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.
Friday, January 1, 2010
Friday, December 11, 2009
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.
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...
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...
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
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.
...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.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Thank you...
“We will not tire, we will not falter, and we will not fail.”
-- President George W. Bush, Sept. 20, 2001
One of the perks of being a letter carrier is that you get to see a lot of some very different and interesting things. (Such as a goose deciding to come after my postal vehicle. Never mess with a goose.)
But so many times being out on a route I hear a roar of an engine overhead, and occasionally I see the jet(s) flying overhead, most likely based at the local Air National Guard Base.
A co-worker of mine is currently deployed in the Middle East, and another one is a Navy veteran. My uncle was in the Air Force back in the 60's, and a distant cousin fought in Desert Storm.
And most of all, my dad served in the National Guard for six years during the Vietnam era. He never got sent over there, but I have heard more stories from him about his experience that can still entertain today. There are even pictures of him in his fatigues holding me when I was just a toddler.
My wife Carrie and daughters and I were at TGI Fridays a while back having lunch when a group of soldiers came in to enjoy a meal. Before we left, Carrie took my oldest to meet them -- basically a thank you. Maybe she was too young at the time to remember that experience, but I hope that something has stuck with her.
I myself have not been in the military, but I have gained a better appreciation for what they do. They protect and defend us. They serve their country. From Bunker Hill to Baghdad...from Washington to Petraeus. I and my family salute and thank them.
And may our Creator continue to bless the United States -- and may we give Him reason to do so.
-- President George W. Bush, Sept. 20, 2001
One of the perks of being a letter carrier is that you get to see a lot of some very different and interesting things. (Such as a goose deciding to come after my postal vehicle. Never mess with a goose.)
But so many times being out on a route I hear a roar of an engine overhead, and occasionally I see the jet(s) flying overhead, most likely based at the local Air National Guard Base.
A co-worker of mine is currently deployed in the Middle East, and another one is a Navy veteran. My uncle was in the Air Force back in the 60's, and a distant cousin fought in Desert Storm.
And most of all, my dad served in the National Guard for six years during the Vietnam era. He never got sent over there, but I have heard more stories from him about his experience that can still entertain today. There are even pictures of him in his fatigues holding me when I was just a toddler.
My wife Carrie and daughters and I were at TGI Fridays a while back having lunch when a group of soldiers came in to enjoy a meal. Before we left, Carrie took my oldest to meet them -- basically a thank you. Maybe she was too young at the time to remember that experience, but I hope that something has stuck with her.
I myself have not been in the military, but I have gained a better appreciation for what they do. They protect and defend us. They serve their country. From Bunker Hill to Baghdad...from Washington to Petraeus. I and my family salute and thank them.
And may our Creator continue to bless the United States -- and may we give Him reason to do so.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Now do you get it?
I'm growing, and I don't like it
I'm growing, and it hurts
I love You, but I'm tired
Guess I've got a lot to learn
Guess I've got a lot to learn
"Growing" -- Wayne Watson
Forgive me if I ramble on here.
Anyone who is a parent feel like they could do better?
After a long day at work, I most often want to just zone out. Just because I've been gone for 11 hours doesn't leave me that option, though. Tonight it was I walk in the door and Carrie leaves a minute or two later for a meeting at church. Tonight it was feeling antsy for some reason and not knowing why. Trying to have an attempt at a devotional at bedtime as a four year old uses me for a personal jungle gym. (All you moms are out there smiling at this point.) And I later asked the four year old, otherwise known as Dana, if she missed Daddy today. And she said, "Yes."
I just want to be a good father, and I get in the way so much of the time. I just want to raise her and her sister in a Christian way, without anyone else interfering. (Ok, off of the soap box now.)
And I feel like that I have no clue what I'm doing.
And maybe the Creator said to me, "Do you get it now?"
Yes, I do. Lesson learned...a bit.
Still growing...
I'm growing, and it hurts
I love You, but I'm tired
Guess I've got a lot to learn
Guess I've got a lot to learn
"Growing" -- Wayne Watson
Forgive me if I ramble on here.
Anyone who is a parent feel like they could do better?
After a long day at work, I most often want to just zone out. Just because I've been gone for 11 hours doesn't leave me that option, though. Tonight it was I walk in the door and Carrie leaves a minute or two later for a meeting at church. Tonight it was feeling antsy for some reason and not knowing why. Trying to have an attempt at a devotional at bedtime as a four year old uses me for a personal jungle gym. (All you moms are out there smiling at this point.) And I later asked the four year old, otherwise known as Dana, if she missed Daddy today. And she said, "Yes."
I just want to be a good father, and I get in the way so much of the time. I just want to raise her and her sister in a Christian way, without anyone else interfering. (Ok, off of the soap box now.)
And I feel like that I have no clue what I'm doing.
And maybe the Creator said to me, "Do you get it now?"
Yes, I do. Lesson learned...a bit.
