Ode To The KettleBell

For over a decade you’ve been a constant companion
A gift of motivation from a friend and my bride
Always there, dormant until swung skyward

For seasons neglected, yet up for the task at a moments notice
Exposing flaws is your super power
Once leading to bilateral hernia repair, after a year of being a doorstop

You play nice with children, while men real in pain

Savannah’s First Workout

When the world shrinks into quarantine, you are there

Late nights & early mornings are your playground
Turkish getups, 80s level rivalry of Russian vs. American Swings
You are a forever friend and a lifetime enemy

75 swings a day is said to keep the Dr. away
I just want a wider grip for man sized hands to fit

The Gift of Wit

In the midst of preaching, I ”sometimes” say silly things. 

As we wrapped up our year long study through the book of Revelation, I discussed the amazing imagery of the river of life running through the new Jerusalem. Along this river are fruit trees that produce ripe, nutritious fruit each month. 

Here is were it got silly. There is often coffee talk discussions about what we will eat in the new Earth. Will we even need to eat? Will we be vegetarians since we run with the animals? 

I posited that God loves me enough to make at least one tree grow fruit that would taste like elk:). Just a non theological throw away comment from the twisted humor that flows from my mind. 

The next Sunday, I received this as a gift. 

A meat apple of epic proportions, from a terrifically witty young man, who is also a White House recognized young chef. It is a great joy to have the dumb stuff I say, turned to humor and laughter. 

I'm convinced more and more each day that God has an amazing sense of humor and as his image bearers, we get the benefits of that creative love of laughter and constant smiles.

Easter Sunday

In the Old Testmant, the prophet Ezekiel tells about the promise of God for all who would call Him Lord.   

And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. --Ezekiel 36:26

This promise is indicative of what must happen in us for the goodness of God to shine through.  We must have a new heart.  A live heart.  A heart that is not dead and decaying. 

That is the essential message of Easter. We celebrate this day of Christ’s resurrection because in his glory, we are offered a new heart.  

If we don't obtain mercy, we receive judgment. If we don't see God, we are not in heaven. If we aren't called the sons of God, we are outside the family. In other words these are all descriptions of final salvation. And it is promised only to the pure in heart, and the none of us are capable of pureness without the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus.  

This Easter is vastly different with a virus causing us to be separated, but let’s not lose sight of the truth.  God sent Jesus to save us from our selves, our sin, and this currently calamity.  As children of God, we don’t live in fear or get swayed by the latest news cycle.  

We stand firm in the promises of God and let our New hearts beat with the joy of Jesus.  

He is Risen!!

Happy Easter!!

Gospel From the Beach

I write this after attending a Sunday Morning service, beachside on an island in the Caribbean. Crashing waves created the rhythm to accompany the worship leader’s guitar. The pastor and his team setup in chairs and provide coffee in a shelter hut they rent from the island park service.

It was a far different experience than I experience each week in Laramie, or in Uganda, or in Guatemala, or any of the many places across this county I’ve had the honor of praising my savior.

What connects the global church is quite simple, yet so powerful its hard to express. Thankfully smarter people have done it for me.

The Gospel in One Sentence

“The death of Christ is the wisdom of God by which the love of God saves sinners from the wrath of God, all the while upholding and demonstrating the righteousness of God in Christ.”

— John Piper (Desiring God)

This message of hope and literal good news, has brought people from all walks of life to assemble in worship through song and the word for generations.

This has been the mark of the church for generations. Jesus gave marching/leading orders to his disciples close to his mission being completed on the cross.

A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” 

 — John 13:34-35

This love is made complete in the sharing of the truth of the gospel that brings us together regardless of nation or tongue. A few verses after professing a commandment of love, he made sure that love was manifested in the truth.

…“I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

 — John 14:6

It was a joy knowing that the spot I sat, hearing the Gospel of John preached, and the good news being proclaimed, was a spot that 1400 visitors a year shared that space. A great reminder that hearing the truth and seeing redeemed people love each other, will be the hope of all who

Hope Often Comes From Remembering

With more time at home, comes projects completed that have been put off. One of those projects in my house was completed by Amber and enjoyed by us all. She was able to transfer several years of her video editing prowess to DVDs that we’ve been joyfully watching each evening.

