A few days ago I was talking about how some people in Christian circles use Job 1:21 to make themselves feel better, by attributing to God the fact that He "takes away". I stated that God is good, and the devil is bad, and that we should use John 10:10 to interpret when things are happening in our lives so we can rightly determine who is causing the problems.
This morning as I was reading my Bible, I came across this Scripture in Job 3:25. Here is what Job was saying (this is the amplified version): "For the thing which I greatly fear comes upon me, and that of which I am afraid befalls me." All Scripture is given to us as an example to show us how to live. So anytime I find a Scripture like this one, it makes me stand up and take notice.
I get nuggets of wisdom on facebook from Creflo Dollar, and this morning I found it really interesting what he had to say, I saw it just minutes after reading Job 3:25. Listen to this:
"Fear has no place in the life of a believer. It simply contaminates our faith. By meditating on the word daily, and speaking faith filled words, we shut the door on fear and paralyze the enemy. Remember God has given you love, power, and a sound mind- which when applied will cause you to live a fearless life."
Fear. This is what caused all of Job's problems. You might say, it was the devil. And that would be correct, but how does the devil get entrance into our lives? Through fear. The devil can only mess with our lives, IF we let him. And he does that by getting us to agree with his thoughts and saying them with our mouths. That's just what Job did, look at Job 1:5: "And it was so, when the days of their (his children) feasting were gone about, that Job sent and sanctified them, and rose up early in the morning, and offered burnt offerings according to the number of them all: for Job said, It may be that my sons have sinned, and cursed God in their hearts. Thus did Job continually."
Again, what is it that the devil does? He plants thoughts in our minds in the hopes that we will agree with it, and by doing that he gets the ability to mess our lives up. I can see it, Job's kids start having parties, and the devil starts to place thoughts in his head. It probably went something like this, "My kids are over there partying and living it up. I hope they aren't cursing God right now. I've spoiled those kids, I wonder if they're even serving God at all. I don't know, I better make a sacrifice for them just to be sure."
If the devil can get us to fear, to second guess what we are doing and just begin to run our mouth with those thoughts that he places in our minds, then the law of the Kingdom comes into play. You will find that law in Mark 11:23, whatsoever things you believe in your heart, and say with your mouth you will have.
Let's keep faith filled words in our mouths, and when the enemy's thoughts come (and they will come be assured) cast those down (2 Corinthians 10:5) and take no thought saying. Remember the devil can only do what you allow him to do in your life. Jesus has deprived him of any power over us, unless we give it to him. Fight on, fight well....
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Saturday, October 30, 2010
What Makes You A Man?
Growing up in Muskogee, Oklahoma in the 70's, there was always talk among those of us adolescent teens about becoming a man. I was thinking about that today, and through my reminiscing I was amazed at what back then I thought it took to become a "man". Mostly it involved doing things, most of which none of us had any idea what they actually were.
I think that one of the saddest things about growing up in the 70's was that there were no men in my life that led me in the path of becoming a man. I was pretty much left to myself as to how to figure that out. So after I married my bride, I quickly realized there was much that was being required of me that I had no idea about. I asked my Pastor one day if he could preach a sermon about what it meant to be an authentic man of God, which never happened.
I moved on in my married life and as we began to have children, again I had this gnawing feeling that I just wasn't quite enough. You know, that I wasn't measuring up as a man. It seemed that I was more and more frustrated, and if you had asked me why, I couldn't have told you. I just knew that there was something missing in my life.
It was about this time that a sales rep who called on my business told me about this book he had just read. He said, "You've got to get this book called Wild at Heart. It's written by this guy named John Eldredge, and Dave it is amazing!" We talked a little bit longer about it, then he left to go to another appointment. I left right after that to go to my local Christian bookstore and buy this book. I read it that night, and in about three days I had completely finished it. I was amazed. In this book, I had found the answers that I had been looking for for so long.
That was almost ten years ago, and I have walked in the knowledge this little book showed me for most of that time. What I have learned through all of this is that what makes me a man, is the decisions that I make everyday. Decisions to love my wife and kids, to give my life for them just like Jesus gave His life for me. It's not in accomplishments, or acquisitions or conquests, it's in the day to day living and giving my life for those around me. That is what makes us men.
How about you? Have you longed for something, but just not been able to articulate what that is? If you haven't read this book Wild at Heart, then I suggest you run to your nearest Christian book store and buy it now...I promise you it will change your life. Strength and honor for the Kingdom and the King!
I think that one of the saddest things about growing up in the 70's was that there were no men in my life that led me in the path of becoming a man. I was pretty much left to myself as to how to figure that out. So after I married my bride, I quickly realized there was much that was being required of me that I had no idea about. I asked my Pastor one day if he could preach a sermon about what it meant to be an authentic man of God, which never happened.
I moved on in my married life and as we began to have children, again I had this gnawing feeling that I just wasn't quite enough. You know, that I wasn't measuring up as a man. It seemed that I was more and more frustrated, and if you had asked me why, I couldn't have told you. I just knew that there was something missing in my life.
It was about this time that a sales rep who called on my business told me about this book he had just read. He said, "You've got to get this book called Wild at Heart. It's written by this guy named John Eldredge, and Dave it is amazing!" We talked a little bit longer about it, then he left to go to another appointment. I left right after that to go to my local Christian bookstore and buy this book. I read it that night, and in about three days I had completely finished it. I was amazed. In this book, I had found the answers that I had been looking for for so long.
That was almost ten years ago, and I have walked in the knowledge this little book showed me for most of that time. What I have learned through all of this is that what makes me a man, is the decisions that I make everyday. Decisions to love my wife and kids, to give my life for them just like Jesus gave His life for me. It's not in accomplishments, or acquisitions or conquests, it's in the day to day living and giving my life for those around me. That is what makes us men.
How about you? Have you longed for something, but just not been able to articulate what that is? If you haven't read this book Wild at Heart, then I suggest you run to your nearest Christian book store and buy it now...I promise you it will change your life. Strength and honor for the Kingdom and the King!
Friday, October 29, 2010
The Lord Gives & The Lord Takes - Yeah, Right
There is a song out there that called "Blessed Be Your Name" which uses Job 1:21 in its lyrics. This one Scripture has confused more Christians I believe than any other Scripture ever read. Job 1:21 states: "And (Job) said, Naked came I out of my mother's womb, and naked shall I return thither: the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD."
