Tomorrow is one of my favorite days of the year...
The start of Cleveland Indians baseball!!!
Games every night. The sights and sounds of summer. Tom Hamilton on the radio. The crack of the bat. The roar of the crowd.
Baseball is still America's past time. I can't explain it, but there is nothing better than a good baseball game on a summer evening. It brings back memories of old and it never changes. The names on the back of the jersey might, but the feelings never do.
Quote from Field of Dreams:
"Ray, people will come Ray. They'll come to Iowa for reasons they can't even fathom. They'll turn up your driveway not knowing for sure why they're doing it. They'll arrive at your door as innocent as children, longing for the past. Of course, we won't mind if you look around, you'll say. It's only $20 per person. They'll pass over the money without even thinking about it: for it is money they have and peace they lack. And they'll walk out to the bleachers; sit in shirtsleeves on a perfect afternoon. They'll find they have reserved seats somewhere along one of the baselines, where they sat when they were children and cheered their heroes. And they'll watch the game and it'll be as if they dipped themselves in magic waters. The memories will be so thick they'll have to brush them away from their faces. People will come Ray. The one constant through all the years, Ray, has been baseball. America has rolled by like an army of steamrollers. It has been erased like a blackboard, rebuilt and erased again. But baseball has marked the time. This field, this game: it's a part of our past, Ray. It reminds of us of all that once was good and it could be again. Oh... people will come Ray. People will most definitely come."
Update: Indians WIN! 10-8 ;)
~An unedited version of myself.~
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Saturday, March 29, 2008
New Blog Feature (Greg Koukl)
Hello Readers!
Starting with today's post, I am going to be posting (one per week) video commentary on questions that I myself struggle with as a Christian. I think it is extremely important for ALL people, not just Christians, to question and challenge their faith and/or beliefs. By challenging ourselves, we educate ourselves and hopefully others that may be skeptical of this Jesus stuff. I hope these videos will have a positive influence on your Christian walk.
Greg Koukl is a Christian apologist, radio talk show host, author and blogger in Los Angeles, California. He is the founder of Stand To Reason, a Christian evangelical organization dedicated to the articulation and defense of the Christian worldview.
What is faith?
Starting with today's post, I am going to be posting (one per week) video commentary on questions that I myself struggle with as a Christian. I think it is extremely important for ALL people, not just Christians, to question and challenge their faith and/or beliefs. By challenging ourselves, we educate ourselves and hopefully others that may be skeptical of this Jesus stuff. I hope these videos will have a positive influence on your Christian walk.
Greg Koukl is a Christian apologist, radio talk show host, author and blogger in Los Angeles, California. He is the founder of Stand To Reason, a Christian evangelical organization dedicated to the articulation and defense of the Christian worldview.
What is faith?
Friday, March 28, 2008
Weekend Inspiration Vol. 6
From The Devotional Bible by Max Lucado:
He placed one scoop of clay upon another until a form lay lifeless on the ground...
All were silent as the Creator reached in himself and removed something yet unseen. "It's called choice.' The seed of choice."
Creation stood in silence and gazed upon the lifeless form. An angel spoke, "But what if he..." "What if he chooses not to love?" the Creator finished. "Come, I will show you."
Unbound by today, God and the angel walked into the realm of tomorrow...
The angel gasped at what he saw. Spontaneous love. Voluntary devotion. Never had he seen anything like these...The angel stood speechless as they passed through centuries of repugnance. Never had he seen such filth. Rotten hearts. Ruptured promises. Forgotten loyalties.
The Creator walked on in time, further and further into the future, until he stood by a tree. A tree that would be fashioned into a cradle. Even then he could smell the hay that would surround him.
"Wouldn't it be easier to not plant the seed? Wouldn't it be easier to not give the choice?"
"It would," the Creator spoke slowly. "But to remove the choice is to remove the love."
...They stepped into the Garden again. The Maker looked earnestly at the clay creation.
A monsoon of love swelled up within him. He had died for the creation before he had made him. God's form bent over the sculpted face and breathed. Dust stirred on the lips of the new one. The chest rose, cracking the red mud. The cheeks fleshened. A finger moved. And an eye opened.
But more incredible than the moving flesh was the stirring of the spirit. Those who could see the unseen gasped. Perhaps it was the wind that said it first. Perhaps what the star that moment is what has made it blink ever since. Maybe it was left to an angel to whisper it:
"It looks like...it appears so much like...it is him!"
