It's good for man to work

Happy Birthday to my lovely wife!

It was nice to have the day off for my wife's birthday. Since she was working today, I volunteered for most of the day, as the projectors and screens weren't completely set up at church. However, we made a serious dent by mid-afternoon. After picking up the kids from school, it was time to clean up the house and get the food prepared for a BBQ scheduled with some family friends for my wife's Birthday. It was another eventful day and I'm pretty tired, but it's totally worth it.

I seem to feel most fulfilled if I'm honestly working at something or applying myself toward a goal. We were made for work; God designed us with a purpose long before we ever sinned in the Garden of Eden. Adam was supposed to work the land, did you know that? We were placed on earth to work, even before the fall of man! No wonder we feel best when we've given an honest days' work.


Genesis 2:15 (New International Version)

The LORD God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.

Good Night

Long Day Volunteering

It's been quite a day! I took the day off in order to work at the church on a couple of missions. The first was to assist in the move of one of our church family members. The second was assisting the worship team in hanging and cabling up the twin projectors which will debut on Easter. From 8AM until 10:30PM it was steady work, with a break for lunch and dinner. Needless to say, I'm baked, toasted, spent, done. However, it was well worth it.

PS: Hydraulic lifts are cool!

Good Night

Things Aren't Right When You're Not Living in the Word.

In the bustle of the weekend, I left my coat at the church and ended up going to work without my headphones today (they were in my coat pocket). That meant I wasn't listening to the Daily Audio Bible podcast on my way to and from work, as I usually do. I'm totally off kilter in terms of my time in the Word this week. Let me tell you, I can feel it.

It's time to get back into the Bible; to read and apply what it says to my daily life. If we read it, we'll think it. If we think it, we'll begin to speak and act upon it.

James 1:22-25 (New International Version)

Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it—he will be blessed in what he does.

Joshua 1:8 (New International Version)

Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.

Good Night

Busy Sunday

Where did the weekend go? As I sit here typing, it feels as though it should be Saturday or Sunday tomorrow instead of Monday. Church activities have pretty well dominated the weekend; serving on slides and then helping the worship team break down the auditorium so the new setup can take place. I loved working with the guys today. Pulling cables, troubleshooting equipment and having take out Chinese for lunch; it was all great fellowship, honestly. I'm proud to be serving in such a great place. The remodeled auditorium should be a sight to behold on Easter, for sure.

I've got to head in to work tomorrow, but then I'll be off for a couple of days mid-week. I hope to accomplish more for the church in my time off and also spend some quality time with my wife on her Birthday. Thank you, Jesus for the ability to be a part of something real and alive.

PS: For you prayer warriors whom have lifted up my wife in prayer recently, thank you.

Good Night

Please pray for my wife

I'm not going to get into much tonight, but I ask that each of you agree with me in prayer for my wife. She's going through some spiritual attacks of late and needs God's continued blessing, healing and protection.

Thanks

Good Night

TGIF Again!

Thank God It's Friday! It's been a long week; nothing too serious, but busy. I'm so grateful to be on this end of a work week. The weekend will be busy enough, but for now, I'm enjoying this evening.

My wife has tuned in to a show called "Who Do You Think You Are?" and I can't help but get sucked into watching it with her. As I sit here and blog, I keep getting pulled into the show- it's absolutely amazing to see the generations before us (and the ones before them), their lives, their stories and how they help to shape who we are. We're all connected; no matter how insignificant we may think we are, we will matter to each other and to our children and so on.

I can't help but think of the Bible and how it clearly shows many generations, from Christ all the way back through the Patriarchs and ultimately to Adam and Eve. WE are linked to them through a vast human chain and they literally walked side by side in the garden of Eden with God!

Just think about that...

Good Night

I'm Truly Thankful for What I Have

After feeling a bit lonely today and generally off-kilter for a couple of days, I want to sit here in front of God and everyone and just list off some things I'm thankful for. I'm not depressed, but am in the midst of a recalibration for the next stage of Life God is directing me into.

Lord,

I'm thankful that you gave your life to save mine.
I'm thankful I live in this place, in this exact time.
I'm thankful that you've blessed me with a phenomenal wife and great family.
I'm thankful for true friends.
I'm thankful to be an accepted member of West Salem Foursquare Church.
I'm thankful that you've blessed us with a nice home and a safe car to drive.
I'm thankful that although I've been hungry, I've never known starvation.
I'm thankful that I've been allowed to stay in a good job I don't always deserve.
I'm thankful that I have [at least some usable] vision to view your handiwork, as the seasons change.
I'm thankful for Annette's bacon cheeseburgers and other great food.
I'm thankful that I have the freedom to say what I think out loud.
I'm thankful for modern appliances.
I'm thankful for podcasts, where listening to the living Word of God is only a click away.
I'm thankful that when it's raining sideways, is 17 degrees out, or feels like I'm on the face of the sun, you've afforded me shelter and security.
I'm thankful for humor.
I'm thankful that I've known love.

