Dancing in the Caribbean

"From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets, the name of the LORD be praised"
Psalm 113:3
How amazing it was to return to the Caribbean to celebrate 35 years of marriage last week! Henry and I went to Paradise Island for our first honeymoon as newlyweds many moons ago. Now we had the blessing to have dinner at sunset and dance a rhumba under the stars in Aruba, more in love now then ever. We have endured difficult trials with the help of the LORD and the prayers of His people. We felt it was important to take time to celebrate the grace bestowed on our lives as we be continue to seek to serve our loving Heavenly Father. A wonderful milestone in our journey through life together.

Safe Pasture

Yesterday morning I spent time meditating on Psalm 37 which contrasts the way of the righteous from the way of the wicked. It is magnificent poetry by a Jewish shepherd boy who eventually becomes king over the nation of Israel.
"For the LORD loves the just
and will not forsake his faithful ones.
They will be protected forever.
but the offspring of the wicked will be cut off."
Then yesterday evening Henry and I went to the film "Bright Star", a portrait of the tragic life of another incredible poet,
John Keats.
It was dark and rainy as we traveled home. We were intently discussing the movie when a locomotive engine and one car of a train commenced to cross the highway and the flashing lights of warning did NOT begin to flash until we were 3 seconds from being hit! Henry stomped on the brakes and we screeched to a halt, narrowly missing a collision. I was literally scared speechless for five minutes, then burst into tears realizing the protective hand of the Lord was upon us and His tender mercies preserved our lives!!
"Trust in the LORD and do good;
dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture."
I skipped over this verse in the psalm yesterday morning, BUT this morning I am so thankful for being a lamb in the LORD's meadow.
"The LORD is my shepherd, Nada shall I want,
He makes me to lie down in green pastures"
Psalm 23 took on new meaning when I was in Mexico last February and again last night!

Singing with Strangers

Henry and I have the privilege of hosting an old friend, Diana, who is visiting from Ohio. She had two co-workers traveling with her, Jim and Michelle. It was amazing when last night we began singing old praise songs. Jim played the guitar and Henry played the mandolin. We went down "Memory Lane" as we lifted up our voices to the Lord singing "Pass it On", "He's Everything To Me" and "For Those Tears I Died" , just a few of the favorites we remembered . We laughed together as we realized we grew up in different parts of the country, yet all four of us learned these songs as teenagers. Seeking to serve the Lord Jesus bonded us together as we harmonized late into the evening. What a blessing to be a part of the Body of Christ!