Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Life
The sermon I heard Sunday morning was about life. Christ's death was a sobering and important event but his resurrected life is what gives us a future. His death brought reconciliation but his resurrection brought us life. I want to live in that, rejoice in that, give praise in that. Reconciled through death to sin and self, alive through the power that created the world and shook the earth.
Monday, April 13, 2009
Charge!
An Angel won the Masters. Some guy from Argentina. My man Phil made a good run at it and Kenny Perry had it in the bag then blew it.
________________________________________________________________
The Rangers bullpen stinks!
________________________________________________________________
Obama pulled the trigger on rescuing the freighter captain. He allowed Navy snipers to take out the pirates. Now, the pirates are saying they will strike back. They must be nuts.
________________________________________________________________
I spent a good part of the weekend watching our youth kids compete at LTC. It's a fun experience every time I go - being with friends and watching our kids perform. It takes a lot of effort to pull it off and I'm thankful for all the people who work with the kids all year to prepare them.
________________________________________________________________
I saw the "hot dog man" yesterday at church in Fort Worth. Some of you may remember the hot dog vendor at Rangers games who had a very distinct way of announcing that he was selling hot dogs. I've mimicked his voice with my kids from time to time. He was a celebrity of sorts and I've often wondered what happened to him. I found out yesterday. He has laid down his celebrity status so he can spend more time serving God. He realized the celebrity was all about him and was taking him down a road he didn't want to keep traveling.
I miss the hot dog man at ballgames but I much rather hear his compelling story of a desire to serve God.
_______________________________________________________________
Our Savior is risen. He is no longer in the tomb. He defeated death for me and for you. Rejoice!
________________________________________________________________
The Rangers bullpen stinks!
________________________________________________________________
Obama pulled the trigger on rescuing the freighter captain. He allowed Navy snipers to take out the pirates. Now, the pirates are saying they will strike back. They must be nuts.
________________________________________________________________
I spent a good part of the weekend watching our youth kids compete at LTC. It's a fun experience every time I go - being with friends and watching our kids perform. It takes a lot of effort to pull it off and I'm thankful for all the people who work with the kids all year to prepare them.
________________________________________________________________
I saw the "hot dog man" yesterday at church in Fort Worth. Some of you may remember the hot dog vendor at Rangers games who had a very distinct way of announcing that he was selling hot dogs. I've mimicked his voice with my kids from time to time. He was a celebrity of sorts and I've often wondered what happened to him. I found out yesterday. He has laid down his celebrity status so he can spend more time serving God. He realized the celebrity was all about him and was taking him down a road he didn't want to keep traveling.
I miss the hot dog man at ballgames but I much rather hear his compelling story of a desire to serve God.
_______________________________________________________________
Our Savior is risen. He is no longer in the tomb. He defeated death for me and for you. Rejoice!
Thursday, April 09, 2009
EOW Miscellaneous Thoughts
I've tried to hold the line on Obama-alarmism but this bill floating through the house seems a bit scary. Mandatory voluntary service? Seems odd. Something else I read said that religious-based service will not count. Hmmmm. Check it out. I've got more research to do myself.
http://www.worldnetdaily.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=92288
_______________________________________________________________
Pirates have captured the captain of an American freighter. I want to avoid bloodshed and have tried to tone down my rhetoric over the past few years but I'm thinking a team or two of Navy Seals visiting the pirates (not a social call, mind you, but an all-out assault) might help slow down their desire to be involved in thievery and kidnapping.
_______________________________________________________________
Tragic news about the Angels pitcher who just finished a great game and was killed after the game in a hit-and-run crash. 22 years old.
_______________________________________________________________
I hope to watch the Passion of the Christ again this weekend. Each time I have watched it, it has become more personal to me and, while graphic, I appreciate the reminder of the pain Christ suffered for me. I talk about the sacrifice but it's easy to forget how much He suffered.
________________________________________________________________
I wonder how our faith would change if we knew we might be killed at any moment for being a Christian. Just a few days ago I was thinking it would be cool to have a bigger TV while at the same time, I bet someone was worried about being identified for professing Christ because they might be imprisoned or killed.
________________________________________________________________
God is love (1 John 4). Using that verse, I paraphrase 1 Corinthians 13 this way. God is patient, God is kind. God does not envy, God does not boast, God is not proud. God is not rude, God is not self-seeking, God is not easily angered, God keeps no record of wrongs. God does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. God always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind (Luke 10). Using that verse, I paraphrase 1 Corinthians 13 this way. I will be patient, I will be kind. I will not envy, I will not boast, I will not be proud. I will not be rude, I will not be self-seeking, I will not be easily angered, I will not keep record of wrongs. I will not delight in evil but will rejoice in the truth. I will always protect, always trust, always hope, always persevere. Today, that is what I will strive to do if I want to live in the image of God.
In Christ alone, my hope is found. God is so good. He offers me peace in times of storms, He offers me hope in times of despair, He offers me joy in times of sadness. He will carry my burden, He will mourn for me. I love God today like I have never loved God before. I pray that love grows, it prospers and spreads through me and fills me up.
I hope your Easter weekend is filled with the peace, love and joy that only comes from our Creator and Savior, the Lord God.
http://www.worldnetdaily.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=92288
_______________________________________________________________
Pirates have captured the captain of an American freighter. I want to avoid bloodshed and have tried to tone down my rhetoric over the past few years but I'm thinking a team or two of Navy Seals visiting the pirates (not a social call, mind you, but an all-out assault) might help slow down their desire to be involved in thievery and kidnapping.
_______________________________________________________________
Tragic news about the Angels pitcher who just finished a great game and was killed after the game in a hit-and-run crash. 22 years old.
