I have a sinus infection or something of that sort that is wearing me out today. I'm going home in a bit to try and get some sleep that I have missed the last 2 nights. I'm sure you are all happy to know that. :)
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I don't know what makes the swine flu worse than the regular flu. The deaths from this flu are tragic but I hear about deaths from the flu every year. I certainly don't want it and hope those who have it will recover.
I can't imagine the death of a 23 month old from swine flu. My heart goes out to that family.
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Arlen Specter has converted from Republican to Democrat. I don't understand how a sitting legislator can do that and it not require an immediate vote to see if the people of his state want to replace him. It should certainly apply both ways but I don't think it's fair to the country or the people he represents for him to change his party affiliation without laying out his reasoning and being subjected to a new election under the new party.
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I used to eat and breathe politics. Now I don't want to think about it much. At what point the voting is over, there's not much I can control. However, the change of Specter's affiliation and the pending Minnesota race can give the Democrats a super majority in the Senate (I think) and that does give me some concern.
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The Mavericks beat San Antonio and I didn't see a minute of it. I don't like the team, I don't care for the coach and the owner can easily turn me off. From what little I've seen, I would be a fan if the keep JJ Berea and Bass and ship the rest off and only bring in players I approve of.
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The Rangers are back to .500 and battling through some games for wins. Go Rangers!
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God is so good. As I learn to trust him more each day, I find life to be more and more peaceful. It doesn't mean things are perfect or I don't encounter problems but there is peace.
I hope you are finding the blessings, love, mercy, grace and hope that God affords everyone single one of us.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Beauty
I watched a beautiful thing last night as a young lady was baptized after study and making a decision to turn her life over to Christ, our Lord.
Over the years I have rode a wave of thoughts on baptism. Is it essential? Is it necessary? Is it an act of obedience? Growing up in a Church of Christ fellowship, the necessity of baptism gets hammered pretty hard. After reading scripture and thinking about what I believe God is saying, I have come to the conclusion that baptism is essential, not out of obedience or following rules, but as an act of submission. It is a decided act to step in the water and leave an old life behind to start a new life. It is a thought-out act of following in Christ's footsteps, albeit much simpler, to show our submission to a life with Him. There is beauty in submission.
I love the language of Romans 6. I see beauty in the language of the writer. Verse 4-5 says "We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. If we have been united (italics mine) with him like this in his death, we will certainly be united with him in his resurrection (bold mine)." I read this and wonder how someone would not RUN to the water after deciding to accept Christ and follow him because I see beauty in how God has allowed us to be united with Christ in death and in life.
Last night I saw glory and power and love and forgiveness and hope all wrapped up in a beautiful act of baptism.
Over the years I have rode a wave of thoughts on baptism. Is it essential? Is it necessary? Is it an act of obedience? Growing up in a Church of Christ fellowship, the necessity of baptism gets hammered pretty hard. After reading scripture and thinking about what I believe God is saying, I have come to the conclusion that baptism is essential, not out of obedience or following rules, but as an act of submission. It is a decided act to step in the water and leave an old life behind to start a new life. It is a thought-out act of following in Christ's footsteps, albeit much simpler, to show our submission to a life with Him. There is beauty in submission.
I love the language of Romans 6. I see beauty in the language of the writer. Verse 4-5 says "We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. If we have been united (italics mine) with him like this in his death, we will certainly be united with him in his resurrection (bold mine)." I read this and wonder how someone would not RUN to the water after deciding to accept Christ and follow him because I see beauty in how God has allowed us to be united with Christ in death and in life.
Last night I saw glory and power and love and forgiveness and hope all wrapped up in a beautiful act of baptism.
Monday, April 27, 2009
Learning to Win
My son's baseball team had the best tournament of the year yesterday. His team was 1-12 coming in to the day and starting bracket play as the 9th (and last) seed. They played the 8th seed and got a 9-3 lead before letting the other team come back and almost win. Our guys prevailed 10-9 but it appeared they had the sense they would end up losing another one and played tentatively in the latter innings. The next game was against the #1 seed and we were off and running with a 5-0 lead before letting the other team tie it in the 5th inning and then watched as they scored the winning run in the 6th to beat us 6-5. Again, it looked like our boys got nervous and tight down the stretch afraid of blowing it instead of taking their play up another notch.
Sometimes, we get used to defeat and think that no matter how good things seem, it will all go away and we will be on the losing end. Or, we get so used to defeat that we learn to live in it thinking of victory as something the lucky people get.
