Today is my mom's 75th birthday. I know you aren't supposed to tell a woman's age but 75 is kind of special. I remember a few years ago when I thought 45 was "getting up there" but now that I'm almost up there, I have changed my point of view.
Mom, I love you and hope you have a great birthday!
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I was in Bridgeport yesterday afternoon for my daughter's first track meet. She was running the 800m and I was laughing with a friend about how the race was considered a sprint in some regards but to us, it just seemed like a heart attack waiting to happen. My girl did well and I'm really proud of her.
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I'm always a little surprised anyone is out there reading my babblings other than Rick (thanks for sticking with me Rick!) but I sincerely appreciate the comments some of you made about the blog while I take some time off. It's encouraging to know that some of the things I write are compelling enough that you come back. My hope is to keep going deeper in my relationship with God and hopefully encourage you to do the same. I realize we are all in different places at different times in our spiritual journey and I feel like my walk with God is so very new in so many ways. He is ripping away layers of self-reliance that I have tried to build around me and filling that space with His goodness. The process is not easy, even painful, but so rewarding.
I'll be back next week with my new word for the week - grappling. Thanks again for your comments and encouraging words.
God is so good.
Friday, February 27, 2009
Monday, February 23, 2009
Blogger Holiday
It's getting tough to get my thoughts on "paper" lately so I think I'm going to take a writing holiday. There are a few of you who stop by regularly so I wanted to let you know that my aim is to take the week off and see what happens. If something really big hits me, I might blog but I'm hoping to let some things sort themselves out in my head and then try again.
I'll leave you with this for now:
I'll leave you with this for now:
Philippians 4:8 (New International Version)
8Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
Friday, February 20, 2009
Different Day...Same Thoughts
I'm still thinking about being made in God's image. I think one of the struggles I have is that I think of image as an external function (how I appear to other people) but being made in God's image in an internal function - it's about where our heart is. Our decisions are often affected by external factors but our decision or response in how we act is an internal decision.
Maybe it would be a good thing if we could roll our eyes backwards and have them look inside of ourselves instead of only seeing outside. What if we could look at the condition of our heart in a spiritual sense on a regular basis and see what God sees? I suppose the danger would be that I would, once again, think I was in control and lack the submissiveness that I need to have.
I want to live in the image of God. It's a battle because there are forces that want to prevent that but it's my desire and prayer to let the Spirit guide me in the fight as I live closer to my Lord.
Maybe it would be a good thing if we could roll our eyes backwards and have them look inside of ourselves instead of only seeing outside. What if we could look at the condition of our heart in a spiritual sense on a regular basis and see what God sees? I suppose the danger would be that I would, once again, think I was in control and lack the submissiveness that I need to have.
I want to live in the image of God. It's a battle because there are forces that want to prevent that but it's my desire and prayer to let the Spirit guide me in the fight as I live closer to my Lord.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Image
Our youth class started a new study last night about different ways we build a relationship with Jesus and what we sometimes leave out because it doesn't suit us or fit our image. Sometimes we see Jesus as the Savior but nothing more, sometimes we see Jesus as the one who is supposed to bring good things to our lives but nothing more, we see Jesus as the grace-giving Jesus but nothing more.
As we talked last night, the thought kept rolling through my mind that we are told in Genesis 9 that we are made in God's image. Think about that for a minute. We are made in His image.
I have spent a lot of years trying to see God in my image. Well, He must not be a very loving God because He let this bad thing happen to me. Well, He will forgive me for doing something to someone who hurt me. Well, He won't mind if I do this because it doesn't hurt anyone else.
He made us in His image. Why, oh why, do we move so easily from being in His image to an image of what we think is good and best. How long do we spend picking out clothes, worrying out our hair (or lack thereof), the vehicles we drive, the houses we live in? For a big majority of us, we spend a good bit of time thinking about our image.
We are made in God's image. Why mess with that?
As we talked last night, the thought kept rolling through my mind that we are told in Genesis 9 that we are made in God's image. Think about that for a minute. We are made in His image.
I have spent a lot of years trying to see God in my image. Well, He must not be a very loving God because He let this bad thing happen to me. Well, He will forgive me for doing something to someone who hurt me. Well, He won't mind if I do this because it doesn't hurt anyone else.
He made us in His image. Why, oh why, do we move so easily from being in His image to an image of what we think is good and best. How long do we spend picking out clothes, worrying out our hair (or lack thereof), the vehicles we drive, the houses we live in? For a big majority of us, we spend a good bit of time thinking about our image.
We are made in God's image. Why mess with that?
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
More A-Rod
A-Rod met the press yesterday to come clean on his steroid usage. Today the radio is filled with questions of whether he's still telling the truth or not. My question is, what difference does it make? He's already received all the punishment he's going to get so why does everyone want to keep poking at him? Is there more to be gained knowing he used for 7 months instead of 6 or if he knew exactly what his cousin was giving him or not?