_______________________________________________________________
I hope to watch the Passion of the Christ again this weekend. Each time I have watched it, it has become more personal to me and, while graphic, I appreciate the reminder of the pain Christ suffered for me. I talk about the sacrifice but it's easy to forget how much He suffered.
________________________________________________________________
I wonder how our faith would change if we knew we might be killed at any moment for being a Christian. Just a few days ago I was thinking it would be cool to have a bigger TV while at the same time, I bet someone was worried about being identified for professing Christ because they might be imprisoned or killed.
________________________________________________________________
God is love (1 John 4). Using that verse, I paraphrase 1 Corinthians 13 this way. God is patient, God is kind. God does not envy, God does not boast, God is not proud. God is not rude, God is not self-seeking, God is not easily angered, God keeps no record of wrongs. God does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. God always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind (Luke 10). Using that verse, I paraphrase 1 Corinthians 13 this way. I will be patient, I will be kind. I will not envy, I will not boast, I will not be proud. I will not be rude, I will not be self-seeking, I will not be easily angered, I will not keep record of wrongs. I will not delight in evil but will rejoice in the truth. I will always protect, always trust, always hope, always persevere. Today, that is what I will strive to do if I want to live in the image of God.
In Christ alone, my hope is found. God is so good. He offers me peace in times of storms, He offers me hope in times of despair, He offers me joy in times of sadness. He will carry my burden, He will mourn for me. I love God today like I have never loved God before. I pray that love grows, it prospers and spreads through me and fills me up.
I hope your Easter weekend is filled with the peace, love and joy that only comes from our Creator and Savior, the Lord God.
Wednesday, April 08, 2009
Run the Race
1 Corinthians 9:23-25 (New International Version)
23I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings. 24Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. 25Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.
Hebrews 12:1-3 (New International Version)
1Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. 2Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
These passages came to mind tonight during Bible study. I thought about the race we must run and what kind of race it is. Is it a sprint? I think that is often what we want it to be; a race that takes effort but where the goal is reached quickly but the race usually isn't quick. Is it a marathon? While our race may be long, I don't think distance is the only issue. I have settled on the idea that the race is often more like a steeplechase; long and grueling on it's own mixed with many obstacles that will wear us down, cause us to fall and render pain.I don't know that any of those analogies are right but I do know this. The race we are running started with a glorious event that we are about to celebrate - the resurrection of the Christ. I want to keep my eyes fixed on the prize because a high price was paid on my behalf to receive it. I want to keep my eyes fixed on the prize because I want to know the pure joy of being in the presence of God.
Tuesday, April 07, 2009
Sports Wrap-up
It was a great day at the ballpark yesterday. Cold and windy outside, warm and sunny inside AND the Rangers smoked the Indians. Some impressions:
1. An Army band was there playing some pre-game music and the national anthem. Last year, the same band was playing at a game via a live feed from Afghanistan. Pretty cool that they were there to play live.
2. It was the first time I experienced a pre-game timing problem at a Rangers game. Two B-1 bombers flew over at the exact time they were supposed to but we were only halfway through the national anthem. You cannot hear a band playing or the person next to you singing when two B-1 bombers fly over you.
3. George Bush got a HUGE reception of cheers when he came out to throw the first pitch. It was a strike.
4. The Rangers infield played as good a game as they could play I think. Young Elvis Andrus made some great plays at shortstop and Michael Young looks like he'd always played 3rd base.
5. Every time Josh Hamilton comes up to bat, people expect a home run.
6. Jerry Jones was at the game. I expected to hear more boos when he walked out but maybe people didn't notice...or didn't care.
7. The Jerrydome is HUGE.
8. A kid stole 3rd base. It's a promo deal where the kid has to run from the left field fence, grab 3rd base and run back in 40 seconds. I thought it was pretty cool and then it turns out the boy who did it was sitting behind us. He was pumped. Funny thing was, someone else was supposed to do it and they couldn't find him and the boy behind us was walking by the people looking at the right time.
9. I like the checkerboard baseball field.
10. The crowd doesn't respond much to the people throwing t-shirts in the crowd.
11. I liked the old-time scoreboard in left field but the new video board is kind of neat. People who couldn't see the big screen above home run porch can get all the info now.
It was a fun day and a great start to the Rangers season. 161 more to go.
________________________________________________________________
North Carolina ran away with the game last night. They were my pick to win it all but I was afraid Ty Lawson would be injured and went with Memphis. Ty Lawson wasn't hurt enough not to play, was the Player of the Game and dominated throughout the tournament. It wasn't a great game to watch but not surprising.
________________________________________________________________
A different note. There's a funeral for the police officer killed in Bridgeport today in Decatur. I read part of an interview with the police officer's mother the other day and one of her statements is still with me. She talked about praying for the family of the guy who killed her son and talked about their loss also. Amazing grace and mercy from a woman who is suffering and a beautiful story for all of us. I know they will be in pain today and many other days but it seems their family is focused on the greater reward.
1. An Army band was there playing some pre-game music and the national anthem. Last year, the same band was playing at a game via a live feed from Afghanistan. Pretty cool that they were there to play live.
2. It was the first time I experienced a pre-game timing problem at a Rangers game. Two B-1 bombers flew over at the exact time they were supposed to but we were only halfway through the national anthem. You cannot hear a band playing or the person next to you singing when two B-1 bombers fly over you.
3. George Bush got a HUGE reception of cheers when he came out to throw the first pitch. It was a strike.
4. The Rangers infield played as good a game as they could play I think. Young Elvis Andrus made some great plays at shortstop and Michael Young looks like he'd always played 3rd base.
