I was almost struck by lighting, not once, but twice last week. The first time it knocked me on my buttocks, and made my hair go crazy, the other time while driving in my car. Thing is my car is a soft top convertible. But I got to thinking "what if ?"
I remember at my dad's funeral reception, how their was standing room only. There was a line half way around the block to get into the church. He had made a difference in so many people's lives. Sometimes we all go through the motions, we tell people we are Christ followers in yet our actions may not prove out. Tony Compolo once said "The number one reason for atheism, is because of people who proclaim Christ with their lips while they deny Him with their actions."
I don't want to go through the motions I don't want to go one more day without your all consuming passion inside of me... check out the vid- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZUg9qE_KjLg
Monday, August 31, 2009
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
The Rudder
I dropped my son off at his high school this morning; all I can say is that girls didn't look like that back when I went to high school 30 years ago!
Kids these days have some fairly tough realities to work through, sometimes trying to be someone they're not just to fit in. It's not only kids though; the media has programmed us all into thinking that if we don't look a certain way, we're misfits. Fact is we were each of us are unique. Psalm 139 says we were woven together in the womb, and wonderfully made. You are special, and there could never be a more beautiful you!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ks3R2BwyO0
Kids these days have some fairly tough realities to work through, sometimes trying to be someone they're not just to fit in. It's not only kids though; the media has programmed us all into thinking that if we don't look a certain way, we're misfits. Fact is we were each of us are unique. Psalm 139 says we were woven together in the womb, and wonderfully made. You are special, and there could never be a more beautiful you!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ks3R2BwyO0
Monday, August 24, 2009
The Rudder
I'm watching some hornet's build a huge hornet's nest about 100 feet up in a tree. It's amazing to me how they know how high up they need to be, where the opening needs to be for the correct amount of air to come in and keep to nest cool, and to avoid the wind and rain from entering. As I think about this process; this nest being framed by mountains behind, jazz music playing in the background, soft morning breezes. This moment in time, confirms in me that God uses His Word, the church, prayer, people and events and even experiences like this to speak to me. I might add as I experience God personally, it includes music, family, friends, my quiet time when I spend quality time in the word and in prayer. Every way is unique in how God speaks to each of us individually. He's that big yet that personal. Obviously if you try to get to know someone, you have to spend quality time with them, and our God desires us to choose relationship over rules.
I'm not trying to get all "new age" on you but, God doesn't just use one thing to speak to us. Last week I included a video by NOOMA/Rob Bell, and several well meaning people voiced their opinions on how they don't believe that guy is a Christian and how could I even think about putting his stuff in my blog? Last time I checked, those hornet's weren't Christians, nor the Jazz musicians, I mean, I have no idea if they are or aren't...even so I was ministered through that as God confirms what an awesome God he is as proclaimed through nature and noise...and Yep, even people who may or may not be Christians.
Remember when the religious leaders in Jesus day brought a prostitute to him. Jesus basically told them that if they themselves were without any sin to go ahead and condemn her. In another passage, several preacher's were teaching about Jesus, although some had ulterior motives, the Bible says, "As long as the name of Jesus is taught, God can still use it." I think if we get caught up in following man vs following God, there will always be issues with how they teach or what they believe. My San Diego church has a beer drinking, poker playing Pastor that some would say should not be teaching the Word of God. He only teaches on Sunday what you can use on Monday. He's real and I respect him for that. Then, I've heard other church pastors preach the rules of right and wrong on Sunday, only to see him exiting the adult video store on Monday. I'll let God make that judgement call.
I like an occasional glass of red wine, actually, I only like good red wine. This can be a divisive topic amongst religious people today. I find it interesting that Jesus first miracle was turning water to wine. Yet, when he did, it was equivalent to 100 point collector, cellar quality. He could have made Two Buck Chuck, but what he made was good, and Jesus doesn't make junk, or mistakes, or sin. How I use what God created and if anything becomes unmoderated, an idol, or causes harm, is when it can cross over to the sin side.
Prominent 20th Century Christians Moody and Spurgeon, were always causing trouble in church circles; one was a cigar smoker and the other a drinker, yet God used them mightily, some the great Hymns were bar brawl tunes set to Christian music. Sometimes in the evening, I'll have friends over, we'll have a glass of wine or port, maybe smoke a good cigar, enjoy the stars in the sky, the music of crickets, frogs, ciccada etc, as we sit around the fire pit. Guess what, God shows up and is in the midst of us, and we some some good times of fellowship.
As a new Christian I witnessed a guy handing out little Christian tracts at a parade. People were just throwing them on the ground for the most part. I was upset that he was doing that, didn't he see all the trash he was creating? People have come for the parade, not to get a tract. I tapped him on the shoulder and let him have a piece of my mind....Only to realize he was deaf and couldn't speak. I flushed up! He was spreading the Word to the best of his ability. Never again would I judge how someone preahes. I know God used him to talk to me through that experience. I once heard Bono of U2, preach at one of his concerts while dropping F bombs. Powerful. In spite of that, a lot of people got saved that day.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6OJk8SJ_FNQ
I'm not trying to get all "new age" on you but, God doesn't just use one thing to speak to us. Last week I included a video by NOOMA/Rob Bell, and several well meaning people voiced their opinions on how they don't believe that guy is a Christian and how could I even think about putting his stuff in my blog? Last time I checked, those hornet's weren't Christians, nor the Jazz musicians, I mean, I have no idea if they are or aren't...even so I was ministered through that as God confirms what an awesome God he is as proclaimed through nature and noise...and Yep, even people who may or may not be Christians.
Remember when the religious leaders in Jesus day brought a prostitute to him. Jesus basically told them that if they themselves were without any sin to go ahead and condemn her. In another passage, several preacher's were teaching about Jesus, although some had ulterior motives, the Bible says, "As long as the name of Jesus is taught, God can still use it." I think if we get caught up in following man vs following God, there will always be issues with how they teach or what they believe. My San Diego church has a beer drinking, poker playing Pastor that some would say should not be teaching the Word of God. He only teaches on Sunday what you can use on Monday. He's real and I respect him for that. Then, I've heard other church pastors preach the rules of right and wrong on Sunday, only to see him exiting the adult video store on Monday. I'll let God make that judgement call.
I like an occasional glass of red wine, actually, I only like good red wine. This can be a divisive topic amongst religious people today. I find it interesting that Jesus first miracle was turning water to wine. Yet, when he did, it was equivalent to 100 point collector, cellar quality. He could have made Two Buck Chuck, but what he made was good, and Jesus doesn't make junk, or mistakes, or sin. How I use what God created and if anything becomes unmoderated, an idol, or causes harm, is when it can cross over to the sin side.
Prominent 20th Century Christians Moody and Spurgeon, were always causing trouble in church circles; one was a cigar smoker and the other a drinker, yet God used them mightily, some the great Hymns were bar brawl tunes set to Christian music. Sometimes in the evening, I'll have friends over, we'll have a glass of wine or port, maybe smoke a good cigar, enjoy the stars in the sky, the music of crickets, frogs, ciccada etc, as we sit around the fire pit. Guess what, God shows up and is in the midst of us, and we some some good times of fellowship.