The last half of this Scripture is used a lot at funerals. You might hear a preacher say, "He was a good man, but the Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord." I want to go on record here as saying that those who use this Scripture in this way are ignorant of Scripture. While saying this may actually make people feel good, although I don't know why, it kind of says that God has taken their loved one from them...and sorry, but that doesn't make God look good in my opinion.
What I wish people would do is read a little bit before that Scripture say like in verse 12 which says, "And the LORD said unto Satan, Behold, all that he hath is in thy power; only upon himself (Job) put not forth thine hand. So Satan went forth from the presence of the LORD."
This Scripture pretty much tells you who it was that afflicted Job. It was the devil, not God.
When Job made the statement in verse 21, he thought that God was the one who had caused the calamity in his life. This is a thought that is very prevalent in the minds of Christians today. Our enemy (the devil) is very crafty at keeping himself out of the lime light. If you read John 10:10; you will see who it is that kills, steals and destroys. It is not God, He is trying to give you life and life to the full. Using John 10:10 to interpret Job 1:21 you can easily see who it is that caused the devastation in Job's life.
It's like this, we have an enemy. His name is the devil, and he is trying to kill, steal and destroy our lives, and he uses lies to do so. See if you take the devil out of the equation, then that only leaves two people to blame when things go wrong; you and God. That's what was happening in the story of Job.
The devil will oppose us, and he's done here exactly what he was trying to do to Jesus in the wilderness, pervert Scripture to get Him off track. The devil knows that the Word of God in us, coming out of our mouths will defeat him every time, so what he does is gets us to use Scripture in the wrong way...then it won't hurt him.
I'll close with this; God is good and the devil is bad plain and simple. It's not rocket science, it's really that simple. Use John 10:10 as your guideline when things happen in your life and you will recognize when it is the enemy messing with you. Don't blame God for taking people out of your lives, He only took Enoch, Elijah and Jesus and them He took them alive. God has only good for you, if you doubt that then take a look at Jeremiah 29:11.
Strength and honor for the Kingdom and the King.
The last half of this Scripture is used a lot at funerals. You might hear a preacher say, "He was a good man, but the Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord." I want to go on record here as saying that those who use this Scripture in this way are ignorant of Scripture. While saying this may actually make people feel good, although I don't know why, it kind of says that God has taken their loved one from them...and sorry, but that doesn't make God look good in my opinion.
What I wish people would do is read a little bit before that Scripture say like in verse 12 which says, "And the LORD said unto Satan, Behold, all that he hath is in thy power; only upon himself (Job) put not forth thine hand. So Satan went forth from the presence of the LORD."
This Scripture pretty much tells you who it was that afflicted Job. It was the devil, not God.
When Job made the statement in verse 21, he thought that God was the one who had caused the calamity in his life. This is a thought that is very prevalent in the minds of Christians today. Our enemy (the devil) is very crafty at keeping himself out of the lime light. If you read John 10:10; you will see who it is that kills, steals and destroys. It is not God, He is trying to give you life and life to the full. Using John 10:10 to interpret Job 1:21 you can easily see who it is that caused the devastation in Job's life.
It's like this, we have an enemy. His name is the devil, and he is trying to kill, steal and destroy our lives, and he uses lies to do so. See if you take the devil out of the equation, then that only leaves two people to blame when things go wrong; you and God. That's what was happening in the story of Job.
The devil will oppose us, and he's done here exactly what he was trying to do to Jesus in the wilderness, pervert Scripture to get Him off track. The devil knows that the Word of God in us, coming out of our mouths will defeat him every time, so what he does is gets us to use Scripture in the wrong way...then it won't hurt him.
I'll close with this; God is good and the devil is bad plain and simple. It's not rocket science, it's really that simple. Use John 10:10 as your guideline when things happen in your life and you will recognize when it is the enemy messing with you. Don't blame God for taking people out of your lives, He only took Enoch, Elijah and Jesus and them He took them alive. God has only good for you, if you doubt that then take a look at Jeremiah 29:11.
Strength and honor for the Kingdom and the King.
Sleeping The Sleep Of The Dead
It's October 29th, just a few days before Halloween. Last night, I was afforded an opportunity that I don't have very often; I was able to spend the evening home alone. After doing a little grocery shopping, I sat down to enjoy my dinner along with the movie TRON. The sequel is due to come out soon, and I wanted to refresh my memory about what had happened in the original story.
My only real problem was that I was asleep in my recliner by 8:30 pm and missed about half of the movie. Now I chalked it off to having worked so hard that my body just needed a little rest. So I watched the rest of the movie and waited on my son to get home from work.
After talking with Micah for a few minutes, I retired to my bed at about 10:30 pm and headed off for a night of rest, thinking that 6:00 am would get here quickly. It didn't take me long to fall asleep and enter that state of rest that is so important for the body. I missed a phone call and text from my bride, that came at 11:00 pm and 12:00 am.
I awoke to my alarm ringing, turned it off and went right back to sleep. Somewhere around 8:30 am my cell phone rang, and I fumbled around trying to answer it. It was my beautiful bride calling to see if I was awake yet. She seemed a little surprised that I was still asleep, and told me that she had called the night before.
I guess that I needed my beauty rest last night. I slept harder than I have in a long time, so I guess I really needed it. But you know it is October and with Halloween just around the corner, maybe I was just wearing a costume last night as I slept, the costume of the sleep of the dead. Who knows....
My only real problem was that I was asleep in my recliner by 8:30 pm and missed about half of the movie. Now I chalked it off to having worked so hard that my body just needed a little rest. So I watched the rest of the movie and waited on my son to get home from work.
After talking with Micah for a few minutes, I retired to my bed at about 10:30 pm and headed off for a night of rest, thinking that 6:00 am would get here quickly. It didn't take me long to fall asleep and enter that state of rest that is so important for the body. I missed a phone call and text from my bride, that came at 11:00 pm and 12:00 am.
I awoke to my alarm ringing, turned it off and went right back to sleep. Somewhere around 8:30 am my cell phone rang, and I fumbled around trying to answer it. It was my beautiful bride calling to see if I was awake yet. She seemed a little surprised that I was still asleep, and told me that she had called the night before.
I guess that I needed my beauty rest last night. I slept harder than I have in a long time, so I guess I really needed it. But you know it is October and with Halloween just around the corner, maybe I was just wearing a costume last night as I slept, the costume of the sleep of the dead. Who knows....
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Opposition...Why Are You Surprised?