Thank you God, for all of these things and more.

Good Night.

It's Time to Regroup

Although I've been listening to a couple of different podcasts which are either readings of the Bible, or sessions related to being restored through Christ, I'm kind of in a rut these past couple of days. I don't know whether I'm under attack, or whether these feelings are self-inflicted due to unchecked sin, or some other reason.

Today I listened to the tail end of the program "Restored", by Niel Anderson. It was an offering through the podcast of the Daily Audio Bible. It finished up with some prayers and scripture to help us remember who we are in Christ. I could sure use that right about now. Let's do as David did and encourage ourselves together:

In Christ, I'm not rejected, shameful or lowly. I'm His child!

John 1:12 (New International Version)

Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God—

Ephesians 1:5 (New International Version)

He predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will—

I'm justified!

Romans 5:1 (New International Version)

Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we[a]have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,

I'm united with God.

1 Corinthians 6:17 (New International Version)

But he who unites himself with the Lord is one with him in spirit.

I'm valuable to God!

1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (New International Version)

Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.

I have access to God.

Ephesians 2:18 (New International Version)

For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit.

I'm forgiven!

Colossians 1:13-14 (New International Version)

For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

I'm feeling much better now. I hope you are, too!

Good Night

It's Time to Rest

After a day of work, it was time to come home for dinner and then head out to the church for some Men's group. However, I was tired tonight and just felt as though I needed to jammie up and stay home. I know I should have gone, but I just didn't feel like it. I'm going to be busy with church related activities at times for the rest of this week and throughout the weekend, so I'm choosing to stay home and relax tonight.

Remember to rest!

Good Night

It's Monday... Again

It's the beginning of another week.

Have you ever had one of those days where you feel like you have no idea what's going on in your life? Lately, I've been feeling like an alien in my job and in elements of my home life. I hardly feel qualified to lead the family God has given me; I've blown it so many times. So many missed opportunities with my wife and kids...

At work I am dealing with a few issues where I feel like my brain can't comprehend how to resolve certain problems- it literally feels like hitting a mental brick wall. Some items which have drawn out are finally coming to a close, (Thank God!) while others are persistent. I'm not certain what the Lord is doing in my life right now, but it feels like things are about to change. I choose to trust in Him.

Proverbs 3:5-6 (New International Version)

Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.

Good Night

Today has been very busy. My wife isn't feeling well battling allergies, but both she and I braved Wal-Mart this morning, so that we were set for supplies for the week of Spring Break. The kids are home and they like to eat. Thankfully, a wonderful family friend is going to pop in for four of the five days this week. My wife will be home tomorrow, so there will be an adult in the house all week. Thank God.

After unloading groceries and preparing lunch, my wife went to lie down and my kids delved into their video games. Thankfully my wife came down and assisted me with some of the kitchen cleanup, so I wasn't completely overloaded- it was a nice surprise. For the majority of the afternoon, I was cleaning downstairs, a bathroom upstairs, helping a little with laundry and doing a couple of other small tasks. Nothing big, but it was enough to wipe me out. Then came dinner for the kids. I'm glad we had leftovers for that task and they didn't trash the breakfast nook too badly. Shower and jammie time!

Now it's 5:30 and I'm cleaned up and ready for a nice night of relaxation, once the kids are in bed. I so badly need a recharge and I know just the thing; the 23rd Psalm and a nice cup of coffee!

Psalm 23

1 The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.

2 He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,

3 he restores my soul.
He guides me in paths of righteousness
for his name's sake.

4 Even though I walk
through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.

5 You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.

6 Surely goodness and love will follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the LORD
forever.

AMEN! Good Night

God's Unexpected Blessings

It's short and sweet tonight.

I wanted to tell you about the coolest thing that the Lord did for us today. My wife and youngest son headed off to the bowling alley, as they do almost every Saturday morning. Once bowling practice began, one of the coaches pulled my wife aside and said "I've got something for you."

When my wife and son went along with the coach, they began discussing a bowling ball and bag that were brand new and were recently purchased and donated by a citizen in the senior bowling league. It appears that this donor purchased a really cool Shrek bowling ball and matching bag and simply wanted to make a child happy by donating the items. My son was chosen out of all of the kids in league, to be the recipient!

After paying the $35 fee in the Pro Shop, the ball was drilled out to match my son's hand and was declared ready for use. What an unexpected blessing from the Lord! My wife and I had discussed bowling balls and bags before, but shied away from them due to their hefty price tag. How great is God's favor and provision!

Exodus 3:21 (New International Version)

"And I will make the Egyptians favorably disposed toward this people, so that when you leave you will not go empty-handed.

Good Night

Genealogy in the Bible

Do you see what I see in this picture? Read on to find out:

Often when we read through the Bible, we'll find that among the great stories and examples given, we'll hit "rough patches" of genealogy. For me, it's sometimes a trigger for boredom. I'd gloss over the verses as I read them, or skip them altogether in order to get into the "meat" elsewhere. It never really dawned on me as to why it was so important to learn whom begat whom. I knew it was important, otherwise why would it be in the Bible?