As a new Christian I witnessed a guy handing out little Christian tracts at a parade. People were just throwing them on the ground for the most part. I was upset that he was doing that, didn't he see all the trash he was creating? People have come for the parade, not to get a tract. I tapped him on the shoulder and let him have a piece of my mind....Only to realize he was deaf and couldn't speak. I flushed up! He was spreading the Word to the best of his ability. Never again would I judge how someone preahes. I know God used him to talk to me through that experience. I once heard Bono of U2, preach at one of his concerts while dropping F bombs. Powerful. In spite of that, a lot of people got saved that day.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6OJk8SJ_FNQ
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Seratonin and Oxitocin
"Side effects include dizziness, nausea, itching, sleeplessness, bad breath, bad hair days, swelling, E.D. and in some instances MAY CAUSE DEATH. "
Every other TV commercial these days, seems to have a fix for some problem, "but ask your Doctor if this prescription might be right for you." I don't know about you, but I don't want those side effect, especially a bad hair day!
But check this out; the Bible tells of prescription that if taken consistently, can help with the following list. Additionally, medical studies done over a ten year period of time involving more than 1000 couples have confirmed the results . Here is a partial list of side effects:
Lowers stress levels
Lowers risk for heart attack by more than 50%
Lowers risk of stroke by more than 50%
Virtually eliminates the "raging hormones" emotional side effects of both PMDD and PMS
Speeds up metabolism for weight loss for an extended period of time
Helps you to live a longer healthier more fulfilling life
Builds up immune system
Builds confidence
Activates the "feel good" serotonin levels
Reduces many mild depressive symptoms
Releases Endorphins that help minimize headache, migraines, and general bodily pains
Reduces Osteoporosis
Helps with insomnia
Helps you to lose weight without having to change your diet or adding additional exercise.
Wow! What a partial list of benefits; must cost an arm and a leg! Actually, it's priceless, but does require a little time involvement typically around 1% of a 24 hour day. While it can be taken everyday, it's more important to be consistent every few days as the beneficial residuals decrease as days go by, much like a "runners high" but better.
Some, but not all of these benefits can be as a result of working out at a gym or jogging several days a week. Franky, many people don't have the time or energy for that type of commitment. That's why this Biblical prescription covers so much more with so much less of a time investment yet the results can last a lifetime. The caveat is that you have to be married to fully enjoy these benefits, or there can be serious consequences.
What is it and where do I sign, can it be filled at Walmart for less than $5?
This prescription is...unprotected sex!
Add in addition benefits of balanced ph levels and more balanced hormone absorption aand the newly discovered oxitocin (not oxycontin!) from skin to skin contact-the biggest reason why pajamas are "of the devil."
Even Men's Journal reports that the most important piece of exercise equipment one can have is... the bedroom.
Every other TV commercial these days, seems to have a fix for some problem, "but ask your Doctor if this prescription might be right for you." I don't know about you, but I don't want those side effect, especially a bad hair day!
But check this out; the Bible tells of prescription that if taken consistently, can help with the following list. Additionally, medical studies done over a ten year period of time involving more than 1000 couples have confirmed the results . Here is a partial list of side effects:
Lowers stress levels
Lowers risk for heart attack by more than 50%
Lowers risk of stroke by more than 50%
Virtually eliminates the "raging hormones" emotional side effects of both PMDD and PMS
Speeds up metabolism for weight loss for an extended period of time
Helps you to live a longer healthier more fulfilling life
Builds up immune system
Builds confidence
Activates the "feel good" serotonin levels
Reduces many mild depressive symptoms
Releases Endorphins that help minimize headache, migraines, and general bodily pains
Reduces Osteoporosis
Helps with insomnia
Helps you to lose weight without having to change your diet or adding additional exercise.
Wow! What a partial list of benefits; must cost an arm and a leg! Actually, it's priceless, but does require a little time involvement typically around 1% of a 24 hour day. While it can be taken everyday, it's more important to be consistent every few days as the beneficial residuals decrease as days go by, much like a "runners high" but better.
Some, but not all of these benefits can be as a result of working out at a gym or jogging several days a week. Franky, many people don't have the time or energy for that type of commitment. That's why this Biblical prescription covers so much more with so much less of a time investment yet the results can last a lifetime. The caveat is that you have to be married to fully enjoy these benefits, or there can be serious consequences.
What is it and where do I sign, can it be filled at Walmart for less than $5?
This prescription is...unprotected sex!
Add in addition benefits of balanced ph levels and more balanced hormone absorption aand the newly discovered oxitocin (not oxycontin!) from skin to skin contact-the biggest reason why pajamas are "of the devil."
Even Men's Journal reports that the most important piece of exercise equipment one can have is... the bedroom.
The Rudder
What is it with me and frogs and always trying to save their lives. This morning like most morning's, I find critters in the pool. I know that if I don't rescue them, they get sucked up and drowned in the skimmer. There is much wildlife her at the base of the Appalachian Mountain Range, so everyday since I'm the first one up, a rescue is done. This morning just happened to be a couple frogs. We have a daily visitation from a couple quackers as well, and they sometimes leave a special present for me, that you don't want to step in. This time, those "Baby Ruth Bars" were in the pool too.
I rescued, cleaned and then chlorinated the pool and turned on the pump, when water started spouting out like a geyser, This morning is NOT starting out right. Not another expense! Can anything else go wrong. But that still small voice inside told me not to worry.
I used to have a tennis ball saver, that used pressure, to preserve an opened can of balls in. The instructions said to be sure to use Vaseline on the o-ring every few uses, or the pressure would escape and leak air.
This thought from years earlier entered my mind at this time. Could that geyser be a result of just adding a little petroleum jelly to the o-ring on the pump housing? Amazing but true, I cleaned the filters while I had the housing off and looked at the o-ring that was noticeably dry, gritty, and lacking the lubricant needed for an air tight seal. Wa la.
I love free fixes, but more importantly, I gave up the worry to the Lord. The end result was the free fix. Now if I could just give up worry on the foreclosures, the job search, the non paying renters, the mounting debt etc...I have a lot of things on my plate to worry about. Or not.
"When I find myself in times like these
I know I can to be close to Him
But it's a while before I can see
Why He's got me in the state I'm in
Learned to trust in God the first time well
Only to find I need to learn again
So he gives his Spirit and time to tell
When another lesson will begin..."
I rescued, cleaned and then chlorinated the pool and turned on the pump, when water started spouting out like a geyser, This morning is NOT starting out right. Not another expense! Can anything else go wrong. But that still small voice inside told me not to worry.
I used to have a tennis ball saver, that used pressure, to preserve an opened can of balls in. The instructions said to be sure to use Vaseline on the o-ring every few uses, or the pressure would escape and leak air.
This thought from years earlier entered my mind at this time. Could that geyser be a result of just adding a little petroleum jelly to the o-ring on the pump housing? Amazing but true, I cleaned the filters while I had the housing off and looked at the o-ring that was noticeably dry, gritty, and lacking the lubricant needed for an air tight seal. Wa la.
I love free fixes, but more importantly, I gave up the worry to the Lord. The end result was the free fix. Now if I could just give up worry on the foreclosures, the job search, the non paying renters, the mounting debt etc...I have a lot of things on my plate to worry about. Or not.
"When I find myself in times like these
I know I can to be close to Him
But it's a while before I can see
Why He's got me in the state I'm in
Learned to trust in God the first time well
Only to find I need to learn again
So he gives his Spirit and time to tell
When another lesson will begin..."
