It's cold in Wise County today. The kids were a bit surprised that they had to get ready for school this morning. They were up at 4:20 turning on the TV to see if school had been cancelled but sound asleep when I came through to get them up. Needless to say, I was a bit surprised to see one on the sofa asleep and the other curled up in my chair asleep. Kids are funny in a very precious way.
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We had a small gathering at church last night due to the weather (it was pouring buckets of rain on us) so we had a devo instead of our regular classes. One of our brothers who is a school teacher spoke briefly about the harsh words that children speak to each other as we all considered what and how we say things. It would have been good if we were built with a feature similar to my voicemail at work where I can say something and then listen to it before I put it out for others to hear. I've said so many mean things to people in my life and it hurts to think about it. I know it hurt them and I wish there was a way to take it back. Unfortunately, I can't rewind yesterday but I pray I can learn from my mistakes and be more controlled with what comes out of my mouth today and in the future.
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Enjoy the winter weather and be careful if you are out and about.
Thursday, November 30, 2006
Wednesday, November 29, 2006
Rain, Sleet, Snow
The forecast we are getting for the next few days drives me batty. No one knows if it sleet or ice will come but they can sure worry about it. If it doesn't, life goes on as normal. If it does, you make do the best you can. Yet there are those who check the forecast every hour to see what it has to say about the ice. It's one of the things people do that drives me crazy.
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It's funny to think we are preparing for COLD weather and I just left a place that is preparing for the hottest days of the year. I never used to think about such things until I was able to travel to Brazil. It has opened my eyes to a broader world view of simple things along with the bigger issues of daily life.
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Now that the phrase "Romosexuals" has been coined (for those who are in love with Tony Romo) I'm hearing the radio speculators saying Dallas is going from playoff contender to playoff favorite. We'll see. The Giants may be down but I'd be a little worried about playing a team that just got embarrased like the Giants did last week. Strahan and company may have some plans for Mr. Romo and I wouldn't want to be on the receiving end of them.
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It's Casa Torres night. There's nothing like a week out of the country (or state or city) to make me look forward to Mexican food at the local restaurant. Add cold weather and it will taste even better.
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It's funny to think we are preparing for COLD weather and I just left a place that is preparing for the hottest days of the year. I never used to think about such things until I was able to travel to Brazil. It has opened my eyes to a broader world view of simple things along with the bigger issues of daily life.
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Now that the phrase "Romosexuals" has been coined (for those who are in love with Tony Romo) I'm hearing the radio speculators saying Dallas is going from playoff contender to playoff favorite. We'll see. The Giants may be down but I'd be a little worried about playing a team that just got embarrased like the Giants did last week. Strahan and company may have some plans for Mr. Romo and I wouldn't want to be on the receiving end of them.
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It's Casa Torres night. There's nothing like a week out of the country (or state or city) to make me look forward to Mexican food at the local restaurant. Add cold weather and it will taste even better.
Monday, November 27, 2006
Christmas Decorating
With no football and no races, yesterday afternoon was Christmas decoration Sunday. The lights were up outside and the tree was set up so yesterday it was time to put the ornaments on the tree and start putting out some of the other smaller decorations for the holidays. My wife does such a good job making the house look like Christmas every year and gives it a warmth and glow that makes the season a happy time. The kids help with the tree trimming and it's always funny to see how many ornaments might get hung on the same limb. There are just a few more things to put up and we will be set for the holidays - except for all the shopping. Thankfully, she does most of that too!
Who decorates at your house?
Who decorates at your house?
Friday, November 24, 2006
Black Friday
This is the day retailers live for. 10 months of getting by comes down to the next few weeks and the whirlwind it is. I was at Wal-Mart this morning at 6 to check out the crowds. Our store doesn't open until 7 so I was wanting to see what the effect on our cash registers might be. Wally World seemed slow but I ran into a couple of people saying the store had already sold out of what they wanted. At 7, our doors opened and people came pouring through. It was certainly a busy morning and a lot of merchandise went through the doors. I'm hoping for a good shopping season while dreading going shopping. Ironic I suppose.