The answer came to me, as I walked across the bridge from work tonight. I missed my daily bus, but was blessed with a sunny day and an opportunity to cross the Willamette bridge on foot. It wasn't all that far to our part of town and my wife was ready to meet me on the other side of the bridge within a half an hour. So, with iTunes in hand, I started off on my walk across the river. As I was listening to the Daily Audio Bible podcast, the message from Luke 3:23 came through the headphones. It was more documentary on the lineage from Jesus' birth, back through David, then all the way through Abraham, Noah and Adam (and many in between). Finally, what started with God, ended with God.

I thought it was pretty neat to be able to connect the dots all the way back to Adam. It's the biological "cord" which tied many, many lives together, great and small. All of the pieces fit together in a way so that Jesus Christ could come into the world and save humanity. As I thought about it, I looked down at the very bridge I was walking on. It was a series of sections connected together. Each section was joined to another and another and so on. Some of the pieces had large, prominent pillars. However, the majority had single, modestly sized support beams. Each of these structures, unique in strength and function, was tied to other supporting members of the bridge. Through this integration, the purpose of arriving at the other side of the river could be realized. If it weren't for each component, the unit as a whole would fail.

Now, apply that same means of thinking to the biblical generations. Pretty cool, huh? When man fell, God engineered a 'bridge' to humanity through Jesus. Thank God for that bridge!

Luke 3:23-38 (New International Version)

23Now Jesus himself was about thirty years old when he began his ministry. He was the son, so it was thought, of Joseph,
the son of Heli, 24the son of Matthat,
the son of Levi, the son of Melki,
the son of Jannai, the son of Joseph,
25the son of Mattathias, the son of Amos,
the son of Nahum, the son of Esli,
the son of Naggai, 26the son of Maath,
the son of Mattathias, the son of Semein,
the son of Josech, the son of Joda,
27the son of Joanan, the son of Rhesa,
the son of Zerubbabel, the son of Shealtiel,
the son of Neri, 28the son of Melki,
the son of Addi, the son of Cosam,
the son of Elmadam, the son of Er,
29the son of Joshua, the son of Eliezer,
the son of Jorim, the son of Matthat,
the son of Levi, 30the son of Simeon,
the son of Judah, the son of Joseph,
the son of Jonam, the son of Eliakim,
31the son of Melea, the son of Menna,
the son of Mattatha, the son of Nathan,
the son of David, 32the son of Jesse,
the son of Obed, the son of Boaz,
the son of Salmon,[a] the son of Nahshon,
33the son of Amminadab, the son of Ram,[b]
the son of Hezron, the son of Perez,
the son of Judah, 34the son of Jacob,
the son of Isaac, the son of Abraham,
the son of Terah, the son of Nahor,
35the son of Serug, the son of Reu,
the son of Peleg, the son of Eber,
the son of Shelah, 36the son of Cainan,
the son of Arphaxad, the son of Shem,
the son of Noah, the son of Lamech,
37the son of Methuselah, the son of Enoch,
the son of Jared, the son of Mahalalel,
the son of Kenan, 38the son of Enosh,
the son of Seth, the son of Adam,
the son of God.

Good Night

Some Day Off...

I was approved to stay home, as a last minute vacation day. Three of our four children are officially on Spring Break, but my oldest son isn't. The three younger kids have a couple of additional days and 2 of the three had plans with some family friends. That left one of them home alone, which wouldn't be good. My wife had some things going on at the office, so I requested the day off. As is turns out, I'm more worn out this evening as compared to most days at work.

I'm downright grumpy. I don't have much to day- nothing good anyway. Still, I know that I'm blessed in spite of smart mouthed kids, mounting chores and seemingly unending stress. I need a release, but don't feel it coming. It could be worse- a lot worse.

Hopefully things will look brighter in the morning. I know they will.

Good Night

Hump Day!

After a day of work in the office, it was a trip home to cook dinner and begin rebuilding a computer for our church office. It was infested with viruses and malware, so I took out the hard disk and burned a couple of archive DVD's of the most important files and pictures. Then, the complete nuke/pave took place. It's my goal to have the PC up and running and the DVD's copied tomorrow. There are some people waiting for the machine and I don't want to let them down. There are lots of other little tasks and some big ones on the way for the church. It's going to be a busy month ahead.

Then there are new projects at work, as well as several items I've got open on my plate right now. And then there are the many items at home which are stacking up, like the new front door, the bathroom remodel, the car maintenance, etc.

I need God's strength. I'm overwhelmed just thinking about it.