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
The Rudder
An older couple are driving down the road and get passed up by a younger couple. The young gal is sitting so close, it almost looks like they are one. The older woman comments "I remember when we used to drive like that." He says "Well, I haven't moved."
In my car dropping off my oldest at high school, and listening to "The Fish" one of the local Christian contemporary music/talk stations in Atlanta. It's OK, I can type and drive at the same time, but only because we're at a standstill in the drop off line.
So they (on the radio) are talking about the first year or two of marriage; how you come home from work, you're all lovey dovey huggy butt kissy face, hummina, hummina! Then about year three and and forward; "Honey, what's for dinner? While your up can you get me a beer?"
I'm there, we're there, well, maybe not the beer part, but the passion, the flame, the process of drifting apart. The flame flickers now and again, but generally speaking, many like us are coexisting while we do our deals, our separate lives under the same roof. I know I'm guilty, but want to do something about it. I need to treat her like the trophy wife that she is, the SMB (sexy mom babe!) She needs to be number one in this earthly life. Romans 13 :8 The only debt you should have is to love. Another passage says that if you withhold good from others when in your power to do so- to you that's sin. Another says if you know what you ought to do but don't -that's sin. God set some pretty high love commands to follow, but if done, becomes a win, win.
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=romans%2013:8;&version=65;
I am no psychologist, but even I know for two people to thrive and survive the worldly assaults on our manhood/womanhood; love must become an action word. The same things I did to get her, to win her, need to be done now to keep her. So starting tomorrow...
In my car dropping off my oldest at high school, and listening to "The Fish" one of the local Christian contemporary music/talk stations in Atlanta. It's OK, I can type and drive at the same time, but only because we're at a standstill in the drop off line.
So they (on the radio) are talking about the first year or two of marriage; how you come home from work, you're all lovey dovey huggy butt kissy face, hummina, hummina! Then about year three and and forward; "Honey, what's for dinner? While your up can you get me a beer?"
I'm there, we're there, well, maybe not the beer part, but the passion, the flame, the process of drifting apart. The flame flickers now and again, but generally speaking, many like us are coexisting while we do our deals, our separate lives under the same roof. I know I'm guilty, but want to do something about it. I need to treat her like the trophy wife that she is, the SMB (sexy mom babe!) She needs to be number one in this earthly life. Romans 13 :8 The only debt you should have is to love. Another passage says that if you withhold good from others when in your power to do so- to you that's sin. Another says if you know what you ought to do but don't -that's sin. God set some pretty high love commands to follow, but if done, becomes a win, win.
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=romans%2013:8;&version=65;
I am no psychologist, but even I know for two people to thrive and survive the worldly assaults on our manhood/womanhood; love must become an action word. The same things I did to get her, to win her, need to be done now to keep her. So starting tomorrow...
The Rudder
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2sgeyT7AcCg&NR=1
The last moment on the video is shocking but true. That baggage, if not checked for good, can lead to some dire consequences. I struggle with bitterness and resentment when I feel I'm not getting what I deserve, I think to some extent we all do. It's when I choose to take it with me that the contamination takes over.
Years ago, I heard a story of a remote town in Africa where people were dying. They ruled out diet, and water from a spring fed, running stream seemed OK, but as they dove to the bottom of the spring source, they found some pigs had fallen in and drowned. Because of how deep they were, they couldn't be seen from the surface. The search required a deep dive to discover what was poisoning the people. Once the source of the poisoning was removed, the people were saved.
Psalms 139 verse 23 says; "Search me from the inside out, you see all my anxious thoughts and all the past that is harmful, put to rest all the mess and lead me to follow you." In other words God, I need you to get rid of the junk in the trunk!
The last moment on the video is shocking but true. That baggage, if not checked for good, can lead to some dire consequences. I struggle with bitterness and resentment when I feel I'm not getting what I deserve, I think to some extent we all do. It's when I choose to take it with me that the contamination takes over.
Years ago, I heard a story of a remote town in Africa where people were dying. They ruled out diet, and water from a spring fed, running stream seemed OK, but as they dove to the bottom of the spring source, they found some pigs had fallen in and drowned. Because of how deep they were, they couldn't be seen from the surface. The search required a deep dive to discover what was poisoning the people. Once the source of the poisoning was removed, the people were saved.
Psalms 139 verse 23 says; "Search me from the inside out, you see all my anxious thoughts and all the past that is harmful, put to rest all the mess and lead me to follow you." In other words God, I need you to get rid of the junk in the trunk!
Friday, August 14, 2009
The Rudder
Last night I went to go spend some time with a buddy of mine. As I get to his house, I can't park because there is a toad in the road, and it won't move. Essentially, I have two choices; one is to continue on to my destination, after all, it's days are numbered anyway. or, I can take the time and effort to escort it to safety, and still get to where I was going.
WWJD- What Would Jesus Do. I know it's a silly catch phrase, but think about it for a moment. We started talking about saving the toad, then morphed to the story of Jesus miracle of healing not one, but two distinct women on one of Jesus journey's. Here is this outcast women with a never ending period. She is considered unclean by the customs of the day and avoided like the plague, no wait that's still a thousand years away, like someone with leprosy. She does a desperate act of touching Jesus robe, basically turning the Rabbi unclean as well...But Jesus, testing her faith asks"who touched me?" She boldly speaks out, and Jesus responds by saying "Your faith has healed you, made you clean and you are saved." Wow. talk about religious leaders getting their panties in a wad over that statement. His endgame destination is that he was invited to heal a father's daughter, a seemingly urgent matter. Yet it became all about the journey. You know the end of the story; the 12 year old daughter dies while Jesus is a ways off, But Jesus smiles and says "Nope, shes just sleeping." He gets there, heals her and heads out to his next affection.
It's all about the journey. What we do for work, where we live, what car we drive, what school you attend is not the important issue. Who we affect; our salt and light at each station of life is the real deal.
For a different perspective, check out this website on just how affluent you really are compared to the rest of the world...
http://www.globalrichlist.com/
WWJD- What Would Jesus Do. I know it's a silly catch phrase, but think about it for a moment. We started talking about saving the toad, then morphed to the story of Jesus miracle of healing not one, but two distinct women on one of Jesus journey's. Here is this outcast women with a never ending period. She is considered unclean by the customs of the day and avoided like the plague, no wait that's still a thousand years away, like someone with leprosy. She does a desperate act of touching Jesus robe, basically turning the Rabbi unclean as well...But Jesus, testing her faith asks"who touched me?" She boldly speaks out, and Jesus responds by saying "Your faith has healed you, made you clean and you are saved." Wow. talk about religious leaders getting their panties in a wad over that statement. His endgame destination is that he was invited to heal a father's daughter, a seemingly urgent matter. Yet it became all about the journey. You know the end of the story; the 12 year old daughter dies while Jesus is a ways off, But Jesus smiles and says "Nope, shes just sleeping." He gets there, heals her and heads out to his next affection.
It's all about the journey. What we do for work, where we live, what car we drive, what school you attend is not the important issue. Who we affect; our salt and light at each station of life is the real deal.
