Happy 38th Birthday to my incredible wife! I love you with all of my heart and soul.
(It's hard to believe that we are now twice the age, as compared to when we first met. That's a lot of life together!)
Good Night
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Believe In God? Good Things Are Coming.
I was so tired this morning that when I hit 'play' on my iPhone to begin the Daily Audio Bible Podcast, I honestly didn't absorb much at all. I basically 'tuned out', having only half-listened to the Scriptures being read through my headphones.
However, this small section in Psalm grabbed my attention. It was as if the Lord himself spoke directly into my spirit; reaffirming that I was his son, and that His promises applied to me. I wasn't disqualified, or rejected in any way. I could count on these words to be true!
If you've asked Jesus to be your Lord and Savior, these verses apply to you, too.
Psalm 69:32-36 (The Message)
32 The poor in spirit see and are glad—
Oh, you God-seekers, take heart!
33 For God listens to the poor,
He doesn't walk out on the wretched.
34 You heavens, praise him; praise him, earth;
Also ocean and all things that swim in it.
35 For God is out to help Zion,
Rebuilding the wrecked towns of Judah. Guess who will live there—
The proud owners of the land?
36 No, the children of his servants will get it,
The lovers of his name will live in it.
"Lord Jesus, we love you. We thank you for always looking out for your children; for protecting us and providing for our daily needs. Some of those reading tonight may not yet have a personal relationship with you, but you already know them by name. Please continue to soften their hearts and draw them closer to you. Amen."
Good Night
However, this small section in Psalm grabbed my attention. It was as if the Lord himself spoke directly into my spirit; reaffirming that I was his son, and that His promises applied to me. I wasn't disqualified, or rejected in any way. I could count on these words to be true!
If you've asked Jesus to be your Lord and Savior, these verses apply to you, too.
Psalm 69:32-36 (The Message)
32 The poor in spirit see and are glad—
Oh, you God-seekers, take heart!
33 For God listens to the poor,
He doesn't walk out on the wretched.
34 You heavens, praise him; praise him, earth;
Also ocean and all things that swim in it.
35 For God is out to help Zion,
Rebuilding the wrecked towns of Judah. Guess who will live there—
The proud owners of the land?
36 No, the children of his servants will get it,
The lovers of his name will live in it.
"Lord Jesus, we love you. We thank you for always looking out for your children; for protecting us and providing for our daily needs. Some of those reading tonight may not yet have a personal relationship with you, but you already know them by name. Please continue to soften their hearts and draw them closer to you. Amen."
Good Night
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Financial Peace University - Part 4
Tonight's post will be short. My wife and I are simply exhausted (mentally, emotionally and physically) from working through our budget homework. We meet with our class again in a couple of days, so we had to make a final effort to push through all of the required forms. It was brutal.
We had to carve out several things from our budget in order to begin to balance. Then, we needed to refine it again and again until every potential dollar was allocated to a specific purpose. Finally, we ended up calculating the percentage of what each classification, such as housing, transportation and food equated to out of our Net Income.
Although we are right on the money in some classifications, we're in trouble in some areas (really?!?). We're in debt, and we never really thought about how "life-draining" credit cards can be. Having all of the monthly payments and balances laid out for all to see is sobering. Likewise, calculating every nickel and dime spent by quick trips to the grocery store adds up to far more than you might think. Change is tough. Thankfully, my God is bigger than our finances.
Good Night
We had to carve out several things from our budget in order to begin to balance. Then, we needed to refine it again and again until every potential dollar was allocated to a specific purpose. Finally, we ended up calculating the percentage of what each classification, such as housing, transportation and food equated to out of our Net Income.
Although we are right on the money in some classifications, we're in trouble in some areas (really?!?). We're in debt, and we never really thought about how "life-draining" credit cards can be. Having all of the monthly payments and balances laid out for all to see is sobering. Likewise, calculating every nickel and dime spent by quick trips to the grocery store adds up to far more than you might think. Change is tough. Thankfully, my God is bigger than our finances.
Good Night
Monday, March 28, 2011
Family Ties
After I got home from work tonight, I decided to FaceTime chat with my brother in Florida. He'd shipped a cable to my house today, and I wanted to let him know the package had safely arrived. However, as is usually the case, we ended up talking for hours, concerning all things Apple, and I.T. projects we had in process, or were about to start this summer (it helps that we're both in the same line of technical work).
After many laughs and a few screen sharing sessions through OSX 10.7 Lion Developer Seed, we simultaneously "wrapped" a Windows application (Linear Team's WinISD) into a Wineskin package that ran natively on OS X (geeky, but oh so cool). Before long we were simulating some models of my brother's JL subwoofer on his Mac OS desktop. It was all of the benefits of running a Windows application-without Windows.
Thank God for family. They understand and tolerate me and all of my nerdy ways...
Good Night
After many laughs and a few screen sharing sessions through OSX 10.7 Lion Developer Seed, we simultaneously "wrapped" a Windows application (Linear Team's WinISD) into a Wineskin package that ran natively on OS X (geeky, but oh so cool). Before long we were simulating some models of my brother's JL subwoofer on his Mac OS desktop. It was all of the benefits of running a Windows application-without Windows.
Thank God for family. They understand and tolerate me and all of my nerdy ways...
Good Night
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Ladies Are (Usually) Right
Tonight's post is going to be short, but sweet. Because we have a new work week starting (and Spring Break is ending), I wanted to leave you with these thoughts, without staying up until midnight posting them.
1. When your wife says that it's money well spent when buying name brand garbage bags, believe her.
2. The same goes for name brand toilet paper.
3. If your wife is anything like mine, she will make every attempt to buy furnace air filters in bulk, paper lunch sacks by the bundle, and a whole tree's worth of paper plates at once (this last one may not make sense to younger couples, but give it a few years with kids, and it will all make sense). Do it.
4. Your wife isn't crazy for buying gifts or greeting cards by the box full. Impromptu birthday party invitations and forgotten special events can and will creep up on you.
5. Spending a half-an hour with your wife in Bath & Body Works once every couple of months is totally worth it.
In summary, a good woman is more precious than any material treasure. We need to respect them, listen to them and love them like no other!
Proverbs 31:10-31 (The Message)
Hymn to a Good Wife
10-31 A good woman is hard to find,
and worth far more than diamonds.
Her husband trusts her without reserve,
and never has reason to regret it.
Never spiteful, she treats him generously
all her life long.
She shops around for the best yarns and cottons,
and enjoys knitting and sewing.
She's like a trading ship that sails to faraway places
and brings back exotic surprises.
She's up before dawn, preparing breakfast
for her family and organizing her day.
She looks over a field and buys it,
then, with money she's put aside, plants a garden.
First thing in the morning, she dresses for work,
rolls up her sleeves, eager to get started.
She senses the worth of her work,
is in no hurry to call it quits for the day.
She's skilled in the crafts of home and hearth,
diligent in homemaking.
She's quick to assist anyone in need,
reaches out to help the poor.
She doesn't worry about her family when it snows;
their winter clothes are all mended and ready to wear.
She makes her own clothing,
and dresses in colorful linens and silks.
Her husband is greatly respected
when he deliberates with the city fathers.
She designs gowns and sells them,
brings the sweaters she knits to the dress shops.
Her clothes are well-made and elegant,
and she always faces tomorrow with a smile.
When she speaks she has something worthwhile to say,
and she always says it kindly.
She keeps an eye on everyone in her household,
and keeps them all busy and productive.
Her children respect and bless her;
her husband joins in with words of praise:
"Many women have done wonderful things,
but you've outclassed them all!"
Charm can mislead and beauty soon fades.
The woman to be admired and praised
is the woman who lives in the Fear-of-God.
Give her everything she deserves!
Festoon her life with praises!
Amen! Thank you, Jesus for giving me the love of my life.
