Tomorrow is a day we traditionally gather for lots of food, football and maybe even a little sleep. We celebrate all that we are thankful for and, at least for me, that has usually been just the good things in my life. To some degree, Thanksgiving has even been a day of excess at times but this Thanksgiving, I'm also going to think about the tough times that have strengthened me and pulled me closer to God and pray more for those who have nothing or have losses they are struggling with - a prayer that in what seems like the worst of times, they find a God who loves them and will give them all they really need. I remain thankful for family and friends who have blessed me in so many ways and I will be extremely mindful of my Savior and the gift He gave me but also want to be more mindful of those who will have trouble expressing thanks on the day our country sets aside for that idea.
_________________________________________________________________
The following is worthy of it's own space but I think it fits well with the idea of thanksgiving. It's from a blog written by Josh Ross and something that is so appropriate for me to remember. I have grown up in a country of plenty but as I thought about these words, it reminds me that the financial crisis, the new President and any other thing I can come up with doesn't go my way is really not relevant to the greater power I serve. Maybe it will help you, spur you to deeper thinking or just lay thoughts on your heart that might bless you.
From Rob Bell's new book Jesus Wants to Save Christians:
Most of the Bible is a history told by people living in lands occupied by conquering superpowers. It's a book written from the underside of power. It's an oppression narrative. The majority of the Bible was written by a minority people living under the rule and reign of massive, mighty empires, from the Egyptian Empire to the Babylonian Empire to the Persian Empire to the Assyrian Empire to the Roman Empire.
This can make the Bible a very difficult book to understand if you are reading it as a citizen of the most powerful empire the world has ever seen. Without careful study and reflection, and humility, it may even be possible to miss central themes of the Scriptures.
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Losses
eHarmony lost a court case last week because they did not provide online matchmaking service for homosexuals. Now they have to or get shut down. That's just crazy. It's a sad day when a business owner can't run his business they way he wants to. And we thought we were a capitalist society.
_______________________________________________________________
Can you believe Tech got blown away like they did? Wow. It makes Zero U look really impressive and that's just sad.
Since I'm speaking about losses, I have to mention West Texas State getting beat by the fightin' Christians (ACU-my alma mater) 93-68. The fans didn't even have time to shout "defense" as fast as those two teams were scoring.
_______________________________________________________________
Several of us lost a friend and example with the loss of Jerry Nicholas on Friday. Jerry and Anna have made an incredible impact on so many people in Decatur and Jerry will certainly be missed. His battle with cancer was fought with such dignity and grace, but most of all, peace. Jerry was a teacher and incredible example to me of being at peace because of what Jerry knew was waiting for him after he left this world.
My prayers are with Anna and their family. Anna has been another example of a loving wife and incredible companion. I heard Jerry refer to her more than once as his angel and she exhibited angelic qualities through good and bad.
I know God has blessed me with Jerry and Anna and I thank Him for their friendship and example of Christ-likeness.
_______________________________________________________________
Can you believe Tech got blown away like they did? Wow. It makes Zero U look really impressive and that's just sad.
Since I'm speaking about losses, I have to mention West Texas State getting beat by the fightin' Christians (ACU-my alma mater) 93-68. The fans didn't even have time to shout "defense" as fast as those two teams were scoring.
_______________________________________________________________
Several of us lost a friend and example with the loss of Jerry Nicholas on Friday. Jerry and Anna have made an incredible impact on so many people in Decatur and Jerry will certainly be missed. His battle with cancer was fought with such dignity and grace, but most of all, peace. Jerry was a teacher and incredible example to me of being at peace because of what Jerry knew was waiting for him after he left this world.
My prayers are with Anna and their family. Anna has been another example of a loving wife and incredible companion. I heard Jerry refer to her more than once as his angel and she exhibited angelic qualities through good and bad.
I know God has blessed me with Jerry and Anna and I thank Him for their friendship and example of Christ-likeness.
Saturday, November 15, 2008
State Champions
The Decatur girls cross-country team is the 2008 3A State Champion in overwhelming fashion. They scored 27 compared to the 2nd place team's score of 85 (I won't go in to the scoring system by 27 is awesome). It was cold and windy and after the medal ceremony the girls and coaches all took a dip in the lake. Crazy stuff but I don't think many of them felt anything but victorious.
The varsity team consisted of 1 senior, 1 junior, 1 sophomore and 4 freshmen. I think there will be a few more trips to Round Rock in the next few years.
The varsity team consisted of 1 senior, 1 junior, 1 sophomore and 4 freshmen. I think there will be a few more trips to Round Rock in the next few years.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Wisdom in Strange Places
I just finished reading Same Kind of Different As Me. It's worth the time to read it and may open your eyes to what God can do in your life. The story is about a well-to-do couple getting involved in a homeless mission in Ft. Worth and their relationship with one of the people they meet (I'm withholding much of the detail in case you read it). The homeless man exhibits plenty of wisdom from God and one passage won't leave my mind because it is something I'm learning to live out. Denver, the homeless man, states, "Our limitations is God's opportunity. When you get all the way to the end of your rope and there ain't nothin you can do, that's when God takes over."
The greatest peace I have ever experienced is when I finally realized that I am not in control. It's not the way I think but I'm learning that I can't fix everything; shoot, I can't fix much of anything really - but God can. Maybe if I let Him start leading me, maybe if I keep my mouth shut and let Him speak, maybe if I humble myself and let Him work, things will go better for me.
