My wife’s nephew is in Bahrain, we talked to him on Christmas day. It was a little unsettling talking to a person halfway around the world and knowing they are fighting a war. His spirits were good and because of Christmas they didn’t have to do training and were able to relax as much as you can halfway around the world in a place of war. We had sent a package to him for Christmas with edible things that won’t melt in the heat and some books and such.
I remember 40 years ago my dad was in the Navy and the church we went to had a place for the service men to relax and chill on Sundays between the morning and evening services. Our church also put boxes together for the men in Vietnam for Christmas. We had dos and don’ts like no scented bath products that the enemy could smell, I know there were other things but I can’t remember them. As I was talking to our nephew I was reminded of that time. Because of my Dad and his being in the Navy, I don’t remember the negatives of that time, I do remember how proud I was of my country and the men or should I say boys that were fighting in that war.
There was a man who fought in the Civil War and his name was Joshua Lawrence Chamberlin. His company is credited with having a big part in saving the victory in the Battle of Gettysburg. The cost to his company was a very high mortality and injury rate. I believe it was over 75%. Joshua Lawrence Chamberlin was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor for his leadership and wounds received during that battle. He was chosen as well to receive the surrender of General Lee’s Army of Northern Virginia at Appomattox. He went on to become the President of Bowdin College in Maine, and Governor of the State of Maine. He once said”Combat is a test of character, it makes bad men worse and good men better” That can be said for our country as well.
Whether we agreed with the Vietnam war and it being good or not, we as a country could have handled how we treated the men who fought better. Let’s not make the same mistake with this group of warriors. At the end of the time talking to out nephew I thanked him as I always do for serving our country and protecting it. We don’t all agree about out troops being over there, but don’t take it out on the soldiers. In Bend we have a man who was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor from World War II. Every veterans day a friend of mine send all his friends a reminder with the gentleman’s name and phone number and a not so subtle hint to call and thank him.
I suggest we do the same for all our service men, when you meet, see or talk to them thank them for their service to our country. For some of them the sacrifice is more than we are willing to pay.
Thank you James for your service to our country.
12.20.2007
Will You Take A Drink?
I was thinking about my dad this last weekend. I even started to reach for my phone to call him, I can’t though he died 3 years ago. I’ve written about my dad before, and how much I learned from him without realizing it. I miss him and wish that he could see how my children have grown up and are good members of society and how proud I am of them. It’s funny what you remember the inflections as he talked. I was talking to my brothers Tim last week and I heard my dad in him that’s probably what got me thinking along the vein of my father. Not having Dad around has left a hole in my heart that only he can fill. Even though I know Dad’s in heaven, the loss at times is still painful and I wish I could see him enough of the sad stuff ,let’s get to the goodstuff.
Some years ago my 3rd child was in Sunday school and my friend Juan was the teacher He brought a cake in one day it looked very good, but it had 1 flaw, there was a big hole in the middle of the cake. Of course the kids asked what’s up? His reply was truly inspired. He told the kids that God created all of us and when he created us he left a hole in our hearts that only God could fill. That hole in the middle of the cake is just like the hole that we all have in us.
There was a time in my life that I wanted to make sure what I had been told by my parents and my Sunday school teachers was true. So I set out to confirm in my heart and head what it was all about. The journey of trials and pitfalls was at times fun and enjoyable. I found after a while the price was to great and now matter what I did or tried, I always wanted more, bigger, better. It wasn’t enough, I couldn’t fill the hole.
In the bible in the book of John Jesus is sitting by a well and ask a woman for a drink, her reply is great she basically says to him “if you knew who I was you wouldn’t be asking me for a drink I’m not a good person. Jesus replied and told her what kind of woman she was. You can read his total reply in chapter 4 verses 7-26. It will be worth the read. In that passage Jesus tells her that he can give her a drink of living water so she will never be thirsty again. The living water that she and you and I can drink will fill that hole we all have in us.
I wrote a couple of days ago and made the statement that take one step to God and he’ll take 10,000 steps to you is still true today. Just ask. If you have questions or want to talk more just comment below and we can talk.
Merry Christmas
Some years ago my 3rd child was in Sunday school and my friend Juan was the teacher He brought a cake in one day it looked very good, but it had 1 flaw, there was a big hole in the middle of the cake. Of course the kids asked what’s up? His reply was truly inspired. He told the kids that God created all of us and when he created us he left a hole in our hearts that only God could fill. That hole in the middle of the cake is just like the hole that we all have in us.
