Verse of the Day

“And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ,” (Philippians 1:9-10)

What if every day was spent making our love abound? What if we were both givers and receivers of abounding love? Imagine satan waking up everyday to find a world filled with abounding love. What a hoot. I can see him jumping into a pig and running off down the hill into the lake and drowning himself because that is what happens to sin in the presence of abounding love.

Dictionary.com defines abounding as to occur or exist in great quantities or numbers. Does your love abound? Mine does...for seconds at a time and then its back to the routine of the day but what if...what if my I shared abounding love in every interaction and action? I think I would look a lot more like Jesus and I think sin would flee from me instead of lurk around trying to take hold of me.

What would happen if the people we have conflicts with were met by our abounding love? What would happen if our enemies were met with abounding love?

I'm asking a lot of "what if" questions because I don't know what it would look like from past experience but I am praying today that I will exhibit that type of love more and more. I want to look more like Jesus and less like my old self. I'm asking a lot of "what if" questions because this blog is written to me and it is something I want to work on in my life.

Grace and peace to you.

A Slow Mental Day

I think I'm just about wiped out. Too little sleep can do that to a person.

The Rangers lost their last home game of the year. I've said it before and will say it again...they did more than anyone expected and have stayed in the hunt until the final games. It's been a fun year. There's nothing like going to a September game and seeing the stadium full and hearing the crowd cheer. I hope there is more of it next year.

The Cowboys play tonight. Go Panthers. OK, I really don't care who wins and I won't be watching. I'm having dinner and catching movie with a great friend.

A cool front (it wasn't cold) was blowing in this morning when I left the house. I love it!

To my golfer friend, I did see Phil-the-Lefty won the tournament this weekend. All is right (or left) with the world!

What's up with Iran? Are they provoking a fight? People are crazy.

That's all I've got today.

Grace and peace to you.

It's Crazy Out There

3 terrorist plots thwarted yesterday. I'm glad the Feds caught up with these guys but I don't believe they can catch all of them. Yesterday's efforts indicate to me that we can expect more carnage and maybe sooner than any of us care to think about.

This is one of those moments where I really wonder what God is thinking. I do believe he will use any situation for his glory but this is one of those deals where I cannot think out-of-the-box enough to imagine how he will use terrorists activities. Just for the record, I'm all for sending a legion of angels down to put a whooping on the terrorists but go back to what I have stated before; I want to worship a God who thinks bigger than me and sees more than me. I've offered my opinions plenty of times and occasionally I was aligned with him enough that I got what I wanted but I think these terrorists issues are going to take a bigger view and mind than what I can offer God. Still, I might mention to him the legion of angels idea...
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It kills me to see the Rangers lose to the A's. OK, it hasn't killed me but I rather see them close out the year beating teams they should beat. I wonder if they are interested in listening to my ideas?
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The Cowboys play Monday. My only interest is that Marion Barber is one of my fantasy football running backs. Get well Marion!
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It's a sports weekend at our house and I can't be in 2 places at once. I hate weekends like this because I don't want to miss either child doing their thing.
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God is so good. Wednesday night, we sang In Christ Alone, a song I have come to love and cherish. My hope is not in people, not in things but in Christ alone. Anyone/anything else will fail me. Christ will not.

Grace and peace to you.

Taking Up For Tony

What's up with all the Romo bashing? He's got a great win-loss record overall. His stats to date give him the 3rd best QB historical rating. He comes out and plays every week in what has to be one of the most dysfunctional organizations in football. Give him Aikman's offense and I bet he does really well but give him a blindside offensive tackle who has to trip people, receivers who are nutcases or battling to stay off the development squad and coaches who are picked by a non-football guy who wants it to be all about him and I think Romo does well.

Is he a superstar? No. No doubt he has to win in December and January to reach that level but run through the names of the most previous Cowboy quarterbacks and tell me who you want. Quincy Carter? I think he was the last QB to lead them to a playoff game before Romo.

I'll take my chances with Romo until Jerry brings in the next Staubach/Aikman.
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I taught the youth class last night using the song The Motions by Matthew West as the topic. I love that song and I hope I did a good job sharing what God can do with people who are broken to his will.