Good Night
1. When your wife says that it's money well spent when buying name brand garbage bags, believe her.
2. The same goes for name brand toilet paper.
3. If your wife is anything like mine, she will make every attempt to buy furnace air filters in bulk, paper lunch sacks by the bundle, and a whole tree's worth of paper plates at once (this last one may not make sense to younger couples, but give it a few years with kids, and it will all make sense). Do it.
4. Your wife isn't crazy for buying gifts or greeting cards by the box full. Impromptu birthday party invitations and forgotten special events can and will creep up on you.
5. Spending a half-an hour with your wife in Bath & Body Works once every couple of months is totally worth it.
In summary, a good woman is more precious than any material treasure. We need to respect them, listen to them and love them like no other!
Proverbs 31:10-31 (The Message)
Hymn to a Good Wife
10-31 A good woman is hard to find,
and worth far more than diamonds.
Her husband trusts her without reserve,
and never has reason to regret it.
Never spiteful, she treats him generously
all her life long.
She shops around for the best yarns and cottons,
and enjoys knitting and sewing.
She's like a trading ship that sails to faraway places
and brings back exotic surprises.
She's up before dawn, preparing breakfast
for her family and organizing her day.
She looks over a field and buys it,
then, with money she's put aside, plants a garden.
First thing in the morning, she dresses for work,
rolls up her sleeves, eager to get started.
She senses the worth of her work,
is in no hurry to call it quits for the day.
She's skilled in the crafts of home and hearth,
diligent in homemaking.
She's quick to assist anyone in need,
reaches out to help the poor.
She doesn't worry about her family when it snows;
their winter clothes are all mended and ready to wear.
She makes her own clothing,
and dresses in colorful linens and silks.
Her husband is greatly respected
when he deliberates with the city fathers.
She designs gowns and sells them,
brings the sweaters she knits to the dress shops.
Her clothes are well-made and elegant,
and she always faces tomorrow with a smile.
When she speaks she has something worthwhile to say,
and she always says it kindly.
She keeps an eye on everyone in her household,
and keeps them all busy and productive.
Her children respect and bless her;
her husband joins in with words of praise:
"Many women have done wonderful things,
but you've outclassed them all!"
Charm can mislead and beauty soon fades.
The woman to be admired and praised
is the woman who lives in the Fear-of-God.
Give her everything she deserves!
Festoon her life with praises!
Amen! Thank you, Jesus for giving me the love of my life.
Good Night
Saturday, March 26, 2011
More Than Enough
Tonight's church service was wonderful. While most weeks are informative and inspiring, once in a while the music, sermon and congregation coalesce into something special. The atmosphere was vibrant, electric, alive. At risk of sounding melodramatic, the presence of the Holy Spirit was palpable.
"Lord You Are Good And Your Mercy Endureth Forever... You Are Good... All The Time... All The Time... You Are Good!"
He certainly is good, and He's doing great things through His people all the time.
After worship service, one of my favorite young men on this planet (you know who you are) walked up on stage and began to share his experiences over the past week, in Los Angeles.
When most teenagers his age were lazily wasting their Spring break on video games, texting their friends, or sleeping in, these kids spent their days in the streets of Skid Row, where literally thousands of people have been forgotten and are left to waste away in obscurity. Our team of courageous young men and women were encouraging, feeding and loving the lost. Genuine connections were established. Tears were shed, and lives were permanently altered. This experience in ministry made men of boys, women of girls, and heroes of children.
While we were all still reeling from the stories of the youth missions trip, Pastor John immediately launched into another sermon from his latest series "Famous Last Words".
We found ourselves at the foot of the cross in our mind's eye, observing Jesus' last hours on Earth, prior to His burial, resurrection and ascension. The Son of God; both wholly God and Man, who [up until this point] had never been separated from the love of His Father, was about to complete his work of Salvation. The sky was dark in the middle of the day; literally manifesting the filth of the sins of humanity, past, present and future. Jesus bore all of it on His own shoulders- I can't even begin to imagine the weight of that yoke of burden.
Let's think about that for a second.
According to the Population Reference Bureau, an estimated 106,456,367,669 (that's One Hundred and Six Billion) people have ever lived on this planet. Now, imagine that if each person's sin could somehow be bottled up into a container equating the mass of a single feather (.00125 pounds). The sin of mankind would weigh 133,070,460 pounds! To put things into perspective, the largest commercial aircraft in existence (the Airbus A380) has a dry weight of 'only' 610,000 pounds. In this equation, the sum of the sins of man would weigh the equivalent of 218,148 aircraft! And that's not yet accounting for future generations!
Now, wrestle with the fact that sin isn't something that can easily be measured by man, nor does it carry the insignificant weight or impact of a feather in our lives. The actual load that Jesus had to bear was most certainly immeasurable by human scales. Yet, His blood covered it all- every bit of it. All of your 'stuff', and all of mine. That's a big and strong God!
And just as his mortal body was about to fail, the divine connection to His Father was severed. God the Father had to forsake His Son, because God the Father cannot live where there is sin, and Jesus became sin in order to redeem mankind. He had to go it alone.
Matthew 27:45-46 (Amplified Bible)
45Now from the sixth hour (noon) there was darkness over all the land until the ninth hour (three o'clock).
46And about the ninth hour (three o'clock) Jesus cried with a loud voice, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?--that is, My God, My God, why have You abandoned Me [leaving Me helpless, forsaking and failing Me in My need]?
Galatians 3:13 (Amplified Bible)
13Christ purchased our freedom [redeeming us] from the curse (doom) of the Law [and its condemnation] by [Himself] becoming a curse for us, for it is written [in the Scriptures], Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree (is crucified)
That is Love. He's more than enough for me.
I'd like to invite you to return the love that God has shown you, by reaching out and helping someone else. It doesn't have to be monetary. Perhaps all you need to do is pick up a telephone and call a friend or loved one, or take a step out the front door and meet a need in your community.
Good Night
"Lord You Are Good And Your Mercy Endureth Forever... You Are Good... All The Time... All The Time... You Are Good!"
He certainly is good, and He's doing great things through His people all the time.
After worship service, one of my favorite young men on this planet (you know who you are) walked up on stage and began to share his experiences over the past week, in Los Angeles.
When most teenagers his age were lazily wasting their Spring break on video games, texting their friends, or sleeping in, these kids spent their days in the streets of Skid Row, where literally thousands of people have been forgotten and are left to waste away in obscurity. Our team of courageous young men and women were encouraging, feeding and loving the lost. Genuine connections were established. Tears were shed, and lives were permanently altered. This experience in ministry made men of boys, women of girls, and heroes of children.
While we were all still reeling from the stories of the youth missions trip, Pastor John immediately launched into another sermon from his latest series "Famous Last Words".
We found ourselves at the foot of the cross in our mind's eye, observing Jesus' last hours on Earth, prior to His burial, resurrection and ascension. The Son of God; both wholly God and Man, who [up until this point] had never been separated from the love of His Father, was about to complete his work of Salvation. The sky was dark in the middle of the day; literally manifesting the filth of the sins of humanity, past, present and future. Jesus bore all of it on His own shoulders- I can't even begin to imagine the weight of that yoke of burden.
Let's think about that for a second.
According to the Population Reference Bureau, an estimated 106,456,367,669 (that's One Hundred and Six Billion) people have ever lived on this planet. Now, imagine that if each person's sin could somehow be bottled up into a container equating the mass of a single feather (.00125 pounds). The sin of mankind would weigh 133,070,460 pounds! To put things into perspective, the largest commercial aircraft in existence (the Airbus A380) has a dry weight of 'only' 610,000 pounds. In this equation, the sum of the sins of man would weigh the equivalent of 218,148 aircraft! And that's not yet accounting for future generations!
Now, wrestle with the fact that sin isn't something that can easily be measured by man, nor does it carry the insignificant weight or impact of a feather in our lives. The actual load that Jesus had to bear was most certainly immeasurable by human scales. Yet, His blood covered it all- every bit of it. All of your 'stuff', and all of mine. That's a big and strong God!