I agree that A-Rod is doing a good thing by telling his story and, at some point, everyone will have to accept what he says and move on. If he's holding information back, it is something that will eat at him much longer than the rest of us. In general, we have become a society of people wanting to hear the dirt on someone so we can talk about them instead of working on ourselves? Don't believe me? What's People and National Enquirer and so many other grocery store fillers about? They tell us about other people's lives and what's going on with them. There are multiple TV shows and web sites that do the same thing - fill us in on the dirt so we have something to talk about.
I'm guilty. I called A-Rod "A-Fraud" on my blog just a few days ago. He makes LOTS of money and made a mistake that tarnishes a game I'm growing to enjoy and that gives me the right to call him names? No doubt baseball needs to decide what it will do about records set during the steroid period but using steroids are mistakes made by people who simply need to come clean with themselves first. They can't undo what has been done and we can't go on forever talking bad about Bonds, McGuire, A-Rod and the gang and we don't need to. Baseball isn't the be-all and end-all. It's a game. It's not life-and-death, heaven-or-hell and every minute we are focused on that gives us less time to focus on something that is everything.
You've heard this from me before and I feel certain you will hear it more; there are forces of evil all around us and their one and only goal is to take our focus away from God, Christ and the promise that awaits us and I believe with all my heart that satan will use any and every situation he can to do that. Is satan using this situation with baseball? I don't know for sure but I do know this - when it causes me to call someone names or talk bad about someone I don't even know, it's certainly not something that is helping me on my path to Heaven.
Watch out for what satan does to trip you up. He's had my number and isn't going to stop going after me anytime soon and I would imagine you might have experienced similar treatment.
God loves me and He loves you. Philipians 4:8.
I agree that A-Rod is doing a good thing by telling his story and, at some point, everyone will have to accept what he says and move on. If he's holding information back, it is something that will eat at him much longer than the rest of us. In general, we have become a society of people wanting to hear the dirt on someone so we can talk about them instead of working on ourselves? Don't believe me? What's People and National Enquirer and so many other grocery store fillers about? They tell us about other people's lives and what's going on with them. There are multiple TV shows and web sites that do the same thing - fill us in on the dirt so we have something to talk about.
I'm guilty. I called A-Rod "A-Fraud" on my blog just a few days ago. He makes LOTS of money and made a mistake that tarnishes a game I'm growing to enjoy and that gives me the right to call him names? No doubt baseball needs to decide what it will do about records set during the steroid period but using steroids are mistakes made by people who simply need to come clean with themselves first. They can't undo what has been done and we can't go on forever talking bad about Bonds, McGuire, A-Rod and the gang and we don't need to. Baseball isn't the be-all and end-all. It's a game. It's not life-and-death, heaven-or-hell and every minute we are focused on that gives us less time to focus on something that is everything.
You've heard this from me before and I feel certain you will hear it more; there are forces of evil all around us and their one and only goal is to take our focus away from God, Christ and the promise that awaits us and I believe with all my heart that satan will use any and every situation he can to do that. Is satan using this situation with baseball? I don't know for sure but I do know this - when it causes me to call someone names or talk bad about someone I don't even know, it's certainly not something that is helping me on my path to Heaven.
Watch out for what satan does to trip you up. He's had my number and isn't going to stop going after me anytime soon and I would imagine you might have experienced similar treatment.
God loves me and He loves you. Philipians 4:8.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Old Man Hoops
You know the good days have passed you by when one of your teammates comes on the court to replace you says "take a break old man." We played Victory Family Church last night and I wish we could play these guys every week. We pulled out a 50-49 win last night but every game with them is a good one. They play with great sportsmanship and with a fun attitude. As for the old man hoops, I think I'm the oldest player on the court and certainly can't run and jump with most of the guys I'm playing so it's up to my wily basketball skills to get position for rebounds and set lots of screens for my teammates. It's still fun for me to just be on the court and I went 2 for 4 last night.
Texas got beat by A&M. I'm not sure what's going on with the Longhorns this year but it's not good. Not good at all.
I'm betting on UConn and North Carolina to face off in the finals. I think North Carolina has more guns but the big guy for UConn is crazy to watch. He may be averaging 100 blocks a game.
I heard it's Michael Jordan's birthday. I remember making sure I was home in time to see Chicago Bulls games not long ago just to see Jordan do something magical on the court.
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I was reminded of a quote by St. Francis of Assisi yesterday. "Preach the gospel at all times and, when necessary, use words."
Amen.
Texas got beat by A&M. I'm not sure what's going on with the Longhorns this year but it's not good. Not good at all.
I'm betting on UConn and North Carolina to face off in the finals. I think North Carolina has more guns but the big guy for UConn is crazy to watch. He may be averaging 100 blocks a game.
I heard it's Michael Jordan's birthday. I remember making sure I was home in time to see Chicago Bulls games not long ago just to see Jordan do something magical on the court.
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I was reminded of a quote by St. Francis of Assisi yesterday. "Preach the gospel at all times and, when necessary, use words."
