Jesus and Me ... and the Cats

   (Some biblical scholars believe that Psalm 22 and Psalm 23 was originally one Psalm.  Read them in succession and what you get is a complete story of lament, assurance, peace and assurance)      Let me share some wisdom from life experience.  God doesn't expect us to always be his smiling, little sunbeams.  It's okay not to feel okay.  It's okay to feel weak.  It's okay when we feel life is unbearable, to crawl into the lap of God-Abba, God-Daddy, and let it all out.  And, brothers and sisters, if you feel you're too old or it's undignified to do that, you're wrong.  There's a reason God calls us his children, and Jesus tells us to call out to Abba (daddy) in our time of need.       Lament, as a form of prayer, is just that.  It is  not  a pity party.  It is  not  a time to whine and to complain.  It is a gift of an opportunity to honestly share what is breaking...

Worship – Sunday, April 26 Prelude and Centering Christ is risen He is risen, indeed! Good morning, you beautiful people of God! “ He Reigns” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y8R9ZPT2T-I Call to Worship Psalm 139:7-12 ( The Message) Is there anyplace I can go to avoid your Spirit?     to be out of your sight? If I climb to the sky, you’re there!     If I go underground, you’re there! If I flew on morning’s wings     to the far western horizon, You’d find me in a minute—     you’re already there waiting! Then I said to myself, “Oh, he even sees me in the dark!     At night I’m immersed in the light!” It’s a fact: darkness isn’t dark to you;       night and day, darkness and light, they’re all the same to you. Hymn “Lord of the Dance” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=214Vdyo6kSs ...

Prelude “Now is the Time to Worship” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NPWq8eM4lu8 Call to Worship (Psalm 16 ) I bless the LORD who gives me counsel; in the night also my heart instructs me.  I keep the LORD always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved. Therefore my heart is glad, and my soul rejoices; my body also rests secure. For you do not give me up to Sheol, or let your faithful one see the Pit. You show me the path of life. In your presence there is fullness of joy; in your right hand are pleasures forevermore. Hymn “Love Divine, All Loves Excelling” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KflYyilB7TM Opening Prayer O God of our Lord Jesus Christ, in whom we receive the legacy of a living hope, born again not only from his death but also from his resurrection. May we who have received forgiveness of sins through the Holy Spirit live to set others free, until, at length, we enter the ...