One of the most devious lies ever told in Christianity is that once you accept Jesus as your savior, you will never have any more problems. It sounds nice, and to the new Christian even has a ring of truth to it. After all they have just had the blinders removed, the chains taken away and put on their robe of righteousness...why wouldn't everything be okay? They just entered the Kingdom of Heaven.
Christians who use this reasoning with baby Christians should be flogged. Okay, maybe not really flogged, but they should be told what they are doing is wrong. Jesus never promised us that life would be easy. He actually told us, "In the world you "will" have trouble." (John 16:33) Not maybe, it could happen, or if you've done something wrong, but you will have trouble!
Now that's more like it. Here's the clarity that so many of us need. We are going to have trouble, so why are we surprised when hell lands on our doorstep? We shouldn't be should we? After all Jesus can't lie right? So now that we've established that problems are going to come, what do we do with that? Go hide in a cave somewhere and wait for Jesus' return? No! We are the salt, we are the light of the world...we've got to tell people about Jesus so that they can get out of the bondage of the enemy.
But wait, there's more. Jesus starts verse 33 by saying, "These things I have spoken unto you that in me you might have peace." And He ends the verse by saying, "but be of good cheer (be happy). I have overcome the world." Jesus talks about the answer to the problems twice as much as He talks about the problem. I wonder, do we do that? Or do we magnify the problems by talking more about them than the answer to the problems?
We as Christians are going to be opposed, especially if we are doing something for the Kingdom. The enemy is defeated, but unless we demonstrate his defeat in our walk with the Lord, the enemy will ride roughshod over us. We have been given mighty weapons by God to help us overcome the evil one, the Name of Jesus, the Blood of Jesus and the Holy Spirit leading, guiding and directing our steps (if we will listen to Him that is). It's like this statement I heard last night, "If you don't bump into the devil every once in a while, you just might be going in the same direction as him."
So when hell shows up on your doorstep, don't be surprised by it...be ready for it and stand in the knowledge that we, when in union with Christ, overcome the opposition by staying in the peace that Jesus gave us, and being of good cheer (staying happy during adverse circumstances) knowing that we win...every time.
Strength and honor for the Kingdom and the King!
Christians who use this reasoning with baby Christians should be flogged. Okay, maybe not really flogged, but they should be told what they are doing is wrong. Jesus never promised us that life would be easy. He actually told us, "In the world you "will" have trouble." (John 16:33) Not maybe, it could happen, or if you've done something wrong, but you will have trouble!
Now that's more like it. Here's the clarity that so many of us need. We are going to have trouble, so why are we surprised when hell lands on our doorstep? We shouldn't be should we? After all Jesus can't lie right? So now that we've established that problems are going to come, what do we do with that? Go hide in a cave somewhere and wait for Jesus' return? No! We are the salt, we are the light of the world...we've got to tell people about Jesus so that they can get out of the bondage of the enemy.
But wait, there's more. Jesus starts verse 33 by saying, "These things I have spoken unto you that in me you might have peace." And He ends the verse by saying, "but be of good cheer (be happy). I have overcome the world." Jesus talks about the answer to the problems twice as much as He talks about the problem. I wonder, do we do that? Or do we magnify the problems by talking more about them than the answer to the problems?
We as Christians are going to be opposed, especially if we are doing something for the Kingdom. The enemy is defeated, but unless we demonstrate his defeat in our walk with the Lord, the enemy will ride roughshod over us. We have been given mighty weapons by God to help us overcome the evil one, the Name of Jesus, the Blood of Jesus and the Holy Spirit leading, guiding and directing our steps (if we will listen to Him that is). It's like this statement I heard last night, "If you don't bump into the devil every once in a while, you just might be going in the same direction as him."
So when hell shows up on your doorstep, don't be surprised by it...be ready for it and stand in the knowledge that we, when in union with Christ, overcome the opposition by staying in the peace that Jesus gave us, and being of good cheer (staying happy during adverse circumstances) knowing that we win...every time.
Strength and honor for the Kingdom and the King!
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Our Place In This World
A few minutes ago, I noticed a lady putting some groceries in her car. There were paper bags, plastic bags and a case of diet coke. She was a well dressed lady in her fifties, with a nice hairdo and had that nice look you know, in a grandmotherly sort of way.
As she moved to put away her grocery cart (buggy for my friends in the south), I couldn't help but wonder if she ever wonders about her place in the world. Did she marry, have children and possibly grandchildren? Was that what she even wanted? Is she a business woman, one of those who pioneered women in the workforce? What is her story I wondered.
As I thought about that, it occurred to me, do people ever think these kind of thoughts about me? And if so, do they ever want to ask me about them. Then I had another thought, is it really about what I want, or is it more about what God wants for me? Now there's a novel thought.
I think that we all spend our lives trying to get what we want for life, and in reality if we would spend that time talking to our Father God about what He wants for our lives, then we would really be fulfilled. I guess it just makes sense to ask the Creator of both the world and us what His design is for us.
Strength and honor for the Kingdom and the King...
As she moved to put away her grocery cart (buggy for my friends in the south), I couldn't help but wonder if she ever wonders about her place in the world. Did she marry, have children and possibly grandchildren? Was that what she even wanted? Is she a business woman, one of those who pioneered women in the workforce? What is her story I wondered.
As I thought about that, it occurred to me, do people ever think these kind of thoughts about me? And if so, do they ever want to ask me about them. Then I had another thought, is it really about what I want, or is it more about what God wants for me? Now there's a novel thought.
I think that we all spend our lives trying to get what we want for life, and in reality if we would spend that time talking to our Father God about what He wants for our lives, then we would really be fulfilled. I guess it just makes sense to ask the Creator of both the world and us what His design is for us.
Strength and honor for the Kingdom and the King...
Dirty Feet & Leadership
The sun is barely above the horizon this morning as I read this passage of Scripture found in John 13:13-17:
13 You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and you are right, because that’s what I am. 14 And since I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash each other’s feet. 15 I have given you an example to follow. Do as I have done to you. 16 I tell you the truth, slaves are not greater than their master. Nor is the messenger more important than the one who sends the message. 17 Now that you know these things, God will bless you for doing them.
The setting for this Scripture is Jesus and His disciples celebrating the passover just before He is arrested. He knew that His time with them was very short, yet He stops everything and washes the disciples feet. And as He is explaining to them what He has just done, He states in verse 15 that He has given us an example to follow.