The angel wasn't speaking of the face, the features, or the body. He was looking inside at the soul.
"It's eternal!" gasped another.
Within the man, God had placed a divine seed. A seed of his self. The God of might had created the mightiest. The Creator had created, not a creature, but another creator. And the One who had chosen to love had created one who could love in return.
Now it's our choice.
He placed one scoop of clay upon another until a form lay lifeless on the ground...
All were silent as the Creator reached in himself and removed something yet unseen. "It's called choice.' The seed of choice."
Creation stood in silence and gazed upon the lifeless form. An angel spoke, "But what if he..." "What if he chooses not to love?" the Creator finished. "Come, I will show you."
Unbound by today, God and the angel walked into the realm of tomorrow...
The angel gasped at what he saw. Spontaneous love. Voluntary devotion. Never had he seen anything like these...The angel stood speechless as they passed through centuries of repugnance. Never had he seen such filth. Rotten hearts. Ruptured promises. Forgotten loyalties.
The Creator walked on in time, further and further into the future, until he stood by a tree. A tree that would be fashioned into a cradle. Even then he could smell the hay that would surround him.
"Wouldn't it be easier to not plant the seed? Wouldn't it be easier to not give the choice?"
"It would," the Creator spoke slowly. "But to remove the choice is to remove the love."
...They stepped into the Garden again. The Maker looked earnestly at the clay creation.
A monsoon of love swelled up within him. He had died for the creation before he had made him. God's form bent over the sculpted face and breathed. Dust stirred on the lips of the new one. The chest rose, cracking the red mud. The cheeks fleshened. A finger moved. And an eye opened.
But more incredible than the moving flesh was the stirring of the spirit. Those who could see the unseen gasped. Perhaps it was the wind that said it first. Perhaps what the star that moment is what has made it blink ever since. Maybe it was left to an angel to whisper it:
"It looks like...it appears so much like...it is him!"
The angel wasn't speaking of the face, the features, or the body. He was looking inside at the soul.
"It's eternal!" gasped another.
Within the man, God had placed a divine seed. A seed of his self. The God of might had created the mightiest. The Creator had created, not a creature, but another creator. And the One who had chosen to love had created one who could love in return.
Now it's our choice.
Thursday, March 27, 2008
All the Evidence I Need...
In a recent post (See TRUST below), I was questioned about the existence of God and how could I prove His existence (like I have all the answers...ha!). Instead of running from the questions/comments and/or deleting them, I participated in the dialogue. After digesting the discussion, I tried to think of ways to accurately describe how God is REAL and EVIDENT.
The answer was so easy and so obvious...
His name is:
Advocate (1 John 2:1)
Almighty (Rev. 1:8; Mt. 28:18)
Alpha and Omega (Rev. 1:8; 22:13)
Amen (Rev. 3:14)
Apostle of our Profession (Heb. 3:1)
Atoning Sacrifice for our Sins (1 John 2:2)
Author of Life (Acts 3:15)
Author and Perfecter of our Faith (Heb. 12:2)
Author of Salvation (Heb. 2:10)
Beginning and End (Rev. 22:13)
Blessed and only Ruler (1 Tim. 6:15)
Bread of God (John 6:33)
Bread of Life (John 6:35; 6:48)
Bridegroom (Mt. 9:15)
Capstone (Acts 4:11; 1 Pet. 2:7)
Chief Cornerstone (Eph. 2:20)
Chief Shepherd (1 Pet. 5:4)
Christ (1 John 2:22)
Creator (John 1:3)
Deliverer (Rom. 11:26)
Eternal Life (1 John 1:2; 5:20)
Faithful and True (Rev. 19:11)
Faithful Witness (Rev. 1:5)
Faithful and True Witness (Rev. 3:14)
First and Last (Rev. 1:17; 2:8; 22:13)
Firstborn From the Dead (Rev. 1:5)
Firstborn over all creation (Col. 1:15)
Gate (John 10:9)
God (John 1:1; 20:28; Heb. 1:8; Rom. 9:5; 2 Pet. 1:1;1 John 5:20; etc.)