So many memories and so much laughter has erupted in the Berry home, while in the midst of the despair, tragedy, and fear around the world. It seems very surreal to relive all these precious moments, while others are suffering. However, I clearly see each of those moments are fuel for hope.

The Apostle Peter wrote a letter of encouragement to a persecuted, bewildered, and often scared church about 2000 years ago.

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.  (1 Peter 1:3-9 ESV)

There is no holding back in the summons to live like Jesus, even when life is really tough. So Peter doesn't lighten our load by saying we don't have to live like Jesus in hard times. Instead he writes something to give us the power to love. The power with which Peter aims to equip these tired saints is the power of hope. If they, or we, are going to love like Jesus loved, even in times of great stress and worry, then they must be filled with "living hope."

Against such anxiety we have to unleash the forces of hope. We must shore up our minds and be calm and hope fully in God who said in 1 Peter 5:7, "Cast all your anxieties on me because I care for you." We must argue with our soul and say, "Jesus died for my sins. God is not against me but for me. Why am I so down and not feeling there is an end in sight? Hope in God!" It is only with our hope in Jesus, found in the confidence of his resurrection, that we can let hope rise and love our neighbors.

I know the world is terrified right now. I know the news of this age can be grief filled and heart wrenching. There have been many times in the history of God’s image bearers that have been drenched with the same heavy hearts. And each time, God’s children have endured, reached out to those who are scared, and rallied around the truth of God’s eternal love.

By remembering all the good brought by the Promises of God, we can see just how he loves us. Each goofy moment with my kids. Each weird face I made in the camera. Each time we laughed and each time joy was on our faces. Those memories build in my a confidence in the goodness of my Father in Heaven, and hope rises in my heart.

Hold fast my friends. Jesus is here. He feels the tension rising. He longs to free us from it. Cling to the hope he brings, and trust that these trials will pass and that we will endure.

Singular Focus

A few weeks ago, I was in reading in the gospel of Luke , and was struck by the mission and the directness  in which Jesus sent out the disciples.   

“And he said to them, "The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest. Go your way; behold, I am sending you out as lambs in the midst of wolves. Carry no moneybag, no knapsack, no sandals, and greet no one on the road. 

-- Luke 10:2-12 

The first thing to make mention of, concerns the call to be laborers in the harvest.  Jesus often used agriculture metaphors to make a point.  Here he is laying out the issue: there are many who are ripe to receive the good news, but there aren’t many who will share and explain the good news.  

Jesus then sends them out, which I feel is a training mission and perhaps a bit of a test of their will and commitment.  He sends them not out into safety, but into the midst of a hostile environment.  These are men whom Jesus loves, but he does not put their lives above the mission of redemption.  

Lastly, he tasks them with traveling light and fast to each destination.  They are to rely on the kindness of those they encounter and they are not to dwell there for very long.  Proclaiming the truth that they have learned from Jesus is paramount, and putting down deep roots won’t spread the joy and hope of Jesus.  

So what does this mean for us today?  

In our daily walk with Christ, we are to be bold with the truth, fearless and focused, and prepared whenever the opportunity arises to help others take one step closer to Jesus.  

I pray that we all strive for such a singular focus.  

Laying Foundations

Laying Foundations This morning was spent leveling ground and putting down forms to hold the poured concrete. After that was done we had a fast and furious two hours of mixing and pouring concrete. Needless to say it was pretty amazing seeing the fast and furious pace of our team carrying buckets, running the mixer, and spreading the concrete into a floor.

Now if you are following along on Instagram or Facebook, you’ve been updated as the day went on. (Hint, go do that now)

In this day, not many people are part of building a structure from the ground up. This is common practice in communities around world, coming together to be part of a home or barn being built. It’s truly something special to form a home where before was a community trash pit.

