Living without regrets...

While preparing for a new message series to start this Sunday, I came across the following sage words from Ecclesiastes 5: 18-20...

"Even so, I have noticed one thing, at least, that is good. It is good for people to eat well, drink a good glass of wine, and enjoy their work - whatever they do under the sun - for however long God lets them live. And it is a good thing to receive wealth from God and the good health to enjoy it. To enjoy your work and accept your lot in life - that is indeed a gift from God. People who do this rarely look with sorrow on the past, for God has given them reasons for joy."

It's a funny thing, this life...sometimes it's a joy, sometimes it's a challenge. I'll say that I want my life to be lived simply and for that which matters: walking with God, loving my wife and girls, serving people. In this, though filled with some sorrow, I'm finding there really are no regrets and much reason for joy. Isn't this God's pathway to living without regrets?

Lookin' Up, Pastarod

My church is so cool...

We had our Easter service today, just as most churches. We organized it around a creative theme from Job: When you die, Will you live? I know this isn't the normal theme for an Easter Sunday, but it was one of those things the Lord laid on my heart and it was really cool to watch the many creative people pull together an outstanding worship gathering. Many came, and we were able to creatively present Christ to them.

One of the things I think is so cool is when people, gripped in devotion to Jesus Christ, give themselves to God in any way required. When people give their talents to the Lord for his use, God does so many cool things!

I'm thankful to be a part of such a great church. Thanks, Garland, for being the gracious, loving, and talented people that you are. Keep giving yourself to God's greater glory and He will continue to accomplish great things through us!

Lookin' Up, Pastarod

Bluebirds, Goldfinches, Nuthatches & Crossbills...

I'm staying at home for work today...too many interruptions at the office make it hard to get things done sometimes and it's a particularly busy week with Easter coming.

Plus, the Bluebirds are sitting on their nestbox in the back field, right out the bedroom window where I set up my home study.
This is certainly one of the things I like best about spring - when the Western Bluebirds come back. And I'm one of the fortunate ones who is able to have these bright bursts of azure living on our property.

But that's not all! Out the back window I see not only the usual Starlings, House Finches and Robins, but also American Goldfinches at the upside-down feeder, Juncos picking at what's been dropped, a Pygmy Nuthatch at one of the other nestboxes and one of my other favorites, the Red Crossbill. I haven't seen a Crossbill all winter.

The great things about birds is they are there just for the looking...all one needs to do is open their eyes!

Thank you, Lord, for these gifts of song and color!

Lookin' Up, Pastarod