h2odevos encores 022312 My Friend, Lent

"I'm a lonesome chord looking for a song

Still not sure I know where I belong

You're a tired word looking for a rhyme

Feel as though you're running out of time

They say Joy will be

Just around the bend

'Til I'm there

It's good to have a friend"

You're a quiet whisper dancing in the breeze

I'm a hurricane tumbling toward the keys

You're a wild dream on a falling star

To me the destination seems too far

 It's Good to Have a Friend by David Bailey & Peter Mayer

I was on an elevator the other day when I heard someone say, "I hate Lent."  I didn't respond verbally, but my heart exclaimed, "I love Lent!  Lent is my Friend."  For folks who know me quite well, maybe you are now saying to yourself, "Well, okay, that explains it."  Or some of you may be thinking, "How can anyone like Lent, let alone love Lent?"

I have always lived in places where the four seasons each claim distinct parts of the year.  Around this time each year, Peter's words ring very true for me:

     "I'm a lonesome chord looking for a song

     Still not sure I know where I belong."

In these days I experience restlessness.  The magazine covers that I see in the checkout line at stores all diagnose SAD-Seasonal Affective Disorder.  However, Ash Wednesday suggests the same acronym, SAD, but let me say it's clearer, it demands different words and behavior, namely, "Some Alternate Direction."

"Yet even now, says the LORD, return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning; rend your hearts and not your clothing.  Return to the LORD, your God, for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love, and relents from punishing."  (Joel 2:12-13)

In other words, my friend, Lent invites me, and each one of us to change, to undergo a metamorphosis, an extreme makeover (if you will) and return to Sender, the creator of the world.

"You're a tired word looking for a rhyme

Feel as though you're running out of time"

As the sign of the cross is made in ashes on our forehead, the following words are said, "Remember, you're dust and to dust you shall return."  It's confirmed, we are running out of time.  Lent reminds us that "time flies" and "time waits for no one."  I wonder how many people would like to file for extensions, for an exception to the rules, to be exempt from the deadline.

My friend, Lent doesn't visit me for more than 40 days each year.  I know some people who seem to entertain Lent as a guest 365 days each year, but I've found that 1/9th of each year is good enough.  In fact, it's perfect because after Lent comes and goes 50 Days of Easter arrive.

"They say Joy will be

Just around the bend

"Til I'm there

It's good to have a friend"

Thanks for taking time for this journey.  As people who have a mutual friend, let's get to know each other and God better during these 40 days and nights.

Peace,

rtg

h2odevos encores 022212 On Your Mark

"How can I hear when You call? 

When at last grace has found me
Will I recognize it at all?
Lift this song of sadness into gladness at Your feast
To hear Your voice is calling, come walk with me

Ever walk with me Lord
Each night and day a rejoicing
With kindness the harmony, justice the beat
You've turned my footsteps to dancing
Oh Ever walk with me Lord"

Walk With Me Lord by Peter Mayer

The message on the sign changes to WALK. It is part command and even demand. It is part invitation and part vocation. WALK. I look out my window on this early February morning. It is dark and cold. The snow is falling and everything looks fresh, new, clean and pure. I've got snowshoes in a box that are calling me to WALK. Another message comes our way today as well on this first day of Lent. "You are dust and to dust you shall return."  Just in case we thought we were immortal these words are spoken as the sign of the cross in ashes is made on our forehead. In other words, we are terminal. Maybe those words stop us dead in our tracks. Perhaps they give us pause to reflect on our condition, our health status and also  to remind us that in baptism we have been marked with the cross of Christ. Consequently, we are claimed, gathered and sent for the sake of the world. WALK. "They heard the sound of the LORD God walking in the garden at the time of the evening breeze, and the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God among the trees of the garden." Genesis 3:8 I am imagining what the sound is when the Lord God walks in the garden. Does it sound like a symphony orchestra or church organ music? Or do the footsteps sound heavy and judgmental? Are the footsteps brisk or was God just out for a stroll? Adam and Eve knew, they understood immediately what the situation was and began to make excuses. When I've been confronted with my brokenness or sinfulness, it has been natural for me to want to change my walk into running away in order to hide or distance myself. On this first day of  our Lenten journey, I invite you to hear the words proclaimed by the prophet Joel,  "Yet even now, says the LORD, return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning; 13rend your hearts and not your clothing. Return to the LORD, your God, for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love, and relents from punishing." Joel 2:12-13 In many Christian traditions it is customary to "give up" something for Lent. To do without something is a very helpful discipline. As a youngster, I used to give up lima beans and broccoli for Lent. As you might suspect, that wasn't too big of a sacrifice for me. I encourage you to "take on" something different this Lent. And if I may suggest something, that something would be to increase your physical activity by striving to walk 10,000 steps per day. 2,000 steps is approximately a mile. On average most Americans walk 4,000-6,000 steps per day. So, I encourage you to go the extra mile or two. You'll be glad you did. An excellent resource to count your steps is www.americaonthemove.org. "Lift this song of sadness into gladness at Your feast To hear Your voice is calling, come walk with me" WALK, rtg