Still growing...
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Seasons...
There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven...
Ecclesiastes 3:1 NIV
October is here. I like fall -- maybe because my birthday is here. With the coming of October means the end of baseball season. Playoffs are here, but still, no more baseball. (Ugh.) I have been a Cincinnati Reds fan for over 30 years -- could even quote you the lineup from the '75 team (including position). I like baseball because it is baseball -- structure yet so much happening within that framework. So much like chess -- strategy, move and countermove. And there's the ooh and ah factor when someone hits a home run.
Fall means change. Change into rain gear which I have done twice within the past week at work. (And still come home wet.) Change into colder weather, leaves falling, the smell of bonfires -- all little reminders.
Season of changes for me as well. Learning how to be a husband. Learning about the nuclear diaper. (You parents know what I'm talking about.) Seeing my oldest now going to school. And learning more and more -- sometimes the hard way -- that I can't do life alone. It might work for the Lone Ranger, but not for me anymore. It is a lesson that I have learned and am still learning.
I need my wife. I need my daughters. I need my family and friends.
And most of all, I need Jesus.
Whatever the season.
Ecclesiastes 3:1 NIV
October is here. I like fall -- maybe because my birthday is here. With the coming of October means the end of baseball season. Playoffs are here, but still, no more baseball. (Ugh.) I have been a Cincinnati Reds fan for over 30 years -- could even quote you the lineup from the '75 team (including position). I like baseball because it is baseball -- structure yet so much happening within that framework. So much like chess -- strategy, move and countermove. And there's the ooh and ah factor when someone hits a home run.
Fall means change. Change into rain gear which I have done twice within the past week at work. (And still come home wet.) Change into colder weather, leaves falling, the smell of bonfires -- all little reminders.
Season of changes for me as well. Learning how to be a husband. Learning about the nuclear diaper. (You parents know what I'm talking about.) Seeing my oldest now going to school. And learning more and more -- sometimes the hard way -- that I can't do life alone. It might work for the Lone Ranger, but not for me anymore. It is a lesson that I have learned and am still learning.
I need my wife. I need my daughters. I need my family and friends.
And most of all, I need Jesus.
Whatever the season.
Friday, October 9, 2009
Surprise!
God has a wild imagination
Come and see
Come and be surprised...
"Wild Imagination" -- Scott Krippayne
Maybe this is proof that I am a writer -- mental block has hit me. So what does a writer do? Look for inspiration... I like the above song -- something different.
I am not only shaped by my faith, but also by my age group. And sometimes the two combine with my selection of music. I like to think that I have a rich musical heritage (listening and NOT singing or playing). I grew up in the United Methodist Church, and my mother's father was a preacher in a small holiness denomination, so I grew up with the best of both worlds. And even though I am not a singer, I LOVE it when our church sings "There Is Power In The Blood" with a banjo in the background, and I am in there with the rest.
My contribution? CCM. After I became a believer, I started out with B.J. Thomas and Amy Grant. Later, I discovered Michael W. Smith, and have been to about four of his concerts. And I could go on.
But the big discovery was Amazon. Books and so much more, and older CCM all there online, used but perfectly playable, and all for the buying...like a boy in a candy store being told that he could get whatever he wanted. So many things to discover...
How's that for an opening?
Reminders from my music collection...
...that I have always been loved.
...that my oldest daughter has the heart of a princess.
...that someone wants to spend the rest of their life with me.
...that love sometimes hurts, but it is so worth it.
...that someday I will see my Captain, the One who makes my sins as white as snow.
And all that is mine right now.
Surprise!
Come and see
Come and be surprised...
"Wild Imagination" -- Scott Krippayne
Maybe this is proof that I am a writer -- mental block has hit me. So what does a writer do? Look for inspiration... I like the above song -- something different.
I am not only shaped by my faith, but also by my age group. And sometimes the two combine with my selection of music. I like to think that I have a rich musical heritage (listening and NOT singing or playing). I grew up in the United Methodist Church, and my mother's father was a preacher in a small holiness denomination, so I grew up with the best of both worlds. And even though I am not a singer, I LOVE it when our church sings "There Is Power In The Blood" with a banjo in the background, and I am in there with the rest.
My contribution? CCM. After I became a believer, I started out with B.J. Thomas and Amy Grant. Later, I discovered Michael W. Smith, and have been to about four of his concerts. And I could go on.
But the big discovery was Amazon. Books and so much more, and older CCM all there online, used but perfectly playable, and all for the buying...like a boy in a candy store being told that he could get whatever he wanted. So many things to discover...
How's that for an opening?
Reminders from my music collection...
...that I have always been loved.
...that my oldest daughter has the heart of a princess.
...that someone wants to spend the rest of their life with me.
...that love sometimes hurts, but it is so worth it.
...that someday I will see my Captain, the One who makes my sins as white as snow.
And all that is mine right now.
Surprise!
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