It's crazy in a way to think that while I wait on something, when I am still, I can have more peace than I have ever known, that I can accept whatever comes because I know God is at work. As crazy as that may be, it's even crazier to think that God would send His only son to die for my sin. It makes no sense. I put Christ on the cross. He had to suffer for me but God still loves me, still forgives me, still opens His arms wide and then embraces me when I come to Him.
I hope I will become quicker to realize my limitations and see where God is finding opportunity. I hope I will relish the peace that comes by letting God work in my life instead of me messing it up.
God is so good.
The greatest peace I have ever experienced is when I finally realized that I am not in control. It's not the way I think but I'm learning that I can't fix everything; shoot, I can't fix much of anything really - but God can. Maybe if I let Him start leading me, maybe if I keep my mouth shut and let Him speak, maybe if I humble myself and let Him work, things will go better for me.
It's crazy in a way to think that while I wait on something, when I am still, I can have more peace than I have ever known, that I can accept whatever comes because I know God is at work. As crazy as that may be, it's even crazier to think that God would send His only son to die for my sin. It makes no sense. I put Christ on the cross. He had to suffer for me but God still loves me, still forgives me, still opens His arms wide and then embraces me when I come to Him.
I hope I will become quicker to realize my limitations and see where God is finding opportunity. I hope I will relish the peace that comes by letting God work in my life instead of me messing it up.
God is so good.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Veterans' Day
Google is so cool. They have great graphics on special occasions and this is the one for Veterans' Day.
I am so thankful for our veterans. As a country of individuals, I think we too easily forget the price that has been paid for what we have. We complain about rules and rulemakers while men and women are giving their lives for us and I am guilty of letting my thanksgiving for these people slide by.
Today, let's all be thankful for these people who are serving or have served us and our country.
Monday, November 10, 2008
A Monday
Too many things floating around in my head today to really write anything. Just some observations.
Bama is #1 and Tech is #2. Texas is perched at #3 just waiting for one of them to fall. Good stuff for Longhorn fans.
Decatur ended a brutal football season with so many injuries it looked like a re-run of MASH at times. A tough year for some good people. I'm wondering how the injuries affect basketball and/or baseball for the Eagles this year. Ouch.
The Decatur Eagles ladies cross country team won 1st place at regionals and are headed to Round Rock this weekend for state. The boys missed the trip to state by 3 points.
The Cowboys had another week just like the past 2 or 3 - they didn't show up to play. Hahaha. It was a bye week, thank goodness.
The thing I kept hearing on the news this weekend is how Obama is going to reverse a bunch of Bush's Executive Orders. I thought Obama was about changing the way things are done and offering hope, not simply salivating to reverse Bush's decisions. I realize that will happen but I'd much prefer to hear how he's going to turn the economy around and actually see a plan laid out instead of hearing that he is going to reverse decisions on abortion and domestic drilling. Where's the "change" in that? It's just typically politics and sounds like a little gloating to go along with it.
I hope for hope in our national politics and for the country. I just don't have high expectations.
Bama is #1 and Tech is #2. Texas is perched at #3 just waiting for one of them to fall. Good stuff for Longhorn fans.
Decatur ended a brutal football season with so many injuries it looked like a re-run of MASH at times. A tough year for some good people. I'm wondering how the injuries affect basketball and/or baseball for the Eagles this year. Ouch.
The Decatur Eagles ladies cross country team won 1st place at regionals and are headed to Round Rock this weekend for state. The boys missed the trip to state by 3 points.
The Cowboys had another week just like the past 2 or 3 - they didn't show up to play. Hahaha. It was a bye week, thank goodness.
The thing I kept hearing on the news this weekend is how Obama is going to reverse a bunch of Bush's Executive Orders. I thought Obama was about changing the way things are done and offering hope, not simply salivating to reverse Bush's decisions. I realize that will happen but I'd much prefer to hear how he's going to turn the economy around and actually see a plan laid out instead of hearing that he is going to reverse decisions on abortion and domestic drilling. Where's the "change" in that? It's just typically politics and sounds like a little gloating to go along with it.
I hope for hope in our national politics and for the country. I just don't have high expectations.
Friday, November 07, 2008
I'm Probably Wrong but...
I think George Bush's greatest fault, the thing that has brought his approval rating tumbling down, the biggest factor in him being vilified by the press is...ready for this...his public speaking ability. Yep, I think his ability, or lack thereof, to effectively speak to the public is what has killed people's opinion of him. When he speaks, he seems unsure of himself too often, pausing to look at the teleprompter a moment too long. The 9/11 days were days where he spoke from his heart, often impromptu, and the true nature of the man came through but make him deliver a prepared political speech and he seems lost.
Many people think he may be the least intelligent President we have seen. I tend to think it's just his demeanor when speaking that leaves that impression. I honestly think he has dealt with some crisis that we do not and may never know. I think he has had to take the bullet on popular opinion because he was smart enough to keep some things out of the public media.
Maybe it's because I think Bill Clinton and Barack Obama have swept into office on their charisma, not policies. I remember listening to Bill Clinton in the early days thinking how good he was but it wasn't his policies that were good, it was his ability to make me believe he was just like me. I snapped out of it but he had me for a little while. We see it in our churches sometimes. The preacher may not be saying anything but he does it so well that we hang on the words. There are plenty of TV preachers that can preach a good sermon full of nothing and there are plenty of people who would be incredible preachers of truth but their presentation wouldn't capture our attention.