h2odevos encores 022112 A Postcard from London

A Postcard from London, Lent 2012

Dear Sisters and Brothers,

Grace and peace to you from our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

I hope and pray this note finds you well. 

This Lent, I'm in London on Sabbatical. It began on January 1 and it's been just grand.

Cynthia Tanner and Brenda Greenwald are "tag-teaming" to ensure that h2o devos happen this Lent by pulling out "encores." When we knew Peter's live cd "Under Your Spell" was being released at the end of 2011, we decided to work on a "best of" h2o Devos for Lent 2012 since I'm working on renewal and some other projects. 

I remember one time that John Mellencamp (no relation, but a cool name like Glusenkamp) came out with a cd of some of his biggest hits. He stated that he didn't call it the "greatest hits" but rather, "It was the best I could do."

I think that's all that Jesus really wants from us, is "the best we can do." 

So, blessings to you on your Lenten Journey, thank you for taking and making time for h2o devos. May they water your soul.

rtg

H2odevos eots 122111 Chain of Love-Advent Style

H2odevos eots 122111 Chain of Love-Advent Style

Woke up Sunday morning blue gulf of Mexico


Barefoot children were dancing in the sand


There are chains that bind you chains that remind you


Won't you please give me your hand

http://littleflockmusic.com/AUDIO/PM/RG/ChainOfLove.mp3

PRAYER OF THE DAY for All Saints Sunday (ELW) Almighty God, you have knit your people together in one communion in  the mystical body of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Grant us grace to follow your blessed   saints in lives of faith and commitment, and to know the inexpressible joys you have prepared  for those who love you, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and  the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen Yesterday would have been my father’s 94th birthday.  As many of you know four years ago  on his 90th birthday Frank Glusenkamp had a stroke,  suffered seizures and never regained consciousness. He died 14 days later. I’ve been working  with a couple of families this week who are similar situations. I always tell them,  “there are worse things than dying.” Sometimes they shake their heads and signify  that they agree. At other times they look at me with a look that seems to ask “what are you talking about?” But, what I am talking about is what Peter is singing about,  namely we are connected through a chain of Love. This chain is not always visible to the  human eye, but nevertheless it is real, it is strong, it holds onto us when we can longer hold onto  it or to each other. I give thanks for this chain that connects  you and me together. I give thanks for you. Deck the halls, rtg

H2odevos eots 122021 “every body’s searching”

H2odevos eots 122021 “every body’s searching”

Peter sings, “just a piece of paradise.”

I’m listening to the new cd, Under Your Spell.  It’s not too late to get your stocking stuffer!   http://littleflockmusic.com/product.asp?ID=PM-UYS-CD

A cup of coffee, a wrinkled newspaper, a well worn Bible and an ipod keep me company as I hear Peter sing,

“I thought that I had a soul, it turned out to be just a hole in my life.” 