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I realize my blogs over the past week had a hint of me wanting to be at home, which I did, but it was also a wonderful time and I feel blessed to have been able to go. I'm so appreciative of our church and their support for mission work. I'm in awe of a young man who left everything he knew to go to a place where he knew little to sow the seeds of hope and salvation. I've grown to love people who love the Lord and want to share His joy. I'm thankful to the Elders at my church for making sure this trip and all the work we did would happen.
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I hope everyone had all the good food I did yesterday. It was a great meal and a great day to be with family.
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As I write this, things aren't looking so good for my favorite college team. If they lose this one, I may need to find a friendly therapist. Just kidding but I do hope they start putting some points on the board. Hook 'em Horns!
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I realize my blogs over the past week had a hint of me wanting to be at home, which I did, but it was also a wonderful time and I feel blessed to have been able to go. I'm so appreciative of our church and their support for mission work. I'm in awe of a young man who left everything he knew to go to a place where he knew little to sow the seeds of hope and salvation. I've grown to love people who love the Lord and want to share His joy. I'm thankful to the Elders at my church for making sure this trip and all the work we did would happen.
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I hope everyone had all the good food I did yesterday. It was a great meal and a great day to be with family.
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As I write this, things aren't looking so good for my favorite college team. If they lose this one, I may need to find a friendly therapist. Just kidding but I do hope they start putting some points on the board. Hook 'em Horns!
Thursday, November 23, 2006
Happy Thanksgiving
It's good to be home. Our flights and travel went off without a hitch and I am extremely thankful for that. My wife and children picked me up at the airport at 6:30 this morning and we went back home for a brief nap and a good shower. Being back in familiar surroundings is nice but nothing as near as good as being with my family. It was wonderful to see their smiling faces even though they had to get up early to come get me.
Our trip to Aracaju was successful and I am confident the effort, money and time will help to yield more fruit in the work of the church there. Plans are being made to help teach the Brazilians to be more evangelistic as individuals and to help them eventually become self-supporting. I am hopeful and confident that the day is coming that we will be able to take our money and begin supporting a new work because the people of Aracaju can do all they need to in their effort to reach lost souls on their own and with little, if any, support from the U.S.
One of the sisters wrote us the sweetest letter before we left that truly shows the loving spirit the people there have for God and for the church.
I look forward to going back one day but will enjoy my time back home in the arms of my family.
Our trip to Aracaju was successful and I am confident the effort, money and time will help to yield more fruit in the work of the church there. Plans are being made to help teach the Brazilians to be more evangelistic as individuals and to help them eventually become self-supporting. I am hopeful and confident that the day is coming that we will be able to take our money and begin supporting a new work because the people of Aracaju can do all they need to in their effort to reach lost souls on their own and with little, if any, support from the U.S.
One of the sisters wrote us the sweetest letter before we left that truly shows the loving spirit the people there have for God and for the church.
I look forward to going back one day but will enjoy my time back home in the arms of my family.
Tuesday, November 21, 2006
One More Sleep
We have been counting down our return by the number of "sleeps" we have in Aracaju. We have only one more tonight and then we begin our trip. We had a good day of meetings yesterday and great fellowship with some of the leaders in the church last night. I'm still struck by the friendliness of the people here and only wish we could communicate better. We finished our meetings today and will spend tomorrow getting ready to leave and visiting the market. I'm ready to go so pray that our flights work out and we make it back OK.
The pictures attached are: lunch after church on Sunday with several church leaders and missionaries and Randy next to cashew fruit.
One More Sleep
We have been counting down our return by the number of "sleeps" we have in Aracaju. We have only one more tonight and then we begin our trip. We had a good day of meetings yesterday and great fellowship with some of the leaders in the church last night. I'm still struck by the friendliness of the people here and only wish we could communicate better. We finished our meetings today and will spend tomorrow getting ready to leave and visiting the market. I'm ready to go so pray that our flights work out and we make it back OK.
The pictures attached are: lunch after church on Sunday with several church leaders and missionaries, Randy next to cashew fruit, Everett preaching on Sunday and me teaching on Sunday.
