The Ring...

Had a dinner date this weekend with Will

Before you get all fired up and order Crane's stationary for me, you should know he is 7 years old and has a mop of hair that would make Tina Turner or even Sandi Taylor jealous.

After robbing his mom blind, he took off to the gum ball machines.

He returned with a surprise....well, many of them, one of which I was the recipient of.

10 precious muddy little fingers handed me this....

He announced the ring was a gift- because I was a very good friend 

(His mom got one too, for being a very good mom, which she is!)

His grin could have reached all the way to Bryan, Texas.

As did mine.

Michelle Shetler and Kelly Wade, you ain't got nuthin' on what he handed over to me.

Someone asked about the ring later- 

(8 carats on my pinky tends to draw attention.)

So, I told her the story, in front of him- as he watched for her reaction.

The lady's reaction was polite- but not nearly big enough for me.

She clearly did not know it's "worth."

Because, what makes it one of my favorite pieces of jewelry now, 

is who gave it to me- and why.

"There's a little boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish... 

But that's a drop in the bucket for a crowd like this." ~John 6:8,9

Made me wonder, about things I'm offering God- things that the world or others deems as minimal. 
My Father does not. 
He is on Heaven's Throne....beaming with pride.

We have a God that does wonders with the little ways we give spontaneously and without strings.

Which should make me look alot more gently at what others are "offering". 
Because, maybe where I am seeing a gum ball machine ring...
God is not.

What am I giving God that He sees as a Emerald Diamond ring?

Cuz, you'll have to pry this one off my pinky...

and I know mine is not ever coming off of his.

"See I have engraved you on The Palms of My Hands" ~Isaiah 49:16

God, Please help me remember that I have a Father in Heaven that is beaming with pride at what he offers 

His Dust,
DCC

Inauguration...

With our President's hand on The Bibles of President Lincoln and MLK. 

I was reminded of Martin Luther King's call, 

"To serve and make the most of the moments God has given us."

I am a sucker for pomp and circumstance.

It doesn't matter the candidate or the occasion--

Once I hear a drum roll and see the uniforms....100% chance...I'm in.

You add a side dish of JT? It's a no brainer for me.

57 Inaugurations the US of A has had....

I have a hard time keeping a tradition alive for a few years-much less 57!

There's something so comforting to me in tradition.

Hopefully, those watching were able to see beyond the politics. 

  That you were able to get past, eye rolls and gum chewing to remember, 

and feel grateful for those who had gone before us.

Those who's lives are remembered at Arlington and other solemn places.

God's Hand is on our country- 

I believe this and therefore shall not fear or waste time in worry.

The peaceful transition of power, sometimes among foes, has seen a new sunrise 57 times. We will surely see a better tomorrow.

"I will not be afraid nor dismayed because of this great multitude, 

for the battle is not mine, but God's"  ~2 Chronicles 20:15

"His Truth is marching on.

Glory, glory, Hallelujah!

As He died to make men holy, let us live to make men free,

He is coming like the glory of the morning on the wave,

He is Wisdom to the mighty, He is Succour to the brave,

So the world shall be His footstool, and the soul of Time His slave,

Our God is marching on."

God, Thank You for new beginnings and the opportunities see things however we choose.

In His Dust,
DCC

Charlie....

Charlie coined himself, the church office curmudgeon. 

Before getting to know him, I might have believed it, 

just by the sign that hangs in between our desks. 

However, I have always been a "Grandfather's Girl."

I've never met a Granddaddy I didn't like. 

So, Charlie posing as a curmudgeon didn't match up. 

No one at the church fell for it either...although we let him think we did...out of respect.

He wasn't His cover was blown every Thursday, 

when he would show up with donuts for us and our kids. 

Our morning conversations went like this-

Me: How do you do today Grandfather?

Charlie: Do what!? (in curmudgeonesque tone)

Me: Anything, everything.

Charlie: I do all of it well. Very well.

This was the truth. Although, the only thing he didn't do well was acting as a curmudgeon.

Anyone that knew Charlie knew he probably had the solution to just about anything. 

He made our office, our church and The Kingdom of God a better place.

We would all be wise to seek out these elders in our lives.

Grandfather, you didn't fool me...I know full well that God has already said many times, 

"Well done good and faithful servant." 

I sure am gonna miss you...and our talks about wine, tennis & doctor's waiting rooms.

God, Thank You for the lives that touch our's.

In His Dust,

DCC

Rest....

I took some time off during Christmas break just to lie low... 

I was looking for some green pastures and still water, so to speak.

Little did I know that God would use bronchitis and an ever lasting migraine 

to make me stop moving.

All of our pastures might look different. 

Mine happened to look like a lot of lazy "biscuit time"...

Late nights and sleeping late.....a lot of Tivo...yes, that is what you just read. 

It also involved a lot of family...good friends....good red wine and pizza...and milk punch.... 

Lots of football and lots of ooooohing and aaaahhing over little boys and their first bucks...

Some long and honest conversations and a lot of laughter in between.

Some tears and reflection at Paesano's and some venting at Teka's.

Sound sacrilegious? Well, it ain't. 

It's honest and that is the way, with reverence, Jesus calls us to be with Him. 

I pray this finds anyone reading it renewed...rested and ready for 2013.

May you protect the time you need to rest, in the way you need it.