My Christian walk has taken on that feel at times. I wanted to win, I wanted to live Christ-like but knew I had blown it before and would probably blow it again. I would get close and then let something move me back to my old ways. Praise God that I feel like I am moving away from that thinking and realizing that victories are there for the taking if I will trust in the Lord and live courageously for Him. I'm learning to walk in faith and turn away from my old thoughts of not being able to do the right thing, to win. I realize that the win isn't mine alone but a team victory. I win when I rely on God and allow Him to work through me using His perfect and wonderful Spirit and He gives me other people who want to help.
I want to continue to learn to win in God's plan for me. Victory is sweet and He has paved the way for me to enjoy it.
Sometimes, we get used to defeat and think that no matter how good things seem, it will all go away and we will be on the losing end. Or, we get so used to defeat that we learn to live in it thinking of victory as something the lucky people get.
My Christian walk has taken on that feel at times. I wanted to win, I wanted to live Christ-like but knew I had blown it before and would probably blow it again. I would get close and then let something move me back to my old ways. Praise God that I feel like I am moving away from that thinking and realizing that victories are there for the taking if I will trust in the Lord and live courageously for Him. I'm learning to walk in faith and turn away from my old thoughts of not being able to do the right thing, to win. I realize that the win isn't mine alone but a team victory. I win when I rely on God and allow Him to work through me using His perfect and wonderful Spirit and He gives me other people who want to help.
I want to continue to learn to win in God's plan for me. Victory is sweet and He has paved the way for me to enjoy it.
Saturday, April 25, 2009
I Love My Church
I love my church. It is imperfect, filled with people who have all sorts of problems. It has the people who think instrumental music is wrong and those who don't take issue with it. It has people who have never had a drop of alcohol cross their lips and those who have battled addiction. It has people who think showing up every Sunday is what's most important and those who don't show up often but share the compassion of Christ with other people daily. It has people who's families are almost perfect and people who's families are in shambles. My church has people of all sizes and shapes, of various socio-economic backgrounds and, to some degree, different cultures and colors. My church is wonderful because in all it's greatness and problems, it is the church Christ created.
I read an article by Jud Wilhite tonight that reminded me why I love the church. Wilhite is the pastor of Central Christian Church in Las Vegas (yes, sin city) and he said something that really matches what I think about church.
"I believe with all my heart that the Church is the world's hope. Government can't change the heart. Education, as important as it is, can't change the heart. Healthcare and Social Security reform won't change the heart. Only God can do that. And He uses people - the Church - to reach out and impact others. Many people are cynical and skeptical about church. And who can deny all the scandals and hypocrisy that occur in the name of God? It is truly awful. Yet, for every scandal there are thousands and thousands of churches making a real difference and doing their best to help others."
I love my church and I hope God continues to give us opportunity to reach a lost and hurting world AND I hope we will meet the opportunity with the heart of Christ. I see it happening through different people in different ways and it excites me. The Church, the body of Christ, offers hope through the resurrected Savior.
I read an article by Jud Wilhite tonight that reminded me why I love the church. Wilhite is the pastor of Central Christian Church in Las Vegas (yes, sin city) and he said something that really matches what I think about church.
"I believe with all my heart that the Church is the world's hope. Government can't change the heart. Education, as important as it is, can't change the heart. Healthcare and Social Security reform won't change the heart. Only God can do that. And He uses people - the Church - to reach out and impact others. Many people are cynical and skeptical about church. And who can deny all the scandals and hypocrisy that occur in the name of God? It is truly awful. Yet, for every scandal there are thousands and thousands of churches making a real difference and doing their best to help others."
I love my church and I hope God continues to give us opportunity to reach a lost and hurting world AND I hope we will meet the opportunity with the heart of Christ. I see it happening through different people in different ways and it excites me. The Church, the body of Christ, offers hope through the resurrected Savior.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Warriors
My image of a warrior is someone who is always ready for a fight, always prepared for battle, always looking for the enemy and ready to use all the weapons and tools they have to win the battle.
I wonder what happens when the battle is over. What does a warrior do? What goes through the mind of that person who is so ready for battle that they look forward to it because it has become their comfort zone? How easily can they adapt to peace? I wonder if it is scary to a warrior when the battle they are fighting comes to an end.
I have been reading and trying to better understand spiritual warfare and this is one of the questions I have been mulling. What happens to people who are in the midst of a spiritual battle and they see it coming to an end? Do they exhale and become thankful and relax or do they fear the end because they have equipped themselves to keep on fighting? Or what happens to them when they are between battles? They have been fighting then the fight subsides. How do they keep from getting lazy while enjoying the peace?
I know some of these questions are a little over the top and don't apply to every person and every situation. They are just thoughts I've had bouncing around in my head and in my heart. I have used them in looking at my life and how I have and will deal with spiritual battles. I don't think there is a one-size-fits-all answer to any of the questions but they are questions that make me stop, even haunt me a little.
