Nine things for 2009


I've been watching television and have seen an onslaught of lists for 2009. Last night, I even saw an awards show of sorts for bad behavior in 2009. So, joining in with the other "listers" here are my top 9 of '09. 


Top could mean, "top of mind" or "top" like best or "top" like favorite. And, these are not listed in any particular order. See - I had to go and complicate things just a tad.



  • Hearing my godson's voice. He turned one this year and he's talking up storm - when he's not screaming something. So little, but so big at the same time. Adorable. 
  • The miracle of USAirways flight 1549. It's a miracle because of everything surrounding the incident - not just on the plane itself but that busy waterway, nothing was in the way - no ferry boats or anything. The path was cleared for that plane to land and everything went well. 
  • The return of my pastor to the pulpit after a four-month absence. It's a wonderful testament to the power of God. 
  • Retaining my job in this economy. Again, all God. Even in the midst of this economic climate, He has kept me happily employed and still able to travel. I even recently came back from a trip overseas. God is good. He keeps keeping me!
  • Finishing my family DVD by Christmas and getting it out in time for everyone to have it as a gift. My grandparents had a huge family and all are still alive so it became important for me that everyone be accounted for such that we may always remember.
  • Planning the fourth of July celebration that brought together the majority of the family. We had cool, team-oriented t-shirts, white tents, lots of fun and a great time. 
  • Getting intentional about my "every-now-and-then" writing. I still have a good ways to go on this subject, but I'll get there at some point. At least, I've begun again. And, I've decorated this space on my blog with a fresh design that has been months in the making. 
  • Recognizing even more fully God's continuing love for me. I know this sounds basic but it becomes more profound the more you have to deal with the aspects of life.
  • Recognizing how much more there is to learn - how much farther I need to grow and that even when I reach those gates, there will be more to walk through. The journey never ends on this side, but I realize that as long as I am focused on the Christ-side, everything will be alright. 
So, those are my top 9 for '09 - at least right now. I'm still noodling and may have an update later... 


I hope you close out this year doing the right things at the right times to ensure that God gets the glory.  


May your blessings extend into 2010! 
Copyright Beams of Light Ministries

Rest Your Body



There are times when I do not feel well. I am sure with the cold and flu season among us that this is a common feeling. However, there are times when I do not feel well and I can immediately figure out my symptoms and there are other times when I am not sure what the problem could be. 


Recently, I had one of those clueless days. All I knew was that I felt bad, but not bad enough to go to a hospital or even articulate the problem.


I should have taken this as a clue, but remember, I was being clueless. Anyway, after spending some couch time, I figured out that my nasal passages were causing me some issues. So, I sat up and begin to think about the best remedy. And, suddenly it came to me. 



Can I spell it Aretha Franklin style?....R. E. S. T.  I know, Aretha spelled out respect, but I need some rest. If I stretch just a little, I could correlate respecting my body to providing it with some much needed rest. 


Recently I traveled nearly 11,000 miles and then I also logged even more miles traveling around for the holidays. I did all of this traveling in the latter part of December, and the month is not finished just yet. Time for some R. E. S. T. 


And funny enough, I will rest when I don’t feel quite right. So, that’s the self-prescribed order for now and then if I still don’t feel quite like myself, I’ll make a move to get a doctor’s appointment. Let’s pray that that does not have to take place.


I say all of this to say - don’t wait until you don’t feel well to respect your body enough to give it the required rest it needs. If you will give it rest, it will give you the performance you desire. Many of you need to join me on my R. E. S. T. journey. I pray that you will.

Copyright Beams of Light Ministries

Christmas Day Terrorist Attempt

Well, it would seem that some people had the wrong focus on Christmas Day. There was an attempted terrorist attack in Detroit. CNN reports that a Nigerian traveling to the US, with reported links to terrorist groups, set off an explosive device onboard a Northwest flight headed to Detroit. The terrorist's plan was foiled - the device did not work as planned and the terrorist was sieged by an attentive passenger.

Thank God for the quick-thinking passenger and the others that assisted. It reminds me of the familiar 911 slogan of "Let's Roll." I don't know why terrorist think it's perfectly acceptable to murder innocent people. In the name of who? what? Doesn't make sense to me. And to try to do this on Christmas Day makes it seem even more evil.

But thank God, evil did not prevail today. Evil did not have the last say on the day we celebrate the Lord's birthday. Instead, this terrorist is in custody. I would hope and pray that this terrorist would begin to know the impact of humanity that they tried to make in comparison to the impact that our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ came to make and MADE. There is a vast difference between the two - much like the vast difference between love and hate. I hope you will join me in prayer.
Copyright Beams of Light Ministries