Ale for the Soul

Christ Chapel Bible Church devoted this weekend and the worship service this morning to art as worship.  Dr. Kitchens' sermon was among the finest I've heard him preach.  The more frequently I attend, the better I am fed the bread of life from scripture.  To listen to what God had to say through the pastor, cut and paste the following link to your internet browser, you will be glad you did.  (http://www.ccbcfamily.org/sermon/art-for-gods-sake/).  Below this post is a few pictures I took of the art work on display.  Enjoy!  On Easter Sunday I also invite you attend this local body of Christ for a time of nourishment and community.

Today especially, I have been in such an attitude of thankfulness for the blessings God has heaped upon me.  As I revel in the opening of the floodgates, the blessings wash over me.  As a result, I quickly direct the blessings back to God for His glory and worship.  One of the blessings has been the ability to really get going in running on the treadmill at the gym.  Consistently I have been running for ten minutes, a little over one mile.  This is reminiscent of the days when I was an active runner, which caused me to lose a bunch of weight.  I am desirous to keep pressing forward with the hopes I will again lose at least another fifteen pounds.  Earlier I stepped on the scale to discover I am currently at 196 pounds, a loss of nineteen pounds from the starting weight of 215 pounds.  This has transpired over the course of two months.  If this keeps up, I will reach my target weight of 180 pounds in roughly two more months.  Another bles...

Once work was completed for the day and I had time to exercise at the gym, I made my way to the Amon Carter Museum of American Art.  Each and every museum in Fort Worth is top notch, but this one holds a special place in my heart.  The reason is because it is absolutely free.  There are no special times or collections that are free...it is free during business hours 365 days a year.  Gratis admission allows for art to become appreciated and enjoyed by everyone, not simply a select few who can pay whatever "nominal" fee is assigned by the curator and museum.  In addition to a permanent exhibit of Remington and Russell western paintings, on display year-round, one of the current special exhibits is American Epics: Thomas Hart Benson and Hollywood .  (On display from February 6th through May 1st 2016.)  Unfortunately the staff had to enforce the rules of no picture-taking of the special exhibit(s), but thankfully they did allow picture-taking of the perma...

Another month is upon us, and the weather is absolutely beautiful.  With such a mild winter, the temperatures and breeze are already reminiscent of spring.  After a full morning of work, I was able to call the rest of the day mine to do as I please.  This afternoon I met with my friend at the smoke shop for a time of fellowship over a smoke.  To enjoy the aforementioned weather, as well as to grab a few minutes of exercise in lieu of missing the gym, I rode my bicycle to and from the smoke shop in downtown Fort Worth.  Wow!  I can definitely tell the weight loss and physical conditioning are really paying off.  The ride was very enjoyable and invigorating.  Now I have the remainder of the evening to enjoy my book, Report from Engine Co. 82 by Dennis Smith, and to smoke my pipe.  Life is good!  Thank you God for your blessings of health, great weather, and the ability to enjoy life.

An assumption on my part is most people are acquainted with the reason behind having Leap Year every four years.  For those of you who don't, I strongly suggest researching the day because the purpose of this entry is not to explain the day's history.  Rather, I would like to give glory to God for an additional day, a freebie of sorts, to live according to the purpose He has innately given me.  Not only today, Leap Year, but also I believe every day is a blessing not to presume upon or to take for granted.  Each night as I lay my head down on the pillow, I am not guaranteed tomorrow, or the next few seconds for that matter.  Life is so precious and should be cherished immensely.  This month has passed by so quickly as I am more gainfully employed with TNG, the new job in which I have been diligently working.  The primary change to speak of is the ending of the three and a half year career with Tobacco Lane on the Square.  So far the transition has...

When I look into Your eyes I see the love that died for me When I look into Your eyes I see the hope that I will be a faithful child Following close behind Following ever blinded To the things that should not move me Saying to my soul, fix your eyes on Jesus Saying to my soul, fix your eyes on Jesus Fix your eyes on Jesus, fix your eyes on Jesus Fix your eyes on Jesus When I look into Your eyes I feel the grief when I have sinned When I look into Your eyes I find delight when I have been a faithful child Saying to my soul, fix your eyes on Jesus Saying to my soul, fix your eyes on Jesus Fix your eyes on Jesus, fix your eyes on Jesus Fix your eyes on Jesus Fix your eyes upon the prize The highest calling you will find Following close behind Following ever blinded To the things that should not move me Saying to my soul, fix your eyes on Jesus Saying to my soul, fix your eyes on Jesus Fix your eyes on Jesus, fix your eyes on Jesus Fix your eyes on Jesus

Tonight was my last day of work at the smoke shop called Tobacco Lane on the Square.  After exactly three and a half years of employment, the timing of my departure couldn't have been any better.  I am so grateful for the genuine expressions of good luck from my former co-workers.  In addition, I had regular customers and friends drop by for a smoke to help send me off to bigger and better things.  To every thing there is a season, and this time has been memorable.  Of course I will look back with fondness as the good times outweigh any negative events which may have occurred during this time.  Upon reflection, I am thankful for the people I have met, the experiences gained, and the stable employment.  May this next season of life bring even greater personal growth as I continually progress as an individual.  God, thank you for your guiding hand and the multitude of blessings you have showered upon me.  I am looking forward to bigger horizons...