Crazy

What would you think if someone walked up and handed you a check for $1,000,000 today? What if they drove you up to a beautiful house and handed you the keys? What if they led you out the front door and presented you with a brand new Corvette? How about a coupon that will allow you and anyone you want to take to travel anywhere in the world whenever you want to go? How would you feel? I think I would have to wonder what I did to get such a gift for free and why they would give me something so expensive just because they wanted to. I'm not sure I would have the words to express how grateful I was. Even more, what if they gave me something more valuable than the check, the house, the car, the travel or anything else you can think of? What if they gave you a gift that is impossible for anyone else to give you? How would you feel then?

“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9)

Grace and peace to you.

The End

What do you think of when you think about "the end?"

I was reading an article recently discussing the end of life from two perspectives. One was that the end of life was full of sorrow and depression. Time lost, things not done, life not fulfilled. The other perspective was one of excitement and newness. Claiming the reward, joy and rejoicing.

I won't pretend to know all the answers but people who lose themselves in alcoholism, drug addiction, hedonism, over-eating/spending/indulging, lost in depression...surely they do not comprehend the love God has for them. I have to imagine their vision is very short-sighted and they do not see or understand or believe where the end of this life can lead them.

I have been one of those people, knowing there was a heaven but not understanding my claim to it, certainly not grasping God's feelings for me but now that I do, I'm willing to live out this life trying to follow God's will but I truly look forward to the end of this life because of what has and will be given to me by the Father.

This world, this life, is not as good as it gets...not even close. I will wait but I continue to look forward to my eternity with excitement.

Grace and peace to you.

More Randomness

Crazy days in Afghanistan and Pakistan. I certainly don't understand the mind of a suicide bomber.

Hypothetically speaking...a suicide bomber heads to his target thinking he will end up in a place surrounded by a bunch of virgins or something like that. The bomb explodes and then he wakes up and is greeted by more fire and a guy with horns and a tail (remember, this is hypothetical). What do you think goes through his mind then?

I wonder if President Obama is finding his promise of more dialogue and negotiation with these warring nations much harder than he thought. He won the Nobel Prize but I think that only impresses the intellectuals, not the street fighters. I'm not criticizing him, just wondering if it is tougher getting things done than he imagined.

I heard someone talking about where God was leading him and then talking about how he would kill someone who broke into his house. I still haven't reconciled those two topics.

I'm reading two books right now. One is about God's crazy love for us. The other is about a CIA operative is knocking off all the terrorists. I'm not sure I've reconciled my reading habits yet. :)

The first one, titled Crazy Love, has a chapter about lukewarm Christians and how to tell if you are one. One word came to mind as I read it...OUCH! The upside was most of the points that hurt are points I have been seeing and working on in myself.

I spent most of the evening listening to a missionary who wants the world to be saved...today. I love his passion and desire to share the good news with everyone. He encourages me and reminds me that I am also sent out - everyday - to work in the mission field. I'm trying to remind him that he couldn't do everything, at least he can't do it all at once. I'm not sure I'll do much to dissuade him from giving it a try.

I love people who love and live for God on a daily basis. They lift me up. I thank God for the people who are in my life who model this lifestyle for me.

Grace and peace to you.

Random Thoughts Day

I would like to be in a cabin in Colorado today.

I have mixed emotions about the people who received tickets for not speaking English in Dallas. If someone is going to drive and be subject to our laws, doesn't it seem important to speak the language of the laws in the event of an accident? On the other hand, I think I understood the ticket they received is not a law so I don't see how they can get a ticket for it.

I wonder what will happen with the Rangers next year. I wonder if Jim Zorn will stick it out all year in Washington. I wonder what it's like to make a lot of money but have little free time to enjoy it. I wonder what it's like to make a lot of money.

I wonder what it's like to live in poverty, to have spent a life with little or no support and little or no opportunity. I wonder why I was born in a land of opportunity while someone not so different from me was born in Darfur. I wonder what my responsibility at a kingdom level is to that guy.

Grace and peace to you.

Off The Road Again

I'm suggesting a new song title to Willie. I got plenty of driving in last week and I don't want anymore right now...especially in a pouring rain through road construction on I-35.

All the driving gave me time to pray and think. I did enjoy that time. It got my mind started on my 3rd book idea. Too many ideas, too little time. I might bang through some of the thoughts here in a few days but I'm weighing the comments I think it might illicit with my propensity to respond and then think about what I want to say.

