Hard to believe that just about two weeks ago I was gathered with a family in the living room as the EMT's attempted, unsuccessfully, to bring the Patriarch of the family back from a massive heart attack - that a week later we'd be gathered again with friends, family, and church members to celebrte his life and cry over our loss, and that today I will be rejoicing with a young couple and their family and friends as they embark on the mysterious journey known as marriage. The Bible says, "Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn." The ups and downs of life seem to be the threads that weave together to make life what it is. I have to admit that at times, facing any one stitch or strand, good or bad, up or down, joy or sorrow, I struggle to see the bigger picture of this amazing tapestry of life and community. What I do know is that it is a privilege - a gift - and I believe a uniquely human thing to walk together with another through the great mystery we call "life." Thankfully, at least for a few hours this afternoon, my journey takes me into joy. Thankfully, when the path plummets to places not so joyful - even painful - I know I, and those I journey with, don't have to be alone. We have a Shepherd who goes with us.
![]() Welcome to Daily Grinds I chose “Daily Grinds” for a name because everyone has them. For some they show up at the workplace, for others it is on the freeway, maybe at school. “The Grind” comes to us all at some point, and in some ways at every point in our lives. Of course, these grinds aren’t always bitter and burdensome. Sometimes the daily grinds are evidence of the most positive moments in our lives – the satisfaction of a difficult job well done, confidence hammered out on the anvil of much preparation. And sometimes, quite unexpectedly, "the grind" gifts us with moments of grace – some monumental like the birth of a child, others more mundane, like a great cup of coffee and some casual conversation with a good friend. In fact, I came across a website for a coffee company in New York called, The Daily Grind, that confirmed my inspiration. Perhaps sifting through the “grounds” of my day-to-day will give you a glimpse into your own Daily Grind. About DomJust your average guy (ok - a little below average in the height department!) that is trying to make my way in this world. I have been the pastor of SCN since 1998 and just celebrated 22 years of marriage to my wife, Heather, (obviously way above average in the wife department!) on September 2nd. Aside from sardines and anchovies, there isn't much I don't enjoy in life. Archives
January 2012
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