Tag: creation

Posted in Family, Grace, gratitude, heaven, life, Scripture

After the Sun Sets

Posted on by Dewayne Taylor

 “For we know that when this earthly tent we live in is taken down (that is, when we die and leave this earthly body), we will have a house in heaven, an eternal body made for us by God Himself and not by human hands.” 2 Corinthians 5:1

The best is yet to come.  Recently my wife Judy and I spent ten days down in Florida at the Top Sail State Park. The park has three miles of beautiful shoreline facing West on the Gulf of America. Each evening around 6:00 pm we would hop on our bikes and ride down to the shore to see the sunset that God had created for that day. They were magnificent.

One evening we met a young family–a dad, mom and five kids–and they were just a super blessing. More on that in another story. So the dad and I were standing and watching the sun as it slowly sank beneath the horizon. Soon the last bit of the sun was gone but that wasn’t the end of the story. It was one of those days that the color and beauty after the sun went to bed was actually more beautiful than the sunset itself. 

As we were standing there, I said to him, “You know sometimes the beauty after the sunset is better than before. He knew I was speaking of something even bigger than one day’s sunset. I was speaking of life, death and eternal life. You know life here can be pretty awesome…even with its bumps and bruises. But no matter how wonderful it is–it can never compare to what lies beyond the sunset for the the believer in Christ. 

The songwriter said it best, “Beyond the sunset, Oh, blissful morning, when with our Saviour Heaven is begun. Earth’s toiling ended, oh, glory dawning, beyond the sunset, when day is done. I thank God for the many blessings God sends our way here–but I can’t wait to see what life is like there. So the next time you are watching the sunset, remember, what happens later is better. He’s got this.  Bro. Dewayne

Posted in gratitude, heaven, life, sovereignty of God, thankful

Beyond Words

Posted on by Dewayne Taylor

 “The heavens proclaim the glory of God. The skies display His craftsmanship. Day after day they continue to speak; night after night they make Him known. They speak without a sound or word; their voice is never heard.” Psalm 19:1-3

 Though it was several years ago…I can still remember it. It was a wonderful, wonder filled night.  It was a Friday night, and it was beautiful.  After a day of cool temperatures and clear skies the sun bowed out and night moved in.  My wife Judy and I decided to build a fire out on our patio and just enjoy the evening.  Using my incredible fire building skills, which included opening one of those wax logs and lighting it, we soon were enjoying its light and warmth. It was perfect. As the smoke rose into the crystal-clear sky it caused me to pause and be amazed.  I agreed with God. After He was done with creation, He said it was very good.  He was right.

The slowly rising smoke caused me to look to the skies.  As darkness settled in, slowly, ever so slowly, the stars came out for their evening performance.  That was good too.  And then I noticed what we see and rarely stop to ponder.  Streaking across the sky was a jetliner.  By now it was only visible because of its flashing navigation lights.  Here’s what is so amazing.  That cylinder tube with wings was flying at about 30,000 feet…that’s almost six miles up in the sky.  It weighed in at approximately 175,000 pounds and was carrying dozens of people.  Pause.  A man-made object, weighing 87.5 TONS is effortlessly moving through the sky at a speed of right around 500 miles per hour.  That is amazing.

Now you may be one of those folks who believe that we humans showed up from a glob of jelly laying on a beach somewhere but personally, I don’t have that much faith.  I believe that there is a Creator God and He made us…fearfully and wonderfully.  How else do you explain 87.5 tons zipping through the air?  You could cite the law of aerodynamics but even that law was figured out and applied by God’s most wonderful creation.  But it gets better.

A little later I told Judy that it would be very cool if the space station flew over.  Now this modern marvel flies out in space—that’s why it is called the “space” station.  Get ready to be amazed.  It flies 240 miles above the earth at a speed of 17,136 miles an hour.  It weighs in at 925,000 pounds.  On that particular day there were three people on board, an American and two Russians and they had been on board for 165 days.  Can someone say, “amazing?”

Well, my neighbor happened to come home, and we were chatting.  He looks up and says, “Oh, there goes a satellite.” I got up and looked and it wasn’t a satellite…it was the space station, and it was amazing.  Though I have seen it several times each time I am just amazed.  I’m amazed not at what man built as much as the God who created man and gave him the intellect and ability to create and build.  Once again…God and I agreed…it was very good.

