As I said to Ms. Kate first thing this morning —- Happy Thursday! It is a much warmer morning and we have only a small amout of breeze going on. So that really helps out. The past few days have been not only bitterly cold but there has been some strong winds out of the north west that were driving down the temperatures. Now we have our winds up from the south and the air is warmer but it will also bring mor rain with it. So, ya’ take what ya’ get and do the best you can.

The area morning has allowed me to get outside comfortably and fill my bird feeders again. Almost all of them were empty and since I filled them —- now it will be back to the Wild Bird Unlimited to break another $100.00 bill. Dang, these birds are expensive. I also cleaned out the bird bath. It was full of leaves and scum at the bottom, so I scrubbed that up and filled it with clean water. I’ve had a steady stream of finchs and sparrows and cardinals at it ever since I cleaned it up. I know they drink scuzzy water elsewhere, but here they can get something a bit more sanitary.

We had a good choir practice last evening. We are working on the cantata and only have a couple of weeks to get it right. It is called “Arise Shine” and I think is is a good one. I love doing cantatas and hearing cantatas. I like them for Christmas and Easter. They are a great amout of work to put together and take a lot of practice. But, when done right — they add so much to the worship experience.

This Sunday begins the Advent season.That adds extraliturgyto the service and of course the lighting of the Advent candle each week. It is a four week walk to Christmas. It depicts the waiting and watching  associated with waiting for a Messiah and the birth of Jesus Christ. I think that only the more traditional churches actually celebrate the Advent season. That is what I think so many non-denominational churches miss out on. The lack of tradition. But, on the other hand, that is also why many people seek out non-denominational churches; — to get away from the dogma and liturgy that comes with tradition. At least we live in a free country where we have the luxury to choose how we worship.

Time to get busy and take advantage of a warmer day. I hope that you have a most blessed day. Peace.