New Orleans.  

As I look at the graffiti, I am wondering if Love is a constant abiding characteristic in my Life?

More importantly is it ruling in my life because of Jesus Christ?

This will be my reflection of the day. 

May it be yours as well!!!!!

Sunday Concert, February 7th, 2010

Corey performing with Norwalk Youth Symphony Prelude.

It was a lovely Sunday afternoon. Corey

did awesome

This is the whole prelude performing. How professional!

Perfect fingering and look at that concentration.

There are people in life that are like Humpty Dumpty. He was sitting on the wall and he had a fall.

In life we all fall hoping that some how we can pick up the pieces and put us back together again.

I get those phone calls daily, I got one today. Hello Lori, I was on the wall Im falling, I fell, Im broken, Im shattered. My life is a mess, Splat, Splat, Splat.

And you see all the kings horses and all the kings men could not put Humpty together again. Either can I .

Rain, Rain, Go Away

Come again some other day!

STRANGE ENCOUNTER MAYBE!

Okay, I woke up today and I really was excited because it was dark and bleak outside. So I did all the work in the morning and decided before I went to pick up Corey from school I would mail a letter at the post office. So as I headed out, I realized my earpiece wasn't working so I'm on a phone at a light. It's pouring rain and real windy and all of sudden this old lady came knocking at my car window. And I ignored her and the light turned green and I went forward. And then 5 seconds later I ended my call. And I felt this prompting from the Holy Spirit that I needed to give her a ride. So I made a u-turn and went back to pick her up.

Now I know this is a dangerous thing but I did it anyway. Sized her up if I could take her out of commission if I had to. I do know some karate and self defense moves. And then I deemed it was meant to be.

So stopped the car and called to her do you need a ride. And she smiled and said, "Oh, Yes Please". I asked her where to and she said to the Post office. And I laughed inside myself cause that is exactly where I was going. I told her to get in and she proceeded to tell me that the bus took off and her umbrella blew away. She was soaked and I was very happy that I decided to help her.

After I dropped her off and mailed my letters, I went to get a hazelnut coffee and I was very proud of myself that I helped someone who needed it. I was convicted by the times that I didn't stop to pick someone up. That I didn't turn around. The bottom line is that I can no longer ignore those promptings.

I feel I listened to the calling and practiced a scripture that I read and heard a week ago. In Matthew 25:45, Jesus says, 'I tell you the truth, when you refused to help the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were refusing to help me.'

"...Sing and make music in your heart

to the Lord, always giving thanks to God

the Father for everything in the name of

our Lord, Jesus Christ."

Ephesians 5:19-20

Some thoughts and ramblings, I don’t know when it happened. Perhaps I think it all began when I was an 8 grader singing folk songs during a Roman Catholic Mass. Perhaps it was when I was doing Choir under Steven or Leon, (prior worship leaders at HOPE) But I really can’t pinpoint when it all began but I do know that something began to change under the leadership, direction of the director now. The challenges that I faced and how my life has been transformed by worship. Essentially this is what I learned about worship from behind the Mic in our church and it has changed my life.

I am serious about my walk with the Lord and I feel that I am the most serious person behind the mic sometimes and have been known at times to cry during songs. The Holy Spirit really convicts me of so much during practices and on Sunday. Most of my life I have been a word person. So for me it is the words and the musical arrangements that do it for me. I totally get lost in the words and music that I often ask myself. Do I believe what I’m singing? Have I lived that out today? Is it really all about you Lord!

