Join Charlie & I

It’s overcast and gloomy here in Bend. One of the main reasons I like Bend is that it’s sunny most of the time. Sometimes it’s downright cold, but sunny. With the weather and the great economic news (that’s irony in case you didn’t get it) it’s been a struggle to stay at a high positive level of enthusiasm. I told my wife I’m going to stop watching the first 10 minutes of the news, because nothing is good in the first 10 minutes. Confirming the old adage of “If it bleeds, it leads” in the news game

I went to see a friend of mine who I’m lucky to do business with. His name is Charlie. I told my wife later in the day that my spirit was uplifted after spending time with Charlie. He did my heart a world of good. Thanks Charlie.

I drive a lot in my job, so I have time to think and wonder about things if I take the time and not get consumed with the challenges and troubles that could consume me. As I drove this afternoon I was reminded of Peter in the bible in Matthew 14: 28-31 (you can read for yourself at the site listed below. Cut and paste in your browser) Anyway Peter walked on the water, until he took his eyes of Jesus. Then you guessed it he sank like a rock until Jesus grabbed his hand and rescued him. When I take my eyes and trust off of God and try and do it myself. I sink as well. Those of you that wake up in the middle of the night in a cold sweat and can’t go back to sleep or you can hardly breathe because of the stress and pressure we feel. Sound familiar. You’re not alone, we all forget.

One of my resolutions this year is to keep my eyes on God more and not lean to my own understanding, but lean on God for his understanding. Join Charlie and I.



Read for yourself
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=47&chapter=14&version=31&context=chapter

Poems & Prayer

Almost every Sunday morning I get up and watch the TV same show. I set my alarm on purpose so I won’t miss it. This morning I was watching and a person was on talking about the inauguration that is coming up. They were discussing the writing and reading of a poem that will be read during the inauguration. While I am not a poet, poetry has always fascinated me. The prose that is written, and the deep reflection and ideas that go into writing a poem. I very much admire poets, they have a very special God given gift. The guest who was on the show said and I quote “the reading of the poem is more important than the prayer”.

In case you were wondering or have guessed that bothered me very much. Prayer has and is a very important part of my life. I believe it was Charles Swindall who said “I can do all things through Christ, but I do nothing without praying first”. I looked up prayer in my concordance in the back of my bible and there were I think 79 -80 references (I counted 4 times and kept losing count it was a lot) where prayer is the topic. Jesus thought prayer was so important that he taught his disciples to pray, we call it the Lords Prayer. Its recited innumerable times each day and year.

To conclude I felt that statement couldn’t go by without a comment. My friend Allen Ruggles has said to me many times “I need God everyday. Hour by hour, minute by minute”. I’m reminded of that many times though out my day , and prayer is a very integral part of looking to God all day. As for me and my house we will continue to keep prayer of the forefront of our belief and continue to pray daily if not minute by minute if it’s needed.