My dad had some surgery last week. It's amazing what technology affords us these days but having surgery at 7:30 and being home at 12:30 still doesn't seem right. He's doing well and I cannot begin to express my thanksgiving for all the prayers lifted up for him and my family during this time. I had some people tell me they had friends in different towns who don't know us praying for dad. That is special.

Keep praying. Dad will get the pathology report back this week to find out what the next step is.

I watched a quarter of the Cowboys game yesterday and saw Romo's elusive move to get away from 4 defenders and still make a great play. The guy is a good QB but I think he's still rushing things. It looks like he is often throwing off his front foot. (Did I mention I'm a football analyst for the ACQBTV network - that's Armchair Quarterback for those of you not familiar with the station.)

I like Miles Austin so far. His expressions give me the impression he loves to play football just for the fun of it.

That's all for today.

Grace and peace to you.

Wandering Wondering

I posted a blog a few days ago about the Israelites wandering around for 40 years often questioning or forgetting who God is and what he had done for them. I get it. I wander around wondering what is going on and forget that God is sovereign, forgetting that he will lead me if I will let him, forgetting what he has done for me in the past because I'm thinking about what I want right now, forgetting about the promise that is ahead of me and losing focus on what is most important because I get focused on me.

It's so easy to get distracted. The Israelites didn't have easy access to TV, movies, sports, computers, cars, food and a million other things that might distract us today but they still got distracted. Maybe it was the lack of anything like that leaving too much time to think about themselves where I just dive into something that will take my mind off in a different direction from where it needs to be set.

Jeremy Camp sings a song that goes something like this - give me Jesus, give me Jesus. In the morning when I rise, give me Jesus. In the day when I'm all alone, give me Jesus. In the end, when I die, give me Jesus.

Grace and peace to you.

Peaceful Rain

I woke up to hear it raining and immediately my mood went south. I had a day planned with things to do this morning that required the rain to come in later like the weather guy told me it would yesterday morning. On top of that, I'm just kind of tired of the rain and would like a little more sunshine. My mood changed completely while taking my son to school. "I love the rain" was his comment so I asked why. "It just makes all the bad stuff in the world seem not so bad and makes me feel peaceful."

You know, this rain really makes me feel peaceful too.

Grace and peace to you.

Balloon Boy Hoax

The Longhorns won but not convincingly. I'm thinking national title hopes are shaky at best. I hated to see Sam Bradford go down and think Texas won based on that event alone. I hope he recovers and this injury doesn't affect his opportunity to play in the NFL one day.
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Reports today are that the balloon boy incident was all a hoax; a story crafted by his parents to get attention and publicity for them, both trained actors. How crazy is it to put your kids in that situation?

Then again, how crazy is it that many of us do a lot of things we do? I've heard the term "me addiction" recently and realize that is how I have often lived my life. What do I want? How do I feel? It seems our society is filled with thoughts of making ourselves happy in what we have/do/want. I'm certainly guilty of falling in the trap.

I appreciate the organizations that are springing up trying to put our focus back where it should be. I Am Second (www.iamsecond.com) and What's In It For Him (www.whatsinitforhim.com) or just a couple and I know more exist. It's encouraging to see an effort to remind people that there is a higher power and a higher calling we need to focus on.

God is so good.

Grace and peace to you.

Go Dodgers!

I want to see a Dodger/Yankee match-up in the World Series. Torre against the Yankees. Manny back in New York. Philadelphia seems to have some thoughts on preventing that. No one called me to ask what I wanted either. Surprise, surprise.

The only, really, truly important sporting event of the year occurs tomorrow. Texas vs. Zero U. Hook 'em Horns! That said, I can be a fan of Sam Bradford and Colt McCoy because of where their hearts seem to be. Check it out: www.whoissecond.com

“May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.” (Psalm 19:14)

The meditations of my heart? How many of you are like me with plenty of "words of my mouth" but far too little "meditation of my heart"?

I can't get Exodus 14:14 out of my mind the past few days.

Be still.

Grace and peace to you.

Funny Letter

I got a letter from the Republican Party yesterday asking me a series of questions and I really hope they read my responses. While their questions had check boxes for yes or no responses, I used what space I could to give them my whole response. I could sum up all the questions like this: Do you think the Obama/Pelosi administration is going to run this country into the ground? It cracks me up. Personally, I think both political parties are doing a great job running this country into the ground as a nation. I think they are both corrupt and full of evil, self-serving, self-righteousness.

All these Obama-bashers need to wake up and realize that A MAJORITY OF THE COUNTRY VOTED FOR OBAMA! Think about that for a second. The majority (yes, I know the President isn't elected by popular vote - I'm just using majority as the easiest descriptor of what happened) of the country thinks it was not going well before Obama. That should tell the Republican party something but I don't think they are listening. I think they are whining like a bunch of little kids who don't get there way.