I love the line "I don't want to have to spend my whole life asking, what if I had given everything?" I don't do a good job giving God everything every day. I still get caught up focusing on me but I have great joy when I can feel that I am turning my life, my thoughts, my decisions and my actions over to God.

I hope you will listen to the song if you have never heard it. There is power in the breaking and the pain that come with giving yourself over to God and realizing he is all there is, he is all that counts, he is everything you need or should want. The pain isn't always fun but the growing closer to God that comes from it is not just fun, it is pure joy.

Grace and peace to you.

Sometimes Theft Works

Crazy title, huh?

I stole today's post from Beverly Ross' blog.

The more estranged our relationship with God, the greater our emotional expectations of people. The greater our emotional expectations of people, the more difficult life is; the greater emotional pain we live in, the more difficult we are to live with. (by Rod Pruitt)

There's not much I can add to that other to suggest re-reading with a spin of the closer we are to God, the less we rely on people and the greater our joy.

Grace and peace to you.

Earning

Romans 15:7

I heard a comment yesterday that I have come to have a dim view of. "They will have to earn my respect." You can also substitute "trust" for "respect" and I have the same dim view of what that means.

Respect and trust is given, not earned. We have developed this notion that we have to earn respect/trust/money/salvation but God has showed time and time again these things are given.

If respect and the rest are to be earned, what is the standard? The answer is whatever each individual wants the standard to be and all that does is put each individual in the position of being judge and jury. However, if respect and the rest are to be given, what is the standard? Simply to give.

The guy I work for can quit paying me at any time he wants. There is nothing I do to earn my position, my status or my salary. Sure, he may have given me those things because of what I have done but he chooses to give. I think I have worked hard enough to earn a bazillion dollars but he chooses what to give me. There is a parable in the Bible that tells a story similar to what I'm saying. One guy worked all day, another just a short time and they both got paid the same. The owner of the field is the decider of what to give.

I have been guilty of being the judge on what someone needs to do to earn my trust and respect. I hope going forward I will simply accept people as children of God, even when they hurt me in their actions, knowing that there is nothing I can do to earn my forgiveness or to earn my salvation. It was given to me freely. Why should I give less?

Grace and peace to you.

Monday Mish Mash

I hate sinus headaches.

Johnny Knox looks like the real deal. He's the speedster running down the sidelines for the Chicago Bears catching touchdown passes and formerly of ACU.

I don't hate the Cowboys, I just don't care for the Cowboys and it must be Jerry. I like Romo, Roy Williams, Witten, Barber, Felix Jones, Brookings, Ware and Jason Garrett. I thought losing the home opener at JerryWorld was humorous but didn't really care if they lost or won. I don't dislike Jerry (being that I don't know him), I just don't care for some of the decisions I see and it affects how I feel about the team I think.

There was something I kept seeing last night that irritates me. It's nothing new but when defensive players make a tackle and then act like it just saved the game winning score as they go running down the field or dancing around. Guys, you get paid to make tackles! I wish they had to do some walk of shame every time they get beat if they are going to boogie down every time they tackle someone. Or maybe they should have to watch all their little celebrations with the final score flashing in the background. They may be great guys but their actions irritate me when they do that.

The Horns made it a little too close against Tech but still won. Mack kept it in perspective after the game saying he wanted them to play perfect at the end of the season, not the beginning. Still, I bet he wishes they were playing a little closer to perfect. :)

I went to the Rangers game Saturday night after playing catch in the outfield with my son and catching a Mercy Me concert before the game. It was a thrilling ending to a season that is quickly coming to a close. While they aren't mathematically eliminated yet, they lost yesterday and it pretty well put the final nail in the coffin for the year. That said, I've never had more anticipation for next year. The stadium was packed Saturday night and the roar of the crowd when Andrus turned the double play was electric.

I get the privilege of teaching the youth class Wednesday night and I'm using the song "The Motions" by Matthew West as the springboard for the lesson. If you haven't heard the song, go to his web site or YouTube and listen to it. Great stuff.