Jesus himself was called the cornerstone, as our faith salvation rest on the foundation of his sacrifice for us.

Today we helped a family have a foundation for their future together. Mom helped in the construction process while dad was at work. Their son played soccer with us between buckets of material being mixed.

This foundation we have laid in Guatemala was for the good of this family, and for the Glory of God in their lives.

A Day of “Firsts”

As I lay in my bunk here in Guatemala, my mind is filled with all the “firsts” on this mission trip.

For over half the team it is the first mission trip they’ve been on, and about the same amount’s first time out of the United States. It will be the first time some have ever done a community outreach, much less lead one. For me, it’s the first time I’ve had my kids with me on a trip like this, which has always been a dream of mine. It’s the first time I’ve had someone sleep in the room with me that might actually snore louder than yours truly:)

It will be the first time a family has a home all to themselves and a gift built for God’s glory and our Joy.

I know there will be many more as the week goes on. Pray that we have eyes to see where God is moving and they we may have ears to hear his voice direct us.

Faith Makes a Fool of What Makes Sense

Recently I’ve been thinking a praying a lot about the wild nature of Jesus. The Men’s Group read John Eldridge’s “Beautiful Outlaw” a year ago, and now myself and the other PD Chaplains are leading some officers through the same book. In a nutshell, it’s all about an abiding relationship with Jesus….. not just the Jesus we think we know, but digging deep into all aspects of his character.

As I reread this book for the 3rd time, I’m struck by how often I put Jesus into a box and begin to think I fully understand Him. Sadly, it makes me feel more like a religious leader that Jesus challenged and scolded. Too often, we try to sanitize Jesus into a prim and proper pastor like figure who defended the earth to help impart perfection upon those who are worthy of cleansing. It’s almost like we want him to be Mr. Clean instead of God in flesh who came to earth as a child, grew into a man, and then ascend to heaven after dying for the sins of the world.

This was brought to bear when I listened to a song from Hillsong, that expressed what my heart and head were trying to reconcile.

Faith makes a fool of what makes sense But grace found my heart where logic ends When justice called for all my debts The Friend of sinners came instead

Your ways are higher Your thoughts are wilder Love came like madness Poured out in blood-washed romance It makes no sense but this is grace And I know You're with me in this place Here now

For so long I’ve battled the tug of war between trying to see faith as logical and reasonable, but also knowing that the mystery and beauty of the God I love overwhelms me in a way that can’t be explained. I don’t want to be in that war. I want to let my heart and mind combine in a way that makes me whole. I believe with all that I am, this is the way Jesus lived and molded for us to live as well. He was the friend of the most depraved sinners, yet he would also encourage and amaze those in the synagogue. He was compassionate to those most in need of grace and then he would correct those who’ve been shown grace but refused to share that joy.

Essentially, I want to be more like Jesus. I know, revolutionary but that is my heart and I will go to my grave trying to be more like him each day.

He's the Builder, Not You

“Imagine yourself as a living house. God comes in to rebuild that house. At first, perhaps, you can understand what He is doing. He is getting the drains right and stopping the leaks in the roof and so on: you knew that those jobs needed doing and so you are not surprised. But presently he starts knocking the house about in a way that hurts abominably and does not seem to make sense. What on earth is He up to? The explanation is that He is building quite a different house from the one you thought of—throwing out a new wing here, putting on an extra floor there, running up towers, making courtyards. You thought you were going to be made into a decent little cottage: but He is building a palace. He intends to come and live in it Himself.”
—C. S. Lewis.

Sanctification is a life long process. Stay strong, stay in the Word.
Let Jesus do the work through the Spirit. Live Free from Oppressive Rules — Instead Delight in Relationship.

The Gift of Slowing Down

A few weeks ago, I hurt my back. It was a culmination of several things that led to me being in a lot of pain and not really able to move very much. Needless to say, my recently attained workout disciple was interrupted, it was hard to focus, and I was a bit worried about what long term issues I was going to be enduring. This was of course compounded by me being a bit of a stubborn guy who refuses to let some injury stop me from doing my normal routine.