Amen.
Monday, February 16, 2009
Monday Ramblings
It's Monday and I really don't have much to say...or much I can put into intelligible thoughts.
The NBA All-Star weekend just passed and I saw none of it. I didn't even realize it was going on until last Thursday or Friday. The slam dunk contest is filled with a bunch of no-name guys unless you are a basketball junkie. Where's Kobe and LeBron? The dunk contest used to be Michael and Dominique - top flight guys in the NBA.
The good news is that we are in the midst of college conference games and March Madness is just a few weeks away. I haven't been able to watch as much college basketball as I'd like this year but the good games are heating up and I hope to see more in the coming weeks. I'm not sure who can stop North Carolina this year.
Is anyone following the stimulus bill? Has anyone explained how we are going to have to pay for it? Does anyone have any faith that it will actually help? It sounds to me like someone is just digging a deeper hole for us to fall into. Either that or the children of my children will be paying for it so we can put off the pain.
Have you ever noticed how people turn to God during tougher times? A country in crisis - fighting wars on foreign soil, in economic turmoil, slipping morality. I'm just thinking where so many people see fear, God is seeing opportunity.
The NBA All-Star weekend just passed and I saw none of it. I didn't even realize it was going on until last Thursday or Friday. The slam dunk contest is filled with a bunch of no-name guys unless you are a basketball junkie. Where's Kobe and LeBron? The dunk contest used to be Michael and Dominique - top flight guys in the NBA.
The good news is that we are in the midst of college conference games and March Madness is just a few weeks away. I haven't been able to watch as much college basketball as I'd like this year but the good games are heating up and I hope to see more in the coming weeks. I'm not sure who can stop North Carolina this year.
Is anyone following the stimulus bill? Has anyone explained how we are going to have to pay for it? Does anyone have any faith that it will actually help? It sounds to me like someone is just digging a deeper hole for us to fall into. Either that or the children of my children will be paying for it so we can put off the pain.
Have you ever noticed how people turn to God during tougher times? A country in crisis - fighting wars on foreign soil, in economic turmoil, slipping morality. I'm just thinking where so many people see fear, God is seeing opportunity.
Friday, February 13, 2009
Spring Training and God
It may not be the best title for a blog but as pitchers and catchers get ready to report to Spring Training, the excitement of baseball starts to build for me. Last year is done and over with, the good and the bad. Josh Hamilton's homeruns and RBI's, Kinsler's MVP start before surgery and a great finish were all things I enjoyed about last year. Up and down pitching, Kinsler's surgery and the start of the season are all things I am glad are in the past. In just over 24 hours as I'm writing this, pitchers and catchers go to Arizona to start working on this year, a new year, a new start.
I was thinking last night about all the Spring Trainings God has given me. An opportunity to start over, fresh, no mistakes, a new beginning. I am so thankful that while the good and bad are a part of my history, with God I can start a new chapter, write a new history and, best of all, He is only interested in my current story - not the story of my past.
I love Spring Training and hope to make a trip to Arizona one of these days to see the new beginning of a new season. I think that would be way cool, like some people want to play Pebble Beach or go to the Daytona 500. I hope I get that opportunity but I cherish the knowledge that I can begin anew with my God, my Creator and Savior, when I need to and I don't have to wait for Him to wash me in His mercy and grace. It's an incredible feeling to know I am that loved by the One who can do all things. Hallelujah and hallelujah.
I was thinking last night about all the Spring Trainings God has given me. An opportunity to start over, fresh, no mistakes, a new beginning. I am so thankful that while the good and bad are a part of my history, with God I can start a new chapter, write a new history and, best of all, He is only interested in my current story - not the story of my past.
I love Spring Training and hope to make a trip to Arizona one of these days to see the new beginning of a new season. I think that would be way cool, like some people want to play Pebble Beach or go to the Daytona 500. I hope I get that opportunity but I cherish the knowledge that I can begin anew with my God, my Creator and Savior, when I need to and I don't have to wait for Him to wash me in His mercy and grace. It's an incredible feeling to know I am that loved by the One who can do all things. Hallelujah and hallelujah.
Monday, February 09, 2009
A-Roid, A-Fraud
The big baseball news this weekend was all about A-Rod and the rumor that he tested positive for steroids in 2003 while a member of the Texas Rangers. All I can say is...sad. I'm not a big A-Rod fan but hoped he would be the guy to break Bonds record and restore some integrity to the record book but it appears that won't be the case. Steroids have obviously run rampant in baseball and the sad truth is some innocent, hard working players are going to be labeled unfairly because of the number and names of people using steroids.
While we point our fingers at the users, and they are the ones ultimately guilty, we need to point our fingers at the whole of baseball from the commissioner on down. There is no way the owners and trainers didn't know, there's no way that the players association didn't know and none of them wanted to do anything about it.
