A Special Time

Grandson Joshua enjoyed a special time last evening. It was the Prom. Even old timers can remember the excitement surrounding that. (Though we had a live band at ours.) What a blessing to gather images of that time -- one that will be remembered for many years. Good for you Josh. Love from your Grandpa Spencer

Note: the Lake in the background is Lake Norman.

A Spring Day

Fine days here in the Piedmont. Lots of garden time. Dogwoods are about past. Tulips still bloom. Azaleas blossoms are lovely. Peonies are next. Doors wide open early -- to let the cool air in. It is pleasant to watch morning light on the lake. Watched for signs of the Iris opening, but that is yet to come. Saw some blooming by the road as we drove to Hickory. Also saw much traffic. Two wrecks. Thought we were back in the city. We used to call such traffic "crazy day." The garden was tame and lovely. The roads were crazy and crowded. Sounds like life doesn't it. Wheat and tares together sown. Ah well, we do not journey alone.
Light and Warmth,
Bill

The picture above is grandson Jack Spencer wearing Cheryl's old hat. A fine boy.

A Sabbath Prayer

A Sabbath Prayer

Dear Lord Jesus, we find it easy to rejoice when we are feeling good. When all is glad and golden we can smile easily and float through the day, like a canoe in a slow current on the river. We are glad to have those days, times when the sun overpowers the shadows, the noon times of life, when shadows retreat into diminished state, phantom silhouettes fleeing the radiant sunlight. We thank you for your strong presence on days of effortless joy.

We need your strong presence on other days as well -- on headache days, on drab, rainy days, and on exacting work days. We need you when things do not go right: when the car won't start, when the traffic is too heavy to move, when the pain starts again. I can't say that we need you more than on golden days, but we need a certain, clear touch, a real sense of your loving presence. Lift us beyond our times, above the circumstances that surround us. Show us the real world, timeless, pure, without stain or pain, without gloom or ghosts of what might have been. Let your light shine on us, giving us radiance enough to find the path, to take the step forward, to bring us home.

We thank you for your boundless love, not limited by time or space, by gladness or sorrow. We thank you for choosing us to be among your people. We thank you for equipping us for a mission and urging us to take up the cross and the hoe, the Word and the words of life sent to all peoples. Stay with us. Prod us into action. Fill us with hope unending and bring us again, rejoicing, to the portal, to the throne.

Be with all who live this day. Bless the strong and the young, the hopeful and the despairing. Grace the runners of the race of life. Save a crown for us, Dear Lord Jesus, to wear when we complete the circuit of days, the last laps of this race. We love you and sing in our hearts as we say your holy words… Pray the Lord's Prayer.

from Prayers by Willard Spencer

Friends, Here is a prayer for your Sabbath. May the joy of these days be full. May the Spirit invade our lives and lighten our loads. May the blessing of God Almighty, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, be with you and remain with you always.

Light and Warmth from Rose Cottage, near the Lake, where storms threaten,

Bill and Cheryl