I was listening to a podcast from the Daily Audio Bible today during my commute. 2 Kings was on tap and tucked in between the 13th and 14th chapters was a couple of verses which stuck out in my mind.
2 Kings 13:20-21
Elisha died, and they buried him. Bands of the Moabites invaded the land in the spring of the next year.
As a man was being buried, such a band was seen coming; and the man was cast into Elisha's grave. And when the man being let down touched the bones of Elisha, he revived and stood on his feet.
Who was this man?
What was the rest of his story?
It was just really neat to me that the bones of Elisha were so blessed- to the point that even mere contact with them sparked the renewal of life. That's God's favor!
Just a neat nugget of the Old Testament I wanted to share...
Good Night
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
I'm tired...
It's 10:30 PM and I'm feeling too tired to seriously get into blogging tonight. However, I could sure use your prayers to push forward at work and conquer some tasks which are theoretically simple, yet proving to be the source of stress. It doesn't help when you already feel like a square peg in a round hole in terms of your career.
Thanks in advance,
Good Night
Thanks in advance,
Good Night
Monday, June 28, 2010
We Have A Name
Ladies and Gentlemen, it is my pleasure to introduce you to Johnny Knickers. "Johnny" or "Knickers" work just fine, too.
He's a goofball. Good thing he's cute.
Good Night
Sunday, June 27, 2010
The Weekend Winds Down (Again)
Here we are, facing another work week and a stream of new possibilities in the moments of each day. How will you choose to greet the new week? While you're pondering that question, here's what's happened today in our world:
After running slides for church services this morning, I kept thinking about the lesson's our pastor was hawking in the "I am Jonah" series. The last few weeks have been interesting, cerebral, yet honestly forgettable. His sermons were great (they always are), I could relate to the situation laid out in the Bible, but it didn't connect with my heart for some reason.
Today's sermon felt like it was tailor made for my life.
Jonah had been consumed and expelled by the whale at this point when he was ordered to spread the good news to the people of Nineveh so that they may repent of their wicked ways. When we met up with Jonah in Chapter 4, he was fed up and was asking for the Lord to end his life. God caused a vine to grow for shelter and then later sent a worm to devour it, causing our hero to feel quite sorry for himself and angry at his creator. God then commanded a scorching wind to bear down on Jonah, adding to the situation. Combined with God's merciful decision to spare the people of Nineveh, our subject prophet was angry and quite miserable.
Jonah 4:1-11 (Amplified Bible)
1BUT IT displeased Jonah exceedingly and he was very angry.
2And he prayed to the Lord and said, I pray You, O Lord, is not this just what I said when I was still in my country? That is why I fled to Tarshish, for I knew that You are a gracious God and merciful, slow to anger and of great kindness, and [when sinners turn to You and meet Your conditions] You revoke the [sentence of] evil against them.(A)
3Therefore now, O Lord, I beseech You, take my life from me, for it is better for me to die than to live.
4Then said the Lord, Do you do well to be angry?
5So Jonah went out of the city and sat to the east of the city, and he made a booth there for himself. He sat there under it in the shade till he might see what would become of the city.
6And the Lord God prepared a gourd and made it to come up over Jonah, that it might be a shade over his head, to deliver him from his evil situation. So Jonah was exceedingly glad [to have the protection] of the gourd.
7But God prepared a cutworm when the morning dawned the next day, and it smote the gourd so that it withered.
8And when the sun arose, God prepared a sultry east wind, and the sun beat upon the head of Jonah so that he fainted and wished in himself to die and said, It is better for me to die than to live.
9And God said to Jonah, Do you do well to be angry for the loss of the gourd? And he said, I do well to be angry, angry enough to die!
10Then said the Lord, You have had pity on the gourd, for which you have not labored nor made it grow, which came up in a night and perished in a night.
11And should not I spare Nineveh, that great city, in which there are more than 120,000 persons not [yet old enough to] know their right hand from their left, and also many cattle [not accountable for sin]?
Our pastor explained exactly how the little things can affect us, oft resulting in deep-seated depression, or a distorted view of reality. Things of the negative sort tend to come in waves, where the synergy of the events is enough to drive us over the edge, when no one single event would dictate emotional turmoil.
I am Jonah. Now, what does that mean?
1. I believe I'm supposed to serve a purpose for the kingdom of God. Sometimes, I'm quite certain I'm nowhere close to fulfilling that mission.
2. Through situations that have been trying, I often develop spiritual amnesia; forgetting the GREAT things God has done for me sometimes just days, weeks or months earlier.
3. Sometimes when things don't go my way, I become discouraged and outraged at God. As if I were the authority on all things and believe that He somehow cheated me in a situation.
Sometimes, the "vine" that's here today and gone tomorrow represents money. The "worm" sent to devour the vine could represent any number of unexpected bills and debts, It could be expenses due to the children, car, pets or anything else. When the vine disappears as quickly as it came, I find myself souring to many of life's precious moments. The "wind" could be sweeping memories of regret, feelings of helplessness or pain from times past. It's tough to say exactly what my representation of wind is, but I'd have to say intra-family tension between me and my kids (and sometimes my wife as a result) ranks in the top five. Sometimes it feels as though we're stuck in a bad situation with to hope in sight and I'm destined to keep going through the motions, never truly living. I walk around in a state of complete apathy.
Of course this isn't reality, it's just a distorted view on my part. Sure unexpected things come up, poor decisions are made, but instead of looking for God in these times, it's easier to get upset and shut down. However, this isn't God's design for our lives.
After church, my poor wife had to lie down due to a severe migraine. This didn't stop us from cooking up dinner for planned company this evening. When our guest arrived, we all gathered around the table for a good old fashioned family dinner. Spaghetti with meatballs and brownies for dessert. While my wife had to retreat to the bedroom in order to lie down again after dinner our dear friend stuck around and chatted with the kids and I. God bless her, she seemingly has a fair amount of patience with our children- and our dog. By 9:00, she had returned home and I shuttled the kids off to bed. It's soon time for me to join my wife in dreamland, before the Earth completes it's roll over act.
This week, I plan to examine all things carefully, and try to find God in all situations; both good and bad. I hope to take a step closer into His will for my life and to not become shaken by the troubles life has a habit of dishing out.
So again I ask "How will you choose to greet the new week?"
Good Night
After running slides for church services this morning, I kept thinking about the lesson's our pastor was hawking in the "I am Jonah" series. The last few weeks have been interesting, cerebral, yet honestly forgettable. His sermons were great (they always are), I could relate to the situation laid out in the Bible, but it didn't connect with my heart for some reason.