I keep playing the song over and over. Some of the licks of the guitar state that plaintive lament which is a cry of the heart, but then there is Peter’s soothing voice of hope and resilience. I mean who hasn’t had a hole in their life? As Peter correctly observes “every body’s searching.” Searching for that perfect gift, that perfect mate, that perfect tree, that perfect church, that perfect perfection, a “piece of paradise.”

And yet, folks experience

“broken hearts and broken hands in their lives.”  For some reason this year I am more mindful of that than at other times past. Perhaps it’s because I recognize clearly the brokenness in my heart, in my hands.

In Luke 23:43  Jesus told the thief on the cross,  "Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in Paradise." The thief saw a slice, a piece of paradise.

In 2 Corinthians 12:4  St. Paul talks about how he “
was caught up into Paradise and heard things that are not to be told, that no mortal is permitted to repeat.” He got a little piece of paradise.

In Revelation 2:7, we get a celestial invitation,  “
Let anyone who has an ear listen to what the Spirit is saying to the churches. To everyone who conquers, I will give permission to eat from the tree of life that is in the paradise of God.”

I pray today that you recognize that “piece of paradise” that is from the Prince of Peace.

May the “echoes of the season” bring you joy.

Deck the halls,

rtg

H2odevos eots 121611 Christmas Countdown

H2odevos eots 121611 Christmas Countdown

I was making a home visit on Wednesday (yes, pastors still do that). In fact, my colleague Pastor Ruth Ann  and I attempt to see all the incoming 7^th graders to our confirmation program. Each year that amounts on average to be about 35-40 young people. So, this is something that we desire to do as we share with the students, their parents, their siblings and even pets, the approach we take to faith formation.

Our partners in this venture are a wonderful group led by Dr. Paul Hill and his colleagues called VIBRANT FAITH. Their website is http://vibrantfaith.org  - I encourage you to check it out.

So, I was visiting  a student by the name of Grace, how cool is that? She has a sister named Mia. As they were treating me in the kitchen to cookies and some warm coffee I saw their countdown calendars up on the wall. Their parents, Angela and Charlie are doing a good job! The message of the calendars is CHRISTMAS IS…

CHRISTMAS IS A COMING!

As Peter sings, “once again the story begins bringing good news in the night.”

On Tuesday, I visited Annette. She was baptized at Bethany many years ago. In fact, she is the oldest living member of our church who was baptized at our church. I believe if memory serves me correct that she was born in 1917. At one time she was very good with her hands and made lots of gifts of counted cross-stitching and embroidery. The following picture is of  one of her creations that currently hangs in our library at church.

 It’s a quotation from Isaiah 40:31,

³¹but those who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength,

they shall mount up with wings like eagles,

they shall run and not be weary,

they shall walk and not faint.

It’s all about waiting. And while we are “counting down” the days, maybe it’s also a good time to be “counting up” the ways we can let light and love shine around us.

Deck the halls,

rtg

h2odevos eots 121711 Whisper

H2odevos eots 121711 WHISPER

Isaiah 29:4  
Then deep from the earth you shall speak,

from low in the dust your words shall come;

your voice shall come from the ground like the voice of a ghost,

and your speech shall whisper out of the dust.

Christmas came a little early yesterday. My shipment of Peter’s new cd, “UNDER YOUR SPELL”  

 arrived via of the good folks who work so hard to make packages and boxes arrive in time for the holidays.

I’m grateful for the blessing of family on this day. We are going to celebrate as Sue Ann receives her Masters degree in Nursing Leadership. We have a “hooding” to attend as well as the graduation from Regis University at the convention center. I am sure with all of us gathered together that we will want to be talking all the time. I am also sure someone will turn around with a strern look in their eye and their index finger in front of their lips while “mouthing” the word “whisper.”

Peter knows this is the season of “whispers” We whisper what we want for Christmas. We whisper what we bought another. We whisper the “hopes and dreams of all the years.” We whisper our love and affection.

May this whisper of a day bring you hope, light and love.