Another example of sowing what you reap. The baseball establishment wanted the excitement that was being generated and now they pay the price for it. Good or bad, about all the suffer is a little embarrassment and a lot of hot air debating what to do with the records of this era.
Another star down. Who's next?
While we point our fingers at the users, and they are the ones ultimately guilty, we need to point our fingers at the whole of baseball from the commissioner on down. There is no way the owners and trainers didn't know, there's no way that the players association didn't know and none of them wanted to do anything about it.
Another example of sowing what you reap. The baseball establishment wanted the excitement that was being generated and now they pay the price for it. Good or bad, about all the suffer is a little embarrassment and a lot of hot air debating what to do with the records of this era.
Another star down. Who's next?
Friday, February 06, 2009
What Does God Want?
Do you know what God wants from you? What your "calling" is? What He expects you to be doing today?
As I continue a fascinating journey with God, one filled at times with incredible insights into who He is and one filled at times with an absolute loss of what He sees for me, I have come to experience emotions towards God that I didn't know existed and probably even resisted at times. I have experienced peace and grace that was palpable; something I believe I could literally feel flowing over me. I have had moments of joy that are exhilarating, breathtaking, indescribable.
Through each step of the journey, I continue to ask where God wants me to be. Does He want me to be an accountant accounting for things that need to be accounted for? Does He want me to be a coach or a teacher? Does He want me to be a lawyer? Does He want me working the streets helping the homeless? Does He want all those things?
I don't know. At different times I feel pulled to do different things and I wonder, "is that what God is calling me to?" My biggest problem I face with God on a daily basis is not having an agenda, a roadmap of what His plans are for my life. I am learning to wait but, at times, the waiting exhausts me and causes my mind to wander off. It affects my prayers, the intensity and frequency. It affects my outlook towards how I deal with things in my life.
I know God is here. I know He works through all the things that I get frustrated with as well as the things that lift me up. I know He is here, He loves me and He will guide me where He wants me to go if I just have faith and wait to hear Him.
I'm waiting Lord. Use me.
As I continue a fascinating journey with God, one filled at times with incredible insights into who He is and one filled at times with an absolute loss of what He sees for me, I have come to experience emotions towards God that I didn't know existed and probably even resisted at times. I have experienced peace and grace that was palpable; something I believe I could literally feel flowing over me. I have had moments of joy that are exhilarating, breathtaking, indescribable.
Through each step of the journey, I continue to ask where God wants me to be. Does He want me to be an accountant accounting for things that need to be accounted for? Does He want me to be a coach or a teacher? Does He want me to be a lawyer? Does He want me working the streets helping the homeless? Does He want all those things?
I don't know. At different times I feel pulled to do different things and I wonder, "is that what God is calling me to?" My biggest problem I face with God on a daily basis is not having an agenda, a roadmap of what His plans are for my life. I am learning to wait but, at times, the waiting exhausts me and causes my mind to wander off. It affects my prayers, the intensity and frequency. It affects my outlook towards how I deal with things in my life.
I know God is here. I know He works through all the things that I get frustrated with as well as the things that lift me up. I know He is here, He loves me and He will guide me where He wants me to go if I just have faith and wait to hear Him.
I'm waiting Lord. Use me.
Thursday, February 05, 2009
More Change
Leon Panetta, President Obama's choice for CIA chief earned $700,000 for lobbying and "speaking" engagements to some of the same companies our government is bailing out. Obama is now setting salary for executives of companies we are bailing out. Oh yeah, he's changing things alright.
If the government is going to interfere with compensation (which is insane for many companies but stockholders have been going along with it so it's back to the reap-what-you-sow doctrine), I say bump the guys out who have put the company in a position to need a bailout. They are still rewarding the same people who have made the decisions letting them keep their jobs even if they only make $500,000 now.
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I don't always put the word "President" before Obama when I'm writing. I mean no disrespect to the man or the office, I'm just trying to save some keystrokes. I think Obama has the toughest job in the world and I hope the very best for him. I don't care if a Democrat or Republican can end wars, restore peace and lead us to financial calm. I'm all for anyone from any party accomplishing that. I strongly agree with some of his social positions and strongly disagree with others. I just leave out "President" so I can type less. I'm pretty sure I did the same thing when referring to Bush and Obama already has me typing one more letter.
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Kobe went off for 61 points a few nights ago. LeBron went off for 52 last night. I've watched highlights and it is AMAZING what those guys do with the bodies while shooting and fending off the defensive players. AMAZING.
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Texas had another strong recruiting class sign yesterday. Hook 'em Horns! I hope Texas gets to play USC soon. I'm not sure who will win but if they played each other 10 times during the year I think I would enjoy it. Better yet, I'd like to see a pool of USC, Ohio State, Florida, LSU, Alabama, Texas and 1 or 2 others play each other all year. It would be like a playoff system.
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Have a great day. God loves you.
If the government is going to interfere with compensation (which is insane for many companies but stockholders have been going along with it so it's back to the reap-what-you-sow doctrine), I say bump the guys out who have put the company in a position to need a bailout. They are still rewarding the same people who have made the decisions letting them keep their jobs even if they only make $500,000 now.