Today's sermon felt like it was tailor made for my life.
Jonah had been consumed and expelled by the whale at this point when he was ordered to spread the good news to the people of Nineveh so that they may repent of their wicked ways. When we met up with Jonah in Chapter 4, he was fed up and was asking for the Lord to end his life. God caused a vine to grow for shelter and then later sent a worm to devour it, causing our hero to feel quite sorry for himself and angry at his creator. God then commanded a scorching wind to bear down on Jonah, adding to the situation. Combined with God's merciful decision to spare the people of Nineveh, our subject prophet was angry and quite miserable.
Jonah 4:1-11 (Amplified Bible)
1BUT IT displeased Jonah exceedingly and he was very angry.
2And he prayed to the Lord and said, I pray You, O Lord, is not this just what I said when I was still in my country? That is why I fled to Tarshish, for I knew that You are a gracious God and merciful, slow to anger and of great kindness, and [when sinners turn to You and meet Your conditions] You revoke the [sentence of] evil against them.(A)
3Therefore now, O Lord, I beseech You, take my life from me, for it is better for me to die than to live.
4Then said the Lord, Do you do well to be angry?
5So Jonah went out of the city and sat to the east of the city, and he made a booth there for himself. He sat there under it in the shade till he might see what would become of the city.
6And the Lord God prepared a gourd and made it to come up over Jonah, that it might be a shade over his head, to deliver him from his evil situation. So Jonah was exceedingly glad [to have the protection] of the gourd.
7But God prepared a cutworm when the morning dawned the next day, and it smote the gourd so that it withered.
8And when the sun arose, God prepared a sultry east wind, and the sun beat upon the head of Jonah so that he fainted and wished in himself to die and said, It is better for me to die than to live.
9And God said to Jonah, Do you do well to be angry for the loss of the gourd? And he said, I do well to be angry, angry enough to die!
10Then said the Lord, You have had pity on the gourd, for which you have not labored nor made it grow, which came up in a night and perished in a night.
11And should not I spare Nineveh, that great city, in which there are more than 120,000 persons not [yet old enough to] know their right hand from their left, and also many cattle [not accountable for sin]?
Our pastor explained exactly how the little things can affect us, oft resulting in deep-seated depression, or a distorted view of reality. Things of the negative sort tend to come in waves, where the synergy of the events is enough to drive us over the edge, when no one single event would dictate emotional turmoil.
I am Jonah. Now, what does that mean?
1. I believe I'm supposed to serve a purpose for the kingdom of God. Sometimes, I'm quite certain I'm nowhere close to fulfilling that mission.
2. Through situations that have been trying, I often develop spiritual amnesia; forgetting the GREAT things God has done for me sometimes just days, weeks or months earlier.
3. Sometimes when things don't go my way, I become discouraged and outraged at God. As if I were the authority on all things and believe that He somehow cheated me in a situation.
Sometimes, the "vine" that's here today and gone tomorrow represents money. The "worm" sent to devour the vine could represent any number of unexpected bills and debts, It could be expenses due to the children, car, pets or anything else. When the vine disappears as quickly as it came, I find myself souring to many of life's precious moments. The "wind" could be sweeping memories of regret, feelings of helplessness or pain from times past. It's tough to say exactly what my representation of wind is, but I'd have to say intra-family tension between me and my kids (and sometimes my wife as a result) ranks in the top five. Sometimes it feels as though we're stuck in a bad situation with to hope in sight and I'm destined to keep going through the motions, never truly living. I walk around in a state of complete apathy.
Of course this isn't reality, it's just a distorted view on my part. Sure unexpected things come up, poor decisions are made, but instead of looking for God in these times, it's easier to get upset and shut down. However, this isn't God's design for our lives.
After church, my poor wife had to lie down due to a severe migraine. This didn't stop us from cooking up dinner for planned company this evening. When our guest arrived, we all gathered around the table for a good old fashioned family dinner. Spaghetti with meatballs and brownies for dessert. While my wife had to retreat to the bedroom in order to lie down again after dinner our dear friend stuck around and chatted with the kids and I. God bless her, she seemingly has a fair amount of patience with our children- and our dog. By 9:00, she had returned home and I shuttled the kids off to bed. It's soon time for me to join my wife in dreamland, before the Earth completes it's roll over act.
This week, I plan to examine all things carefully, and try to find God in all situations; both good and bad. I hope to take a step closer into His will for my life and to not become shaken by the troubles life has a habit of dishing out.
So again I ask "How will you choose to greet the new week?"
Good Night
Saturday, June 26, 2010
Friday, June 25, 2010
We're Halfway There!
It's been 180 posts- 6 months of blogging 'The Daily Christian Walk'. There have been good times, bad times, simple pleasures and struggles. God's presence has been obvious and not-so-obvious throughout the days since I've opened up my life and started sharing with you. Let's keep another 6 months going strong to the years' end!
2 Timothy 4:7 (New International Version)
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.
Good Night
2 Timothy 4:7 (New International Version)
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.
Good Night
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Building Gates (and Relationships)
It's after 10:30 tonight as I sit down to the keyboard. I'm pretty happy with the result of the day. After an impromptu lunch with my beautiful wife, the work day became a little brighter. After work, the sun was shining and the sound of children laughing and playing was in the air. Summer is finally here!
Papa Murphy's pizza was on tap for dinner tonight. It was pretty tasty and the fact that we had a neighbor boy over as a guest made this family dinner a little more fun. Great kids and good food go well together.
Afterward, everyone went outside to enjoy the weather; the kids went to the neighbor's house to assist him with weeding and cleanup under his deck. My wife was weeding and planting things in our own flower beds and I was zipping in the final screws to the gate that our neighbor more than assisted in building (THANK YOU, Bob!). We were all working into the cool of the evening and once the work was complete, we gathered together on lawn chairs in the driveway for some neighborhood gossip.
We talked about our yards, a block party BBQ we'd like to plan this year. We also discussed riding ATV's and restoring old cars. I think our neighbor enjoyed chatting with all of us as much as we liked talking with him. It's great to build meaningful relationships. Isn't that what life's all about?
Good Night
Papa Murphy's pizza was on tap for dinner tonight. It was pretty tasty and the fact that we had a neighbor boy over as a guest made this family dinner a little more fun. Great kids and good food go well together.