Deck the halls,

rtg

H2odevos eots 12111 Blooms from Brokenness

"Out of a thousand faces you find the light in one From so many distant places your journey has begun To find true joy and happiness To bring new blooms from brokenness And every day your song be yes We're touched by the hands of love" http://www.petermayer.com/songs/the-hands-of-love

http://pomegranates.org/index.php?c=5 I had an amazing day on Monday. It was full of emotions. There was everything from "true joy and happiness"-to some deep sadness and brokenness. As a parish pastor I know that folks let you walk with them through good times and bad times. Monday was full of both ends of the spectrum. I've been doing this "work" for thirty years or so. I've learned a few things along the way. I believe as Peter sings that we've been "touched by the hands of love." I know  there are "new blooms from brokenness." I trust that when we see our day as a "song of yes" as opposed to a "lament of NO" that we truly let our hearts and lights shine. Just as I wrote those words, our power went out in our home. (After some searching around in the dark for a candle, I'm now writing by candlelight and using my lovely MacBook Pro on battery power. I've experienced the reality that: Weeping may spend the night, but joy comes in the morning (Psalm 30) Nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8) God has a plan for us even when we can't see it or feel it. But, there is a plan for our wellbeing. (Jeremiah 29:11) God is Love! 1 John Blooms do come from brokenness. http://www.britishmuseum.org/explore/highlights/highlight_objects/pe_prb/t/the_hinton_st_mary_mosaic.aspx When I was in England in October, I first heard about the Hinton St. Mary Mosaic. In what many people believe is one of the first mosaic images of Christ, he is flanked by pomegranates. There was the understanding in Jewish lore that there are 613 seeds in the pomegranate-one seed for each of the commandments in the Old Testament. Today I pray that you find the seeds of love, hope and grace that are all around us. Deck the halls, rtg

h2odevos eots 121211 REJOICE ALWAYS

"Through trials and darkness fear and temptation You look for deliverance and some revelation With no song of spring you wait for the call Could there be nothing at all...Oh Sing Joy joy joy in the morning Joy joy in the afternoon Joy joy joy for the child is born This night the promise is given to you" Sing Joy by Peter Mayer

In yesterday's sermon I referred the worshippers to 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24. I likened it to a blueprint.  My father, Frank, was an architect. I remember as a little boy looking at the blueprints he would create. There was a great deal of detail on each and every page. The blueprints weren't the building of course, but they showed how the workers could put the building together. St. Paul has created an amazing blueprint for "building each other up" for constructing a joyful self and community this Advent. I encourage you to take a look at the words, 16Rejoice always, 17pray without ceasing, 18give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 19Do not quench the Spirit. 20Do not despise the words of prophets, 21but test everything; hold fast to what is good; 22abstain from every form of evil. 23May the God of peace himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be kept sound and blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do this. I asked the congregation to read along with me as we looked at the verses. So, today,  I need you to help me with this. It's all about reading the blueprints. Let's read the two words in verse 16: 16 "Rejoice always, Alright, we've heard these words before from here and in other places like Phil. 3:1 and Romans 12:12. And to "rejoice always" means something different from Bobby McFerrin's "Don't Worry, Be Happy" (although that is a very fine song). But, it seems to me that "rejoicing," means finding the joy in it all. I think it can mean, finding the "Light" in the darkness. Let's read the three words of verse 17: 17pray without ceasing, Good! These words echo Col. 4:2 and Eph. 6:18. As a child and young adult I would hear these verses as a judgment of sorts, that I had to just sit in church and pray 24/7. But, that's a childish view, a simplistic view of prayer. Prayer is talking and listening to God. When we sing carols, when we read Scripture, when we bake cookies for a neighbor, we are praying. My prayer today is that you follow the star. My hope today is that you enjoy a piece of  bread as we think about making our way to Bethlehem (which means HOUSE OF BREAD). I'd like for you to intentionally take time to "rejoice always" and "pray without ceasing." Deck the halls, rtg

h2odevos eots 121111 Job Description (encore)

December 11, 2011 Third Sunday in Advent Job Description    "Break out the lights shine them bright Hang them from tree and from rafter Let them burn all through the night Light up your hearts with the laughter" Ring Out The Bells by Peter Mayer