5. Every time Josh Hamilton comes up to bat, people expect a home run.
6. Jerry Jones was at the game. I expected to hear more boos when he walked out but maybe people didn't notice...or didn't care.
7. The Jerrydome is HUGE.
8. A kid stole 3rd base. It's a promo deal where the kid has to run from the left field fence, grab 3rd base and run back in 40 seconds. I thought it was pretty cool and then it turns out the boy who did it was sitting behind us. He was pumped. Funny thing was, someone else was supposed to do it and they couldn't find him and the boy behind us was walking by the people looking at the right time.
9. I like the checkerboard baseball field.
10. The crowd doesn't respond much to the people throwing t-shirts in the crowd.
11. I liked the old-time scoreboard in left field but the new video board is kind of neat. People who couldn't see the big screen above home run porch can get all the info now.
It was a fun day and a great start to the Rangers season. 161 more to go.
________________________________________________________________
North Carolina ran away with the game last night. They were my pick to win it all but I was afraid Ty Lawson would be injured and went with Memphis. Ty Lawson wasn't hurt enough not to play, was the Player of the Game and dominated throughout the tournament. It wasn't a great game to watch but not surprising.
________________________________________________________________
A different note. There's a funeral for the police officer killed in Bridgeport today in Decatur. I read part of an interview with the police officer's mother the other day and one of her statements is still with me. She talked about praying for the family of the guy who killed her son and talked about their loss also. Amazing grace and mercy from a woman who is suffering and a beautiful story for all of us. I know they will be in pain today and many other days but it seems their family is focused on the greater reward.
Friday, April 03, 2009
3 More Sleeps...
until Opening Day at The Ballpark! I think I heard that the Rangers won a record number of spring training games this year. I don't know what that means for the regular season but I find with the Rangers, you celebrate what you can.
__________________________________________________________________
Tragedy struck a Bridgeport family yesterday. I still don't know the whole story but a guy rammed a police car killing the officer and leaving a wife and 5 year old girl without their husband and dad coming home. I offered up a prayer for them last night but really didn't even know what to say other than leaving it in God's hands to hold them up and to let them see Him in this.
I was in one of our stores the other day helping the manager interview people. A question I often ask is "tell me a difficulty you have worked through and what you learned from it." Her difficulty was that her 19 year old son was shot and killed a few years ago and what she learned was to quit hating God and let Him into her heart so He could bring healing and peace. She admitted she still struggles but is getting closer to God everyday.
I don't understand what's going on at times but I know He is there and He wants to help me overcome what obstacles are thrown in my way.
I hope you find peace and joy that only comes from God.
__________________________________________________________________
Tragedy struck a Bridgeport family yesterday. I still don't know the whole story but a guy rammed a police car killing the officer and leaving a wife and 5 year old girl without their husband and dad coming home. I offered up a prayer for them last night but really didn't even know what to say other than leaving it in God's hands to hold them up and to let them see Him in this.
I was in one of our stores the other day helping the manager interview people. A question I often ask is "tell me a difficulty you have worked through and what you learned from it." Her difficulty was that her 19 year old son was shot and killed a few years ago and what she learned was to quit hating God and let Him into her heart so He could bring healing and peace. She admitted she still struggles but is getting closer to God everyday.
I don't understand what's going on at times but I know He is there and He wants to help me overcome what obstacles are thrown in my way.
I hope you find peace and joy that only comes from God.
Thursday, April 02, 2009
How Long Can This Last?
That may be what some of you say when reading my ramblings. I looked back and realized I've been posting blogs for over 3 years. It doesn't seem like it's been very long at all but I also think I'm still 30 sometimes so the mind does play tricks on me.
_________________________________________________________________
It's hard when the economic crisis hits close to home. The husband of one lady in my office just found out his company is laying people off and if the tide doesn't turn quickly may shut the doors. Another husband's company has discontinued offering insurance because of money troubles.
Obama has fired one CEO and I wonder if he will put pressure on others. I'm no fan of unions so I look at the UAW skeptically wondering what they will do to help. I saw today that some AT&T employees may go on strike. Really? Do they think that's a good idea right now? I bet there are A BUNCH of people who will gladly take their jobs.
I'm still thinking this country is going to reap what we have sown and it will not be pretty or easy. I don't know when and how but at some point, something has to give.
_________________________________________________________________
I don't think I would have ever dreamed I would blog about Kris Kristofferson or a song he has sung. You just never know.
_________________________________________________________________
A good friend of mine (HINT: he's Jamaican, a teacher at a Ft. Worth law school, missionary and preacher) turned me on to looking forward to things based on the number of "sleeps" before they happened. It started with a trip to Brazil when we counted down the number of sleeps until we were back in our own beds.
4 more sleeps to Rangers opening day game! I'm looking forward to seeing more of the Josh Hamilton story being written. Every interview I have seen with him has included his faith and reliance on God. I'm looking forward to: seeing how Michael Young makes the transition to 3rd, seeing Elvis Andrus make some incredible plays from shortstop, seeing if Ian Kinsler can get started on another MVP-like season, seeing how Chris Davis does in his sophomore year, seeing if Millwood delivers in his contract year, seeing where Saltalamacchia and Blalock end up and seeing if Teagarden is going to be the super-catcher people are talking about.
I have no expectations but only hope that the Rangers play competitive ball.
________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
It's hard when the economic crisis hits close to home. The husband of one lady in my office just found out his company is laying people off and if the tide doesn't turn quickly may shut the doors. Another husband's company has discontinued offering insurance because of money troubles.
Obama has fired one CEO and I wonder if he will put pressure on others. I'm no fan of unions so I look at the UAW skeptically wondering what they will do to help. I saw today that some AT&T employees may go on strike. Really? Do they think that's a good idea right now? I bet there are A BUNCH of people who will gladly take their jobs.