Yep, I think Bush's inability to effectively mesmerize the masses was and is his downfall. He has had to deal with issues, most of which were not his making, that many Presidents have not known. I think history, if it all comes out one day, will be kinder to George Bush than the current opinion of him. I'm probably wrong but...
Many people think he may be the least intelligent President we have seen. I tend to think it's just his demeanor when speaking that leaves that impression. I honestly think he has dealt with some crisis that we do not and may never know. I think he has had to take the bullet on popular opinion because he was smart enough to keep some things out of the public media.
Maybe it's because I think Bill Clinton and Barack Obama have swept into office on their charisma, not policies. I remember listening to Bill Clinton in the early days thinking how good he was but it wasn't his policies that were good, it was his ability to make me believe he was just like me. I snapped out of it but he had me for a little while. We see it in our churches sometimes. The preacher may not be saying anything but he does it so well that we hang on the words. There are plenty of TV preachers that can preach a good sermon full of nothing and there are plenty of people who would be incredible preachers of truth but their presentation wouldn't capture our attention.
Yep, I think Bush's inability to effectively mesmerize the masses was and is his downfall. He has had to deal with issues, most of which were not his making, that many Presidents have not known. I think history, if it all comes out one day, will be kinder to George Bush than the current opinion of him. I'm probably wrong but...
Thursday, November 06, 2008
Giving Thanks
Last night, we talked about giving thanks. There are so many things in our life that are easy to be thankful for. Our families, friends, health, baseball, Texas still being ranked #4 with a shot at the title game and on and on. The focus of our lesson turned to Paul and his desire to be thankful to God in any situation he was in. In prison, he gave thanks. Shipwrecked, he gave thanks. People threw stones at him and he gave thanks. For what? What in the world could he be thankful for enduring some of the most brutal moments of life?
An answer can be found in James where we are told to consider it pure joy whenever we face trials of many kinds because the testing of our faith builds perseverance. I have to really such myself to see if I have the desire to give thanks during times of trials, if I will consider it pure joy to endure tests. It's not my nature but being thankful to God in times of struggle, times of pain, is what builds a deeper relationship with God, a relationship of overwhelming trust and peace when all I can do is rely on Him.
An answer can be found in James where we are told to consider it pure joy whenever we face trials of many kinds because the testing of our faith builds perseverance. I have to really such myself to see if I have the desire to give thanks during times of trials, if I will consider it pure joy to endure tests. It's not my nature but being thankful to God in times of struggle, times of pain, is what builds a deeper relationship with God, a relationship of overwhelming trust and peace when all I can do is rely on Him.
Wednesday, November 05, 2008
A New Day
History was made last night as Barack Obama was elected to be our new President. Now we sit back and wait to find out who he really is. There are those who believe he appeals to the left because that is who he is. Others wonder if he appealed to one group to get elected and will move more to the center to stay there for a second term. Who knows? All I know is the high school still had kids pulling in this morning, plenty of folks are still headed to work and the Starbucks line was backed up 7 cars deep. I am confident there will be a number of new laws that I am not going to be happy with in the coming years but I'm still mystified by what I hear from some people. It was an overwhelming victory and the people of America will get what the majority asked for. Now we find out what that is.
___________________________________________________________________________________
I watched our two 7th grade teams whip up on Bridgeport last night. I figure we better get it where we can this year because the likelihood of it being anywhere near a win for Decatur on Friday is slim. My nephew QB'd one of the 7th grade teams and ran or threw for a bunch of the points scored. Pretty cool stuff for a 12 year old.
___________________________________________________________________________________
Basketball tryouts start on Thursday for 7th graders. I have one that will be out there battling for a position on one of the teams. I think there are about 40 kids trying out for 20 spots so several will go home disappointed. I always hated tryout days.
___________________________________________________________________________________
God is alive and well, powerful and majestic, and ready to work in our lives. That's THE good news for today.
___________________________________________________________________________________
I watched our two 7th grade teams whip up on Bridgeport last night. I figure we better get it where we can this year because the likelihood of it being anywhere near a win for Decatur on Friday is slim. My nephew QB'd one of the 7th grade teams and ran or threw for a bunch of the points scored. Pretty cool stuff for a 12 year old.
___________________________________________________________________________________
Basketball tryouts start on Thursday for 7th graders. I have one that will be out there battling for a position on one of the teams. I think there are about 40 kids trying out for 20 spots so several will go home disappointed. I always hated tryout days.
___________________________________________________________________________________
God is alive and well, powerful and majestic, and ready to work in our lives. That's THE good news for today.
Tuesday, November 04, 2008
Election Day in the U.S.A.
I've tried and tried and keep writing essays, not paragraphs so I'm going to try one more time to boil my thoughts on today down to a manageable length. Today is a day many look forward to and many dread. We will elect a President today that one group or the other thinks will lead us to the brink of the abyss if not take us over the edge. I just don't believe it. Will either candidate do the things I think they should all the time? NO. Will either candidate make decisions that will harm me all the time? NO. In my lifetime, we've survived Nixon, Carter, Clinton and the Bushes and we will survive either Obama or McCain. In fact, I've too often only seen the greatness of this nation when in a crisis. When times are good, I see excess. When times are tough, I see people being friendlier, working together. I have already voted for the candidate I believe will most closely act in favor of my interests but should the other candidate win, I will wake up tomorrow and head to work and go to church just like I do most Wednesdays. Tomorrow will begin a new series of illuminating days where we learn more about the agenda of the winner. Either way, there will be some scary ideas and actions but the greatness of the American people will survive, maybe even thrive as we endure the challenges of life in this country and the world.
