Colors

Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.

James 4:14


Has it really been that long since I made a post? I've had many an idea percolating in my head for months now, but never anything put down here. Until today.

Working as a letter carrier in the summer tends to make one's self somewhat on the stinky side. Nothing, though, that a good shower won't cure.

There are many benefits of being the father of two young girls -- watching kids' shows, reading silly books (I love the Boynton books -- one of which I can quote from memory!), and the occasional bath tablet -- the stuff that turns your water blue or yellow or some other color combination. (Personally, I like the blue.) And the girls will sometimes put one in my shower, which happened today. (And a blue one at that.)

It didn't last long in the shower, and it seemed to me that it dissolved rather fast.

Sort of like what I've noticed personally lately for my life. I'm now the father of a kindergartener -- the big start was last week. And the Rachel-bear starts preschool soon herself.

I mean, didn't these girls just get here?? What happened?

Struggling? Some. But a page has turned for them...for my bride...and me. And I want to enjoy the story as it is written. It is a wonderful, precious season that will go too fast...

...like a bath tablet.

When you say nothing at all...

So go ahead and ask her
For happy ever after
Cause nobody knows what's coming
So why not take a chance on loving

"Lemonade" -- Chris Rice


It used to be that April 19 was just another day on the calendar for me. Not any more though, as tomorrow marks seven years of marriage to my bride Carrie.

As her mother might say, "Think of it as an adventure." And that it has been.

At one time I never thought that anyone would want to share the journey with me as my forever companion, but I was very wrong, and blessed for finding this out. For she has been by my side all the time, giving me encouragement (and more than one well-deserved kick in the behind) when I needed it...and by doing so, showing me what love really is.

And that is what she has done.

I love you, Carrie. Grow old with me...

Breaking the silence...

I know. It's been a long time. I could use the excuse that I've been busy, and that, to a point, is true. Lots of hours at work and trying to run a household-- both not easy tasks. But not this week -- the great word called vacation. And it was oh so badly needed.

It's not that I haven't had ideas to put down in this forum, but I have not either the time, the motivation, or the brainpower to do so most of my waking hours. Usually I try to make a point with a post -- maybe it will happen today.

I think that I need to apologize to my grandfather -- he's been gone since 1997, so face to face will have to wait. And yes, 13 years have not dulled the longing to see him again. I still miss him.

Why the apology? Because he was right. My Grandpa Buck was as dedicated as a Christian as I have known. His big specialty was end times prophecy. He loved talking about it -- so much so that I, even though I was new to the faith, learned to make myself scarce whenever the subject came up. I didn't want to hear it. Any of it.

But it never left me.

And now being a parent, I see things with more urgency and clarity. And my grandfather gave me a gift. Watch. Pay attention. And be ready for Jesus' return.

I've been paying attention to what's been going on in Washington with the health care issue. I agree with the need for reform, but the way it was done was just plain wrong. I will not apologize for that mindset -- not now, and not ever.

But it's another reminder...
...to watch...
...to pay attention...
...and to be ready.

Because I don't think it will be long.

Thank you for the gift, Grandpa. See you soon.

Hungry...

Taste and see that the Lord is good...

Psalm 34:8

5:58 am.

That's what my eyes saw on the bathroom clock as I came out of the playroom this morning. No, I was not playing all night -- just had spent the last few hours in there sleeping as the rest of the family was dealing with colds, coughing, etc. Not something I wanted any part of, but at this time of the morning it was a moot point. Last man standing...and the only one around here.

Eventually it was back to bed, but before I got there, my stomach let me know that I had better keep it happy. Strawberry yogurt it was. And it was good. And inspiration came. For me, that's pretty good in the early morning.

Now what to do with it?

There are men who have passed on into the presence of Jesus, who have stood out to me as ones who gave EVERYTHING for Him -- Eric Liddell (watch Chariots of Fire -- good movie), Oswald Chambers, Jim Elliot, and Keith Green. They loved Him with all they were. I don't want to worship them, but I do admire them. They were all out for Him.

That's what I want to be. Maybe the old song says it better than I can...