For a different perspective, check out this website on just how affluent you really are compared to the rest of the world...
http://www.globalrichlist.com/
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Shark Week
Blood, guts, rows of razor sharp teeth. All last week on the Discovery Channel the boys and I, (and occasionally mom) gathered around the TV to watch "Shark Week." Every night stories about the creatures below that sometimes, unprovoked, attack anything in the water, including man.
My oldest son is doing an expository speech in class. Guess what he's doing it on? Yep, Sharks. The premise of his speech is that we all know sharks exist; but have we ever given any thought to being attacked when we enter the water or what steps we can take to avoid an attack?
Most shark attacks on humans happen in murky water, and when it's dark. Similarily, Satan moves around like a lion seeking out who to devour. We know he and his minions are there lurking in the shadows, but just when and where and how they manipulate the system to attack isn't usually something we think about. But should we? Since you and I live in a grey murky world getting darker with each day, chances of an attack increase. So how can we be black and white in a grey world or find answers in the shade?
I'm reminded of a song from the 80's by Leslie Phillips known as the "Christian Cyndi Lauper" back in the day.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I3TYbjMsw5g
"No distinction, no emotion for right or wrong,
They tell me any choice will do,
No colour contrast in the dull morality,
The shades of good and bad are through.
Situational lies and situational hate,
Situational adultery,
The mix the black and white so casually,
Their ethics seem so vague to me.
And I'm black and white in a grey world,
Black and white in a grey world,
Black and white in a grey world.
It's not so easy finding answers in the shade,
Takes some patience, takes some grit,
But it's better than throwing all your colours in the street,
What's life without colour in it?
And I'm black and white in a grey world,
Black and white in a grey world,
Black and white in a grey world,
Whoa,
Oh."
My oldest son is doing an expository speech in class. Guess what he's doing it on? Yep, Sharks. The premise of his speech is that we all know sharks exist; but have we ever given any thought to being attacked when we enter the water or what steps we can take to avoid an attack?
Most shark attacks on humans happen in murky water, and when it's dark. Similarily, Satan moves around like a lion seeking out who to devour. We know he and his minions are there lurking in the shadows, but just when and where and how they manipulate the system to attack isn't usually something we think about. But should we? Since you and I live in a grey murky world getting darker with each day, chances of an attack increase. So how can we be black and white in a grey world or find answers in the shade?
I'm reminded of a song from the 80's by Leslie Phillips known as the "Christian Cyndi Lauper" back in the day.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I3TYbjMsw5g
"No distinction, no emotion for right or wrong,
They tell me any choice will do,
No colour contrast in the dull morality,
The shades of good and bad are through.
Situational lies and situational hate,
Situational adultery,
The mix the black and white so casually,
Their ethics seem so vague to me.
And I'm black and white in a grey world,
Black and white in a grey world,
Black and white in a grey world.
It's not so easy finding answers in the shade,
Takes some patience, takes some grit,
But it's better than throwing all your colours in the street,
What's life without colour in it?
And I'm black and white in a grey world,
Black and white in a grey world,
Black and white in a grey world,
Whoa,
Oh."
Sunday, August 9, 2009
The Rudder
Eight six seven five three 0 nine...I love you; you love me; we're a happy family...Songs. Once one starts marinating in your mind, it's stuck in there all day, right?
This weekend I found myself singing this one song over and over again. Unlike the "Barney" or "Jenny" songs, this one may just cause tears of joy to well up. I actually had to pull over because I couldn't see clearly in front of me. I'm fairly low key, type B, personality, so for me to get all emotional means I have something or Someone inside of me directing the music. Paul tells us in Romans, that there will be times when we just can't put into words the thanks and praise or needs.
Romans 8:26
"And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don’t know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groaning that cannot be expressed in words."
I was with my dad when he graduated to be with our heavenly father; It was well with his soul. He had a smile on his face for the first time since he had gotten sick, and had his arms raised high as if he was saying "here I am Daddy." Then he was gone. That picture will always be with me. He loved playing the piano, I can only imagine the music he's playing now.
Watch and listen to these two YouTube videos. See if you aren't singing or humming them all day and maybe even raising your hands.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5NN9hX61vhg
This past year, when I was out of town away from family and friends, I visited Gateway Church, and heard this young gal, Kari Jobi sing this rendition. I can almost hear my dad playing the piano.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bL0nDrEYDnk
This weekend I found myself singing this one song over and over again. Unlike the "Barney" or "Jenny" songs, this one may just cause tears of joy to well up. I actually had to pull over because I couldn't see clearly in front of me. I'm fairly low key, type B, personality, so for me to get all emotional means I have something or Someone inside of me directing the music. Paul tells us in Romans, that there will be times when we just can't put into words the thanks and praise or needs.
Romans 8:26
"And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don’t know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groaning that cannot be expressed in words."
I was with my dad when he graduated to be with our heavenly father; It was well with his soul. He had a smile on his face for the first time since he had gotten sick, and had his arms raised high as if he was saying "here I am Daddy." Then he was gone. That picture will always be with me. He loved playing the piano, I can only imagine the music he's playing now.
Watch and listen to these two YouTube videos. See if you aren't singing or humming them all day and maybe even raising your hands.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5NN9hX61vhg
This past year, when I was out of town away from family and friends, I visited Gateway Church, and heard this young gal, Kari Jobi sing this rendition. I can almost hear my dad playing the piano.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bL0nDrEYDnk
Saturday, August 8, 2009
The Rudder
"Late night and early morning clouds, hi's in the low 80's, lows in the high 50's. Chance of rain 0%"
That is the weather report most of the time as reported on San Diego nightly news.
Eight years ago I planted a few 6ft Leland Cypress trees outside our kitchen window. While back visiting San Diego this past summer I noticed they had grown to about 10 feet in those eight years. Coincidentally, two years ago I planted some 6 ft Leland Cypress in our yard here in Georgia. In those two years they have doubled in height and girth. What was the major reason for the significant growth difference? Same sun, soil, size and shade. The only differences I can think of are the amount of water and severity of weather each received. San Diego is basically a desert with imported water. Even though those tres are on sprinklers, I'm certain it doesn't amount to nearly what trees get here in the south. Everything here is so lush and green and healthy looking. The winds and storms are far more intense and that process helps then become stronger and healthier as their roots grow deeper.
We have a beautiful Majestic Palm in the Family Room. I took it outside for the first time to rinse off some bugs and sticky residue they left; the lightest wind immediately snapped the tallest frawn. It had never been subjected to wind or rain, and the roots never went deep living life in a shallow planter.
If I want to grow strong in life and in the Lord, I know no matter how crazy things become, tapping into The Living Water, and allowing my roots to grow deep, will help me to weather the storms of life.
John 4:14 (The Message)
13-14Jesus said, "Everyone who drinks regular water will get thirsty again and again. Anyone who drinks the water I give will never thirst—not ever. The water I give will be an artesian spring within, gushing fountains of endless life."
That is the weather report most of the time as reported on San Diego nightly news.
Eight years ago I planted a few 6ft Leland Cypress trees outside our kitchen window. While back visiting San Diego this past summer I noticed they had grown to about 10 feet in those eight years. Coincidentally, two years ago I planted some 6 ft Leland Cypress in our yard here in Georgia. In those two years they have doubled in height and girth. What was the major reason for the significant growth difference? Same sun, soil, size and shade. The only differences I can think of are the amount of water and severity of weather each received. San Diego is basically a desert with imported water. Even though those tres are on sprinklers, I'm certain it doesn't amount to nearly what trees get here in the south. Everything here is so lush and green and healthy looking. The winds and storms are far more intense and that process helps then become stronger and healthier as their roots grow deeper.