_____________________________________________________________________________
In the end, we aren't called to serve either candidate as authority over us for our greatest purpose. We are called to serve God, to be Christ-like to those around us. Our words and actions should reflect Christ and the more each of us can strive to that goal, the world will be as good as we make it.
_____________________________________________________________________________
Tech's #2 and Texas is #4. There's still a decent shot the Horns can move back into contention for the national title. Surely they can whip up on Baylor this weekend and then it's the A&M game.
_____________________________________________________________________________
I tried to watch the Mavericks last night. It reminded me that I just don't care for pro basketball. Catching the highlights on ESPN is good enough for me.
_____________________________________________________________________________
Wasn't it just January a couple of weeks ago? How did it get to be November so quickly?
_____________________________________________________________________________
In the end, we aren't called to serve either candidate as authority over us for our greatest purpose. We are called to serve God, to be Christ-like to those around us. Our words and actions should reflect Christ and the more each of us can strive to that goal, the world will be as good as we make it.
_____________________________________________________________________________
Tech's #2 and Texas is #4. There's still a decent shot the Horns can move back into contention for the national title. Surely they can whip up on Baylor this weekend and then it's the A&M game.
_____________________________________________________________________________
I tried to watch the Mavericks last night. It reminded me that I just don't care for pro basketball. Catching the highlights on ESPN is good enough for me.
_____________________________________________________________________________
Wasn't it just January a couple of weeks ago? How did it get to be November so quickly?
Monday, November 03, 2008
Not #1 No More
Yes, it's bad grammar. Yes, it was a horrible first half. Yes, Tech played a great game. It doesn't make the losing any more fun though. I won't guess what the two Texas players involved in the last two plays of the game were feeling. One let a game-ending interception slip out of his hands. The other got beat by the best receiver in college football for the game winning TD.
Texas still has a great team and if they will bounce back they may have a shot at the title before it's all done with. I hope Texas fans will realize it's more fun to have a team that can compete for a #1 ranking than to go 7-3 every year.
__________________________________________________________________________________
How 'bout them Cowboys? Where have you gone Jimmy Johnson? What have you done to us Jerry? I didn't sit down to watch that game - thank goodness - and didn't stay up to hear Dale Hansen's commentary but I'm thinking the Cowboys are in a tough spot right now.
__________________________________________________________________________________
The mighty Decatur Eagles got roughed up by Vernon this weekend. Bridgeport is next week. Uh-oh.
Texas still has a great team and if they will bounce back they may have a shot at the title before it's all done with. I hope Texas fans will realize it's more fun to have a team that can compete for a #1 ranking than to go 7-3 every year.
__________________________________________________________________________________
How 'bout them Cowboys? Where have you gone Jimmy Johnson? What have you done to us Jerry? I didn't sit down to watch that game - thank goodness - and didn't stay up to hear Dale Hansen's commentary but I'm thinking the Cowboys are in a tough spot right now.
__________________________________________________________________________________
The mighty Decatur Eagles got roughed up by Vernon this weekend. Bridgeport is next week. Uh-oh.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Philly
The Phillies won the World Series last night in an odd game lasting 3 innings and played in freezing conditions. I was hoping Tampa would pull one more win out of the hat just so I could watch a little more baseball. I normally don't like any team from Philadelphia but Hamels, Utley, Rollins and Howard are guys that are fun to watch play so I was glad they won. A little baseball redemption for Brad Lidge too.
_________________________________________________________________________________
I wonder where the college football game of the week will be. Oh yeah, that would be in Lubbock, Texas. I was really close to going to Tech for college but changed my mind pretty late in the process and ended up attending Abilene Christian. Saturday night it will be the #1 Horns against the #7 Red Raiders. Good stuff. I'm wondering what the betting line is on the over/under. Hook 'em Horns.
_________________________________________________________________________________
Where is Clint Longley when you need him? Brad Johnson is going to start again and Brooks who? might end up playing. Rumor has it the Mavs season is starting also.
_________________________________________________________________________________
Today is the district meet for our cross country teams. The high school girls team has been ranked #1 in the state most of the season and the boys have been sitting at #6. The meets this year have been amazing. Over 2,200 runners were at one of the Decatur meets and I think it's probably been close to that at a couple of other meets we went to. Run Eagles!
_________________________________________________________________________________
I wonder where the college football game of the week will be. Oh yeah, that would be in Lubbock, Texas. I was really close to going to Tech for college but changed my mind pretty late in the process and ended up attending Abilene Christian. Saturday night it will be the #1 Horns against the #7 Red Raiders. Good stuff. I'm wondering what the betting line is on the over/under. Hook 'em Horns.
_________________________________________________________________________________
Where is Clint Longley when you need him? Brad Johnson is going to start again and Brooks who? might end up playing. Rumor has it the Mavs season is starting also.
_________________________________________________________________________________
Today is the district meet for our cross country teams. The high school girls team has been ranked #1 in the state most of the season and the boys have been sitting at #6. The meets this year have been amazing. Over 2,200 runners were at one of the Decatur meets and I think it's probably been close to that at a couple of other meets we went to. Run Eagles!
