Alas, Samuel and I have only one more Saturday swim lesson together. But we may enroll him in future lessons so he can keep learning. Not only that, Levi keeps asking, “Levi’s turn?” We’re going to sign him up in the fall, so I get to do this all over again. Have I mentioned lately how much I’m enjoying this?
Our Friday pizza-movie night is always a highlight of the week, and tubby-time is often a highlight of pizza-movie night. The boys were filthy last night, especially their feet. They helped plant new flowers on the front side of the house, and it’s a wonder there’s any dirt left in the flowerbeds. But, oh what a terrific tubby time they had afterwards. Thank you, Samuel and Levi, for all the joy you bring to our lives.
I just discovered a Coldplay concert on Amazon Prime and took a trip down memory lane.
Today’s swimming lesson involved throwing a toy and retrieving it. Samuel chose the rubber ducky—in part because yellow is his favorite color, and in part because he loves that old Sesame Street song, “Put Down the Duckie.” I now I have that song in my head, so I’m sharing it with you. You’re welcome. 😊
And just for fun, here’s an old love song I heard at a wedding reception two weeks ago. They played it after we all had to endure “Butterfly Kisses” and “I Loved Her First,” which was just cruel to some of us. LOL.
Levi was dedicated to the Lord this past week at his home church. It was fitting that the occasion fell on Mother’s Day. During the ceremony, Samuel burped. And just in case anybody missed it, he smiled and said, “Burp!” At one point, Levi yawned, and the pastor said, “O.k., I’ll hurry up.” It was delightful to be there.
After church, we went out to eat and then hung out at our house for a bit. The video below shows Levi walking around with a doughnut, complete with icing on his nose. The first pic is from the dedication, and the other is from Saturday’s swim lesson with Samuel. Only three more sessions to go. Levi keeps asking when it will be his turn. I’m ready whenever they sign him up!
“…to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair.” (Isaiah 61:3)
No one is sure who’s having more fun at our Saturday morning swim lessons–Samuel or me. But I’m grateful for the weekly opportunity to make some memories with this little fish. I thoroughly enjoy every second we’re together. And being in the water makes me want to start swimming again now that my schedule is slightly less unreasonable than it had been for several years. Here are some pics and vids from our first two sessions.
For years now, I’ve been creating “dark-to-light” media presentations to open the Easter services at the churches I’ve been privileged to serve. Past presentations have included: “The Passion & the Glory”; “On My Cross”; “Shine, Jesus, Shine”; “Sunday’s Coming;” “After Darkness, Light”; and several others. Some years they’re tied to the Lenten sermon series we just completed. Other years they’re stand-alone presentations simply designed to fit the occasion.
This morning’s presentation was called, “Three Hearts on Calvary,” based on the story of the repentant thief on the cross next to Jesus. It features Don Francisco’s story-song, “Too Small a Price.” I’ve been wanting to do this one for a couple decades, but I never had the right tools or technology. Thankfully, this year I was able to take the plunge. I must have cried a river of tears pulling it together. It was an exhausting but exhilarating labor of love.
Two things made this year’s presentation extra special for me, personally. First, Francisco came to do a concert for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes at West Virginia University back when I was a student on campus. That was right around the time God was awakening me to his gospel of grace in Christ, and Don was instrumental in my own conversion. (That may explain the river of tears during the creative process.) Second, our Easter Choir processed into the sanctuary during the choral climax of the song, triumphantly singing along with Francisco, which sent our spirits soaring:
Jesus is the Lord of all!
Jesus is the Lord of all!
Jesus is the Lord of all!
We have been redeemed!
Jesus is the Lord of all!
Jesus is the Lord of all!
Jesus is the Lord of all!
We have been redeemed!
Joy!
Joy!
Joy!
Jesus is the Lord of all!
Jesus is the Lord of all!
Jesus is the Lord of all!
We have been redeemed!
We then declared in unison, as believers all over the world are doing today, “Christ is risen! He is risen indeed!” After that we worshiped the Lord with Charles Wesley’s “Christ the Lord Is Risen Today,” and then we continued with the rest of the worship service.
I hope you enjoy “Three Hearts on Calvary,” and I hope you have a triumphant Easter as well. Shoot me a note if you’d like to talk about the risen Christ and what he’s come to do for you.