Good Shepherd (John 10:11,14)
Great Shepherd (Heb. 13:20)
Great High Priest (Heb. 4:14)
Head of the Church (Eph. 1:22; 4:15; 5:23)
Heir of all things (Heb. 1:2)
High Priest (Heb. 2:17)
Holy and True (Rev. 3:7)
Holy One (Acts 3:14)
Hope (1 Tim. 1:1)
Hope of Glory (Col. 1:27)
Horn of Salvation (Luke 1:69)
I Am (John 8:58)
Image of God (2 Cor. 4:4)
Immanuel (Mt. 1:23)
Judge of the living and the dead (Acts 10:42)
King Eternal (1 Tim. 1:17)
King of Israel (John 1:49)
King of the Jews (Mt. 27:11)
King of kings (1 Tim 6:15; Rev. 19:16)
King of the Ages (Rev. 15:3)
Lamb (Rev. 13:8)
Lamb of God (John 1:29)
Lamb Without Blemish (1 Pet. 1:19)
Last Adam (1 Cor. 15:45)
Life (John 14:6; Col. 3:4)
Light of the World (John 8:12)
Lion of the Tribe of Judah (Rev. 5:5)
Living One (Rev. 1:18)
Living Stone (1 Pet. 2:4)
Lord (2 Pet. 2:20)
Lord of All (Acts 10:36)
Lord of Glory (1 Cor. 2:8)
Lord of lords (Rev. 19:16)
Man from Heaven (1 Cor. 15:48)
Mediator of the New Covenant (Heb. 9:15)
Mighty God (Isa. 9:6)
Morning Star (Rev. 22:16)
Offspring of David (Rev. 22:16)
Only Begotten Son of God (John 1:18; 1 John 4:9)
Our Great God and Savior (Titus 2:13)
Our Holiness (1 Cor. 1:30)
Our Husband (2 Cor. 11:2)
Our Protection (2 Thess. 3:3)
Our Redemption (1 Cor. 1:30)
Our Righteousness (1 Cor. 1:30)
Our Sacrificed Passover Lamb (1 Cor. 5:7)
Power of God (1 Cor. 1:24)
Precious Cornerstone (1 Pet. 2:6)
Prophet (Acts 3:22)
Rabbi (Mt. 26:25)
Resurrection and Life (John 11:25)
Righteous Branch (Jer. 23:5)
Righteous One (Acts 7:52; 1 John 2:1)
Rock (1 Cor. 10:4)
Root of David (Rev. 5:5; 22:16)
Ruler of God�s Creation (Rev. 3:14)
Ruler of the Kings of the Earth (Rev. 1:5)
Savior (Eph. 5:23; Titus 1:4; 3:6; 2 Pet. 2:20)
Son of David (Lk. 18:39)
Son of God (John 1:49; Heb. 4:14)
Son of Man (Mt. 8:20)
Son of the Most High God (Lk. 1:32)
Source of Eternal Salvation for all who obey him (Heb. 5:9)
The One Mediator (1 Tim. 2:5)
The Stone the builders rejected (Acts 4:11)
True Bread (John 6:32)
True Light (John 1:9)
True Vine (John 15:1)
Truth (John 1:14; 14:6)
Way (John 14:6)
Wisdom of God (1 Cor. 1:24)
Word (John 1:1)
Word of God (Rev. 19:13)
Or, as most Christians call Him...Jesus Christ :)
"First, Christianity is only as true as the person of Jesus. He fulfilled prophecy (for those inspired by tangibles, the possibility of one man fulfilling all Biblical prophecies is 10 to the 157th power), claimed to be God in flesh, performed many miracles, died, and physically rose from the dead. Christianity is about Jesus, his claims, and his deeds. It is based on him and it is only as true as he is true.
For the Christian, the ultimate expression of truth is found in the person of Jesus who said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life and no one comes to the father but through me..." (John 14:6). Jesus, who claimed to be divine, performed many miracles, and rose from the dead said that he alone was the truth. He was either right or wrong. There is no in between. If Jesus is wrong, then Christianity is a wrong. If Jesus did not rise from the dead, then we should abandon our faith because he would be no different than anyone else. If Jesus is not God in flesh, then we should denounce him as a madman because you can't claim to be God and be sane -- unless the claim is true. Therefore, if what Jesus said about himself is true, then Christianity is true.
Did Jesus fail to rise from the dead? If so, why could no one produce the body? Were the eyewitnesses of his resurrection really conspirators and liars? Then how did they concoct such a lie based on eyewitness accounts that could have been verified at that time -- yet we have no historical refutations of the gospel claims exist. Why would they invent such a story that they know would probably cost them their lives? Why would Paul, of Pharisees sent to destroy Christianity, suddenly convert and he said his conversion was based upon the appearance of the resurrected Christ? The answer to all these questions are best found in believing that Jesus was who he said he was, performed miracles, and rose from the dead.