The night crept on, and I looked up again and noticed one very bright star in the southern sky accompanied by a little sister just to its left.  I asked Judy, “I wonder what star that is?”  So, we got on our handy iPhones and looked it up.  It turns out that they were not stars at all but two of the planets that circle our sun…Jupiter and Saturn.  Jupiter was the star of the show by far—pun intended.  Here’s what is really amazing.

The light that I saw coming from Jupiter that night had travelled 43 minutes through space to get to earth.  That may not seem too impressive until you consider the speed of light is 186,000 miles per SECOND. How’s that for a wow? You see, as wonderful as jetliners and space stations are…they pale to what God did all by Himself.  I just had to agree with God again…it is very good.

But Jupiter is just one small planet in our small solar system, that is a small part in our relatively small galaxy called the Milky Way.  And beyond our little galaxy there are millions and millions of galaxies.  What we see with our naked eye is just a fraction of all that is out there.  And all of it exists for one reason and one reason only.  The Bible tells us that the heavens are there to declare the glory of God.  All those stars, solar systems, and galaxies are there to sing the praises of our incredible God.  And He is worth every note and a million, zillion more besides.

Tonight, if the skies are clear, go out and take a peek.  You might see a jetliner streaking across the sky and maybe even the space station, but what you certainly will see is God’s choir singing the praises of their Creator.  Maybe you should join them in a chorus or two.  Oh, and be sure and sing what should be your favorite God song.  It goes something like this, “I can rest in the arms of my Dearest Daddy for He holds me secure.  I can go to sleep tonight knowing He has this…because He does.”  Amen.  Bro. Dewayne

Posted in Family, life, Scripture, travel

Magnificent Niagara Falls

Posted on by Dewayne Taylor

 “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it. The world and all its people belong to Him. For He laid the earth’s foundation on the seas and built it on the ocean depths.” Psalm 24:1-2

They were magnificent indeed. My wife Judy and I embarked on another journey recently. We travelled to Buffalo, New York to work with a great Christian organization called, “Eight Days of Hope.” On a moments notice, following disasters, they go wherever they are needed. While they have a staff, most of the workers are volunteers. In addition to their disaster relief efforts, for the last nine years, they have set up in a different part of Buffalo needing some love and invited volunteers, thousands of them, to come and make a difference. What happens during those “Eight Days of Hope” is simply amazing and really requires its own Grits story so more on that later.

So, in case you didn’t know, Buffalo is very close to Niagara Falls. These Falls are truly magnificent. First, there is the Bridal Falls or American Falls that happen to be on the American side of the Niagara River and then there are the Horseshoe Falls that the Canadian’s lay claim too. And guys, I’m afraid this is one time, and probably the only time, that the Canadians take the day. Here is why. 

First, from the American side you can’t really see the action. The way the Falls fall you know the water is falling but you can’t really see it falling. Beautiful?  Absolutely but you want more–you crave more.  That more if on full display as you cross the border into Canada and view the Falls from our northern neighbor’s backyard. From their side of the river you have a full view of both the Bridal Falls and the Horseshoe Falls and what you see if almost beyond words.  Both Judy and I were speechless as we both stared at the beauty of God’s creation–and make no mistake–He gets full credit.  His Words tells us that the whole earth is His and everything in it.  In other words–He owns the falls–lock, stock and barrel.

Amazingly a lot of people go to Niagara Falls and don’t cross the border to get this amazing view of the falls. Do you want to know why? Well, you see, because you have to cross the border you have to have a passport. Generally speaking–no passport–no entry. If you are an American and you have a passport, that document declares you are a citizen of the United States and citizens of the United States are welcomed into Canada. Show your passport at the border crossing and they more or less welcome you to, “come on in.” Now all that is somewhat simplistic but you get the idea.

It would seem a shame to travel all the way to Niagara Falls and not see it all. It simply isn’t enough to get close. As they say close only counts in horseshoes and hand grenades.  If you are going to get in–you have to have the necessary documents.  And guess what? What is true going into another country is even more true when it comes to Heaven. If you want to get into Heaven you have to have your spiritual passport and that is faith in Jesus Christ–who He is and what He has done. When we believe, God invites to “come on in.”

