Papa's Pizza

Everyone I know loves pizza. It must be America's favorite food of choice.
And, speaking of choice, way back in the middle of the last century, we only had one choice, when it came to pizza.We got to choose the toppings for our pies. Now, we may also choose our specific sauce (Alfredo, Marinara,4 cheese, Buffalo, barbeque,etc.), our type of crust (whole wheat, gluten-free, thick, thin, crispy, Chicago Style or stuffed and finally we can choose the shape (square, round, strips or individual). So many choices!
And, then we need to decide where that pizza will come from. Eat out, go pick it up or have it delivered. Some folks make their own pizza, but for most of us.....it's not home made.
Which leads me to my question of the week. Why are there two pizza restaurants with the first name of Papa? Why Papa instead of Mama? Or, you'd think, like other businesses, at least one of them of them would have chosen AAPizza, Abbe's or even A-one Pizza, ....something first on the alphabetical list of Pizza Joints. Nope. It's Papa John's and Papa Murphy's. Not even Italian papa's names. And, how many Italian papa's make their family's pizza?
It's a very strange world we inhabit. Wonders will never cease.

Good God. Our antics must keep you continually amused. Humans do the craziest things.
We, on the other hand, stand in awe of Your Power, Glory and Wisdom. We thank you for our many blessings and we praise Your Holy Name.

What a Yoke!

There is just too much on my plate. I don't have a minute to myself, anymore. What happened to all of my free time? There's too much to do and too little time in which to do it. My burden is too great. Just like a road weary traveler, I have too much baggage. I'm over my emotional weight limit and I can't carry an ounce more in my many suitcases.

Haven't we all felt like that at one time or another? Believe me, it's easy to find yourself in the airport terminal of life,constantly discovering that your gate number has been changed for the umpteenth time.

Well, it's time we learned to travel light, folks. Jesus wants to help. We just need to do what he had told us.
"Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I willl give you rest."
Let those big rolling bags full of worries and problems go. Grab a little light carry on and get moving!


Precious Lord: Life is the ultimate trip. We're on a journey, beginning with the day that we're born. We know that you are our traveling companion every day. Show us the right route, and please, keep a light on for us each night.
We are thankful for our blessings and we ask you to lift our burdens.

"Who are you,... who,who,who,who????????"

Yesterday, the preacher talked about the folks who encountered Jesus, on the walk from Jerusalem to Emmaus. It's just really too bad that this story is usually discussed on the first Sunday after Easter. The Emmaus Walk is such a terrific story and unfortunately attendance on the first Sunday after Easter is always REALLY down. Some pastors like to take the Sunday after Easter off, and some even like to "give" their women that Sunday for Women's Day. Thanks guys, but no thanks. We're on to you!!!
Anyway, talk about your original Faith Journey! Wow! Speaking with Jesus... Not recognizing Him.... Showing a stranger hospitality.... The wonder of recognition... And, sharing the Faith with others. There must be ten or twelve sermons in those 22 verses of Luke.
It's a wonderful story. Were you there to hear it????

Good and gracious God. Your life fills us with wonder. Your grace is there for us to recognize and receive. Come into our hearts and fill us with your love. Give us strength to share your word in our every day lives.

"These boots were made for........"

Yesterday, I tried to drive home from my work just a little bit earlier than usual. Bad move. The traffic around the grade school, 2 blocks from my home, was so thick that I could hardly make it down the street. The cars were parked, behind the buses, ready for dismissal time, and the daily pick-up of students.
In today's society, our kids do not walk to and from school. Everyone of the little darlings need to be carted, to and from the neighborhood school, by their moms, dads, or grandparents. Why?????
Yesterday, it was sunny and 78 degrees at 3:45 p.m. It was a perfect day to let kids walk home. What's the deal???? Those kids need the exercise.
In another time, my kids walked to and from that same school, rain or shine. I figured the rain would clean them off! And, I never worried about someone abducting them. Who would want the little buggers?
I know, that we need to be more cautious these days. But, I think we should work on teaching our kids how to watch out for strangers and how to cope with abduction issues, instead of over-protecting them.

Good God: We know that it is not a perfect world, because we have made some pretty awful choices. There are dangers out there. Not everyone knows of your steadfast love. We must be aware and cautious. But, help us to temper our vigilance with FAITH. Your "goodness and mercy shall last all of the days of our lives". We glorify your name.