Afterward, everyone went outside to enjoy the weather; the kids went to the neighbor's house to assist him with weeding and cleanup under his deck. My wife was weeding and planting things in our own flower beds and I was zipping in the final screws to the gate that our neighbor more than assisted in building (THANK YOU, Bob!). We were all working into the cool of the evening and once the work was complete, we gathered together on lawn chairs in the driveway for some neighborhood gossip.
We talked about our yards, a block party BBQ we'd like to plan this year. We also discussed riding ATV's and restoring old cars. I think our neighbor enjoyed chatting with all of us as much as we liked talking with him. It's great to build meaningful relationships. Isn't that what life's all about?
Good Night
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Happy Hump Day
We're halfway through the work week and the weather has turned for the better in our neck of the woods. The temperature rose to 81 degrees this afternoon and it's finally beginning to feel like Summertime. Thank you, Jesus!
We received our letters to God in the mail today. You see, almost 6 months ago our pastor asked that we each write down a prayer to the Lord; a letter to God, praying for things that were placed on our heart at the time. After the letters were written and turned in, they were placed in envelopes for safekeeping. This week, the letters were mailed back to us. It was supposed to be a form of reflection; showing the progress made, the answers to prayer or hindsight regarding any given issue.
My letter contained the same prayers as I'd likely pray tonight. What does that mean? I know God hears our prayer, but the apparent lack of an answer on some things is a bit unnerving. I'm sure God is moving on our behalf, but it's at a pace much slower than I'd hoped for. Maybe that's the point- patience. When you ask the Lord to help with a problem, do you simply ask once and then stop asking? Do you ask Him for help and then get upset when it doesn't fit your timetable?
Let's make it a point to seek God's will for our lives so that we're asking for help in the proper areas and let's continue to talk to Him and hang in there, trusting He will show up!
Ephesians 6:18 (Amplified Bible)
Pray at all times (on every occasion, in every season) in the Spirit, with all [manner of] prayer and entreaty. To that end keep alert and watch with strong purpose and perseverance, interceding in behalf of all the saints (God's consecrated people).
Good Night
We received our letters to God in the mail today. You see, almost 6 months ago our pastor asked that we each write down a prayer to the Lord; a letter to God, praying for things that were placed on our heart at the time. After the letters were written and turned in, they were placed in envelopes for safekeeping. This week, the letters were mailed back to us. It was supposed to be a form of reflection; showing the progress made, the answers to prayer or hindsight regarding any given issue.
My letter contained the same prayers as I'd likely pray tonight. What does that mean? I know God hears our prayer, but the apparent lack of an answer on some things is a bit unnerving. I'm sure God is moving on our behalf, but it's at a pace much slower than I'd hoped for. Maybe that's the point- patience. When you ask the Lord to help with a problem, do you simply ask once and then stop asking? Do you ask Him for help and then get upset when it doesn't fit your timetable?
Let's make it a point to seek God's will for our lives so that we're asking for help in the proper areas and let's continue to talk to Him and hang in there, trusting He will show up!
Ephesians 6:18 (Amplified Bible)
Pray at all times (on every occasion, in every season) in the Spirit, with all [manner of] prayer and entreaty. To that end keep alert and watch with strong purpose and perseverance, interceding in behalf of all the saints (God's consecrated people).
Good Night
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
It's Officially Summer
I know yesterday was technically the first day of Summer, but in our household today was an important day which marked the end of the school year and the beginning of Summer vacation. Report Cards. Only I'm not talking about our children's report cards, I'm talking about mine.
You see, last night my wife and I were talking about our eldest son, the challenges he's facing as a teenager in school and the state of my particular relationship with him. Facing the truth wasn't pretty. For years, I've been out of touch with the daily lives of my kids. Sure, I provide for them and I do love them, but I definitely need to be more involved. I need to speak to them more kindly and treat them better overall. I just need to be a better 'Dad'.
To accurately gauge the state of our relationships with each of my children, I issued a report card to each of my kids at breakfast. The report card listed 'classes' in the form of Love, Kindness, Gentleness, Listening, Fairness and Good Example. I asked that my children rate my performance, from A-F while I was at work. There was no pressure with my being present and I had their mother assure them that no matter the grade they assigned, I wouldn't be upset with them.
Two of my kids were overly kind, issuing all A's and B's. They're tender children whom don't like to offend or hurt others, so they were very generous. This reflects favorably on their nature and doesn't necessarily mean I'm stellar. The other two children were brutally honest, sharing severe problem areas of Kindness, Gentleness, Fairness and Listening. Ouch.
I spent the day thinking about all of the times when I've snapped at my kids when they get out of bed for the umpteenth time. I pondered the times I've blown up toward them, when they complain about their dinner. I reflected on the times I've yelled, scowled or otherwise dealt with them poorly over the years.
"Lord, please grant me forgiveness in the way I've handled my children. You know I love them and I ask that you help untwist my gnarled, stressed out heart, so I can show them what's really inside me. Please extend my patience, kindness and gentleness toward them in all situations where I'd normally melt down. Amen."
Thanks for sticking with me during this process. You may now see further into my life than you ever intended and I apologize. I'm not an evil man, but I do struggle to consistently do the right thing, please God and love my family in all situations. Take a minute and honestly assess how you are interacting with your own family.
Good Night
You see, last night my wife and I were talking about our eldest son, the challenges he's facing as a teenager in school and the state of my particular relationship with him. Facing the truth wasn't pretty. For years, I've been out of touch with the daily lives of my kids. Sure, I provide for them and I do love them, but I definitely need to be more involved. I need to speak to them more kindly and treat them better overall. I just need to be a better 'Dad'.
To accurately gauge the state of our relationships with each of my children, I issued a report card to each of my kids at breakfast. The report card listed 'classes' in the form of Love, Kindness, Gentleness, Listening, Fairness and Good Example. I asked that my children rate my performance, from A-F while I was at work. There was no pressure with my being present and I had their mother assure them that no matter the grade they assigned, I wouldn't be upset with them.
Two of my kids were overly kind, issuing all A's and B's. They're tender children whom don't like to offend or hurt others, so they were very generous. This reflects favorably on their nature and doesn't necessarily mean I'm stellar. The other two children were brutally honest, sharing severe problem areas of Kindness, Gentleness, Fairness and Listening. Ouch.
I spent the day thinking about all of the times when I've snapped at my kids when they get out of bed for the umpteenth time. I pondered the times I've blown up toward them, when they complain about their dinner. I reflected on the times I've yelled, scowled or otherwise dealt with them poorly over the years.
