Thursday, December 22, 2011

Psalm 24


As I walked from one side of base to the other today, I spoke the words that often come to my mind when I find myself in awe of the the Most High God's creation: "The earth is the Lord's and everything in it."

I knew these words were from the Bible, but I couldn't remember where, exactly, they were from.  These words have always brought me peace when I speak them aloud.  I am reminded that the God who created all that I see is the same God who whispers into my ear.  These words calm me, assure me, and they settle me.  Most of all, these words fill me with thanksgiving and praise for the Creator.

This evening, I was watching a John Mark McMillan video from his website, http://thejohnmark.com/economy-home (video entitled "Who Is This"), and the caption states that "the song is basically a contemplation of Psalm 24."  So I looked up Psalm 24 in my Bible, and was overcome with peace when I read the familiar words:

"The earth is the Lord's and everything in it."

Amen.  I am in the world.  I am the Lord's.


Psalm 24
Of David. A psalm.

The earth is the Lord's and everything in it,
  the world, and all who live in it;
for he founded it upon the seas
  and established it upon the waters.

Who may ascend the hill of the Lord?
  Who may stand in his holy place?
He who has clean hands and a pure heart,
  who does not lift up his soul to an idol or swear by what is false.
He will receive blessing from the Lord
  and vindication from God his Savior.
Such is the generation of those who seek him,
  who seek your face, O God of Jacob.

Lift up your heads, O you gates;
  be lifted up, you ancient doors,
  that the King of glory may come in.
Who is this King of glory?
  The Lord strong and mighty,
  the Lord mighty in battle.
Lift up your heads, O you gates;
  lift them up, you ancient doors,
  that the King of glory may come in.
Who is he, this King of glory?
  The Lord Almighty-- he is the King of glory.

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

I'm dreaming of a white(sands) Christmas

Just as in the US, the base here is gearing up for the Christmas season.  The chapel is focusing on the advent season, with sermons relating to Zechariah (John the Baptist's father), Mary, Joseph, and the prophets foretelling the birth of the Messiah, Jesus Christ.  Decorations abound, and thankfully, I have even been able to decorate my room to usher in a feeling of the season.

I certainly would prefer to be home this Christmas, helping E with all the decorating and spending time with my sweet family.  But I will make the most of this season here, doing my best to bring attention to the birth of the promised Messiah.


Lots of encouraging letters and pictures from our life group.  Can you tell which ones are from the kids?




My Charlie Brown Christmas tree (from Mom) and my Christmas Turkey (from kids)




As Cheery as I could make the entrance to my room.  No, that is not mistletoe, E.  Just the Christmas bells.






Christmas lights on my bunk.  You might notice they aren't lit.  Apparently the Christmas light wiring and the local power source were incompatible, evidenced by the 2 minutes of light followed my smoke and no lights.  Oops.




Lots of yummy food sent by care package.  My favorite: the fritos for Chili Pie.  They have great chili here, but no fritos' so my sweet wife took it upon herself to send the vital missing ingredient for this high-class meal.


Wish you all have a Merry Christmas.  E has my address if you want to send a card or letter.  Hand written cards are like gold!