Sunday, November 19, 2006
Sunday (Part 2)
What an invigorating and exhausting day. It started very early (4:15 Texas time) and lasted several hours. Church in Aracaju was uplifting. The brethren love to sing and have such joy. It was great to see their smiles and receive their hugs and good wishes. After church there was a graduation ceremony for 7 students who completed the School of the Bible course. Then we had lucnh with several members of the church at a nearby restaurant with more fellowship and joy in getting to know some of our brothers and sisters better. Many of them seem surprised that I remembered them from our previous trip and I hope to explain to them before we leave that they had a profound impact on me.
After lunch Randy, Angela, Everett, Idalicio and I loaded up in Randy's little Fiat and headed to Malahdor to meet with the church there. Today, 9 members were present and we met in a school room they use. Everyone there was related to each other so we joked about it being a real church "family." Afterwards, we were invited to Senor Antonio's house and farm. He grows a root that they make flour from and use in many foods. The root is poisonous unless processed properly so I was able to see their setup. It is not very mechanized and during their harvest, they work from 5am to 7pm 5 days a week. I was also able to see a kaju (cashew) tree. I had forgotten that cashews were also poisonous until processed. I ate jocku fruit (not so great) and watermelon (not very sweet) and saw many beautiful plants and other fruit trees. They insisted we stay for dinner and were so hospitable.
Driving to Malahdor and back, I saw more poverty. Small, small homes with dirt floors and drapes for doors. It is sad to see the conditions so many live in yet the Brazilians seem to be fairly enterprising people and ever friendly.
We are finishing the night with Everett and an exploding shower door. As he was getting out of the shower, the door shattered and glass is everywhere including in his hands and arms. It is quite a mess and we are waiting for someone to come up - hopefully someone we can communicate with.
I am worn out after today but have been edified. I thank God for this time. It is hard for me and my family at home but it is a tremendous time that strengthens my faith and my desire to serve the Almighty.
After lunch Randy, Angela, Everett, Idalicio and I loaded up in Randy's little Fiat and headed to Malahdor to meet with the church there. Today, 9 members were present and we met in a school room they use. Everyone there was related to each other so we joked about it being a real church "family." Afterwards, we were invited to Senor Antonio's house and farm. He grows a root that they make flour from and use in many foods. The root is poisonous unless processed properly so I was able to see their setup. It is not very mechanized and during their harvest, they work from 5am to 7pm 5 days a week. I was also able to see a kaju (cashew) tree. I had forgotten that cashews were also poisonous until processed. I ate jocku fruit (not so great) and watermelon (not very sweet) and saw many beautiful plants and other fruit trees. They insisted we stay for dinner and were so hospitable.
Driving to Malahdor and back, I saw more poverty. Small, small homes with dirt floors and drapes for doors. It is sad to see the conditions so many live in yet the Brazilians seem to be fairly enterprising people and ever friendly.
We are finishing the night with Everett and an exploding shower door. As he was getting out of the shower, the door shattered and glass is everywhere including in his hands and arms. It is quite a mess and we are waiting for someone to come up - hopefully someone we can communicate with.
I am worn out after today but have been edified. I thank God for this time. It is hard for me and my family at home but it is a tremendous time that strengthens my faith and my desire to serve the Almighty.
Sunday (Part 1)
We are preparing to head out for church in just a little while. Yesterday was spent with Randy in meetings discussing the past experience and future plans for the church. It was a good day but we have so much more to do. Today is packed with church (I'm teaching class and Everett is preaching), a graduation ceremony for students from the School of the Bible, a lunch with small group leaders at the church and then we head off to Malyador (about an hour away) for church service and time visiting with the people at that church. Malyador is a church that grew from the work at the School of the Bible and has even hosted a School of the Bible class in their church.
None of these buildings have a/c so I am praying that I will make through without too much trouble. I saw another Santa at the Jardins mall last night. The material for his outfit was odd looking but I think something to help keep him cooler.
I hated to hear the Eagles lost Friday in such a heartbreaker. I wanted the team to win but especially hoped good things for my friend Kyle. He's a great guy with an incredible heart and I hurt for him. Boyd won so we will be following one team a bit deeper into the playoffs. It must be good luck from the waterboy!