And just as his mortal body was about to fail, the divine connection to His Father was severed. God the Father had to forsake His Son, because God the Father cannot live where there is sin, and Jesus became sin in order to redeem mankind. He had to go it alone.
Matthew 27:45-46 (Amplified Bible)
45Now from the sixth hour (noon) there was darkness over all the land until the ninth hour (three o'clock).
46And about the ninth hour (three o'clock) Jesus cried with a loud voice, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?--that is, My God, My God, why have You abandoned Me [leaving Me helpless, forsaking and failing Me in My need]?
Galatians 3:13 (Amplified Bible)
13Christ purchased our freedom [redeeming us] from the curse (doom) of the Law [and its condemnation] by [Himself] becoming a curse for us, for it is written [in the Scriptures], Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree (is crucified)
That is Love. He's more than enough for me.
I'd like to invite you to return the love that God has shown you, by reaching out and helping someone else. It doesn't have to be monetary. Perhaps all you need to do is pick up a telephone and call a friend or loved one, or take a step out the front door and meet a need in your community.
Good Night
Friday, March 25, 2011
Quiet Friday
I've honestly tried; I sat here a few times this evening, trying to figure out what I wanted to say- or what I felt the Lord was telling me to share with you, but thus far nothing's materialized.
There are a couple of different things brewing in my mind, but it just doesn't seem like the appointed time to share them. Sometimes it's best to retreat, reorient with God and recharge before proceeding. We must regularly 'recalibrate', so that we're living the life God intended for us to have. That goal is accomplished by spending time with in the Word, through prayer and quiet reflection. Jesus himself often did this with his Father, amidst preaching the good news, casting out demons, feeding the hungry, healing the sick and raising the dead. He wasn't escaping from the people, or the difficult work. He was simply realigning with Father God.
Luke 5:16 (The Message)
14-16Jesus instructed him, "Don't talk about this all over town. Just quietly present your healed self to the priest, along with the offering ordered by Moses. Your cleansed and obedient life, not your words, will bear witness to what I have done." But the man couldn't keep it to himself, and the word got out. Soon a large crowd of people had gathered to listen and be healed of their ailments. As often as possible Jesus withdrew to out-of-the-way places for prayer.
Luke 9:10 (The Message)
10-11The apostles returned and reported on what they had done. Jesus took them away, off by themselves, near the town called Bethsaida. But the crowds got wind of it and followed. Jesus graciously welcomed them and talked to them about the kingdom of God. Those who needed healing, he healed.
So my friends, I'm closing out the work week quietly at home; sipping Sleepytime tea, and listening to The Daily Audio Bible. My spirit is being refreshed, and I'll be ready to carry on whatever the Lord places in front of me tomorrow. I pray that you're peacefully settling into your weekend as well. God bless you.
Good night
There are a couple of different things brewing in my mind, but it just doesn't seem like the appointed time to share them. Sometimes it's best to retreat, reorient with God and recharge before proceeding. We must regularly 'recalibrate', so that we're living the life God intended for us to have. That goal is accomplished by spending time with in the Word, through prayer and quiet reflection. Jesus himself often did this with his Father, amidst preaching the good news, casting out demons, feeding the hungry, healing the sick and raising the dead. He wasn't escaping from the people, or the difficult work. He was simply realigning with Father God.
Luke 5:16 (The Message)
14-16Jesus instructed him, "Don't talk about this all over town. Just quietly present your healed self to the priest, along with the offering ordered by Moses. Your cleansed and obedient life, not your words, will bear witness to what I have done." But the man couldn't keep it to himself, and the word got out. Soon a large crowd of people had gathered to listen and be healed of their ailments. As often as possible Jesus withdrew to out-of-the-way places for prayer.
Luke 9:10 (The Message)
10-11The apostles returned and reported on what they had done. Jesus took them away, off by themselves, near the town called Bethsaida. But the crowds got wind of it and followed. Jesus graciously welcomed them and talked to them about the kingdom of God. Those who needed healing, he healed.
So my friends, I'm closing out the work week quietly at home; sipping Sleepytime tea, and listening to The Daily Audio Bible. My spirit is being refreshed, and I'll be ready to carry on whatever the Lord places in front of me tomorrow. I pray that you're peacefully settling into your weekend as well. God bless you.
Good night
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Please Pray For My Son
Tonight, one of my sons came in crying, complaining of how badly his head and stomach hurt. Then, it happened- he lost it. Afterward, he said his stomach felt a little bit better, but the headache persisted. After heating up a couple of "warmies" (my wife makes them from fabric filled with beans, rice and lavender) and providing a bowl "just in case", he headed off to bed.
We hate it when our babies are sick.
We suspect that the sudden onset of illness was due to the fact that he (and his siblings) have spent the majority of the day in front of a television or computer screen. Let's hope that this illness is nothing more than eyestrain induced nausea. We do not need yet another virus or bacterium circulating throughout our family.
"Lord, please help heal my son as he sleeps tonight. Please fortify his body, so that he feels better in the morning. Amen"
Good Night
We hate it when our babies are sick.
We suspect that the sudden onset of illness was due to the fact that he (and his siblings) have spent the majority of the day in front of a television or computer screen. Let's hope that this illness is nothing more than eyestrain induced nausea. We do not need yet another virus or bacterium circulating throughout our family.
"Lord, please help heal my son as he sleeps tonight. Please fortify his body, so that he feels better in the morning. Amen"
Good Night
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Walery's Pizza
The bulk of the middle and high school kids from our church are currently in Los Angeles, ministering to the broken and downtrodden on Skid Row for their Spring Break.
We held down the fort with the remainder of the kids who didn't make the trek to California by gathering at Walery's pizza for youth group this evening. It was a nice change of pace after a full work day, and a lot of fun for the whole family.
Such events are what life's all about. Simple blessings.
Good Night
We held down the fort with the remainder of the kids who didn't make the trek to California by gathering at Walery's pizza for youth group this evening. It was a nice change of pace after a full work day, and a lot of fun for the whole family.
Such events are what life's all about. Simple blessings.
Good Night
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Profound Proverb
Have you ever wondered what some of the Proverbs mean? Many are straight-forward, and cut to the heart of the matter. Other verses require the reader to "chew" on them for awhile, in order to really process the layers of truth. I recently heard this verse through The Daily Audio Bible podcast, and it stuck with me throughout the day.
Proverbs 11:22 (Amplified Bible)
22As a ring of gold in a swine's snout, so is a fair woman who is without discretion.
Likewise, a woman (or man, for that matter) who is "ugly" on the inside, will eventually show what they're made of, regardless of their external presentation. We must ensure that there is continuity between our "inner" and "outer" selves. We need to be authentic Christians, both inside and out. Anything less simply doesn't belong.
"Lord Jesus, please help us each day to be pure and blameless in thought and deed. Help us to hold each thought captive, to harness our tongues, and begin to live out a life of integrity that you've modeled for us. Amen."
Good Night
Monday, March 21, 2011
It's Time For The 23rd Psalm!
Tonight's journal entry is dedicated to my beautiful wife.
When storms in this life come howling, it's time to hang on and seek refuge in our Savior, Jesus Christ.
Psalm 23 (The Message)
1-3 God, my shepherd! I don't need a thing.
You have bedded me down in lush meadows,
you find me quiet pools to drink from.
True to your word,
you let me catch my breath
and send me in the right direction.
4 Even when the way goes through
Death Valley,
I'm not afraid
when you walk at my side.
Your trusty shepherd's crook
makes me feel secure.
5 You serve me a six-course dinner
right in front of my enemies.
You revive my drooping head;
my cup brims with blessing.
6 Your beauty and love chase after me
every day of my life.
I'm back home in the house of God
for the rest of my life.
Good Night
When storms in this life come howling, it's time to hang on and seek refuge in our Savior, Jesus Christ.
Psalm 23 (The Message)
1-3 God, my shepherd! I don't need a thing.
You have bedded me down in lush meadows,
you find me quiet pools to drink from.