What I discovered in the next few days was an ever increasing need to take care of my back. This required getting more rest at night, getting up early to stretch, and being more conscious about my movement and my day. My back has gotten much better, but the residual damage is still there and will demand a continued diligence on my behalf, for it to get better.

I share this to drive home a point.

It’s much better to live a life of discipline without the pain, but when the pain comes, it can be a gift.
Most of us live with good intentions, but we fail to follow through with them. That is so true with much of the stuff that swirls around in my head and on my todo list. The juggle of obligations can come crashing down at any moment with a single misstep.

When Jesus was trying to communicate how following him was different than mindless, soulless religion he described it by calling it rest.

“Come to me, all you that are weary and carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30)

Now this passage isn’t about pain relief, but rather relief from trying so hard to follow a pattern of life forced upon you. Instead a life of following Jesus is one of freedom and lightness of burden. It’s a life of embracing each moment as a gift and then using that gift to make light shine in the darkness all around us.

I think we have lost the ability to rest and add so much to our lives in the hopes of finding value in our existence. That struggle can lead to so much pain in our hearts and ultimately rob the joy from our lives.

My prayer is that we can avoid the pain and embrace the freedom of a life lived knowing we are loved by the creator. However, if it takes some pain for us realize this, then that temporary suffering is a gift from the father who love us more than we can fathom.

Savages for the Kingdom

A few weeks ago, I was reading about John the Baptist in the Gospel of Matthew. His ministry was one of boldness and a foreshadowing of the powerful Messiah cousin he was paving the way for all to see.

“In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." For this is he who was spoken of by the prophet Isaiah when he said, "The voice of one crying in the wilderness: 'Prepare the way of the Lord; make his paths straight.'"

He was a herald of God’s word, calling all who would listen to repent. He lived a meager and some would say savage existence out in the wilderness.

“Now John wore a garment of camel's hair and a leather belt around his waist, and his food was locusts and wild honey. Then Jerusalem and all Judea and all the region about the Jordan were going out to him, and they were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. “

He was a messenger of hope and grace to those who would humble themselves, own the depths of their own sin, and ask for forgiveness from a holy and merciful God.

Those who refuse were rebuked, "You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bear fruit in keeping with repentance. And do not presume to say to yourselves, 'We have Abraham as our father,' for I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children for Abraham. Even now the axe is laid to the root of the trees. Every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.

As I read these passages from Matthew 3,I am convicted. Am I a savage for the Gospel? Will I call people to repent? Will I rebuke those around me who presume they are righteous?

The Christian Church has historically been a place of refuge for those in need and for those who are humble of heart. It has also been a place to train savages to go into the wilderness to seek and save the lost. We are part of a tradition of seek and rescue missions on the fringes of society.

So lets throw off the status quo and model our lives after John the Baptist. I’m not saying we change our diet, but I am saying that we become more savage for the kingdom of God.

Prayer the Lord's Way

In the last few weeks, the U.S. has witnessed a once in a lifetime eclipse and a once in a lifetime flood. In between these events, school has started for our youth ones and the campus will be full of college students soon.

This kind of emotional rollercoaster can lead many Christians to feel bewildered, lost, and helpless. How can we fight back a flood, or be there every day to keep an eye on our children.

The answer is always more time with Jesus, through prayer and quiet time in scripture.

God’s word rocks my mind and melts my heart more each day, and I’m convinced daily that my voracious reading habit needs to be pointing to time in the Word more than any other book.

In the passage below, from Matthew, as with the entire Sermon on the Mount, Jesus is continuing to preach that our hearts must be changed. We can’t let the wicked idea that rules and appearance cleanse us of our depraved birth. Only Christ can free us from the cycle of self rule and self agendas. This is made so clear in the model of how we are supposed to pray.

Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.

Line by line, we are drawn into the correct way of thinking & feeling. God invokes awe at every thought. We long for his perfect kingdom to reign over the fractured world we live. He is the provider of everything we need; every gift, every talent, every skill.. he is the originator of it all.