I'll try to write more tonight when we get back.
None of these buildings have a/c so I am praying that I will make through without too much trouble. I saw another Santa at the Jardins mall last night. The material for his outfit was odd looking but I think something to help keep him cooler.
I hated to hear the Eagles lost Friday in such a heartbreaker. I wanted the team to win but especially hoped good things for my friend Kyle. He's a great guy with an incredible heart and I hurt for him. Boyd won so we will be following one team a bit deeper into the playoffs. It must be good luck from the waterboy!
I'll try to write more tonight when we get back.
Saturday, November 18, 2006
Christmas in Brazil
We arrived yesterday very tired and weary. About 20 members of the church were awaiting us at the airport when we arrived. It was great to see their smiling faces and receive their welcoming hugs. The ever-present language barrier is overcome through the looks on their faces and the warm feeling you receive from them.
We got to the hotel, unloaded our things and grabbed some lunch at the mall. I didn't expect to see Santa wandering around but there he was. The mall is ringed with icicle lights on the outside which is a little humorous considering the weather here now (hot and humid). We finally got some sleep which was a wonderful thing.
Today we begin meeting with Randy spending time evaluating what has happened over the past 4 years and where we go from here. It will be long days of discussion, thought and prayer. We will also meet with the Ledbetters and some of the church members during the week. Tomorrow we will meet for church and also go to Malyador to meet with another small congregation that has been started through the efforts in Aracaju.
Keep us in your prayers.
We got to the hotel, unloaded our things and grabbed some lunch at the mall. I didn't expect to see Santa wandering around but there he was. The mall is ringed with icicle lights on the outside which is a little humorous considering the weather here now (hot and humid). We finally got some sleep which was a wonderful thing.
Today we begin meeting with Randy spending time evaluating what has happened over the past 4 years and where we go from here. It will be long days of discussion, thought and prayer. We will also meet with the Ledbetters and some of the church members during the week. Tomorrow we will meet for church and also go to Malyador to meet with another small congregation that has been started through the efforts in Aracaju.
Keep us in your prayers.
Wednesday, November 15, 2006
We Ride at Sun-up
I've always enjoyed westerns and always like hearing the lines like I used in the title. If you know me though, you know I avoid riding at sun up whenever possible. Fortunately, we fly out around 3:00 tomorrow afternoon which gives me a little time to pack in the morning (because I just can't seem to get it all together yet) and have lunch with my wife before getting to the airport.
Today is 40-something and rainy. I'm going to 90 and humid. It's two different worlds, two different languages and cultures but we are there to be focused on one thing. I am looking forward to being with Randy and so many others in Aracaju who made a profound impact on me. At the same time, I am sad to be leaving my family behind even for a week.
I will do my best to blog a little while I'm there. We will mainly spend our time in meetings so it won't be too exciting but I'll try to keep you posted.
Keep praying!
Today is 40-something and rainy. I'm going to 90 and humid. It's two different worlds, two different languages and cultures but we are there to be focused on one thing. I am looking forward to being with Randy and so many others in Aracaju who made a profound impact on me. At the same time, I am sad to be leaving my family behind even for a week.
I will do my best to blog a little while I'm there. We will mainly spend our time in meetings so it won't be too exciting but I'll try to keep you posted.
Keep praying!
Tuesday, November 14, 2006
The Mind is A Terrible Thing To Waste
I had a good idea for a blog last night and really, really wish I could remember what it is today. It's just gone. I had crafted the blog in my mind and today, "poof", there is nothing there blog worthy.
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Basketball starts tonight. I'm coaching several 5th graders and the intensity level goes up a few notches. The rules are almost like real basketball with full court presses, steals anywhere on the court and all the fun stuff. We are behind some of our counterparts on practice time so it will be interesting to see how we progress. It's also the first year that we don't have to play all players equal amounts. I'm wrestling with that as I want to let everyone play and grow but I also want to be competitive and win a few.
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Just a couple of days until flying off to Brazil. Keep Everett and me in your prayers please.
