Big

I know I have mentioned the ocean before, but I am continually drawn to it. Many people are. Most of Florida's tourism is merely because it is surrounded by ocean on three sides. We love it, the sounds, the sights and the peace it brings to sit on the shore. Where else can you hang out with hundreds of people and enjoy quiet? The loudness of the waves and the eternal view of water and sky are wonderful...it is big! God is amazing, He shows himself in nature time and time again. He is big, we are drawn to him, he gives peace and in his arms the sounds of our daily lives, people, and struggles can dissapear although they are only two inches away. I think that is the real reason, saved or unsaved, we are drawn to the ocean because we need God. We like to know that something is bigger than we are, the peace is knowing that we can just sit and enjoy that eternal view and get lost in the moment of peace only God can truly give.
Psalms 36:5-7
" Your unfailing love, O Lord, is as vast as the heavens;
your faithfulness reaches beyond the clouds.
Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains,
your justice like the ocean depths.
You care for people and animals alike, O Lord.
How precious is your unfailing love, O God!
All humanity finds shelter
in the shadow of your wings."

Communion

We had communion at church last night. It is always a time of reflection and I am thankful for the ritual to remind me of what Christ has done for me on the cross. One thing stood out to me and it had nothing to do with the elements this time. Our church participates in the Intinction method of communion. (This method requires each in the congregation to come up and dip their communion wafer in the cup and partake.) I love this method because it does two things, requires me to come forward and respond, and it also allows me to see my fellow Christians come forward and do the same. There is one little boy that comes up to the front, I have seen him the last few times we have communion. He labors to walk, he has braces on both legs and it is hard for him to move forward. Yet, still he comes. It always touches my heart to see him take communion. Jesus had an eagle eye for the handicapped. He could stop whatever he was doing wherever he was and meet their needs or heal them. He saw them over anyone else in a crowd. There are people that we come in contact with each day that do not have it easy. They are the miracles, they chose to believe and rejoice in God. In our eyes, it baffles us that there could be such joy and trusting when life has brought them such a bad hand. The strong faith of a handicapped child renewed my heart that God looks for those that need him.
Mark 2:17
"When Jesus heard this, he told them, “Healthy people don’t need a doctor—sick people do. I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners.”

Accomplishment

I am so proud of Wesley. He worked so hard in karate and received his yellow belt this past weekend. He was so proud of his accomplishment, it is one baby step to a black belt. The ceremony has a great message, a black belt is a belt that was once a white belt. They let the children know that each step is a necessary step to the goal. I think it is the same with our Christian walk, each step is a step toward glory. I like that we don't have to cram for a huge exam all at once, but learn a little and move on and learn a little more each day.
Psalm 37:23-24
"The Lord directs the steps of the godly.
He delights in every detail of their lives.
Though they stumble, they will never fall,
for the Lord holds them by the hand."