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
End of the Song
Here's the final verses of Mountain of God by Third Day:
As I travel on the road
That You have led me down
You are here with me
Yes, You are here with me
I have need for nothing more
Oh, now that I have found
That You are here with me
Yes, You are here with me
I confess from time to time
I lose my way
But You are always there
To bring me back again
Sometimes I think of where it is I've come from
And the things I've left behind
But of all I've had, what I possessed
Nothing can quite compare
With what's in front of me
With what's in front of me
I get tired on the journey and I have taken wrong turns. It sounds so simple to say that when realizing the hurt and pain some of those turns have taken but what has happened, has happened. Learn from the past and live for what's in front of you. What I was and did, what you were and did yesterday can be so much difference from what you and I can be today and tomorrow and the next day. It's the beauty of the journey...the difficulty scaling the mountain while seeing and knowing the majesty of the summit. I want to see the summit, to stand atop the mountain of God.
I know our collective journey will be filled with inspiring peaks and dark valleys. It will be filled with the beauty God puts around us and with rocks to climb over and holes to climb out of that satan will try to put in our way. Our Savior hung on a cross, suffering, bleeding and dying. The valley of darkness he traveled is something most of us, maybe all of us will never know but our Savior also walked out of a tomb, alive, changed from death to life. The end of His journey was to live again but in a new way, a better way than I can even imagine. The beauty of my journey is that through the mercy and grace of my God, the end of my journey will be to live again. To live with Him. To share in His glory, to revel in His love.
As I travel on the road
That You have led me down
You are here with me
Yes, You are here with me
I have need for nothing more
Oh, now that I have found
That You are here with me
Yes, You are here with me
I confess from time to time
I lose my way
But You are always there
To bring me back again
Sometimes I think of where it is I've come from
And the things I've left behind
But of all I've had, what I possessed
Nothing can quite compare
With what's in front of me
With what's in front of me
I get tired on the journey and I have taken wrong turns. It sounds so simple to say that when realizing the hurt and pain some of those turns have taken but what has happened, has happened. Learn from the past and live for what's in front of you. What I was and did, what you were and did yesterday can be so much difference from what you and I can be today and tomorrow and the next day. It's the beauty of the journey...the difficulty scaling the mountain while seeing and knowing the majesty of the summit. I want to see the summit, to stand atop the mountain of God.
I know our collective journey will be filled with inspiring peaks and dark valleys. It will be filled with the beauty God puts around us and with rocks to climb over and holes to climb out of that satan will try to put in our way. Our Savior hung on a cross, suffering, bleeding and dying. The valley of darkness he traveled is something most of us, maybe all of us will never know but our Savior also walked out of a tomb, alive, changed from death to life. The end of His journey was to live again but in a new way, a better way than I can even imagine. The beauty of my journey is that through the mercy and grace of my God, the end of my journey will be to live again. To live with Him. To share in His glory, to revel in His love.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
The Journey continued
I was telling a friend the other day how my first trip to Brazil changed my heart in so many ways and put me on a new journey with God that has opened my eyes to things I really didn't see or understand before. I wish I had the words to describe what I have experienced the past 2+ years but I don't. I have experienced a closeness to God I've never known. I've experienced spiritual highs that are literally breathtaking. Along the way, I've also experienced spiritual lows that have crumpled me to my knees in tears.
While driving home last night, I listened to a song that I have heard many times but never really heard. I've listened to it many times, maybe even sung the words but last night I heard the words through my heart, not my head. Below is part of The Mountain of God by Third Day.
Thought that I was all alone
Broken and afraid
But You were there with me
You were there with me
And I didn't even know
That I had lost my way
But You were there with me
Yes, You were there with me
'Til You opened up my eyes
I never knew
That I couldn't ever make it
Without You
Even though the journey's long
And I know the road is hard
Well, the One who's gone before me
He will help me carry on
After all that I've been through
Now I realize the truth
That I must go through the valley
To stand upon the mountain of God.
Those of you who know me well know I think that Heaven on earth resides in South Fork, Colorado. It's the most beautiful, most peaceful place I know. To get there, I have to go through the San Luis Valley and drive up some steep mountain roads. It's taxing for cars to drive up it at times but the time it takes, the effort to get there brings me to the most wonderful place I know. It's all I have right now to compare with the valleys I will travel through to get to the mountain of God but I do know that as hard as they may be and the pain they may bring, the trip will be nothing compared to the beauty and peace and joy and glory of reaching the destination God has prepared for me.
While driving home last night, I listened to a song that I have heard many times but never really heard. I've listened to it many times, maybe even sung the words but last night I heard the words through my heart, not my head. Below is part of The Mountain of God by Third Day.
Thought that I was all alone
Broken and afraid
But You were there with me
You were there with me
And I didn't even know
That I had lost my way
But You were there with me
Yes, You were there with me
'Til You opened up my eyes
I never knew
That I couldn't ever make it
Without You
Even though the journey's long
And I know the road is hard
Well, the One who's gone before me
He will help me carry on
After all that I've been through
Now I realize the truth
That I must go through the valley
To stand upon the mountain of God.