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Chili dog man, consider that while my arms may seem shorter than yours, my shoulders are also 4 inches or so above yours. I realize I need 5 foot long arms to appease you but it's just not practical.
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Basketball starts tonight. I'm coaching several 5th graders and the intensity level goes up a few notches. The rules are almost like real basketball with full court presses, steals anywhere on the court and all the fun stuff. We are behind some of our counterparts on practice time so it will be interesting to see how we progress. It's also the first year that we don't have to play all players equal amounts. I'm wrestling with that as I want to let everyone play and grow but I also want to be competitive and win a few.
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Just a couple of days until flying off to Brazil. Keep Everett and me in your prayers please.
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Chili dog man, consider that while my arms may seem shorter than yours, my shoulders are also 4 inches or so above yours. I realize I need 5 foot long arms to appease you but it's just not practical.
Monday, November 13, 2006
Love and War
Yesterday's Bible study was the parable of the good Samaritan, a story we've all heard. As I heard it again, I thought of it as story that I know and love but easily forget as I approach the world. Do I really stop to help my neighbor? Sure, I'd stop and help my Christian brother...if I don't have anything else planned. Sure, I'll help the guy across the street...if it wasn't raining. Sure, I'll help the individual who would do me harm...if I didn't hope some bad things would happen to him.
The story starts with the greatest command, to love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength. The second is like it, love your neighbor as yourself.
I am constantly reminded, because of my own failings, that if I were to show the love that I receive from God to those around me, the world would be an infinitely better place. What if everyone showed each other the love God shows us? What if everyone showed the patience and forgiveness that God shows us? Would we harbor ill feelings against people who have wrong us? Would we be more thoughtful of those who need us? Would our hearts feel more peace and our actions show more joy?
God, give me the strength to love like you love, to be patient as you are patient and to forgive like you forgive. Give me the courage to be more like Christ every moment.
The story starts with the greatest command, to love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength. The second is like it, love your neighbor as yourself.
I am constantly reminded, because of my own failings, that if I were to show the love that I receive from God to those around me, the world would be an infinitely better place. What if everyone showed each other the love God shows us? What if everyone showed the patience and forgiveness that God shows us? Would we harbor ill feelings against people who have wrong us? Would we be more thoughtful of those who need us? Would our hearts feel more peace and our actions show more joy?
God, give me the strength to love like you love, to be patient as you are patient and to forgive like you forgive. Give me the courage to be more like Christ every moment.
Friday, November 10, 2006
The Journey
For some reason I haven't been able to log on for two days. Technology can be very frustrating.
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My trip to Brazil is rapidly approaching as I keep thinking of and forgetting things I need to do before leaving. Please keep me in your prayers that I will navigate the next few days with some level of sanity, that the trip will be safe and most of all, that God will be glorified in Brazil with the work we do.
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I've been reflecting of late about another journey I am making. I grew up "in church" and have always known God and what I should do yet looking back, I feel like I only knew those things at an intellectual level and did not experience it at an emotional and spiritual level. Over the past few years, I think I have truly come to know God much more intimately. It has been a journey that has led me to more peace, more hope and more understanding for how loving God is if we allow Him to live in us and through us. I now know and feel God's mercy and grace for a sinner like me and I feel it at the core of my being.
I know my journey has miles and miles to go yet they are miles I look forward to traveling with great anticipation.
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My trip to Brazil is rapidly approaching as I keep thinking of and forgetting things I need to do before leaving. Please keep me in your prayers that I will navigate the next few days with some level of sanity, that the trip will be safe and most of all, that God will be glorified in Brazil with the work we do.
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I've been reflecting of late about another journey I am making. I grew up "in church" and have always known God and what I should do yet looking back, I feel like I only knew those things at an intellectual level and did not experience it at an emotional and spiritual level. Over the past few years, I think I have truly come to know God much more intimately. It has been a journey that has led me to more peace, more hope and more understanding for how loving God is if we allow Him to live in us and through us. I now know and feel God's mercy and grace for a sinner like me and I feel it at the core of my being.
I know my journey has miles and miles to go yet they are miles I look forward to traveling with great anticipation.