This can be viewed from various angles, but the way I saw this today was in the light of leadership. Jesus was and is the best example of what a true leader should be. And if He takes the time to tell us that this is an example to follow, then perhaps we should take the time to stop and see what He was showing us.
If you've lived any time on this planet and been a part of any type of organization or business, then you have had the opportunity to see different leadership styles. Regardless of what you have been exposed to however, there really are only two styles of leadership; serving and self-serving.
Leaders who are self-serving, are concerned mostly with how others can help them become more or do more for them. Servant leaders help those around them to become more than they are, or help them to become something more than they can see.
A true servant leader is confident in who he or she is enough that they are able to help others to reach and achieve their goals. They know that if they are able to help those they are leading to become successful, then they in turn will be successful as well. The servant leader is not worried that they will lose their position in the orginzation, but they are willing to lead by example in order that the person they are leading may grow, consequently causing the organization to grow as well.
Everyone of us is suppose to be a leader. Whether we are leading a fortune 500 company, a ministry or our family, we are called to lead. Jesus showed us by His example in this Scripture how a true servant leader should behave. He didn't think that He was better than those He was leading, but He was willing to abase Himself and serve them, placing their needs above His, and in doing so, truly demonstrated how leaders in His Kingdom are to act. Let's learn this and begin to serve those around us and become the leaders that Jesus needs us to be.
Strength and honor for the Kingdom and the King!
13 You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and you are right, because that’s what I am. 14 And since I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash each other’s feet. 15 I have given you an example to follow. Do as I have done to you. 16 I tell you the truth, slaves are not greater than their master. Nor is the messenger more important than the one who sends the message. 17 Now that you know these things, God will bless you for doing them.
The setting for this Scripture is Jesus and His disciples celebrating the passover just before He is arrested. He knew that His time with them was very short, yet He stops everything and washes the disciples feet. And as He is explaining to them what He has just done, He states in verse 15 that He has given us an example to follow.
This can be viewed from various angles, but the way I saw this today was in the light of leadership. Jesus was and is the best example of what a true leader should be. And if He takes the time to tell us that this is an example to follow, then perhaps we should take the time to stop and see what He was showing us.
If you've lived any time on this planet and been a part of any type of organization or business, then you have had the opportunity to see different leadership styles. Regardless of what you have been exposed to however, there really are only two styles of leadership; serving and self-serving.
Leaders who are self-serving, are concerned mostly with how others can help them become more or do more for them. Servant leaders help those around them to become more than they are, or help them to become something more than they can see.
A true servant leader is confident in who he or she is enough that they are able to help others to reach and achieve their goals. They know that if they are able to help those they are leading to become successful, then they in turn will be successful as well. The servant leader is not worried that they will lose their position in the orginzation, but they are willing to lead by example in order that the person they are leading may grow, consequently causing the organization to grow as well.
Everyone of us is suppose to be a leader. Whether we are leading a fortune 500 company, a ministry or our family, we are called to lead. Jesus showed us by His example in this Scripture how a true servant leader should behave. He didn't think that He was better than those He was leading, but He was willing to abase Himself and serve them, placing their needs above His, and in doing so, truly demonstrated how leaders in His Kingdom are to act. Let's learn this and begin to serve those around us and become the leaders that Jesus needs us to be.
Strength and honor for the Kingdom and the King!
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Things That Shouldn't Be Green
Yesterday was October 25th. A date that will live on in infamy for me. You see yesterday, while I was home I decided that my yard needed to be mowed one last time. Did I mention that it was October, and my yard is still green? That is something that just shouldn't be...I mean usually my yard is brown by August and we hardly ever mow past then.
While I mow, I love to listen to either music or teaching series on my Oakley Thumps mp3 sunglasses, which can be purchased at Felts Shoes in Sapulpa (shameless plug I know). Yesterday, I was listening to Joe McGee's teaching on Man: Lover, Leader, Provider and thinking about my bride. I wanted to do something "for" her, you know that would show my love for her. Then it dawned on my, having the yard in tip top shape is something that she enjoys, and having it finished would put her mind at ease for the coming winter.
I also remembered her saying something about picking up all the sticks that were covering our circle drive. So I decided to not only mow the yard, but to clean the circle drive with the leaf blower. (something that took more time than I originally thought) I also needed to weedeat the yard in some places, which turned out to be most places.
After almost five hours, and with an exhausted and beat up body, I sat down in my porch chair and surveyd all that I had accomplished. The yard looked good, and I knew that my bride would be happy. I fell asleep last night with a contentment knowing two things; one, I had done a good job yesterday seeing to it that the yard was now taken care of for the season. And two, I had done something for my bride that would relieve some of the stress off of her life, showing my love for her. Needless to say, I slept well.
I'm reminded of something that I heard Joe say yesterday, "In order to love your spouse, you must lay down your life for them. You must serve them." Truthfully, mowing and taking care of the yard is not what I wanted to do on my day off, but in order to serve my bride, I was happy to do it. Afterall, the Bible says that my example of how to love my bride is Jesus and we all know how He laid down His life for us, so taking care of the yard yesterday was a pleasure.
Strength and honor for the Kingdom and the King!
While I mow, I love to listen to either music or teaching series on my Oakley Thumps mp3 sunglasses, which can be purchased at Felts Shoes in Sapulpa (shameless plug I know). Yesterday, I was listening to Joe McGee's teaching on Man: Lover, Leader, Provider and thinking about my bride. I wanted to do something "for" her, you know that would show my love for her. Then it dawned on my, having the yard in tip top shape is something that she enjoys, and having it finished would put her mind at ease for the coming winter.
I also remembered her saying something about picking up all the sticks that were covering our circle drive. So I decided to not only mow the yard, but to clean the circle drive with the leaf blower. (something that took more time than I originally thought) I also needed to weedeat the yard in some places, which turned out to be most places.
After almost five hours, and with an exhausted and beat up body, I sat down in my porch chair and surveyd all that I had accomplished. The yard looked good, and I knew that my bride would be happy. I fell asleep last night with a contentment knowing two things; one, I had done a good job yesterday seeing to it that the yard was now taken care of for the season. And two, I had done something for my bride that would relieve some of the stress off of her life, showing my love for her. Needless to say, I slept well.
