prayer points and connections

This afternoon Denise and I were talking about how there were so many people we saw down at the parade that we either hadn't seen in a while or got the chance to know a little better. A thought occurred to me (I'd like to think it was the Holy Spirit's prompting) that I should make a note of each person we had a chance to connect with, commit to praying for them and then, in some way, if possible, follow up with a note, call, or e-mail. I believe if we do that, the Lord will honor it and bless them because He loves them and us, and as it is so, He loves to answer prayer.

Memorial Day

What a beautiful memorial day we had here in Northwest Connecticut! The weather was perfect; sunny skies, warm temperatures, low humidity and even a bit of a breeze. Denise and I met with friends and family to enjoy the Memorial Day parade, which we watched from the green (Coe Park) in downtown Torrington. I truly am grateful for all who have served our country and given their lives in order to protect our freedoms. This was not merely another day off for me, rather it was a time for some acknowledgment and solemn reflection. Sadly, as Pastor Steed pointed out in his message yesterday, some in this country are doing everything they can to try and take away some of those very freedoms. There are some who are bent on removing the very mention of Christ or anything associated, completely from public life.

After the parade, Denise and I had lunch at Ecuatoriano & American Cuisine Restaurant at 1241 East Main Street in Torrington. It was a great lunch; Denise had salmon with rice, beans, sweet plantains and a passion fruit smoothie and I had vegetarian vegetable fried rice with avocado, sweet plantains and a guanabana shake. Everything was delicious and freshly prepared. Also, Jose', the owner, waited on us and prepared the meals too, all the while with a smile and gratitude for us being there. (This guy has lots of energy and enthusiasm.) For a change of pace from the usual Chinese food, pizza and so forth, I would highly recommend giving Ecuatoriano & American Cuisine Restaurant a visit soon.

Staying connected in a disconnected world

"He came to His own, and those who were His own did not receive Him." (John 1:11 NASB)

One of the things that makes it so hard for followers of Christ to keep following Him in thought, word and deed throughout each day is the fact that we live in a world that is in so many ways disconnected from its Creator. The glory of Almighty God is revealed all around us and yet we often fail to see because the truth and reality become swallowed up by lies and illusion. It's not hard to get swept up in this stuff because our culture has embraced it to such a large degree.

"In whose case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelieving so that they might not see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God." (2 Cor. 4:4 NASB)
 
Jesus said that we are to remain in this world and not be of it, and if we're to be honest, we must agree that's a tough one. This is where being in an ongoing prayerful dialogue with the Father comes in. It's also where having His word written on the tablets of our hearts comes in too. Right along with these, it is of the utmost importance that we encourage and support each other in fighting the good fight of faith.