Those of you who know me well know I think that Heaven on earth resides in South Fork, Colorado. It's the most beautiful, most peaceful place I know. To get there, I have to go through the San Luis Valley and drive up some steep mountain roads. It's taxing for cars to drive up it at times but the time it takes, the effort to get there brings me to the most wonderful place I know. It's all I have right now to compare with the valleys I will travel through to get to the mountain of God but I do know that as hard as they may be and the pain they may bring, the trip will be nothing compared to the beauty and peace and joy and glory of reaching the destination God has prepared for me.
Monday, October 27, 2008
The Journey
A faithful reader (I always wanted to say that) asked about the new picture on the blog. It was taken as our bus rolled through the countryside of Brazil on our journey to a retreat site on our trip this summer. After spending a few days in the city filled with high rise buildings and crowds of people, it was a beautiful view of peace and serenity.
I spent the weekend on a similar journey. I had the good fortune of going to Camp Deer Run with our youth group to study and talk about the theme for this year - The Journey. It was a great experience and one that I will probably have several posts about over the next few days and weeks.
No cell phones and no iPods and I think a lot of the kids really liked it that way. There were moments of peace and serenity, TAWG (time alone with God), group study and active games. The most incredible part though was hearing some of these young people really open up and be very honest in talking about their lives and what they need to change. It was both beautiful and challenging to hear someone so young be so real about who they are and where they have got off course in their walk with God.
Thanks to Jacob for letting me be a part of the journey. I am closer to God today for being a part of it.
I spent the weekend on a similar journey. I had the good fortune of going to Camp Deer Run with our youth group to study and talk about the theme for this year - The Journey. It was a great experience and one that I will probably have several posts about over the next few days and weeks.
No cell phones and no iPods and I think a lot of the kids really liked it that way. There were moments of peace and serenity, TAWG (time alone with God), group study and active games. The most incredible part though was hearing some of these young people really open up and be very honest in talking about their lives and what they need to change. It was both beautiful and challenging to hear someone so young be so real about who they are and where they have got off course in their walk with God.
Thanks to Jacob for letting me be a part of the journey. I am closer to God today for being a part of it.
Friday, October 24, 2008
The Price is Right
Anybody staying up with me and watching baseball? If so, you might have seen David Price throw a few innings for the Rays. Price was pitching for Vanderbilt last year, he's thrown in 5 big league games prior to the playoffs and he came in to close Game 7 against the Red Sox and closed the game last night to tie the World Series 1-1. This kid is lights out. A lefty throwing 95 and some wicked sliders and he's a cool operator on the mound. Overall #1 pick last year in the draft. Wow.
________________________________________________________________________________
The current economic situation and the "bailout" have really had me thinking about a lot of different things. Yesterday, I was thinking about all the folks who used to say AIDS was God's punishment for homosexuality. I wonder if they are getting ready to start screaming that the financial crisis is God's punishment to a country who lives in excess and is quickly drifting from His word. Now, I didn't agree with the idea that AIDS was God's punishment any more than I believe lung cancer is God's punishment to smokers and I don't believe that God flipped a switch on our economy either. Actions have consequences...that's it...and sometimes it brings some pain. I've been there and I bet you have too. The good thing about the pain is that it often drives us to get healed and that often sends people running back to God. I know it has in my life.
America is a nation of stuff. Many of us have lots and lots of stuff (physical, emotional and spiritual) and sometimes the stuff has to be stripped away to realize that all we need is a very, very, very close relationship with God.
I don't think God is driving this country's problems but I do see it as an opportunity for people to get rid of their stuff, maybe even experience a painful crisis for it to happen, and return to a much simpler existence with God as the most important thing they have. I don't know...just thinking.
________________________________________________________________________________
The current economic situation and the "bailout" have really had me thinking about a lot of different things. Yesterday, I was thinking about all the folks who used to say AIDS was God's punishment for homosexuality. I wonder if they are getting ready to start screaming that the financial crisis is God's punishment to a country who lives in excess and is quickly drifting from His word. Now, I didn't agree with the idea that AIDS was God's punishment any more than I believe lung cancer is God's punishment to smokers and I don't believe that God flipped a switch on our economy either. Actions have consequences...that's it...and sometimes it brings some pain. I've been there and I bet you have too. The good thing about the pain is that it often drives us to get healed and that often sends people running back to God. I know it has in my life.
America is a nation of stuff. Many of us have lots and lots of stuff (physical, emotional and spiritual) and sometimes the stuff has to be stripped away to realize that all we need is a very, very, very close relationship with God.
I don't think God is driving this country's problems but I do see it as an opportunity for people to get rid of their stuff, maybe even experience a painful crisis for it to happen, and return to a much simpler existence with God as the most important thing they have. I don't know...just thinking.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Indicted
I got another Muslim-bashing email yesterday titled "Can Muslims Be Good Americans" and then it went on to list issues of why Muslims cannot be good Americans. Wow. The two things that got to me in the email was another reference to America as a "Christian nation" and shots at Obama for taking his Congressional oath using the Quron. On to my soapbox...again...
First, Keith Ellison from Minnesota was the first Muslim elected to Congress, not Obama. From a report I read, the official swearing-in process for Congress does not have anyone placing their hand on a Bible or anything else. Some people elect to have unofficial pictures made afterwards that show them with a Bible or some other book and Ellison did in fact have his picture made with a Quron in his hands. It is also reported that the Quron he had was first owned by Thomas Jefferson. Now we all know what a scoundrel Jefferson was don't we?