Grace and peace to you.

This Crazy Place We Live

The Texas Rangers. Need I say more? Offense has never been a problem. It's a problem now.

I'm curious why Michael Vick generates more outrage in our country than the guy in California who kept the girl hostage in his backyard and had 2 kids with her.

I do not condone or have any interest in what Vick was involved in but these animal rights activists are off-the-rails.

I still can't comprehend why we have not apprehended Osama Bin Laden.

I've seen how government funded health care works from the back office and the thought of our government (regardless of who is in office) running health care is disgusting.

I'm ready for the Republicans (and all politicians) to get off their high horse and get to work. If I recall correctly, Bush was in office when the government started handing out money. It was a bad idea then.

I think I met the next U.S. Senator for Texas this week. I had the opportunity to have a face-to-face meeting with Roger Williams who is working to take Kay Bailey Hutchinson's seat when she resigns. I'm still skeptical of anyone running for public office but he's got my vote.

I'm headed back to torture (physical therapy) at the hands of a 4'11" young lady today. I think she likes seeing me grimace.

I was thinking last night about my past propensity to try and craft outcomes instead of allowing God to work in my life. I verbalized it last night this way; I do not want a God that I am an equal with, I want a God who is bigger than me. I do not want a God who can see what I can see. I want a God who can see far more than I can. I do not want a God who can imagine what I can imagine. I want a God who can imagine possibilities I never could. I want to worship a God who can do far more than I ever could and a God who can forgive far more than I ever could and a God who can love far more than I ever could and a God who will give me the strength to do all these things to a greater extent than I ever could on my own. That's the God I want and that is the God I worship today.

Grace and peace to you.

Piece of Clay

Yesterday was interesting. Up early for an FCA breakfast then a meeting with a candidate for U.S. Senate, a little work and then to the beating of the Rangers. Some days are more interesting than others and some certainly end with better results than last night but the time with special people was truly enjoyed.
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I haven't heard the song yet but there are lyrics I ran across today from a Marvin Gaye song, "Pieces of Clay" and I thought they were so true.

Don't you see that's what wrong
With the world today
Everybody wants somebody
To be their own piece of clay

We are supposed to be the clay. We are supposed to be the one who is being molded by the Creator. I don't know what he is going to make with me. I can't envision the final work but the artist has a plan.

I get caught up wanting to know the plan, interject my desires in the plan, create the path for the plan to follow. I want to be the molder instead of the molded. I think I can see outcomes and what they will be like and I try to control things I can't control.

God, remind me that I am the clay and you are the artist. Remind me that your imagination and your vision is greater than anything I can see or envision. Shape me and help me to remember that your hands create beauty and perfection and if I just allow you to work in me, I will be a part of that beauty and perfection.

Grace and peace to you.

Sports Weekend

I'm dealing with mindless things today because I can't break down what's on my mind for a blog post yet. Just warning you.

How about Kim Clijsters? Off the tennis circuit for a couple of years to have a child and then comes back to win the US Open. Way to go mom!

Was it Venus or Serena (I can't keep up) that went on a verbal tirade against an umpire at the US Open? It's going to cost her some moolah but I wonder if it will hurt her reputation. She was mad, no doubt about that.

I don't understand the Rangers. The beat the Angels and Yankees and fold against the Mariners. Granted they are young. Granted they haven't been in a playoff race before. Granted it rained alot and the winds blew from the east and yada, yada, yada. Pitching is breaking down and as it goes, so goes the playoff hopes.

As much as I want to see the Rangers make it to the World Series, it doesn't look like this is the year but I still repeat what I have said before. Last year, I couldn't give away tickets to a Rangers game in August, much less September. This year, people still want to buy them. It's been a fun year.

Is Romo the greatest QB ever? OK, just kidding. I had the game on yesterday but I'm not sure I watched 10 plays the whole game. I've really lost interest in cheering for the Cowboys and, I guess, pro football in general. The media has as much to do with it as anybody because I get so tired of hearing the writers and announcers griping/chastising/self-righteous rants. I'll realign my cheering to the Chargers and Broncos and maybe the Bears. I like Chicago's coach, middle linebacker and history but their QB is flaky.