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I don't always put the word "President" before Obama when I'm writing. I mean no disrespect to the man or the office, I'm just trying to save some keystrokes. I think Obama has the toughest job in the world and I hope the very best for him. I don't care if a Democrat or Republican can end wars, restore peace and lead us to financial calm. I'm all for anyone from any party accomplishing that. I strongly agree with some of his social positions and strongly disagree with others. I just leave out "President" so I can type less. I'm pretty sure I did the same thing when referring to Bush and Obama already has me typing one more letter.
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Kobe went off for 61 points a few nights ago. LeBron went off for 52 last night. I've watched highlights and it is AMAZING what those guys do with the bodies while shooting and fending off the defensive players. AMAZING.
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Texas had another strong recruiting class sign yesterday. Hook 'em Horns! I hope Texas gets to play USC soon. I'm not sure who will win but if they played each other 10 times during the year I think I would enjoy it. Better yet, I'd like to see a pool of USC, Ohio State, Florida, LSU, Alabama, Texas and 1 or 2 others play each other all year. It would be like a playoff system.
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Have a great day. God loves you.
Wednesday, February 04, 2009
Hope, Change and Taxes
I'm not trying to jump on the bandwagon but does anyone else think it sadly humorous that 3 of Obama's nominees have had tax problems? Can anyone say "politics as usual"? Daschle only had a $128,000 tax deficiency. WHAT? Most people in this country would like to make that much in a year so how much income did he have to owe that much?
To Obama's credit, he owned up to messing up but if it's change we can believe in, he's certainly off to a shaky start in changing anything and getting us to believe it.
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I still wonder how much money Michael Phelps lost for taking his bong hit?
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As you can see, I don't have much to blog about. I've actually written two blogs recently and ended up deleting them because they were got to be very long. I'm not keeping up with the Mavs but am aware that spring training is just around the corner. One of these days I hope I can go to Arizona for spring practice.
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Friday night is Pack the House night for the Decatur vs. Bridgeport basketball games at DHS. The girls cross country team is getting their state championship rings and there's a hamburger supper benefit for the Lunt family. Come on out, eat and cheer on the Eagles.
To Obama's credit, he owned up to messing up but if it's change we can believe in, he's certainly off to a shaky start in changing anything and getting us to believe it.
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I still wonder how much money Michael Phelps lost for taking his bong hit?
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As you can see, I don't have much to blog about. I've actually written two blogs recently and ended up deleting them because they were got to be very long. I'm not keeping up with the Mavs but am aware that spring training is just around the corner. One of these days I hope I can go to Arizona for spring practice.
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Friday night is Pack the House night for the Decatur vs. Bridgeport basketball games at DHS. The girls cross country team is getting their state championship rings and there's a hamburger supper benefit for the Lunt family. Come on out, eat and cheer on the Eagles.
Monday, February 02, 2009
Super Bowl
A great game. That sums up the Super Bowl for me even though the team I was pulling for didn't win. I didn't see any of the 1st half, much of the halftime show or many commercials but I did see Larry Fitzgerald do his thing and Santonio Holmes make some great catches - especially the last one in the corner of the end zone.
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February is here meaning two things. March Madness and Spring Training are coming soon. Wahooooo!
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Obama was cheering for the Steelers. I've heard both criticism and praise for a President who acts like a fan. I don't think I have any concern about the President cheering for one team over another but it would have been interesting to see the Cardinals at the White House and hear what was said.
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Michael Phelps got caught smoking pot. The TV stories suggest that will cost him a lot of money from endorsements that get pulled. He made a mistake (join the crowd Michael) and I hope he will use it to make a positive statement about avoiding the pitfalls of evil. I saw Andy Pettite (pitcher for the Yankees) on TV last night speaking at a Baptist church in Dallas and using his experiences, good and bad, to encourage others in their walk with God.
We all face failures, some of us more than others, but we continue to get the opportunity to bounce back from them, learn from them and share what we have learned to help prevent someone from following the same path.
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February is here meaning two things. March Madness and Spring Training are coming soon. Wahooooo!
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Obama was cheering for the Steelers. I've heard both criticism and praise for a President who acts like a fan. I don't think I have any concern about the President cheering for one team over another but it would have been interesting to see the Cardinals at the White House and hear what was said.
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Michael Phelps got caught smoking pot. The TV stories suggest that will cost him a lot of money from endorsements that get pulled. He made a mistake (join the crowd Michael) and I hope he will use it to make a positive statement about avoiding the pitfalls of evil. I saw Andy Pettite (pitcher for the Yankees) on TV last night speaking at a Baptist church in Dallas and using his experiences, good and bad, to encourage others in their walk with God.
We all face failures, some of us more than others, but we continue to get the opportunity to bounce back from them, learn from them and share what we have learned to help prevent someone from following the same path.
