I'm pondering the festive glow of last night's Christmas candlelight service. The pastor's sermon, "You Are Why Jesus is the Reason for the Season," encouraged us to embrace the greatest gift of all. The joyful carolers, excited worshipers and smiling choir filled my love tank to overfull. New believers lined up for water baptism during praise and worship! I still feel the excitement of the massive congregation clapping and cheering when these new lifers, one after another, rose from the water. After church, we took advantage of the cute photo booths on campus. The church's outdoor cafeteria served us cookies on snowflake napkins to go with our hot chocolate! Why is this magical service so early in the holiday season? We all must adjust since Sunday services max out in this place with eager attendees. The new Thursday evening service fills up the sanctuary as well. It is exhilarating to witness revival in South Tucson with all these...
Leave it to Baby to exit this world on an exciting Eclipse Day. Talk about a grand departure! I remember well the day I drove to the pet store. It was 40 years ago and our youngest enrolled in kindergarten. The house seemed too quiet all of a sudden. I needed a friend. I remember praying before I shopped for a bird. Not a fragile parakeet this time, but I asked for a strong bird whose sounds would fill up our empty rooms. I chose a young cockatiel and the family named him Baby. Baby was a little too loud, but funny to have around especially when Tom came home from his job with the phone company. He wore a pager back then and got in the habit of turning it off, back on and off again before setting it down by his wallet and keys. Baby echoed the pager call perfectly and made us laugh every time. I figured Baby, such a perky bird, would last a long time, but never expected him to hit the typica...