True to your word,
you let me catch my breath
and send me in the right direction.
4 Even when the way goes through
Death Valley,
I'm not afraid
when you walk at my side.
Your trusty shepherd's crook
makes me feel secure.
5 You serve me a six-course dinner
right in front of my enemies.
You revive my drooping head;
my cup brims with blessing.
6 Your beauty and love chase after me
every day of my life.
I'm back home in the house of God
for the rest of my life.
Good Night
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Change Must Come From The Inside
The Lord has been working through some "stuff" in my heart. Sure, He's always working on something, but sometimes He leaves sufficient clues so that even a knucklehead like me can begin to take notice of the renovation that's taking place.
Once we accept Jesus as Lord and Savior, we may not outwardly appear to be any different than our pre-salvation days. However, the work steadily occurring within our hearts is real. Sometimes, the changes are so subtle that one would be hard-pressed to isolate and measure them on any given day. But stepping back from this myopic perspective reveals a life that's been course-corrected, softened, or cleansed, little by little. Perhaps we decline that last drink, opt out of a toxic relationship, or ask for forgiveness for something we've done in the past. Maybe we tell our children we love them one last time before bed, spend time with our neglected spouse, or help a friend in need, instead of parking in front of the television.
True and lasting change in our mind, body and spirit begins on the inside, not the outside.
Matthew 23:25-26 (Amplified Bible)
25Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, pretenders (hypocrites)! For you clean the outside of the cup and of the plate, but within they are full of extortion (prey, spoil, plunder) and grasping self-indulgence. 26You blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup and of the plate, so that the outside may be clean also.
"Lord Jesus, please consume us from the inside out. Please heal our pain, mend our wounds and lift us up to fulfill the purposes you've designed for our lives. We can't do it alone; we absolutely need you. Amen"
Good night
Once we accept Jesus as Lord and Savior, we may not outwardly appear to be any different than our pre-salvation days. However, the work steadily occurring within our hearts is real. Sometimes, the changes are so subtle that one would be hard-pressed to isolate and measure them on any given day. But stepping back from this myopic perspective reveals a life that's been course-corrected, softened, or cleansed, little by little. Perhaps we decline that last drink, opt out of a toxic relationship, or ask for forgiveness for something we've done in the past. Maybe we tell our children we love them one last time before bed, spend time with our neglected spouse, or help a friend in need, instead of parking in front of the television.
True and lasting change in our mind, body and spirit begins on the inside, not the outside.
Matthew 23:25-26 (Amplified Bible)
25Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, pretenders (hypocrites)! For you clean the outside of the cup and of the plate, but within they are full of extortion (prey, spoil, plunder) and grasping self-indulgence. 26You blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup and of the plate, so that the outside may be clean also.
"Lord Jesus, please consume us from the inside out. Please heal our pain, mend our wounds and lift us up to fulfill the purposes you've designed for our lives. We can't do it alone; we absolutely need you. Amen"
Good night
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Perigee Moon Tonight
If you look out the window, you'll find that tonight's full moon shines just a little bit brighter, and appears slightly larger than normal. Due to the eccentric orbit (elliptical) of Earth's natural satellite, the distance between our native soil and the lunar surface varies between about 225,000 and 250,000 miles. Tonight's special occasion occurs because of the synchronization of the perigee (nearest point of orbit) and a full moon cycle. This event occurs once every few decades, not having happened since 1983.
Genesis 1:14-18 (New International Version)
14 And God said, “Let there be lights in the vault of the sky to separate the day from the night, and let them serve as signs to mark sacred times, and days and years, 15 and let them be lights in the vault of the sky to give light on the earth.” And it was so. 16 God made two great lights—the greater light to govern the day and the lesser light to govern the night. He also made the stars. 17 God set them in the vault of the sky to give light on the earth, 18 to govern the day and the night, and to separate light from darkness. And God saw that it was good.
Good Night
Friday, March 18, 2011
TGIF!
I'm thankful it's Friday. I know I've said it before, but I mean it- with feeling! My body is fighting sickness, and I really need to take the next couple of days to heal. I'm going to head off to bed now, so please consider this as simply "touching base", to make sure all is well. God Bless you.
Good Night
Good Night
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Financial Peace University - Part 3
Tonight's lesson from Dave Ramsey was difficult to process. Cash flow and budgeting are hard deal with when you're faced to look your expenses square in the eye and honestly deal with them. If you're married, it can become even more difficult, considering that each spouse may share different priorities.
If we continue to do what we've been doing, we'll always have the same results- and that just isn't good enough anymore. No matter how bleak the situation, or how deep in debt we find ourselves, we need a plan in order to navigate through these financial waters. Budgeting is not a straight-jacket. It's the detailed plan that carefully allots each months' income to a specific set of tasks.
A properly planned budget includes the necessities, but also incorporates entertainment, "walking around money", potential vacation funds, special purchases and repairs. A budget actually represents a path to freedom, not bondage! When executed properly, with discipline over time, we can move from a life ruled by debt, to one where goals are accomplished and dreams are realized.
We're starting off at step 1. Here's where the rubber meets the road...
Good Night
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Midnight Oil
I got off of work today, only to turn around (almost literally) and head in to the church for an appointment with a pastor/friend. After the counseling session had ended (which was wonderful, by the way), I immediately launched into some "Nerd Herd" IT duties. As time ticked away, it became obvious that we weren't going to get everything done in a timely manner on site, so I'm currently busy working on the system from home.
It's late, I'm tired and there are a ton of tasks ahead of me tonight. However, I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me! It will all turn out for the best, and I'm certain I'll have much more to share tomorrow night.
Good Night
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Financial Peace University - Part 2
"Nerds and Free Spirits Unite" was the theme of tonight's Dave Ramsey financial class. We learned about the importance of compromising with our spouse on budgeting, planning, saving, etc. We explored terms like "security" and what they mean to us, and our mates. There was very useful information for Singles and financial principles for kids as well.
Putting together our initial "quickie budget" was easy- but served as a reality check as to where most of our money was going each month on essentials. Sadly, the numerical value of our essentials nearly rivaled my paycheck. That was without calculating credit card payments, allowances for clothing, etc. Our next lesson promises to launch into a more detailed budget, which will account for paying off debt, calculating "blow money", and assigning every other dollar of our cashflow to a specific purpose.
It's scary. We're not sure of how we'll do it, but we're putting our trust in the Lord and we will do it!
Proverbs 22:6-7 (New International Version)
6 Start children off on the way they should go,
and even when they are old they will not turn from it.
7 The rich rule over the poor,
and the borrower is slave to the lender.
Good Night
Putting together our initial "quickie budget" was easy- but served as a reality check as to where most of our money was going each month on essentials. Sadly, the numerical value of our essentials nearly rivaled my paycheck. That was without calculating credit card payments, allowances for clothing, etc. Our next lesson promises to launch into a more detailed budget, which will account for paying off debt, calculating "blow money", and assigning every other dollar of our cashflow to a specific purpose.
It's scary. We're not sure of how we'll do it, but we're putting our trust in the Lord and we will do it!
Proverbs 22:6-7 (New International Version)
6 Start children off on the way they should go,
and even when they are old they will not turn from it.
7 The rich rule over the poor,
and the borrower is slave to the lender.
Good Night
Monday, March 14, 2011
Financial Peace University - Part 1
We officially started the Dave Ramsey Financial Peace University course this evening. We're actually heading into our third class on Thursday (we enrolled late and are catching up), but tonight's lesson was our first: Start saving.
There were so many "aha!" moments, and common-sense applications packed into the lesson that we closed out the evening excited and energized. A light bulb went off. Living a broke, debt-riddled life should never occur to the "average American", yet most of us find that we're traveling along that path; little to no savings, and no concrete plans for handling emergencies, or purchases. That is no way to live.
We deserve better. Our children deserve better.