Second, America is NOT a Christian nation. It is a nation filled with a lot of Christian churches and a lot of people who profess to be Christians. Look at the movies we see, the TV shows, the clothes people wear, the ads in magazines and billboards proving that sex sells and tell me we are a Christian nation. If we were, I don't think those shows and ads would exist. I don't think drug and alcohol abuse would be a problem if we were a Christian nation. What we all have to quit doing is projecting the idea of Christian on our nation and start living it in each and everyone of our lives. God does not call us as a nation, he calls you and me as individuals to be Christ-like. Imagine if everyone lived like Christ.
Colin Powell talked about a soldier in the US Army who died recently from an explosion in Iraq. He was a Muslim and wanted to be in the Army since he was 10. He's buried in Arlington National Cemetary and his Muslim parents are proud of him and his service to this country. Muslims can't be good Americans? I know some Christians who aren't always good Americans.
I'm ranting because I've grown disillusioned with politics. I'm ranting because I've disappointed myself in the way I have thought and talked and treated people who had different views than me. I'm ranting because the bar for what is right and good and honorable and admirable continues to slip further and further down. I'm ranting because too often we are projecting our Christian duty onto our political leaders and church leaders instead of taking up the cross and following Christ. I'm guilty.
Here's to the hope that as our nation slips further and further into crises of many kinds, we will respond with Christ-likeness. It will not happen in my life as easily as I can write about it but I hope everyday you and I are one step closer to walking in Christ's footprints.
First, Keith Ellison from Minnesota was the first Muslim elected to Congress, not Obama. From a report I read, the official swearing-in process for Congress does not have anyone placing their hand on a Bible or anything else. Some people elect to have unofficial pictures made afterwards that show them with a Bible or some other book and Ellison did in fact have his picture made with a Quron in his hands. It is also reported that the Quron he had was first owned by Thomas Jefferson. Now we all know what a scoundrel Jefferson was don't we?
Second, America is NOT a Christian nation. It is a nation filled with a lot of Christian churches and a lot of people who profess to be Christians. Look at the movies we see, the TV shows, the clothes people wear, the ads in magazines and billboards proving that sex sells and tell me we are a Christian nation. If we were, I don't think those shows and ads would exist. I don't think drug and alcohol abuse would be a problem if we were a Christian nation. What we all have to quit doing is projecting the idea of Christian on our nation and start living it in each and everyone of our lives. God does not call us as a nation, he calls you and me as individuals to be Christ-like. Imagine if everyone lived like Christ.
Colin Powell talked about a soldier in the US Army who died recently from an explosion in Iraq. He was a Muslim and wanted to be in the Army since he was 10. He's buried in Arlington National Cemetary and his Muslim parents are proud of him and his service to this country. Muslims can't be good Americans? I know some Christians who aren't always good Americans.
I'm ranting because I've grown disillusioned with politics. I'm ranting because I've disappointed myself in the way I have thought and talked and treated people who had different views than me. I'm ranting because the bar for what is right and good and honorable and admirable continues to slip further and further down. I'm ranting because too often we are projecting our Christian duty onto our political leaders and church leaders instead of taking up the cross and following Christ. I'm guilty.
Here's to the hope that as our nation slips further and further into crises of many kinds, we will respond with Christ-likeness. It will not happen in my life as easily as I can write about it but I hope everyday you and I are one step closer to walking in Christ's footprints.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Howard Stern
No, I'm not a fan and don't listen to his show but over the weekend a dad from my son's baseball team told me about a segment Stern did where he sent a "reporter" to Harlem to ask people whether they would vote for Obama or McCain. The trick was, they attributed Republican ideas to Obama. For instance, they asked people if they were voting for Obama because he was pro-life or because he would keep the military in Iraq (different people were OK with both) or they asked if they like Sarah Palin as Obama's running mate (they did). I'm not quite sure if these people were voting for Obama because of race or media frenzy but either way it's a bad reason to vote someone to the office of President.
______________________________________________________________________________
I wonder if people who talk in sign language ever say something in a way that comes across as rude. I'm guilty of saying things in a way I wish I wouldn't and hear other people do it at times. I never feel good about it afterwards and wish I would have kept my mouth shut and I bet some of you may have felt that way. I would probably be better off if God had made me mute but I know that wasn't His will for me. Instead, I need to watch what I say so that I show Christ in my words and actions. I just wish I was better at it. I remember the song Angry Words that we used to sing in church and wish I did a better job of living it. Angry words, oh let them never, from the tongue unbridled slip. I pray today that the words from my mouth will come from the love God has shown me instead of my selfish emotions.
______________________________________________________________________________
I wonder if people who talk in sign language ever say something in a way that comes across as rude. I'm guilty of saying things in a way I wish I wouldn't and hear other people do it at times. I never feel good about it afterwards and wish I would have kept my mouth shut and I bet some of you may have felt that way. I would probably be better off if God had made me mute but I know that wasn't His will for me. Instead, I need to watch what I say so that I show Christ in my words and actions. I just wish I was better at it. I remember the song Angry Words that we used to sing in church and wish I did a better job of living it. Angry words, oh let them never, from the tongue unbridled slip. I pray today that the words from my mouth will come from the love God has shown me instead of my selfish emotions.
Monday, October 20, 2008
It Could Be Worse...
You could be a Detroit Lions fan. What's up with the Cowboys? Are the radio talking-heads paying them to provide fodder for the airwaves? Will Wade survive the week? the season? Does T.O. still play here? Why isn't he complaining? Is Romo not as tough as Favre? Has the Cowboys defense been kidnapped and replaced with high school players? Wow.
