♪A Note of Thanks ♪
I Love America, Land of the Free, Home of the Brave
“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free…You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love. The entire law is summed up in a single command: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.” Galatians 5: 1a; 13-14 (NIV)
When I begin to think of the many things I hold dear, I can’t help but thank God for the freedom we hold as Americans, to live in this great land of ours, to think of the men and women who have sacrificed their lives so that we can experience this freedom.
In the last week of September, 2007, I drove my parents up to McLean, Virginia, to visit my sister and brother-in-law, who were living there at the time. Our first night there, we drove into DC to see our nation’s capital all lit up at night. We stopped and got out at the Lincoln Memorial, drove by the Washington Memorial, Smithsonian buildings, Supreme Court building and the White House, but the most moving to my father was the new World War II memorial. My Dad, who served in the U.S. Army during World War II, had heard and read about the memorial, but was so awestruck when we went to the Alabama portion. Everyone there was quiet, reading names on the monument, taking pictures and remembering. I could just imagine my Dad on the boat crossing the English Channel, going onto the beaches of Normandy, with the Army Engineers that built the bridges so that after the initial bombings and invasion, they could get the heavy equipment to come behind the foot soldiers. It’s very hard for me to imagine the hardships and dangers they faced. Yet, as I have heard bits and pieces from my Dad over the years, I have come to realize just what our soldiers sacrificed for our freedom. Dad, being such a quiet man, holds most of his thoughts inside and rarely will he discuss or mention ‘The War.’ These men and women, the greatest generation that has ever lived, secured our freedom. We have much to be thankful for on this, our nation’s birthday, Independence Day, July, 4th, 2010.
The mere mention of the Fourth of July evokes colorful images: Fireworks, backyard barbecues, baseball, and the stars and stripes waving overhead. Of course, there is a great deal more behind our celebration of Independence Day. Perhaps you recall the passionate words of Patrick Henry, spoken in a church in Richmond: “I know not what course others may take, but as for me, give me liberty or give me death.” Or maybe you focus on the second paragraph of the Declaration of Independence adopted in Philadelphia: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights; that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.” These are powerful words that pulsate through the veins of all Americans who cherish their freedom.
On this weekend when our nation focuses the spotlight on freedom – how it made this nation great and how it made us a beacon of hope for the world – it is essential for people of faith to remember that the idea of freedom is much older than our nation. In fact, it may be that planted within every human being, is a yearning for freedom. In the same way that we have restlessness within us until we find God, and in the same way that we instinctively recoil in the face of injustice, every person may be born with an innate desire for freedom. When Jesus launched his ministry, he declared that the words of the prophet Isaiah defined his mission. He announced that God had sent him to “proclaim release to the captives, recovery of sight to the blind and to let the oppressed go free.” (Luke 4:18)
My Country Tis of Thee
Our father’s God to Thee,
Author of liberty,
To Thee we sing.
Long may our land be bright
With freedom’s holy light;
Protect us by Thy might,
Great God, our King!
-words by Samuel Francis Smith
Thank you Father, for the freedom we have, through Jesus Christ, Our Lord. Amen.
As we serve along-side each other. I remain, your friend, Mark David Jackson
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Rest, Relax and Persevere
♪A Note of Thanks ♪
“Thus says the LORD: Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool; what is the house that you would build for me, and what is the place of my rest? All these things my hand has made, and so all these things came to be, declares the LORD. But this is the one to whom I will look: he who is humble and contrite in spirit and trembles at My word.” Isaiah 66:1-2 (ESV)
In my parent’s family room are two lounge chairs that have a built-in foot rest operated by a lever on the side. One of them is my Dad’s captain chair. There is an octagonal mahogany leather top side table adjacent to his chair along with a floor lamp for reading. On the shelf of the table is Dad’s Bible, Sunday School book, devotional book, address book, and some other important papers. Across the room from the chair is a cherry corner cabinet holding the TV, and spread on top is an array of framed family photos, some showing the grandchildren, graduation pictures from high school and college and even a picture of my Dad in his formal Army uniform from World War II at about age 23. This place is where my Dad connects with God on a daily basis. This is where he prays for his family, friends and church and listens to God. This is his domain to rest, relax, trust and commune with God. This is where he receives his inspiration that helps him to persevere in life.