There was a time in my life that I wanted to make sure what I had been told by my parents and my Sunday school teachers was true. So I set out to confirm in my heart and head what it was all about. The journey of trials and pitfalls was at times fun and enjoyable. I found after a while the price was to great and now matter what I did or tried, I always wanted more, bigger, better. It wasn’t enough, I couldn’t fill the hole.
In the bible in the book of John Jesus is sitting by a well and ask a woman for a drink, her reply is great she basically says to him “if you knew who I was you wouldn’t be asking me for a drink I’m not a good person. Jesus replied and told her what kind of woman she was. You can read his total reply in chapter 4 verses 7-26. It will be worth the read. In that passage Jesus tells her that he can give her a drink of living water so she will never be thirsty again. The living water that she and you and I can drink will fill that hole we all have in us.
I wrote a couple of days ago and made the statement that take one step to God and he’ll take 10,000 steps to you is still true today. Just ask. If you have questions or want to talk more just comment below and we can talk.
Merry Christmas
12.17.2007
I'm Always in the Slowest Lane
This last weekend I went to Costco with my bride. In case you think me weird this isn’t one of my top 10 things to do. Not because of my wife, but because I don’t like the crowds and I don’t need to look at everything in the store. I could tell she was trying very hard to get everything she needed with the least amount of fuss. And yes we did forget some things, because I got her out of her routine. Anyway we were done in much less time than I expected and got in a line to check out. You know what’s coming don’t you, yes the line I was in seemed to come to an abrupt halt, while the lines around me seemed to have overflowing carts that were in the express lane.
Then while we’re standing in line my bride turns to me and says” I forgot something I’ll go get it and be right back. As expected as soon as she’s out of sight the line I’m in goes into overdrive and I’m up there getting my items scanned and getting ready to pay in no time
I get my wallet out to swipe my card, and I can’t find it. My wife and I had gone to a movie and I gave her my wallet to pay for the popcorn. My card wasn’t in my wallet. I look around in a panic to see if my wife was coming with the items and most importantly my card. She’s not, I look at all the people behind me and the line looks like a python snake disappearing back into the forest it’s so long. I whisper in the smallest voice I can to the checker “slow down my wife is out getting a few things and she has my card to pay.
I found the card, my wife had put in a different spot of my wallet, can you imagine? The checker started to pick up the pace, I reminded him that she was coming back with a few more things. Like the great customer service person he was he slowed back down, she came back and we escaped with our lives and a little less money.
We were walking out and I was relaying my near disaster to my wife, and then I said the craziest thing. You know that line moved faster than I thought it would. As I got in the car to head home I was reminded that I ask God to help me with something or situation. And he doesn’t answer as fast or the way I’ve asked him to, in the bible in 2 Peter chapter 3:verses 8-9 it says 8But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. 9The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. I can say from personal experience say that God has never been late. He hasn’t answered me as fast or how I want him to but he has always come through. I have a friend Tom who says all the time “if you take 1 step towards God he’ll take 10,000 steps to you, you just need to ask. God will hear and answer you and your prayers as well, just ask.
Merry Christmas and May God hear and answer your prayers. From personal experience I know God will
Then while we’re standing in line my bride turns to me and says” I forgot something I’ll go get it and be right back. As expected as soon as she’s out of sight the line I’m in goes into overdrive and I’m up there getting my items scanned and getting ready to pay in no time
I get my wallet out to swipe my card, and I can’t find it. My wife and I had gone to a movie and I gave her my wallet to pay for the popcorn. My card wasn’t in my wallet. I look around in a panic to see if my wife was coming with the items and most importantly my card. She’s not, I look at all the people behind me and the line looks like a python snake disappearing back into the forest it’s so long. I whisper in the smallest voice I can to the checker “slow down my wife is out getting a few things and she has my card to pay.
I found the card, my wife had put in a different spot of my wallet, can you imagine? The checker started to pick up the pace, I reminded him that she was coming back with a few more things. Like the great customer service person he was he slowed back down, she came back and we escaped with our lives and a little less money.
We were walking out and I was relaying my near disaster to my wife, and then I said the craziest thing. You know that line moved faster than I thought it would. As I got in the car to head home I was reminded that I ask God to help me with something or situation. And he doesn’t answer as fast or the way I’ve asked him to, in the bible in 2 Peter chapter 3:verses 8-9 it says 8But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. 9The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. I can say from personal experience say that God has never been late. He hasn’t answered me as fast or how I want him to but he has always come through. I have a friend Tom who says all the time “if you take 1 step towards God he’ll take 10,000 steps to you, you just need to ask. God will hear and answer you and your prayers as well, just ask.