Here's the other problem I see. Christians are to blame too! Anyone think I've hit my head yet? Christians who have acted without compassion and love (anyone notice how many churches treat people who are divorced, lived an "alternative lifestyle", doesn't dress like they do, etc?). Christians who have tried to abdicate their roles to government (if every home had prayer time on a daily basis it might create a better school environment - maybe?). Christians who are more concerned with getting ahead than building up the kingdom (seen some people who give more time to their jobs than family or the kingdom?). Christians who are more willing to spend their money than to step out of their cocoon and help someone (OUCH, I just stepped on my toes).

Here's the solution. Christians being Christ-like. There are bunches of them in this country and I believe this country is in a spot where Christ-likeness will be recognized. Compassion. Forgiveness. Mercy. Love. This country and this world are screaming for those things and those who want to build the kingdom of God are in a great place at a great time. I think a side benefit of building the kingdom is creating a positive living environment in this country but the focus must be God, not the USA. I disagree with the notion that I am blessed to live in the country. I think God put me here for a purpose - I just have to ask myself if I am living up to His purpose for me.

I hope I see it more and more. Even more, I hope I live it every day.

Off the soapbox now.

Grace and peace to you.

A New Picture

You might have noticed I changed the main picture. I thought you all needed to see more of me! Ha. This picture was taken in South Fork on a day my son and I rented a Jeep and drove up into the mountains above Beaver Creek Reservoir. I used to stop at these "waterfalls" when I was a kid and drink what I believed then and now to be the clearest, coldest water I had ever tasted.

On this trip, I was having problems getting good footing as the little pebbles kept sliding out from under me. As I was trying to get my footing for the picture, I was thinking that is how my life works at times - trying to get on solid footing with people or with God but it seems the ground under my feet just slips out from under me and I never feel quite sure of where I stand.

My next book idea has a working title of "I Don't Care What You Say, I Must Be Jewish" based on the idea that I can easily see myself as an Israelite traveling through the wilderness wanting to serve God but lost at times, forgetful at times, wondering if God forgot me and surely spending more time worrying about myself instead of what God wants me to be doing. At one point, the Israelites are complaining and Moses responds with what I need to hear today. From Exodus 14:

¹² Didn't we say to you in Egypt, 'Leave us alone; let us serve the Egyptians'? It would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than to die in the desert!" ¹³ Moses answered the people, "Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the LORD will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. ¹⁴ The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still."

If only I will be still and let the LORD fight for me.

Grace and peace to you.

What To Say and When To Say It

Do you ever hear someone say something and feel the pain that comes from their words but don't know what to say? Or hear someone say something that you want to respond to but the words don't come? I find myself there every now and again and tonight is one of those times. I was reading what someone was writing on a site I visit and I sense pain for decisions made and pain from the consequences and I know that feeling - maybe not the exact thing they are experiencing but something that is likely similar. I realize I'm in a different place in life but pain is pain whenever you experience it, be it as a teenager, a middle-ager or an old timer. We may process the pain differently at different stages of life but the pain is still pain.

Here's the good news. God is still God. He is the God who loves us no matter what we have done. He is the God who waits for us with arms outstretched when those around us turn their backs and avoid us. He is the God who has mercy when others won't let go and he is the God who shares his grace in abundance. He is the God who will let us make bad decisions and the God who will let us feel the repercussions and he is the God who will let us learn from our mistakes and the God who will fight for us. He is the God who has won the war by sacrificing his son and he is the God who calls us his child. He is the God who allows us to suffer and feel pain and he is the God who gives us peace in storms, who will heal our wounds and who offers us joy in all circumstances.

God is patient, he is kind, he bears all things, endures all things and hopes all things. His forgiveness is abundant. He is Lord and shepherd and through him I have all I need.

I hope if you are reading this and you are suffering, if you are battling guilt or sorrow of decisions made, if it seems like the world is closing in on you - that you will turn to see God and that you will be open to the complete and perfect love he has for you. I have experienced it in my life and I hope you will find the joy and peace I have come to know.

Grace and peace to you.

Bright Lights

I'm back from Las Vegas (Henderson, NV actually) and the bright lights. I'm always amazed by how much electricity and water is used in that town for absolutely nothing. I would think that city would be a beacon to the terrorists.

I did eat really good at a place called Roy's Hawaiian Steakhouse. A connection who lives out there took us to dinner and paid so that was extra nice. Great fish and the first time I ate sushi and wanted more.