Oftentimes, when I am visiting my parents, Dad will want me to sit in his chair, either to read some important papers or perhaps just talk and reminisce about good times in our lives. Giving up his chair is such an act of love and compassion shown to me from my Dad. He has always been so generous with his love, sacrificing and giving up his own personal desires, many times, in order to provide for our family. Sometimes, I’ll just touch his arm and say, “Stay in your chair. I’ll sit on the end of the sofa next to you.” Mom likes to sit in the hard rock maple chair with cushions, gliding back and forth. If I do sit in his chair, or even on the sofa, after we’ve discussed business and family matters and are talking about different things, like his garden, the weather, phone calls received from family out of town, the grandchildren and a host of other events, I’ll begin to feel my eyes get heavy and start to nod off. It’s like a slow sleep that comes upon me. I try to stay awake and alert, but after going full-force all week, I just start to waft and wane.
I believe that many times God wants us to slow down, stop worrying about all of the tasks that need to be done, relax and give our problems over to Him, kick up our feet and rest, realizing that every issue we’re dealing with is also truly under His feet, and that He never slumbers nor sleeps!
Webster’s II New Riverside Dictionary says that to persevere we must persist in an idea, purpose, or task, despite obstacles. So today, have a new determination within yourself. Remember that in order to persevere we must be able to rest, relax and trust in God. Faith overcomes fear and helps us to keep on keeping on. Won’t you join me today…let’s make sure this Summer that we are faithful to God, our church as we rest and take family vacations and trips remembering to persevere in our faith. Remember to pray for our church and love our church. Keep her strong by telling others of the Savior and giving of our time, talents and money as God has so richly blessed us. Thank you for your faithfulness! Happy Father’s Day!
Below are two of my favorite anthems by Felix Mendelssohn, words that are pure scripture and depict what I’ve been trying to describe above – rest, relax and persevere.
He, Watching Over Israel
He, watching over Israel slumbers not, nor sleeps;
shouldst thou, walking in grief languish,
He will quicken thee.
(taken from Psalm 121)
Cast Thy Burden Upon the Lord
Cast thy burden upon the Lord and He shall sustain thee.
He never will suffer the righteous to fall:
He is at thy right hand.
Thy mercy, Lord, is great, and far above the heavens.
Let none be made ashamed that wait upon Thee!
(taken from Psalm 55)
Thank you Father, for watching over and caring for us, sustaining us as we persevere in life. Amen.
It is a joy to serve along-side you. Your friend and co-worker, Mark David Jackson
“Thus says the LORD: Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool; what is the house that you would build for me, and what is the place of my rest? All these things my hand has made, and so all these things came to be, declares the LORD. But this is the one to whom I will look: he who is humble and contrite in spirit and trembles at My word.” Isaiah 66:1-2 (ESV)
In my parent’s family room are two lounge chairs that have a built-in foot rest operated by a lever on the side. One of them is my Dad’s captain chair. There is an octagonal mahogany leather top side table adjacent to his chair along with a floor lamp for reading. On the shelf of the table is Dad’s Bible, Sunday School book, devotional book, address book, and some other important papers. Across the room from the chair is a cherry corner cabinet holding the TV, and spread on top is an array of framed family photos, some showing the grandchildren, graduation pictures from high school and college and even a picture of my Dad in his formal Army uniform from World War II at about age 23. This place is where my Dad connects with God on a daily basis. This is where he prays for his family, friends and church and listens to God. This is his domain to rest, relax, trust and commune with God. This is where he receives his inspiration that helps him to persevere in life.