I'm playing fantasy football for free with a bunch of people from a random group on the ESPN site. My QB...Jay Cutler, the flaky Chicago QB. Nothing like 4 interceptions to wind up on the bench.

Did you hear Michael Jordan's HOF induction speech? I didn't but read some excerpts and if the tone of his speech was as bad as the reading made it sound, MJ fell several notches in my book.

The rain has been really nice. It means mowing again but that's a small price to pay for a little coolness and moisture.

As I wrap up, something I always thought I would mention and haven't is why I started ending my blog the way I do. I was listening to a sermon podcast one day while mowing and the preacher ended with "grace and peace to you." I can't explain it but felt a calmness come over me as I thought about what he said. So, I end my blog with that refrain not so much for the reader but for the writer. I hope it brings something good into your life. I know it brings something good into mine.

Grace and peace to you.

I Remember

I remember this day 8 years ago. I remember someone coming in saying a plane had flown into one of the towers and thinking how bizarre that was. I remember turning on the TV and watching as another plane flew into the other tower. I remember sitting in a meeting and hearing bits and pieces of information and watching TV that night catching up on all that had happened.

September 11, 2001 was a tragic day. It was a day that will be in our minds forever. It was a day where people lost their loved ones and friends. It was and continues to be a day that pushed this country and others to go into battle.

Not to take anything away from 9/11 but I cannot help but think how incensed people become talking about that day and wondering why more people are not incensed about an innocent man being hung on a cross and the answer slaps me across the face. On 9/11, something was done to us. On the day of Jesus death, something was done for us. One leaves us ready to act, to fight, because someone hates us while the other leaves us able to do nothing because God loves us. One death brought us suffering while the other death was caused by us.

I want to do a better job remembering the debt that was paid for me. I want to honor God through what I do today. I cannot change what happened yesterday or the other days that are gone but I can honor God today.

I pray for the people who lost someone on 9/11, for their wounds and for their hearts and I pray for myself, for my heart and for what I will open it to today.

Grace and peace to you.

And be thankful.

Colossians 3:15 is stuck in my head this morning. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. (all emphasis mine)

I was called to peace yet much of my life I haven't lived in peace but in turmoil; turmoil created by my desire to do everything and know everything and set everyone else straight. Life events have brought me to the point where I have realized that not only am I incapable of doing everything right but the effort was creating turmoil in my heart and blocking me from hearing God. The peace of Christ didn't come from the fact that he was God or that he was perfect. Instead, it came because he listened to God and sought to do God's will in everything he did. I have started to learn something from that and through what could be tumultuous times, I have found peace.

But it doesn't end there. And be thankful. It is an idea both combined with the previous and stands unto itself. And be thankful. Thankful for the hard times? Thankful for the good times? Thankful for my job, my family, my church? Today, for me, it is simply being thankful for Christ and the peace I can have through him. Thankful that he cleared the path to my relationship with God for eternity. Under the umbrella of that thankfulness I can surely be thankful for everything else in my life but it's God and the Christ that are the pinnacle of what brings me peace and what I am thankful for.

And be thankful.

Grace and peace to you.

Elvis Sighting

Elvis Andrus, the youngster the Rangers brought in to play shortstop while asking a Gold Glove'r to move to 3rd was the #3 Play of the Day on ESPN this morning. Two incredible plays against the Indians and it's little wonder why the Rangers wanted him at short this year.

I did get an email showing an old trailer with Elvis and Michael Jackson hanging out together. Funny in a weird way.

I always want to spell weird with the i before the e.

I read this yesterday in an email I get from Os Hillman:
"When our concern for serving Jesus exceeds our need to be with Jesus, we are in danger of focusing on the lesser thing. The hardest thing to do for most workplace believers is to sit and listen. It is easier to do." A good reminder for me to not live on the edges - either doing too much or too little and not living in the middle, listening and learning what my Lord wants to lead me.

Grace and peace to you.