"Lord, please grant me forgiveness in the way I've handled my children. You know I love them and I ask that you help untwist my gnarled, stressed out heart, so I can show them what's really inside me. Please extend my patience, kindness and gentleness toward them in all situations where I'd normally melt down. Amen."
Thanks for sticking with me during this process. You may now see further into my life than you ever intended and I apologize. I'm not an evil man, but I do struggle to consistently do the right thing, please God and love my family in all situations. Take a minute and honestly assess how you are interacting with your own family.
Good Night
Monday, June 21, 2010
Happy Birthday, Mom!
Happy Birthday to my mother!
I have so much more to say in my heart and mind having to do with other subjects this evening, but I'll just leave it at a positive Birthday wish for now. May God's blessings be with you.
Good Night
I have so much more to say in my heart and mind having to do with other subjects this evening, but I'll just leave it at a positive Birthday wish for now. May God's blessings be with you.
Good Night
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Happy Father's Day!
Happy Father's Day to all of the "Dad's" out there.
Special greetings to our dear family friends who just had a baby yesterday (which is our son's birthday, too). Congratulations on the birth of your daughter!
Good Night
Special greetings to our dear family friends who just had a baby yesterday (which is our son's birthday, too). Congratulations on the birth of your daughter!
Good Night
Saturday, June 19, 2010
10 Years Ago Today...
On June 19, 2000 my beautiful son came into the world. Happy 10th Birthday, Joshua!
Lord, I thank you for the blessings you conceal in the lives of our children. Although raising children is often difficult and stressful, they are undoubtedly gifts received directly from you. We understand that our kids learn from our example and help us learn valuable life lessons at the same time- and that's according to your divine design. Please help to keep our children safe from harm and to seek a relationship with you, through godly parental shepherding. Amen.
Good Night
Friday, June 18, 2010
How Are We Supposed To Teach Our Sons...
Dads: How are we supposed to teach our sons the right way to live, when we're not living the way that we should? How can we help them make proper choices and overcome obstacles in their youth, when we often wrestle with the same issues as adults?
Tonight, I spent some time talking with my son about the final grades from his Freshman year of High School. He ended the year on a very weak note, scraping by with a "D" average. His report card was downright awful and he was alright with it. He'd mentioned he was surprised at how "well" he did, considering he was failing several classes only weeks before. I couldn't help but cringe at his mindset.
Yet, I totally understood where he was coming from.
His report card could have just as easily been one of mine, during my middle or high school career. He isn't privy to this knowledge, but he's chosen to walk down the same path of struggle, underachievement and regret that I did. Looking back at the missed opportunities and untapped potential in my own life, it literally gets my blood boiling that he is choosing the same fate. He's often disrespectful, lazy and will come up with every excuse in the book why he can't be an "A" student. He's chosen to give up and accept the lie that he can't do anything about it. It's aggravating.
I'm angry, but not judgmental. How hypocritical would it be to drill into him now, when I've committed the very same poor behaviors in my youth? I simply want better for him. Because of poor choices in my youth, I have to work extra hard toward making consistent, wise decisions now. I have a good work ethic now, but it doesn't come naturally. I have to work at it and honestly, I fail almost as often as I succeed. I gather he's learned by example.
What does that mean for the next generation? Our pastor recently shared a poem with us, pertaining to our children looking up to us and walking in our ways. Our sons want to be like us- so we need to watch what we do, in order to help shape what they do.
Lord Jesus, I pray that you help give the discipline to return to you and your ways. Please give the strength and stamina to build character and illustrate hard work and positive choices for our children. Please soften our hearts to encourage generosity and kindness to others. Please help us to be the fathers you intended us to be. Amen.
Colossians 3:20-24 (New International Version)
20Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.
21Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged.
22Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything; and do it, not only when their eye is on you and to win their favor, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord. 23Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, 24since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.
Good Night
Tonight, I spent some time talking with my son about the final grades from his Freshman year of High School. He ended the year on a very weak note, scraping by with a "D" average. His report card was downright awful and he was alright with it. He'd mentioned he was surprised at how "well" he did, considering he was failing several classes only weeks before. I couldn't help but cringe at his mindset.
Yet, I totally understood where he was coming from.
His report card could have just as easily been one of mine, during my middle or high school career. He isn't privy to this knowledge, but he's chosen to walk down the same path of struggle, underachievement and regret that I did. Looking back at the missed opportunities and untapped potential in my own life, it literally gets my blood boiling that he is choosing the same fate. He's often disrespectful, lazy and will come up with every excuse in the book why he can't be an "A" student. He's chosen to give up and accept the lie that he can't do anything about it. It's aggravating.
I'm angry, but not judgmental. How hypocritical would it be to drill into him now, when I've committed the very same poor behaviors in my youth? I simply want better for him. Because of poor choices in my youth, I have to work extra hard toward making consistent, wise decisions now. I have a good work ethic now, but it doesn't come naturally. I have to work at it and honestly, I fail almost as often as I succeed. I gather he's learned by example.
What does that mean for the next generation? Our pastor recently shared a poem with us, pertaining to our children looking up to us and walking in our ways. Our sons want to be like us- so we need to watch what we do, in order to help shape what they do.
Lord Jesus, I pray that you help give the discipline to return to you and your ways. Please give the strength and stamina to build character and illustrate hard work and positive choices for our children. Please soften our hearts to encourage generosity and kindness to others. Please help us to be the fathers you intended us to be. Amen.
Colossians 3:20-24 (New International Version)
20Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.
21Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged.
22Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything; and do it, not only when their eye is on you and to win their favor, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord. 23Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, 24since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.
Good Night
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Let's Unite In Prayer For Those In Kyrgyzstan
Until reading about the violence in Kyrgyzstan recently, I had no idea that there was no much brutality going on in the world right now. People are being attacked, tortured, raped, maimed and murdered. Why? Because they immigrated into the country. It's ugly and heart wrenching to know that humans are capable of such cruelty. It's straight from the devil himself.
Lord, I pray that you be with all of the people whom were affected by this tragedy halfway around the globe. This needless prosecution and violence is not of your will. Please quicken your presence and healing, Lord. Please move on the world's behalf, prompting each of our hearts to reach out and help where possible. Please help us, as well. Please help us to never forget how blessed we are to be living in this great country. Amen.
Hurry back, Lord Jesus!
Good Night
Lord, I pray that you be with all of the people whom were affected by this tragedy halfway around the globe. This needless prosecution and violence is not of your will. Please quicken your presence and healing, Lord. Please move on the world's behalf, prompting each of our hearts to reach out and help where possible. Please help us, as well. Please help us to never forget how blessed we are to be living in this great country. Amen.