Although this is promised to be a slow and painful (yet highly rewarding) process, my wife and I have accepted the challenge. We're hopeful that this paradigm shift of financial planning and practicing integrity in our daily choices changes our lives for the better.
Proverbs 21:20 (Amplified Bible)
There are precious treasures and oil in the dwelling of the wise, but a self-confident and foolish man swallows it up and wastes it.
Good Night
There were so many "aha!" moments, and common-sense applications packed into the lesson that we closed out the evening excited and energized. A light bulb went off. Living a broke, debt-riddled life should never occur to the "average American", yet most of us find that we're traveling along that path; little to no savings, and no concrete plans for handling emergencies, or purchases. That is no way to live.
We deserve better. Our children deserve better.
Although this is promised to be a slow and painful (yet highly rewarding) process, my wife and I have accepted the challenge. We're hopeful that this paradigm shift of financial planning and practicing integrity in our daily choices changes our lives for the better.
Proverbs 21:20 (Amplified Bible)
There are precious treasures and oil in the dwelling of the wise, but a self-confident and foolish man swallows it up and wastes it.
Good Night
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Plug In!
Tonight marked the first meeting of our new small group for the "Famous Last Words" series at WSFC. A friend of ours led the group, but it was hosted at our house. We had a nice mixture of old and new friends in attendance, and it turned out to be a wonderful experience.
I encourage you to plug into a Bible-based church. Break free from your comfort zone and meet other people. Consider hosting or participating in your own small/study group. At the very least, begin a personal journey throughout the Bible. It will change your life.
Good Night
I encourage you to plug into a Bible-based church. Break free from your comfort zone and meet other people. Consider hosting or participating in your own small/study group. At the very least, begin a personal journey throughout the Bible. It will change your life.
Good Night
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Real Biblical Examples
It's something when concepts in the Bible "jump off" of the page and command your full attention. What's more amazing is to have real-life examples manifest before your eyes in the very same day. If we're willing to listen and observe, we'll find that the Lord speaks to us in very real, tangible ways all the time.
Take the story of the poor widow. Most people who read this short story are sharp enough to gather that the monetary value and the value in terms of sacrifice and heart-currency were drastically different. It's obvious which kind of gift the Lord prefers. What might not be as obvious, is the fact that the woman likely had no other funding available for food, housing, medicine, or any other needs of her own. The rich were able to drop off their sizable offerings and return to their normal, everyday lives. Meanwhile, the widow had to fully depend on God to meet her most basic needs, from that point forward.
Mark 12:41-44 (The Message)
Sitting across from the offering box, he was observing how the crowd tossed money in for the collection. Many of the rich were making large contributions. One poor widow came up and put in two small coins—a measly two cents. Jesus called his disciples over and said, "The truth is that this poor widow gave more to the collection than all the others put together. All the others gave what they'll never miss; she gave extravagantly what she couldn't afford—she gave her all."
This story played through my headphones last Friday. At first, I didn't think much of it. When the epilogue began after the scriptural reading, I could see a theme emerging, and I began to pay attention. After boarding the bus a few minutes later, it became quite obvious that the Lord was speaking directly to me. I was about to encounter a living, breathing example of what a faith-filled life looks like (and the shabby condition of my own heart).
While rolling down the street, a elderly man named Jeff decided to take part in the conversation the bus driver and I were having about the recent earthquakes and tsunami which impacted Japan. It was only a short trip down to my connecting bus, but the three of us (the bus driver, Jeff and me) spoke of the need to pray for the people of Japan, and thanked the Lord that earthquakes such as the one that shook our town back in 1993, had left us unharmed. Before long, we were at the transfer station and it was time to say goodbye to my new friends.
Jeff surprised me a bit by telling me to "Let your light shine, and not hide it under a bushel", as I quickly exited the bus. His statement would carry significant weight later.
As I boarded the connecting bus that would take me the rest of the way to work, I noticed that my new friend Jeff was sharing the same route. I offered him the seat next to me, which he gladly accepted. We continued talking about the Lord, and then he quickly opened up his Bible to read a verse or two from Deuteronomy, Chapter 4. Suddenly, I became acutely aware of how loud the conversation was, and how many people could overhear what was being said. I had to fight the urge to "keep it down", or disassociate from our conversation, as not to offend anyone. Simultaneously, I was being gently convicted. "Surely I'm not ashamed, am I?" said my inner-monologue. "Was this what the disciples did, when they were accused of being associated with Jesus, as he was being taken away to be crucified?" Thankfully, I was able to push past these ugly, cowardly feelings, to absorb the beautiful gift the Lord had prepared.
From there, Jeff's testimony began to flow from his lips in a very pure, and raw way. His voice was sure, yet at times I could hear him begin choke up as he described his personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Jeff was once addicted to drugs and alcohol, and was homeless for a time. Thankfully, Jeff was blessed to currently be living with another person, as He accepted Jesus as Lord, and began to turn his life around. Sadly, the home in which he is co-habitating is beginning the foreclosure process. Jeff also told me that [presumably not long ago] he'd returned home with some groceries, only to find that the water had been shut off. Instead of panicking, or turning to substances for comfort or escape, he turned to Jesus. "I just told Him that I was dependin' on Him to help me", Jeff said.
Amazing. Jeff wasn't stressed or angry. He was extremely happy, and praising the King of Kings for all of the good things He had done, despite having extremely temporary housing, and no running water. Here was a man who was complete in the grace of Jesus. I would be a liar if I said I'd react in the same way, under identical conditions.
At the conclusion of church service one night, an anonymous white envelope filled with cash was placed in Jeff's hands, as he headed for the parking lot. "As long as I have Jesus... He'll provide for me... My Savior, my God... I just want to yell how much I love Him for what He's done for me!"
Me too, Jeff. I will continue to share the truth about Jesus, and I'll never be ashamed of the gospel. Thank you so much for your sterling example, and refreshing lesson.
Good Night
Take the story of the poor widow. Most people who read this short story are sharp enough to gather that the monetary value and the value in terms of sacrifice and heart-currency were drastically different. It's obvious which kind of gift the Lord prefers. What might not be as obvious, is the fact that the woman likely had no other funding available for food, housing, medicine, or any other needs of her own. The rich were able to drop off their sizable offerings and return to their normal, everyday lives. Meanwhile, the widow had to fully depend on God to meet her most basic needs, from that point forward.
Mark 12:41-44 (The Message)
Sitting across from the offering box, he was observing how the crowd tossed money in for the collection. Many of the rich were making large contributions. One poor widow came up and put in two small coins—a measly two cents. Jesus called his disciples over and said, "The truth is that this poor widow gave more to the collection than all the others put together. All the others gave what they'll never miss; she gave extravagantly what she couldn't afford—she gave her all."
This story played through my headphones last Friday. At first, I didn't think much of it. When the epilogue began after the scriptural reading, I could see a theme emerging, and I began to pay attention. After boarding the bus a few minutes later, it became quite obvious that the Lord was speaking directly to me. I was about to encounter a living, breathing example of what a faith-filled life looks like (and the shabby condition of my own heart).
While rolling down the street, a elderly man named Jeff decided to take part in the conversation the bus driver and I were having about the recent earthquakes and tsunami which impacted Japan. It was only a short trip down to my connecting bus, but the three of us (the bus driver, Jeff and me) spoke of the need to pray for the people of Japan, and thanked the Lord that earthquakes such as the one that shook our town back in 1993, had left us unharmed. Before long, we were at the transfer station and it was time to say goodbye to my new friends.
Jeff surprised me a bit by telling me to "Let your light shine, and not hide it under a bushel", as I quickly exited the bus. His statement would carry significant weight later.