I'm still thinking this country is going to reap what we have sown and it will not be pretty or easy. I don't know when and how but at some point, something has to give.
_________________________________________________________________
I don't think I would have ever dreamed I would blog about Kris Kristofferson or a song he has sung. You just never know.
_________________________________________________________________
A good friend of mine (HINT: he's Jamaican, a teacher at a Ft. Worth law school, missionary and preacher) turned me on to looking forward to things based on the number of "sleeps" before they happened. It started with a trip to Brazil when we counted down the number of sleeps until we were back in our own beds.
4 more sleeps to Rangers opening day game! I'm looking forward to seeing more of the Josh Hamilton story being written. Every interview I have seen with him has included his faith and reliance on God. I'm looking forward to: seeing how Michael Young makes the transition to 3rd, seeing Elvis Andrus make some incredible plays from shortstop, seeing if Ian Kinsler can get started on another MVP-like season, seeing how Chris Davis does in his sophomore year, seeing if Millwood delivers in his contract year, seeing where Saltalamacchia and Blalock end up and seeing if Teagarden is going to be the super-catcher people are talking about.
I have no expectations but only hope that the Rangers play competitive ball.
________________________________________________________________
Wednesday, April 01, 2009
Me and Bobby McGee
A friend of mine often uses quotes from Christian writers to help illustrate an idea on his blog. Me, I use Kris Kristofferson. I heard him singing "Me and Bobby McGee" the other day and a line from the song has stuck with me. Freedom's just another word for 'nothing left to lose'. Truth Kris, truth.
I'm not here to advocate giving up everything I have. I have wrestled the past few years with material possessions and what makes God happy. Where I went off the rails a bit was worrying that I had too much when the problem was really with where my heart is. Am I more concerned about helping those who need help or am I more concerned with protecting my assets? When my heart is attuned to God, when my desire is to serve Him first using whatever gifts I have to offer, the material isn't a problem. But when I'm more concerned about my assets and adding to my collection - my heart strays from God and His desire for me to serve in His kingdom.
Having nothing to lose isn't just about material possessions, it's about our heart. When I am living in the light, following God's desire for me, living in concert with Him so that when something does go wrong, when something is lost, I am free to let it go and know God has a plan for me. Freedom is letting go of everything I'm tempted to grab hold of and just letting God hold on to me, trusting that He will never drop me, never let me go.
Thanks for those great words Kris.
I hope you are also finding the freedom and peace that God offers.
I'm not here to advocate giving up everything I have. I have wrestled the past few years with material possessions and what makes God happy. Where I went off the rails a bit was worrying that I had too much when the problem was really with where my heart is. Am I more concerned about helping those who need help or am I more concerned with protecting my assets? When my heart is attuned to God, when my desire is to serve Him first using whatever gifts I have to offer, the material isn't a problem. But when I'm more concerned about my assets and adding to my collection - my heart strays from God and His desire for me to serve in His kingdom.
Having nothing to lose isn't just about material possessions, it's about our heart. When I am living in the light, following God's desire for me, living in concert with Him so that when something does go wrong, when something is lost, I am free to let it go and know God has a plan for me. Freedom is letting go of everything I'm tempted to grab hold of and just letting God hold on to me, trusting that He will never drop me, never let me go.
Thanks for those great words Kris.
I hope you are also finding the freedom and peace that God offers.
Monday, March 30, 2009
Final Four
The Final Four is set. I'm pulling for North Carolina to win it all. I'm often a fan of the coach as much as the team - one reason I'm always pulling for Duke to win - and Roy Williams seems like a good guy. I could pull for Pitino but I haven' t seen his team play one time this year so I'm lost with them. Villanova and UConn are too far north for me to cheer for. Crazy, huh? Go Tar Heels.
___________________________________________________________________
Do you think people still see things from God? Do they see ghosts or angels? Do they have dreams that tell them a story they need to hear? A few years ago, I would not even entertain the idea but through some experiences that have changed my heart, I'm not so sure. Now, let me be clear that I'm not saying it happens. I don't know but I've heard stories of people who see these things and I believe they believe it.
I watched another special on Josh Hamilton last night. At one point, he saw clouds that he believes were symbolizing the fight between good and evil. He also says he had a dream where he was at the Home Run Derby being interviewed by a female reporter...and then it happened.
I do believe that both God and satan can inject themselves in our thoughts (which is why we need the Holy Spirit-supernatural to help us fight with or fight against supernatural) so why can't those thoughts come in dreams or some other form.
I'm treading on dangerous ground, opening up ideas that I have no answers too and far too little understanding. It's something bouncing around in my head causing me to wonder how God can work in our lives.
I do know this. I become a bigger Josh Hamilton fan all the time. He and his wife have fought battles many of us can't understand and they have come through it together standing firm in God's mercy and grace. My hope is that he will continue to succeed and use his platform to spread the good news of a God who loves His children and wants them in a right, reconciled relationship with Him.
May you find the joy and peace today that only comes from God.
___________________________________________________________________
Do you think people still see things from God? Do they see ghosts or angels? Do they have dreams that tell them a story they need to hear? A few years ago, I would not even entertain the idea but through some experiences that have changed my heart, I'm not so sure. Now, let me be clear that I'm not saying it happens. I don't know but I've heard stories of people who see these things and I believe they believe it.
I watched another special on Josh Hamilton last night. At one point, he saw clouds that he believes were symbolizing the fight between good and evil. He also says he had a dream where he was at the Home Run Derby being interviewed by a female reporter...and then it happened.
