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