Oftentimes, when I am visiting my parents, Dad will want me to sit in his chair, either to read some important papers or perhaps just talk and reminisce about good times in our lives. Giving up his chair is such an act of love and compassion shown to me from my Dad. He has always been so generous with his love, sacrificing and giving up his own personal desires, many times, in order to provide for our family. Sometimes, I’ll just touch his arm and say, “Stay in your chair. I’ll sit on the end of the sofa next to you.” Mom likes to sit in the hard rock maple chair with cushions, gliding back and forth. If I do sit in his chair, or even on the sofa, after we’ve discussed business and family matters and are talking about different things, like his garden, the weather, phone calls received from family out of town, the grandchildren and a host of other events, I’ll begin to feel my eyes get heavy and start to nod off. It’s like a slow sleep that comes upon me. I try to stay awake and alert, but after going full-force all week, I just start to waft and wane.
I believe that many times God wants us to slow down, stop worrying about all of the tasks that need to be done, relax and give our problems over to Him, kick up our feet and rest, realizing that every issue we’re dealing with is also truly under His feet, and that He never slumbers nor sleeps!
Webster’s II New Riverside Dictionary says that to persevere we must persist in an idea, purpose, or task, despite obstacles. So today, have a new determination within yourself. Remember that in order to persevere we must be able to rest, relax and trust in God. Faith overcomes fear and helps us to keep on keeping on. Won’t you join me today…let’s make sure this Summer that we are faithful to God, our church as we rest and take family vacations and trips remembering to persevere in our faith. Remember to pray for our church and love our church. Keep her strong by telling others of the Savior and giving of our time, talents and money as God has so richly blessed us. Thank you for your faithfulness! Happy Father’s Day!
Below are two of my favorite anthems by Felix Mendelssohn, words that are pure scripture and depict what I’ve been trying to describe above – rest, relax and persevere.
He, Watching Over Israel
He, watching over Israel slumbers not, nor sleeps;
shouldst thou, walking in grief languish,
He will quicken thee.
(taken from Psalm 121)
Cast Thy Burden Upon the Lord
Cast thy burden upon the Lord and He shall sustain thee.
He never will suffer the righteous to fall:
He is at thy right hand.
Thy mercy, Lord, is great, and far above the heavens.
Let none be made ashamed that wait upon Thee!
(taken from Psalm 55)
Thank you Father, for watching over and caring for us, sustaining us as we persevere in life. Amen.
It is a joy to serve along-side you. Your friend and co-worker, Mark David Jackson
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Relaxing
♪A Note of Thanks ♪
“Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad.” Proverbs 12:25 (ESV)
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your request be made known to God.” Philippians 4:6 (ESV)
Last Christmas, I received a most unusual gift from Richard and Patti Hitchcock. Patti said, after I had opened it up, “Now we want you to display this prominently at the River House.” It was a large wooden cut-out with the word, Relax. I have it displayed on the top of the TV, so that as I’m resting on the divan or wicker chairs or as I walk through the sitting area to go outside I am reminded to ‘Relax.’ That being said, I have a question for all of us to ponder, “Do you know how to relax?” I asked my almost 89 year old father that question about two months ago. I said, “Dad, when did you learn to relax?” He said, “Oh, about 12 years ago.” I quickly did the math and thought to myself, I don’t want to be 78 years old when I learn to relax…that’ll be 25 years from now.
After talking with some close friends and also some wake-up calls of friends that have suddenly passed away from heart-attacks, strokes or other illnesses, I have really given a lot of thought and contemplation along with prayer and meditation to what I’m calling the ‘art of relaxation.’ We see by the scripture listed above that both in the Old and New Testaments there are encouraging words along with prayer and singing, all with an attitude of thanksgiving, to help us relax in the Lord.