___________________________________________________________________________________
The next time you smell moth balls, just remember it's better than smelling a skunk. We had one invade our garage last week and got the animal control officer to come get it. Instead of capturing it and risk the possibility of spraying in the garage, he made a path for the skunk to leave on his own and chased it out with moth balls. Our garage doesn't smell lemony-fresh but it doesn't have skunk scent and I'm thankful for that.
What amazed me was that the skunk never sprayed the animal control guy even though the officer was very close to the skunk moving stuff around him and making lots of noise. I asked why and the officer said "he's not scared enough to spray." I said, "I am."
___________________________________________________________________________________
Who's #1. Oh yeah, that would be Texas. Another dominating effort Saturday although I would have liked to have seen a better 2nd half but Missouri is no slouch team. Okie State next weekend and I won't be able to watch it. Egads.
___________________________________________________________________________________
Last night's lesson included a story about some bad folks wanting to run Elisha out of town. Part of their shouting included calling him baldy and Elisha called on God who sent two bears after the crowd injuring 42 of them (I'm not doing the story justice in my brief description) and it reminded my of 8th grade. We had a coach who was going bald on wasn't happy about it. A 9th grader kept calling him baldy and then threw a couple of small pebbles at the back of the coach's head trying to hit his bald spot. The coach was carrying a wiffle ball bat in his hand and proceeded to give the kid a beating. Kid shows up at school the next day with a black eye and bruises on his arm...and his dad. Dad marches child into coaches office then coaches, kid and dad come into the locker room. Kid has to apologize to coach in front of everyone. Later, we ask kid what happened when he got home and found out his dad told him that is what will happen to him when he picks on someone he shouldn't pick on.
Do you think that would happen today?
It's much safer to be nice to people than taunt them.
_______________________________________________________________________________
Colin Powell is supporting Obama. Oh my.
___________________________________________________________________________________
The next time you smell moth balls, just remember it's better than smelling a skunk. We had one invade our garage last week and got the animal control officer to come get it. Instead of capturing it and risk the possibility of spraying in the garage, he made a path for the skunk to leave on his own and chased it out with moth balls. Our garage doesn't smell lemony-fresh but it doesn't have skunk scent and I'm thankful for that.
What amazed me was that the skunk never sprayed the animal control guy even though the officer was very close to the skunk moving stuff around him and making lots of noise. I asked why and the officer said "he's not scared enough to spray." I said, "I am."
___________________________________________________________________________________
Who's #1. Oh yeah, that would be Texas. Another dominating effort Saturday although I would have liked to have seen a better 2nd half but Missouri is no slouch team. Okie State next weekend and I won't be able to watch it. Egads.
___________________________________________________________________________________
Last night's lesson included a story about some bad folks wanting to run Elisha out of town. Part of their shouting included calling him baldy and Elisha called on God who sent two bears after the crowd injuring 42 of them (I'm not doing the story justice in my brief description) and it reminded my of 8th grade. We had a coach who was going bald on wasn't happy about it. A 9th grader kept calling him baldy and then threw a couple of small pebbles at the back of the coach's head trying to hit his bald spot. The coach was carrying a wiffle ball bat in his hand and proceeded to give the kid a beating. Kid shows up at school the next day with a black eye and bruises on his arm...and his dad. Dad marches child into coaches office then coaches, kid and dad come into the locker room. Kid has to apologize to coach in front of everyone. Later, we ask kid what happened when he got home and found out his dad told him that is what will happen to him when he picks on someone he shouldn't pick on.
Do you think that would happen today?
It's much safer to be nice to people than taunt them.
_______________________________________________________________________________
Colin Powell is supporting Obama. Oh my.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Waiting
Do you like to wait? I don't. I'll drive out of the way to find a path to where I'm going so I don't have to sit still for a construction zone. I don't like to wait. When I'm in line at Wal-Mart or McDonald's, I keep watching the other lines hoping to see one that is moving faster that I can slip into. I don't like to wait. I use email rather than call people because I can ask what I want to ask and move on to the next task instead of sitting on the phone on hold or waiting for a call back to ask what I could easily ask by email. I don't like to wait. Waiting raises my blood pressure and temper. Waiting frustrates me and at times I let my frustration turn to anger.
It's silly and sad. The saddest part to me is I get this way with God sometimes. I get tired of waiting, frustrated and then angry. I'm trying to learn to change my ways, trying to remind myself that my time of waiting is a great time to pray. I'm wondering if God doesn't do that to me - allow me to wait so I can spend some time with Him.
I'm working on looking at waiting in a new way and working on processing time waiting differently than I've done it in the past. I want to make it an opportunity instead of a burden, especially I use it to spend time with God. Maybe it's the time He wants with me. Maybe, just maybe, I'll use it for good and not bad.
It's silly and sad. The saddest part to me is I get this way with God sometimes. I get tired of waiting, frustrated and then angry. I'm trying to learn to change my ways, trying to remind myself that my time of waiting is a great time to pray. I'm wondering if God doesn't do that to me - allow me to wait so I can spend some time with Him.
I'm working on looking at waiting in a new way and working on processing time waiting differently than I've done it in the past. I want to make it an opportunity instead of a burden, especially I use it to spend time with God. Maybe it's the time He wants with me. Maybe, just maybe, I'll use it for good and not bad.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)