In Fond Memory of

Howard Lee Pierce
the man with the big heart

Reflections from a Pew

We gathered together to bid our farewells
To a man who had finished his well fought race.
Family and friends did assemble that day
To offer our love for a life lived with grace.

Light pierced the windows of that ol' country church
And danced on the crown of his beautiful bride.
God offered warmth with His comfort and care
As his family remembered its beloved with pride.

Songs of the Master enveloped the air,
A reminder to all that His love was quite near.
Words, oh so tender, completed our refrain;
Sweet adoration brought the wipe of a tear.

Sadness escaped us as stories were shared.
Laughter was afloat, along with Tammy's note!
Memories of a family man flooded our hearts
As we honored the legacy of love Howard wrote.

You are missed, my friend...
January 11, 2010

Swaddled

Gifts come in many wrappings; ours delivered in a tiny Santa suit! A sweet little girl full of promise...
Presents donned in fancy paper and shiny bows beckon us to unwrap, to discover, to enjoy!
Long ago the world received a gift wrapped in swaddling cloth: God's infant son promised to a lost humanity desperate for redemption.
Have we loosened the linen strips of the Messiah, embracing the indescribable joy of relationship with Him?
The shepherds found the wrapped Babe and encountered a heavenly explosion of praise and adoration!
Our encounter promises glorious riches in Christ, all for the unwrapping!
May your Christmas be clothed with the Christ Child...

"And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger."Luke 2:12

Peace at last...

Sam's parents report that a pacifier has brought newfound peace to their lives. I couldn't help but think that our Advent season reminds us of a different peace, an everlasting Peace announced to the world after four hundred years of silence. Israel waiting for Yahweh to speak again, hoping for the promised Messiah. And then one night the Word, the Life Maker...the Light Giver, exchanged the majesty of His heavenly home for a manger fit only for a pauper. The Prince of Peace offering hope for the hopeless...rest for the restless...grace for the graceless.

Unspeakable joy!

She's here!

Welcome...

Samantha Ryan

born November 10, 2009
8:11 a.m.
8lb. 6ou. of joy...
21 inches of sweetness...

Every good and perfect gift is from above...James 1:17

Patches of Life

One of my greatest delights is to explore art and this year's International Quilt Festival offered such opportunity. Yes, I firmly believe quilting is an art form and better yet, a feast for the eyes! I was particularly drawn to the crazy quilts this year, intrigued with their intricate embroidery and embellishment. Have you ever thought how our lives are constructed much like those pieces of handiwork? Patches of life randomly placed in a design that defies what we assume to be order...yet when examined as a whole reflects a work of great beauty, brilliantly seamed together with the Creator's signature touch! Why would He place this rough patch next to this smooth one? Why would He add this detail that doesn't seem to fit? Ah, but our Creator is acutely aware of the details, adding them ever so carefully. Just as the novice quilter, we, too, have no idea what the finished product will look like as we live stitch to stitch, but the Master Artist knows all along how our lives will finally display. We may see craziness...disorder...confusion...but He sees...Perfection!

Two minutes will make a difference

This weekend most of us will gather with friends and family and share a meal. We'll enjoy each other's company and probably eat way too much. The fact that millions of children will wake to hunger pains and bed with empty tummies will probably escape our thoughts. Would you carve out a couple of minutes to watch this video? It just might save a child.



Is not this the time to speak out for the voiceless poor, to choose the kind of sacrifice the Lord requires? For is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen; to share your food with the hungry. Isaiah 58:6-7