Hillsong, You are My Strength

You are my strength
Strength like no other
Strength like no other
Reaches to me

You are my hope
Hope like no other
Hope like no other
Reaches to me

In the fullness of Your grace
In the power of Your Name
You lift me up
You lift me up

Unfailing love
Stronger than mountains
Deeper than oceans
Reaches to me

Your love O Lord
Reaches to the heavens
Your faithfulness
Reaches to the skies

Good Night

Men's Group was Great Tonight

Great discussions in tonight's Men's group! We spoke about the need to please God instead of pleasing man. One man in our group spoke of Paul confronting Peter in Galatians. It seemed that Peter was mixing with the Gentiles until his Jewish buddies came around. It's like the analogy of a moped; they're a lot of fun to ride, until your friends see you on one. He seemed to lose his way and needed correction.

Galatians 2:11-13

When Peter came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he was clearly in the wrong. Before certain men came from James, he used to eat with the Gentiles. But when they arrived, he began to draw back and separate himself from the Gentiles because he was afraid of those who belonged to the circumcision group. The other Jews joined him in his hypocrisy, so that by their hypocrisy even Barnabas was led astray.

I countered with the story of Balaam. Balaam was summoned to Balek for the purpose of cursing the Israelites. At first, Balaam wouldn't go to see Balek. Then, after another prompt, God allowed him to visit Balek. However, something must have happened on the way, as the next set of verses reference Balaam on his donkey, running into trouble. An angel was invisibly blocking the way and would not allow the animal to pass. Why was that? God said 'go' in one verse and then blocked him in the next. As we see in the following verses, the truth eventually comes out.

After three beatings, God opens the mouth of the donkey and the two converse. It turns out that Balaam was concerned about 'looking like a fool'. Once a heart reset occurred, Balaam was cleared to visit Balek, but only to say what God instructed him to say.

Numbers 22 (New International Version)

Then the Israelites traveled to the plains of Moab and camped along the Jordan across from Jericho. Now Balak son of Zippor saw all that Israel had done to the Amorites, 3 and Moab was terrified because there were so many people. Indeed, Moab was filled with dread because of the Israelites. The Moabites said to the elders of Midian, "This horde is going to lick up everything around us, as an ox licks up the grass of the field." So Balak son of Zippor, who was king of Moab at that time, sent messengers to summon Balaam son of Beor, who was at Pethor, near the River, in his native land. Balak said: "A people has come out of Egypt; they cover the face of the land and have settled next to me. Now come and put a curse on these people, because they are too powerful for me. Perhaps then I will be able to defeat them and drive them out of the country. For I know that those you bless are blessed, and those you curse are cursed."

The elders of Moab and Midian left, taking with them the fee for divination. When they came to Balaam, they told him what Balak had said. "Spend the night here," Balaam said to them, "and I will bring you back the answer the LORD gives me." So the Moabite princes stayed with him. God came to Balaam and asked, "Who are these men with you?" Balaam said to God, "Balak son of Zippor, king of Moab, sent me this message: 'A people that has come out of Egypt covers the face of the land. Now come and put a curse on them for me. Perhaps then I will be able to fight them and drive them away.' But God said to Balaam, "Do not go with them. You must not put a curse on those people, because they are blessed."

The next morning Balaam got up and said to Balak's princes, "Go back to your own country, for the LORD has refused to let me go with you." So the Moabite princes returned to Balak and said, "Balaam refused to come with us." Then Balak sent other princes, more numerous and more distinguished than the first. They came to Balaam and said: "This is what Balak son of Zippor says: Do not let anything keep you from coming to me, because I will reward you handsomely and do whatever you say. Come and put a curse on these people for me." But Balaam answered them, "Even if Balak gave me his palace filled with silver and gold, I could not do anything great or small to go beyond the command of the LORD my God. Now stay here tonight as the others did, and I will find out what else the LORD will tell me." That night God came to Balaam and said, "Since these men have come to summon you, go with them, but do only what I tell you."

Balaam got up in the morning, saddled his donkey and went with the princes of Moab. But God was very angry when he went, and the angel of the LORD stood in the road to oppose him. Balaam was riding on his donkey, and his two servants were with him. When the donkey saw the angel of the LORD standing in the road with a drawn sword in his hand, she turned off the road into a field. Balaam beat her to get her back on the road. Then the angel of the LORD stood in a narrow path between two vineyards, with walls on both sides. When the donkey saw the angel of the LORD, she pressed close to the wall, crushing Balaam's foot against it. So he beat her again.

Then the angel of the LORD moved on ahead and stood in a narrow place where there was no room to turn, either to the right or to the left. When the donkey saw the angel of the LORD, she lay down under Balaam, and he was angry and beat her with his staff. Then the LORD opened the donkey's mouth, and she said to Balaam, "What have I done to you to make you beat me these three times?" Balaam answered the donkey, "You have made a fool of me! If I had a sword in my hand, I would kill you right now." The donkey said to Balaam, "Am I not your own donkey, which you have always ridden, to this day? Have I been in the habit of doing this to you?" "No," he said. Then the LORD opened Balaam's eyes, and he saw the angel of the LORD standing in the road with his sword drawn. So he bowed low and fell facedown. The angel of the LORD asked him, "Why have you beaten your donkey these three times? I have come here to oppose you because your path is a reckless one before me. The donkey saw me and turned away from me these three times. If she had not turned away, I would certainly have killed you by now, but I would have spared her."