I know this. God is good and will provide everything I need if I rely on him. It's when I rely on me that things fall apart. Maybe I'm coming up with those questions with a "me" mentality because none of them ask what God does in the heart of a warrior. I need to think about it some more.
May your hearts and lives be filled with His grace and peace.
I wonder what happens when the battle is over. What does a warrior do? What goes through the mind of that person who is so ready for battle that they look forward to it because it has become their comfort zone? How easily can they adapt to peace? I wonder if it is scary to a warrior when the battle they are fighting comes to an end.
I have been reading and trying to better understand spiritual warfare and this is one of the questions I have been mulling. What happens to people who are in the midst of a spiritual battle and they see it coming to an end? Do they exhale and become thankful and relax or do they fear the end because they have equipped themselves to keep on fighting? Or what happens to them when they are between battles? They have been fighting then the fight subsides. How do they keep from getting lazy while enjoying the peace?
I know some of these questions are a little over the top and don't apply to every person and every situation. They are just thoughts I've had bouncing around in my head and in my heart. I have used them in looking at my life and how I have and will deal with spiritual battles. I don't think there is a one-size-fits-all answer to any of the questions but they are questions that make me stop, even haunt me a little.
I know this. God is good and will provide everything I need if I rely on him. It's when I rely on me that things fall apart. Maybe I'm coming up with those questions with a "me" mentality because none of them ask what God does in the heart of a warrior. I need to think about it some more.
May your hearts and lives be filled with His grace and peace.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
30 More Hours of Sleep Would Be Good
I spent the weekend at Camp Deer Run with 100+ young people and some other adults. It was a spiritual retreat for our youth group and 4 other churches (2 from Arkansas, Bowie and Early) and a wonderful and wet time. I appreciate my time with our youth group because they always offer hope...hope for today and tomorrow, hope for more Christ-likeness, more openness about our Savior and hope that the kingdom of God will continue to become stronger and more in love with Him.
I saw some incredibly loving and caring youth ministers and their families and I was once again reminded how blessed we are to have Jacob and Heather Baker in our church family. I am repeatedly overwhelmed by their love for our kids and their desire to share Christ.
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I saw a report on the news today there is a case in front of the Supreme Court to decide whether schools can strip search children. It focuses around a girl who was 13 at the time, an honor student with no history of trouble. Another girl was caught with drugs and blamed it on the honor student. The honor student said she knew nothing about it so the Assistant Principal got the school nurse to strip search her. The girl recanted being down to just her undergarments and being told to take them off also. This was all done WITHOUT the parent's knowledge.
As I listened to the story, I thought about that happening to one of my kids. Now, if you know me well you know I have a bit of a temper. It doesn't go off often but when it does things tend to get broken. I can only imagine finding out that the school had strip searched one of my children without my knowledge and I'm pretty sure the temper alarm would go off and nothing good would happen after that.
I hope the Supreme Court uses some common sense and does not allow for strip searches without parental consent at a minimum. The 13 year old girl was horrified and ended up leaving that school because she was made fun of and worse.
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I'm really trying to work on my temper. As I have come to understand the spiritual battles for my heart better, I know that is one area that satan can use.
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Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind and with all your strength.
I saw some incredibly loving and caring youth ministers and their families and I was once again reminded how blessed we are to have Jacob and Heather Baker in our church family. I am repeatedly overwhelmed by their love for our kids and their desire to share Christ.
_______________________________________________________________
I saw a report on the news today there is a case in front of the Supreme Court to decide whether schools can strip search children. It focuses around a girl who was 13 at the time, an honor student with no history of trouble. Another girl was caught with drugs and blamed it on the honor student. The honor student said she knew nothing about it so the Assistant Principal got the school nurse to strip search her. The girl recanted being down to just her undergarments and being told to take them off also. This was all done WITHOUT the parent's knowledge.
As I listened to the story, I thought about that happening to one of my kids. Now, if you know me well you know I have a bit of a temper. It doesn't go off often but when it does things tend to get broken. I can only imagine finding out that the school had strip searched one of my children without my knowledge and I'm pretty sure the temper alarm would go off and nothing good would happen after that.
I hope the Supreme Court uses some common sense and does not allow for strip searches without parental consent at a minimum. The 13 year old girl was horrified and ended up leaving that school because she was made fun of and worse.
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I'm really trying to work on my temper. As I have come to understand the spiritual battles for my heart better, I know that is one area that satan can use.
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Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind and with all your strength.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Denying Self
Learning to deny myself is hard. I've always lived in a world where what I thought/felt/knew/understood/imagined was my guiding principle. Moving to a life where I call on God to fill me with His desire seems like a much better way to live but I still try to interject what I think God would be happy with.