You see, Christianity is only as true as Jesus is true. If it can be shown that Jesus lied, failed to perform miracles, was not God in flesh, and did not rise from the dead, then Christianity is false and we are deceived" (CARM).
When you find this EVIDENCE get back to me and I'll shake your hand personally. Until then, it's just Jesus and I waitin' on that pie in the sky!
Monday, March 24, 2008
Trust
Isn't it amazing how easy it is to trust sometimes? Think about it...we really do put a lot of trust in things/others. Most of the time, it is something known as blind trust (or blind faith).
At a restaurant we trust that the silverware is clean and the food is cooked properly. On the road we trust that the driver next to us is paying attention to everyone else. At night we trust that our alarm clock will go off at the time we set it for. We trust that the money we deposit in the bank will be there tomorrow. We trust that when we leave our homes, with the lights on and all, that we will come home to see it still standing. We trust the engines on the plane when we are flying thousands of feet in the air. We trust that the elevator cable will hold all the weight (not that I'm big). We trust that the water we drink from our faucet is safe and healthy. We trust that our child's car seat is properly installed and that they aren't flying around in the backseat. We trust that our heat works in the winter and the air conditioning in the summer. We trust that our toothpaste cleans our teeth. We trust that our contact solution is safe to put in our eyes.
We trust a lot. Without much thought at all.
Why then, is it so hard for us to trust God? Why is it so hard to believe/trust/acknowledge/praise/pray to the one who believes in us with everything He has. Why is it so difficult to give our all to the one who gave it all?
Something to chew on...
<><
Sunday, March 23, 2008
Friday, March 21, 2008
Good Friday and Easter Weekend
"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
John 3:16
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Pride and Prayer
This past week, my Dad was finally able to sell his business by signing a purchase agreement. We have been praying for almost a year that the business would sell, that my parent's livelihood would be OK and that my Dad would find a steady place of employment. All have now been completed.
Prayer is a funny thing. We can pray with the intent of instant answers, but God isn't always quick to respond. That is where our strength in Him is tested. When that prayer is answered, it is awesome to see the fingerprints of God throughout the timeline of our lives.
The following was that first initial prayer (almost a year ago). A letter to God. This issue had been burning a hole in our hearts, and I just wanted to sit down and tell (or type) God my thoughts...my prayers. Thank you God for reading my letter...
Megan and I have been attending RiverTree for a year and a half at the Saturday night services. It has been a blessing for the both of us as newlyweds, but it has been very important for me and my journey to hear God’s Word. My wife’s family had been regular attendants to First Christian Church in Canton before my wife and I made the switch to RiverTree. Before our switch I had a bad taste about church from past experiences with other local churches. When I was younger we bounced around between a couple of churches that made us feel unwelcome, my parents had working hours on the weekends, and church just never seemed to fit into our family plan. My parents taught me the basic values of the Bible through modeling Christian values in our daily lives. I feel as though my family and I were supposed to go down that path, because it has made me a stronger believer in my life today. In fact, my parents love RiverTree and have attended on numerous occasions. It just provides me with another belief in why I was drawn to my wife and her family through God’s plan for my life and the others around me. In our marriage, the values and fellowship we have experienced at RiverTree have confirmed our faith even more. (The music is awesome too!!)
I am writing this letter in regards to my Dad, along with my Mom by his side, and his business. In writing this letter, I hope that You hear this letter as a prayer and directs all of our family in the right direction and helps us all to make valued decisions based on our faith in Jesus Christ. I started writing this letter at 2:00 in the morning because it has also taken a toll on my wife and I as well. Even though I have to be at work in four hours, I wanted God to hear my thoughts. Just Him and I in the early morning hours.
My Dad has owned a small business in North Canton, Ohio for over 20 years, and for anyone who knows someone who owns a small business, it is one of the toughest jobs there is. You are forced to know every aspect of the company from the financial standpoint to marketing and advertising. Even though he worked the long hours that came along with owning your own business, he always made time for family. In the summers when I was growing up, my Dad changed the store hours so that he had more time to be at home, he took off every other Saturday for us, family vacations took place every year, he never missed my brother’s or my sporting events and other important moments in our lives. Even now, my parents make time for my wife and I on the weekends with small trips and get togethers. He never cheated the family. Not once.