I'm reminded of something that I heard Joe say yesterday, "In order to love your spouse, you must lay down your life for them. You must serve them." Truthfully, mowing and taking care of the yard is not what I wanted to do on my day off, but in order to serve my bride, I was happy to do it. Afterall, the Bible says that my example of how to love my bride is Jesus and we all know how He laid down His life for us, so taking care of the yard yesterday was a pleasure.
Strength and honor for the Kingdom and the King!
Sunday, October 24, 2010
We Weren't Meant To Do This Alone
I am a very fortunate and blessed man to have men in my life that are true brothers. I am not very mechanicaly inclined, let's face it, if I have to do much more than put gas or oil in a car I'm lost. I wasn't raised in a family that worked on their vehicles, actually we had several motors and transmissions put into our cars due to forgetting to get the oil changed, or adding transmission fluid.
I have been mentoring a young man through the Thunderbird Academy program. Today was one of the mentor visits, and we left Pryor, OK headed to Claremore and enjoy our four hours together. As we reached the 3/4 mark towards our destination, the temp light came on in my van. I looked at the guage and it read "H"...which apparently means hot.
We pulled the van over onto the shoulder, turned off the engine and opened the hood. Now one thing I know I can do is be a poser when it comes to vehicles. I don't know anything about cars, and if I'm not careful when talking to men that do, I'll swagger around and act like I know what they are talking about. So, we add some water and then off we went.
Long story short, we ended up at a part's store with a broke down van. I called my bride to make arrangements to get my young ward back to the program on time and then I called my friend Austin. "What are you doing this afternoon buddy?" I asked. He informed me he was doing nothing, and then I asked if he knew anything about cars. He chuckled, and then I asked him if he could bring some tools and drive forty-five miles to help me fix my van. Not only did he come, but he brought his long time friend, and my new friend Landon with him.
About an hour later they arrived, we got parts and they went to work. I like these guys because they didn't treat me like a little kid because I didn't know what to do. Brothers are great, even if they aren't flesh and blood. God never intended us to go through this life alone, and I am so thankful for good friends that are there for me when I need them. I just hope that I will be able to return the favor one day. I can learn a lesson from these men, and I will that much is for sure.
Strength and honor for the Kingdom and the King!
I have been mentoring a young man through the Thunderbird Academy program. Today was one of the mentor visits, and we left Pryor, OK headed to Claremore and enjoy our four hours together. As we reached the 3/4 mark towards our destination, the temp light came on in my van. I looked at the guage and it read "H"...which apparently means hot.
We pulled the van over onto the shoulder, turned off the engine and opened the hood. Now one thing I know I can do is be a poser when it comes to vehicles. I don't know anything about cars, and if I'm not careful when talking to men that do, I'll swagger around and act like I know what they are talking about. So, we add some water and then off we went.
Long story short, we ended up at a part's store with a broke down van. I called my bride to make arrangements to get my young ward back to the program on time and then I called my friend Austin. "What are you doing this afternoon buddy?" I asked. He informed me he was doing nothing, and then I asked if he knew anything about cars. He chuckled, and then I asked him if he could bring some tools and drive forty-five miles to help me fix my van. Not only did he come, but he brought his long time friend, and my new friend Landon with him.
About an hour later they arrived, we got parts and they went to work. I like these guys because they didn't treat me like a little kid because I didn't know what to do. Brothers are great, even if they aren't flesh and blood. God never intended us to go through this life alone, and I am so thankful for good friends that are there for me when I need them. I just hope that I will be able to return the favor one day. I can learn a lesson from these men, and I will that much is for sure.
Strength and honor for the Kingdom and the King!
Two Things
It is 8:23 AM, and the tempature is 63 degrees outside. As I stepped out on my porch this morning with a cup of joe in my hand I am struck with the thoughts of two things.
- Fall has arrived.
- I love this time of year.
As I look out towards the east I see a myriad of trees who's leaves have now begun to change their colors. There are yellows, reds, oranges and browns, and these basic rustic colors do something good to my soul. It's at times like this, when no one else is around that my heart longs for something deeper, something transcedent.
I think that this time of year is by far my favorite, even though it gets dark sooner, and we have to drag out the warmer clothes. Fall makes my heart come alive! In the movie Lord of the Rings, when the hobbits are in Rivendell 
it seems to be a place full of the perpetual state of the fall experience. The leaves are the most amazing colors, some silently fall to the ground in a graceful and natural ballet. There is a feeling of safety and familiarity in that image which reminds me of fall, and that does my heart good.
Fall, what a wonderful gift given to us by the Father. Strength and honor for the Kingdom and the King!
Saturday, October 23, 2010
Our Place in the Story God's Telling
I had never thought of my life as being part of a story being told by God before I read the book "Epic" by John Eldredge. Epic is really a little bitty book, but one that tells a very large scale story. It describes the story that God is telling, and how it is set in various acts.
We as humans usually think that the story began with Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. Yeah, that's kind of arrogant I guess, to think that it is all about us. Actually that part of the story is in Act 3, quite a while after everything else that is going on. There is a lot that has happened before man comes on the scene actually.
There is a Kingdom, with a Fellowship of Hearts that stay central to the entire story. They are the at the beginning of the story, and at the very ending as well. There is a betrayal by one who was as close as you could get to the Fellowship of Hearts without actually being one of them. An insurrection in the Kingdom and a great battle.
Then comes our part in the story. Adam and Eve in the Garden, but even that part of the story takes a drastic turn. One full of selfishness, hatred and disapointment. We are living in the tale end of Act 3 right now. Because we weren't left there at the mercy of an enemy who hated those who were made in the image of the Fellowship of Hearts. One of them came behind enemy lines so to speak and rescued us from the penalty of Adam and Eve's disobedience. Where if we choose to follow Him, we can be free from the enemy forever.
And that for me is where it gets interesting. You see, I tend to want to write my own part in this story. There is a script that is laid out for me, but there are days where I don't pay attention to it and just try to adlib my way through the story. Do you do that as well? I mean we have a Heavenly Father willing to show us daily what we are to do, yet we think we know better? Oh wicked man that I am...as Paul said.
I am striving daily to spend more time with my Father, asking Him what it is that I should do. What part that He would have me play in His story. I have not perfected it, but I am trying. I want Him to say when I meet Him face to face, "Well done David. I'm proud of you." So until then, I will repent often, and keep my face in His Word and prayer.
Strength and honor for the Kingdom and the King!
We as humans usually think that the story began with Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. Yeah, that's kind of arrogant I guess, to think that it is all about us. Actually that part of the story is in Act 3, quite a while after everything else that is going on. There is a lot that has happened before man comes on the scene actually.