What about you? Have you crossed the border from the land separated from God into His Kingdom? Have you placed your faith and trust in Him believing that if you do–God will welcome you into the family?  If not, why not do it today? I told someone that I was glad I saw the falls before I died. More than that, much more than that, I am glad I trusted Jesus before that day arrived. Afraid God won’t let you in? Think you messed up too much? Don’t you worry about that. His grace is bigger than your sin and no matter what–He’s got this.  Bro. Dewayne

Posted in communication, food, gratitude, heaven, life, priorities, Scripture, sovereignty of God, thankful

God’s Ad Agency

Posted on by Dewayne Taylor

 “The heavens proclaim the glory of God. The skies display His craftsmanship.” Psalm 19:1

There it was…like a giant orange egg on a nest of darkness. It had been a really warm day…ok, make that hot. I know we live in Southern Illinois and I know it is July but hot is still hot. We decided we needed some relief so we texted our daughter Becca and asked if we could drive down and take a dip in the pool. She said yes and quicker than you can spell relief, we were on our way. When we got there, she and her husband Jon were already enjoying the pool and we quickly joined them.

We swam with them for a while and then I decided it was time to raid their kitchen–the other reason I wanted to go see them. Before long Jon and I were munching while Judy and Becca enjoyed swimming and chatting. Hint:  munching is even better than swimming. After a while, time slipped away and before too long it was time to make the forty-five minute drive home. It was now dark so we had to be on the watch for all the friendly deer that love to run out in front of you. 

While we were watching for deer, Judy spotted something truly beautiful. On the right side of the car, just peeking over the horizon, was one of the most beautiful moons I have ever seen. It was literally a deep orange much like some of the sunsets we enjoy here in Southern Illinois. Before long it disappeared behind the trees and we were left with a memorable glimpse of God’s handy work. But there was more. About twenty-five minutes later, we rounded a curve and there, in all its glory was that same moon. It wasn’t as red but it still qualified as a bonafide winner. We were simply amazed. We both were aware that we were witnessing some of God’s best handiwork.

It is times like this that makes me question not the existence of God but rather how in the world can anyone deny that existence. I look around at this world that we live in and it is as if everything stands ready to declare His reality. The moon that night was like a giant billboard advertising how big and how great God is. Seriously, look around, look up and you will see that nature and especially the heavens are declaring His greatness. Check this out. Ann Graham Lotz in a recent devotion pointed out that the earth is ninety-three million miles from the sun. Any further and we would be frozen and any closer we would crispy critters. Amazing.  But wait there is more.

The tilt of the earth on its axis is exactly 23 degrees…just enough to give us the four seasons we enjoy. Take away a degree or two and we would be in a forever ice age. How about that? You see the design of this world of ours is one magnificent ad agency for the existence and wonder of God. Unashamedly I both love it and and believe it. Let me challenge you to take a look around and dare to believe. Take a glance at the sun (don’t forget your leftover eclipse glasses), the moon and the stars and then dare to believe again. You will discover that this is not one ginormous accident or coincidence. No, it is by divine design. God is declaring that He did it all and, in the same breath is letting us know, no matter what, He’s got this.  Bro. Dewayne

Posted in gratitude, heaven, life, sovereignty of God, thankful

Closer Is Better

Posted on by Dewayne Taylor

 “Oh, magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt His name together!” Psalm 34:3

We’ve done crazier things. So, on March 25th, at around 1:30 am, there was a total lunar eclipse visible across most of North America. A lunar eclipse is when the earth’s shadow covers the surface of the moon. Not as rare and not as dramatic as a solar eclipse, we still thought it worthy of interrupting our sleep to see it. So we set our alarm and drifted off to sleep. All too soon the alarm on our Alexa was telling us it was time to go howl at the moon—not really—we were just looking.

So, I was the first one up and so the first one to sneak a peek. I looked out our bedroom window and at this point the moon was just about two-thirds covered. We had watched the moon rise earlier that evening and it was magnificent. However, by this time, the moon was a much smaller dot in the evening sky. It didn’t look that impressive. At any rate, I went on downstairs and walked to the backyard. I plopped (that’s what you do at 1:30 am) into a chair and started staring. Pretty soon my wife Judy joined me and we watched as the moon slowly turned the color of water in a very rusty pipe.

We commented back and forth…I think trying to convince ourselves we were impressed. She snapped a couple of pictures but honestly they were lackluster also. But in the end we were both glad we saw it…it was still an opportunity for the heavens to declare the glory of God. Around 2:00 am we called it a night and said goodnight to Mister Moon. The next morning we chatted some more about our early morning adventure. And then it happened.