Friday, January 30, 2009
Friday Is Here
Did you hear about the bonuses the Wall Street/banking guys paid themselves with bailout money? Anyone still thinking the government is going to be able to pull us out of this collapse?
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Super Bowl Sunday. Arizona and Pittsburgh. Go team.
I wonder what Jerry sits around and thinks about during games like this?
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Skunks move in under our building during the winter. Mornings are rough on the nose.
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I wonder if God sees the potential collapse of our economy/country as an opportunity that will lead people back to Him? I have a lot of thoughts on that idea and actually started a blog discussing it but it was going on forever so I erased it. The idea is that when people have no more possessions to hang on to, they will seek something they can grasp and God is always there, always available, always waiting on us.
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Super Bowl Sunday. Arizona and Pittsburgh. Go team.
I wonder what Jerry sits around and thinks about during games like this?
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Skunks move in under our building during the winter. Mornings are rough on the nose.
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I wonder if God sees the potential collapse of our economy/country as an opportunity that will lead people back to Him? I have a lot of thoughts on that idea and actually started a blog discussing it but it was going on forever so I erased it. The idea is that when people have no more possessions to hang on to, they will seek something they can grasp and God is always there, always available, always waiting on us.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Downhill Run
I really don't have much on my mind today or maybe I have a lot on my mind and just can't get it out in coherent sentences.
I really enjoy a Chick-fil-a sandwich. I used to eat them 2-3 times a week in high school and then went for several years rarely eating them. I keep hoping they will put a store in Decatur but it might spoil the enjoyment I get out of eating them because I would be there so often.
We will get to start judging President Obama soon. For everyone who thinks he is a gift from above to those who think he is straight out of you-know-where below but with no real history of proof - the time is coming soon where we can look at his actions and begin to assess what he will be as President. I do have hope for good things but I don't have high expectations. His signing of an executive order to allow funding for international abortions was a bad decision in my eyes but I think it handled it more delicately than his predecessors.
Where is Osama bin-Laden? Someone knows and someone would tell. With all of our high-tech toys and gizmos, I can't understand how he can hide so well.
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Make it a good day!
I really enjoy a Chick-fil-a sandwich. I used to eat them 2-3 times a week in high school and then went for several years rarely eating them. I keep hoping they will put a store in Decatur but it might spoil the enjoyment I get out of eating them because I would be there so often.
We will get to start judging President Obama soon. For everyone who thinks he is a gift from above to those who think he is straight out of you-know-where below but with no real history of proof - the time is coming soon where we can look at his actions and begin to assess what he will be as President. I do have hope for good things but I don't have high expectations. His signing of an executive order to allow funding for international abortions was a bad decision in my eyes but I think it handled it more delicately than his predecessors.
Where is Osama bin-Laden? Someone knows and someone would tell. With all of our high-tech toys and gizmos, I can't understand how he can hide so well.
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Make it a good day!
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
A Bad Day For Red Trucks
With the ice comes replay after replay of the same accident that got caught on film. Yesterday it was a red truck and I saw it a couple of times on the evening news. My wife said it had been on all day. Nothing like a video of a red truck spinning around in circles to give the news folks something to talk about.
What confounds me is when there is ice, they show it all day. We know there is ice and we know the dangers and we know it's everywhere. When tornadoes are coming our way and we don't know exactly where they are, they pop on and tell us to duck and then go back to regular programming. I don't get it. I suppose it's easier to report on something that is tangible and easy to spot as opposed to a tornado that may or may not form but the thing that might pick my house up and set it down in a different town worries me more.
I bet I won't get hired to run a TV station anytime soon.
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On the bright side, Rangers pitchers and catchers report to spring training in just over 2 weeks. Play ball! The Rangers are working on signing Ben Sheets who was a hard throwing pitcher for Milwaukee until some elbow problems slowed him down. If he's healed and the Rangers can get a deal done it will make some games more entertaining. I think if they can run Sheets, Millwood and Padilla to the bump they will be more competitive this year. Millwood isn't a #1 and moving him back a spot could help his confidence. Padilla needs another year like last year and he'll get a fat contract somewhere next year.
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Stay warm and safe today.
What confounds me is when there is ice, they show it all day. We know there is ice and we know the dangers and we know it's everywhere. When tornadoes are coming our way and we don't know exactly where they are, they pop on and tell us to duck and then go back to regular programming. I don't get it. I suppose it's easier to report on something that is tangible and easy to spot as opposed to a tornado that may or may not form but the thing that might pick my house up and set it down in a different town worries me more.
I bet I won't get hired to run a TV station anytime soon.
_______________________________________________________________
On the bright side, Rangers pitchers and catchers report to spring training in just over 2 weeks. Play ball! The Rangers are working on signing Ben Sheets who was a hard throwing pitcher for Milwaukee until some elbow problems slowed him down. If he's healed and the Rangers can get a deal done it will make some games more entertaining. I think if they can run Sheets, Millwood and Padilla to the bump they will be more competitive this year. Millwood isn't a #1 and moving him back a spot could help his confidence. Padilla needs another year like last year and he'll get a fat contract somewhere next year.