Owning a small business is much different than one might think. Long hours may not always result in a reward for the company. There might be two great years followed by two “not so great, why am I doing this” years. But when it came to my parents, we, as the children, never knew when those “not so great” years were. My Dad is an old fashioned business man. His company only has three employees. My Dad, my Grandpa, and a hired hand. My Dad’s business was one of only three businesses to be labeled as “severely damaged” by the tornado that ripped through Jackson Township in 2002. The warehouse was completely destroyed along with all of his inventory. His office had extensive water damage. The company truck was totaled when the warehouse roof collapsed, but that may have been the only thing that saved my Grandpa’s life. From May to October he ran his business out of two storage boxes that sat in his parking lot. Through the summer heat and all. He built his company on honesty and trust, which on more than several occasions, have meant a few missing payments here and there by not so honest customers. Because of the state of the economy, he has lost three of his biggest suppliers and distributors within the last year. There used to be a builder who always bought kitchens through my Dad’s store. The cabinets, counter tops…the whole nine yards. Unfortunately, that business man didn’t have the same philosophy as my Dad and without warning, moved his business to the commercial side. A huge blow to a small business.
During the past year, business has been on the decline. We’ve urged him to sell the business, but that’s like taking basketball away from Michael Jordan. It’s his business, his efforts, his money and hours, his good times and bad times, his quality time with his Dad in a business they built together. How can you ask a man to do that? How can you take away their pride?
I worked for my Dad in the summer. Just mowing, maybe a delivery or two. I mentioned to my Dad that he didn’t need to pay me, that I was just doing it to help out. I am a teacher, so I have a steady income during the summer anyways. He did what any Dad with pride would do. He would have nothing of the sort. I would get my check whether I wanted it or not. That’s just my Dad.
Like any stressful situation, I think it is finally taking a toll on his emotions. Subtle changes that were once unnoticeable, just a kink in Superman’s armor. But now, as a grown man to a grown man, I can see it in his eyes. I can see it in my parents eyes. But being my parents, life must move on.
As for this letter, I hope it can be a special prayer for my family. An extra blessing, and with God’s grace, maybe this year is the last of the “why am I still doing this” years. Because even though their may be a kink in the armor, my Dad still is and always will be Superman.
Thank you for listening
Thanks Mom and Dad for everything that you have done for Megan and I. We love having you with us at church on Saturday nights. It is such a cool thing to be apart of and we wouldn't want it any other way. Kayley says so too!
God = Unimaginable
<><
Prayer is a funny thing. We can pray with the intent of instant answers, but God isn't always quick to respond. That is where our strength in Him is tested. When that prayer is answered, it is awesome to see the fingerprints of God throughout the timeline of our lives.
The following was that first initial prayer (almost a year ago). A letter to God. This issue had been burning a hole in our hearts, and I just wanted to sit down and tell (or type) God my thoughts...my prayers. Thank you God for reading my letter...
Megan and I have been attending RiverTree for a year and a half at the Saturday night services. It has been a blessing for the both of us as newlyweds, but it has been very important for me and my journey to hear God’s Word. My wife’s family had been regular attendants to First Christian Church in Canton before my wife and I made the switch to RiverTree. Before our switch I had a bad taste about church from past experiences with other local churches. When I was younger we bounced around between a couple of churches that made us feel unwelcome, my parents had working hours on the weekends, and church just never seemed to fit into our family plan. My parents taught me the basic values of the Bible through modeling Christian values in our daily lives. I feel as though my family and I were supposed to go down that path, because it has made me a stronger believer in my life today. In fact, my parents love RiverTree and have attended on numerous occasions. It just provides me with another belief in why I was drawn to my wife and her family through God’s plan for my life and the others around me. In our marriage, the values and fellowship we have experienced at RiverTree have confirmed our faith even more. (The music is awesome too!!)
I am writing this letter in regards to my Dad, along with my Mom by his side, and his business. In writing this letter, I hope that You hear this letter as a prayer and directs all of our family in the right direction and helps us all to make valued decisions based on our faith in Jesus Christ. I started writing this letter at 2:00 in the morning because it has also taken a toll on my wife and I as well. Even though I have to be at work in four hours, I wanted God to hear my thoughts. Just Him and I in the early morning hours.