I do believe that both God and satan can inject themselves in our thoughts (which is why we need the Holy Spirit-supernatural to help us fight with or fight against supernatural) so why can't those thoughts come in dreams or some other form.
I'm treading on dangerous ground, opening up ideas that I have no answers too and far too little understanding. It's something bouncing around in my head causing me to wonder how God can work in our lives.
I do know this. I become a bigger Josh Hamilton fan all the time. He and his wife have fought battles many of us can't understand and they have come through it together standing firm in God's mercy and grace. My hope is that he will continue to succeed and use his platform to spread the good news of a God who loves His children and wants them in a right, reconciled relationship with Him.
May you find the joy and peace today that only comes from God.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
The Valley
A great poem from an email passed along to me and from me to you...
It’s In The Valleys I Grow
Sometimes life seems hard to bear,
Full of sorrow, trouble and woe
It’s then I have to remember
That it’s in the valleys I grow.
If I always stayed on the mountain top
And never experienced pain,
I would never appreciate God’s love
And would be living in vain.
I have so much to learn
And my growth is very slow,
Sometimes I need the mountain tops,
But it’s in the valleys I grow.
I do not always understand
Why things happen as they do,
But I am very sure of one thing.
My Lord will see me through.
My little valleys are nothing
When I picture Christ on the cross
He went through the valley of death;
His victory was Satan’s loss.
Forgive me Lord, for complaining
When I’m feeling so very low.
Just give me a gentle reminder
That it’s in the valleys I grow.
Continue to strengthen me, Lord
And use my life each day
To share your love with others
And help them find their way.
Thank you for valleys, Lord
For this one thing I know
The mountain tops are glorious
But it’s in the valleys I grow!
by Jane Eggleston
Brazilian Shower
In Brazil, we go on a retreat in the country and the one thing that always makes a memory are the cold showers. The retreat facilities catch water in a cistern and there is nothing, other than the sun, that heats the water. I got a reminder of those days on Monday. Two members of the family had already had the joy of a cold shower before I got in. WOW!
Here's my plug for Total Plumbing Solutions. Joe got a hot water heater out and installed on Monday and we are back to showers with hot water. Hot water is good.
_______________________________________________________________
I missed the President's speech last night but have heard some comments from supporters and haters. Too much of the same 'ol, same 'ol.
_______________________________________________________________
I was reminded of the spiritual battle that rages around us last night. A guy I was talking to was telling me about a relative who has a 28 year old daughter that is battling a brain tumor and has only a few weeks to live. He was telling me about the testing of faith his relative has gone through. I can't imagine the challenge that would be before me knowing one of my children was terminally ill; the questions I would have for God but it was encouraging to hear how this family is approaching it so far. I know they will have tough days ahead and hope their faith will be strengthened through dark times.
God is good but His goodness isn't in what we have today but in what awaits us. Health and wealth are nice things to have but God has plans that are far, far greater than what we can comprehend today. I look forward to when I can share that glorious time with Him.
Here's my plug for Total Plumbing Solutions. Joe got a hot water heater out and installed on Monday and we are back to showers with hot water. Hot water is good.
_______________________________________________________________
I missed the President's speech last night but have heard some comments from supporters and haters. Too much of the same 'ol, same 'ol.
_______________________________________________________________
I was reminded of the spiritual battle that rages around us last night. A guy I was talking to was telling me about a relative who has a 28 year old daughter that is battling a brain tumor and has only a few weeks to live. He was telling me about the testing of faith his relative has gone through. I can't imagine the challenge that would be before me knowing one of my children was terminally ill; the questions I would have for God but it was encouraging to hear how this family is approaching it so far. I know they will have tough days ahead and hope their faith will be strengthened through dark times.
God is good but His goodness isn't in what we have today but in what awaits us. Health and wealth are nice things to have but God has plans that are far, far greater than what we can comprehend today. I look forward to when I can share that glorious time with Him.
Friday, March 20, 2009
A Whole New Ballgame
I picked Michigan over Clemson and Western Kentucky over Illinois. I told myself to take Maryland over California but couldn't do it for some reason. Heyfelvdt or whatever his name is for Gonzaga is a player. I missed the UCLA-VCU game...sounds like a nailbiter to the wire.
__________________________________________________________________
Have you ever had the experience where you thought you knew something then realized how much you didn't know but started learning and understanding and it opened your eyes to ideas and concepts you had never grasped before? When it happens, it's a whole new ballgame. You begin to see things you were somehow blind to before. You begin to grasp things that didn't make sense or didn't register with you before. It's as if doors are opened and you travel through time and space that you didn't know existed.
I am in one those periods and I hope it doesn't stop. Each week brings new revelations with plenty of stuff to chew on, to think about and process. It is exciting and a bit scary at times and I hope it doesn't stop. I want to know more, to understand better.
I hope your day is filled with the knowledge of the hope and peace and love afforded each of us by God.
__________________________________________________________________
Have you ever had the experience where you thought you knew something then realized how much you didn't know but started learning and understanding and it opened your eyes to ideas and concepts you had never grasped before? When it happens, it's a whole new ballgame. You begin to see things you were somehow blind to before. You begin to grasp things that didn't make sense or didn't register with you before. It's as if doors are opened and you travel through time and space that you didn't know existed.
I am in one those periods and I hope it doesn't stop. Each week brings new revelations with plenty of stuff to chew on, to think about and process. It is exciting and a bit scary at times and I hope it doesn't stop. I want to know more, to understand better.
I hope your day is filled with the knowledge of the hope and peace and love afforded each of us by God.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Blame Game
For every email I get blaming the Democrats, I should be getting many more with many different faces. Where is the email blaming the people who fudged their loan applications to get a house that was too big or a car that was too expensive? Where is the email of the person who votes their incumbents in time after time because they wear the Republican label and then say we need to throw the bums out? Where is the email blaming people who have voted for a party without really knowing what that party was going to do with our trillions of dollars?