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Stay warm and safe today.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Brrrrr
The TV stations will be filled up with ice-talk today. My short drive to work was easy. The ground is wet but not icy along my path although the drizzle was turning to ice on my windshield. One employee who comes from the north hit an icy patch and spun around but no serious damage. It sounds like it will just get worse today - be careful out there.
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Today's scripture that popped up on my blog is one I am finally beginning to understand. “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." (See Ephesians 6:12-13) In the past, when the battle came to me, I fought back against flesh and blood which is exactly what the evil forces wanted me to do - move my focus from the real enemy to someone or something that would pull me further in the direction I didn't need to go. I have talked about fighting demons but then tried to assign the fight to something/someone tangible. It's hard to fight the battle against an unseen force when I try to fight the battle myself.
The beauty of what I have finally learned and experienced is allowing the Holy Spirit to fight the battle through me. The glory of God shines when I allow Him to work through me instead of working for what I think would be best and serve His purpose. It has been a difficult transition for me, having to let go of what I thought was best and waiting to hear God's call for me, but it has been a wonderful transition because it has allowed me to see a power that is beyond imagination.
I thank God for allowing me to be His servant and pray that I will continue to open my heart to be molded by Him and I hope this for you too.
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Today's scripture that popped up on my blog is one I am finally beginning to understand. “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." (See Ephesians 6:12-13) In the past, when the battle came to me, I fought back against flesh and blood which is exactly what the evil forces wanted me to do - move my focus from the real enemy to someone or something that would pull me further in the direction I didn't need to go. I have talked about fighting demons but then tried to assign the fight to something/someone tangible. It's hard to fight the battle against an unseen force when I try to fight the battle myself.
The beauty of what I have finally learned and experienced is allowing the Holy Spirit to fight the battle through me. The glory of God shines when I allow Him to work through me instead of working for what I think would be best and serve His purpose. It has been a difficult transition for me, having to let go of what I thought was best and waiting to hear God's call for me, but it has been a wonderful transition because it has allowed me to see a power that is beyond imagination.
I thank God for allowing me to be His servant and pray that I will continue to open my heart to be molded by Him and I hope this for you too.
Friday, January 23, 2009
Emails
I don't know if the information in this email is correct or not but it's a good story and a good reminder of who God is.
Malachi 3:3 says: 'He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver.'
This verse puzzled a group in a Bible study and they wondered what this statement meant about the character and nature of God.
One of them offered to find out the process of refining silver and get back to the group at their next Bible Study.
That week, the woman called a silversmith and made an appointment to watch him at work. She didn't mention anything about the reason for her interest beyond her curiosity about the process of refining Silver.
As she watched the silversmith, he held a piece of silver over the fire and let it heat up. He explained that in refining silver, one needed to hold the silver in the middle of the fire where the flames were hottest as to burn away all the impurities.
The woman thought about God holding us in such a hot spot; then she thought again about the verse that says: 'He sits as a refiner and purifier of silver.' She asked the silversmith if it was true that he had to sit there in front of the fire the whole time the silver was being refined.
The man answered that yes, he not only had to sit there holding the silver, but he had to keep his eyes on the silver the entire time it was in the fire. If the silver was left a moment too long in the flames, it would be destroyed.
The woman was silent for a moment. Then she asked the silversmith, 'How do you know when the silver is fully refined?'
He smiled at her and answered, 'Oh, that's easy -- when I see my image in it.'
If today you are feeling the heat of the fire , remember that God has his eye on you and will keep watching you until He sees His image in you.
Malachi 3:3 says: 'He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver.'
This verse puzzled a group in a Bible study and they wondered what this statement meant about the character and nature of God.
One of them offered to find out the process of refining silver and get back to the group at their next Bible Study.
That week, the woman called a silversmith and made an appointment to watch him at work. She didn't mention anything about the reason for her interest beyond her curiosity about the process of refining Silver.
As she watched the silversmith, he held a piece of silver over the fire and let it heat up. He explained that in refining silver, one needed to hold the silver in the middle of the fire where the flames were hottest as to burn away all the impurities.
The woman thought about God holding us in such a hot spot; then she thought again about the verse that says: 'He sits as a refiner and purifier of silver.' She asked the silversmith if it was true that he had to sit there in front of the fire the whole time the silver was being refined.
The man answered that yes, he not only had to sit there holding the silver, but he had to keep his eyes on the silver the entire time it was in the fire. If the silver was left a moment too long in the flames, it would be destroyed.
The woman was silent for a moment. Then she asked the silversmith, 'How do you know when the silver is fully refined?'
He smiled at her and answered, 'Oh, that's easy -- when I see my image in it.'