Balaam said to the angel of the LORD, "I have sinned. I did not realize you were standing in the road to oppose me. Now if you are displeased, I will go back." The angel of the LORD said to Balaam, "Go with the men, but speak only what I tell you." So Balaam went with the princes of Balak. When Balak heard that Balaam was coming, he went out to meet him at the Moabite town on the Arnon border, at the edge of his territory. Balak said to Balaam, "Did I not send you an urgent summons? Why didn't you come to me? Am I really not able to reward you?" "Well, I have come to you now," Balaam replied. "But can I say just anything? I must speak only what God puts in my mouth." Then Balaam went with Balak to Kiriath Huzoth. Balak sacrificed cattle and sheep, and gave some to Balaam and the princes who were with him. The next morning Balak took Balaam up to Bamoth Baal, and from there he saw part of the people.

So, the next time you're in a corner, having to choose between doing God's will or pleasing man, choose wisely.

Good Night

Fun with Numbers

Tonight I have no clue what to write. As I sit here at my keyboard, I can't think of anything 'spiritual' to share. I've been consuming the daily audio bible podcasts before and after work, but nothing is resonating with me. Maybe I'm not putting in enough quality time meditating on the word...?

We're in the tail end of the book of Numbers and although I listen to the teachings of this book, I find it difficult to follow at times. I guess the single most item that stuck out to me today was when Moses and Aaron were fielding the complaints of the Israelites (once again) and God instructed Moses and Aaron to speak to the rock, so water would emanate from it. They were to speak and then water would flow, honoring God through the wondrous act.

It seemed like simple instruction. But what did they do? The arrogantly scolded the congregation and then proceeded to strike the rock twice before water began to flow. God clearly wasn't happy with them in their approach in the following verses. In fact, they were disqualified from leading the assembly into the promised land!

Numbers 20

1 In the first month the whole Israelite community arrived at the Desert of Zin, and they stayed at Kadesh. There Miriam died and was buried.

2 Now there was no water for the community, and the people gathered in opposition to Moses and Aaron. 3 They quarreled with Moses and said, "If only we had died when our brothers fell dead before the LORD! 4 Why did you bring the LORD's community into this desert, that we and our livestock should die here? 5 Why did you bring us up out of Egypt to this terrible place? It has no grain or figs, grapevines or pomegranates. And there is no water to drink!"

6 Moses and Aaron went from the assembly to the entrance to the Tent of Meeting and fell facedown, and the glory of the LORD appeared to them. 7 The LORD said to Moses, 8 "Take the staff, and you and your brother Aaron gather the assembly together. Speak to that rock before their eyes and it will pour out its water. You will bring water out of the rock for the community so they and their livestock can drink."

9 So Moses took the staff from the LORD's presence, just as he commanded him. 10 He and Aaron gathered the assembly together in front of the rock and Moses said to them, "Listen, you rebels, must we bring you water out of this rock?" 11 Then Moses raised his arm and struck the rock twice with his staff. Water gushed out, and the community and their livestock drank.

12 But the LORD said to Moses and Aaron, "Because you did not trust in me enough to honor me as holy in the sight of the Israelites, you will not bring this community into the land I give them."

13 These were the waters of Meribah, where the Israelites quarreled with the LORD and where he showed himself holy among them.

Thank God we live under grace now!

Good Night

Another Work Week Begins

Well, I'm not certain where the weekend went, but we're beginning a new work week. I'm trying to keep my attitude in check and begin with a positive outlook on the weeks' events, instead of succumbing to the posture of dread. My flesh is telling me that I need to stay home tomorrow; there are things that need to be done and just will not be taken care of if I'm not here to do them. These are things that can be rationalized away, too. The car isn't running well and it's needing to be looked at in a serious manner. It's our only vehicle and we depend on it daily. My spirit is telling me that I should definitely have the car looked at, but I need to schedule the event out- giving my supervisor several days of notice, instead of springing my absence upon them.

My wife and I would be home tomorrow to take the car in to the dealer. The service department isn't open on weekends and Tuesday through Friday are busy for both of us. Monday is the best day for getting anything done outside of the normal errands. I'm so torn, I don't know what I'm going to do. Don't you hate getting caught in moral dilemmas like this? Do I call in tomorrow? Do I schedule it out a week or so? The war between the flesh and spirit, wisdom and foolishness and right and wrong wages on in my head.

Galatians 5:16-18 (New International Version)

So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under law.

I think I need to follow my spirit on this one. I will talk with my boss tomorrow about taking next Monday off of work, so that we can get the car into the shop.