Merry Christmas and May God hear and answer your prayers. From personal experience I know God will
12.11.2007
Do I Have the Guts ?
Do I Have the Guts ?
This last couple of months have been a dozy. As I reflect on them I wonder in my lower moments “Is what I’m doing going to make a difference”. The answer is yes it does. All I have to do is look at life around me. I’m a guy that uses sayings and inspirational thoughts to lift up and motivate myself and those around me. I was in a meeting a while ago and Jeff one of my co workers asked me if I stayed up nights and thought up sayings to say. He also has asked me if I have a book that I get these things from. The answer is yes I do. As I hear or read something, and think wow that’s positive I write in in a book that I keep to refer back to and or to read when I need inspiration. (it works try it).
I received from the owners of the company I work for, (as an aside Matt & Kim are over the top as far as owners go Thank you Matt & Kim). Anyway back to reality I received for Christmas a picture with a great inspiration written under it. It has a picture of a tall tall tree growing up between 2 high rock walls reaching for the sunlight at the top, with a shaft of sunlight shining between the 2 walls and illuminating the tree clear to the ground. The inspirational phase below is “Faith Doesn’t Get Us Around Adversity, It Gets Us Through It”
God has been teaching me as of late that faith isn’t something you read in a book, it’s something that takes action, and you act on it and live it. In the bible James 2; 26B tells us “So faith without deeds is dead”. I know that I’m hearing and know what God has me to do, but it’s imperative that I act on my faith. After faith is confirmed in my heart, it takes action for the faith to bear fruit or see the result.
But the questions is how will I act on my faith, doing nothing is an action by itself. Will I do nothing or will I have the GUTS to act and do what I know faith dictates I’m supposed to do?
Do I Have the GUTS ?
This last couple of months have been a dozy. As I reflect on them I wonder in my lower moments “Is what I’m doing going to make a difference”. The answer is yes it does. All I have to do is look at life around me. I’m a guy that uses sayings and inspirational thoughts to lift up and motivate myself and those around me. I was in a meeting a while ago and Jeff one of my co workers asked me if I stayed up nights and thought up sayings to say. He also has asked me if I have a book that I get these things from. The answer is yes I do. As I hear or read something, and think wow that’s positive I write in in a book that I keep to refer back to and or to read when I need inspiration. (it works try it).
I received from the owners of the company I work for, (as an aside Matt & Kim are over the top as far as owners go Thank you Matt & Kim). Anyway back to reality I received for Christmas a picture with a great inspiration written under it. It has a picture of a tall tall tree growing up between 2 high rock walls reaching for the sunlight at the top, with a shaft of sunlight shining between the 2 walls and illuminating the tree clear to the ground. The inspirational phase below is “Faith Doesn’t Get Us Around Adversity, It Gets Us Through It”
God has been teaching me as of late that faith isn’t something you read in a book, it’s something that takes action, and you act on it and live it. In the bible James 2; 26B tells us “So faith without deeds is dead”. I know that I’m hearing and know what God has me to do, but it’s imperative that I act on my faith. After faith is confirmed in my heart, it takes action for the faith to bear fruit or see the result.
But the questions is how will I act on my faith, doing nothing is an action by itself. Will I do nothing or will I have the GUTS to act and do what I know faith dictates I’m supposed to do?
Do I Have the GUTS ?
12.09.2007
What Are Your Eyes Seeing ?
I was driving to work last week on Saturday. I don’t work every Saturday but I still was in a funk and didn’t want to be at work on a Saturday. Just like when you have a day off in the middle of the week and everyone you knows are working, you seem to enjoy the day off more because while everyone is working you’re not. Are you with me? I was just the opposite while what is normally my day off and most of the people I know have the day off, I was on my way to work.
When I’m in the car going somewhere my station of choice is NPR, Nation Public Radio. Today it wasn’t working for me, I was getting worse and worse. So I did what every American does, I started punching buttons on the radio. I found a station; the song playing was “Black Magic Woman”. I cranked up the volume and enjoyed the song. The next song was Peter Frampton “Do You Feel like We Do”. I turned the music up a little louder. It went like that for 8 or 9 songs. I was late to work; I sat in my car and listened to the set that was playing. When the dreaded commercial came on I got out and went into work. My step had a bounce and I was felling better, you could even say I was happy.