Hurry back, Lord Jesus!
Good Night
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Hump Day!
It's halfway through the week and I'm pretty tired. I weighed myself the other day and found that I'm at 198 lbs., the heaviest I've ever been. I have a chin-up bar, some tension bands and my wife's leftover hand and ankle weights. This combined with a few P90X DVD's a friend ripped for me and some meal guides from the web. I have everything I need to lose some weight. Yet, I've done nothing different these past couple of weeks.
I just can't seem to find the motivation. I want to succeed, but I guess I haven't arrived at wanting it badly enough yet. That has to be the case, right? Or, I'd already be down 10 pounds by now.
I've blogged about this issue before. I've been down this "I'm going to do something about it" road before. Please pray in agreement with me, to get actually started.
Lord, please help give the discipline required to begin the journey of caring for my body, mind and spirit. Please help me make better choices for the food I eat, the portions I chose to consume and the exercise required to transform my body back into a lean, fit physique. Amen.
Good Night
I just can't seem to find the motivation. I want to succeed, but I guess I haven't arrived at wanting it badly enough yet. That has to be the case, right? Or, I'd already be down 10 pounds by now.
I've blogged about this issue before. I've been down this "I'm going to do something about it" road before. Please pray in agreement with me, to get actually started.
Lord, please help give the discipline required to begin the journey of caring for my body, mind and spirit. Please help me make better choices for the food I eat, the portions I chose to consume and the exercise required to transform my body back into a lean, fit physique. Amen.
Good Night
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
School's Out For Summer
Today marked the last day of school for three of four of my children. Our oldest son will be finishing up his finals tomorrow and that puts the cap on the 2009-2010 school year. My, how time flies! Next year, we'll have a Sophomore in High School, a 6th Grader in Middle School and a 5th and 2nd Grader in Elementary school.
I pray that wherever you are, you and your family have a wonderful, blessing filled Summer.
Here is my wish for you- and I say this to myself as well: Slow your pace; catch some rays, have a BBQ, take a spin on a water slide, enjoy a Popsicle with your children. Make some memories.
God Bless You.
Good Night
Monday, June 14, 2010
May God Bring Healing
Tonight I come to you with some sad news: a friend of mine, whom I worked with about a decade ago, was diagnosed with colon cancer today. He will undergo testing later this week and will form a game plan at that time. Please agree with me in prayer for his complete healing.
Father, you know the condition of our hearts, minds and bodies. When we're sick, we need the great healer to make us well. Please supernaturally work to achieve your will in my friends' life. Touch him and heal him, if it be your will, Father. Please make his life a living testimony of your grace, power and kindness. Amen.
As I was walking home this evening, I caught sight (and sound!) of a car which pulled up to the intersection I was quickly approaching. The light turned, but not before I got a decent look at the glorious, menacing machine. It was a mid-1960's black Shelby Cobra in all its glory. My heart twisted within my chest, as this was my ultimate dream car and someone else was having a blast driving it. I wasn't that I was being covetous. No, the pain came from the fact that I can no longer drive an automobile in Oregon, let alone THAT kind of car.
This isn't news. Those who know me well already know the story behind my eyesight. For most of life's activities, I've been able to adapt, overcome and participate. However, it hurts when you're reminded of things you can't do (especially when so many people take their own abilities for granted).
After the Cobra and I parted ways, a story promptly came through my headphones, relating to the eyesight of the man whom hosts the Daily Audio Bible podcast. Brian Hardin (the voice behind the daily reading) suffers from a rare eye disease which limits his ability to see clearly. Often, his vision is kept functional by means of customized, rigid contact lenses which scale his damaged corneas. These special lenses must be carefully tailored to his eyes and often require painful adjustment periods, when a new prescription is issued. Regardless of his condition, Brian never complains, talks about the issue or feels self-sorrow. He simply dives in to the Bible each day, rain or shine, in sickness and health, in the US or abroad. He doesn't make excuses, he simply spreads the Gospel. What an amazing man of God.
It was no coincidence that the reading I listened to included Acts 9. The portion of scripture where Saul (later to become Paul) was blinded while on the Damascus Road, only to be miraculously healed a few days later took hold of my spirit. At the end of the podcast, Brian's wife Jill paralleled Brian's story with Saul's. They too, are praying for complete healing of eyesight. This hope and dream resonated with me too.
Acts 9:11-19 (New International Version)
11The Lord told him, "Go to the house of Judas on Straight Street and ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul, for he is praying. 12In a vision he has seen a man named Ananias come and place his hands on him to restore his sight."
13"Lord," Ananias answered, "I have heard many reports about this man and all the harm he has done to your saints in Jerusalem. 14And he has come here with authority from the chief priests to arrest all who call on your name."
15But the Lord said to Ananias, "Go! This man is my chosen instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel. 16I will show him how much he must suffer for my name."
17Then Ananias went to the house and entered it. Placing his hands on Saul, he said, "Brother Saul, the Lord—Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here—has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit." 18Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul's eyes, and he could see again. He got up and was baptized, 19and after taking some food, he regained his strength.
Good Night
Father, you know the condition of our hearts, minds and bodies. When we're sick, we need the great healer to make us well. Please supernaturally work to achieve your will in my friends' life. Touch him and heal him, if it be your will, Father. Please make his life a living testimony of your grace, power and kindness. Amen.
As I was walking home this evening, I caught sight (and sound!) of a car which pulled up to the intersection I was quickly approaching. The light turned, but not before I got a decent look at the glorious, menacing machine. It was a mid-1960's black Shelby Cobra in all its glory. My heart twisted within my chest, as this was my ultimate dream car and someone else was having a blast driving it. I wasn't that I was being covetous. No, the pain came from the fact that I can no longer drive an automobile in Oregon, let alone THAT kind of car.
This isn't news. Those who know me well already know the story behind my eyesight. For most of life's activities, I've been able to adapt, overcome and participate. However, it hurts when you're reminded of things you can't do (especially when so many people take their own abilities for granted).
After the Cobra and I parted ways, a story promptly came through my headphones, relating to the eyesight of the man whom hosts the Daily Audio Bible podcast. Brian Hardin (the voice behind the daily reading) suffers from a rare eye disease which limits his ability to see clearly. Often, his vision is kept functional by means of customized, rigid contact lenses which scale his damaged corneas. These special lenses must be carefully tailored to his eyes and often require painful adjustment periods, when a new prescription is issued. Regardless of his condition, Brian never complains, talks about the issue or feels self-sorrow. He simply dives in to the Bible each day, rain or shine, in sickness and health, in the US or abroad. He doesn't make excuses, he simply spreads the Gospel. What an amazing man of God.