Our son-in-law Blake, who is a very good photographer, called to chat. I asked him if he got any pictures of the lunar eclipse and he said that he did. Well, he sent them to me and what I saw was totally different than what we had seen.  The pictures he took were taken by his iPhone but they were shot in conjunction with a telescope that they own. Result? They  were magnificent and clearly revealed just how beautiful this wonder of nature was. It was just about then that I learned a simple valuable lesson.

While we were able to see the event with our naked eye it was small and distant. Blake, on the other hand, aided by a telescope, was able to bring the event much, much closer. Details of the moon and its eclipse were so vivid. And right there and then I knew that closer is better. The closer something is, or appears to be, changes everything. It is true in everything but it is very true when it comes to—God.  God is better when we are closer to Him. Take this one to the bank—we enjoy God and all His wonder and character when we allow Him to “close in” on our lives. How does that happen? It comes with intimacy and intimacy happens through prayer and His Word. Put those two together in our lives and He is magnified.

So we enjoyed the eclipse from a distant but was so grateful we got see it through a different lens—magnified. Why not make the effort to allow God to be magnified in your life? Why not take the time to pray and meditate on the Word? Why not allow God, up close, to remind you that, “He’s got this.”  Bro. Dewayne

Posted in birthday, Family, gratitude, life, marriage, Scripture, thankful, travel

Amazing Creator–Amazing Creation

Posted on by Dewayne Taylor

 “Christ is the visible image of the invisible God. He existed before anything was created and is supreme over all creation, for through Him God created everything in the heavenly realms and on earth.” Colossians 1:15-16

 In a flash it rose from the ground. It was my birthday and we were aboard the Caribbean Princess leaving Port Canaveral for a six day cruise. It was half intentional and half happenstance that we left on my birthday.  We first decided it would nice to go on a cruise in January. Then we decided it would be nice to leave near my birthday. Then it turned out that the cruise we wanted left on my birthday.  How cool is that?

When we registered for the cruise, my wife Judy shared with the staff that my birthday was January 6 so that led to a week of many birthday wishes in many different ways. All week, many of the staff members, whether I was ordering something to drink or seeking help at the Guest Services counter would wish me a happy birthday.  Of course, during our evening meal on my birthday, six servers, all from different parts of the world, came to my table and sang to me. Trust me, that was a very special experience, especially when they all struggled to pronounce my name.

Another part of my birthday experience was from my wife Judy. You see, the doors on the ship are all metal and she had ordered a large set of magnetic birthday graphics.  Imagine my surprise when we returned to our room on the afternoon of my birthday and found our door plastered with birthday wishes and graphics.  It was very, very special. The ship had even arranged for birthday wishes to appear on the many digital screens throughout the ship. I felt so special.

The afternoon we left Port Canaveral, we learned that Space X was set to launch a rocket. From the ship we had a perfectly clear view of the launch sight. As we were sailing out, and as we watched, there was a brilliant flash and we watched as  the rocket soared toward the heavens. I had never seen a launch before and to see this one on my birthday was incredible.  Talk about a birthday candle—that was one I will never forget. As the rocket arched across the sky, heading toward space, two emotions filled me. First, I was so proud to be an American. To live in a country where such technology is designed and built is amazing. The second emotion was one of amazement—that our creator God made us and gifted us with the intelligence to do such things.

As the rocket soared, I said to no one in particular, “Who would ever had dreamed that we could do this?” Hearing my comment, a lady standing next to me said, “Elon Musk.” While she was absolutely right…there was a bigger answer.  There is no doubt that Mr. Musk is an incredible business man and visionary, in my way of thinking I know that he is who he is because God created him, made him that way. Our world is filled with miracles and masterpieces all courtesy of our amazing and wonderful God.

So as you look around in your world today, just remember that all of it, the things we can explain and imagine, and the things we can’t are all compliments of God the great creator. You see, the Bible says that He is the creator of all things so let’s be sure and give Him the glory He deserves. The song says, “To God be the glory…great things He has done.” My response, and hopefully yours, is “Amen and Amen.” If you struggle seeing the goodness and creativity in your world, just asked God for a little help.  He’s got this.  Bro. Dewayne 

Posted in communication, Family, forgiveness, friends, Grace, gratitude, love, loving others, school days, Scripture, spiritual battles, thankful, Trials

My Amazing God

Posted on by Dewayne Taylor

As the Father has loved Me, I have also loved you. Remain in My love.” John 15:9

If He can’t, why am I surprised that I can’t? Do you know what still amazes me?  Creation…and not just part of it…all of it.  I’m amazed when I stop and look at the colors of the leaves in fall.  I’m amazed that the sun rises and sets day after day.  I’m amazed that my heart beats about 70 times a minute.  That is, wait for it, 100,800 times a day.  In case you are interested that is 36,792,000 times a year.  And, so far, it’s done well for 70 years.  Oh, and I’m amazed that out of all the galaxies, solar systems, and planets—zillions of them—only one can support life as we know it.  Earth.  And it is no accident.  It is an intentional act of creation.

