St. Luke's Blogs

Teach me your way, O Lord, that I may walk in your truth; give me an undivided heart to revere your name. – Psalm 86:11

I am one of those annoyingly cheerful morning people – just ask my sweet husband! So, it’s not surprising I arrived as the coffee shop was opening that particular morning. I ordered my necessary caffeine and settled into a rhythm.

When I arrived, only two employees were behind the counter. As each of the subsequent employees trickled in, they were greeted with warmth and kindness. Their presence was valued just as God values each one of us. I was impressed by how much these people respected each other, laughed together, and encouraged each other during the busyness of a coffee shop during the morning rush…

There are lots of special Christmases I remember, usually because they were a first Christmas of some sort. For instance, I remember the first Christmas Marsha and I spent as a newly married couple. And then there were the special Christmases that we had after our daughter, Kelly, was born and after Paul was born. I remember our first Christmas after we came to Oklahoma; it was so special to become part of the St. Luke’s family of faith.

And this year will be another first Christmas…

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government will be upon his shoulder, and his name will be called “Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, upon the throne of David, and over his kingdom, to establish it, and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and for evermore. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this. The prophet gave the people hope with the prophecy of the coming Messiah – coming as a child. 

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good.
His love endures forever.
Give thanks to the God of gods.
His love endures forever.
Give thanks to the Lord of lords:
His love endures forever.

to him who alone does great wonders,
His love endures forever.
who by his understanding made the heavens,
His love endures forever.
who spread out the earth upon the waters,
His love endures forever.
who made the great lights—
His love endures forever.
the sun to govern the day,
His love endures forever.
the moon and stars to govern the night;
His love endures forever.

“And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in the one body. And be thankful.  Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teach and admonish one another in all wisdom, and sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs with thankfulness in your hearts to God.”  – Colossians 3:15-16

I leave my house early every Sunday morning. It is dark and there are very few cars on the road. Before I leave my driveway, I turn on my worship playlist and begin singing songs of praise to God as I prepare myself for worship that morning. Sometimes, I sing all the way to the church. Sometimes, I turn off the music and spend time in praying… I am glad it is dark or other drivers might just think I am crazy.

That time in the car is so important to me as I prepare to encounter God in worship…

Praise the Lord, my soul;
    all my inmost being, praise his holy name.
Praise the Lord, my soul,
    and forget not all his benefits—
who forgives all your sins
    and heals all your diseases,
who redeems your life from the pit
    and crowns you with love and compassion,
who satisfies your desires with good things
    so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.

The Lord works righteousness
    and justice for all the oppressed.

He made known his ways to Moses,
    his deeds to the people of Israel:
The Lord is compassionate and gracious,
    slow to anger, abounding in love.

“Rejoice always, pray constantly, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” -1 Thessalonians 5: 16-18

My mother grew up in a small community in southwest Oklahoma. She shared with me several great stories of her time in this little farming town. It was easy to tell that, although her childhood was not filled with material things, it was a full life, surrounded by family and friends. My mom’s childhood was not always easy, but she saw much of it as a blessing.

One story that my mom often shared with me was about my grandmother’s determination to care for her family. After the untimely death of my grandfather, my grandmother would go to work to care for her children. My grandmother was left with five young children to care for and little resources to do so. My mom said that my grandmother planted a garden in every available spot around town. She worked her gardens and canned her harvest to feed her family…

“The Lord is my strength and my shield; in him my heart trusts; so, I am helped, and my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to him.” – Psalm 28:7

It was in 2016 that a text message to a wrong number started something special. Jamal Hinton received a text message from Wanda Dench. Wanda wanted to make sure her grandson knew he was invited to a Thanksgiving dinner at her house. Jamal, who was a teenager at the time, was surprised that his grandma had learned to text. He asked for a photo to prove it was his grandma. Wanda sent a photo and Jamal knew it was not his grandma. Wanda had texted the wrong person. Jamal replied, “Can I still get a plate tho?”

“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.” -Romans 12:1

The holiday season has arrived. This week is Thanksgiving. In just a few short weeks we will be celebrating Christmas and welcoming in the New Year. There is so much that comes with the holiday season. Our calendars quickly fill up. To properly celebrate these special days, we often take time to prepare. We invite guests to our house. We shop for all the necessary food. We clean our houses and decorate. All this must be done, long before we celebrate.

When I think about preparing for the holidays, I think about my mom…

O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;
    his steadfast love endures forever!

Let Israel say,
    “His steadfast love endures forever.”
Let the house of Aaron say,
    “His steadfast love endures forever.”
Let those who fear the Lord say,
    “His steadfast love endures forever.”

I thank you that you have answered me
    and have become my salvation.
The stone that the builders rejected
    has become the chief cornerstone.
This is the Lord’s doing;
    it is marvelous in our eyes.
This is the day that the Lord has made;
    let us rejoice and be glad in it. 
Save us, we beseech you, O Lord!
    O Lord, we beseech you, give us success!

Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord. 
    We bless you from the house of the Lord.
The Lord is God,
    and he has given us light.
Bind the festal procession with branches,
    up to the horns of the altar. 

You are my God, and I will give thanks to you;
    you are my God, I will extol you.

O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good,
    for his steadfast love endures forever.