We have a beautiful Majestic Palm in the Family Room. I took it outside for the first time to rinse off some bugs and sticky residue they left; the lightest wind immediately snapped the tallest frawn. It had never been subjected to wind or rain, and the roots never went deep living life in a shallow planter.
If I want to grow strong in life and in the Lord, I know no matter how crazy things become, tapping into The Living Water, and allowing my roots to grow deep, will help me to weather the storms of life.
John 4:14 (The Message)
13-14Jesus said, "Everyone who drinks regular water will get thirsty again and again. Anyone who drinks the water I give will never thirst—not ever. The water I give will be an artesian spring within, gushing fountains of endless life."
Friday, August 7, 2009
The Rudder
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians%201:3-6;&version=51;
Remember back in the day when you had to go to triple A, to get a map, so to know where you're at...
Oh, c'mon, that was my Rap intro.
How times change, most new cars come with built in GPS. Phones? Got an app for that. But what happens when you find yourself in uncharted waters? When you get lost, wouldn't you turn on the GPS to get back on track? Would you have even gotten lost to begin with if you had it on from the start of the day? GPS is here to save the day!
It was an awesome balmy evening with thunderclouds off in the distance; so I thought I'd go the back roads for a stretch rather than straight freeway. Top's down, the fire flies are blinking seemingly to the music on the radio..Hmmm, I don't recall seeing this town on the route? Darn, I'm lost! Both my car and phone are old. No GPS, and buying one is not in the budget.
When it comes to life's GPS; God's Plan of Salvation is readily available to all who seek, no matter what life station you are at. For many, much grief might have been avoided had the GPS been turned on years ago. It's not too late and doesn't cost a dime. In yet it's priceless.
God's Personal System is customized for you and me, in yet all the programming has been done ahead of time, just needs a daily download.
Remember back in the day when you had to go to triple A, to get a map, so to know where you're at...
Oh, c'mon, that was my Rap intro.
How times change, most new cars come with built in GPS. Phones? Got an app for that. But what happens when you find yourself in uncharted waters? When you get lost, wouldn't you turn on the GPS to get back on track? Would you have even gotten lost to begin with if you had it on from the start of the day? GPS is here to save the day!
It was an awesome balmy evening with thunderclouds off in the distance; so I thought I'd go the back roads for a stretch rather than straight freeway. Top's down, the fire flies are blinking seemingly to the music on the radio..Hmmm, I don't recall seeing this town on the route? Darn, I'm lost! Both my car and phone are old. No GPS, and buying one is not in the budget.
When it comes to life's GPS; God's Plan of Salvation is readily available to all who seek, no matter what life station you are at. For many, much grief might have been avoided had the GPS been turned on years ago. It's not too late and doesn't cost a dime. In yet it's priceless.
God's Personal System is customized for you and me, in yet all the programming has been done ahead of time, just needs a daily download.
Thursday, August 6, 2009
The Rudder
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=lamentations%203:22-27;&version=51;
In an earlier blog, I talked about looking back. Dwelling and looking on the past are like apples and oranges. I can look back to see where a mistake was made, or what I would do differently next time etc. But to dwell on the past and wonder about what would have been, If only, I wish...
Everybody goes through disappointments and setbacks, and in placing too much trust in a person or thing. Mistakes and poor choices are what make chapters in our life book. My oldest son loves roller coaster rides; he is going to have a life of ups and downs and of variety, That's how God designed him to be. My younger, just the opposite; does not like change at all. When changing out a toilet at our old house, he was out there hugging on it...Gross! He didn't want to see it go, talk about worshipping the porcelain throne! You get the picture.
Lamentations 3:22 His mercy overflows and is new every morning. Great is he who is faithful.
Wow. New day; fresh start. The ledger is blank, no need to dwell on yesterday or tomorrow, just today. And God is giving you and me enough mercy and grace for...today.
Go, make it a great day!
In an earlier blog, I talked about looking back. Dwelling and looking on the past are like apples and oranges. I can look back to see where a mistake was made, or what I would do differently next time etc. But to dwell on the past and wonder about what would have been, If only, I wish...
Everybody goes through disappointments and setbacks, and in placing too much trust in a person or thing. Mistakes and poor choices are what make chapters in our life book. My oldest son loves roller coaster rides; he is going to have a life of ups and downs and of variety, That's how God designed him to be. My younger, just the opposite; does not like change at all. When changing out a toilet at our old house, he was out there hugging on it...Gross! He didn't want to see it go, talk about worshipping the porcelain throne! You get the picture.
Lamentations 3:22 His mercy overflows and is new every morning. Great is he who is faithful.
Wow. New day; fresh start. The ledger is blank, no need to dwell on yesterday or tomorrow, just today. And God is giving you and me enough mercy and grace for...today.
Go, make it a great day!
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
The Rudder
Isn't it funny how hindsight gives us a clear picture of just how faithful God has been. Eaphesians 3:20 says "Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly, abundantly above all we ask or think due to the power that works in us. To Him be all glory!"
We are often tempted during crisis to wonder if God is faithful to His promises to us. We shift focus from God to our issues, as our trust starts to waiver we drift.
I love to surf and boogie board. This past summer back in San Diego, I took the kids to the beach. We always plunk our stuff down at the same landmark in PB. As the kids go out and frolic in the sea, a subtle thing takes place; with each jump of a wave or each wave taken for a ride, they drift just a little farther from home base. If the current was swift, they would realize all too soon the problem. Since it is so subtle, they don't realize the trouble of a rip tide until it's too late. They have been so consumed with the waves, they took their eyes off the base and could have ended up in a real trouble. But alas, I, the ever watchful father intervened. Not! "Dudes, get you butts over here now!" "Don't make me come out there and get you!"
If we a human dads know how to "try" to take care of our kids, how much more our heavenly ABBA Father! Sometimes you just have to look back to see ahead. Matt 7:7-11
We are often tempted during crisis to wonder if God is faithful to His promises to us. We shift focus from God to our issues, as our trust starts to waiver we drift.
I love to surf and boogie board. This past summer back in San Diego, I took the kids to the beach. We always plunk our stuff down at the same landmark in PB. As the kids go out and frolic in the sea, a subtle thing takes place; with each jump of a wave or each wave taken for a ride, they drift just a little farther from home base. If the current was swift, they would realize all too soon the problem. Since it is so subtle, they don't realize the trouble of a rip tide until it's too late. They have been so consumed with the waves, they took their eyes off the base and could have ended up in a real trouble. But alas, I, the ever watchful father intervened. Not! "Dudes, get you butts over here now!" "Don't make me come out there and get you!"
If we a human dads know how to "try" to take care of our kids, how much more our heavenly ABBA Father! Sometimes you just have to look back to see ahead. Matt 7:7-11
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
The Rudder
"Dear Senator Saxby Chambliss..."
A couple days ago I noticed a manilla envelope hanging precariously on the mailbox. We are always getting notices from people offering a service or discount to a local establishment, so I didn't read it right away. I opened it up, and there was a notice telling me to call my lender because they are foreclosing.