It was no coincidence that the reading I listened to included Acts 9. The portion of scripture where Saul (later to become Paul) was blinded while on the Damascus Road, only to be miraculously healed a few days later took hold of my spirit. At the end of the podcast, Brian's wife Jill paralleled Brian's story with Saul's. They too, are praying for complete healing of eyesight. This hope and dream resonated with me too.
Acts 9:11-19 (New International Version)
11The Lord told him, "Go to the house of Judas on Straight Street and ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul, for he is praying. 12In a vision he has seen a man named Ananias come and place his hands on him to restore his sight."
13"Lord," Ananias answered, "I have heard many reports about this man and all the harm he has done to your saints in Jerusalem. 14And he has come here with authority from the chief priests to arrest all who call on your name."
15But the Lord said to Ananias, "Go! This man is my chosen instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel. 16I will show him how much he must suffer for my name."
17Then Ananias went to the house and entered it. Placing his hands on Saul, he said, "Brother Saul, the Lord—Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here—has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit." 18Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul's eyes, and he could see again. He got up and was baptized, 19and after taking some food, he regained his strength.
Good Night
Sunday, June 13, 2010
God bless Family and Padington's Pizza
After a great morning at church, it was home for lunch and a trip to the dump. Finally, the garage is clean! Afterward, the in-laws and my wife and kids went to Padington's Pizza for a great family dinner. Two words:
Pistol Pete.
After a night of pizza-stuffing goodness, we parted ways and headed for home. It's moments like these that make me thankful God has given us family and great food to enjoy together.
Thank you, Jesus for all of these things and many, many more.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (New International Version)
Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.
Good Night
Pistol Pete.
After a night of pizza-stuffing goodness, we parted ways and headed for home. It's moments like these that make me thankful God has given us family and great food to enjoy together.
Thank you, Jesus for all of these things and many, many more.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (New International Version)
Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.
Good Night
Saturday, June 12, 2010
A Fine Saturday
Today started out as a beautiful, sunny day. A great opportunity to begin some household chores that have been mounting. Today's tasks? Mowing, weeding and cleaning out the garage.
Team Wilson came together and got the chores done, but man, are we wiped out! Because of fatigue and timing, we chose not to go to church this evening. We're planning on going tomorrow, but we just don't have it in us tonight. Our eldest son made a call or two and was able to hitch ride to church, as his former youth pastor's farewell ceremony is tonight. It's good that he was able to attend.
My wife and I are going to play it low key tonight. We'll eat in and watch some television. Who knows, maybe we'll get some cuddle time in, too. We'll see how tomorrow goes and hopefully have some family time and a date night before beginning the next work week.
I also hope to have something more "meaty" in subject matter tomorrow. I understand that I've been pretty "lean" lately.
Good Night
Team Wilson came together and got the chores done, but man, are we wiped out! Because of fatigue and timing, we chose not to go to church this evening. We're planning on going tomorrow, but we just don't have it in us tonight. Our eldest son made a call or two and was able to hitch ride to church, as his former youth pastor's farewell ceremony is tonight. It's good that he was able to attend.
My wife and I are going to play it low key tonight. We'll eat in and watch some television. Who knows, maybe we'll get some cuddle time in, too. We'll see how tomorrow goes and hopefully have some family time and a date night before beginning the next work week.
I also hope to have something more "meaty" in subject matter tomorrow. I understand that I've been pretty "lean" lately.
Good Night
Friday, June 11, 2010
TGIF!
We made it. Another work week logged in the history books!
It's after 9:30 PM and I just got home an hour ago. It was monthly system maintenance time and that means a late night at work. When IT Administrators need to perform upgrades and duties, it usually takes place after the customers have left for the day. Thankfully, the tasks of the evening went well and the team will no doubt enjoy the 2 day break. We needed it.
I'd love to leave you with some shred of advice, insight or encouraging word from the Bible. However, I've got nothing. I'm spent, but content. God bless you.
Good Night
It's after 9:30 PM and I just got home an hour ago. It was monthly system maintenance time and that means a late night at work. When IT Administrators need to perform upgrades and duties, it usually takes place after the customers have left for the day. Thankfully, the tasks of the evening went well and the team will no doubt enjoy the 2 day break. We needed it.
I'd love to leave you with some shred of advice, insight or encouraging word from the Bible. However, I've got nothing. I'm spent, but content. God bless you.
Good Night
Thursday, June 10, 2010
One More Day to Go (Until the Weekend)
The day is almost through and Friday is just around the corner. Let's pause for a minute tonight to breathe and then wake up and push through to the weekend together! I pray that you are doing well this week in all of your activities. God Bless you.
Good Night
Good Night
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
The Most Memorable Phrase I've Heard Today
Among all of the books, chapters and verses in the DailyAudioBible podcast today, this little proverb jumped out at me.
Proverbs 14:12 (New International Version)
There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death.
Many, many times in my life, I've made decisions that seemed right at the time. Later, hindsight revealed how foolish and harmful those decisions were. Not every choice I made was a failure, but I've had more than my share.
Oh how I want to rely on the Lord for His wisdom!
Proverbs 8:10-11 (New International Version)
Choose my instruction instead of silver, knowledge rather than choice gold, for wisdom is more precious than rubies, and nothing you desire can compare with her.
Good Night
Proverbs 14:12 (New International Version)
There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death.
Many, many times in my life, I've made decisions that seemed right at the time. Later, hindsight revealed how foolish and harmful those decisions were. Not every choice I made was a failure, but I've had more than my share.
Oh how I want to rely on the Lord for His wisdom!
Proverbs 8:10-11 (New International Version)
Choose my instruction instead of silver, knowledge rather than choice gold, for wisdom is more precious than rubies, and nothing you desire can compare with her.
Good Night
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
I Wonder if God Says This...
Tonight, my daughter was told to get ready for bed and get into it for the night. It was a simple instruction; go to sleep. Do not pass go, do not collect $200. Just get ready for bed and go to sleep.
She didn't listen. Instead, she went downstairs to get some water and do her own thing. Instead of getting ready for bed and going to sleep, she went and played with the cat. In the process, the cat scratched her face, dangerously close to her eye. In the end, she was fine. The scratch barely missed her eye (but laced her cheek) and she was able to calm down and eventually go to bed. It could have been worse, but I'm thankful it wasn't. Still, I found myself saying "If you would only listen to me, you wouldn't have been hurt".