Good Night

The Science of Sex and Love

Tonight after church, my wife and I picked up dinner at La hacienda Real (very good!) and decided to watch a Naked Science show about the chemistry of sexual attraction, romantic love and long lasting bonding. It was interesting to say the least.

Of course in this National Geographic show, evolution and science was the answer to everything. However, I could see God in the mix. I believe that God has integrated all of the immune system matching, chemical inducing agents in our physiology- these things didn't evolve or solely happen as part of a selection process. The details are so precise, it had to be designed.

One key element that stuck out like a sore thumb to me was the production of oxytocin in both males and females when they have sex. This chemical compound actually "bonds" a male and female together in their brains each time they mate. This chemical bonding constantly reinforces the long term loving relationship. I can't help but think of the scripture which may help back it up.

Matthew 19:4-6 (New International Version)

"Haven't you read," he replied, "that at the beginning the Creator 'made them male and female,' and said, 'For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh' So they are no longer two, but one. Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate."

We serve an amazing, detail-oriented God whom knows us inside and out.

Good Night

Maintenance Friday

It was a long day today. Up by 6:00 AM, working at 8:00 and getting home after 10:00 PM... I'm tired and ready for the day to be over. However, it was good to work throughout the day and into the evening. It always feels great coming out of a period of hard work. The rest that follows is earned- it just feels right.

Believe me, I've been battling laziness for a while, both personally and professionally and this work day has helped me remember that although it's tempting to just do enough to get by, the reward for working hard and doing well is worth the effort. We're supposed to work. God designed work for us before the fall of man!

Genesis 2:15 (New International Version)

The LORD God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.

Proverbs 6:6 (New International Version)

Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise!

Proverbs 13:4 (New International Version)

The sluggard craves and gets nothing, but the desires of the diligent are fully satisfied.

Good Night

Happy 15th Anniversary

I'd like to say "Happy Anniversary" to my lovely wife of fifteen years. I mean this when I say it: I have the best wife in the world. She's stuck by me through thick and thin and bore four wonderfully unique children this past decade and a half. She's always been there to support me and serve as a source of strength or a soft place, depending on the need. Hopefully, I've done the same in her eyes.

I still remember the very night that we met, some 18 years ago. Little did I know then, that you'd turn out to be the woman of my dreams. (although I did think you were cute)

Thank you, baby for choosing me. God bless you for choosing to build a life with someone as flawed and immature as I am. You really are the greatest woman I know and we share things with each other that no one else on the planet can claim. We are truly one. I love you.

Mark 10:8 (New International Version)

And the two will become one flesh. So they are no longer two, but one.

Genesis 2:23-24 (New International Version)

The man said, "This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called 'woman,' for she was taken out of man." For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh.

Good Night

Ho Hum Wednesday

Today was absolutely unremarkable. Except for some glorious views of the Capitol Mall cherry blossoms, work was dull and coming home began with enthusiasm, but ended in fatigued grumpiness. I'm thankful to be alive and I've not forgotten that God loves me. But tonight, I'm ready for bed. Ready to hit reset on the day and begin anew tomorrow.

This doesn't necessarily tie in to my day, but I love the verse and God keeps bringing it to mind:

John 3:16 (New International Version)

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

Good Night

God Bless Men's Group

It's been an interesting week, some ups and some pretty dark downs as evidenced by my last blog entry. However, tonight marked a bright spot; my wife and I got to spend some quality time together before I set out to Men's Group. And afterward, we laughed at some DVR'ed sitcoms and ate fresh Pita Pit Chicken Caesar wraps!

Tonight's group was amazing. The group of guys sharing their stories of how scripture has come alive to them is something to behold. We spoke of the Widow's Offering and then discussed other scriptures and related stories of how God wants access to all of us, not just part of us. When the widow offered her money, it was all she had in this world. That meant that although she gave next to nothing in monetary value compared to the offerings of the rich, it was everything to her. It was sacrificial, not just excess. She literally was surrendering all, and trusting in God to provide for her. She was willing to trust in God and in turn, God had access to all of her heart.

Mark 12:41-43 (New International Version)

Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a fraction of a penny. Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, "I tell you the truth, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others."

It's like in marriage; would I be content in a relationship with my wife, if she were to give me only part of her heart? Would I be content to stay with her if she only spoke to me once in a while? No way, there would be problems! If then, we are the bride of Christ, shouldn't we give ourselves over to Him?

Good Night

Today Didn't End Well

Today started out as most others; get up, get ready and head off to work, listening to the Daily Audio Bible podcast. Work throughout the day, come home (sometimes listening to more podcasts) and eventually handling dinner, getting the kids into bed, etc.

Today was the same, yet different. All of those things happened pretty well in that order, but just prior to dinner my wife told me she was falling apart. That changes things. I don't mean to take her pain and make it mine, or what it does to me, etc. But, it literally kills me when she's down. When she's happy, so am I. When she is hurting, so am I. I'm certainly capable of feeling things for myself- and I don't mean this in a dependency context. She and I are one team. What happened? We'd been playful and flirtatious via SMS messages earlier in the day. Then all of a sudden, boom. The kids came home, her mood went south and we were on the verge of a meltdown. This one appeared to be affecting her both mentally, and physically. She was wiped.