My Dad has owned a small business in North Canton, Ohio for over 20 years, and for anyone who knows someone who owns a small business, it is one of the toughest jobs there is. You are forced to know every aspect of the company from the financial standpoint to marketing and advertising. Even though he worked the long hours that came along with owning your own business, he always made time for family. In the summers when I was growing up, my Dad changed the store hours so that he had more time to be at home, he took off every other Saturday for us, family vacations took place every year, he never missed my brother’s or my sporting events and other important moments in our lives. Even now, my parents make time for my wife and I on the weekends with small trips and get togethers. He never cheated the family. Not once.
Owning a small business is much different than one might think. Long hours may not always result in a reward for the company. There might be two great years followed by two “not so great, why am I doing this” years. But when it came to my parents, we, as the children, never knew when those “not so great” years were. My Dad is an old fashioned business man. His company only has three employees. My Dad, my Grandpa, and a hired hand. My Dad’s business was one of only three businesses to be labeled as “severely damaged” by the tornado that ripped through Jackson Township in 2002. The warehouse was completely destroyed along with all of his inventory. His office had extensive water damage. The company truck was totaled when the warehouse roof collapsed, but that may have been the only thing that saved my Grandpa’s life. From May to October he ran his business out of two storage boxes that sat in his parking lot. Through the summer heat and all. He built his company on honesty and trust, which on more than several occasions, have meant a few missing payments here and there by not so honest customers. Because of the state of the economy, he has lost three of his biggest suppliers and distributors within the last year. There used to be a builder who always bought kitchens through my Dad’s store. The cabinets, counter tops…the whole nine yards. Unfortunately, that business man didn’t have the same philosophy as my Dad and without warning, moved his business to the commercial side. A huge blow to a small business.
During the past year, business has been on the decline. We’ve urged him to sell the business, but that’s like taking basketball away from Michael Jordan. It’s his business, his efforts, his money and hours, his good times and bad times, his quality time with his Dad in a business they built together. How can you ask a man to do that? How can you take away their pride?
I worked for my Dad in the summer. Just mowing, maybe a delivery or two. I mentioned to my Dad that he didn’t need to pay me, that I was just doing it to help out. I am a teacher, so I have a steady income during the summer anyways. He did what any Dad with pride would do. He would have nothing of the sort. I would get my check whether I wanted it or not. That’s just my Dad.
Like any stressful situation, I think it is finally taking a toll on his emotions. Subtle changes that were once unnoticeable, just a kink in Superman’s armor. But now, as a grown man to a grown man, I can see it in his eyes. I can see it in my parents eyes. But being my parents, life must move on.
As for this letter, I hope it can be a special prayer for my family. An extra blessing, and with God’s grace, maybe this year is the last of the “why am I still doing this” years. Because even though their may be a kink in the armor, my Dad still is and always will be Superman.
Thank you for listening
Thanks Mom and Dad for everything that you have done for Megan and I. We love having you with us at church on Saturday nights. It is such a cool thing to be apart of and we wouldn't want it any other way. Kayley says so too!
God = Unimaginable
<><
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Daughters
"I know a girl
She puts the color inside of my world
But she's just like a maze
Where all of the walls all continually change
And I've done all I can
To stand on her steps with my heart in my hands
Now I'm starting to see
Maybe it's got nothing to do with me
Fathers, be good to your daughters
Daughters will love like you do
Girls become lovers who turn into mothers
So mothers, be good to your daughters too"
Lyrics from Daughters by John Mayer:
Sunday, March 16, 2008
Weekend Inspiration Vol. 5
From His Thoughts Toward Me by Marie Chapian:
"I am a giving God. I am neither cruel nor vindictive, as is common with man. Do not think of Me as a human being with human failings.
You can trust Me because I am not limited by your feelings, your ideas, your thoughts. I am bigger than these. I am bigger than any person's interpretation of Me.
I always prevail. People may lose, nations may lose, even churches may lose, but I never lose.
I will not lose you.
Hold fast to Me as I hold fast to you. Trust Me. Understand that even when you find it difficult to trust, I am with you.
Be as a child, and trust."
"I am a giving God. I am neither cruel nor vindictive, as is common with man. Do not think of Me as a human being with human failings.
You can trust Me because I am not limited by your feelings, your ideas, your thoughts. I am bigger than these. I am bigger than any person's interpretation of Me.
I always prevail. People may lose, nations may lose, even churches may lose, but I never lose.
I will not lose you.
Hold fast to Me as I hold fast to you. Trust Me. Understand that even when you find it difficult to trust, I am with you.
Be as a child, and trust."
Signed, Sealed, Delivered...I'm Yours!
Some Kayley pictures at 3 months...
She tends to bite her nails when the Cavs game is close...