If today you are feeling the heat of the fire , remember that God has his eye on you and will keep watching you until He sees His image in you.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Go Cardinals
There's an email going around about Kurt Warner's story. He's the QB for the Arizona Cardinals and I remember hearing about his struggle to make it to the NFL when he was with the Rams but I had forgotten some of the details. If you want a good read, go to www.snopes.com and type Kurt Warner in the search function. I'll be rooting for Warner and the Cardinals to do the unlikely and bring home a Super Bowl trophy.
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It was a tragic day in Decatur yesterday. A sophomore girl on her way to school had a wreck that killed her. I cannot begin to imagine what her parents are dealing with and pray that I won't have to but my heart goes out to them. Please offer up a prayer for the Lunt family today.
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I never have really figured out the "ask, seek, knock" scripture. I feel like I have asked and sought and knocked only to hear or see nothing. I wonder what's going on that I follow the steps and...nothing. Am I asking for the wrong thing? If that's the case, why ask if I'm not sure I'm asking for the right thing. Am I seeking the wrong thing? If that's the case, why look? Am I knocking at the wrong time? If that's the case, when is a better time?
I am OK with the idea that God will allow us to wait but there comes a time when waiting turns to frustration and frustration turns to apathy but I realize that those are my emotions, my feelings. We used to sing a song that said "Lord teach me to wait..."
I hope I will perfect my waiting skills and will spend my time preparing myself for what God wants me to have.
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It was a tragic day in Decatur yesterday. A sophomore girl on her way to school had a wreck that killed her. I cannot begin to imagine what her parents are dealing with and pray that I won't have to but my heart goes out to them. Please offer up a prayer for the Lunt family today.
________________________________________________________________
I never have really figured out the "ask, seek, knock" scripture. I feel like I have asked and sought and knocked only to hear or see nothing. I wonder what's going on that I follow the steps and...nothing. Am I asking for the wrong thing? If that's the case, why ask if I'm not sure I'm asking for the right thing. Am I seeking the wrong thing? If that's the case, why look? Am I knocking at the wrong time? If that's the case, when is a better time?
I am OK with the idea that God will allow us to wait but there comes a time when waiting turns to frustration and frustration turns to apathy but I realize that those are my emotions, my feelings. We used to sing a song that said "Lord teach me to wait..."
I hope I will perfect my waiting skills and will spend my time preparing myself for what God wants me to have.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Barack's Day
Will today be a great day or just a historic day? It will be historic simply for the fact that a black man is taking over the top government job in our country. It's a day that will hopefully allow this country to move on past the obstacle of race. Surely no one will be surprised today that the word "black" will likely be spoken more than any other day and that there will be a large number of black people on TV, in the newspaper, on the radio, etc. And why not? It's a historic day for a lot of people based on how a group was treated in the past.
Will it be a great day? That remains to be seen. It's greatness will be built over time if Obama accomplishes what he has made people believe he can accomplish. Otherwise, it will just be another day a new President was elected that did some good things and failed at others - very similar to the last few Presidents.
I read where someone referred to Obama as the "anointed one" and, if you watch and listen, you can't help but see people who give that appearance - that Obama has come from a special place to do special things. I don't have high hopes for the Obama years so maybe I'll be pleasantly surprised. My hope for his time in office is that he doesn't make things any worse and hopefully gets us thinking not so much about our status in the world but in our compassion and care for people - wherever they are. I hope he doesn't get so focused on the monetary issue of compassion that he is blinded to simply taking from the rich to give to the poor. Instead, I hope he pushes the message of hope and sacrifice and work. A hope that people will work together to try and improve everyone's place in life, the idea of sacrificing our time for others and working daily to grow in our compassion and labor for those who are hurting and those who are in need.
I didn't vote for Obama but on this day, he has my prayers that he will be a good leader and that the decisions he makes will help this country be a better country-not wealthier or superior to anyone else but better in our compassion and assistance to those who need it.
Will it be a great day? That remains to be seen. It's greatness will be built over time if Obama accomplishes what he has made people believe he can accomplish. Otherwise, it will just be another day a new President was elected that did some good things and failed at others - very similar to the last few Presidents.
I read where someone referred to Obama as the "anointed one" and, if you watch and listen, you can't help but see people who give that appearance - that Obama has come from a special place to do special things. I don't have high hopes for the Obama years so maybe I'll be pleasantly surprised. My hope for his time in office is that he doesn't make things any worse and hopefully gets us thinking not so much about our status in the world but in our compassion and care for people - wherever they are. I hope he doesn't get so focused on the monetary issue of compassion that he is blinded to simply taking from the rich to give to the poor. Instead, I hope he pushes the message of hope and sacrifice and work. A hope that people will work together to try and improve everyone's place in life, the idea of sacrificing our time for others and working daily to grow in our compassion and labor for those who are hurting and those who are in need.
I didn't vote for Obama but on this day, he has my prayers that he will be a good leader and that the decisions he makes will help this country be a better country-not wealthier or superior to anyone else but better in our compassion and assistance to those who need it.
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