The old Kris Kristofferson tune, “Sunday Mornin’ Comin’ Down,” is humming in my head as I sip my morning coffee. I’m not sure why, except back in my partying days, it often served as part of the soundtrack waking up from the debacle of the night before. Those days are long gone now. I’m slowly approaching three decades of sobriety. While there are still a lot of days living one day at a time that lie ahead of that momentous moment (sober since August 12, 1995, by the grace of God), recovery is still something that amazes me, not because of anything in particular that I’ve done, but what I’ve had a front row seat witnessing God do. This Sunday morning, I awoke grateful. [#gratitude]
Mom shared that she woke early and as she lay in her bed old hymns were playing in her head. Over morning coffee, I shared a collection of psalms I’d written along with some drawings of hands I’d worked on recently (100 hands to be exact).
The hand drawings were a project our art teacher, Jay, had challenged our class to complete. For me, as the artist, it’s interesting to look at them. Yes, naturally, I critique them. However, more importantly, I enjoy viewing them, not because they are exceptional or great, but because they are complete. It is rewarding to complete a creative work.
I cherish Mom’s reaction to them as I watch her thumb through the pages of my drawing pad. Ever so primitive, they speak to her. I can see by the emotions welling up in her eyes that she is impacted by them as she interacts with each individual sketch.
My heart filled with joy as I watched Mom flip through the pages of my collection of original psalms, reading each one. Still small, it is a growing work, much like my drawings. Although incomplete, I’ve observed these psalms minister to people, primarily readers of my blog, along with a handful of others who have had the opportunity to read them, like my beautiful Terri and my sweet Mom.
Lately, I’ve been intrigued to see some older posts gain traffic. It’s cool that some posts appear to grow in their attraction as time passes. Below is a list of 5 posts that are demonstrating life long after they were first published:
- How Do Our Lives Reflect the Image of God?
- Wednesday Wisdom | What is Discipleship?
- Psalm 104: Using Your Creative Gifts for His Glory and Praise
- Worship is our response to God
- Prayer for the Unsheltered, Marginalized, & Exploited
Although I am unsure why these particular past posts, along with a few others, are kindling the interest of new readers, I hope you take time to read them as well. If something stands out to you, please be sure to share it with me in the “Comments.” Like other bloggers, I love hearing from those who read my posts.
May the Lord bless you today and in the week to come.
Peace,
Rainer Bantau
The Devotional Guy™
#bgbg2#BibleGateway
The Devotional Guy™ Rainer Bantau © 2023
The Devotional Guy™ 
A beautiful reflection, Rainer. I enjoyed hearing about your morning with your Mom, your personal Psalms, and your artwork. I have such peace when I read your posts and hear about the ways you lean into the Lord. Thank you for sharing the links to other blog posts as well. I enjoyed them and can see why others are flocking to them. I am reminded that worship is something we can do all day, every day. Our words and actions should reflect our worship. And our worship should alter our words and actions. Thank you for the encouragement you always bring. God bless!
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I love your balanced approach to life, Rainer. My jazz loving friend lives Quincy Jones because he “Lets the music breathe.” I listen to his theme from the sitcom “Sanford and Son” and understand. May God continue to bless your creativity—in all of its forms. Blessings, my brother!
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David, there are probably multiple posts we could write on the genius of Quincy Jones and Fred Sanford! I’m thankful you took the time to read and comment on today’s post. Take it easy and enjoy your Sunday, brother.
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I’m thankful you found my previous posts enjoyable and encouraging. Yes, I agree, like prayer, worship is something that we can do continuously without ceasing. I got to share one of my psalms with Mom’s Sunday School class. It felt like a truly beautiful moment. I’m glad—and thank the Lord—that my words bring you—and anyone else—peace. Thank you for reading and sharing your thoughts. Blessings 🙏
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Hello, Rainer. Great post, very well-written and inspirational.
Every blessing from across the pond.
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Thank you, Stewart. I appreciate your kind words.
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Loved this post, Rainer.
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Thank you, Saania. I appreciate your kind encouragement.
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Pictures of Hands? Are they freestyle or hands of people you know?
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Freestyle. Hands are one of the things that are difficult to draw realistically and accurately even though we are obviously familiar with them—especially our own. Great question! Thanks for taking time to read my blog. Blessings. 🙏
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What a truly precious moment to spend with your Mom!! Your post on discipleship grabbed my attention as it is a buzz word in our church right now. Your definition is the best I have heard. I appreciate how you delineate between discipleship and mentoring.
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