Leave It There

Recently Norma Jean and I attended a concert by singer songwriter Rory Feek at his concert Hall in Columbia, Tennessee. One of the songs he sang was called, “Leave It There.”

We were not familiar with this song, but ironically Jerry Baxter  led  it at our worship service Sunday from the Sacred Selections song book. Continue reading

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Patience is Fundamental

A young father in a supermarket was pushing a shopping cart with his little son, who was strapped in the front. The little boy was fussing, irritable, and crying.

The other shoppers gave the pair a wide berth because the child would pull cans off the shelf and throw them out of the cart. The father seemed to be very calm; as he continued down each aisle, he murmured gently: “Easy now, Brian. Keep calm, Brian. Steady, Brian. It’s all right, Brian.” Continue reading

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Weekly Recap: October 21-25

Greetings from The Great Smoky Mountains

We’re enjoying our annual Fall trip to the Smokies.  Beautiful Fall foliage. Crisp mountain air. Good food. And wonderful fellowship with the folks here at the Cosby Church  Especially our good friends Olie and Mary Williamson.

Today’s recap covers a wide range of topics. The fruit of the Spirit–Peace.  A challenge to go “Out On A Limb,” based on song by Rory Feek.  Lessons from Jesus turning the water into wine.  Honoring unknown and unnamed heroes.  And wonderful example of neighbor help neighbor and how you can help the flood victims of East TN and Western NC. Continue reading

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Neighbor Helping Neighbor

In the wake of Hurricane Helene which caused severe flooding from Florida to North Carolina, and Hurricane Milton which wreaked incredible destruction on Florida’s Gulf Coast, we’ve read of so many instances of neighbors, friends, and brethren helping each other.

The devastation in Western North Carolina is especially difficult given the mountainous terrain that must be traversed with entire towns being destroyed and roads being wiped out.

Of course, there are various charitable groups to which one can donate goods or money to help, but some of the most effective have been individual efforts. Continue reading

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Honoring the Unknown

On this day in history, “October 24, 1921, in the French town of Chalons-sur-Marne, an American sergeant selected the body of the first “Unknown Soldier” to be honored among the approximately 77,000 United States servicemen killed on the Western Front during World War I.”

The web page history.com relates the story of how this ”unknown soldier” was chosen by Sergeant Edward Younger. There were numerous bodies of soldiers recovered with no indication of name, rank, or organization. Four were chosen, placed in caskets and brought to the Hotel de Ville. Continue reading

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John 2:1-11: Jesus’ Glory Demonstrated

Several years ago The New Yorker magazine ran an article about faith by Adam Gopnik who arrogantly opined: “We know … that in the billions of years of the universe’s existence, there is no evidence of a single miraculous intervention with the laws of nature.”

The Gospel writer, John, would disagree with Gopnik. He was an eyewitness to Jesus’ miracles including the very first one of His ministry where He turned the water into wine. Continue reading

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Out On A Limb

Last Friday night Norma Jean and I enjoyed a wonderful evening at Hardison Mill listening to country singer and song writer Rory Feek share an intimate evening of inspiring stories, heart-felt songs, and personal reminiscences.

One of the songs Rory sang is from his recently released album, Gentle Man, entitled “Out On A Limb.” It tells the story of a person reflecting on the paths they could have taken in life. It paints a nostalgic picture of regret, longing, and wistfulness. Continue reading

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Peace is Fundamental

BBC Correspondent Mark Simpson tells about a city in Northern Ireland that’s so divided its citizens can’t agree on its name. Some call it Londonderry and others call it Derry.

“At the moment, most Protestants live on the east bank of the River Foyle, most Catholics live on the west bank. Some are reluctant to cross to the other side.” Continue reading

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Weekly Recap: October 14-18

Greetings from Columbia, Tennessee

We are on the way to the Smoky Mountains, but swung by here to see some dear friends and attend a concert by country music singer and songwriter, Rory Feek, who’s also a world-class storyteller.  Rory was one half of the Grammy award winning duo with late wife, Joey+Rory. Continue reading

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What Can Wash Away My Sin?

Robert Lowry was an 19th century hymnist who wrote a song that is still popular and sung today in churches. It was based on the question “What can wash away my sin?”

Lowry doesn’t leave us in doubt as he answers the question in the first stanza of the hymn. Continue reading

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