I've told people that God wants them to act, not just sit around and wait on Him and that's still kind of true but I don't think I was ever really waiting on Him. I thought I knew what God would want and I did it...or I did what I felt like was right or fair to me.
I want to live differently. I am trying to follow a path where I wait to hear from God and then try to act according to what I am led to, not what I create. It tries my patience and sometimes, I go back to my old routine of doing what I think is best. It's a hard habit to break and one I know the evil forces around me don't want me to break.
I want to press on, even when it's difficult. There have been days where I felt alone, like God wasn't there to guide me and then something happens that I know is His reminder that He is at work, not in my time but His.
I want to live for Him. I want to walk away from my thought processes of the past and move to a paradigm that is centered around God. Something I was reading earlier made the comment that we sometimes have to leave what is familiar to truly find God. We have to break out of our routine and go to a place that is new, maybe uncomfortable, so that we will cling to God and grow in Him. I'm ready to make that trip. I don't do it thinking it will be all smiles and sunshine but knowing there will be things that stretch me and challenge me but I will have all I need to overcome them...and all I have to do is call on God and trust in His glory and goodness to carry me through.
I've told people that God wants them to act, not just sit around and wait on Him and that's still kind of true but I don't think I was ever really waiting on Him. I thought I knew what God would want and I did it...or I did what I felt like was right or fair to me.
I want to live differently. I am trying to follow a path where I wait to hear from God and then try to act according to what I am led to, not what I create. It tries my patience and sometimes, I go back to my old routine of doing what I think is best. It's a hard habit to break and one I know the evil forces around me don't want me to break.
I want to press on, even when it's difficult. There have been days where I felt alone, like God wasn't there to guide me and then something happens that I know is His reminder that He is at work, not in my time but His.
I want to live for Him. I want to walk away from my thought processes of the past and move to a paradigm that is centered around God. Something I was reading earlier made the comment that we sometimes have to leave what is familiar to truly find God. We have to break out of our routine and go to a place that is new, maybe uncomfortable, so that we will cling to God and grow in Him. I'm ready to make that trip. I don't do it thinking it will be all smiles and sunshine but knowing there will be things that stretch me and challenge me but I will have all I need to overcome them...and all I have to do is call on God and trust in His glory and goodness to carry me through.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Amorality and Baseball
Scientists at USC released a report stating that Facebook and Twitter create the danger of an amoral society. There thought is that all the computer interaction takes out emotion and psychological issues we notice in face-to-face contact.
Fewer people talk as we have entered a world of texting, tweeting, abbreviations and so on. I wonder if the USC folks aren't on to something?
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Last week I was imagining the Rangers going 162-0. Today, I'm hoping they win another game.
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Speaking of the Rangers, 8 games into their season they are already planning to reschedule a game because it conflicts with the opening of JerryWorld and the first Cowboys game. We sure wouldn't anything getting in the way of that now, would we?
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That's it for today. God loves you.
Fewer people talk as we have entered a world of texting, tweeting, abbreviations and so on. I wonder if the USC folks aren't on to something?
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Last week I was imagining the Rangers going 162-0. Today, I'm hoping they win another game.
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Speaking of the Rangers, 8 games into their season they are already planning to reschedule a game because it conflicts with the opening of JerryWorld and the first Cowboys game. We sure wouldn't anything getting in the way of that now, would we?
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That's it for today. God loves you.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Life
The sermon I heard Sunday morning was about life. Christ's death was a sobering and important event but his resurrected life is what gives us a future. His death brought reconciliation but his resurrection brought us life. I want to live in that, rejoice in that, give praise in that. Reconciled through death to sin and self, alive through the power that created the world and shook the earth.
Monday, April 13, 2009
Charge!
An Angel won the Masters. Some guy from Argentina. My man Phil made a good run at it and Kenny Perry had it in the bag then blew it.
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The Rangers bullpen stinks!
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Obama pulled the trigger on rescuing the freighter captain. He allowed Navy snipers to take out the pirates. Now, the pirates are saying they will strike back. They must be nuts.
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I spent a good part of the weekend watching our youth kids compete at LTC. It's a fun experience every time I go - being with friends and watching our kids perform. It takes a lot of effort to pull it off and I'm thankful for all the people who work with the kids all year to prepare them.
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I saw the "hot dog man" yesterday at church in Fort Worth. Some of you may remember the hot dog vendor at Rangers games who had a very distinct way of announcing that he was selling hot dogs. I've mimicked his voice with my kids from time to time. He was a celebrity of sorts and I've often wondered what happened to him. I found out yesterday. He has laid down his celebrity status so he can spend more time serving God. He realized the celebrity was all about him and was taking him down a road he didn't want to keep traveling.