I determined to listen to music more and less NPR. I need music in my life. While at work the owner of our company called and said there were 2 tickets to a concert tonight the she had set aside for a client. Our client had called and said they couldn’t go, so Kim said try and find a client to give them to, if I could find anyone take my bride. Can you guess how much work went into trying to find someone to take the tickets. NONE I had asked my wife if she had wanted to go, and when I went to get tickets the show was sold out. Long story short I took my wife and she and I had a great time.
The bible tells us in Matthew 6:22-23"Your eyes are windows into your body. If you open your eyes wide in wonder and belief, your body fills up with light. If you live squinty-eyed in greed and distrust, your body is a dank cellar. If you pull the blinds on your windows, what a dark life you will have!
That’s been me, I’ve been seeing with my eyes the wrong things. Not the greatness of God and his blessings in my life. My wife, children, my great job. friends, and my new bike.(it’s a work of beautiful art). I’m pulling up the blinds in my eyes and letting the light shine in with a new prespective God’s work and blessings in my life.
What are your eyes seeing?
When I’m in the car going somewhere my station of choice is NPR, Nation Public Radio. Today it wasn’t working for me, I was getting worse and worse. So I did what every American does, I started punching buttons on the radio. I found a station; the song playing was “Black Magic Woman”. I cranked up the volume and enjoyed the song. The next song was Peter Frampton “Do You Feel like We Do”. I turned the music up a little louder. It went like that for 8 or 9 songs. I was late to work; I sat in my car and listened to the set that was playing. When the dreaded commercial came on I got out and went into work. My step had a bounce and I was felling better, you could even say I was happy.
I determined to listen to music more and less NPR. I need music in my life. While at work the owner of our company called and said there were 2 tickets to a concert tonight the she had set aside for a client. Our client had called and said they couldn’t go, so Kim said try and find a client to give them to, if I could find anyone take my bride. Can you guess how much work went into trying to find someone to take the tickets. NONE I had asked my wife if she had wanted to go, and when I went to get tickets the show was sold out. Long story short I took my wife and she and I had a great time.
The bible tells us in Matthew 6:22-23"Your eyes are windows into your body. If you open your eyes wide in wonder and belief, your body fills up with light. If you live squinty-eyed in greed and distrust, your body is a dank cellar. If you pull the blinds on your windows, what a dark life you will have!
That’s been me, I’ve been seeing with my eyes the wrong things. Not the greatness of God and his blessings in my life. My wife, children, my great job. friends, and my new bike.(it’s a work of beautiful art). I’m pulling up the blinds in my eyes and letting the light shine in with a new prespective God’s work and blessings in my life.
What are your eyes seeing?
12.06.2007
Warming up the flue
This week I went with my bride to her office Christmas party Yes I said Christmas not holiday party in case you think I made a mistake calling it a Christmas party. The place was a lodge with timber frame trussing and as every good lodge should, it has a great fireplace. As happens with most party’s something was forgotten. So off I go to get the forgotten item. Cups not just any cups, but clear cups to let you see how beautiful the punch (unspiked) is. I come back from a successful hunting trip of getting the clear plastic cups.
While I was away someone had started a fire in the beautiful fireplace. As I came into the lodge all the doors were open as I enquired why it was explained because the place had filled up with smoke from the fire. It didn’t go up the chimney as it supposed to, it went out into the room. And the fire was out. I was looking forward to that fire so you can imagine my disappointment. I went over to the fireplace and checked the flue. You see I’m a great fire builder my secret is as my friend Paul calls it Girl Scout water (White Gas) That only works though for fires outside. I remembered we used to have a woodstove in an old house we lived in. I had to start the fire small and let the chimney warm up so it would start to draw and have the smoke go up the chimney, not out into the house as happened more times than I care to remember. I was too impatient. So I lighted some paper and held it up the flue and warmed it up. We then built the fire and it was you might call a roaring success.
As I looked at the fire through out the night God reminded me that I’m like the fireplace. He has to warm up my flue, and get me ready to obey him, or take his direction or even listen to what he has for me. It always works out better than what I could do. As I go through this Christmas Season my heart and prayer is to already have my flue warmed up and listen for the quiet voice of God.