This is an Encore Devo, first published on December 11, 2005 Okay, Christmas Day is just two weeks from today. While that thought might bring a sense of anxiousness to some people, the very good news for our world is that Christmas comes whether we are ready or not! The holiday is not dependent on our state of readiness or preparedness. Fortunately, the promises of God are being fulfilled while stars are positioned in the sky and angelic choirs are on alert in the heavenly realms all set to sing "Gloria in excelsis Deo." The other day I heard someone ask in a rather frustrated voice, "What in God's name are you doing?" This question was not (in my humble opinion) intended to evoke a vocational assessment on behalf of the hearer, but was intentionally spoken as a critique of another person's behavior. It was an evaluation of current state. And while the words were spoken in an exasperated tone, I'd like to re-frame them or position them to suggest that all of us have job descriptions given to us by God. Today we hear the following words from the prophet Isaiah. They are a job description posted years ago which Jesus aligned himself with in the course of his ministry. "The spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me, because the LORD has anointed me; he has sent me to bring good news to the oppressed, to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and release to the prisoners; 2to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn; 3to provide for those who mourn in Zion -- to give them a garland instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the mantle of praise instead of a faint spirit. They will be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, to display his glory."(Isaiah 61:1-4) Like Peter sings, break, hang, let, light." Today you might have the opportunity to give a garland instead of ashes, Spritz some oil of gladness instead of mourning, To wrap someone with a scarf (cashmere of course) of praise instead of deflating their hopes and dreams. 'Tis the season & Jesus is the Reason! RTG

h2odeovs eots 121011 LIGHT + LOVE

H2odevos eots 121011 Light +Love

Winter's come again too soon this year
Grab your hat and woolen scarf my dear
Feathers from a Robin's wing
That's all you'll find to remind you of spring
Colored lights in ornamental strings
Turn ordinary streets to special things
A sigh catches your breath
Then a smile for the season of stars and promises

http://www.petermayer.com/songs/stars-and-promises

Sue Ann and I were at Regis University last night for a Service of Lessons and Carols.

It was a lovely time to hear about “stars and promises.” As we left the sanctuary I noticed that there was a copy of portions of the St. Johns Bible. The pages which caught my eye were from Exodus 19 and 20. Chapter 20 is all about the BIG 10 (not the athletic conference) (which actually now has 12 schools in it) but the TEN COMMANDMENTS.  You can read more about this lovely project by checking out the website:

http://www.saintjohnsbible.org/

I’ve also included a couple of pictures.

As I reflect on the service the whole idea of Light + Love comes to me. I am grateful for people who have shown me light and love along the way. I think of how Peter’s music graciously proclaims light and love to folks who gather together to hear his music. The Bible is a love song full of Light+ Love. As you know sometimes people want to take a select portion of the Bible  (or particular soundbytes ) out of context in order make a point or to attempt to win an argument. I’m always taken by Kurt Vonnegut’s words:

“For some reason, the most vocal Christians among us never mention the Beatitudes. But, often with tears in their eyes, they demand that the Ten Commandments be posted in public buildings. And of course that's Moses, not Jesus. I haven't heard one of them demand that the Sermon on the Mount, the Beatitudes, be posted anywhere.”

Kurt Vonnegut

So, today it is my prayer that these words of Light + Love might echo in your heart and soul:

When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain; and after he sat down, his disciples came to him. ²Then he began to speak, and taught them, saying:

³"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

⁴"Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.

⁵"Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.

⁶"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.

⁷"Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.

⁸"Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.

⁹"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.

¹⁰"Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

¹¹"Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account ¹²Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Deck the halls,

rtg

h2odevos eots 120911 A SPACE RESERVED FOR THE MONARCH

H2odevos eots 120911 “A Space Reserved for the Monarch”

I was walking down a busy street in Denver when I saw the sign which read

“Parking for Monarch Only.” A smile immediately came to my face. I thought about this holy season of Advent as a special time to prepare for the coming of the Lord.