I worked in the home health care industry for a few years and I have seen how the government system works. It's horrible and easy to abuse. Guess what! There are a lot of people running businesses who make their money on easily abused government systems and...those people abuse the system. Is the government to blame or is the business person who abuses the loopholes to blame?
There are Republicans blaming Democrats for the AIG mess who seem to have forgotten that the former Republican administration was the first to give a handout to AIG.
I didn't vote for Obama and probably wouldn't vote for him if we were doing it all over again but it doesn't mean our politicians need to point fingers instead of accepting blame and fixing things.
I'm tired of all the blaming. Let's get over it and move on. Solutions, not blame, is what is needed today. Looking back is useless except as a learning exercise of what to avoid in the future. To bring it up over and over is not productive and not beneficial to a country mired in a mess.
Send me an email with good ideas and send me an email with politicians who are working to fix the problems. I'm tired of living in the past.
I worked in the home health care industry for a few years and I have seen how the government system works. It's horrible and easy to abuse. Guess what! There are a lot of people running businesses who make their money on easily abused government systems and...those people abuse the system. Is the government to blame or is the business person who abuses the loopholes to blame?
There are Republicans blaming Democrats for the AIG mess who seem to have forgotten that the former Republican administration was the first to give a handout to AIG.
I didn't vote for Obama and probably wouldn't vote for him if we were doing it all over again but it doesn't mean our politicians need to point fingers instead of accepting blame and fixing things.
I'm tired of all the blaming. Let's get over it and move on. Solutions, not blame, is what is needed today. Looking back is useless except as a learning exercise of what to avoid in the future. To bring it up over and over is not productive and not beneficial to a country mired in a mess.
Send me an email with good ideas and send me an email with politicians who are working to fix the problems. I'm tired of living in the past.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Madness
March Madness cranks up in a couple of days. I love it - my favorite postseason play of any sport. I'm not sure how Texas made it in with their play the past 2 months but I don't see them getting past Duke. I'm rooting for North Carolina to win it all but think either Louisville or Memphis may have a good shot. I can't wait for tip-off.
_________________________________________________________________
I just deleted the majority of what I had written. Sometimes I go off and today...I was really going off. I need to think about it a little longer and decide if I really want to sound the way I think I sounded.
The crux of it was my weariness of getting emails about Obama killing the country. I'm no fan but all of our problems started long before Obama thought about running for President. It's easy to blame the government without looking at ourselves. Who put them there? Uh-oh...here I go again.
_________________________________________________________________
A portion of Psalm 23 popped up on my blog this morning. It's my favorite scripture for personal reasons but also because I have come to own it. The Lord is my shepherd, He is all that I need. Not, the Lord is my shepherd and He is all that I need along with my house and car and job and...and...and.
If everything went away today, if I lost it all, would I still believe what the verse says? Would you? Would I be perfectly content and joyful if all I have is the Lord? Living on the streets, begging for food or money - would the Lord be enough for me? Working a minimum wage job and living in a 1 room apartment - would the Lord be enough for me? Making millions and living in a mini-mansion - would the Lord be enough for me?
It's tough to answer because I can't fully fathom those scenarios but it's the state I want to reach. It's something that I am grappling with, something I want to understand for what it means for me.
_________________________________________________________________
I just deleted the majority of what I had written. Sometimes I go off and today...I was really going off. I need to think about it a little longer and decide if I really want to sound the way I think I sounded.
The crux of it was my weariness of getting emails about Obama killing the country. I'm no fan but all of our problems started long before Obama thought about running for President. It's easy to blame the government without looking at ourselves. Who put them there? Uh-oh...here I go again.
_________________________________________________________________
A portion of Psalm 23 popped up on my blog this morning. It's my favorite scripture for personal reasons but also because I have come to own it. The Lord is my shepherd, He is all that I need. Not, the Lord is my shepherd and He is all that I need along with my house and car and job and...and...and.
If everything went away today, if I lost it all, would I still believe what the verse says? Would you? Would I be perfectly content and joyful if all I have is the Lord? Living on the streets, begging for food or money - would the Lord be enough for me? Working a minimum wage job and living in a 1 room apartment - would the Lord be enough for me? Making millions and living in a mini-mansion - would the Lord be enough for me?
It's tough to answer because I can't fully fathom those scenarios but it's the state I want to reach. It's something that I am grappling with, something I want to understand for what it means for me.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Shhhhh
Do you ever hear God talking to you? I use the word "hear" loosely because I'm not sure anyone can actually hear God (but I'm not sure they can't either) but there are times when I can't help but believe He is talking to me. The scriptures that have popped up on my blog site for the past week or two have all spoken to my heart. They have been things I have needed to read/hear at that moment, things that have helped me understand or through a struggle.
A friend told me about something called centered-prayer. I read a little bit about it, probably not enough to understand, but the essence of what I got from what I read was to be quiet, to simply listen for God. That's not easy. Try it sometime. Try sitting still for 5 minutes without thought entering your mind. Goodness, try it for 1 minute. Anyway, I have been trying to do just that and don't do very well, but the effort to simply be quiet, turn off the TV, radio, Internet and try to avoid thoughts; to be perfectly still and quiet...to wait to hear God...it's a peaceful and cleansing moment in time.
I hope to hear God but I can't do it with my mouth running, with my thoughts ruling my head, with my agenda before His. I have to get very close to God to hear Him. I have to rid myself of me and open my heart, my soul, my mind and my strength to only Him. What a beautiful challenge, what a glorious hope.
