This message includes two stories: The first is an excerpt from Robert Turner’s intriguing novel A Rope For Judas, and the second an account of my own faith struggle.
by 
This message includes two stories: The first is an excerpt from Robert Turner’s intriguing novel A Rope For Judas, and the second an account of my own faith struggle.
by 
I laid in my bed, closed my eyes and listened to your wonderful message through my earphones. I especially loved you talking about the passages to not worry or fret…the lilies of the field not toiling, why should we? I needed to hear that. And I missed our annual November visit this year so it was extra nice to be able to see you and hear you. Happy Thanksgiving, my friend.
Jo Anne,
In college we called it the “Church of the Inner Spring,” one where I worshipped on many Sundays. Thanks for reading, commenting, and fret not, nor worry, when the next Cali trip occurs I look forward to our annual Starbuck’s social!
Roger
I gave thanks for whatever faith and courage I can muster! Happy Thanksgiving Day, Roger.
Dona,
And Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family. Thank you for reading and commenting. I’m in good company, a sojourner with you, courageously [though it doesn’t always seem so] mustering faith and courage for the journey!
Roger
I love your opening prayer, gratitude for things remembered and unremembered. I think I learned from you that there is really nothing unrememberd, just things we may thrust out of our consciousness like I do with your cancer history, or things we may take for granted like friends who will always be there for you. Thank you for your message and the reminder of all the times I have touched the hem of His garment. I think of you often as I evaluate new friendships and try to be giving yet aware in relationships
Kay,
Thank you for reading and commenting. I wondered where the smudges on His garment came from–now I know at least one of the sources of the many fingerprints–we are among a community of many, diverse relationships and friends–giving and receiving. Thank you!
Roger
Two friends wrote:
Roger, we didn’t have to read your e-mail narrative–we were there to hear your presentation. Thanks for your stories, Thanksgiving message, and inspiration to be more thankful for our blessings!
Fun to see and hear you sharing your words from the pulpit, as you piloted your plane and another means of expressing your faith journey. I wish I could have been there for the experience in real time and space. Your Snoopy reference reminded me of how I learned about the futility of worry and complaint from my mother, for whom they were her usual perspective and mode. I appreciate your combining words of wisdom from the story of Judas and your own human frailty of fear and worry, to the ever present gentle and reassuring support of Jesus through good news or bad. I like to think of God being present in the holy whole of all that is, while giving thanks for this gift of life, love, and learning. Wishing you and yours a thanksgiving feast filled with gratitude and peace. Write and preach on, mon ami!
Colette,
Thank you for reading and commenting. And a day and weekend filled with gratitude and peace to you and your family as well. If we fret and worry, my wish for us occasional worrywarts [my fathers term for my mother] is that we do so fearlessly and in the process be shaken from it’s grip!
Roger
I especially enjoyed seeing you and hearing you. The older I get, the more grateful I try to be. Gratefulness goes well with humbleness and kindness. Take care my fellow classmate. You seem to know how to enjoy the journey!
Cy,
Gratefulness is a practice I too often take for granted, give lip-service to, but doing this on the 24th instilled a desire for a more disciplined practice–one thing for which I’m grateful each day as I move through 2020 and to begin Christmas Day. We’ll see…
Cheers,
Roger