How many times does God say that to us? Maybe it's time to be obedient and listen to what God is telling us to do. It's really for our own benefit, right?
Good Night
She didn't listen. Instead, she went downstairs to get some water and do her own thing. Instead of getting ready for bed and going to sleep, she went and played with the cat. In the process, the cat scratched her face, dangerously close to her eye. In the end, she was fine. The scratch barely missed her eye (but laced her cheek) and she was able to calm down and eventually go to bed. It could have been worse, but I'm thankful it wasn't. Still, I found myself saying "If you would only listen to me, you wouldn't have been hurt".
How many times does God say that to us? Maybe it's time to be obedient and listen to what God is telling us to do. It's really for our own benefit, right?
Good Night
Monday, June 7, 2010
Please pray for my wife
Tonight, I ask for your prayers for my wife. She began feeling sick a couple of days ago and has really been dragging the past couple of days. Tomorrow she is slated to begin work and really wants to give 100 percent of herself to her job. Please agree with me in prayer:
Dear Lord, please send your healing touch to my beautiful wife. Touch and heal her and draw her close. Thank you for restoring health to her body and spirit. Amen.
Good Night
Dear Lord, please send your healing touch to my beautiful wife. Touch and heal her and draw her close. Thank you for restoring health to her body and spirit. Amen.
Good Night
Sunday, June 6, 2010
Happy Sunday
It's the beginning of a new week. A blank slate, waiting to be filled with the colors and lines of a new weeks' worth of activities. What will be the portrait of your week look like? Will it be a cheery, upbeat and inspiring picture? Or, will you paint a dark and lugubrious scene? It's up to you.
Good Night?
Good Night?
Saturday, June 5, 2010
God Came Through!
Today was a pretty decent day. It was a joy to hang out with my beautiful wife this afternoon and church was great, too. The crowning jewel was the miracle of our truck, however.
After researching multi-thousand dollar solutions to our truck's "lowrider" issue (remember, the air ride suspension failed last week), we had arrived at an alternate solution; converting the troublesome air ride, to a passive, standard suspension system. That kit was much less expensive, but the irritant of that solution was that the warning light and sounds would remain. There was no way to suppress them once the kit was installed. Although the ride would be restored, this minor issue had me on the fence.
After tearing through forums, the Lord led me to tracing the issue down to a relay located under the hood, near the air compressor. A quick couple of phone calls and CarQuest had the $13 relay in stock. It was a gamble, but we had nothing to lose.
It worked. Within 5 minutes, I had the relay installed and the truck began to rise. The ride home was much more pleasant than the ride into town. A quick trip through the car wash and it's like we have a whole new vehicle. In the long run, we may end up going with the alternative kit, but for now, we're in good shape.
Thank you Jesus, for making this possible. Thank you for healing our car (and not destroying us financially). Amen.
Matthew 19:26 (New International Version)
Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible."
Good Night
Friday, June 4, 2010
It's Time For a Refill
Are you feeling empty? Have the activities of the work week worn you down, so there is nothing left to give your family and friends? Do you need a spiritual refill? Never fear, there's a solution.
John 4:1-26 (New International Version)
1The Pharisees heard that Jesus was gaining and baptizing more disciples than John, 2although in fact it was not Jesus who baptized, but his disciples. 3When the Lord learned of this, he left Judea and went back once more to Galilee.
4Now he had to go through Samaria. 5So he came to a town in Samaria called Sychar, near the plot of ground Jacob had given to his son Joseph. 6Jacob's well was there, and Jesus, tired as he was from the journey, sat down by the well. It was about the sixth hour.
7When a Samaritan woman came to draw water, Jesus said to her, "Will you give me a drink?" 8(His disciples had gone into the town to buy food.)
9The Samaritan woman said to him, "You are a Jew and I am a Samaritan woman. How can you ask me for a drink?" (For Jews do not associate with Samaritans.[a])
10Jesus answered her, "If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water."
11"Sir," the woman said, "you have nothing to draw with and the well is deep. Where can you get this living water? 12Are you greater than our father Jacob, who gave us the well and drank from it himself, as did also his sons and his flocks and herds?"
13Jesus answered, "Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, 14but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life."
15The woman said to him, "Sir, give me this water so that I won't get thirsty and have to keep coming here to draw water."
16He told her, "Go, call your husband and come back."
17"I have no husband," she replied.
Jesus said to her, "You are right when you say you have no husband. 18The fact is, you have had five husbands, and the man you now have is not your husband. What you have just said is quite true."
19"Sir," the woman said, "I can see that you are a prophet. 20Our fathers worshiped on this mountain, but you Jews claim that the place where we must worship is in Jerusalem."
21Jesus declared, "Believe me, woman, a time is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem. 22You Samaritans worship what you do not know; we worship what we do know, for salvation is from the Jews. 23Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. 24God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth."
25The woman said, "I know that Messiah" (called Christ) "is coming. When he comes, he will explain everything to us."
26Then Jesus declared, "I who speak to you am he."
Good Night
John 4:1-26 (New International Version)
1The Pharisees heard that Jesus was gaining and baptizing more disciples than John, 2although in fact it was not Jesus who baptized, but his disciples. 3When the Lord learned of this, he left Judea and went back once more to Galilee.
4Now he had to go through Samaria. 5So he came to a town in Samaria called Sychar, near the plot of ground Jacob had given to his son Joseph. 6Jacob's well was there, and Jesus, tired as he was from the journey, sat down by the well. It was about the sixth hour.
7When a Samaritan woman came to draw water, Jesus said to her, "Will you give me a drink?" 8(His disciples had gone into the town to buy food.)
9The Samaritan woman said to him, "You are a Jew and I am a Samaritan woman. How can you ask me for a drink?" (For Jews do not associate with Samaritans.[a])
10Jesus answered her, "If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water."
11"Sir," the woman said, "you have nothing to draw with and the well is deep. Where can you get this living water? 12Are you greater than our father Jacob, who gave us the well and drank from it himself, as did also his sons and his flocks and herds?"
13Jesus answered, "Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, 14but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life."
15The woman said to him, "Sir, give me this water so that I won't get thirsty and have to keep coming here to draw water."
16He told her, "Go, call your husband and come back."
17"I have no husband," she replied.
Jesus said to her, "You are right when you say you have no husband. 18The fact is, you have had five husbands, and the man you now have is not your husband. What you have just said is quite true."