As I boarded the connecting bus that would take me the rest of the way to work, I noticed that my new friend Jeff was sharing the same route. I offered him the seat next to me, which he gladly accepted. We continued talking about the Lord, and then he quickly opened up his Bible to read a verse or two from Deuteronomy, Chapter 4. Suddenly, I became acutely aware of how loud the conversation was, and how many people could overhear what was being said. I had to fight the urge to "keep it down", or disassociate from our conversation, as not to offend anyone. Simultaneously, I was being gently convicted. "Surely I'm not ashamed, am I?" said my inner-monologue. "Was this what the disciples did, when they were accused of being associated with Jesus, as he was being taken away to be crucified?" Thankfully, I was able to push past these ugly, cowardly feelings, to absorb the beautiful gift the Lord had prepared.
From there, Jeff's testimony began to flow from his lips in a very pure, and raw way. His voice was sure, yet at times I could hear him begin choke up as he described his personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Jeff was once addicted to drugs and alcohol, and was homeless for a time. Thankfully, Jeff was blessed to currently be living with another person, as He accepted Jesus as Lord, and began to turn his life around. Sadly, the home in which he is co-habitating is beginning the foreclosure process. Jeff also told me that [presumably not long ago] he'd returned home with some groceries, only to find that the water had been shut off. Instead of panicking, or turning to substances for comfort or escape, he turned to Jesus. "I just told Him that I was dependin' on Him to help me", Jeff said.
Amazing. Jeff wasn't stressed or angry. He was extremely happy, and praising the King of Kings for all of the good things He had done, despite having extremely temporary housing, and no running water. Here was a man who was complete in the grace of Jesus. I would be a liar if I said I'd react in the same way, under identical conditions.
At the conclusion of church service one night, an anonymous white envelope filled with cash was placed in Jeff's hands, as he headed for the parking lot. "As long as I have Jesus... He'll provide for me... My Savior, my God... I just want to yell how much I love Him for what He's done for me!"
Me too, Jeff. I will continue to share the truth about Jesus, and I'll never be ashamed of the gospel. Thank you so much for your sterling example, and refreshing lesson.
Good Night
Friday, March 11, 2011
Please Pray For The People Of Japan
We need to pray, and pray hard, for healing, restoration and other miracles for the people of Japan.
The damage caused by that magnitude 8.9 earthquake and subsequent tsunami is unbelievable.
"Lord Jesus, please bring your supernatural healing to those who are hurt, comfort those who have experienced loss, and bring back the people who are missing. Please inspire countries from around the world to rally together and bring help to Japan and her people. Please bring some form of good out of this horrible destruction. Amen."
Good Night
Thursday, March 10, 2011
He Knows What We Need (And When We Need It)
It's late, so I won't be too long-winded tonight.
For weeks now, my wife and I have wanted to attend a financial peace seminar (a course that is 14 weeks long) that our church is currently hosting, but we didn't know how we were going to be able to afford it. After meeting with one of our pastors last night, he urged that we try to attend the class, if at all possible. Clearly God was telling us that this was something we needed to do.
My wife began emailing the class instructor this morning, to discuss the possibility of attending the class. We didn't know if it was going to be allowed; we were 2 weeks into the class, we didn't know if there was going to be room, and we surely didn't have an answer to how it was going to be paid for.
God met us where we are.
The instructor emailed my wife, indicating that there was an extra book/set of curriculum- and that they were wondering who it would be, that would step in and take possession of it! The finances are being dealt with on our terms, and we'll have access to the lessons this week. In this way, we'll be up to speed for next week's meeting, and will step through the remaining 11 weeks with the rest of the group.
"Thank you, Lord. It's obvious that you know our thoughts, and indeed answer our prayers. Thanks for always showing up in the right place, at the right time. Amen"
Good Night
For weeks now, my wife and I have wanted to attend a financial peace seminar (a course that is 14 weeks long) that our church is currently hosting, but we didn't know how we were going to be able to afford it. After meeting with one of our pastors last night, he urged that we try to attend the class, if at all possible. Clearly God was telling us that this was something we needed to do.
My wife began emailing the class instructor this morning, to discuss the possibility of attending the class. We didn't know if it was going to be allowed; we were 2 weeks into the class, we didn't know if there was going to be room, and we surely didn't have an answer to how it was going to be paid for.
God met us where we are.
The instructor emailed my wife, indicating that there was an extra book/set of curriculum- and that they were wondering who it would be, that would step in and take possession of it! The finances are being dealt with on our terms, and we'll have access to the lessons this week. In this way, we'll be up to speed for next week's meeting, and will step through the remaining 11 weeks with the rest of the group.
"Thank you, Lord. It's obvious that you know our thoughts, and indeed answer our prayers. Thanks for always showing up in the right place, at the right time. Amen"
Good Night
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Don't Believe The Lies
I was blessed to meet up with one of the pastors at our church tonight, to seek his wisdom and guidance in some "rough spots" of life. I ended up venting in ways I hadn't imagined, and for longer than I'd intended.
One of the topics of the afternoon had to deal with rejecting the lies we're told about ourselves, our capabilities, God's love, and our future. Sometimes these untruths, hurts and curses come from mentors, family, friends or even our own mouths. These words can diminish our self-worth, destroy our relationships, ruin our health, alter our life's trajectory and affect our beliefs. For example, if we're told we're "nothing" as children, we run the risk of carrying that negative self-image throughout adulthood.
Proverbs 18:21 (New International Version)
21 The tongue has the power of life and death,
and those who love it will eat its fruit.
When these lies inevitably come, we need to do as Jesus did and defend ourselves with scripture.
Matthew 4:1-11 (New International Version)
1 Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. 2 After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. 3 The tempter came to him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.”
4 Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.'”
5 Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. 6 “If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down. For it is written:
“‘He will command his angels concerning you,
and they will lift you up in their hands,
so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’”
7 Jesus answered him, “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’”
8 Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. 9 “All this I will give you,” he said, “if you will bow down and worship me.”
10 Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’”
11 Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him.
The World says "You'll never make it."
The Bible says "I have strength for all things in Christ Who empowers me [I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him Who infuses inner strength into me; I am self-sufficient in Christ's sufficiency]." - Philippians 4:13 (Amplified Bible)
The World says "You're unlovable."
The Bible says "For God so greatly loved and dearly prized the world that He [even] gave up His only begotten (unique) Son, so that whoever believes in (trusts in, clings to, relies on) Him shall not perish (come to destruction, be lost) but have eternal (everlasting) life." - John 3:16 (Amplified Bible)
The World says "You're a loser."
The Bible says "Lucky Israel! Who has it as good as you? A people saved by God! The Shield who defends you, the Sword who brings triumph. Your enemies will come crawling on their bellies and you'll march on their backs." - Deuteronomy 33:29 (The Message)
Please join me in the reprogramming of the toxic "code" that's taken residence in our minds. We need to stop believing the lies, and start speaking the truth into our lives, and sew encouragement into those lives we touch.
Romans 12:2 (Amplified Bible)
2Do not be conformed to this world (this age), [fashioned after and adapted to its external, superficial customs], but be transformed (changed) by the [entire] renewal of your mind [by its new ideals and its new attitude], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God, even the thing which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His sight for you].
Good Night
One of the topics of the afternoon had to deal with rejecting the lies we're told about ourselves, our capabilities, God's love, and our future. Sometimes these untruths, hurts and curses come from mentors, family, friends or even our own mouths. These words can diminish our self-worth, destroy our relationships, ruin our health, alter our life's trajectory and affect our beliefs. For example, if we're told we're "nothing" as children, we run the risk of carrying that negative self-image throughout adulthood.
Proverbs 18:21 (New International Version)
21 The tongue has the power of life and death,
and those who love it will eat its fruit.
When these lies inevitably come, we need to do as Jesus did and defend ourselves with scripture.
Matthew 4:1-11 (New International Version)
1 Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. 2 After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. 3 The tempter came to him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.”
4 Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.'”
5 Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. 6 “If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down. For it is written:
“‘He will command his angels concerning you,
and they will lift you up in their hands,
so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’”
7 Jesus answered him, “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’”
8 Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. 9 “All this I will give you,” he said, “if you will bow down and worship me.”
10 Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’”
11 Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him.
The World says "You'll never make it."