A friend told me about something called centered-prayer. I read a little bit about it, probably not enough to understand, but the essence of what I got from what I read was to be quiet, to simply listen for God. That's not easy. Try it sometime. Try sitting still for 5 minutes without thought entering your mind. Goodness, try it for 1 minute. Anyway, I have been trying to do just that and don't do very well, but the effort to simply be quiet, turn off the TV, radio, Internet and try to avoid thoughts; to be perfectly still and quiet...to wait to hear God...it's a peaceful and cleansing moment in time.
I hope to hear God but I can't do it with my mouth running, with my thoughts ruling my head, with my agenda before His. I have to get very close to God to hear Him. I have to rid myself of me and open my heart, my soul, my mind and my strength to only Him. What a beautiful challenge, what a glorious hope.
Monday, March 09, 2009
Where is North America?
I didn't think I would be spending any more space on TO but his press conference with Buffalo cracked me up. He hopes to make the Buffalo Bills "North America's team." Does he think Canada is going to cheer for Buffalo now that TO is in town? Surely it has to be humbling for him to go from the Cowboys and at least the talk about a Super Bowl to Buffalo, a 2nd tier team at this point.
__________________________________________________________________
There is some great Christian music being made today and I have found certain songs that really resonate with me. One of my favorite groups is Third Day and a new song they have out is one of those songs. Revelation is about wanting to hear from God, wanting to know what He wants me to do, which path to take and the struggle that it is to wait at times. I get lost when I try to find my way on my own and I am learning to wait on God for direction and that is why I love this song.
Here are the lyrics to Third Day's "Revelation"
My life has led me down the
road that's so uncertain
Now I am left alone and I am broken
Trying to find my way
Trying to find the faith that's gone
This time I know that you are
holding all the answers
I'm tired of losing hope and taking chances
On roads that never seem
To be the ones that bring me home
(Chorus)
Give me a revelation
Show me what to do
'Cause I've been trying to find my way
I haven't got a clue
Tell me should I stay here
Or do I need to move
Give me a revelation
I've got nothing without you
I've got nothing without you
My life has led me down this
path that's ever winding
Through every twist and turn, I'm always finding
That I am lost again
Tell me when this road will ever end
I don't know where I can turn
Tell me, when will I learn
Won't you show me where I need to go
Let me follow your lead
I know that it's the only way
that I can get back home
(Chorus)
__________________________________________________________________
There is some great Christian music being made today and I have found certain songs that really resonate with me. One of my favorite groups is Third Day and a new song they have out is one of those songs. Revelation is about wanting to hear from God, wanting to know what He wants me to do, which path to take and the struggle that it is to wait at times. I get lost when I try to find my way on my own and I am learning to wait on God for direction and that is why I love this song.
Here are the lyrics to Third Day's "Revelation"
My life has led me down the
road that's so uncertain
Now I am left alone and I am broken
Trying to find my way
Trying to find the faith that's gone
This time I know that you are
holding all the answers
I'm tired of losing hope and taking chances
On roads that never seem
To be the ones that bring me home
(Chorus)
Give me a revelation
Show me what to do
'Cause I've been trying to find my way
I haven't got a clue
Tell me should I stay here
Or do I need to move
Give me a revelation
I've got nothing without you
I've got nothing without you
My life has led me down this
path that's ever winding
Through every twist and turn, I'm always finding
That I am lost again
Tell me when this road will ever end
I don't know where I can turn
Tell me, when will I learn
Won't you show me where I need to go
Let me follow your lead
I know that it's the only way
that I can get back home
(Chorus)
Thursday, March 05, 2009
The Story I Woke Up With
Regardless of what I thought about writing today, how could it top the TO news? Yes, the Cowboys are cutting the talented, loud-mouthed receiver. I don't know Terrell Eldorado Owens other than from public appearance. I choose to believe that TO battles a number of problems internally and I believe his desire to win is incredibly high and the collision of the two created the spark that would set him off.
I had hoped the best for TO. He looks like an electric personality with a smile that can brighten up everything around him but he also had a mouth that seems to divide people from the locker room to the talk radio airwaves. I can't help but wonder what Dale Hansen will have to say about it tonight.
I don't know where TO will land but I hope it's a place with a strong-armed, thick-skinned QB. I can't imagine he will slide off into obscurity remembering how he was doing sit-ups in his driveway for reporters while his paid mouth (agent) rambled away before TO signed with the Cowboys. I expect a press conference with lots of fireworks but who knows?
Adios TO. I know Rick Ross will miss you...or maybe not, but good luck in the future. Maybe there is a place that won't have a running back and can throw passes on every play.
I had hoped the best for TO. He looks like an electric personality with a smile that can brighten up everything around him but he also had a mouth that seems to divide people from the locker room to the talk radio airwaves. I can't help but wonder what Dale Hansen will have to say about it tonight.
I don't know where TO will land but I hope it's a place with a strong-armed, thick-skinned QB. I can't imagine he will slide off into obscurity remembering how he was doing sit-ups in his driveway for reporters while his paid mouth (agent) rambled away before TO signed with the Cowboys. I expect a press conference with lots of fireworks but who knows?
Adios TO. I know Rick Ross will miss you...or maybe not, but good luck in the future. Maybe there is a place that won't have a running back and can throw passes on every play.
Wednesday, March 04, 2009
Ramblings
I wonder what happened on the boat with the 4 football players. How did 1 make it and the other 3 didn't? It's a tragic story with a lot of questions that will probably go unanswered.
The question of the day on Mike and Mike (ESPN Radio) is if you would buy a used car owned by a celebrity/athlete. Brett Favre put his truck for sale on eBay and offered to autograph the dashboard for the winner.