There is a Kingdom, with a Fellowship of Hearts that stay central to the entire story. They are the at the beginning of the story, and at the very ending as well. There is a betrayal by one who was as close as you could get to the Fellowship of Hearts without actually being one of them. An insurrection in the Kingdom and a great battle.
Then comes our part in the story. Adam and Eve in the Garden, but even that part of the story takes a drastic turn. One full of selfishness, hatred and disapointment. We are living in the tale end of Act 3 right now. Because we weren't left there at the mercy of an enemy who hated those who were made in the image of the Fellowship of Hearts. One of them came behind enemy lines so to speak and rescued us from the penalty of Adam and Eve's disobedience. Where if we choose to follow Him, we can be free from the enemy forever.
And that for me is where it gets interesting. You see, I tend to want to write my own part in this story. There is a script that is laid out for me, but there are days where I don't pay attention to it and just try to adlib my way through the story. Do you do that as well? I mean we have a Heavenly Father willing to show us daily what we are to do, yet we think we know better? Oh wicked man that I am...as Paul said.
I am striving daily to spend more time with my Father, asking Him what it is that I should do. What part that He would have me play in His story. I have not perfected it, but I am trying. I want Him to say when I meet Him face to face, "Well done David. I'm proud of you." So until then, I will repent often, and keep my face in His Word and prayer.
Strength and honor for the Kingdom and the King!
What Makes You Come Alive?
Howard Thurman said, "Don't ask yourself what the world needs. Ask yourself what makes you come alive and then go do that. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive." I first read this comment in Wild at Heart by John Eldredge, and it is something that I have asked many, many men and women in the years since my first reading.
There was a young man one day who was asked what he wanted to do with his life, and he answered that he wanted to be a doctor. Cool, was the response, the world needs good Christian doctors, to which he replied, yeah and I'm going to make a butt load of money too!
I think this is one of the greatest failings in society today. People looking for money as the end result of what they want to do with their lives. Don't get me wrong, we all need money, but to chase that as the end result never ends well for the person doing the chasing. No amount of money can bring you satisfaction or success.
I know too many people who are making the money that they longed for, only to find out that they hate their jobs. Oh it makes them a lot of money, but does making a lot of money truly satisfy a man or woman? No, it may make you comfortable in the knowledge that you have anything you want or desire, but it cannot bring peace. I think this is why Jesus said that you cannot serve two masters.
Ask yourself, does what I do for a living make me come alive, or does it just provide a paycheck? If you answer that it only provides a paycheck, then perhaps you need to reevaluate some things. Ask yourself, what really makes me come alive? And then find out how to do that. If you will do what makes you come alive, the money will find you.
You may be asking yourself, is David doing what makes him come alive? And the answer to you is, yes. I love writing, and I continue to do as much of it as I can. I also continue to sell shoes, which provides me with a paycheck until the next step is revealed and I follow that. I'm not saying to quit your job, but evaluate what makes you come alive, find that, then figure out the steps in doing that. One day you will be able to quit that job that you hate, and do what truly makes you come alive...and that is what the world needs, men and women who are fully alive!
There was a young man one day who was asked what he wanted to do with his life, and he answered that he wanted to be a doctor. Cool, was the response, the world needs good Christian doctors, to which he replied, yeah and I'm going to make a butt load of money too!
I think this is one of the greatest failings in society today. People looking for money as the end result of what they want to do with their lives. Don't get me wrong, we all need money, but to chase that as the end result never ends well for the person doing the chasing. No amount of money can bring you satisfaction or success.
I know too many people who are making the money that they longed for, only to find out that they hate their jobs. Oh it makes them a lot of money, but does making a lot of money truly satisfy a man or woman? No, it may make you comfortable in the knowledge that you have anything you want or desire, but it cannot bring peace. I think this is why Jesus said that you cannot serve two masters.
Ask yourself, does what I do for a living make me come alive, or does it just provide a paycheck? If you answer that it only provides a paycheck, then perhaps you need to reevaluate some things. Ask yourself, what really makes me come alive? And then find out how to do that. If you will do what makes you come alive, the money will find you.
You may be asking yourself, is David doing what makes him come alive? And the answer to you is, yes. I love writing, and I continue to do as much of it as I can. I also continue to sell shoes, which provides me with a paycheck until the next step is revealed and I follow that. I'm not saying to quit your job, but evaluate what makes you come alive, find that, then figure out the steps in doing that. One day you will be able to quit that job that you hate, and do what truly makes you come alive...and that is what the world needs, men and women who are fully alive!
When Did It Change?
I just got off the phone with my fifteen year old daughter. I had called her to let her know that a present she ordered for a friend had been delivered by the mailman. (I used the word "mailman" on purpose, it was a man who delivered it after all) I informed her of the present, her excitement was palpable and that brought a smile to my face. There is something in a father that gets very happy when his kids are happy.
I then asked her what her plans were for the day, and she listed them off one by one. I am attending a friend's wedding today, and this morning as I was getting ready for work I thought it might be fun to see if my daughter wanted to go with me. I told her that I hadn't been sure what she was doing, and thought if she wasn't doing anything she would like to go to the wedding with me. She said, "Sorry dad, I've got a pretty full day."
When did it change? I mean really, there was a time in my life when if I asked my kids if they wanted to do something with me, they jumped at the chance to go. Now don't get me wrong, I'm very happy that my kids have things to do. It's just now as I see them growing and maturing into young adults I miss the days of my babies being around all the time. Not that I regret anything about the past and my kids growing up. It just seems that one day I realized that I was no longer the center of their universe.
And that's not such a bad thing. I listen to my kids talk to other people now, and it makes me proud. I've got good kids that love God, have great friends and don't let anyone but God sway them in their thinking processes. My wife and I have instilled in them the things they need to be successful in life. And I am thankful to God for that.
I guess now that they are growing up, my bride and I should be gearing up for grand babies. In the future of course, the far, far future that is. Parenthood is the most difficult and yet rewarding thing that I have ever had the privilege to be a part of. Even when my kids can't do things with me...
I then asked her what her plans were for the day, and she listed them off one by one. I am attending a friend's wedding today, and this morning as I was getting ready for work I thought it might be fun to see if my daughter wanted to go with me. I told her that I hadn't been sure what she was doing, and thought if she wasn't doing anything she would like to go to the wedding with me. She said, "Sorry dad, I've got a pretty full day."