I miss the hot dog man at ballgames but I much rather hear his compelling story of a desire to serve God.
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Our Savior is risen. He is no longer in the tomb. He defeated death for me and for you. Rejoice!
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The Rangers bullpen stinks!
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Obama pulled the trigger on rescuing the freighter captain. He allowed Navy snipers to take out the pirates. Now, the pirates are saying they will strike back. They must be nuts.
________________________________________________________________
I spent a good part of the weekend watching our youth kids compete at LTC. It's a fun experience every time I go - being with friends and watching our kids perform. It takes a lot of effort to pull it off and I'm thankful for all the people who work with the kids all year to prepare them.
________________________________________________________________
I saw the "hot dog man" yesterday at church in Fort Worth. Some of you may remember the hot dog vendor at Rangers games who had a very distinct way of announcing that he was selling hot dogs. I've mimicked his voice with my kids from time to time. He was a celebrity of sorts and I've often wondered what happened to him. I found out yesterday. He has laid down his celebrity status so he can spend more time serving God. He realized the celebrity was all about him and was taking him down a road he didn't want to keep traveling.
I miss the hot dog man at ballgames but I much rather hear his compelling story of a desire to serve God.
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Our Savior is risen. He is no longer in the tomb. He defeated death for me and for you. Rejoice!
Thursday, April 09, 2009
EOW Miscellaneous Thoughts
I've tried to hold the line on Obama-alarmism but this bill floating through the house seems a bit scary. Mandatory voluntary service? Seems odd. Something else I read said that religious-based service will not count. Hmmmm. Check it out. I've got more research to do myself.
http://www.worldnetdaily.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=92288
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Pirates have captured the captain of an American freighter. I want to avoid bloodshed and have tried to tone down my rhetoric over the past few years but I'm thinking a team or two of Navy Seals visiting the pirates (not a social call, mind you, but an all-out assault) might help slow down their desire to be involved in thievery and kidnapping.
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Tragic news about the Angels pitcher who just finished a great game and was killed after the game in a hit-and-run crash. 22 years old.
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I hope to watch the Passion of the Christ again this weekend. Each time I have watched it, it has become more personal to me and, while graphic, I appreciate the reminder of the pain Christ suffered for me. I talk about the sacrifice but it's easy to forget how much He suffered.
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I wonder how our faith would change if we knew we might be killed at any moment for being a Christian. Just a few days ago I was thinking it would be cool to have a bigger TV while at the same time, I bet someone was worried about being identified for professing Christ because they might be imprisoned or killed.
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God is love (1 John 4). Using that verse, I paraphrase 1 Corinthians 13 this way. God is patient, God is kind. God does not envy, God does not boast, God is not proud. God is not rude, God is not self-seeking, God is not easily angered, God keeps no record of wrongs. God does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. God always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind (Luke 10). Using that verse, I paraphrase 1 Corinthians 13 this way. I will be patient, I will be kind. I will not envy, I will not boast, I will not be proud. I will not be rude, I will not be self-seeking, I will not be easily angered, I will not keep record of wrongs. I will not delight in evil but will rejoice in the truth. I will always protect, always trust, always hope, always persevere. Today, that is what I will strive to do if I want to live in the image of God.
In Christ alone, my hope is found. God is so good. He offers me peace in times of storms, He offers me hope in times of despair, He offers me joy in times of sadness. He will carry my burden, He will mourn for me. I love God today like I have never loved God before. I pray that love grows, it prospers and spreads through me and fills me up.
I hope your Easter weekend is filled with the peace, love and joy that only comes from our Creator and Savior, the Lord God.
http://www.worldnetdaily.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=92288
_______________________________________________________________
Pirates have captured the captain of an American freighter. I want to avoid bloodshed and have tried to tone down my rhetoric over the past few years but I'm thinking a team or two of Navy Seals visiting the pirates (not a social call, mind you, but an all-out assault) might help slow down their desire to be involved in thievery and kidnapping.
_______________________________________________________________
Tragic news about the Angels pitcher who just finished a great game and was killed after the game in a hit-and-run crash. 22 years old.
_______________________________________________________________
I hope to watch the Passion of the Christ again this weekend. Each time I have watched it, it has become more personal to me and, while graphic, I appreciate the reminder of the pain Christ suffered for me. I talk about the sacrifice but it's easy to forget how much He suffered.
________________________________________________________________
I wonder how our faith would change if we knew we might be killed at any moment for being a Christian. Just a few days ago I was thinking it would be cool to have a bigger TV while at the same time, I bet someone was worried about being identified for professing Christ because they might be imprisoned or killed.