Our daily missing the mark is covered infinitely with Grace, which humbles us to show the same Grace to others. The Spirit living in the children of God is the only defense against war of temptation.

Such powerful truth to center on for a few moments each week, and a reminder that we must draw near to God each day.

This prayer has been recited by billions for thousands of years, but what remains the most clear truth after Sunday in worship, when we carve out time for God to speak above the noise, we are changed.

Rodeo and the Gospel

The Berry’s experienced our first Frontier Days rodeo this year. It was a great time watching steers get wrestled, calves get roped, and bulls angrily toss men about. I had not been to a rodeo since I was a kid and to share it with my own now was kinda surreal.
All that said, I was most impressed with the culture of the West and the announcer’s prayer before hand. Growing up in a more “redneck” culture of Indiana, going to college in a large metropolitan city, and living in the foothills of Appalachia: you could say I’ve experienced quite a bit of America.

What strikes me is that most that the news hardly ever tells the whole story of the people that call this land home. Much like multiple degreed theologians who don’t lead a congregation, espouse “new thought” from their offices void of real relationships.

I sat in the stands wearing shorts and my standard button up North Face shirt, right next to a few gentlemen sporting worn out Wranglers and large cowboy hats.

I’ve been around hard working men and women my whole life. Often the measure of their calluses far outweighed their bank accounts. Choice language would fly at the drop of a hammer and laughter flowed like beverage from a can.

What filled me with the most joy was when the announcer asked all to stand as he prayed for the event, those competing, thanks for salvation from Jesus, and for God’s glory on display.

As we have been walking through Galatians on Sunday mornings, this truth has been ever present in the front of my mind.

The gospel is for us, not about us. It isn’t about anything that we do, feel, or choose. It is the Good News about Jesus Christ and what he has accomplished for us. — Michael Horton

So, as we go about our day, let all remember that the gospel is for all — no matter how the person appears on the outside or what flows from their mouths. The Good News is that none are good enough, but Jesus paid for us anyway, and longs for our relationship with the father to grow closer day by day.

Joy of Remembering

During a trip to Estes Park, I had the joy of sharing a very special spot with my whole family and some friends. It’s a place of great change and contemplation for me. A place where God had met with me on many occasions. A place where I take the time to sit and listen, instead of always talking.... weird I know:) For me, it is a place of remembering.

It was here that 9 years ago, I felt confidence in the calling on my life to preach the word. Being a pastor had gotten tough and I wasn’t sure if I should continue, but this spot is where God began to shape my mind heal my heart.

Years later, after moving to Wyoming, I was back in this place. I took the same route high along Elk trails beside the Alluvial Fan in the Rocky Mountain National Park. It seemed appropriate to follow the tradition of Old Testament men to build a monument to remember what God had done in my life. This place of confidence was now only two hours away from my new home and a place I vowed to return to often.....and eventually share with my children.

That came to fruition in the last week of June. Our friends from Ohio came to visit and we took them to the Fan. After playing around the rocks and in the water, we started the steep hike up to “my spot”. My rocks were still stacked in that place, and I immediately felt a sense of awe at how faithful God is to help me remember. Amber, Eli, and Savannah all added a rock. I was kinda overwhelmed and didn’t realize how special of a moment this was, until looking at the pictures later. The place I had spent hours praying for my wife and my kids was now a place they had actually touched.

I seek out this place each time we go to the park to remember. To remember God is good. That he speaks to me. That he loves me. That he will never let go of me. That his leading is more important that my own understanding. That he desires to meet me in the quiet. That my family is a gift and I have a joyful responsibility to lead and protect them.

Where or what do you do to remember God’s goodness? Do you have a “spot”? Maybe you should seek one out?

My prayer as a pastor is for all to have the confidence that God loves them no matter what, but sometimes we need a little help to remember.

