The pictures are courtesy of the Lopers in BelFouche, South Dakota. They do an amazing thing with decorations and lights for holidays. Gary is like a kid in his enjoyment of the process of installing a setting that reflects his "inner child." That is, in and of itself, a great trait to enjoy. He does the same thing for Christmas and the Fourth of July. He and Char's home and yard become a personal playground upon which he paints a vivid picture in color and light. I sit and look at this year's edition and just smile. I get to see the canvas every year in August, and I must say the changes are always welcome. People are probably in a constant state of change in one way or another. As for me, I have never much liked change. Even the seasons are difficult to accept. I would have every day be like every other day, and that has got to be a boring way to live. This is my 8th and final fall in this home from which I swore we would not move. Never swear by anything under heaven, it might crop up to bite you later. This morning saw a dawn of chilled air and frosty ground out here on the Great American Desert. The house we are taking to the country was due to be lifted at noon but because of high winds in the country on another project we won't get it done until tomorrow(today later). I've been in a tizzy over the entire project for the past hour. Worrying about details! As if by one moment of worry I can change any aspect of the future. For sure we can't change the past, but a lot of folks spend a great deal of time fretting the past, as well. Here is a thing I got for my B'day about thirty years ago....I was regretting the past and fearing the future
Suddenly my Lord was speaking,
"My Name Is I Am"
He paused. I waited. He continued,
"When you live in the past with its mistakes and regrets,
it is hard. I am not there. My name is not I WAS.
When you live in the future, with its problems and fears
it is hard. I am not there. My name is not I WILL BE.
When you live in this moment it is not hard. I am here
my name is I AM."
That was written by Helen Mallicoat and has been hanging in my offices longer than I care to remember. That is a good thing. Carl Jung had a sign hung over his door which read, "whether invited or uninvited, God is present." If I didn't get that exactly to the letter please forgive me the memory is getting more lax as time progresses. If you have needs in your life this day, fears, apprehensions, doubts, please know that they will stop your ability to enjoy the beauty of all that God has given us. That includes everything!!! I'm smiling once again as I tap out a few words for folks. Maybe this is another example of me talking to me, I do that quite often when I'm working. That and singing songs. Have a wonderful day and may this November be your best ever. In Christ's Love, Preacher.