________________________________________________________________
God is love (1 John 4). Using that verse, I paraphrase 1 Corinthians 13 this way. God is patient, God is kind. God does not envy, God does not boast, God is not proud. God is not rude, God is not self-seeking, God is not easily angered, God keeps no record of wrongs. God does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. God always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind (Luke 10). Using that verse, I paraphrase 1 Corinthians 13 this way. I will be patient, I will be kind. I will not envy, I will not boast, I will not be proud. I will not be rude, I will not be self-seeking, I will not be easily angered, I will not keep record of wrongs. I will not delight in evil but will rejoice in the truth. I will always protect, always trust, always hope, always persevere. Today, that is what I will strive to do if I want to live in the image of God.
In Christ alone, my hope is found. God is so good. He offers me peace in times of storms, He offers me hope in times of despair, He offers me joy in times of sadness. He will carry my burden, He will mourn for me. I love God today like I have never loved God before. I pray that love grows, it prospers and spreads through me and fills me up.
I hope your Easter weekend is filled with the peace, love and joy that only comes from our Creator and Savior, the Lord God.
Wednesday, April 08, 2009
Run the Race
1 Corinthians 9:23-25 (New International Version)
23I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings. 24Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. 25Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.
Hebrews 12:1-3 (New International Version)
1Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. 2Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
These passages came to mind tonight during Bible study. I thought about the race we must run and what kind of race it is. Is it a sprint? I think that is often what we want it to be; a race that takes effort but where the goal is reached quickly but the race usually isn't quick. Is it a marathon? While our race may be long, I don't think distance is the only issue. I have settled on the idea that the race is often more like a steeplechase; long and grueling on it's own mixed with many obstacles that will wear us down, cause us to fall and render pain.I don't know that any of those analogies are right but I do know this. The race we are running started with a glorious event that we are about to celebrate - the resurrection of the Christ. I want to keep my eyes fixed on the prize because a high price was paid on my behalf to receive it. I want to keep my eyes fixed on the prize because I want to know the pure joy of being in the presence of God.
Tuesday, April 07, 2009
Sports Wrap-up
It was a great day at the ballpark yesterday. Cold and windy outside, warm and sunny inside AND the Rangers smoked the Indians. Some impressions:
1. An Army band was there playing some pre-game music and the national anthem. Last year, the same band was playing at a game via a live feed from Afghanistan. Pretty cool that they were there to play live.
2. It was the first time I experienced a pre-game timing problem at a Rangers game. Two B-1 bombers flew over at the exact time they were supposed to but we were only halfway through the national anthem. You cannot hear a band playing or the person next to you singing when two B-1 bombers fly over you.
3. George Bush got a HUGE reception of cheers when he came out to throw the first pitch. It was a strike.
4. The Rangers infield played as good a game as they could play I think. Young Elvis Andrus made some great plays at shortstop and Michael Young looks like he'd always played 3rd base.
5. Every time Josh Hamilton comes up to bat, people expect a home run.
6. Jerry Jones was at the game. I expected to hear more boos when he walked out but maybe people didn't notice...or didn't care.
7. The Jerrydome is HUGE.
8. A kid stole 3rd base. It's a promo deal where the kid has to run from the left field fence, grab 3rd base and run back in 40 seconds. I thought it was pretty cool and then it turns out the boy who did it was sitting behind us. He was pumped. Funny thing was, someone else was supposed to do it and they couldn't find him and the boy behind us was walking by the people looking at the right time.
9. I like the checkerboard baseball field.
10. The crowd doesn't respond much to the people throwing t-shirts in the crowd.
11. I liked the old-time scoreboard in left field but the new video board is kind of neat. People who couldn't see the big screen above home run porch can get all the info now.
It was a fun day and a great start to the Rangers season. 161 more to go.
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North Carolina ran away with the game last night. They were my pick to win it all but I was afraid Ty Lawson would be injured and went with Memphis. Ty Lawson wasn't hurt enough not to play, was the Player of the Game and dominated throughout the tournament. It wasn't a great game to watch but not surprising.
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A different note. There's a funeral for the police officer killed in Bridgeport today in Decatur. I read part of an interview with the police officer's mother the other day and one of her statements is still with me. She talked about praying for the family of the guy who killed her son and talked about their loss also. Amazing grace and mercy from a woman who is suffering and a beautiful story for all of us. I know they will be in pain today and many other days but it seems their family is focused on the greater reward.
1. An Army band was there playing some pre-game music and the national anthem. Last year, the same band was playing at a game via a live feed from Afghanistan. Pretty cool that they were there to play live.
2. It was the first time I experienced a pre-game timing problem at a Rangers game. Two B-1 bombers flew over at the exact time they were supposed to but we were only halfway through the national anthem. You cannot hear a band playing or the person next to you singing when two B-1 bombers fly over you.