Gospel in Nepal

The more of the world I see, the more I am assured that God’s image bearers are more alike than most can even imagine. Too often we only see the language, cultural, and political barriers, but if we dare to slow down and pay attention, we begin to see the shared rhythms of life.

Two weeks ago I was honored to be part of a team who took that time in Nepal. Time to spend with fellow pastors who want to better serve their churches by being faithful to the Word. Men who love Jesus in a country wrought with the darkness of false gods at every turn. But isn’t that the truth in every country?

You see, that’s what brings us together on this mission of sharing the Good News of Jesus. Each day we would begin with worship and prayer, then spend hours pouring over Paul’s letter to the church in Galatia. Their passion for sharing the gospel was tempered and honed with the study of God’s Word. The doctrine of justification by faith alone was clarified and became a second breath as they long to further share the security of grace in their churches.

The city of Khatmadu is a bustling flow of some of the kindest and most endearing people on the planet. This fact propels these pastors to contend for them in every aspect of life. They live with their church each and every day, and want nothing but the reality of Jesus’s love to reign in their lives. These amazing Himalayan shepherds will forever be an inspiration to me.

It's Harvest Time

I love fall. It’s my favorite season, and it has been long before I ever went on a western hunt:) The crisp, cool nights. The amazing colors of the leaves. The sunsets and sunrises during the harvest.

That harvest image is one that we are all familiar with isn’t it. The time when livestock is sold, wheat is cut, and corn is put in the corn crib. We see it in the very decorations that permeate every corner of every home and store.

With every modern culture relying on the harvest for sustained life, Jesus used that imagery as a bridge to a greater and more eternal harvest.

And Jesus went throughout all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest. — Matthew 9:35-38

We are all called to be laborers in the harvest of the kingdom. I’m sure we all have people in our lives who are under harassment or feeling helpless. Maybe it’s even you.

*Without a laborer, filled with the hope of the gospel, how will these precious image bearers of God find refuge? *

Our purpose on this planet is to bring hope and the joy of a life with Jesus into the darkness. WE have the hope of Spring in our hearts because of the cross. Darkness doesn’t win. The light of Christ sustains EVERYTHING.

I pray that we will all be part of the harvest. That spiritual labor will pour from our hearts and move our hands and feet. Let this season not just be about pumpkin spice, but let it be one of reaping the gospel seeds you’ve been planting in those your are cultivating each and every day.

The Cost of Admition Leads to Grace

"Admittedly, the church is full of sinners. In fact, I know of no other organization in the world that requires a person to be a sinner in order to join it.” — R.C. Sproul

Every Promise

Every promise of Scripture is a writing of God, which may be pleaded before Him with this reasonable request, 'Do as Thou hast said.' The Heavenly Father will not break His Word to His own child.

Charles Spurgeon

Head in the Clouds

To this day, I remember my first deep thought about God. It happened one afternoon when I was about 6 or so. I was playing on one of those awesome summer days in Southern Indiana. The sun was shining, I was sweaty from running around in our yard, and I had laid down to catch my breath. The grass was cooler than the air, and the sky was filled with big fluffy clouds.
(not Indiana but a pic I took today near my Wyoming home)

I looked up and thought about the bigness of the world and how could God keep track of it all. I had no affection for Christ at this time in my life, but I was drawn to thoughts of things other than my little self.

I had similar thoughts today as I drove home. The sun was shining, I had a lot on my mind, and then it all went silent as I peered through the windshield at the clouds. I pulled over and took the pic above. I was compelled to. I couldn't help but return to that 6 year old thought.

God is huge. I am not.
He is sovereign.
I am not.
He is good.
I am not. He is full of grace I am not.

He is all I need..... Forever and Amen

(As I pulled into the drive I took these pics.) What a joy to be constantly reminded of my smallness. Bright sunshine on one side and rain/snow clouds on the other.

Lord, help me to see my smallness compared to you. Help me to never stray too far from you. Help me to enjoy you now and forever. I'm a mess most often and too easily wrapped up in work or distracted by other things. Keep the clouds rolling in my view and keep my head in those clouds where thoughts of you reign.