Be blessed.
Post Photo Credit: Pixers
I just found out that I’ll be taking Samuel to Saturday morning swim lessons at our local YMCA. The 30-minute classes start later this month and go through early June. The best part is that I’m allowed to go in the water with him to help him work on his skills!
I’m beyond excited to spend some quality aqua-time with this little guy. He already loves the water with the protection of assistive flotation devices, but now it’s time for him to learn how to swim. Maybe someday he’ll take up the sport and swim competitively like yours truly. But whatever he and his brother get into, I’ll be in the stands cheering them on.
Below are a few recent pics. Some are from our church’s Easter Egg Hunt, some are from the birthday bash we had for Andrew last week, and some are from the current parking lot renovation project at our church. Enjoy!
Counting my blessings after another lap around the sun, with gratitude to the Lord who gave me life—and new life—along with all the family and friends who have enriched me in countless ways.
One day, one night, one moment,
My dreams could be, tomorrow.
One step, one fall, one falter,
East or west, over earth or by ocean.
One way to be my journey,
This way could be my Book of Days.
Ó lá go lá, mo thuras,
An bealach fada romham.
Ó oíche go hoíche, mo thuras,
Na scéalta nach mbeidh a choích.
No day, no night, no moment,
Can hold me back from trying.
I’ll flag, I’ll fall, I’ll falter,
I’ll find my day may be, Far and Away.
Far and Away.
One day, one night, one moment,
With a dream to believe in.
One step, one fall, one falter,
And a new earth across a wide ocean.
This way became my journey,
This day ends together, Far and Away.
This day ends together, Far and Away.
Far and Away.
I don’t often see my name in comic strips, and when I do, they don’t usually apply. In this case, however, it’s spot on, so I had to share it.
I’ve been busy lately, along with another guy, converting my late mother-in-law’s addition (the “granny flat”) to a primary bedroom. I’m really thrilled with how it’s turning out, and I may have to post some pictures (or a walk-through video) when it’s finished.
We also expanded both patios, surrounded them with a sitting wall, and connected them with a stamped concrete pathway. That project turned out nice, too.
Enjoy the weekend!
Where the river foams and surges to the sea,
Silver figures rise to find me,
Wise and as daring,
Following the heart’s cry.
I am that deep pool,
I am that dark spring,
Warm with a mystery,
I may reveal to you,
In Time,
(Time holds the heart’s key)
Key to everything is Love,
(Love makes the heart flower)
Flowers into a deep desire,
(Passion in the heart’s fire)
Passion and desire.
What started as a 7-minute intermission during the “Eurovision Song Contest 1994” in Dublin, Ireland, grew to become a theatrical phenomenon that today, 30 years later, still captivates and exhilarates audiences around the world with its unique blend of magical music and Celtic choreography.
The show consisted largely of traditional Irish music and dance, but it contained key innovations (some controversial) that brought the art form into the modern era. With a score composed by Bill Whelan, it featured Irish dancing standouts Michael Flatley and Jean Butler, along with the vocal ensemble Anúna.
I saw Riverdance shortly after it came out in 1995 on a VHS tape made for me by my mom. She thought I would enjoy it, and she was more than right. I was enraptured by the production’s confluence of beauty, musicality, joy, and athleticism—so much so that I got choked up several times along the way. I stood in awe at the sheer talent projected on the screen, and the inspiring impact it had on my soul. Good art can do that.
Last night Sonya gave me an early birthday present. (My actual birthday is March 31.) We got to see the opening night production of Riverdance 30 at the American Music Theater in Lancaster. Needless to say, I got choked up again. It was no less amazing than the original, except that it was mostly unoriginal. No one, however, was bothered by that. We wanted to see what a new generation could do with the incomparable classic.
Most of these dancers and musicians had not been born yet when Riverdance debuted, but they rose to the challenge last night with energy, grace, enthusiasm, and flair. They honored the original cast and production with not only a fine recapitulation of the masterpiece, but also with video clips of the 1995 show in the background during the finale. They also honored the audience with an unforgettable performance that brought back some powerful memories.