I don’t know about you, but I’m one of ‘those people’ who like to make lists of tasks that need to be done, weekly, short-term and long-term. I’ve even written a list of the things I would like to do before I leave this life: simple things, dreams for my sons, dreams of places to go, playing the exciting and exhilarating, Widor Toccata on the organ before a live audience. I’ve thought about places to travel, like to Carrara, Italy (where the marble, like the Sylacauga marble is quarried), and where my friend Carlos Roppa, the sculptor, who sculptured the Martin Luther King, Jr. statue in downtown Birmingham lives. The last time I shared a meal with Carlos and his son, Steven, he said, “You come-a to Italy, and I’ll take you to the op-per-da!” I think that God gives us the ability and creativity to dream dreams. He shows us how to share His Love and Grace. The Holy Spirit is there to lead us and guide us as we face the difficulties of life. My friend, Larry FitzGerald, reminds me that many things in life are a process. We just go through them knowing that God will be with us and never forsake us. So, how is it with you? Do you know how to relax and meditate? Do you have a dream or dreams that you would like to see to fruition sometime in your life? Remember that God promised to never leave us. Join me, starting right now, today, with a renewed spirit and allow God to help you relax and rejuvenate your heart, mind, soul and body. What better time than now!
He Leadeth Me –Joseph H. Gilmore, 1862
He leadeth me, O blessed thought!
O words with heav’nly comfort fraught!
Whate’er I do, where’er I be
Still ‘til God’s hand that leadeth me.
Refrain
He leadeth me, He leadeth me,
By His own hand He leadeth me;
His faithful foll’wer I would be,
For by His hand He leadeth me.
Sometimes ‘mid scenes of deepest gloom,
Sometimes where Eden’s bowers bloom,
By waters still, o’er troubled sea,
Still ‘til His hand that leadeth me.
Lord I would place my hand in Thine,
Nor ever murmur nor repine;
Content, whatever lot I see,
Still ‘tis my God that leadeth me.
And when my task on earth is done,
When by Thy grace the vict’ry’s won,
E’en death’s cold wave I will not flee,
Since God through Jordan leadeth me.
Thank you God, for leading us to exciting places on our journey of life, as we learn to relax and rest in You. Amen.
It is a joy to serve along-side you…Your friend, Mark David Jackson
“Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad.” Proverbs 12:25 (ESV)
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your request be made known to God.” Philippians 4:6 (ESV)
Last Christmas, I received a most unusual gift from Richard and Patti Hitchcock. Patti said, after I had opened it up, “Now we want you to display this prominently at the River House.” It was a large wooden cut-out with the word, Relax. I have it displayed on the top of the TV, so that as I’m resting on the divan or wicker chairs or as I walk through the sitting area to go outside I am reminded to ‘Relax.’ That being said, I have a question for all of us to ponder, “Do you know how to relax?” I asked my almost 89 year old father that question about two months ago. I said, “Dad, when did you learn to relax?” He said, “Oh, about 12 years ago.” I quickly did the math and thought to myself, I don’t want to be 78 years old when I learn to relax…that’ll be 25 years from now.
After talking with some close friends and also some wake-up calls of friends that have suddenly passed away from heart-attacks, strokes or other illnesses, I have really given a lot of thought and contemplation along with prayer and meditation to what I’m calling the ‘art of relaxation.’ We see by the scripture listed above that both in the Old and New Testaments there are encouraging words along with prayer and singing, all with an attitude of thanksgiving, to help us relax in the Lord.
I don’t know about you, but I’m one of ‘those people’ who like to make lists of tasks that need to be done, weekly, short-term and long-term. I’ve even written a list of the things I would like to do before I leave this life: simple things, dreams for my sons, dreams of places to go, playing the exciting and exhilarating, Widor Toccata on the organ before a live audience. I’ve thought about places to travel, like to Carrara, Italy (where the marble, like the Sylacauga marble is quarried), and where my friend Carlos Roppa, the sculptor, who sculptured the Martin Luther King, Jr. statue in downtown Birmingham lives. The last time I shared a meal with Carlos and his son, Steven, he said, “You come-a to Italy, and I’ll take you to the op-per-da!” I think that God gives us the ability and creativity to dream dreams. He shows us how to share His Love and Grace. The Holy Spirit is there to lead us and guide us as we face the difficulties of life. My friend, Larry FitzGerald, reminds me that many things in life are a process. We just go through them knowing that God will be with us and never forsake us. So, how is it with you? Do you know how to relax and meditate? Do you have a dream or dreams that you would like to see to fruition sometime in your life? Remember that God promised to never leave us. Join me, starting right now, today, with a renewed spirit and allow God to help you relax and rejuvenate your heart, mind, soul and body. What better time than now!