Tuesday, November 07, 2006
The Two
Thanks to Rick and Dennis for your comments. I appreciate your thoughts.
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Today is election day (unless you voted last week like I did) and tonight I'm sitting in front of the TV waiting for the results. I've been very interested in politics over the last few years and even had a buried interest at one time of being a participant in the process. Over the last two or three years, I have become jaded to the process and have lost a great deal of trust in people who are in the political arena. I've seen good people who I feel gave in to pressure from bigger interests and I've seen others who have left the arena before giving in. Until there is a major change in how the campaign process works, I don't think there will ever be an improvement in the political landscape.
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I get to come home tomorrow. Two nights away is about all I can take. I'm thankful for my wife and her ability to keep everything going when I'm away. I hope my children behave extra good when I'm gone and am thankful when they do. I miss being home and look forward to being there sometime tomorrow.
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Today is election day (unless you voted last week like I did) and tonight I'm sitting in front of the TV waiting for the results. I've been very interested in politics over the last few years and even had a buried interest at one time of being a participant in the process. Over the last two or three years, I have become jaded to the process and have lost a great deal of trust in people who are in the political arena. I've seen good people who I feel gave in to pressure from bigger interests and I've seen others who have left the arena before giving in. Until there is a major change in how the campaign process works, I don't think there will ever be an improvement in the political landscape.
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I get to come home tomorrow. Two nights away is about all I can take. I'm thankful for my wife and her ability to keep everything going when I'm away. I hope my children behave extra good when I'm gone and am thankful when they do. I miss being home and look forward to being there sometime tomorrow.
Monday, November 06, 2006
Big Times in Bell County
Tonight at dinner I was sitting next to two ladies who were excited about an event they were going to later in the evening. I couldn't figure out who they were going to see but heard them eagerly discuss where their seats were, how many people would be there and so on.
On the way back to my motel (I'm in lovely Salado tonight), I passed the Bell County Expo and saw that Joel Osteen was speaking tonight. He was the object of their excitement and anticipation for a great evening. They were prepared to hear the good news and were obviously excited about the opportunity but as I drove by, I wondered what good news they would here. Would they hear the good news that there sins have been covered by the blood of the Savior, that life is not about us but about serving God and others or would they hear the good news that if they believe in Christ good things will happen in their lives?
Too often I hear people try to put the "pretty" spin on their love for Jesus...that they love Him, He loves them and everything will be good. More often I wish I heard the real story...that our churches are full of people who have battled drugs and alcohol, service to self, sexual sins, pride and hatred and all the other tools the devil uses against us. What would it be like if we all had to wear our signs of struggle at church instead of putting on our pretty clothes and looking right? Would we be more broken, more humble, more open to the beauty of grace and mercy?
These TV evangelists scare me because I wonder what their message is really doing to people. At the same time, the facade we maintain around those we know, those we worship with and those we love scares me too. Would it help someone if they knew they faced the same struggles I face or that someone else faces? Would it help if they knew the pretty church building was really a place that could deal with the ugly face of sin?
I hope those two ladies will really know Christ and the love He has for them. I hope they will know that people struggle just like they struggle and knowing the love of Christ doesn't mean their problems will all go away. I hope they know that whatever trouble the face today will mean nothing if they will let the blood of Christ cover them and receive the promise of an eternity unlike anything imaginable. I hope they will know the true Good News.
On the way back to my motel (I'm in lovely Salado tonight), I passed the Bell County Expo and saw that Joel Osteen was speaking tonight. He was the object of their excitement and anticipation for a great evening. They were prepared to hear the good news and were obviously excited about the opportunity but as I drove by, I wondered what good news they would here. Would they hear the good news that there sins have been covered by the blood of the Savior, that life is not about us but about serving God and others or would they hear the good news that if they believe in Christ good things will happen in their lives?
Too often I hear people try to put the "pretty" spin on their love for Jesus...that they love Him, He loves them and everything will be good. More often I wish I heard the real story...that our churches are full of people who have battled drugs and alcohol, service to self, sexual sins, pride and hatred and all the other tools the devil uses against us. What would it be like if we all had to wear our signs of struggle at church instead of putting on our pretty clothes and looking right? Would we be more broken, more humble, more open to the beauty of grace and mercy?