Merry Christmas
While I was away someone had started a fire in the beautiful fireplace. As I came into the lodge all the doors were open as I enquired why it was explained because the place had filled up with smoke from the fire. It didn’t go up the chimney as it supposed to, it went out into the room. And the fire was out. I was looking forward to that fire so you can imagine my disappointment. I went over to the fireplace and checked the flue. You see I’m a great fire builder my secret is as my friend Paul calls it Girl Scout water (White Gas) That only works though for fires outside. I remembered we used to have a woodstove in an old house we lived in. I had to start the fire small and let the chimney warm up so it would start to draw and have the smoke go up the chimney, not out into the house as happened more times than I care to remember. I was too impatient. So I lighted some paper and held it up the flue and warmed it up. We then built the fire and it was you might call a roaring success.
As I looked at the fire through out the night God reminded me that I’m like the fireplace. He has to warm up my flue, and get me ready to obey him, or take his direction or even listen to what he has for me. It always works out better than what I could do. As I go through this Christmas Season my heart and prayer is to already have my flue warmed up and listen for the quiet voice of God.
Merry Christmas
11.29.2007
A Prayer Away
I bought one of my children a VW Bus. It is a project. Frankly knowing what I know now, I shouldn’t have bought the bus. Yesterday they called and said in a panic said the car wasn’t working and I’m stuck in the middle of a busy intersection. Of course being the dad I am, I said I’ll be right there. My child called me 3 more times in my journey to get there. The 1st call was "are you coming". 2nd call is "the police are here and they are telling me the intersection is being closed down because the car is blocking the intersection". 3rd call is "how far ways are you". As I was a couple of blocks away I called to let them know how close I was, and to find out what part of the intersection they were in. They thought I was coming from a different direction so the location in relation to where I was backwards, luckily my keen vision (yea right) I saw where they were and was able to make adjustments before I fully committed to the intersection.
They had been pushed out of the intersection and were in a drive by the side of the road and the intersection hadn’t been closed, the policeman had pushed them over and out of the way. Thank you to all the police that perform these duties daily. Anyway I got in the car and sure enough the car wouldn’t start, as if I have magical car mechanic powers. We towed the car home and I took them to their original destination and I went back to work.
As I was driving back to work, I pondered the thought process that God goes through when we call on him. I know he hears us and starts at the onset to work to answer our call. I compared myself to my child, when I’m in a pickle and need God. I call him and when he doesn’t respond the very second I think he should I call him again and so on you get the picture. Just like my child thought I was coming from one direction and tried to tell me where they were, I do that to God, I not only ask for his help, but I tell him how and when he should answer it. Unlike my hothead self, God has an extreme amount of patience, he doesn’t get frustrated when we keep calling him. He just loves and loves us, continuing to nurture and teaching us to trust him more.
I can say with certainty that God has never let me down. As I’ve looked back at situations I’ve realized that if God had answered my prayer the way I ask him to, it would have really thrown a wrench in to the works. Even though it was most likely tough for him to let me hang for awhile, I am a better man for it. God has, does and will continue to hear and answer us, with all the love and compassion that only God has.
They had been pushed out of the intersection and were in a drive by the side of the road and the intersection hadn’t been closed, the policeman had pushed them over and out of the way. Thank you to all the police that perform these duties daily. Anyway I got in the car and sure enough the car wouldn’t start, as if I have magical car mechanic powers. We towed the car home and I took them to their original destination and I went back to work.
As I was driving back to work, I pondered the thought process that God goes through when we call on him. I know he hears us and starts at the onset to work to answer our call. I compared myself to my child, when I’m in a pickle and need God. I call him and when he doesn’t respond the very second I think he should I call him again and so on you get the picture. Just like my child thought I was coming from one direction and tried to tell me where they were, I do that to God, I not only ask for his help, but I tell him how and when he should answer it. Unlike my hothead self, God has an extreme amount of patience, he doesn’t get frustrated when we keep calling him. He just loves and loves us, continuing to nurture and teaching us to trust him more.
I can say with certainty that God has never let me down. As I’ve looked back at situations I’ve realized that if God had answered my prayer the way I ask him to, it would have really thrown a wrench in to the works. Even though it was most likely tough for him to let me hang for awhile, I am a better man for it. God has, does and will continue to hear and answer us, with all the love and compassion that only God has.
11.27.2007
A Warrior for What ?