He Leadeth Me –Joseph H. Gilmore, 1862
He leadeth me, O blessed thought!
O words with heav’nly comfort fraught!
Whate’er I do, where’er I be
Still ‘til God’s hand that leadeth me.
Refrain
He leadeth me, He leadeth me,
By His own hand He leadeth me;
His faithful foll’wer I would be,
For by His hand He leadeth me.
Sometimes ‘mid scenes of deepest gloom,
Sometimes where Eden’s bowers bloom,
By waters still, o’er troubled sea,
Still ‘til His hand that leadeth me.
Lord I would place my hand in Thine,
Nor ever murmur nor repine;
Content, whatever lot I see,
Still ‘tis my God that leadeth me.
And when my task on earth is done,
When by Thy grace the vict’ry’s won,
E’en death’s cold wave I will not flee,
Since God through Jordan leadeth me.
Thank you God, for leading us to exciting places on our journey of life, as we learn to relax and rest in You. Amen.
It is a joy to serve along-side you…Your friend, Mark David Jackson
A Devotion on Relaxing
♪A Note of Thanks ♪
“Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad.” Proverbs 12:25 (ESV)
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your request be made known to God.” Philippians 4:6 (ESV)
Last Christmas, I received a most unusual gift from Richard and Patti Hitchcock. Patti said, after I had opened it up, “Now we want you to display this prominently at the River House.” It was a large wooden cut-out with the word, Relax. I have it displayed on the top of the TV, so that as I’m resting on the divan or wicker chairs or as I walk through the sitting area to go outside I am reminded to ‘Relax.’ That being said, I have a question for all of us to ponder, “Do you know how to relax?” I asked my almost 89 year old father that question about two months ago. I said, “Dad, when did you learn to relax?” He said, “Oh, about 12 years ago.” I quickly did the math and thought to myself, I don’t want to be 78 years old when I learn to relax…that’ll be 25 years from now.
After talking with some close friends and also some wake-up calls of friends that have suddenly passed away from heart-attacks, strokes or other illnesses, I have really given a lot of thought and contemplation along with prayer and meditation to what I’m calling the ‘art of relaxation.’ We see by the scripture listed above that both in the Old and New Testaments there are encouraging words along with prayer and singing, all with an attitude of thanksgiving, to help us relax in the Lord.
I don’t know about you, but I’m one of ‘those people’ who like to make lists of tasks that need to be done, weekly, short-term and long-term. I’ve even written a list of the things I would like to do before I leave this life: simple things, dreams for my sons, dreams of places to go, playing the exciting and exhilarating, Widor Toccata on the organ before a live audience. I’ve thought about places to travel, like to Carrara, Italy (where the marble, like the Sylacauga marble is quarried), and where my friend Carlos Roppa, the sculptor, who sculptured the Martin Luther King, Jr. statue in downtown Birmingham lives. The last time I shared a meal with Carlos and his son, Steven, he said, “You come-a to Italy, and I’ll take you to the op-per-da!” I think that God gives us the ability and creativity to dream dreams. He shows us how to share His Love and Grace. The Holy Spirit is there to lead us and guide us as we face the difficulties of life. My friend, Larry FitzGerald, reminds me that many things in life are a process. We just go through them knowing that God will be with us and never forsake us. So, how is it with you? Do you know how to relax and meditate? Do you have a dream or dreams that you would like to see to fruition sometime in your life? Remember that God promised to never leave us. Join me, starting right now, today, with a renewed spirit and allow God to help you relax and rejuvenate your heart, mind, soul and body. What better time than now!
He Leadeth Me –Joseph H. Gilmore, 1862
He leadeth me, O blessed thought!
O words with heav’nly comfort fraught!
Whate’er I do, where’er I be
Still ‘til God’s hand that leadeth me.
Refrain
He leadeth me, He leadeth me,
By His own hand He leadeth me;
His faithful foll’wer I would be,
For by His hand He leadeth me.