The Bible says "I have strength for all things in Christ Who empowers me [I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him Who infuses inner strength into me; I am self-sufficient in Christ's sufficiency]." - Philippians 4:13 (Amplified Bible)
The World says "You're unlovable."
The Bible says "For God so greatly loved and dearly prized the world that He [even] gave up His only begotten (unique) Son, so that whoever believes in (trusts in, clings to, relies on) Him shall not perish (come to destruction, be lost) but have eternal (everlasting) life." - John 3:16 (Amplified Bible)
The World says "You're a loser."
The Bible says "Lucky Israel! Who has it as good as you? A people saved by God! The Shield who defends you, the Sword who brings triumph. Your enemies will come crawling on their bellies and you'll march on their backs." - Deuteronomy 33:29 (The Message)
Please join me in the reprogramming of the toxic "code" that's taken residence in our minds. We need to stop believing the lies, and start speaking the truth into our lives, and sew encouragement into those lives we touch.
Romans 12:2 (Amplified Bible)
2Do not be conformed to this world (this age), [fashioned after and adapted to its external, superficial customs], but be transformed (changed) by the [entire] renewal of your mind [by its new ideals and its new attitude], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God, even the thing which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His sight for you].
Good Night
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
For Those Who Want To Lead
As I listened to the Daily Audio Bible podcast today, Mark 10:43-45 caught my attention. It was just a small morsel out of the whole podcast, but it was the most pronounced in my mind. Serving others first, in order to lead? It seems so backwards. Does this concept still apply to our lives today? Absolutely.
Don't pastors serve their congregations? What about teachers and their students? Don't good parents sacrifice for, and serve their children opportunities that they may not have had? Successful business owners and managers must often work in the trenches, before being elevated to leadership status. The list of examples is nearly limitless, yet the message is clear in each: Place others first. Serve them. Selflessly place their needs above your own and in due time you will be rewarded, either through stronger relationships, or other means of success.
Matthew 20:26-28 (New International Version)
26 Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, 27 and whoever wants to be first must be your slave— 28 just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Mark 9:35 (New International Version)
35 Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, “Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all.”
Mark 10:43-45 (New International Version)
43 Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, 44 and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. 45 For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Good Night
Don't pastors serve their congregations? What about teachers and their students? Don't good parents sacrifice for, and serve their children opportunities that they may not have had? Successful business owners and managers must often work in the trenches, before being elevated to leadership status. The list of examples is nearly limitless, yet the message is clear in each: Place others first. Serve them. Selflessly place their needs above your own and in due time you will be rewarded, either through stronger relationships, or other means of success.
Matthew 20:26-28 (New International Version)
26 Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, 27 and whoever wants to be first must be your slave— 28 just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Mark 9:35 (New International Version)
35 Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, “Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all.”
Mark 10:43-45 (New International Version)
43 Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, 44 and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. 45 For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Good Night
Monday, March 7, 2011
Square Peg, Round Hole
Today wasn't a great day. I've had worse, but this one wasn't much fun. There was an abundance of technical issues which manifested in various ways, and I felt ill-equipped to deal with some of them. I didn't feel as though I was of much use to the department as a whole.
To make things worse, I unintentionally blew off an afternoon meeting, because I silenced my cellular phone and closed my email application while working on resolving a wireless access problem. No reminders = No meeting. I just felt like a complete and utter failure; as if I didn't belong amongst the team of technicians and administrators that I call peers.
It's days like today that make me feel completely inadequate as a corporate professional. I want to be investing my personal time, energy and abilities into meaningful endeavors. Life is much too short, to waste time feeling inadequate, ignorant and irrelevant. I'm uncertain of what the Lord wants me to do with the rest of my life, but I pray he helps me discover my purpose very soon.
Proverbs 16:9 (The Message)
We plan the way we want to live,
but only God makes us able to live it.
I pray tomorrow is a better day.
Good night
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Family Matters
As the weekend came to a close this afternoon, my wife and I decided to shake things up a bit. Normally, we would perform a chore here or there, and the kids would play video games as the afternoon wound down. It was different today.
First, we took both dogs for a walk. While that's "normal" for most families, our dogs (and sadly, their owners at times) are sedentary. This was a great opportunity to get out of the house for some fresh air and a change of scenery.
After we returned from our walk, my wife and I surprised the kids by having them pile into the car for an impromptu trip to Baskin Robbins. Their eyes lit up as they pondered all of the available flavors and toppings. After ice cream, it was back home for some Winter Wipeout on the DVR (we all piled on our bed, and chose our favorite contestant to cheer for). Although it was just a simple series of small activities, I'm certain the kids fell asleep with happy hearts and fond memories of their day.
That's what makes everything else that happens throughout the week worthwhile. Family matters.
Good Night
First, we took both dogs for a walk. While that's "normal" for most families, our dogs (and sadly, their owners at times) are sedentary. This was a great opportunity to get out of the house for some fresh air and a change of scenery.
After we returned from our walk, my wife and I surprised the kids by having them pile into the car for an impromptu trip to Baskin Robbins. Their eyes lit up as they pondered all of the available flavors and toppings. After ice cream, it was back home for some Winter Wipeout on the DVR (we all piled on our bed, and chose our favorite contestant to cheer for). Although it was just a simple series of small activities, I'm certain the kids fell asleep with happy hearts and fond memories of their day.
That's what makes everything else that happens throughout the week worthwhile. Family matters.
Good Night
Saturday, March 5, 2011
Taking A Breather
There's not much content in tonight's post. I'm tired, and don't feel instructed to write anything in particular. So, I'm taking the night off in order to rest. Even God rested after a full week's work. He declared the seventh day to be holy; setting it apart from all of the other days of the week.
If this practice was good enough for Him, it's more than enough for me.
Genesis 2:2-3 (New International Version)
2 By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work. 3 Then God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it he rested from all the work of creating that he had done.
That's a great model to follow, and the best advice you can give to another person. Work hard, but rest well.
Good Night
If this practice was good enough for Him, it's more than enough for me.
Genesis 2:2-3 (New International Version)
2 By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work. 3 Then God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it he rested from all the work of creating that he had done.
That's a great model to follow, and the best advice you can give to another person. Work hard, but rest well.
Good Night
Friday, March 4, 2011
I Believe
In order to kick start the weekend in a positive manner, my wife and I bought a few large take-and-bake pizzas for dinner, while we watched Legends of the Guardians on DVD with the kids. It was a wonderful movie, and a great family bonding experience.
What caught my attention in particular, was the protagonist's belief in the heroic lore shared by his father, of the 'Guardian' owls who defended the weak, lifted up the downtrodden and defeated evil in years past. There wasn't any visible proof that these epic beings ever existed, but our hero believed in them, even though he had never seen them. Although his beliefs were tested, his faith prevailed in the end. The Lord also calls us to walk by faith, and not by what we see in this world.
2 Corinthians 5:7 (New Living Translation)
For we live by believing and not by seeing.
So, what's stopping us from living a faith-filled life? Perhaps if we take a step backward and analyze some truths about growing up within our Western culture, things will become a little more clear. At the very least, it will give you something to think about.
Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny and the Tooth Fairy.
I'm not trying to pick on any of these characters, but the root of disbelief may actually stem from some of these innocent childhood favorites, if not handled in a healthy way. At Christmas, we may have learned about the birth of Jesus. But to be frank, the lion's share of our attention (and retail marketing) likely went towards Santa Claus and his bag of gifts (the real Saint Nicholas). During Easter, the Easter Bunny, colored eggs and chocolate most likely took center stage (instead of pondering the death, burial and resurrection of our Lord). Lose a tooth, and a fairy exchanges the bicuspid for a quarter.
While celebrating tradition isn't necessarily a bad thing (yes, we have a couple of kids in our home who still believe in the crimson-clad jolly one), we need to carefully consider what happens to our childrens' belief system when the truth eventually comes out about the existence of these characters. What happens when our children find out that Santa, as they know him, isn't real? What about the Easter Bunny? The Tooth Fairy? While nothing on the surface is likely visible after the reveal, each "layer" of exposure to believing in something, only to have it disproved, begins to erode their sense of faith and harden their hearts.