God is really good at creating things.  He made us.  The Bible says that we are “fearfully and wonderfully made.” In another place in the Bible He says we are His masterpieces.  Now granted some are Rembrandt’s and some are Picasso’s, but we are all masterpieces.  Handcrafted by the Creator of the universe—a “one of a kind” miracle. I know He made me with a few quirks and several warts and that is the point of this story…one of my quirky warts.

You see, from the time I was a little kid I have wanted people to like me.  I have craved approval from the time I can remember.  Whether it was from my Momma and Daddy, my brothers or sisters or the guy who picked up our garbage…I wanted approval.  Let me tell you if you are going to have a quirk…there are a lot better ones than this one.  The problem with “approval-itis,”the need for people’s approval is that it leads to a far worse disease—the passion, the drive to please people.  Now if I lived out in Montana where my nearest neighbor was 20 miles away, this wouldn’t be such a big problem.  But my life revolves around people—I was a pastor for goodness’ sake.  And to be honest, I wanted everyone to be happy and I wanted every one of them to like me. Sigh.

To be clear…the deal isn’t their deal…oh, no it lands right in my lap. The wart with all its bumps is right here.  For years I have been learning, or trying to learn, that I will not ever, never, please everyone.  But like an alcoholic craves the bottle—so we people pleasers crave approval.  And, by the way, I’ve gotten a little better.  Now, if I’m driving down the street and I wave at someone and they don’t wave back, I don’t write down their license plates and put a contract out on them. Smile.

If you can identify in any small way with “approval-itis” I have some good news that is sure to help you.  No, it is not seeking counseling and paying someone $200 dollars an hour to tell you that you can’t please everyone.  No, it is not moving to Montana…that wouldn’t work anyway because you would think the horse didn’t like you!  No, it is something that I read in one of my devotions one morning. It is a simple truth.  Are you ready?  Here it is, “You can’t please everybody.  Even God couldn’t please everybody.”  Now isn’t that just profound…and true.  I mean God is like all powerful, all wise, all knowing and can be everywhere at the same time and a majority of the world is always mad at him.  How about that?

Think about it.  If God couldn’t pull it off, then who am I to think that I can? I guess God could snap His celestial fingers and make everyone like Him, but He has this thing about free will.  He doesn’t want to make people love Him—He wants them to love Him because they want too.  Because.They.Want.To. He loved us so much that He gave His only Son to die on a Roman cross and He did it knowing that many…maybe most…would never even respond.  Amazing.

So, here’s the deal.  I understand that I will never please everyone…probably not even a fraction of the people I bump into.  I can’t do that, but I can do this.  I can love like Jesus loved. He said, “As the Father has loved me, I have also loved you. Remain in my love.” He was saying, “Hey, when it comes to loving people…I’m all in. Sit back and enjoy it.”  I can give my best not because a person will respond like I want, but rather because that is what my Dearest Daddy wants me to do.  And guess what?  His approval is the only approval that matters.  We should live, love and long for the audience of One—Jesus.

Well, truth be told, I won’t get this one right in this lifetime because I probably won’t live that long—like a million years.  But with His help I can be more like Him, every day.  Love God, love people.  It’s that simple.  If you are “plum wore out” from “approval-itis,” well, why don’t you just take a rest.  You can, you know—because “He’s got this.”  Bro. Dewayne

Posted in Family, friends, Grace, gratitude, life, prayer, priorities, Scripture, sovereignty of God, thankful, travel

Truly Vast

Posted on by Dewayne Taylor

Then God looked over all He had made, and He saw that it was very good! And evening passed and morning came, marking the sixth day.” Genesis 1:31

It was amazing. The next chapter for us started on June 1st of 2024. After a slow start to the great adventure, we finally planned and went on a pretty big trip in September. We boarded a plane, climbed on a train, rented a car, and finally boarded a ferry to British Colombia. Our destination was one of our favorite places in these United States—the Pacific Northwest.  After arriving by train and renting a car we drove south to Oregon and stayed at a small hotel called “Sailor Jack’s.” This was our third time staying there and the main attraction was the view of the Pacific Ocean. The living room had a large window that filled the whole wall. Since we were right on the beach, all you could see was the ocean.