Here it is: we're struggling to keep our household in order. Our kids are great human beings, but like us, they have their obstacles. My oldest son is failing high school and doesn't care. My middle son is basically holding the family together and trying his best to be good, but is 'invisible' because of the demands of the other kids. My youngest son and daughter are beginning to become disrespectful to their mother and me.

In all, none of them does their chores, cleans their room or does homework regularly or without constant hounding. My wife and I either have to yell and push them to get moving until something is actually done, or more often than not we just do it ourselves to save stress. Simply asking them to do things rarely produces results. So, we get to tackle their tasks plus our own duties. For everyone and everywhere else, they are delightful, helpful and respectful...

I tend to run hot or cold; either not involved enough or too overbearing with a lack of consistency. My wife is getting hit from all sides with her family turning out exactly as she'd determined it wouldn't. No one in the Wilson's is living God's best and it's hurting us.

We have some serious issues and truly could use your prayers as we try and reformulate what it means to be a Wilson.

Thank you and Good Night

Thank You Jesus!

What a blessing it is to be able to do laundry! With our tax refund, my wife and I decided to buy a large capacity washer and dryer. With six people in the family and our 12 year old entry level Kenmore set leaving brown rust streaks in our clothing, it was time for a replacement. Thank you, Jesus for the ability to do such an incredible thing!

Before



And after



Good Night

Thank God for Helping Hands

Thank God for good friends, that's all there is to it.

Today marked the demolition day for our laundry room, so we could accommodate the washer and dryer we are receiving this weekend. It was about 9:00 AM when Mrs. C. showed up. She was happy and motivated to get started. I was a bit uneasy about taking a finished product (in this case a small wall) and demolishing it in order to build up a new wall which met the dimensions of the new setup. But with her mentoring, I knew things would turn out alright.

The first few hours went by quickly and all seemed to be going well. Mrs. C. was kind enough to explain building terms and show me how to do certain things. She even let me run the reciprocating saw and cut some drywall! It felt great to actively be a part of the renovation experience. However, after strugglinge with our tile floor well into evening, I could tell attitudes and tolerances were wearing down. We were all tired, sore and behind schedule. We needed a good stopping point and all parties involved had to take a step back and recharge their batteries. Once the tile was laid, we were done for the night.

The hard work is basically complete. Tomorrow, I'll need to do some sanding, texture application and painting. A tube of caulking will come in handy for hiding some flaws I made in the peel and stick tile installation, but we should be in good shape. None of this would have been possible without the help and guidance of our friends.

What a precious gift they are to us! Not just because they came and worked on our house, but because they were willing to give up their only free time this month to help our cause. I once heard that being a great friend is being with someone whom needs you, even when you'd rather be anywhere else. May God bless Mr. and Mrs. C. Next time we see them, we're hoping it's for something fun. No more drywall dust!

Did someone say Sushi? ;)

Good Night

Listening To Our Wives

Okay, so one thing that's funny about the very beginning of the Bible (well, not funny, but interesting) is the fact that when Adam and Eve were tempted by the serpent- Eve was tempted first. So, although Adam was with her and eventually made the choice to be passive and fall right after her, for one brief second she had fallen into sin, but he hadn't yet eaten the fruit. Although we know the choice he ended up making for himself, it would have been better if he wouldn't have listened...

Tonight my wife and I went to Lowe's and were picking up some el cheapo floor tile for our laundry room. We have company coming over tomorrow and we're going to do some rapid demolition and get the room prepped for the (much larger) new washer and dryer we had planned to buy with our Federal tax refund. While there, we opted to go ahead and buy the washer and dryer along with the renovation supplies. My wife suggested we buy a dolly for moving the washer and dryer around and I didn't really like the idea of spending more money. However, I thought it best to entertain her idea- after all, how expensive could a dolly be? We spent at least 3 whole minutes looking at the 5 or 6 models available. I was eyeballing the basic $29 flimsy special, while my wife had her eye on the higher end tools. After compromising somewhere in the middle and a quick $55 later, we were homeward bound. Inside, I was feeling irresponsible for spending so much money for a dolly, but my wife was adamant that we would be fine.

Once we were home and had the kids in their beds, we began the process of pulling out the old washer and dryer, so we could clean up and prepare for the arrival of the new ones on Sunday. First moved the dryer... and it was amazing. Then came the washer... amazing again. The pneumatic wheels of the dolly and added weight capacity, along with a longer handle for better leverage made for easy "one man moving". She was right about the purchase and I knew it. I'm glad I listened.

So, why do I find things funny?

Then: Woman first falls. Man should NOT have listened to her, but eventually did and bad things happened to both of them. He was right, she was wrong.