I heard the Cowboys won yesterday. Yippee. Overtime with Kansas City though? C'mon.

I watched part of the Rockies/Phillies game last night. Nothing like baseball played with the fans bundled up in parkas. That ain't right.

I've been reading a book that has me thinking more about a Christian perspective of government and politics. I might be writing on some of my thoughts from it later. It is only strengthening my resolve to separate my views of church and state and to put an end to the reference of America as a Christian nation. I think we as Christians as sorely misplacing our focus when we do that.

Grace and peace to you.

Chasing Diamonds

Favre vs. Packers on MNF. I bet the announcers are drooling over this story.
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I recently was reminded of a story I have heard before (or a version similar) of an African farmer who was successful and had started farming because he enjoyed working the land. He began to hear about people discovering diamonds around the country and he heard how wealthy they were becoming and decided that even though he was good at what he did, it wasn't making him lots of money. He decided to sell his farm and go diamond hunting and spent the rest of his life looking for something he would never find, ending up broke and broken down and took his own life. At the same time, the guy who had bought his farm happened across a beautiful stone in one of the creeks on the property and put it on his mantle at home. A visitor stopped by one day, saw the stone on the mantle and told the owner it was a diamond. They began going over the property and found more and more stones and the farm turned out to be one of the best diamond mines in the country.

It's a good reminder that I need to look more closely at what I have and find the beauty in it instead of seeing what I don't have and losing focus. I know there are those of us who are guilty of not enjoying what we have while imaging things would be so much better with something else.

I'm guilty of taking for granted the beauty God has placed in my life, failing to see the diamonds laying around me. I need to remember to look through God's eyes and not my own, I need to remember to see what he wants me to see, not what I want to look for. I can look and see what I don't have or I can look and see the beauty and wonder God grants me each day.

Grace and peace to you.

Here We Go

I only caught the news snippets but apparently David Letterman admitted to having affairs with staffers on his show last night. OK, let's here it. It's time to point out all of his faults, all of his failings and talk about what a horrible person he is...because he sinned. Yes he did. The heathen. (I hope the sarcasm is dripping through.)

I really wonder how many people who speak well of Josh Hamilton, even after his problem in January, will want to verbally beat up Letterman. I hope self-righteousness doesn't rear it's ugly head but that people will simply pray for Letterman and for all of us who are sinners. I would really - really - like to hear people criticize the evil one and talk about what he is doing among us when referencing Letterman's faults...and their own. I hope to realize Letterman is no different than me - a man, made in God's image, tempted by satan and loved by God.
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While I'm rambling about what I don't want to hear I'll include all the talk about Obama's trip to the Olympic thingy. If George Bush had gone while he was President the Republicans would be crowing like roosters talking about how wonderful it is he is bringing focus to this great land. The Republican party is beginning to disgust me. What compounds it is that many of these same people hold out their Christian values while running someone down the minute a microphone is in front of them.

Don't get me wrong, I'm no fan of the Democrats but it is sad to see what our "leaders" do. I want a politician representing me that represents what politicians should, the best interest of the country, without grandstanding and without finding something negative to say at any moment.
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Enough griping. Here's something to end the week on...

Jesus died for you and me. He loves you and me through our sin and died for us so that we might truly experience his glory. If you read this blog and don't know the true love of Christ, I hope to have the opportunity to visit with you and tell you what I know about the greatest gift I have ever or will ever receive. God is alive. He loves us in ways we may never understand and he wants us to know him.

Grace and peace to you.

What About Me?

I think it's safe to say we live in a society that is suffering from a "me" addiction. What's in it for me? What do I get out of it? What about me? I have been a me-aholic and understand the desire to please self but have come to see it for what it is - a self-defeating endeavor. It's self-defeating because everyone will reach a point where getting all you want can never be enough and it leads to emotional, spiritual and physical pain. It drives people to alcohol and drugs, it destroys marriages, leads to depression, lack of hope and even suicide. It pulls people away from God and opens the door for satan to create shame and doubt. It slowly but surely tears people to shreds. There are very good and sound reasons scripture continually calls us to deny self and to put God first and foremost in every thought and action.

I ran across the website www.whatsinitforhim.com that is dedicated to the idea that we need to overcome our me addiction and start asking "what's in it for God?" The idea is that we need to take our focus off of ourselves and put it on God. It's not the idea that we start bargaining for God like we often do for ourselves but that our actions need to glorify him. The site and ministry is new and evolving but I hope the idea behind it catches on. In my life, are the choices I am making to the benefit of God's glory? That simple thought has the potential to create huge changes. Let us pray it is so.

Grace and peace to you.