1.) Good Christian music. There are many kinds of Christian music around these days. I have learned to appreciate most of them, but I still have a problem with "Christian rock." My preference still is good four-part acapella singing -- does that date me? It doesn't always need to be acapella - I like it with piano and/or organ as well. I have sung in men's quartets, college and seminary choirs, and led worship with a guitar. I began leading congregation singing when I was 16 years of age. Singing was always a part of our family life when I grew up. We used to have family worship every morning at the breakfast table. One of the most used hymns was "I Owe The Lord A Morning Song," and I can still sing all four verses of that song by memory. We have quite a few CD's with varying types of music, most of which I play a lot. We often have music on while getting breakfast in the morning. I play music when I'm working in my woodshop. I also put music on when I take my regular afternoon nap. Good Christian music helps me keep my focus in the right place, and often lifts my spirit from the dolldrums.
2. I'm thankful for Sundays. Its not that I work all week and say TGIF on Friday. Its not that I am actively involved in the Sunday services anymore. I just enjoy going to Sunday School when I can and to the worship service following. I go to the worship service to worship. I enjoy seeing people there of course, but my focus is on worshipping the Lord. I like to sit and meditate and listen to the pre-service music in preparation. I look forward to the congregational singing and to the sermon. I have been saddened a bit in the last number of years to see the pulpits moved from the center of the platform to one side or the other and the communion table in the middle. There's something symbolic about that for me. Anyway, Sundays are special days for me as I seek to enrich my walk with the Lord.
3. I'm thankful for my extended family. I don't have many nearby that I can relate to but there are some - a brother-in-law, two nieces, two nephews, and three first cousins. I was able to learn to know my brother's two daughters and two sons in Oregon after they grown to adults. That was special for me. I always enjoy being with these people when the opportunity comes and hope that this will continue.
My "thanksgiving list" may change somewhat in the coming posts. Perhaps some might reflect on other types of things. I guess we'll see. But for now I remain
Pilgrim on the way
1 comment:
I don't remember sitting for that picture, but I do recall going to the photographer's in Harper when I was a kid (Percy Neal, I think was his name), and just about croaking until he had taken our family picture.
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