These TV evangelists scare me because I wonder what their message is really doing to people. At the same time, the facade we maintain around those we know, those we worship with and those we love scares me too. Would it help someone if they knew they faced the same struggles I face or that someone else faces? Would it help if they knew the pretty church building was really a place that could deal with the ugly face of sin?
I hope those two ladies will really know Christ and the love He has for them. I hope they will know that people struggle just like they struggle and knowing the love of Christ doesn't mean their problems will all go away. I hope they know that whatever trouble the face today will mean nothing if they will let the blood of Christ cover them and receive the promise of an eternity unlike anything imaginable. I hope they will know the true Good News.
Friday, November 03, 2006
Community
I spent part of last night at the multi-purpose building listening to a music program done by the 5th grade. As I sat and looked around the room, I was struck by how many people I know because of my children. Being sociable does not come natural to me. Most of the time, I rather be left alone to enjoy peace and solitude. Thankfully, there are drivers that get me up and in front of people from time to time and I have found over the last several years that my kids and their activities are often the biggest instigator of putting me in front of people. I wasn't suprised by the number of people I knew last night as much as I was floored by the amount of people I have the opportunity to make an impact on and began to wonder what kind of impact I make. I also realized how many people I had a "Hi, how are you? Great and you?" relationship with, a surface level relationship where the only thing we may have in common is that our kids are at the same place at the same time.
I pray God will help me be an influencer for Him in peoples lives. I pray that they will see through my faults and failings and know that behind all the facades I put up, they will see that God's will is my purpose and that they will be drawn to Him. I pray also that each day I will live more like God wants me to live. I pray that for you too.
I pray God will help me be an influencer for Him in peoples lives. I pray that they will see through my faults and failings and know that behind all the facades I put up, they will see that God's will is my purpose and that they will be drawn to Him. I pray also that each day I will live more like God wants me to live. I pray that for you too.
Thursday, November 02, 2006
Lovely Day
I enjoy the cold weather. Today isn't all that cold but it's better than it has been. I look forward to winter every year and while the fall and spring are nice, I'd like just a bit more winter than what we get around here.
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Two weeks from today I'll be leaving for Brazil. I'm excited but not completely ready either. It's a busy time of the year and a hard time to be gone. I'm looking forward to my time there though and ask for your prayers that it will be profitable time spent building up the kingdom and that we will have safe travels.
I come home Thanksgiving morning and know that I have, and will have, much to be thankful for.
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Two weeks from today I'll be leaving for Brazil. I'm excited but not completely ready either. It's a busy time of the year and a hard time to be gone. I'm looking forward to my time there though and ask for your prayers that it will be profitable time spent building up the kingdom and that we will have safe travels.
I come home Thanksgiving morning and know that I have, and will have, much to be thankful for.
Wednesday, November 01, 2006
Dancing With Emmitt
We've been watching Dancing With The Stars and are cheering for Emmitt Smith to win the prized trophy. While some of the dances and costumes are a bit provocative, I get caught up in the effort and time these people are putting into this contest. It's obviously no easy feat to perform one of these dance routines yet several of the contestants do so well week after week while still carrying on a somewhat norml routine for their lives.
I'm often impressed by people who display great dedication to something they are passionate about. Professional athletes are the easy example of people who have to spend time and effort perfecting themselves and their trade. One example works with some of the youngsters on our baseball team each week. He is up at 5:00 for his first workout of the day and has a second one mid-afternoon. He lifts weights, runs, does yoga and is careful about what he eats. It's a 7 day-a-week process for him.
I hope, as a Christian, I can have the same focus and dedication.
I'm often impressed by people who display great dedication to something they are passionate about. Professional athletes are the easy example of people who have to spend time and effort perfecting themselves and their trade. One example works with some of the youngsters on our baseball team each week. He is up at 5:00 for his first workout of the day and has a second one mid-afternoon. He lifts weights, runs, does yoga and is careful about what he eats. It's a 7 day-a-week process for him.
I hope, as a Christian, I can have the same focus and dedication.
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