Laboring on Labor Day

Retail never sleeps. It's very slow at times though and I'm thinking today will be one of those days. I'm in to get some stuff prepared for meetings tomorrow and then I am headed to Jerry World to watch some high school football and take in the monstrosity in Arlington.
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It's striking how many people have developed their intimate, passionate love of God through hard times. I know a lot of people who say they love God and put him first but most of the people I know who truly long to be a disciple of God have had to hit a very low spot in their life. In my own experience, it's because I wanted to be in control and call on God to lend a hand. It's really goes deeper than that though. It really goes to where my heart was and what was driving me.

I am praying today that I open my heart to God's workings, that I am broken of my desires and filled with his desires for me and that my thoughts, my actions and my words will come from him through his spirit that is in me.

Grace and peace to you.

Friday Night Lights

Friday night football cranks up in Decatur, Texas tonight.

I'm hoping to get away from a bit of work on Monday and head over to see some high school football at the new monstrosity in Arlington. I'm thinking it's the cheapest way I'll get in to see a game in the stadium!

I watched a bit of the Boise State-Oregon game last night. It's weird watching a game on that blue field. Go Broncos! One Oregon player started throwing punches at players and fans after the game. Think any other teams will try to get in his head?

The Horns are getting ready to start the national championship run against some powerhouse school in Louisiana (West Monroe or something like that - not LSU). People complain about big schools playing cream puffs but a) a playoff system would remedy teams avoiding big games early and b) it's not the Longhorns fault that other big schools are afraid to play them.

Colt McCoy should win the Heisman...just because I like him if for no other reason.

I interviewed 3 people for a sales position in one of our stores yesterday. Two of them talked about Christian books they were reading and their faith. That surprised me a little.

A good friend reminded me yesterday that God doesn't move. We don't have to wander around searching for Him because He stays in the same place. It's easy for us to seek Him and find Him if we want to. He also reminded me that God has prepared us for battle and we must be willing and ready to fight when the battle comes to us. I always enjoy good friends and good conversations.

Grace and peace to you.

Good and Bad

The Rangers won the last 3 against Toronto and still have a good shot in the division and wild card races. They have several games coming up against the Angels...who knows what might happen?
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I feel like I'm in a desert-place with God right now. I don't want to be and desperately want to find my way back but it's difficult for some reason. I feel disconnected but don't want to be disconnected. It's frustrating. I hope to find my way out...and soon.
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I love the Psalms. Reading David's struggles reminds me that anything I go through, good or bad, has happened to someone before and reading David's thoughts encourage me to revel in good times with God and trust deeply in Him in the bad times.
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I have been blessed with some incredible people in my life. I hope I make sure they know it.
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A waiter told me an off-color joke at lunch today. It was in poor taste and offensive but it caught me off guard and I couldn't figure out how to respond.

I remain disappointed in the jokes and emails I continue to hear about the current President. It simply reminds me many people will spend their days complaining while a few will spend their days doing. I hope I'll be a doer.
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I think Thursday will be a good day.
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Grace and peace to you.

Tough Night

I went to the Rangers game last night. OUCH. It started ugly, got better and ended ugly.

They lost 2 of 3 in Minnesota and got off to a BAD start last night. I want to see how they bounce back...if they bounce back. They are still 4 games out of the Wild Card race so the hope remains they can pull it off. It's been a great year and I hope it goes a little further.
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Tough nights and days come for all of us. They are never pleasant, never wanted or welcomed but they come just the same. We learn much about ourselves in our response to those times.
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I think I have mentioned my new habit of listening to sermons while I mow. It has made mowing something I look forward to because it is a period of filling myself with a message from God and it has given me insights into so many areas I want to know more about.

One of the concepts that I keep hearing is the idea of discipleship. I have grown up going to church and have experienced the idea that people need to be there but not much was done to take the church to the people. That seems to be shifting also as the idea of being a disciple continues to move ahead. I look forward to the day when Christians are simply known for their love - through their compassion and service to others - instead of by their denominational moniker or their disputes and I look forward to a day when I am more representative of a disciple of Jesus than I am today.
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Grace and peace to you.