Now, throw God into the mix. Here is another pillar in a child's life, who can't be seen, but is assured "to be there". But how do they know? If all of the other heroes of kid-dom have proven false, what would give them cause to truly believe in God? This is further compounded if we're not living as wholesome, Godly examples for them. If we're not reading the Bible to them, or sharing our faith with them. Or, if we're not loving them. Those poor, misguided children!
We are our parent's children. How damaged are we, and what do we really believe?
While we can't see God, there are fingerprints of His handiwork all over creation. I could never explain how a small mammal could conceivably lay a Cadbury egg, however I can certainly appreciate the intelligent engineering that went into creating the planet Earth. It's perfectly positioned within the Solar System to provide the ideal conditions for life; something scientists spend millions of dollars and man-hours trying to find anyplace else. While it's true that reindeer cannot fly, there is no mistaking the masterful detail that God invested in forming men and women. Even if fairies are a farce, I'm certain that miracles can and do happen, and chance meetings with long lost family and friends aren't always a coincidence.
I believe in Jesus.
Good Night
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Car Trouble!
After work this afternoon, my wife stopped on the way home in order to check the mail. Our neighborhood mailboxes are in a cluster at the end of our street, so stopping to retrieve the mail whilst in the car is a convenient prospect.
This seems harmless, right? Wrong.
Once the SUV was placed in Park, a micro-switch used for locking out the transmission failed. The net result? Our truck would not disengage from Park. After stopping and restarting the engine, the shifter was still locked in Park. After rocking the car back and forth to try and free up the binding, no dice- the shifter was still locked. No matter what we did, the truck was clearly not leaving it's place on the side of the road, in front of the mailboxes.
It would have been pretty pathetic if we had called AAA for a 1-block tow back to our driveway. But, what could we do? Our truck was unable to move under its own power, and it couldn't freely roll. We were stuck.
After a quick phone call to my brother for advice, we soon found ourselves dismantling the center console surrounding the gear shifter. After awkwardly prying up the cosmetic plate which covered the assembly, a manual override button for the lockout feature was located. Why on earth the Ford Motor Company didn't allow for a keyhole slot, or pinhole to access the override without having to disassemble the center console is beyond me. I'll never understand their logic in that regard. However, after depressing the button, I was able to shift the truck out of Park. Finally, the beast was able to lumber back to its concrete home in front of our garage.
It would appear we now have a few hundred dollars in repairs before our truck is "normal" again. Great (read: sarcasm). This is in addition to the money we've spent on new tires and front brakes this week. To top it all off, we will soon have rear brakes to repair, an alignment is desperately needed in order to preserve our investment in tires, and a regulator for the rear passenger window is still on the "to do" list.
This vehicle has drained us financially over the last year. We absolutely cannot afford a new car payment, nor can we keep tolerating all of these expenses on our current vehicle. We're certainly in between a rock and a hard place, and I don't know what to do. I pray that the Lord grants us favor and wisdom in dealing with such a problem.
"Lord, you said you'd never leave, nor forsake us. I'm taking you at your word, that you're going to help us out. We've found ourselves in a real financial and logistical mess in regard to our families' transportation. We need your grace, favor and blessings in navigating through the days and weeks ahead. Amen."
Good Night
This seems harmless, right? Wrong.
Once the SUV was placed in Park, a micro-switch used for locking out the transmission failed. The net result? Our truck would not disengage from Park. After stopping and restarting the engine, the shifter was still locked in Park. After rocking the car back and forth to try and free up the binding, no dice- the shifter was still locked. No matter what we did, the truck was clearly not leaving it's place on the side of the road, in front of the mailboxes.
It would have been pretty pathetic if we had called AAA for a 1-block tow back to our driveway. But, what could we do? Our truck was unable to move under its own power, and it couldn't freely roll. We were stuck.
After a quick phone call to my brother for advice, we soon found ourselves dismantling the center console surrounding the gear shifter. After awkwardly prying up the cosmetic plate which covered the assembly, a manual override button for the lockout feature was located. Why on earth the Ford Motor Company didn't allow for a keyhole slot, or pinhole to access the override without having to disassemble the center console is beyond me. I'll never understand their logic in that regard. However, after depressing the button, I was able to shift the truck out of Park. Finally, the beast was able to lumber back to its concrete home in front of our garage.
It would appear we now have a few hundred dollars in repairs before our truck is "normal" again. Great (read: sarcasm). This is in addition to the money we've spent on new tires and front brakes this week. To top it all off, we will soon have rear brakes to repair, an alignment is desperately needed in order to preserve our investment in tires, and a regulator for the rear passenger window is still on the "to do" list.
This vehicle has drained us financially over the last year. We absolutely cannot afford a new car payment, nor can we keep tolerating all of these expenses on our current vehicle. We're certainly in between a rock and a hard place, and I don't know what to do. I pray that the Lord grants us favor and wisdom in dealing with such a problem.
"Lord, you said you'd never leave, nor forsake us. I'm taking you at your word, that you're going to help us out. We've found ourselves in a real financial and logistical mess in regard to our families' transportation. We need your grace, favor and blessings in navigating through the days and weeks ahead. Amen."
Good Night
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Friends
This afternoon, I received a text message from a friend of mine. He hadn't seen me in a while, but cared enough to touch base in order to see how things were going. We exchanged a few simple messages, and made plans to meet up in a week or so for coffee.
It was a small gesture, but one that touched my heart in a big way. That personal connection is something we all deeply crave, whether we care to admit it or not. Can you think of anyone in your own sphere of influence, that you need to check in with? Just letting them know you're thinking of them might be enough to make their day.
Good Night
It was a small gesture, but one that touched my heart in a big way. That personal connection is something we all deeply crave, whether we care to admit it or not. Can you think of anyone in your own sphere of influence, that you need to check in with? Just letting them know you're thinking of them might be enough to make their day.
Good Night
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Health Please, Part III
It would seem that my daughter may be battling a sinus infection, which could be responsible for her terrible headaches and fever. At least it's what my wife and I believe is the case, based on our observations. However, we're not doctors and could use a second opinion. We will try to get her in to see the doctor as soon as possible, so we can begin her treatment and get her back to school (and allow both of us to stop using sick days and go back to work).
My wife is also battling stress of various kinds and they're taking a toll on her health. Lately it's been wave after wave of attacks. We've declared that the enemy has no rights to us, but that doesn't stop his offensive line from trying to tackle us.
"Lord Jesus, please allow my family to be healthy (and stay that way)! Please deliver us from the chronic sickness that has plagued our household for weeks. Please relieve stress and anxiety about our jobs, our finances and bring about productive, positive change in our lives. We are asking for your help- for you to do something for us, but we're not losing sight of you. We love you and look to you as our parent, to help us in any and all ways that you're willing. Even if your plan for us is to simply learn valuable lessons, so be it. Your will be done. Amen."
UPDATE:, as of March 3rd, the doctors have informed us that she has the flu, and has inherited migraines. Please agree with us in prayer for her health. Poor baby.
Good Night
My wife is also battling stress of various kinds and they're taking a toll on her health. Lately it's been wave after wave of attacks. We've declared that the enemy has no rights to us, but that doesn't stop his offensive line from trying to tackle us.
"Lord Jesus, please allow my family to be healthy (and stay that way)! Please deliver us from the chronic sickness that has plagued our household for weeks. Please relieve stress and anxiety about our jobs, our finances and bring about productive, positive change in our lives. We are asking for your help- for you to do something for us, but we're not losing sight of you. We love you and look to you as our parent, to help us in any and all ways that you're willing. Even if your plan for us is to simply learn valuable lessons, so be it. Your will be done. Amen."
UPDATE:, as of March 3rd, the doctors have informed us that she has the flu, and has inherited migraines. Please agree with us in prayer for her health. Poor baby.
Good Night
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