I was driving to work today and was at a stop light waiting, I must say patiently. There was a RV Trailer lot next to me. My bride grew up with an RV in her family and has always talked to me about our family having one. I will admit I haven’t been receptive to the idea, but that’s another topic for a later time. Anyway back to the RV lot. I noticed on many of the back of the trailers there was a logo with Klingon (Star Trek) like swords and the words “Weekend Warrior”. I’ve seen the logo before and had thoughts along the line of I thought RV’s were supposed to be relaxing and fun. How does Weekend Warrior tie into that. I remember when we lived in Portland, and went to the river with our friends that had a boat. The ramp at times was war zone. I wondered if the people that built the trailers were thinking along lines like that when they designed the logo. Or if we are a powerful nation and we will conquer the forest, beach, or whatever remote area we are in at the time. I logged the thought away for when my wife brought up getting am RV to ask here what she thought about that. By the way it’s not if we will get an RV, but when we will get an RV.
The light turned green and I started down the road again and saw a Ford Bronco that had on the top of the windshield the words “FEAR THIS”. My 1st thought was that I’ve always have kind of liked the Bronco’s. Then I saw the driver it was a girl about the age of one of my children. My next thought was I don’t fear her or the car. What message is she trying to convey and the thought process to put a decal on your car like that.
I then thought what kind of decal I would put on my car to convey a message. I do have the Oregon “O” this is the righttime to say "GO Ducks” on my car now. My thoughts turned to Christ and am I doing what it takes to be a warrior for the kingdom of God. I know that I need to spend more time on my knees in prayer. I can always read my bible more to become as our pastor says a lot
“A man after Gods own heart”. A warrior trains hard and long to be ready to do battle. His body is tough and strong ready for the abuse of battle as well as making sure his weapons are ready. When I picture a warrior, I see a Roman Warrior. He has his helmet, breastplate, sword, and shield and the dude is fit.
Ephesians 6:10 - 18 tells about putting on the full armor of God. It says 10Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. 12For 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. 13Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.
This is a great reminder to me to be ready
The light turned green and I started down the road again and saw a Ford Bronco that had on the top of the windshield the words “FEAR THIS”. My 1st thought was that I’ve always have kind of liked the Bronco’s. Then I saw the driver it was a girl about the age of one of my children. My next thought was I don’t fear her or the car. What message is she trying to convey and the thought process to put a decal on your car like that.
I then thought what kind of decal I would put on my car to convey a message. I do have the Oregon “O” this is the righttime to say "GO Ducks” on my car now. My thoughts turned to Christ and am I doing what it takes to be a warrior for the kingdom of God. I know that I need to spend more time on my knees in prayer. I can always read my bible more to become as our pastor says a lot
“A man after Gods own heart”. A warrior trains hard and long to be ready to do battle. His body is tough and strong ready for the abuse of battle as well as making sure his weapons are ready. When I picture a warrior, I see a Roman Warrior. He has his helmet, breastplate, sword, and shield and the dude is fit.
Ephesians 6:10 - 18 tells about putting on the full armor of God. It says 10Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. 12For 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. 13Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.
This is a great reminder to me to be ready
11.25.2007
Unconscious Learning
I was working on one of our cars this weekend and it had to do with wiring. I got the repair book out looked at the hieroglyphics of the wiring diagram. To me they looked like the writing of an ancient and extinct tribe that writes on the cave walls and are found thousands of years later. After a panic attack and a short prayer it started to make sense, and I could actually start to identify what was what. I found the taillights in the drawing and amazing enough the wires that went from them to the turn signal lever. I even figured out the color code, so when I saw the wires at the lever switch I could figure out which side was which. I had a question , so I called a friend of mine, I described my problem and progress I had made, his comment back was I can’t believe you made it this far. My reply back to him was desperation is a great motivator.
I was talking to some people the next day and they were telling me about their car woes. I commiserated with them and told them about my phone call yesterday . The question was asked “what kind of training have you had to work on cars” It took me by surprise, you see I haven’t any. I thought for a minute and replied that I guess I learned more from my father than I had realized. A point to further illustrate this was my friend Rich & I were at my dad’s house one time and we were in his garage/shop. Rich looked around like a kid in a candy store, he looked at me and said wow what a place to work there’s every tool you would need for a project. I don’t remember my exact response, but it was something to the effect of yea but I would rather ride my bike or ski than work on things. Then in total seriousness Rich asked my dad to adopt him.
As my day went on I reminisced about my dads teaching style, He didn’t stop in the middle of things and say to me “look this is a life lesson remember it”. I must confess that I do that to my children sometimes (kids I’m sorry) Dad just made comments or talked about what and why he was doing such and what the outcome would be if things worked out they usually did. I learned from my dad by example and his imparting knowledge a little at a time. He tricked me he was teaching me all the time, I just didn’t realize it. He really didn’t trick me; he was helping me be ready for life when he wouldn’t be here on earth anymore as a resource for me to access. The internet is good, but it doesn’t replace dad.
