MY SPACE

They say to "let sleeping dogs lie." Well, "we have a problem, Houston." Derby, our
daughter's dog, has a habit of climbing to the top of our Living Room couch and going
to sleep there. While he looks so cute and comfy, he is leaving a lasting impression.
So, we have had to build a barrier to keep him from his perch.
Derby can't comprehend what has happened. His "my space" isn't his place now. So
he is back to his old ways. Derby will lie down at my feet while I work at "my space",
the computer. If he had it his way, he would be at my back on the clean couch. For
now he has to try not to be a problem puppy and be taught new tricks.
He is a lap dog for his Granny. He is a best friend for playing with his Grandaddy. And,
he is a spoiled dog for our daughter. We really don't have a problem, Houston. What we
have is a dog named Derby who is a delight! We're all s0 happy that he has such a space
in our hearts.

GLAD TO GO

I started reading a new book last night. It is entitled, The Shack. After reading only one
chapter I found myself wanting to take my time to read the story it tells. I have already
been blessed by just the introduction and the first chapter.
This morning I served Coummunion at the 8:15 service at church and then served as a
greeter with my wife at the 9:30 service. We left half way through to travel out of town
to a small country church where I preached. I was ready for my afternoon nap as soon
as we arrived home. It was a long one!
In my study of the Scriptures I discovered that the word "bell" is only used twice and
both times are in the Old Testament. My theme was bells being used to call people to
worship. Even if the congregation didn't get much out of the sermon today, I did. Both
times point to the coming of the Messiah, Jesus Christ. Both "bells" focus upon how we
are to approach God with reverance.
This was my 13th time to preach at Sugar Grove over the past four years. Even though
it is a very small church it has been a very big blessing to my wife any myself. It is like
going from over 1200 to 29 in worship on the same Sunday. The great thing is how so
many people are blessed by both churches. Indeed, "I was glad when they said 'let us
go into the house of the Lord.'" I was glad to go to the house of the Lord today.

UPDATE

Last night my wife and I met a couple at Cracker Barrel. While we were there we saw
two other couples whom we know. After we ate, we went to their house to watch a movie.
We never got around to it because the two women got to talking about how to decorate
and Bob and talked about other things. Even though we were tired, it was a wonderful
evening.
I've been busy working with my sermon for the 27th. I've tried a time or two to toss
it and with something else but I feel led to go ahead and preach this new one. While I'm
still searching for illustrations, I find myself seeking just the right things to say. I don't
to just preach and get on my way. I want to show that Jesus is the way.
I will consecrate Communion in the morning at 8:15 as I do each Sunday. This is a time
when I feel I can serve the Lord as I serve the people.I look forward to it even on a very
cold Winter's morning like Sunday will be.
Well, that's an update as to what we've been doing for a few days. I hope you have a
great day.

CHANGE IS IN THE AIR

With all the promises for change by politicians these days, I've found something that's for
sure. I think it would be a great sign above the door into a nursery:

"LISTEN, I WILL TELL YOU A MYSTERY! WE
WILL NOT ALL DIE, BUT WE WILL ALL BE
CHANGED..." I Cor.15:51-52

Yep!, Change is in the air!

PREACHING

I am working with a new sermon for Sugar Grove the 27th of this month. Even though I
have a large file of sermons, I feel led to work with a brand new one for a brand new year.
One of the things I miss the most is not having to work with sermons from Sunday to
Sunday. It kept me on my spiritual tip toes in seeking God's word to proclaim.
I think I will preach a sermon entitled,"For Whom the Bells Tolls." I have two text that
keep speaking to my soul almost on a daily basis. I could preach the Lectionary lession
about Jesus calling the disciples to follow him but I think I'll follow these two text instead.
Since I have to study some Scriptures I better be getting back to work. The last Sunday
will be here before I know it if I'm not careful and I want to be ready.

Going My Way?

I think our daughter's dog, Derby, thinks he is a mountain goat. Whenever I start working at
the computer, Derby does a "no - no" by climbing up on the backrest of our couch. He gets
himself real comfy and takes a nice nap. He has been told not get up there but when he does,
he looks so cute that I hate to have him move. All it takes to get him off his high post is for
me to get up to do something else, somewhere else.
As I write this, Derb is at his high post taking a snooze. I'm about to get up so I'll see what
he does. My money is on him going my way. I will let you know what the little feller does
when I write next time. Here goes...............

The rest of the story:
I was right! He was right behind me as I walked seven steps into the kitchen. Guess where
he is now? Right! Right back upon the couch looking cute. What a life! He has it made in the
shade. Lucky dog!
Come on, Derby.................