Now: Woman issues advice, Man generally doesn't want to listen. Eventually, he gives in under duress and looks for opportunities to show her she's wrong. Said opportunity rarely comes along and through divinely arranged circumstances, Man is shown why the wife issued the advice in the first place. She is right. he is wrong. (at least in my case)

Thank you God for a sense of humor and a wonderfully intelligent wife!

Good Night

God Bless the Pita Pit

After a crazy day at work, followed by a couple of hours at the church straightening some things out, it was after 7:00 PM and no one had eaten since lunch. Since it was getting late, we decided to go out for dinner. After disagreeing on restaurants and deciding that it would likely be best to get whatever it was the kids would eat "to go", we ran downtown for some Burger King for the kids and the Pita Pit for us.

Chicken. Caesar. Pita.

It's basically one of the best chicken salads I've ever had, wrapped up in a burrito-like form of soft pita bread. It tastes amazingly good and isn't as harmful to my body as a cheeseburger would be. Hold the chips, pass on the soda pop. Just give me the good stuff and maybe some water or lemonade!

The Bible seems kind of like that to me; it's good eatin' with every book. There is no fattening junk present anywhere in it's pages. It's a healthy salad of wisdom, with meat and whole grains throughout- perfect nutrition for your spirit. When you 'eat' healthy foods, you begin to live a healthier life.

Galatians 5:22-23 (New International Version)

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

Good Night

RESTORED

I wanted to share something special with you tonight. Sometimes I struggle with Bitterness, Rebellion and Pride among other things. And it just so happens that the Lord has placed an audio book (podcast) in my lap which addresses these things, free from the Daily Audio Bible. The Podcast is called "Restored" and it's been a wonderful "read" so far. I'm on lesson 7 of 8.

Sometimes I try to rely on myself to get out of a situation, solve financial problems, make a relationship happen, etc. It's all under my own power, but it's flawed. Often self-sufficiency spawns pride and the "I did it myself" attitude. The end result is often less than God's best, had I simply relied on His strength and resources. If we're self exalting, what does that do with our relationship with God? Wasn't Satan created from Lucifer, out of a prideful heart? Didn't he want to raise himself up above God in authority and power? When we're full of arrogance and pride, what do we try to do? Jockey for jobs? Degrees? Wealth? There's nothing wrong with any of these things. However, it's a matter of the heart in how they're obtained or administered for the kingdom of God.

Do you struggle with Pride?

Deuteronomy 8:17-20

17 You may say to yourself, "My power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me." 18 But remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your forefathers, as it is today.

19 If you ever forget the LORD your God and follow other gods and worship and bow down to them, I testify against you today that you will surely be destroyed. 20 Like the nations the LORD destroyed before you, so you will be destroyed for not obeying the LORD your God.

Good Night

I'm Bummed

I've got nothing tonight. I came home all pumped up for Men's Bible study tonight, but I never ended up going. I took care of some things on a laptop for a woman at church, addressed an issue on my wife's laptop and fielded a call from the Home Depot regarding a front door installation we've been waiting a month for. By the time it was all over, it was 7PM- class had already begun at the church. My wife was feeling sick, the kids were running wild and neither of us had eaten yet. So, I decided to stay home (begrudgingly) instead of trekking up to the church.

Everyone is finally in bed, but I think I need to spend a little time alone with God tonight before I drift off to sleep. It's been a crazy day and crazy night. I need my Lord to steady me and help strengthen me for the remaining days of the week.

Good Night

The Bachelor (Off Topic)

Okay, tonight I'm going to get way off on a bunny trail here. I have to vent. I'm into the Bachelor this season. I've been a huge Jake fan since last year, as previous seasons aired I just didn't care to watch the show. But, there was something about this guy; he was obviously physically built well, but his character and heart were what was so refreshing. That hooked me last year and had me completely amped for this season.

Then there was Tenley. My goodness, can a girl get any more perfect? She's gorgeous, but her heart, vulnerability, attitude and soul were so unbelievably awesome, it was easy to fall completely in love with her. The fact she's an Oregon native just sent her over the top in my book.

All through the process, there was Tenley. My wife and I thought for certain that Jake would choose her- I would find myself screaming at the TV that he should just call the whole thing off and take her home. My goodness, I swear that my heart was broken when she was sent home. It just didn't compute.

God must have a very bright and special plan for Tenley! I pray that she finds all that she deserves, which is a wonderful, wholesome, Godly man. God bless you, Tenley.

Rant End.

Good Night

3/2/2010 UPDATE

I know this is really silly, but I tossed and turned all night thinking about the choices Jake made and how much Tenley's broken heart bothered me. I think the lesson that I can learn from this is that no matter who you are, or how put together you seem to be, you still face the same basic sins and challenges we all do. In this instance, with the information I've been given (which is limited), it would appear that Jake passed up the possibility of true love over the long haul, for intense lust which rarely can be sustained.

Psalm 81:12

So I gave them over to their stubborn hearts to follow their own devices.