When did it change? I mean really, there was a time in my life when if I asked my kids if they wanted to do something with me, they jumped at the chance to go. Now don't get me wrong, I'm very happy that my kids have things to do. It's just now as I see them growing and maturing into young adults I miss the days of my babies being around all the time. Not that I regret anything about the past and my kids growing up. It just seems that one day I realized that I was no longer the center of their universe.
And that's not such a bad thing. I listen to my kids talk to other people now, and it makes me proud. I've got good kids that love God, have great friends and don't let anyone but God sway them in their thinking processes. My wife and I have instilled in them the things they need to be successful in life. And I am thankful to God for that.
I guess now that they are growing up, my bride and I should be gearing up for grand babies. In the future of course, the far, far future that is. Parenthood is the most difficult and yet rewarding thing that I have ever had the privilege to be a part of. Even when my kids can't do things with me...
Eden...the Original Design
Have you ever felt like maybe there was just something more to be had? A longing for something deep in your soul, something you know you are suppose to have, but when you reach for it you feel it slip through your fingers like a vapor of smoke. It's there, but it's not there...like a lingering thought, a shadow, or memory you think is your's but you're not sure.
I was reading through a passage of John Eldredge's book "Walking with God" this morning when I had that thought about Eden again. The one where I remember for a moment that I was made for Eden. That this world that I'm in right now was not God's origianl design, nor was it what He really had in mind for his creation, us, the ones who were made in His image.
I like to go back to Genesis and read the creation story from time to time. It's an amazing story of love, fellowship and friendship. One thing I remember in the book "Epic", also written by John Eldredge, is where he instructs the reader to stay in the creation story for a while. To not rush ahead to the fall of man, but to stay there in the garden and enjoy the glory of man, and all that entailed.
Adam and Eve lived an incredible story. They ruled over all the garden, tended to it and were able to enjoy all that God had provided for them in a bliss that I dare say none of us have ever known. In the cool of the evening, God would come and talk with them. What an awesome thing to get to do, fellowship with the Creator of all things, as a friend. Not a cringing servant, but a friend with all the benefits that come with that.
The life we live today often is so very far from the original design of God. We know we've fallen, and don't have Eden anymore. It's written on our souls, but there is a longing, a rememberance, that smoke through our fingertips if you will, of what we did have. I think it's there to remind us of what we had, so that we will look for Him and find our way back to that.
Jesus came and showed us the way to live in this world. We are overcomers, more than conquerors through Him that loved us. We can move mountains with our faith, and daily we get to go out and whip something. But for now, in this moment remember the original design. Think about the original glory that we held, and thank God for that.
I was reading through a passage of John Eldredge's book "Walking with God" this morning when I had that thought about Eden again. The one where I remember for a moment that I was made for Eden. That this world that I'm in right now was not God's origianl design, nor was it what He really had in mind for his creation, us, the ones who were made in His image.
I like to go back to Genesis and read the creation story from time to time. It's an amazing story of love, fellowship and friendship. One thing I remember in the book "Epic", also written by John Eldredge, is where he instructs the reader to stay in the creation story for a while. To not rush ahead to the fall of man, but to stay there in the garden and enjoy the glory of man, and all that entailed.
Adam and Eve lived an incredible story. They ruled over all the garden, tended to it and were able to enjoy all that God had provided for them in a bliss that I dare say none of us have ever known. In the cool of the evening, God would come and talk with them. What an awesome thing to get to do, fellowship with the Creator of all things, as a friend. Not a cringing servant, but a friend with all the benefits that come with that.
The life we live today often is so very far from the original design of God. We know we've fallen, and don't have Eden anymore. It's written on our souls, but there is a longing, a rememberance, that smoke through our fingertips if you will, of what we did have. I think it's there to remind us of what we had, so that we will look for Him and find our way back to that.
Jesus came and showed us the way to live in this world. We are overcomers, more than conquerors through Him that loved us. We can move mountains with our faith, and daily we get to go out and whip something. But for now, in this moment remember the original design. Think about the original glory that we held, and thank God for that.
Friday, October 22, 2010
God Moments Are Awesome!
Yesterday, I was able to actually go into work in the afternoon, so I had a little bit of time at home to spend with God. I like those times where I can just sit down with Him and talk over everything that is going on.
As it was a warmer day than I would prefer, I decided to find some shade in my back yard and sit down to talk with my Father. I looked around, and found that the shed in my back yard was shaded in a perfect way if I opened the doors and sat on the floor, with my feet resting on the ramp that leads up to the inside.
I opened the doors, sat myself down and had the most amazing thought. This must have kind of been how it was with Abraham when God showed up that one day and talked with him. The Bible says in Genesis 18:1 "The LORD appeared to Abraham near the great trees of Mamre while he was sitting at the entrance to his tent in the heat of the day." That's kind of what it felt like to me, sitting there in the entrance to my shed.
I spent a while there, talking with God, you know getting things lined out, asking Him to forgive me for those things where I'd missed it, and just really enjoying the presence of my Father. It was a great time, that while only lasted minutes seemed to do more for my soul than hours of rest and relaxation could have done. It truly is wonderful to be a child of God.
If you have never experienced that peace of being in the Father's presence, then I would highly recommend it. There is nothing like it, absolutely nothing...of that I can promise you. Strength and honor for the Kingdom and the King!
As it was a warmer day than I would prefer, I decided to find some shade in my back yard and sit down to talk with my Father. I looked around, and found that the shed in my back yard was shaded in a perfect way if I opened the doors and sat on the floor, with my feet resting on the ramp that leads up to the inside.
I opened the doors, sat myself down and had the most amazing thought. This must have kind of been how it was with Abraham when God showed up that one day and talked with him. The Bible says in Genesis 18:1 "The LORD appeared to Abraham near the great trees of Mamre while he was sitting at the entrance to his tent in the heat of the day." That's kind of what it felt like to me, sitting there in the entrance to my shed.
I spent a while there, talking with God, you know getting things lined out, asking Him to forgive me for those things where I'd missed it, and just really enjoying the presence of my Father. It was a great time, that while only lasted minutes seemed to do more for my soul than hours of rest and relaxation could have done. It truly is wonderful to be a child of God.
If you have never experienced that peace of being in the Father's presence, then I would highly recommend it. There is nothing like it, absolutely nothing...of that I can promise you. Strength and honor for the Kingdom and the King!