I remember as a little boy memorizing the following verse FROM HEAVEN ABOVE

      O dearest Jesus, holy child,

      prepare a bed, soft, undefiled,

      a holy shrine, within my heart,

      that you and I need never part.

Text: Martin Luther, 1483-1546; tr. Lutheran Book of Worship, 1978

© 1978 Lutheran Book of Worship, admin. Augsburg Fortress

That lovely intention is one of the of the “Echoes of the Season that I hear as I make visits to homebound members of our congregation. Another “echo” I am sure that you hear comes from

O Little Town of Bethlehem

      O holy child of Bethlehem,

      descend to us, we pray;

      cast out our sin, and enter in,

      be born in us today.

      We hear the Christmas angels

      the great glad tidings tell;

      oh, come to us, abide with us,

      our Lord Immanuel!

Text: Phillips Brooks, 1835-1893

Both of these carols echo the passionate prayer that there be a space reserved for this monarch lovingly called the Prince of Peace.

Peter texted me the other day that one of the songs on the tour this year that is really getting traction asks the question, “what will Christmas make of you?”  I believe that is really the question. Quite often in the whole discussion about Christmas, while some folks condemn and others affirm the recognition of various faith and religious traditions, as some embrace and others eschew tolerance and diversity, some Christians really play the “victim” card and role. Nate, Noah, Hannah and I are reading a book which is titled

All Things Shining –Reading the Western Classics to Find Meaning in a Secular Age

http://books.simonandschuster.com/All-Things-Shining/Hubert-Dreyfus/9781416596158

This past week in the chapter we were discussing (via of conference call) it seemed that the authors said many people often get caught either being totally devoted to a notion of the nostalgic past or a notion of a wonderful future (NOTE:these are my words, not those of the authors and so I could have misunderstood their point). However, it does some to make sense that we are tempted to either live in an idealized past (which for me consisted of Lassie, Bozo, Ozzie and Harriett, of course the Cleavers and BONANZA!) Or at the other end of the spectrum to be so focused on a future which is all full of JETSON type appliances and gadgets coupled with  pseudo-enlightened and faux progressive view of self and the world.

So, I’m intrigued by the question “what will Christmas make of you?” If you’d like to take a turn at answering that, send a note to me at h2odevos@gmail.com

Meanwhile, be sure to reserve a space in your heart for the Monarch.

Deck the Halls,

rtg

h2odevos eots 120811 THERE + HERE

I happened to be at Regis University on Tuesday to witness my wife, Sue Ann, participate in her oral comprehensive final exam in her quest for a Masters in Nursing Leadership.

She was eloquent, elegant and profound. Her graduation day is December 17^th. Nate, Noah and Hannah are all coming in for the event. I am so very proud of her and what she has accomplished.

As I was hanging out  (some might call it loitering) in the hallway waiting for some of the procedural stuff to unfold, a holiday display caught my eye. In the midst of the kinara (the candle holder for Kwanza), the menorah (the lamp stand used in Jewish liturgy), and the advent wreath (the circular, four candle pre-Christmas lights), there was a dreidel.

The dreidel is associated with Hanukkah  (Festival of Lights), which is a celebration of the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem.

The four letters on the dreidel (transliterated for Microsoft Word)  and need to be read from the left to the right are (SH, H, G, N) or נ (Nun), ג (Gimmel), ה (Hay) and ש (Shin), which stand for the Hebrew phrase "Nes Gadol Haya Sham" (which means "a great thing happened there." The "great thing" was there was only enough oil for the light to burn for one day, but it burned for eight days.

 

 

  

Now in Israel the dreidel has a different fourth letter (which stands for the word "here.")

I like the notion of marking "great things" (as well as "small things") which take place because of miracles "there and here." Perhaps in the kitchen where food for friends, neighbors and strangers is made we should make a sign which reads "a great thing happened here." Maybe in the living room where forgiveness has been asked for and granted, a sign could be placed, "a great thing happened here." What might be amazing is that you and I take time today to move from a notion of scarcity to recognizing the miracle of abundance all around us.

When that happens, it's time to DECK THE HALLS!

Peace,

rtg