I also realized that God has taught me the same way as my earthly father did. Little by little he has taught me his ways, and once in a while thru crises or big events. He teaches us through the bible, he speaks to us, or someone relays something how God has taught or helped them. I’ve learned more from my heavenly father than I realized. I’m not only ok with that I’m ecstatic with that. I prayed on my 40th birthday and told God that I had lived the 1st 40 years for myself, I was now going to live the rest of my life for him. I asked him to teach me his ways and help my heart to become more and more like his. I’m still a work in progress. I’m reminded of the Winchester house in California. After Winchester died his wife believed that if she kept adding onto the house she wouldn’t die. So she built this huge house, some of the things she did don’t make sense. Like stairs that don’t go anywhere and doors that open into a wall. But God always has a purpose for the lesson he teaches us. Jerimiah 29:11-13 says 11 For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. 12 Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. God has heard my prayer and is answering it.
I was talking to some people the next day and they were telling me about their car woes. I commiserated with them and told them about my phone call yesterday . The question was asked “what kind of training have you had to work on cars” It took me by surprise, you see I haven’t any. I thought for a minute and replied that I guess I learned more from my father than I had realized. A point to further illustrate this was my friend Rich & I were at my dad’s house one time and we were in his garage/shop. Rich looked around like a kid in a candy store, he looked at me and said wow what a place to work there’s every tool you would need for a project. I don’t remember my exact response, but it was something to the effect of yea but I would rather ride my bike or ski than work on things. Then in total seriousness Rich asked my dad to adopt him.
As my day went on I reminisced about my dads teaching style, He didn’t stop in the middle of things and say to me “look this is a life lesson remember it”. I must confess that I do that to my children sometimes (kids I’m sorry) Dad just made comments or talked about what and why he was doing such and what the outcome would be if things worked out they usually did. I learned from my dad by example and his imparting knowledge a little at a time. He tricked me he was teaching me all the time, I just didn’t realize it. He really didn’t trick me; he was helping me be ready for life when he wouldn’t be here on earth anymore as a resource for me to access. The internet is good, but it doesn’t replace dad.
I also realized that God has taught me the same way as my earthly father did. Little by little he has taught me his ways, and once in a while thru crises or big events. He teaches us through the bible, he speaks to us, or someone relays something how God has taught or helped them. I’ve learned more from my heavenly father than I realized. I’m not only ok with that I’m ecstatic with that. I prayed on my 40th birthday and told God that I had lived the 1st 40 years for myself, I was now going to live the rest of my life for him. I asked him to teach me his ways and help my heart to become more and more like his. I’m still a work in progress. I’m reminded of the Winchester house in California. After Winchester died his wife believed that if she kept adding onto the house she wouldn’t die. So she built this huge house, some of the things she did don’t make sense. Like stairs that don’t go anywhere and doors that open into a wall. But God always has a purpose for the lesson he teaches us. Jerimiah 29:11-13 says 11 For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. 12 Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. God has heard my prayer and is answering it.
11.22.2007
Thanksgiving Day
November 22, 2007
It’s Thanksgiving Day; yesterday my bride was busy getting things ready for today. She is a list person, and if needs to be done get it done right now. What a blessing. We were up early this morning getting the smoker ready to do the turkey. As I came into the house last night and saw the bustle of activity I was reminded of a thought I’ve had several times after the Thanksgiving meal “all the work and preparation that went into this meal and it was over so quick”. We live our lives like that we work so hard to get to the event; we forget to enjoy the journey. Then I thought about my walk with Christ, at times it’s the complete opposite I’m so worried about my preparation of getting to heaven and more concerned about making sure that I’m getting the most out of life, not focusing on the prize of spending eternity with God. The time we spend here on earth is going to be a blip on the timeline compared to eternity spent with God. I struggle with the balance of meeting the needs of my family to provide for them, do what I’m supposed to do and I wonder if I’ll ever get it right. God calls us to a better and greater relationship with him. And it’s completely opposite of what you would think. I don’t get less, I seem to get more. The more I look to God the more peace I seem to have. In the bible Jeremiah 29:11-12 says for I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. 12 Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. God knows what he’s doing he’s preparing us for eternity whether we spend it with him our in hell. The small blip on the timeline that’s our life is the preparation for forever... I will most likely keep on questioning if I’m doing the right thing at the right time that’s part of my makeup like my bride and her list. But I do know that I serve a God that came to earth, died in the cross for all our sins, and most importantly rose again 3 days later and as Matthew 11:28 says Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. I will rest in God ,Have a Great Thanksgiving and enjoy and your time with family, friends, football, and of course the food.
