Celebrate Grace With Me...

May 16, 1910 to December 24, 2010

Yesterday, I was privileged, honored, stoked and overwhelmed at Grace Dean's Celebration of Life Service.  Our precious Grace, 100 years -7 months -8 days young went to be with Jesus on Christmas Eve, just one week ago today.  Yesterday, family and friends gathered at our fellowship called Rock Harbor to celebrate, in my estimation, a modern day saint.  We laughed, we cried, we joked around, we were serious...all the emotions we've been afforded as people were present, and yes, they were felt enthusiastically by all.    Our Children's Director, Brandie, masterfully sang two old hymns; Rocque, Grace's primary care-giver, shared a powerful word; family and friends spoke; and, God's Word was shrared...it was simply a great day!  Below I've attached a link to our web site if you'd like to listen to the service - I really think you'll be blessed.  If not, just look left at our beautiful Grace, then look up & Thank God for giving this earth such an amazing woman! 

http://www.rockharborcf.com/media.html 

(Navigate to Grace Nellie Dean, click the link and enjoy...)

Project Invite: Unwrapping the Greatest Gift Ever Given...

...and she brought forth her first born Son & she wrapped Him in swaddling cloths...

This Friday, Rock Harbor Christian Fellowship in Morro Bay would like to invite you to celebrate the Greatest Gift ever wrapped; in fact, we're going to celebrate the Greatest Gift ever given!  From 3-5 in the afternoon, we're having a family dinner; and, from 6-7pm, we're hosting our third annual Christmas Eve Candlelight Communion Service.  Our message is entitled "Project Invite: Unwrapping the Greatest Gift Ever Given..." 

We hope you can come; it's going to be a great blast!

...and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room in the inn...

Merry CHRISTmas!

It's Christmas in Morro Bay!

It's that time of the year...have you noticed?  All the Christmas music, multiple trees beautified with bright lights and decorations, fires burning with hot cider flowing freely, and yes...the 'to do' list that includes putting the outside lights up so the neighbors know you're in the spirit and that shopping list that just has to get done...yes, we're in full swing as the Day approaches.  Personally, I hope you have a great time this December; my resolve: kick back and enjoy the Reason this year...all to often I get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the Season and I miss the true meaning! 

Thanks MBPD...

Well, it's that time of year again for the Morro Bay Police Department!  This past week, the PD hosted their annual Caroling Cop tradition where they drive for three nights on almost every street of Morro Bay providing Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus for the children of the city, ensuring that every child receives a gift to celebrate the Season!

This year, I was more than blessed.  You see, I, with Commander Millard's blessing, gave up my seats to a friend's children (Jennifer just has a kidney transplant and we thought a night on the town with Santa & happy people might bring a bright moment to a stressful time!).  My vantage this year was from my Taurus; check it out: I followed behind the Squad Car, the two Volunteer Cars, the D.A.R.E. Care and the Trolley as we drove up and down the streets of Morro Bay.  And you know, if I could have captured on film all the smiles, the joy, the laughter of the children and the parents - wow, a picture is truly worth a thousand words! 

Mekayla, Santa and Matthew

What impresses me the most is simply this: in an age where pluralistic thought is rampant, this little city called Morro Bay still celebrates CHRISTmas; and yes, the children of this fine city are all the more blessed!  Reminds me what the Centerpiece of this holiday once said, some 2,000 years ago, "Let the little children come unto Me...for such is the Kingdom of Heaven!" (Matthew 19:14)

Yes, Morro Bay's a great place to live!  And once again, the MBPD hit a grand slam, out of the park, game winning home run!  Thanks to you Morro Bay Police Department for touching the lives of Morro Bay's Children...you've not only touched my heart, I firmly believe you've touched the Heart of Heaven!

A Legacy To Behold

The other day I was privileged to head south and visit the memory of two old friends of mine; well, actually, they are more than friends - they're two of the greatest people I've met in my 50 years of existence.  Their names: Morton and Winona Salsman, my amazing and fantastic grandparents! 

When I think of my blessing, I'm reminded of authenticity and realness.  My grandparents lived in a way that upheld the Judeo-Christian lifestyle with dignity and resolve, and at the same time, they lived as people, not as Bible Thumpers, not as Arrogant - Pious I've Arrived Christians.  You see, their life spoke volumes of their love for their Creator; their faith was simply lived out in the day to day journey we call existence.  As the great baseball player once said, "...walk softly and carry a big stick!"  In other words, let your walk do the talk typified the Salsman's.

I guess what I'm most thankful for is twofold.  First, their introduction of Jesus into my family years ago (...there's over 30 blood relatives today that have embraced their God and from that, the numbers are staggering & are having worldwide impact...) .  Second, the fact that I can cheer for the Dodgers, laugh at lame jokes, have the freedom to express who I was created to be - without judgment or the expectation to be something I'm not! 

Here's the kicker, if you will.  Mort and Winona Salsman left my family with a most admirable legacy, impacting us years after their death.  And, truth be told, they didn't try to leave an impact - they simply existed in a love relationship with the Lord and their life simply changed lives for the good.  Lesson to embrace: live in that love relationship with God and see Him live His love in and...through you!  Great lesson for me, thanks guys!