To me the Pacific Ocean is unlike any large body of water I have ever seen. In Uganda we rode in an open boat on a lake named Victoria that was so large from the middle you couldn’t see the shores. Of course, then there is the Gulf of Mexico. Stand on the west side of Florida and it seems large—and it is but not compared to the Atlantic Ocean. We have flown across the Atlantic more than a few times and it is certainly big enough, but then there is the Pacific. Strike out from the Oregon shore and for thousands and thousands of miles you will find nothing but open water and an occasional whale.  Eventually you will bump into Asia, but it is one long journey.

As I stood looking out the window from my third-floor condo, I was overcome with the wildness and vastness of this great body of water. There is a beauty in how the wind causes the water to roll onto the shore with sometimes larger than life waves. Then I realize that this huge vast body is but a “drop in the bucket” when compared to the great vastness of God. Whether you choose to think of the vastness of His love, the vastness of His grace and mercy, the vastness of His power or perhaps the vastness of His wisdom, the mighty Pacific simply seems almost insignificant. Remember that the vastness of the Creator will always vastly outweigh the things He creates.

The Bibles tells us that the heavens declare the glory of God and that is absolutely true. In fact, if you will just take a moment to look around, you will quickly see that all of nature shouts the validity of God. From the vast Pacific Ocean to the smallest yet most beautiful flower they all preach the same message: Nothing compares to our God. So, I am very grateful for all that God has created but I always remember that it is nothing compared to Him. One day all of this will be gone but He will still be there in all His magnificent splendor. So, take a moment and look and see the wonder and vastness of nature and then remember that the Creator is always so much greater than the creation. And remember that this wonderful Creator is more than capable of handling whatever comes our way.  Rest assured…He’s got this! Bro. Dewayne

Photo credit:  Judy Taylor at Sailor Jack’s, Lincoln City, Oregon

Posted in Family, friends, gratitude, heaven, life, Military memories, Scripture, sovereignty of God, thankful, travel, USA

Is This Heaven?

Posted on by Dewayne Taylor

That is what the Scriptures mean when they say, “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love Him.” 1 Corinthians 2:9

He asked, “Is this heaven?” The other night I was sitting around and accidentally caught the tail end of the movie, “Field of Dreams.” It is a fantasy movie about a guy who builds a baseball field, and a voice tells him that if he builds it—they will come. Well, he builds it and players from baseball past suddenly start appearing. It is a fun, feel-good movie—especially if you like baseball.

Well, amid all this feel-good stuff, a couple of the players from the past ask, “Is this heaven?” He assures them it is not but rather it is Iowa. To them the ability to play ball again well just felt like heaven. Obviously, they had never been because heaven is way beyond words. With all that said, the other night I fell into food heaven.  Let me explain.  Twenty years ago, some friends invited my wife Judy and I to go to Owensboro, Kentucky to have supper at a place called Moonlight BBQ. As my memory serves me it was somewhere before incredible and heavenly. We enjoyed the food and the company and promised ourselves we would have to make the journey again. Well…we never did.

Now, fast forward twenty years. On my retirement bucket list was to attend an airshow with the Blue Angels and/or the Thunderbirds. On a whim, I searched recently searched airshows only to discover that there was going to be one in Owensboro, Kentucky—just 89 miles from Harrisburg.  What is even more amazing is that Owensboro is a small town to be hosting such a major event.  Well, I told Judy we had to go so we booked a room and made our plans.

It turned out that the airshow, which is on Saturday and Sunday, had a Friday night deal too. At the airport they had several aircraft on display, and you could meet some of the pilots so with Judy’s blessing, I decided I would go to that part too. I went ahead and booked a hotel by the airport and off I went. Well, it turned out rain trashed a major part of the night, so I went ahead to the hotel. I saw a McDonald’s down the road but asked the clerk, “Are there any other restaurants nearby?” He said, “Do you like BBQ?” I said I sure did, and he told me there was a place down the road called…get ready…Moonlight BBQ.

