I have been hiking in grace now for almost twenty-two years. In all that time, last night was the first time I had ever witnessed deacons being ordained.

What a blessing it was to witness such public humility.

Following the example of Jesus Christ as he (as the ‘current’ leadership’ – for lack of other words to describe it) washed the feet of the new leadership – the disciples. The current deacons publicly washed the feet of the newly chosen deacons.

What a blessing it was to witness such pubic servanthood.

It is a humbling experience for the one having their feet washed and what a tremendous example set by the leadership of serving those one is called to lead.

It was moving to watch a son wash his father’s feet and a father wash his son’s feet.

As the current deacons gathered behind each of the new deacons and laid hands on them and prayed over them, the Senior Pastor moved down the line, laying hands on each one, praying aloud for each man, their wives, and children and their future ministry serving in the capacity as deacon for this body of Christ.

At the end of the time of prayer the leadership welcomed their new co-laborers with hearty handshakes, bear hugs, and much back slapping.

What a blessing it was to witness such a public display  of brotherly love.

Something that stands out about this community of believers to me is that very manly, godly men don’t shy away from bear hugging one another. They have a sincere brotherly love for one another and aren’t afraid to publicly show it.

What a blessing to be part of this body of Christ followers.

I am very grateful and thankful that God has allowed us to be a part of this church.

::

1868. our church

1869. the house the Lord allows us to live in

1870. watching from across the room as she discusses her latest book conquest, so animated and with genuine excitement in her eyes…

1871. …with the one who lent her the books

1872. our worship team has grown with the welcomed addition of a husband and wife…

1873. …bringing a fuller sound to our team

1874. the “chills” when the blend of voices is harmoniously tight

1875. a huge pile of crunchy leaves

1876. their laughter as they jump into them

1877. …and bury each other AND the dogs deep in the leaves

1878. dogs willing to endure the children’s fun

1879. hoarfrost in the early morning

1880. obedient dogs joining me on my walk in the crisp morning air

1881. the crunch of walking on frost encased grass

1882. white frost on brilliant red berries

1883. their safe trip through thick fog

1884. the close friendship of “the diva” 🙂

1885. and her husband who is such a great ‘big brother’

1886. David’s music quietly filling the room as men labored in prayer

1887. the friendship of his wife

1888. CP’s southern drawl

1889. rainbow around the moon

1890. her seated on the floor intently reading between tall stacks of books in the library

Linking up the gratitude community over at Ann’s

Linking up with Michelle too!

For a few minutes before our youth choir sang, while kids played a game of catch with ones confined to wheelchairs, I sat down at the piano.

Playing hymns for those who could not leave to go to churches they had lived their lives in.

I heard someone singing near me.

She knew every word of every song as I leafed through the pages of the hymnbook.

Suddenly a woman rolled up between the piano and the sweet voice. She sat there staring at me for a few seconds.
Speaking to no one in particular, she loudly burst forth with;

“Is she going to play every song in that book? She’s going to play every song in that book.”

I continued playing and concentrated on listening to the Soloist.

I decided I was going to keep playing just for her. She was clearly enjoying it.

The Complainer turned herself toward me and edged her wheelchair a little closer and shouted,

“Can’t you turn that thing down?”

I tried to play a bit quieter but the keys were sluggish and required more pressure than normal, it was difficult to play at all much less quietly.

My Soloist continued to sing every word, continuing to praise the Lord and chose to ignore the distraction.

When it was time for the choir to begin, the Complainer started in on our choir director.

“What are they here for?”

Our graceful leader cheerfully answered, “We are here to sing for you all tonight.”

“How many songs are they going to sing? I hope you aren’t going to sing all night. Who are you? Where did you come from?”

We began to sing and the Complainer grew louder even though she had turned her attention to digging for something beside her in her wheelchair. A nursing assistant came to help her and after a few hushed words the assistant rolled her to someplace where she would be happier.

I thought about the difference between the two and I want to be the Soloist when I grow old.
I hope I will still be singing the praises of my Lord when I come to that point in my life.

Then I thought, what about right now?

Which am I most often? Sadly, not the Soloist.

Which one are you?

Are you a Soloist or a Complainer?

Which one do you want to be?

::

Continuing to count the grace gifts He showers me with each day…

1839. When the blend of voices gives you goosebumps

1840. the Apple guy who solved some issues with a calm voice

1841. the littlest wants to watch a “godly video” as she put it

1842. an afternoon filled with laughter…

1843. …sunshine

1844. …good food

1845. …great fellowship

1846. …my 3-legged foot race companion

1847. … we almost won!

1848. finishing the afternoon with a text chat with a good friend

1849. receiving a photo of her beach

1850. an evening listening to stories around the bonfire

1851. fresh deep fried turkey… and snitching the best parts while it is being carved up…

1852. …crispy skin!!

1853.  He gives his sister his shoes so she can walk back home

1854. the gurgling of the coffee pot breaking the morning silence

1855. She snuggles up close while we read Little House on the Prairie

1856. he is enticed into reading the book I’ve been suggesting for a very long time

1857. he lays down next to her and reads to her before she falls asleep

1858. four deer bounding through the yard while I type this out

1859. five deer grazing in the backyard, quietly enjoying breakfast

1860. I LOVE WHERE I LIVE!

1861. delightful surprise of a bouquet waiting on the table

1862. ever attentive dogs

1863. My father’s sense of humor (not to worry… it is just hamburger, I am not preparing for some weird wild game feast)

1864. suspended in mid-air, every little hair in focus (sorry Mom)

1865. Les Miserables, THE ORIGINAL BROADWAY CAST, they love the powerful voices weaving in and out, blending together, and singing counter-melodies against each other (no worries- I have ‘edited’ out the not-so-nice songs in iTunes) Guess my two favorite songs in the comments below.

1866. Carmel trying to learn penmanship

1867. she loves school at home, on the porch, on the floor….