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."
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
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;
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