"Tarp needs teeth. Use my story, or let me testify before the Senate..."
Last I heard from the lender is that they pulled it from the foreclosure pile to modify using the Save Your Home Foundation. They changed their mind and am just letting me know they are taking our house afterall.
"This lender took $5.5 Billion in Tarp Funds, shouldn't they listen to the HOPE recomendation for home preservation rather than forclose?"
Dear lender, Please forward to a decision maker! This is an except of a letter I sent to the two Senator's and the Congressman for my district. They called me back and are very interested in following this. In four months I have not heard an answer to my request, and now foreclosure?
Wow! I've never heard such a swift response as this. A Bank VP called me immediately and reversed the forclosure and gave me a payment I can handle!
Talk about an answer to prayer! When less than 1% of all the loans are being modified, this had to be favor or intervention. The still small voice said "have you informed your representatives?" I hadn't thought of that. Be wise as serpants ,gentle as doves... http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%2010:16;&version=50;
A couple days ago I noticed a manilla envelope hanging precariously on the mailbox. We are always getting notices from people offering a service or discount to a local establishment, so I didn't read it right away. I opened it up, and there was a notice telling me to call my lender because they are foreclosing.
"Tarp needs teeth. Use my story, or let me testify before the Senate..."
Last I heard from the lender is that they pulled it from the foreclosure pile to modify using the Save Your Home Foundation. They changed their mind and am just letting me know they are taking our house afterall.
"This lender took $5.5 Billion in Tarp Funds, shouldn't they listen to the HOPE recomendation for home preservation rather than forclose?"
Dear lender, Please forward to a decision maker! This is an except of a letter I sent to the two Senator's and the Congressman for my district. They called me back and are very interested in following this. In four months I have not heard an answer to my request, and now foreclosure?
Wow! I've never heard such a swift response as this. A Bank VP called me immediately and reversed the forclosure and gave me a payment I can handle!
Talk about an answer to prayer! When less than 1% of all the loans are being modified, this had to be favor or intervention. The still small voice said "have you informed your representatives?" I hadn't thought of that. Be wise as serpants ,gentle as doves... http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%2010:16;&version=50;
The Rudder
Yosemite is one of those "must see" places with the huge waterfalls, massive outcrops of granite, and sheer cliffs. Three summers ago, it was a "quiet voice" that told me to pull over, moments before the brakes went out. Had I not listened, we would have taken out several families in front of us as we plowed out of control and cascaded over the cliff to our certain deaths.
One of my favorite stories in the Bible is in I kings 19. Elijah, had just called down fire from heaven and wasted all the prophets of Baal. That really piqued off Queen Jezebel, the Wicked Witch of the West, who told him she was coming after him. He ends up in a cave having a pity party; life sucks...kill me God! God says "What the heck, what are you doing here?"
So basically, God sends hurricane force winds, an earthquake, a consuming fire...and then a whisper. Elijah had to get to a place where he could hear the "quiet voice" of God to know what to do next. In order for a lake to reflect the glory of the heavens, it has to be still and quiet. It the midst of the madness and mundane, I know I have to take time, the very best time each day to set my rudder as I listen for that quiet voice.
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20kings%2019&version=51
One of my favorite stories in the Bible is in I kings 19. Elijah, had just called down fire from heaven and wasted all the prophets of Baal. That really piqued off Queen Jezebel, the Wicked Witch of the West, who told him she was coming after him. He ends up in a cave having a pity party; life sucks...kill me God! God says "What the heck, what are you doing here?"
So basically, God sends hurricane force winds, an earthquake, a consuming fire...and then a whisper. Elijah had to get to a place where he could hear the "quiet voice" of God to know what to do next. In order for a lake to reflect the glory of the heavens, it has to be still and quiet. It the midst of the madness and mundane, I know I have to take time, the very best time each day to set my rudder as I listen for that quiet voice.
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20kings%2019&version=51
Monday, August 3, 2009
The Rudder
This morning I was considering the Lord’s prayer. In particular the part that says “give us this day our daily bread.” That doesn’t sit well with me when I recall all the business books and business plans that tell you essentially, to plan your work and work your plan. Get ahead, be the horse that wins by a nose because that horse makes 10x what horse #2 makes.
Don’t get me wrong; planning is a valuable tool, but not a substitute for God. He wants us to follow Him, not just a plan, or it too easy to forget the need for a daily intimate relationship with him. Life is an opportunity to experience Him at work, but isn’t it true so many times we leave no room for Him and His protection.
My five year plan had us being debt free last month. Instead, in debt up to my eyeballs! What happened there? The plan was sound, the track record was a successful, sustainable and reproducible. I think it comes down to provision vs protection. I was trying to get so far ahead and to get to a place that would protect us up as well as our extended family, and friends. Noble cause right? Any room left for intervention by my Abba Father. Not really. ”Here you go God, bless this, thanks”
“Give us this day, our daily bread.” Manna.
Manna was the bread-like angel’s food that God sent to the children of Israel on their 40 year vacation tour of the Middle East. He told them to only take enough for today, that He would take care of tomorrow’s needs. What did they do? Instead, they grabbed as much as they could get, and by morning it was a rotten, Limburger cheese, rank smelling, worm eaten mess.
Thank God that in spite of the mess, He still came through each day with enough provision for that day!
Don’t get me wrong; planning is a valuable tool, but not a substitute for God. He wants us to follow Him, not just a plan, or it too easy to forget the need for a daily intimate relationship with him. Life is an opportunity to experience Him at work, but isn’t it true so many times we leave no room for Him and His protection.
My five year plan had us being debt free last month. Instead, in debt up to my eyeballs! What happened there? The plan was sound, the track record was a successful, sustainable and reproducible. I think it comes down to provision vs protection. I was trying to get so far ahead and to get to a place that would protect us up as well as our extended family, and friends. Noble cause right? Any room left for intervention by my Abba Father. Not really. ”Here you go God, bless this, thanks”
“Give us this day, our daily bread.” Manna.
Manna was the bread-like angel’s food that God sent to the children of Israel on their 40 year vacation tour of the Middle East. He told them to only take enough for today, that He would take care of tomorrow’s needs. What did they do? Instead, they grabbed as much as they could get, and by morning it was a rotten, Limburger cheese, rank smelling, worm eaten mess.
Thank God that in spite of the mess, He still came through each day with enough provision for that day!
The Rudder
One of the biggest Christian recording artists in the late 70’s and early 80’s was a guy named Kieth Green. I went to several of his concerts, including the memorial concert after he graduated this life. His music was compelling, thought provoking, tearful at times, and then there were some that were, well, interesting…like this one. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nf3Sm1tmdSA
The story goes that the Children of Israel, were tired of running laps around Mt. Sinai, and even though all they needed was being provided for them, they wanted to go back to their comfort zone in Egypt. The land of leeks and onions represented the old way; when things got tough, the Israelites reverted to what was comfortable. They always knew they could take a trip to Egypt and find what they lacked. Perhaps this was their reasoning: “If we can’t get it accomplished under the new way, why not go back to the way we used to do it? At least we know we can get it there.”
