John Ortberg in his book "The Life You've Always Wanted" shares a story about giving a bath to his three preschool children.  His daughter Mallory was so overjoyed after playing in the water for 20 minutes that when she got out she began to do what is knwon at their house as the "Dee Dah" dance.  This consists of spinning around in circles singing over and over again "Dee Dah Day, Dee Dah Day."  It's a song of exuberant overflowing joy!

On this particular occasion, John says he was irritated by the dance.  So he said rather sternly, "Mallory, hurry up."  Which she did.  She began to spin in circles faster and faster, chanting "Dee Dah Day" even more rapidly.

"No Mallory, " he said.  "Quit dancing and hurry up and get over here so I can dry you off."  Suddenly little Mallory stopped dancing and asked a most profound question; "Why?"

John says he was taken back by her query.  He didn't have an answer.  He had no where to go.  There was an hour or so until bedtime.  There was nothing pressing that needed to be done, so he got up and did the "Dee Dah Day" dance with her.  By the time they finished, she didn't even need drying off.

Reflecting on the experience, Orberg says we need to learn to savor the "Dee Dah Day" moments.  Instead of waiting to live someday, waiting to have fun and waiting to find time for joy, we need to live in the moment.  We're missing too many "Dee Dah" experiences.

I hope this week as you gather with friends and family for Thanksgiving you will relish every second.  Have fun! Laugh!  From your heart thank God for every blessing He has poured out upon you and your family this past year.  And if you want to try the "Dee Dah Day" dance, then go for it!

One of the things I'm particularly thankful for is our great Parkway Wesleyan family.  I can hardly wait to get to church on Sundays.  You are such a blessing to Rosemary and I.

Don't forget our special "Prayer and Worship" service this coming Saturday evening at 7:00 PM.  We are going to bombard heaven with mountain-moving prayer.  If you've got needs -- if you are burdened for the lost -- if you could use a miracle, you need to be part of this special prayer time.  I believe God is going to do something extraordinary.

Have a great week.

Happy Thanksgiving!  Pastor Barry

"Rejoice in the Lord always, I will say it again: Rejoice! -- Philippians 4:4