Inadvertently I stumbled into food heaven again. So off I went and what happened next really was a foodie’s paradise. It was a mega BBQ buffet, and everything was just good. There was chopped brisket, ribs, BBQ chicken, pulled pork, fried fish all with all the trimmings you could imagine. Dessert? Yes sir—seven different kinds of pie with two kinds of cobbler and all with ice cream. It was just about then the analogy from “Field of Dreams” came to mind.  Is this heaven?

Well, of course I know that there is no way anything on this earth can compare to what God has in store for us. But I also know this.  Isn’t it awesome that God created this earth for His creation to enjoy. Take a joy ride though the galaxies and you won’t find anything like what He has prepared here for us. And all of this is just a teaser for the big show He has planned for us in eternity. So, enjoy this but also remember that the best is yet to come. He is the author of all things good because He is good. And because He is good, well, we know, He’s got this.  Bro. Dewayne

Posted in Family, Grace, gratitude, life, prayer, Scripture, sovereignty of God, thankful

Good Job, Mr. Sun

Posted on by Dewayne Taylor

The heavens declare the glory of God, and the expanse proclaims the work of His hands.” Psalm 19:1

Good job, Mister Sun.  I love beautiful sunrises and sunsets.  Everyone talks about the beautiful ones down on the Gulf of Mexico but hey…save the gas and enjoy the ones right here in Southern Illinois.  It is common here in our neck of the woods to have both sunrises and sunsets that are just awesome.  These masterpieces are enhanced by different things in the atmosphere but are created by the Masterpiece Maker…the God who made it all.

Well, on some mornings it just seems the Masterpiece Maker decides to show off.  Let me explain.  I get up long before sunrise but by the time I drink a couple of cups of coffee and have some time with Jesus, the sun is just about ready to say good morning.  So a while back, I opened the door of my office at home and paused at a table we have in our hallway.  It has a window that faces east and that is where and when I saw it.  There, peeking through the trees, was the most magnificent sunrise I have seen in years. The sun was just above the horizon, and it was a flaming ball of color…a combination of intense red and orange.

Try as I might, I can’t think of anything to compare it too.  It simply took my breath away.  I immediately went downstairs and spoke to my wife Judy through an open window. I told her, “You need to go and look at the sunrise. It is incredible.”  She mentioned something about getting a camera and I told her, “No, go right now.”  Well, she did, and she too was rewarded with this masterpiece.  We could only see it in one particular spot and through the trees, but it was sweet…very sweet.  And it didn’t last too long.  In just a few minutes the color was not as intense, and it went from beyond words to just plain old beautiful.  The truth is God had chosen that morning and that place to show off and we got to see it.

Well, in a few minutes, I had slipped on my walking clothes and headed to the cemetery for my morning walk.  By now the sun was up higher in the sky…still beautiful and still magnificent in its everyday glory.  But all that paled now because of what I had seen that morning.  And that morning, that early morning, I knew I had discovered perhaps the true purpose of the sun.

I know no sun would mean no life.  We would be a planet of cold and darkness like so many others, so I get the importance of the sun and its light. So, while all that is so very important, is that the true purpose of this heavenly light we call the sun?  Maybe not.  You see in the Old Testament part of the Jewish and Christian scriptures, there is a verse that says, “The heavens declare the glory of God, and the expanse proclaims the work of His hands.” When I think of that verse and remember that sunrise, I think I know the true purpose of the sun…to declare the glory of God.

You see, God is so great, so good, so loving, so kind, so caring, so holy, so magnificent that He is really beyond words.  So maybe, just maybe, He gives us sunrises like the one I saw that morning to help me, to help us understand just how awesome He is. The truth is there is no doubt in my mind that the God who made all of us and all of this is one incredible God.  So beyond words He gives us sunrises, and full moons and a sky filled with stars just to declare His glory and to let us know just how great He is.

I’ve shared many times that I believe God sends us love notes every single day. Often those love notes tell us how much He loves us and cares for us.  That includes sunrises and sunsets and beautiful mountains and flowers and even a precious newborn’s face.  Common? Not hardly. Each one is a love note from the Father.  So today take a moment and look at the splendor of creation. Go ahead and dare to be amazed at this God who loves us so much.  And then marvel at the thought that as we journey, as we do this thing called life, He loves us and gently whisperers, “I’ve got this.”  Bro. Dewayne