Traveling The Cosmic String

Washed in the Blood or just in the water?

2012-02-13T10:31:00.000-06:00

I think this was the line from a Kenny Chesney song. Funny that you would get good theology or even (Gasp!) doctrine from the words of a song? Especially a country song?!?

But here is the interesting thing... that is an excellent question! What does it mean to be "Washed in the Blood?" There are acutally several songs that talk about that. It means - are you now the new creation that Jesus died to make you into? Somehow we always want to keep putting on the old man. He is so comfortable, familiar, easy to wear. BUT he is supposed to be dead! Does that make us spiritual zombies? Well here are some things the Bible says about that:

Philippians 4:13
I can do all thins through Christ who strengthens me.

Ephesians 4:22
You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires;

Galatians 2:20
I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me

Romans 12:1-2
I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

Romans 6:11
So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus.

And Romans 6:8, Galatians 5:24, 2 Timothy 2:11 and so many others.

Do you consider yourself dead to Sin and alive to Christ? Ask God through the Holy Spirit to show you want that really means.

Or are you just washed in the water?

Do you have the outward appearance of being alive in Christ, but there is no love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.

All it takes is a look at TV news or the paper (or even a look in the mirror) to see that our society has zero self-control. The cruelty exhibited my man is astounding. Agape love not senuality. Divorce is not faithfulness. See much kindness or goodness in politics lately? We don't want to be respnosible so we point the finger ("It's this woman you gave me!") or make excuses ("The devil made me do it!").

Start with Ephesians 6:10-18 (Put on the full armor of God) and get ready for the fight.

Jesus was ready for the fight and gave the ultimate sacrifice to allow us to be in the fight.

Your assignment, should you decide to accept it, is to make God famous! Be His representative. Show the world a new you. Allow Him, through the Holy Spirit to bring about that fruit that can only come through Him.

May the Spirit be with you as you decide what you want to wash with today!

I'm baaaack......

2012-02-06T08:22:00.000-06:00

I can't believe it's been almost 2 years since I posted anything here. Once I took on the Chapel Ministries, it really took all my extra time. Funny that my last post was about killing and wasting time.

Our time in the Chapel Ministries is taking a serious shift. We are looking at where God would have us go and how He would have us serve in the coming year. The "Audience" - that would be congregaton for you church people - is quite different than when we started 2 years ago. As the needs change, we must be prepared to change in step with God's working. Somethimes that change is really daunting. "Am I hearing God right? Am I really serving Him or my own ego?" You know the questions if you have ever been there. