A Great Moment

I just returned from visiting a gentleman who is in the nursing home. What a delight! He was sitting by the nurses desk with a group of residents. It was one of those moments you wish you could do over and over again. Like a chain reaction everyone entered into the conversation. They were laughing and enjoying the talk from this outsider. I prayed and one of them said, "Amen" with me. Then like after a Sunday Service I ended up shaking everyone's hand. Some who cannot talk put out their hand to me. I left feeling wonderful! Being a pastor is like nothing else on earth!

Groovin' On A Sunday Afternoon

Yesterday Tristan and I were in the backyard and there it was- another sign spring is coming... it is a ground perenial which puts out the most beautiful bright yellow blooms at the first sign of warm weather. They came via Bob Pawson via Flushing. They had buds.

For those of you who live in the northeast, take heart, if you don't like winter. A week from Tuesday is Groundhog's Day! For those who like winter relax, it ain't over. Cold weather is coming on the end of the storm system we'll be visted by tomorrow.

Now that the weather is out of the way... right now I am enjoying the afternoon. I'm making some of my homemade Macaroni and Cheese, makinga cup of hot chocolate too. I'm going to enjoy the Jets Game at 3. The activities of the evening will be here shortly after that. For right now I am "Groovin on Sunday afternoon." That is what we said back in the 60's for chillin.

The Days Are Getting Longer

I happen to love winter. My oldest granddaughter asked me why the other day. It was a good question. Living where we do, the beach is not something we enjoy in the winter, nor for the matter is the name of this blog, at least not like we enjoy it in the spring and summer.

I explained one facet of my love for the colder weather. After I run it feels so much better in the cool weather than in the heat of summer. I like the brisk air, the clothing of winter and the lack of bugs. I enjoy the clear nights and the low humidity.

But alas this will all pass... and sooner than you think. Today a friend reported a daffodil breaking through the soil in the next county. I saw something very green out the bedroom window early this morning. On close inspection it turned out to be a clump of those Grape Hyacinths that my daughters ordered from Post Cereal over 20 years ago. They are breaking through in this the coldest month of the year! Soon the crocuses will be up. With the warmer temperatures the pond fish are moving around. I even talked to Joe Peckl about when he begins his tomatoes the other day.

The sun is hitting spots in the late afternoon in the kitchen as well. I can see it moving higher in the southern sky. For those of us who like winter we can wait but time is moving on and spring is on the horizon. Get ready Ground Hogs Day is in 2 weeks!

God Answers Prayer

God answers prayer. I was taught that since I was a child. Over my 53 years on the earth on my journey to heaven I have learned He has a variety of answers.

Sometimes He answers immediately and definitely. I love these answers. They are easy to take and always make me feel good. I have prayed in His will and He has come through!

But you don't have to be on the journey too long to find out that is not always the case.

Sometimes He says "Wait". I have never met anyone who enjoys waiting in line at a store. I have met some people who hate it. Most people tolerate it. While in the Post Office (and running a little late) the other day I called Lucy. She asked where I was. I told her, "I am patiently waiting in line at the Post Office." Some people smiled. Waiting is difficult, particularly if there is little to do while you wait.

Sometimes God says, "No." Why He answers this way is not always clear at the moment and some of these answers we will never understand. We didn't when our parents told us. We didn't like to hear that answer and truth be told we still don't. While the immediate answers fire my faith, the answers of "wait" and "no" test my faith. Sometimes the delayed answer is more wonderful than we can imagine when it comes. The "no" answer we have to live with and embrace if we are to grow and become strong in our faith and love for the LORD.

This evening I am giving thanks for answers of "yes" that came in the past 24 hours, while still praying over some as I wait for the LORD. I am in awe and wonder of the times God has said, "No," usually by me not getting what I asked for. I trust Him fully. He knows everything.

This New Year Post Is For The Birds

We have been watching some incredible sights at our many bird feeders the past few days. The birds eat more as the tempertures drop. The varieties increase. One bird that has found its way to the backyard is the Red Bellied Woodpecker.

He is a simpy wonderful bird.

If we had not put out the suet cakes he would have never come into our yard and we would not have known he even existed. I love the cause and effect in bird feeding but I also love it in all of life. So much takes place from a sowing and reaping principal. Plant good seeds and these things will come back. Put a bird feeder up and have the right food and you will soon see beauty you never saw before. Plant good seeds!