Walking by faith is difficult, it causes us to trust in something beyond our control or comfort zone. Jim Rohn, a motivational speaker once said “It’s easy to pay the price when the promise is clear.” In other words in business, if you know if you do a,b,and c that certain goals will be met. Likewise, Deuteronomy 8 had a promise to the Israelites, that if you pass this test…You’ll get to the promised land.
The story goes that the Children of Israel, were tired of running laps around Mt. Sinai, and even though all they needed was being provided for them, they wanted to go back to their comfort zone in Egypt. The land of leeks and onions represented the old way; when things got tough, the Israelites reverted to what was comfortable. They always knew they could take a trip to Egypt and find what they lacked. Perhaps this was their reasoning: “If we can’t get it accomplished under the new way, why not go back to the way we used to do it? At least we know we can get it there.”
Walking by faith is difficult, it causes us to trust in something beyond our control or comfort zone. Jim Rohn, a motivational speaker once said “It’s easy to pay the price when the promise is clear.” In other words in business, if you know if you do a,b,and c that certain goals will be met. Likewise, Deuteronomy 8 had a promise to the Israelites, that if you pass this test…You’ll get to the promised land.
The Rudder
Here’s a story sent to me by a friend who reads the Rudder.
Good morning said a woman as she walked up to the man sitting on ground.The man slowly looked up.
This was a woman clearly accustomed to the finer things of life. Her coat was new. She looked like she had never missed a meal in her life.
His first thought was that she wanted to make fun of him, like so many others had done before. ”Leave me alone,” he growled….
To his amazement, the woman continued standing.
She was smiling — her even white teeth displayed in dazzling rows. “Are you hungry?” she asked.
“No,” he answered sarcastically. “I’ve just come from dining with the president. Now go away.”
The woman’s smile became even broader.
Suddenly the man felt a gentle hand under his arm.
“What are you doing, lady?” the man asked angrily. “I said to leave me alone.
Just then a policeman came up. “Is there any problem, ma’am?” he asked..
“No problem here, officer,” the woman answered. “I’m just trying to get this man to his feet… Will you help me?”
The officer scratched his head. ”That’s old Jack. He’s been a fixture around here for a couple of years. What do you want with him?”
“See that cafeteria over there?” she asked. “I’m going to get him something to eat and get him out of the cold for awhile.”
“Are you crazy, lady?” the homeless man resisted. “I don’t want to go in there!” Then he felt strong hands grab his other arm and lift him up. ”Let me go, officer. I didn’t do anything.”
“This is a good deal for you, Jack,” the officer answered. “Don’t blow it.”
Finally, and with some difficulty, the woman and the police officer got Jack into the cafeteria and sat him at a table in a remote corner. It was the middle of the morning, so most of the breakfast crowd had already left and the lunch bunch had not yet arrived…
The manager strode across the cafeteria and stood by his table. ”What’s going on here, officer?” he asked. ”What is all this, is this man in trouble?”
“This lady brought this man in here to be fed,” the policeman answered..
“Not in here!” the manager replied angrily. “Having a person like that here is bad for business.”
Old Jack smiled a toothless grin. ”See, lady. I told you so. Now if you’ll let me go. I didn’t want to come here in the first place.”
The woman turned to the cafeteria manager and smiled. “Sir, are you familiar with Eddy and Associates, the banking firm down the street?”
“Of course I am,” the manager answered impatiently. “They hold their weekly meetings in one of my banquet rooms.”
“And do you make a goodly amount of money providing food at these weekly meetings?”
“What business is that of yours?”
I, sir, am Penelope Eddy, president and CEO of the company.”
“Oh.”
The woman smiled again. “I thought that might make a difference.” She glanced at the cop who was busy stifling a giggle. “Would you like to join us in a cup of coffee and a meal, officer?”
“No thanks, ma’am,” the officer replied. “I’m on duty.”
“Then, perhaps, a cup of coffee to go?”
“Yes, ma’am. That would be very nice.”
The cafeteria manager turned on his heel, “I’ll get your coffee for you right away, officer.”
The officer watched him walk away. “You certainly put him in his place,” he said.
“That was not my intent. Believe it or not, I have a reason for all this.”
She sat down at the table across from her amazed dinner guest. She stared at him intently. ”Jack, do you remember me?”
Old Jack searched her face with his old, rheumy eyes.. ”I think so — I mean you do look familiar.”
“I’m a little older perhaps,” she said. “Maybe I’ve even filled out more than in my younger days when you worked here, and I came through that very door, cold and hungry.”
“Ma’am?” the officer said questioningly. He couldn’t believe that such a magnificently turned out woman could ever have been hungry. “I was just out of college,” the woman began. “I had come to the city looking for a job, but I couldn’t find anything. Finally I was down to my last few cents and had been kicked out of my apartment. I walked the streets for days. It was February and I was cold and nearly starving. I saw this place and walked in on the off chance that I could get something to eat.”
Jack lit up with a smile. ”Now I remember,” he said. ”I was behind the serving counter. You came up and asked me if you could work for something to eat. I said that it was against company policy.”
“I know,” the woman continued. “Then you made me the biggest roast beef sandwich that I had ever seen, gave me a cup of coffee, and told me to go over to a corner table and enjoy it. I was afraid that you would get into trouble… Then, when I looked over and saw you put the price of my food in the cash register, I knew then that everything would be all right.”
“So you started your own business?” Old Jack said.
“I got a job that very afternoon. I worked my way up. Eventually I started my own business that, with the help of God, prospered.” She opened her purse and pulled out a business card. “When you are finished here, I want you to pay a visit to a Mr. Lyons…He’s the personnel director of my company. I’ll go talk to him now and I’m certain he’ll find something for you to do around the office.” She smiled. ”I think he might even find the funds to give you a little advance so that you can buy some clothes and get a place to live until you get on your feet.. If you ever need anything, my door is always opened to you.”
There were tears in the old man’s eyes. “How can I ever thank you?” he said.
“Don’t thank me,” the woman answered. “To God goes the glory. Thank Jesus… He led me to you.”
Outside the cafeteria, the officer and the woman paused at the entrance before going their separate ways…
“Thank you for all your help, officer,” she said.
“On the contrary, Ms. Eddy,” he answered. “Thank you. I saw a miracle today, something that I will never forget. And..And thank you for the coffee.”
If you have missed knowing me, you have missed nothing.
If you have missed some of my emails, you might have missed a laugh.
But, if you have missed knowing my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, you have missed everything in the world.
Have a Wonderful Day. May God Bless You Always and don’t forget that when you “cast your bread upon the waters,” you never know how it will be returned to you..
God is so big He can cover the whole world with his Love and so small He can curl up inside your heart…
When God leads you to the edge of the cliff, trust Him fully and let go.Only 1 of 2 things will happen, either He’ll catch you when you fall, or He’ll teach you how to fly!
The power of one sentence!
God is going to shift things around for you today and let things work in your favor.
If you believe, send it.If you don’t believe, delete it.
God closes doors no man can open & God opens doors no man can close..If you need God to open some doors for you…send this on.
Have a blessed day and remember to be a blessing…
You reap what You sow.
Good morning said a woman as she walked up to the man sitting on ground.The man slowly looked up.
This was a woman clearly accustomed to the finer things of life. Her coat was new. She looked like she had never missed a meal in her life.
His first thought was that she wanted to make fun of him, like so many others had done before. ”Leave me alone,” he growled….