And that’s what has me feeling a bit wistful today. Flatley and Butler famously parted ways about a year later over creative differences, artistic control, perceived slights, and a public war of words. That seems to happen a lot in show business, and it’s always sad when it does. Flatley’s next project, Lord of the Dance, was darker, creepier, and somewhat narcissistic. The magic was gone, at least for me. Butler continued performing in new iterations of Riverdance, and the public seemed to be more sympathetic to her side of the rift.
I have no ability or desire to arbitrate the matter. I just know that I’ll never not appreciate the original performance. And I do hope the two leads who “riveted me at the river” 30 years ago can someday mend fences. That would be an even greater magic.
Time holds the heart’s key
Key to everything is Love
Love makes the heart flower
Life with these little guys keeps getting better and better. They’re eager for warmer weather, but they enjoy the snow, too. It’s the bitter cold they can do without. (I’m guessing that’s genetic.) Samuel informed us a few weeks ago that we’ll be joining him and his brother Levi at the Outer Banks later this year. O.k., then. It’s a date!
Here’s a rich and helpful song for those clinging to faith in the hard times. We just started singing it at our church.
Our congregation has enjoyed singing “Christus Victor (Amen)” by Matt Boswell, Bryan Fowler, Keith Getty, Kristyn Getty, and Matt Papa. The phrase refers to one of the more prominent images of the atonement theologians have proposed over the years to explain why the cross “works” (along with the cross as ransom, satisfaction, substitution, etc.). Thankfully, we need not know how the cross accomplished our salvation, only that it does, and that God the Father regards the redemptive work of God the Son as “saving.”
I’ve had the privilege of seeing the Gettys in concert, and their work is always food for the soul. This 2024 release is another feast from their heart to ours. Enjoy!
VERSE 1
O Most High King of the ages
Great I AM God of wonders
By the blood You have redeemed us
Led us through mighty waters
Our strength our song our sure salvation
CHORUS 1
Now to the Lamb upon the throne
Be blessing honor glory power
For the battle You have won
Hallelujah Amen
VERSE 2
O Most High dwelling among us
Son of man sent for sinners
By Your blood You have redeemed us
Spotless Lamb mighty Savior
Who lived who died who rose victorious
CHORUS 2
Now to the Lamb upon the throne
Be blessing honor glory power
For the battle You have won
Hallelujah
With every tribe and every tongue
We join the anthem of the angels
In the triumph of the Son
Hallelujah Amen
VERSE 3
O Most High King of the nations
Robed in praise crowned with splendor
On that day who will not tremble
When You stand Christ the Victor
Who was and is and is forever
BRIDGE
Amen amen amen
Amen amen amen
Amen amen amen
TAG
Sing the victory of the Lamb
Hallelujah Amen Amen
The past month has been a flurry of hospitality at our house, so I haven’t had a lot of time to write blog posts. From the various Christmas parties and out-of-town guests we’ve hosted, to last week’s church Epiphany party at our place, I’m now ready for that long winter’s nap. Before collapsing, I thought I would share some random photos from the last several weeks. As always, the highlight was standing at the front of the church with the whole crew at the end of the Christmas Eve service, holding candles during “Silent Night,” “King of Kings,” and “Joy to the World.” Samuel took his role very seriously, holding his (battery-operated) candle high for Jesus. Alas, we don’t have a picture of that precious moment. Otherwise, Enjoy!
In Revelation 5, the Apostle John becomes part of the vision he receives from heaven. He weeps bitterly because a universal search is made for someone who is worthy to open the Scroll of Destiny held in God’s right hand. Alas, no one is found who can do so. That means God’s good plans for the world will be thwarted. His vision for human redemption and cosmic restoration cannot be realized. In the end, evil wins, and all hope is lost. John is devastated. But then he’s invited to see that the Lion from the tribe of Judah is able to open the scroll. He turns to look, but instead of seeing a lion, he sees a lamb—slain yet risen—who is worthy to open the scroll. The message is clear: only Jesus can bring history to its rightful conclusion. That’s why all the hosts of heaven give Jesus the same response they give to Almighty God—exuberant praise and heartfelt worship. Indeed, God’s redemption in Christ transforms our outlook from despair to worship. Thanks to Jesus, the human race is never without hope because history itself will be redeemed.
Contact This New Life directly for the sermon audio file.