I've heard predictions the economic problems will begin to turn around sometime between July and late next year. TV weather forecasters have a better track record than that. Can you imagine them saying "it will rain sometime between July and late next year"?
There was a news item yesterday that Bill Gates has banned iPhones and iPods from his house for his wife and kids. I'm betting that drives them nuts. All their fortune comes from Windows and Apple products are the cool things to have.
There are a ton of new electronic gadgets on the market. Phones that do anything and everything, GPS units, electronic book readers. It's amazing and I wonder what the future will bring. I use an iPhone, iPod, laptop and GPS. I think the Kindle book reader looks like a cool gadget to have and can't imagine what is coming next. I remember thinking email would revolutionize communication and along comes MySpace, Facebook, Twitter and who knows what else that I can't keep up with.
Rumor has it warmer weather is coming. I like that in some ways, not so much in others. If it would stay in the 70's and 80's I would look forward to warm weather. As it is in Texas, warmer weather makes me start thinking about August.
Have a great day. God is so good.
The question of the day on Mike and Mike (ESPN Radio) is if you would buy a used car owned by a celebrity/athlete. Brett Favre put his truck for sale on eBay and offered to autograph the dashboard for the winner.
I've heard predictions the economic problems will begin to turn around sometime between July and late next year. TV weather forecasters have a better track record than that. Can you imagine them saying "it will rain sometime between July and late next year"?
There was a news item yesterday that Bill Gates has banned iPhones and iPods from his house for his wife and kids. I'm betting that drives them nuts. All their fortune comes from Windows and Apple products are the cool things to have.
There are a ton of new electronic gadgets on the market. Phones that do anything and everything, GPS units, electronic book readers. It's amazing and I wonder what the future will bring. I use an iPhone, iPod, laptop and GPS. I think the Kindle book reader looks like a cool gadget to have and can't imagine what is coming next. I remember thinking email would revolutionize communication and along comes MySpace, Facebook, Twitter and who knows what else that I can't keep up with.
Rumor has it warmer weather is coming. I like that in some ways, not so much in others. If it would stay in the 70's and 80's I would look forward to warm weather. As it is in Texas, warmer weather makes me start thinking about August.
Have a great day. God is so good.
Tuesday, March 03, 2009
Christ-likeness
WARNING: The following question is a trick question. Who is the most Christ-like person you know?
The problem with the question, in my mind, is that it leads me to compare myself with another human, another struggling, fallible soul. I've been guilty in the past of looking at someone I know and thinking I wanted to be more like them. The problem is if I look at someone else and begin to think I've got it more together than that person.
Christ is my comparison. I need to strive to follow his example.
I am imperfect. I wasn't made that way but have entered a world full of spiritual battles with forces that want to lead me to destructive decisions and, at times, I have fallen prey to those forces. On the other hand, I have God's Holy Spirit and, praise God, I have also relied on the power of the helper He sent me to win the battle against evil.
I will not lead a perfect life from this moment forward but I will make Christ the goal I want to strive for. I don't want to look at other humans who are waging the same fight that I am as my example nor my crutch to feel better about myself. I want to rejoice in the times I live like Christ and I will repent in the times I fall short of my example but I will remain focused on how He lived and how He wants me to live through the good and the bad.
The problem with the question, in my mind, is that it leads me to compare myself with another human, another struggling, fallible soul. I've been guilty in the past of looking at someone I know and thinking I wanted to be more like them. The problem is if I look at someone else and begin to think I've got it more together than that person.
Christ is my comparison. I need to strive to follow his example.
I am imperfect. I wasn't made that way but have entered a world full of spiritual battles with forces that want to lead me to destructive decisions and, at times, I have fallen prey to those forces. On the other hand, I have God's Holy Spirit and, praise God, I have also relied on the power of the helper He sent me to win the battle against evil.
I will not lead a perfect life from this moment forward but I will make Christ the goal I want to strive for. I don't want to look at other humans who are waging the same fight that I am as my example nor my crutch to feel better about myself. I want to rejoice in the times I live like Christ and I will repent in the times I fall short of my example but I will remain focused on how He lived and how He wants me to live through the good and the bad.
Monday, March 02, 2009
Spiritual Journey
“But he knows the way that I take; when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold. My feet have closely followed his steps; I have kept to his way without turning aside.” (Job 23:10-11)
I love the words of Job. I have been and remain on a spiritual journey - one that will lead me to a destination of beauty or destruction depending on the road I choose to follow. As I look back on my trip, I see beautiful points I have visited and I also see some really bad places I was fortunate to make it through. Some of those places still leave images in my mind that I don't want to see again and I hope those images will help me better choose the path I take going forward.
I've been given a great GPS (God's Perfect System) and a navigator (Holy Spirit) that will help lead me to the mountain of God if I choose to listen. I want to take the better path, not that it will be easy but it will be the one where God is watching me, refining me and purifying me - turning me into gold. I want to be like Job, keeping to His way without turning aside.
God is so good.
I love the words of Job. I have been and remain on a spiritual journey - one that will lead me to a destination of beauty or destruction depending on the road I choose to follow. As I look back on my trip, I see beautiful points I have visited and I also see some really bad places I was fortunate to make it through. Some of those places still leave images in my mind that I don't want to see again and I hope those images will help me better choose the path I take going forward.
I've been given a great GPS (God's Perfect System) and a navigator (Holy Spirit) that will help lead me to the mountain of God if I choose to listen. I want to take the better path, not that it will be easy but it will be the one where God is watching me, refining me and purifying me - turning me into gold. I want to be like Job, keeping to His way without turning aside.
God is so good.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)