Tag: grateful

nook morning to you

Turn off alarm at 4:00 AM, check! Head out to the boxing gym at 4:30 AM, check! 5:00 AM workout, check! Protein shake at 6:00 AM, check! Grab the Fuji X-T30 at 6:08 AM and park adjacent to the corn field, check! Enjoy a beautiful sunrise and snap some shots at 6-something AM, check! Nook-morning to you! Have a wonderful day!

a valentine’s life

My mom and dad have been married for 62 years. They both have their physical struggles and they take care of each other. My dad takes care of my mom’s arthritic feet every morning. I felt privileged to watch him carefully wash, dry and apply topical aids on her feet. They have lived a Valentine‘s life together, and not just a Valentine’s Day. I was also reminded of what Jesus taught us. Take a moment and read the gospel of John chapter 13 today. Thanks for stopping by.

still here we are

For us, January 1st is Happy Anniversary as well as Happy New Year. So, in honor of my bride:

just look at those kids
kneeling in stillness
about to unfold
a story to be told
of their love

just look at those kids
praying and longing
about to discover
the path is so steep
and love will require
more than they know

still here we are
still telling a story
older now
somehow
still here we are

just look at those kids
i do
let’s go
i’m yours

your love is true
through all the hurts
pain and sorrow
you still said yes
through each tomorrow

you love so well
with grace and kindness
staying by my side
oh Ruth
so grateful
you’re by my side

still here we are
still telling a story
older now
somehow
still here we are

just look at those kids
dear God
thank you for the journey
and for taking care
of those kids
and thank you
for the gift of
that high school girl
who so long ago
was kneeling beside me
and still is

every whisper

the doctors said you were leaving
i don’t see a world without you
time stopped and crashed and just shattered
no God
please not you

so many whispered ‘Our Father…’
pleading grace and mercy for you
He heard all our cries
every whisper
a new story was written for you
undeserving and grateful
we’re still here
and i’m blessed to be loved by you
every breath is a gift
in every joy every sorrow
each moment a fading song
but we sing out loud
into the unknown tomorrow

time may fracture again
so we whisper
our Father in heaven above
may your name be first in our eyes
may your kingdom thrive
in our hearts and lives
may your will be done in our love

while we’re still here
on earth
as it is
in heaven

a walk in the park

I have so enjoyed spending some time on Long Island visiting my parents. Whenever I come back home I always take a walk in Eisenhower Park and visit the Veterans Memorial. This beautiful memorial serves as a tribute to the heroes of Nassau County. I also always go to Jones Beach. That will be the next post.

mom moments

This is my dear mom who is… well, to be polite, she is above 90 years old. We try to get back to Long Island, NY a few times a year to visit with my family. COVID porevented an earlier trip this year and, this time, my wife needed to be at home, so I am here enjoying my parents who still live in the house I grew up in. We hung out on the front porch and just chatted away a few moments together. She carries a weight of sadness for all that she has seen in this world, but at any moment, she can laugh and get me laughing as well! Favorite quote so far: “You have to enjoy your home… when you think about it, for 60 years this home has kept us from getting wet.”

what i saw at starved rock

My day job is as a worship pastor. I have the privilege of working alongside a fantastic team of leaders and friends. Our team culture includes celebrating each other’s birthday. Each year we head out to Starved Rock State Park (a real gem of a place in the midst of the Midwestern plains) when my birthday celebration comes around. These images are some of what I saw today. Thanks for stopping by.