Work the camera....
She tends to get overly excited...
She may be 1/16 chipmunk, what is she keeping in those cheeks?...
Spit plug...
She tends to bite her nails when the Cavs game is close...
Work the camera....
She tends to get overly excited...
She may be 1/16 chipmunk, what is she keeping in those cheeks?...
Spit plug...
Saturday, March 15, 2008
Weekends
Sorry readers! It has been a busy week :(
Which leads me to my next post...
I live for the weekends. Not necessarily because we do a lot during those precious two days, but because the weekends are associated with REST. This past Thursday night, I led our small group through several key themes from a book that I finished reading a few weeks ago. Those themes were: Identity, Interruptions and Intensity; and how they affect our Christian living.
Throughout the Bible, God shows us the importance of rest. On the Seventh Day of creating life, God himself rested. One of the Ten Commandments to Moses was to rest on the Sabbath. And, the ultimate gift of rest, was the sending of His Son, Jesus Christ. Think about it. It was the ultimate trade. Put our faith in Jesus, and He will take away all our junk. Our dirt. Our burdens. In essence, He will give us REST.
In life, we tend to go a million mph. Our lives tend to be like a skipping stone. Traveling a short distance fast, but only touching down for a brief moment to focus on our priorities.
Let's make Jesus a priority and let Him do the rest.
<><
Which leads me to my next post...
I live for the weekends. Not necessarily because we do a lot during those precious two days, but because the weekends are associated with REST. This past Thursday night, I led our small group through several key themes from a book that I finished reading a few weeks ago. Those themes were: Identity, Interruptions and Intensity; and how they affect our Christian living.
Throughout the Bible, God shows us the importance of rest. On the Seventh Day of creating life, God himself rested. One of the Ten Commandments to Moses was to rest on the Sabbath. And, the ultimate gift of rest, was the sending of His Son, Jesus Christ. Think about it. It was the ultimate trade. Put our faith in Jesus, and He will take away all our junk. Our dirt. Our burdens. In essence, He will give us REST.
In life, we tend to go a million mph. Our lives tend to be like a skipping stone. Traveling a short distance fast, but only touching down for a brief moment to focus on our priorities.
Let's make Jesus a priority and let Him do the rest.
<><
Monday, March 10, 2008
Sunday, March 9, 2008
Huckabee to McCain
Since Mike Huckabee has gracefully bowed out, I will now be supporting John McCain for President in 2008. Please consider what is at stake in this election, read up on ALL the candidates, and vote smart. God Bless America.
Saturday, March 8, 2008
Weekend Inspiration Vol. 4
From In the Eye of the Storm by Max Lucado:
With one decision, history began. Existence became measurable. Out of nothing came light. Out of light came day. Then came sky...and earth.
And on this Earth? A mighty hand went to work. Canyons were carved. Oceans were dug. Mountains erupted out of flat lands. Stars were flung. A universe sparkled.
Our sun became just one of millions. Our galaxy became just one of thousands. Planets invisibly tethered to suns roared through space at breakneck speeds. Stars blazed with heat that could melt our planet in seconds.
The hand behind it was mighty. He is mighty.
And with this might, he created. As naturally as a bird sings and a fish swims, he created. Just as an artist can't not paint and a runner can't not run, he couldn't not create. He was the Creator. Through and through, he was the Creator. A tireless dreamer and designer.
From the pallet of the Ageless Artist came inimitable splendors. Before there was a person to see it, his creation was pregnant with wonder...
Mundaneness found no home in his universe...
Probe deep within him. Explore every corner. Search every angle. Love is all you find. Go to the beginning of every decision he has made and you'll find it. Go to the end of every story he has told and you'll see it.
Love....
He created paradise. A sinless sanctuary. A haven before fear. A home before there was a dweller. No time. No death. No hurt. A gift built by God for his ultimate creation. And when he was through, he knew "it was very good."
But it wasn't good enough.
Hos greatest work hadn't been completed. One final masterpiece was needed before he would stop.
Look to the canyons to see the Creator's splendor. Touch the flowers and see his delicacy. Listen to the thunder and hear his power. But gaze on humanity-the zenith-and witness all three...and more.
With one decision, history began. Existence became measurable. Out of nothing came light. Out of light came day. Then came sky...and earth.
And on this Earth? A mighty hand went to work. Canyons were carved. Oceans were dug. Mountains erupted out of flat lands. Stars were flung. A universe sparkled.