Sometimes ‘mid scenes of deepest gloom,
Sometimes where Eden’s bowers bloom,
By waters still, o’er troubled sea,
Still ‘til His hand that leadeth me.
Lord I would place my hand in Thine,
Nor ever murmur nor repine;
Content, whatever lot I see,
Still ‘tis my God that leadeth me.
And when my task on earth is done,
When by Thy grace the vict’ry’s won,
E’en death’s cold wave I will not flee,
Since God through Jordan leadeth me.
Thank you God, for leading us to exciting places on our journey of life, as we learn to relax and rest in You. Amen.
It is a joy to serve along-side you…Your friend, Mark David Jackson
“Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad.” Proverbs 12:25 (ESV)
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your request be made known to God.” Philippians 4:6 (ESV)
Last Christmas, I received a most unusual gift from Richard and Patti Hitchcock. Patti said, after I had opened it up, “Now we want you to display this prominently at the River House.” It was a large wooden cut-out with the word, Relax. I have it displayed on the top of the TV, so that as I’m resting on the divan or wicker chairs or as I walk through the sitting area to go outside I am reminded to ‘Relax.’ That being said, I have a question for all of us to ponder, “Do you know how to relax?” I asked my almost 89 year old father that question about two months ago. I said, “Dad, when did you learn to relax?” He said, “Oh, about 12 years ago.” I quickly did the math and thought to myself, I don’t want to be 78 years old when I learn to relax…that’ll be 25 years from now.
After talking with some close friends and also some wake-up calls of friends that have suddenly passed away from heart-attacks, strokes or other illnesses, I have really given a lot of thought and contemplation along with prayer and meditation to what I’m calling the ‘art of relaxation.’ We see by the scripture listed above that both in the Old and New Testaments there are encouraging words along with prayer and singing, all with an attitude of thanksgiving, to help us relax in the Lord.
I don’t know about you, but I’m one of ‘those people’ who like to make lists of tasks that need to be done, weekly, short-term and long-term. I’ve even written a list of the things I would like to do before I leave this life: simple things, dreams for my sons, dreams of places to go, playing the exciting and exhilarating, Widor Toccata on the organ before a live audience. I’ve thought about places to travel, like to Carrara, Italy (where the marble, like the Sylacauga marble is quarried), and where my friend Carlos Roppa, the sculptor, who sculptured the Martin Luther King, Jr. statue in downtown Birmingham lives. The last time I shared a meal with Carlos and his son, Steven, he said, “You come-a to Italy, and I’ll take you to the op-per-da!” I think that God gives us the ability and creativity to dream dreams. He shows us how to share His Love and Grace. The Holy Spirit is there to lead us and guide us as we face the difficulties of life. My friend, Larry FitzGerald, reminds me that many things in life are a process. We just go through them knowing that God will be with us and never forsake us. So, how is it with you? Do you know how to relax and meditate? Do you have a dream or dreams that you would like to see to fruition sometime in your life? Remember that God promised to never leave us. Join me, starting right now, today, with a renewed spirit and allow God to help you relax and rejuvenate your heart, mind, soul and body. What better time than now!
He Leadeth Me –Joseph H. Gilmore, 1862
He leadeth me, O blessed thought!
O words with heav’nly comfort fraught!
Whate’er I do, where’er I be
Still ‘til God’s hand that leadeth me.
Refrain
He leadeth me, He leadeth me,
By His own hand He leadeth me;
His faithful foll’wer I would be,
For by His hand He leadeth me.
Sometimes ‘mid scenes of deepest gloom,
Sometimes where Eden’s bowers bloom,
By waters still, o’er troubled sea,
Still ‘til His hand that leadeth me.
Lord I would place my hand in Thine,
Nor ever murmur nor repine;
Content, whatever lot I see,
Still ‘tis my God that leadeth me.
And when my task on earth is done,
When by Thy grace the vict’ry’s won,
E’en death’s cold wave I will not flee,
Since God through Jordan leadeth me.
Thank you God, for leading us to exciting places on our journey of life, as we learn to relax and rest in You. Amen.
It is a joy to serve along-side you…Your friend, Mark David Jackson
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