19"Sir," the woman said, "I can see that you are a prophet. 20Our fathers worshiped on this mountain, but you Jews claim that the place where we must worship is in Jerusalem."
21Jesus declared, "Believe me, woman, a time is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem. 22You Samaritans worship what you do not know; we worship what we do know, for salvation is from the Jews. 23Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. 24God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth."
25The woman said, "I know that Messiah" (called Christ) "is coming. When he comes, he will explain everything to us."
26Then Jesus declared, "I who speak to you am he."
Good Night
Thursday, June 3, 2010
God Give Us Strength
The Lord is leading us through some interesting trials, of which include a failed suspension system in our car. Keep in mind we've already poured over $2000 of credit into our rig this year in other repairs, but it's the suspension system that's the latest problem. Our truck is a low-rider, which bounces around so severely that my wife is experiencing neck and back pain after driving it in this manner. No kidding.
This "rabbit hole" of a system which Ford calls "Dynamic Air suspension" is a house of cards, which can cost upwards of $5-6000 to fully replace. Once one component of the system fails, it causes a chain reaction of failures to other parts. Being a computer guy, I simply don't understand why the engineers didn't choose to build in safety's or redundant features, so that if a failure occurred, the system would be resilient or at least softly fail, so that driving the car wouldn't be downright hazardous. It seems this system was designed to fail.
Then again, what do I know?
Well, there is an American company that seems to hold an affordable, desirable answer for Expedition and Navigator owners with failed air suspensions. It seems there is enough demand for our specific issue (and no, Ford didn't issue a recall for this), that Strutmasters has a standard suspension conversion kit which replaces all of the computerized pneumatics of the factory system with a passive setup. The kit is more affordable than Lincoln parts, carries a lifetime warranty and should require about 4-5 hours to install. The best part? The ride is supposed to equate to the original and the suspension would never fail again. Nice.
Lord, please give us the wisdom in selecting this kit. Please grant us the knowledge to complete the conversion and get back on the road properly, with minimal fuss. You know our needs Jesus. You know we don't need these issues right now; we can't bear them very well financially, nor personally. We trust in you to turn this situation around. Amen.
Good Night
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Are You Meant For Something Greater?
I've often wondered why God placed me on this planet. It's not a unique question. In fact, everyone will eventually ask themselves the very same thing at some point in their lives. What were you meant for? Why were you born at this time, in this place and for what purpose?
We're not born knowing (at least I wasn't) what we are proficient at, what our personal strengths are, etc. Some people are 'naturals' in specific sports or areas of academia. To some of these people, gifts are obvious and abundant. Other people's talents are not so apparent and require a lifetime to discover and perfect. I still haven't figured out where I fit in with these groups of individuals.
The world's system is very much performance based. In fact, this method of thinking permeates almost every relationship we cultivate, be it with a person, place or thing. When we achieved good grades in school, we were praised. If we nail a deadline at work, we're given a positive evaluation or bonus. If our cars, computers or kitchen appliances never malfunction, we're satisfied with the brands behind their manufacture. If things go well, we're happy.
What about when things don't perform well? Quite often, we "kick things to the curb" on account of their weaknesses (trust me, our car troubles of late have me thinking of kicking something). Most of our lives are consumed with overcoming or hiding our weaknesses, so we are viewed as decent performers in life. But shouldn't we work on finding, polishing and perfecting the strengths and talents God has placed in each one of us instead?
There are millions of people each day going through the motions, not performing well, nor fulfilling the purposes of their lives. They are alive, but not truly living. What would happen if we started to complimented our children, celebrate our spouses and maintain focus on the positive elements of life? What if our attitudes were turned around and we began to believe again?
I think that we all have dreams of what we would love to do with our lives. Some dreams may be whimsical fantasies from childhood, while others might be ideas birthed from God himself; tailor made for our unique personalities. We need to find our God-given strengths and abilities. We need to dare to dream, hope and plan. We need to remain positive and encourage one another. If we line up with God's will, who knows what possibilities will present themselves.
Proverbs 16:9 (New International Version)
In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps.
Good night
We're not born knowing (at least I wasn't) what we are proficient at, what our personal strengths are, etc. Some people are 'naturals' in specific sports or areas of academia. To some of these people, gifts are obvious and abundant. Other people's talents are not so apparent and require a lifetime to discover and perfect. I still haven't figured out where I fit in with these groups of individuals.
The world's system is very much performance based. In fact, this method of thinking permeates almost every relationship we cultivate, be it with a person, place or thing. When we achieved good grades in school, we were praised. If we nail a deadline at work, we're given a positive evaluation or bonus. If our cars, computers or kitchen appliances never malfunction, we're satisfied with the brands behind their manufacture. If things go well, we're happy.
What about when things don't perform well? Quite often, we "kick things to the curb" on account of their weaknesses (trust me, our car troubles of late have me thinking of kicking something). Most of our lives are consumed with overcoming or hiding our weaknesses, so we are viewed as decent performers in life. But shouldn't we work on finding, polishing and perfecting the strengths and talents God has placed in each one of us instead?
There are millions of people each day going through the motions, not performing well, nor fulfilling the purposes of their lives. They are alive, but not truly living. What would happen if we started to complimented our children, celebrate our spouses and maintain focus on the positive elements of life? What if our attitudes were turned around and we began to believe again?
I think that we all have dreams of what we would love to do with our lives. Some dreams may be whimsical fantasies from childhood, while others might be ideas birthed from God himself; tailor made for our unique personalities. We need to find our God-given strengths and abilities. We need to dare to dream, hope and plan. We need to remain positive and encourage one another. If we line up with God's will, who knows what possibilities will present themselves.
Proverbs 16:9 (New International Version)
In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps.
Good night
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
I'm Way Too Tired
It's the night of my last evening of a long weekend. After a few hours of shuteye, it's back to work I go, while my wife takes a few more days off (she deserves it).
My wife and I had a good day, despite the ongoing suspension issues with our car, rendering it as a bouncy low-rider. Groceries, laundry supplies, lunch and a viewing of Iron Man 2 were the days' events.
Thank you Jesus, for the little sweet moments in life that matter. Even when things could be considered "bad", these times make me thankful.
Good Night
My wife and I had a good day, despite the ongoing suspension issues with our car, rendering it as a bouncy low-rider. Groceries, laundry supplies, lunch and a viewing of Iron Man 2 were the days' events.
Thank you Jesus, for the little sweet moments in life that matter. Even when things could be considered "bad", these times make me thankful.
Good Night
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