Our sun became just one of millions. Our galaxy became just one of thousands. Planets invisibly tethered to suns roared through space at breakneck speeds. Stars blazed with heat that could melt our planet in seconds.
The hand behind it was mighty. He is mighty.
And with this might, he created. As naturally as a bird sings and a fish swims, he created. Just as an artist can't not paint and a runner can't not run, he couldn't not create. He was the Creator. Through and through, he was the Creator. A tireless dreamer and designer.
From the pallet of the Ageless Artist came inimitable splendors. Before there was a person to see it, his creation was pregnant with wonder...
Mundaneness found no home in his universe...
Probe deep within him. Explore every corner. Search every angle. Love is all you find. Go to the beginning of every decision he has made and you'll find it. Go to the end of every story he has told and you'll see it.
Love....
He created paradise. A sinless sanctuary. A haven before fear. A home before there was a dweller. No time. No death. No hurt. A gift built by God for his ultimate creation. And when he was through, he knew "it was very good."
But it wasn't good enough.
Hos greatest work hadn't been completed. One final masterpiece was needed before he would stop.
Look to the canyons to see the Creator's splendor. Touch the flowers and see his delicacy. Listen to the thunder and hear his power. But gaze on humanity-the zenith-and witness all three...and more.
Digging Ourselves Out...
I'm going to start making t-shirts, mugs and bumper stickers to sell around town next week:
I Survived the Blizzard of 2008!
Ohio is usually known for having snowy winters (they aren't that bad really), but this, this is insane!
Even for us Ohio folks :)
We have a Winter Weather Warning until 4:00 am Sunday morning. At noon today, the local weather station reported that we have accumulated 12.50 inches of snow in 24 hours. At 4:00 pm, the recorded snow total was 15 inches. I have never seen anything like this. Global warming??? The thing is, it's not even close to being done! The weather forecast is saying another 3-5 inches this evening! Hopefully the electricity stays on, or this could get really nasty.
Another 6 feet and we'll need a tunnel.
According to the weather report, this picture was taken about half way through the winter storm that decided to settle upon us.
I need a snowblower :(
Walking in a Winter Wonderland :)
I Survived the Blizzard of 2008!
Ohio is usually known for having snowy winters (they aren't that bad really), but this, this is insane!
Even for us Ohio folks :)
We have a Winter Weather Warning until 4:00 am Sunday morning. At noon today, the local weather station reported that we have accumulated 12.50 inches of snow in 24 hours. At 4:00 pm, the recorded snow total was 15 inches. I have never seen anything like this. Global warming??? The thing is, it's not even close to being done! The weather forecast is saying another 3-5 inches this evening! Hopefully the electricity stays on, or this could get really nasty.
Another 6 feet and we'll need a tunnel.
According to the weather report, this picture was taken about half way through the winter storm that decided to settle upon us.
I need a snowblower :(
Walking in a Winter Wonderland :)
Friday, March 7, 2008
Pet Peeve
(Sorry, it's been a busy week)
Within the next 24 hours, we could potentially get 12+ inches of snow! The white stuff just keeps coming down. As I was driving home from work, I noticed another one of my many pet peeves:
The Civilian Snow Plow Man.
You, Mr. Civilian Snow Plow Man, drive around with an over-sized plow on your under-sized truck. You plow business parking lots that don't have customers anyway because of the snow. Then, after making a few bucks, you bolt out of those business parking lots in your 4x4 truck and travel the town looking for "prime" snow covered lots. On this journey, couldn't you put the plow down and help the rest of us out?!?! I can understand the salt issue, it is an added expense. But for gosh sakes, use what you have! Maybe it's a legal thing...
Monday, March 3, 2008
Music To My Ears
I'd love to be able to play the piano. Everything looks so graceful and the melodies seem to just flow from the keys.
I've attempted to play several musical instruments over the years. The trombone (this one time at band camp...). The guitar (twice). The harmonica (I have no idea?). However, each time I tried to pick up an instrument to learn it, I failed.
Now that I am really into Christian music and how it influences my daily life, I often daydream about rocking out on stage as God speaks His Word through my lips, gives me a beat to tap my feet, and some skills to play something (anything) with my hands.
I'm guessing, now that my life keeps getting crazier, that my time to "pick-up" an instrument has passed. So I thought I would throw this question out there:
What, if any, instrument would you love to learn how to play and why? I'd love to hear your Rock Star fantasy (excluding the groupies)!
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