3. George Bush got a HUGE reception of cheers when he came out to throw the first pitch. It was a strike.
4. The Rangers infield played as good a game as they could play I think. Young Elvis Andrus made some great plays at shortstop and Michael Young looks like he'd always played 3rd base.
5. Every time Josh Hamilton comes up to bat, people expect a home run.
6. Jerry Jones was at the game. I expected to hear more boos when he walked out but maybe people didn't notice...or didn't care.
7. The Jerrydome is HUGE.
8. A kid stole 3rd base. It's a promo deal where the kid has to run from the left field fence, grab 3rd base and run back in 40 seconds. I thought it was pretty cool and then it turns out the boy who did it was sitting behind us. He was pumped. Funny thing was, someone else was supposed to do it and they couldn't find him and the boy behind us was walking by the people looking at the right time.
9. I like the checkerboard baseball field.
10. The crowd doesn't respond much to the people throwing t-shirts in the crowd.
11. I liked the old-time scoreboard in left field but the new video board is kind of neat. People who couldn't see the big screen above home run porch can get all the info now.
It was a fun day and a great start to the Rangers season. 161 more to go.
________________________________________________________________
North Carolina ran away with the game last night. They were my pick to win it all but I was afraid Ty Lawson would be injured and went with Memphis. Ty Lawson wasn't hurt enough not to play, was the Player of the Game and dominated throughout the tournament. It wasn't a great game to watch but not surprising.
________________________________________________________________
A different note. There's a funeral for the police officer killed in Bridgeport today in Decatur. I read part of an interview with the police officer's mother the other day and one of her statements is still with me. She talked about praying for the family of the guy who killed her son and talked about their loss also. Amazing grace and mercy from a woman who is suffering and a beautiful story for all of us. I know they will be in pain today and many other days but it seems their family is focused on the greater reward.
Friday, April 03, 2009
3 More Sleeps...
until Opening Day at The Ballpark! I think I heard that the Rangers won a record number of spring training games this year. I don't know what that means for the regular season but I find with the Rangers, you celebrate what you can.
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Tragedy struck a Bridgeport family yesterday. I still don't know the whole story but a guy rammed a police car killing the officer and leaving a wife and 5 year old girl without their husband and dad coming home. I offered up a prayer for them last night but really didn't even know what to say other than leaving it in God's hands to hold them up and to let them see Him in this.
I was in one of our stores the other day helping the manager interview people. A question I often ask is "tell me a difficulty you have worked through and what you learned from it." Her difficulty was that her 19 year old son was shot and killed a few years ago and what she learned was to quit hating God and let Him into her heart so He could bring healing and peace. She admitted she still struggles but is getting closer to God everyday.
I don't understand what's going on at times but I know He is there and He wants to help me overcome what obstacles are thrown in my way.
I hope you find peace and joy that only comes from God.
__________________________________________________________________
Tragedy struck a Bridgeport family yesterday. I still don't know the whole story but a guy rammed a police car killing the officer and leaving a wife and 5 year old girl without their husband and dad coming home. I offered up a prayer for them last night but really didn't even know what to say other than leaving it in God's hands to hold them up and to let them see Him in this.
I was in one of our stores the other day helping the manager interview people. A question I often ask is "tell me a difficulty you have worked through and what you learned from it." Her difficulty was that her 19 year old son was shot and killed a few years ago and what she learned was to quit hating God and let Him into her heart so He could bring healing and peace. She admitted she still struggles but is getting closer to God everyday.
I don't understand what's going on at times but I know He is there and He wants to help me overcome what obstacles are thrown in my way.
I hope you find peace and joy that only comes from God.
Thursday, April 02, 2009
How Long Can This Last?
That may be what some of you say when reading my ramblings. I looked back and realized I've been posting blogs for over 3 years. It doesn't seem like it's been very long at all but I also think I'm still 30 sometimes so the mind does play tricks on me.
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It's hard when the economic crisis hits close to home. The husband of one lady in my office just found out his company is laying people off and if the tide doesn't turn quickly may shut the doors. Another husband's company has discontinued offering insurance because of money troubles.
Obama has fired one CEO and I wonder if he will put pressure on others. I'm no fan of unions so I look at the UAW skeptically wondering what they will do to help. I saw today that some AT&T employees may go on strike. Really? Do they think that's a good idea right now? I bet there are A BUNCH of people who will gladly take their jobs.
I'm still thinking this country is going to reap what we have sown and it will not be pretty or easy. I don't know when and how but at some point, something has to give.
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I don't think I would have ever dreamed I would blog about Kris Kristofferson or a song he has sung. You just never know.
