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Are You Having Fun? by Phil Last time we started out the new year talking about our approach - refining our focus. This time I'd like to talk about our attitude for the new year. (Disclaimer here: this one is a reminder for me, but you are welcome to listen in!) As most of you already know, I ventured into the world of wood turning last year. (My wood working journey seems to find it's way into my devotions on a regular basis, but that's because I see so many parallels between it and my faith walk. Aren't you glad I didn't take up a hobby like underwater macramé or cow patty bingo?) One of my woodworking buddies, who happens to be an extraordinary turner/artist, has taken me under his wing. He helped me make one of my first bowls even before I had a lathe. He has guided me on technique, tools, sharpening, and a whole lot more. Every time I talk to him, whether it is to ask a question or share a frustration, he asks, "Are you having fun?" Sometimes when I can't seem to get a piece to come out the way I planned or when it flies apart on the lathe, I have to stop and think before I respond. Even with moments of disappointment, frustration and challenge, I still love woodworking. I love the feeling of transforming something rough into a thing of beauty. I love taking what most would consider junk firewood and finding a treasure hidden under the bark just waiting to be discovered. And I love the feeling of giving people I love something tangible made with my own hands. So yes, I'm having fun! My challenge to myself this year is to apply that question to all areas of life. I always have multiple irons in the fire and plenty of responsibilities to an assortment of different people and projects. With that comes moments of disappointment, frustration, and many challenges. It's easy to become overwhelmed, so I'm going to regularly ask myself, "Are you having fun?" Then I'll stop, and remember what God has brought me through, His faithfulness, His mercy, His provision, and His promise to never leave or forsake me. And when this part of my journey is finished, He has already prepared a future with Him that is beyond my wildest imagination. So yes, I'm having fun! Jesus told us in John 10:10, "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy;" If we let it, the busyness and demands of life can become that thief who steals, kills and destroys our joy. Jesus went on to say, "I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." That's the life I want, full of joy, full of purpose, full of Jesus! Let me leave you with a question... Are you having fun? Click Here to Check our Concert Schedule! Check us out on Facebook! - http://www.facebook.com/PhilandPamMorgan |
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Welcome to 2026! We pray this year is filled with good times, exciting opportunities and God's abundant blessings. It's hard to believe, but 30 years ago about this time we were working on our first album that launched our ministry. What an adventure it has been! Pam and I are working on some special events to mark this milestone year that we'll be sharing with you a little later. In the meantime, if you'd like to bring us to your church for the first time or a repeat visit, drop us an email...
ADVENT IN THE WOODSHOP - Part four, JOY We've come to the end of our exploration of the themes of Advent - presented in wood! So far in our wood turning journey we've selected the wood, smoothed off the rough edges and shaped it into it's final form. Now it’s time to take our creation off the lathe and put it to use. We may have created a bowl for a yummy salad, a snack platter for holiday entertaining, a vase to hold a bouquet of flowers or a dish to keep rings and jewelry safe at night. Or...
ADVENT IN THE WOODSHOP - Part three, LOVE Welcome back to the woodshop for another look at the themes of Advent. We've selected our log and smoothed off the rough places. Now it's time to get down to the real work of discovering just what is hiding inside this piece of wood. We'll use a variety of tools, some very aggressive to take off lots of material and others very delicate to create fine details. Along the way there will probably be unforeseen places where a deformity or crack in the...