We have a Burning Bush at our house. Not a burning bush like Moses experienced. Instead we have a plant called a Burning Bush. It is a beautiful bush. It turns brilliant shades of red and pink— it is really a healthy plant— actually too healthy! This plant is located on the side of our drive way and it has claimed a chunk of the entrance and the branches (that have no leaves at this time) are scratching our vehicles. Therefore a decision was made— the burning bush had to go! My plan was to snip a few branches and then dig around the base and yank it up by hand. However, to my great surprise after about an hour's work, I discovered that this thing wasn’t going anywhere. At least it wasn’t going anywhere without the use of a chain saw or a truck and chain. It reminded me of the song we sang last Sunday at church and how our spiritual roots make us strong;

This Friday is Opening day for the Seattle Mariners as they play their first game of the season at Safeco Field. It’s one of my favorite days of the whole year. Maybe not because I think the Mariners are going to the World Series, but for me it’s more about the sense of a renewal and a fresh start. I’m a baseball fan and more specifically I’m a die-hard (since 1977) Mariner fan… in other words I’m a “man of faith!” This season, however will be different. This season we will carry on without a very familiar, friendly voice. Hall of Fame Mariners broadcaster Dave Niehaus passed away this past winter and although his rich, deep voice of has been silenced, he has etched into my mind countless wonderful “My Oh My” memories that I will treasure for a lifetime. The Mariners will wear a patch (see on right) on their uniforms this season and I know every time I see it I will get this sense of sadness with a mixture of joy. Sometimes we just have to thank God for the people we miss and remember the incredible blessings that God so richly gave us through their lives.

It's raining (at least it is as I write this). It's nothing new for the hearty people of the Pacific Northwest. I happen to love the rain, but I'm pretty sure there are a lot of people who don't like the rain at all. The fact is, whether you like the rain or not-- you don't have a choice of what the weather is that you get. Pain is a lot like rain. It will fall on "the just and unjust" (Matt. 5:45), but what's most important is how we deal with it. If we choose to "bloom where we are planted" no matter what the circumstance, we can have the right perspective of the character that God is trying to build in our lives. Remember that nothing can grow without rain, so thank God for liquid sunshine.

As I am writing this weekly post, the sun is shining and I can't help thinking about playing softball and watching the Mariners struggle through another glorious baseball season. There is no doubt, however, that Easter season is upon us! And I find myself listening to some of my favorite Easter themed worship songs. Easter is a time of redemption and hope. And I hope that you will take some time over the next several weeks to reflect upon what that means to you during this time of year.

As I am writing this weekly post, the sun is shining and I can't help thinking about playing softball and watching the Mariners struggle through another glorious baseball season. There is no doubt, however, that Easter season is upon us! And I find myself listening to some of my favorite Easter themed worship songs. Easter is a time of redemption and hope. And I hope that you will take some time over the next several weeks to reflect upon what that means to you during this time of year.