The most important thing I have learned about worship from behind the mic is…It’s not about me. Worship is about the Lord of all creation. It’s not about me or trying to draw attention to myself or how loud I can sing or how soft or if I smile enough or raise my hands enough, but how I can give more, how I can become less, and how I can let God become more. When I allow the Spirit to work through me, I use the gift He has given me to bring Him Glory. I can therefore take no credit for what He does through me. I become an instrument of His will. Paul did that and talked about it in Romans. He said he was a bondservant or slave of God. The servant, slave thing I just realized this past week. He gave everything to Jesus, even his will. Wow

This mind set and some of these thoughts have changed how I worship. I now want and seek a deeper more meaningful worship experience but mostly because I want an even deeper, intimate relationship with God. It starts by not so much seeking to be filled, but seeking His presence. One thing I try to do when I come to practice is leave any wants or worries, the stressful events of life at the door. And believe me I have had some trials and tests and disappointments over the years. Especially in 2007, and worship team and brotherhood and sisterhood of our team members got me through it. The fellowship was so deep and the support was so great. I made a conscience effort to walk into church with the single focused desire to please God with my Worship. I focus my thoughts on loving the Lord, singing or praising Him, to give God my full and undivided attention. I want to love Him more seek Him more, desire Him more. 2007 some verses that were so prevalent to me was Habakkuk 3:16-20ish. I am so blessed by this.

Other times, there are times when I worship and I don’t “feel” it. But this feeling thing sometimes I struggle with because I’m expecting something all the time. I don’t want to expect I just want to praise Him and have no expectations. I am so overwhelmed on How “Great is Lord” during our time of worship. When I go in with no expectations it seems like I experience God BETTER.

There is so much else I could say but I know for myself that when I turn my attention to Him and seek His face, and worship and love him, my experience with God is much deeper. I believe that I should look to my relationship with God to fill me, not just in church outside of the church with regards to worship experience. When I rely on the worship team to fill me, or the message to move me, or singing a song or whatever, I can pretty much guess that eventually disappointments will come. How about this, maybe too many of these echoes in our lives as worship team members. . I just know when focus on seeking God’s face, his presence only, there is no expectation.

One other thought is that my experience at church with my fellow believers in Worship team with your encouragement has allowed me to take my Christianity further in my life. Everything I do becomes worship, how I work, how I walk, how I breathe….if I am focused on pleasing God, it all becomes worship. Still working on that though, I get easily distracted…but again, God’s not through with me yet.

So recently, this summer I have fond memories of my contemplating the whole issue of church and worship and I why I go to church and why I worship God. And I discovered that my True worship is not confined to singing in church or open praise (although these things are both good and we are told to do them in the Bible), but it is the heartfelt acknowledgment of God and all His power and glory in everything I do. To truly worship God, we must know Him and not be ignorant of His good and glorious nature (Acts 17:23). In a nutshell, I have discovered that worship is to glorify and exalt God; to show our loyalty and admiration to our Heavenly Father! And Loyalty and admiration to God is really what it’s all about. This week I discovered also the more I anticipate Him that God anticipates me anticipating Him. More than anything we can ever imagine. He is so faithful and active in my life. I once had the opportunity of teaching a Womens Sunday School Class at Hope and one time I did a study with the women on Worship. And I used a book by Dr. David Jeremiah. And he defined worship of giving Worth back to God. In my worship I want to give Him worth back to God.

I’m not sure why I am rambling on about all this but I am sure about one thing, I am very passionate and sincere about worshiping God.

I wanted to start 2010 off with this Blessing for year for both my readers and myself. This is not my creative Idea, 3 of my friends over the past years have posted this in their blogs. May you be blessed by these words.


A Four-Fold Franciscan Blessing

May God bless you with a restless discomfort about easy answers, half-truths and superficial relationships, so that you may seek truth boldly and love deep within your heart.

May God bless you with holy anger at injustice, oppression, and exploitation of people, so that you may tirelessly work for justice, freedom, and peace among all people.

May God bless you with the gift of tears to shed with those who suffer from pain, rejection, starvation, or the loss of all that they cherish, so that you may reach out your hand to comfort them and transform their pain into joy.

May God bless you with enough foolishness to believe that you really CAN make a difference in this world, so that you are able, with God’s grace, to do what others claim cannot be done.

And the blessing of God, the Supreme Majesty and our Creator, Jesus Christ the Incarnate Word who is our brother and Savior, and the Holy Spirit, our Advocate and Guide, be with you and remain with you, this day and forevermore.