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A good friend of mine (HINT: he's Jamaican, a teacher at a Ft. Worth law school, missionary and preacher) turned me on to looking forward to things based on the number of "sleeps" before they happened. It started with a trip to Brazil when we counted down the number of sleeps until we were back in our own beds.
4 more sleeps to Rangers opening day game! I'm looking forward to seeing more of the Josh Hamilton story being written. Every interview I have seen with him has included his faith and reliance on God. I'm looking forward to: seeing how Michael Young makes the transition to 3rd, seeing Elvis Andrus make some incredible plays from shortstop, seeing if Ian Kinsler can get started on another MVP-like season, seeing how Chris Davis does in his sophomore year, seeing if Millwood delivers in his contract year, seeing where Saltalamacchia and Blalock end up and seeing if Teagarden is going to be the super-catcher people are talking about.
I have no expectations but only hope that the Rangers play competitive ball.
________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
It's hard when the economic crisis hits close to home. The husband of one lady in my office just found out his company is laying people off and if the tide doesn't turn quickly may shut the doors. Another husband's company has discontinued offering insurance because of money troubles.
Obama has fired one CEO and I wonder if he will put pressure on others. I'm no fan of unions so I look at the UAW skeptically wondering what they will do to help. I saw today that some AT&T employees may go on strike. Really? Do they think that's a good idea right now? I bet there are A BUNCH of people who will gladly take their jobs.
I'm still thinking this country is going to reap what we have sown and it will not be pretty or easy. I don't know when and how but at some point, something has to give.
_________________________________________________________________
I don't think I would have ever dreamed I would blog about Kris Kristofferson or a song he has sung. You just never know.
_________________________________________________________________
A good friend of mine (HINT: he's Jamaican, a teacher at a Ft. Worth law school, missionary and preacher) turned me on to looking forward to things based on the number of "sleeps" before they happened. It started with a trip to Brazil when we counted down the number of sleeps until we were back in our own beds.
4 more sleeps to Rangers opening day game! I'm looking forward to seeing more of the Josh Hamilton story being written. Every interview I have seen with him has included his faith and reliance on God. I'm looking forward to: seeing how Michael Young makes the transition to 3rd, seeing Elvis Andrus make some incredible plays from shortstop, seeing if Ian Kinsler can get started on another MVP-like season, seeing how Chris Davis does in his sophomore year, seeing if Millwood delivers in his contract year, seeing where Saltalamacchia and Blalock end up and seeing if Teagarden is going to be the super-catcher people are talking about.
I have no expectations but only hope that the Rangers play competitive ball.
________________________________________________________________
Wednesday, April 01, 2009
Me and Bobby McGee
A friend of mine often uses quotes from Christian writers to help illustrate an idea on his blog. Me, I use Kris Kristofferson. I heard him singing "Me and Bobby McGee" the other day and a line from the song has stuck with me. Freedom's just another word for 'nothing left to lose'. Truth Kris, truth.
I'm not here to advocate giving up everything I have. I have wrestled the past few years with material possessions and what makes God happy. Where I went off the rails a bit was worrying that I had too much when the problem was really with where my heart is. Am I more concerned about helping those who need help or am I more concerned with protecting my assets? When my heart is attuned to God, when my desire is to serve Him first using whatever gifts I have to offer, the material isn't a problem. But when I'm more concerned about my assets and adding to my collection - my heart strays from God and His desire for me to serve in His kingdom.
Having nothing to lose isn't just about material possessions, it's about our heart. When I am living in the light, following God's desire for me, living in concert with Him so that when something does go wrong, when something is lost, I am free to let it go and know God has a plan for me. Freedom is letting go of everything I'm tempted to grab hold of and just letting God hold on to me, trusting that He will never drop me, never let me go.
Thanks for those great words Kris.
I hope you are also finding the freedom and peace that God offers.
I'm not here to advocate giving up everything I have. I have wrestled the past few years with material possessions and what makes God happy. Where I went off the rails a bit was worrying that I had too much when the problem was really with where my heart is. Am I more concerned about helping those who need help or am I more concerned with protecting my assets? When my heart is attuned to God, when my desire is to serve Him first using whatever gifts I have to offer, the material isn't a problem. But when I'm more concerned about my assets and adding to my collection - my heart strays from God and His desire for me to serve in His kingdom.
Having nothing to lose isn't just about material possessions, it's about our heart. When I am living in the light, following God's desire for me, living in concert with Him so that when something does go wrong, when something is lost, I am free to let it go and know God has a plan for me. Freedom is letting go of everything I'm tempted to grab hold of and just letting God hold on to me, trusting that He will never drop me, never let me go.
Thanks for those great words Kris.
I hope you are also finding the freedom and peace that God offers.
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