Green Pastures, Still waters, whatever you want to call it... May you embrace it.

He wants us rested. 

"He Makes me lie down in green pastures; 

He leads me beside quiet waters." ~Psalm 23:2

Yesterday, as reality began creeping back in...

I walked upon a live Bible verse....

"You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace;

the mountains and hills  will burst into song before you,

and all the trees of the field  will clap their hands." ~Isaiah 55:12

God, Thank You for being my very own Shepherd....I join the trees and clap for You.

In His Dust,
DCC

Dear 2012....

Dear 2012,

I'm torn.

There's a part of me that wants to lean down in your ear- and say,
"let's pretend like this never happened."

However, I kinda want to whisper in your other ear,

"thank you for being the backdrop for some of the greatest blessings I've ever known."

I saw You everywhere-

Fields ~ funerals- births- weddings- friends - lunches- over wine- over prayer- in new homes- in  memories of those who now live with You- in my Mom's eyes- in my Daddy's Hands-in cackling laughter-in little giggles- In shocking situations- in the predictable ones- in changes- in fear- in trust.

You were a fickle one 2012.
Although One Thing remained for me....and for you.

Him.

Like the song says,
His love never failed, it never gave up and it never ran out on us.
Nothing can separate

He is Higher than the mountains that we faced
He is Stronger than the power of the grave
He is Constant through the trial and the change
His Mercies are new everyday.
We never have to be afraid, because He remains.
He Always has.
He Always will.

"We can make our plans, but the LORD determines our steps." ~Proverbs 16:9

So, bye bye 2012.

And as for you 2013? Bring it on....because no matter the wind's strength or the water's depth,
We will not be alone in open seas.

God, Thank You. You wrapped our days and our lives in Your Grace and Mercy. You sustained what You ordained.

In His Dust,

DCC

"The LORD directs our steps, so why try to understand everything along the way?" ~Proverbs 20:24

God Is With Us...

And lo and behold....in the fields....there were....

 overly excited cattle and dancing donkeys....

(alongside one guy refusing to costume up- apparently The Bachelor was at the nativity looking to hand out a rose to a sugared up sheep

They were and are, daily guided by real life shepherds...

that would lay down their lives to protect these kids.

 

Then there was Joseph and Mary.

 

He was clearly not amused and not buying Mary's story of how this happened.

Mary was beaming...She looked like she really was,

 "treasuring up all these things and pondering them in her heart." 

 It's as if she knew full well- she was chosen for something bigger than anyone could fully grasp.

Beaming angels....making sure we were not afraid...
 

and lop earred donkeys possibly, up to no good.....

 

Of course, the lesser known quotes from the stable were also heard

"There's no room in this inn and, you're stepping on my tail!"

The wiseman who yelled "I need to tinkle!"

(After the handing over of Frankenstein)

The confused cow who pondered how "Jesus got born all the way up there at de norf poll"

There were donkeys that were "bored"

and cows that would prefer to snuggle up in a lap rather then stand up and moo for the crowd...

The pews were filled were crying moms and beaming grandmothers...

alongside dad's with a proud giggle and tear.

For a moment the bad news outside didn't exist-

We all followed the star- that lead us to the Manger

In that manger....we found "A Son is given."

God is with us.

Then.

Now.

Tomorrow.

And THAT'S what Christmas is all about Charlie Brown.

God, Thank You for reminding us through these precious funny faces...that You. Are. Here. 

In His Dust,

DCC

Michael's Christmas Letter...

I walked in and found my friend Jane reading "Michael's Christmas letter" this morning.

Michael was and will always be, Jane and Gary's son and Patrick's big brother. 

In light of recent days Jane felt that it was time to share this letter.
We pray that it brings peace to chaos and comfort to those so desperately looking for it.

"He is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

Therefore we will not fear." ~Psalm 46:1,2b

Following the death of our seven year old son in 1992, a “Christmas Letter” came to my husband and me. It was signed “Love, Michael” – the words were actually from the sister of Michael’s Aunt. She is a talented poet, although she will claim she was merely a vessel –
these words were “Divinely Inspired.” We call this “Michael’s Christmas Letter” – and we want to share it hoping it will bring peace, hope and comfort to many who suffer a tragic loss of a child. The words are precious and uplifting to us.

"Dear Mom and Dad,
How are you?
I am very fine! I hope my Christmas Letter gets to you in time.
Guess what!!
Of all the kids in heaven, God Himself chose ME…

To be the one to put the star on heavens’ Christmas tree!

It wasn’t made of tinsel...it came right from the sky!

An angel put it in my hands and lifted me up high.

All us kids sing Christmas carols and always celebrate…

And you oughta see the candles on Jesus’ birthday cake!

We all get to make a wish...that HE will make come true.

I thought of lots of wishes…but I mostly thought of you.

He asked what gift He could give…to me, His special boy.

He asked what was my heart’s desire…what was my favorite toy.

I thought and thought of all the toys I had ever had…

Then I asked if He would send some smiles to mom and dad…

‘cause if He could make you happy like you used to be

That would be the perfect present that He could give to me.

Love,

Michael

God, It feels like we are all missing somebody, especially this time of year. We are hurting for strangers and praying for each other. Thank You for hearing each prayer and wiping each tear.

May we know the True Peace and Comfort Who came to live and walk among us on Christmas Day.

In His Dust,

DCC