November 22, 2007
It’s Thanksgiving Day; yesterday my bride was busy getting things ready for today. She is a list person, and if needs to be done get it done right now. What a blessing. We were up early this morning getting the smoker ready to do the turkey. As I came into the house last night and saw the bustle of activity I was reminded of a thought I’ve had several times after the Thanksgiving meal “all the work and preparation that went into this meal and it was over so quick”. We live our lives like that we work so hard to get to the event; we forget to enjoy the journey. Then I thought about my walk with Christ, at times it’s the complete opposite I’m so worried about my preparation of getting to heaven and more concerned about making sure that I’m getting the most out of life, not focusing on the prize of spending eternity with God. The time we spend here on earth is going to be a blip on the timeline compared to eternity spent with God. I struggle with the balance of meeting the needs of my family to provide for them, do what I’m supposed to do and I wonder if I’ll ever get it right. God calls us to a better and greater relationship with him. And it’s completely opposite of what you would think. I don’t get less, I seem to get more. The more I look to God the more peace I seem to have. In the bible Jeremiah 29:11-12 says for I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. 12 Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. God knows what he’s doing he’s preparing us for eternity whether we spend it with him our in hell. The small blip on the timeline that’s our life is the preparation for forever... I will most likely keep on questioning if I’m doing the right thing at the right time that’s part of my makeup like my bride and her list. But I do know that I serve a God that came to earth, died in the cross for all our sins, and most importantly rose again 3 days later and as Matthew 11:28 says Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. I will rest in God ,Have a Great Thanksgiving and enjoy and your time with family, friends, football, and of course the food.
11.21.2007
What Thanksgiving means to me
November 21,2007
I'm sitting at my desk today and recalling the things I need to remember to do for Thanksgiving. Before you think to much of me let me set the record straight, my wife does all the cooking, planning and implementation my help consist of getting off the couch from watching football and eating the snacks she has prepared for me. And as a bonus every other year one of my daughters and her husband are with us for Thanksgiving and I have a companion to watch games with. Having all girls this a treat let me tell you. If she needs food cutup or washed I can do that.I'm also recalling the blessing that God has blessed me with the list is long. I'm grateful for God in my life and the free gift of salvation he has given to me. I have a wife who in spite of myself still loves me.Though at times I seem to do my best to test her. I have children that are serving God and know that my love for them is immeasurable. I was sharing with a group of men that I meet with weekly last night, how God reminded me that sometimes when he blesses me with something. I start to whine and complain, it might not be the one I want, I don't like the color. How ungrateful is that? God reminded me how much he loves me, and just a small portion of things he has done for me. It was a nice wake up call for me. Enough of the soapbox. I'm grateful for my wife & family, salvation, I have 2 friends that I've known for over 30 years.(one of them since my freshman year in high school man that's a long time), and a group of men that keep on the right path every week and a long list of many other things. I hope you have a Great Thanksgiving ,and may God Bless you.
Rob
I'm sitting at my desk today and recalling the things I need to remember to do for Thanksgiving. Before you think to much of me let me set the record straight, my wife does all the cooking, planning and implementation my help consist of getting off the couch from watching football and eating the snacks she has prepared for me. And as a bonus every other year one of my daughters and her husband are with us for Thanksgiving and I have a companion to watch games with. Having all girls this a treat let me tell you. If she needs food cutup or washed I can do that.I'm also recalling the blessing that God has blessed me with the list is long. I'm grateful for God in my life and the free gift of salvation he has given to me. I have a wife who in spite of myself still loves me.Though at times I seem to do my best to test her. I have children that are serving God and know that my love for them is immeasurable. I was sharing with a group of men that I meet with weekly last night, how God reminded me that sometimes when he blesses me with something. I start to whine and complain, it might not be the one I want, I don't like the color. How ungrateful is that? God reminded me how much he loves me, and just a small portion of things he has done for me. It was a nice wake up call for me. Enough of the soapbox. I'm grateful for my wife & family, salvation, I have 2 friends that I've known for over 30 years.(one of them since my freshman year in high school man that's a long time), and a group of men that keep on the right path every week and a long list of many other things. I hope you have a Great Thanksgiving ,and may God Bless you.
Rob
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