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Writing Is Therapeutic For Me
Writing is something that I have always enjoyed. Truth be told, I can remember way back to the second grade when my teacher, Mrs. Smart, had the class write about something we'd like to be. I told the story of how if I could be anything, I'd be a G.I. Joe. Now not the real life army Joe, but the old twelve inch action figures you know the ones with the "kung fu grip". I wrote of how much fun the little boy that owned me would have, as he drug me through the mud, positioned me to fight off the evil hordes that would destroy the U.S.A. (Something that nowadays would be looked down upon, John Wayne where are you when we need you?) I'm sure that my mother still has that paper somewhere in a box up in her attic. It would be a kick to actually see it once more.
I remember several years later working at a steel mill in Muskogee, where I did a variety of jobs. Anything from hauling out the trash, to running the machines that put the threads on the ends of huge pieces of oil field pipe. It was while running one of the lathes there that I had the idea to tell the story of what happens to a piece of pipe from the moment it enters the plant until it was to leave and go into the ground. I wrote this story from the pipe's perspective, and they published it in the company's newsletter.
Writing for me has always been therapeutic. I started a few years ago (2007) to write in a leather bound journal. I don't get the opportunity to write every day, and usually I just write about what is going on in my life with me and my family. But, usually once I've finished writing there I am at peace, or I have a little bit more clarity for my life or the situations at hand. This has become a habit for me, one that took time and effort, but also one that is well worth it.
I've always found it a joy to use writing to create stories that entertain, but at the same time have a deeper meaning. After all, I believe that God is who gave us the ability to use words, and by using words we can either create or destroy the world around us. I want to use my words to build up, not to tear down, and so I write...mainly to encourage myself, but also to encourage others and hopefully bring a little light to their lives at the same time.
Shalom, and have a great day!
I remember several years later working at a steel mill in Muskogee, where I did a variety of jobs. Anything from hauling out the trash, to running the machines that put the threads on the ends of huge pieces of oil field pipe. It was while running one of the lathes there that I had the idea to tell the story of what happens to a piece of pipe from the moment it enters the plant until it was to leave and go into the ground. I wrote this story from the pipe's perspective, and they published it in the company's newsletter.
Writing for me has always been therapeutic. I started a few years ago (2007) to write in a leather bound journal. I don't get the opportunity to write every day, and usually I just write about what is going on in my life with me and my family. But, usually once I've finished writing there I am at peace, or I have a little bit more clarity for my life or the situations at hand. This has become a habit for me, one that took time and effort, but also one that is well worth it.
I've always found it a joy to use writing to create stories that entertain, but at the same time have a deeper meaning. After all, I believe that God is who gave us the ability to use words, and by using words we can either create or destroy the world around us. I want to use my words to build up, not to tear down, and so I write...mainly to encourage myself, but also to encourage others and hopefully bring a little light to their lives at the same time.
Shalom, and have a great day!
Monday, October 18, 2010
It's Late, and I Feel Philosophical...
It is late right now, 12:49 am to be exact. That's late for me anymore...must be the fact that I'm almost 47 now. I opened a shoe store in 1992, and there were times that I would be there until 3 or 4 in the morning, go home and crawl into bed, then get back up and have the store opened at 10 am. I'd do that for days on end, whenever I had things that needed to be done but I had been unable to do them during the day while helping customers. Now I find myself wanting to be in bed by 10 pm. I truly have become a wild and crazy guy.
I just finished watching the movie R.E.D. with Bruce Willis. I really enjoyed it too! I found myself kind of identifying a little bit with his character in this movie. I mean he's retired, and is trying to find a way to fit in now...that's kind of how I've been feeling for the last 6 months. Ever since my youngest son, Noah died, I've been trying to find out how I fit in the big scheme of things again.
The things that use to mean so much to me, now have no real lasting meaning at all. Things that I use to give a lot of time and attention to, now just don't have the appeal. It's been a really interesting journey for me to say the least, one that I really hope no one else ever has to travel.
I guess I just wonder if the things that I poured myself into really matter any more, and with that do I matter anymore? Now don't read into this anything other than what it is...the late night ramblings of a man home alone with his thoughts. I find myself becoming more and more philosophical the older I get. What I mean by that, is that I ask myself a lot more questions now than I did before. It's just what I do, and it helps me to get clarity...most days.
I am a good husband, a good father, a good friend...really I am a good man. I don't say this to toot my own horn, I'm just stating a fact, one that tends to get muddied in the day to day grind. It's something that I have to remind myself about daily, because the mud that is slung my way in the form of thoughts, can make me doubt things that I know are true. You might say that by reminding myself of the truth, I clean the window to my soul.
Well it is now 1:01 am, and my eyelids are actually drooping. If I stay at this too much longer I will need to pull out some toothpicks to prop them open. Suffice it to say, this has been much more for me the writer, than you the reader. If you've taken the time to read this, thanks. I hope you weren't too disappointed...Shalom, and goodnight.
I just finished watching the movie R.E.D. with Bruce Willis. I really enjoyed it too! I found myself kind of identifying a little bit with his character in this movie. I mean he's retired, and is trying to find a way to fit in now...that's kind of how I've been feeling for the last 6 months. Ever since my youngest son, Noah died, I've been trying to find out how I fit in the big scheme of things again.
The things that use to mean so much to me, now have no real lasting meaning at all. Things that I use to give a lot of time and attention to, now just don't have the appeal. It's been a really interesting journey for me to say the least, one that I really hope no one else ever has to travel.
I guess I just wonder if the things that I poured myself into really matter any more, and with that do I matter anymore? Now don't read into this anything other than what it is...the late night ramblings of a man home alone with his thoughts. I find myself becoming more and more philosophical the older I get. What I mean by that, is that I ask myself a lot more questions now than I did before. It's just what I do, and it helps me to get clarity...most days.
I am a good husband, a good father, a good friend...really I am a good man. I don't say this to toot my own horn, I'm just stating a fact, one that tends to get muddied in the day to day grind. It's something that I have to remind myself about daily, because the mud that is slung my way in the form of thoughts, can make me doubt things that I know are true. You might say that by reminding myself of the truth, I clean the window to my soul.
Well it is now 1:01 am, and my eyelids are actually drooping. If I stay at this too much longer I will need to pull out some toothpicks to prop them open. Suffice it to say, this has been much more for me the writer, than you the reader. If you've taken the time to read this, thanks. I hope you weren't too disappointed...Shalom, and goodnight.
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