To his amazement, the woman continued standing.
She was smiling — her even white teeth displayed in dazzling rows. “Are you hungry?” she asked.
“No,” he answered sarcastically. “I’ve just come from dining with the president. Now go away.”
The woman’s smile became even broader.
Suddenly the man felt a gentle hand under his arm.
“What are you doing, lady?” the man asked angrily. “I said to leave me alone.
Just then a policeman came up. “Is there any problem, ma’am?” he asked..
“No problem here, officer,” the woman answered. “I’m just trying to get this man to his feet… Will you help me?”
The officer scratched his head. ”That’s old Jack. He’s been a fixture around here for a couple of years. What do you want with him?”
“See that cafeteria over there?” she asked. “I’m going to get him something to eat and get him out of the cold for awhile.”
“Are you crazy, lady?” the homeless man resisted. “I don’t want to go in there!” Then he felt strong hands grab his other arm and lift him up. ”Let me go, officer. I didn’t do anything.”
“This is a good deal for you, Jack,” the officer answered. “Don’t blow it.”
Finally, and with some difficulty, the woman and the police officer got Jack into the cafeteria and sat him at a table in a remote corner. It was the middle of the morning, so most of the breakfast crowd had already left and the lunch bunch had not yet arrived…
The manager strode across the cafeteria and stood by his table. ”What’s going on here, officer?” he asked. ”What is all this, is this man in trouble?”
“This lady brought this man in here to be fed,” the policeman answered..
“Not in here!” the manager replied angrily. “Having a person like that here is bad for business.”
Old Jack smiled a toothless grin. ”See, lady. I told you so. Now if you’ll let me go. I didn’t want to come here in the first place.”
The woman turned to the cafeteria manager and smiled. “Sir, are you familiar with Eddy and Associates, the banking firm down the street?”
“Of course I am,” the manager answered impatiently. “They hold their weekly meetings in one of my banquet rooms.”
“And do you make a goodly amount of money providing food at these weekly meetings?”
“What business is that of yours?”
I, sir, am Penelope Eddy, president and CEO of the company.”
“Oh.”
The woman smiled again. “I thought that might make a difference.” She glanced at the cop who was busy stifling a giggle. “Would you like to join us in a cup of coffee and a meal, officer?”
“No thanks, ma’am,” the officer replied. “I’m on duty.”
“Then, perhaps, a cup of coffee to go?”
“Yes, ma’am. That would be very nice.”
The cafeteria manager turned on his heel, “I’ll get your coffee for you right away, officer.”
The officer watched him walk away. “You certainly put him in his place,” he said.
“That was not my intent. Believe it or not, I have a reason for all this.”
She sat down at the table across from her amazed dinner guest. She stared at him intently. ”Jack, do you remember me?”
Old Jack searched her face with his old, rheumy eyes.. ”I think so — I mean you do look familiar.”
“I’m a little older perhaps,” she said. “Maybe I’ve even filled out more than in my younger days when you worked here, and I came through that very door, cold and hungry.”
“Ma’am?” the officer said questioningly. He couldn’t believe that such a magnificently turned out woman could ever have been hungry. “I was just out of college,” the woman began. “I had come to the city looking for a job, but I couldn’t find anything. Finally I was down to my last few cents and had been kicked out of my apartment. I walked the streets for days. It was February and I was cold and nearly starving. I saw this place and walked in on the off chance that I could get something to eat.”
Jack lit up with a smile. ”Now I remember,” he said. ”I was behind the serving counter. You came up and asked me if you could work for something to eat. I said that it was against company policy.”
“I know,” the woman continued. “Then you made me the biggest roast beef sandwich that I had ever seen, gave me a cup of coffee, and told me to go over to a corner table and enjoy it. I was afraid that you would get into trouble… Then, when I looked over and saw you put the price of my food in the cash register, I knew then that everything would be all right.”
“So you started your own business?” Old Jack said.
“I got a job that very afternoon. I worked my way up. Eventually I started my own business that, with the help of God, prospered.” She opened her purse and pulled out a business card. “When you are finished here, I want you to pay a visit to a Mr. Lyons…He’s the personnel director of my company. I’ll go talk to him now and I’m certain he’ll find something for you to do around the office.” She smiled. ”I think he might even find the funds to give you a little advance so that you can buy some clothes and get a place to live until you get on your feet.. If you ever need anything, my door is always opened to you.”
There were tears in the old man’s eyes. “How can I ever thank you?” he said.
“Don’t thank me,” the woman answered. “To God goes the glory. Thank Jesus… He led me to you.”
Outside the cafeteria, the officer and the woman paused at the entrance before going their separate ways…
“Thank you for all your help, officer,” she said.
“On the contrary, Ms. Eddy,” he answered. “Thank you. I saw a miracle today, something that I will never forget. And..And thank you for the coffee.”
If you have missed knowing me, you have missed nothing.
If you have missed some of my emails, you might have missed a laugh.
But, if you have missed knowing my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, you have missed everything in the world.
Have a Wonderful Day. May God Bless You Always and don’t forget that when you “cast your bread upon the waters,” you never know how it will be returned to you..
God is so big He can cover the whole world with his Love and so small He can curl up inside your heart…
When God leads you to the edge of the cliff, trust Him fully and let go.Only 1 of 2 things will happen, either He’ll catch you when you fall, or He’ll teach you how to fly!
The power of one sentence!
God is going to shift things around for you today and let things work in your favor.
If you believe, send it.If you don’t believe, delete it.
God closes doors no man can open & God opens doors no man can close..If you need God to open some doors for you…send this on.
Have a blessed day and remember to be a blessing…
You reap what You sow.
The Rudder
It was around 8 pm on a Sunday night. I was still on the phone talking with clients, when my youngest son, just starting to get around by walking and bumbling, pushed open the door, fell and started screaming. "Get these kids out of here, I'm on the phone." I had hit the mute button on the phone , but hadn't hit the mute button on my mouth and attitude. It was time for a major paradigm shift.
Mark 8:36 says "What does it matter that you gain the whole world but lose your soul." My life up to that point all about the dollar; I had three months in a row of closing six ot seven real estate deals and three more set to close next month.
Up to that point, every decision I made was based on what we could do to increase my income. My "quality time" with the kids was bringing them to the office or open houses to close more deals.
Looking back, I can see what God was doing in our lives. The love of money had clouded everything. It took my son falling down and screaming to realize what REALLY mattered. Our children were there, waiting for us to spend time with them, whether we were "successful" or not. God was there, waiting for us to engage in a relationship with him. We came to realize that success is not defined by the amount of money we make, it's found in the real relationships we invest ourselves in.
Mark 8:36 says "What does it matter that you gain the whole world but lose your soul." My life up to that point all about the dollar; I had three months in a row of closing six ot seven real estate deals and three more set to close next month.
Up to that point, every decision I made was based on what we could do to increase my income. My "quality time" with the kids was bringing them to the office or open houses to close more deals.
Looking back, I can see what God was doing in our lives. The love of money had clouded everything. It took my son falling down and screaming to realize what REALLY mattered. Our children were there, waiting for us to spend time with them, whether we were "successful" or not. God was there, waiting for us to engage in a relationship with him. We came to realize that success is not defined by the amount of money we make, it's found in the real relationships we invest ourselves in.
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