I have decided to follow Jesus,
I have decided to follow Jesus,
I have decided to follow Jesus,
No turning back, no turning back.

New beginnings...

Leave the Irreparable Past in His hands, and step out into the Irresistible Future with Him.
-- Oswald Chambers, My Utmost For His Highest

Just over an hour before my bedtime, and back to work tomorrow for a day. It's been a weird schedule these last two weeks with the holidays and scheduled days off. Everyone else is in bed right now, including my bride. Something knocked her down today big time -- not usual for her. She's better than she was earlier, but still not 100%. The girls, on the other hand, were energetic as they most often are.

A new year come, and 2009 in the books. (Except for tax time, that is...) The thought of a clean slate is very appealing to me right now. That and a desire to simplify on my part -- maybe a back to the basics. Go back to what matters. Ground myself in the Word. Tell others about Jesus. Be surrendered totally to Him. Get rid of the sludge, confess the sin, and leave what I can't do up to Him. Maybe nothing profound, but that is fine with me.

The invitation...

For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.

John 3:16 (NASB)

It's been busy lately, with the mail business consuming a more than usual amount of my time. By the end of the day, a pillow looks very enticing. But I digress.

I haven't given up on the blog by any means, and I have had ideas here and there as to what to put down. I tried earlier to start a post with the same title, but I had some problems trying to get it to post. Maybe now I know why.

I wanted to keep this blog politics free. Focus on the more important things in life, like my faith in Jesus, my family, baseball, sweet tea, and so on. Those who know me know that I hold very conservative views, and I make no apologies for that. And it is those views, along with my faith, the time of the year, and the times that we live in that brings this post together.

I look around me and I don't like what I see. Things happening at such a rapid and ever accelerating pace that it boggles the mind. (In my case, that's not hard.) Looking at what awaits my four year old as she ventures out into this great big world next year, and in some ways it's not pretty. (Although math is still cool.) Daddy-bear gets protective.

Yet with the increasing chaos, this is still the most wonderful time of the year. Not so much the shopping and advertising and hustle and bustle, but it is the annual reminder of a Child coming to rescue us. With that in mind, I offer this invitation, sent to me a few years back. It is worth heeding...and accepting.

I pray that you do.

Party invitation...

Guest of honor: Jesus Christ

Date: Everyday. Traditionally December 25, but He's always around, so the time is flexible.

Time: Whenever you're ready (please don't be too late, though, or you'll miss out on all the fun).

Attire: Come as you are...grubbies are okay. He'll be washing our clothes anyway. He said something about new white robes and crowns for everyone who stays till the last.

Tickets: Admission is free. He's already paid for everyone (He says we would not have been able to afford it...it's cost Him everything He had).

Refreshments: New wine, bread and a far-out drink He calls living water...followed by a supper that promises to be out of this world!

Gift suggestions: Your heart. He's one of those people who already has everything else. (He's very generous in return, though...just wait until you see what He has for you.)

Entertainment: Joy, peace, truth, light, life, love, real happiness, communion with God, forgiveness, miracles, healing, power, eternity in paradise, and much more! (All rated 'G' so bring your family and friends!)

RSVP: Very important! He must know ahead so He can reserve a spot for you at the table. Also, He's keeping a list of His friends for future reference. He calls it the Lamb's Book of Life.

Party being given by his kids -- that's us.

Hope to see you there!

"Let us rejoice and be glad and give Him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come and His bride has made herself ready. Fine linen, bright and clean, was given her to wear." (Fine linen stands for the righteous acts of the saints.) "Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb!"
Revelation 19:7-9

For those of you whom I will see at the party, share this with someone who is close to your heart...

Thankful for...

...my bride of six and a half years.
...my two funny and beautiful daughters.
...my parents.
...my sister.
...my family on all sides.
...second chances.
...having a job.
...the ability to read.
...living in the United States.
...the freedom to speak as I need to.
...friends both old and new.
...food to eat.
...a bed to sleep in.
...a roof over my head.
...undeserved love.
...a preacher telling of the Gospel in a small church in Marion, Ohio in 1983...and that I took it to heart.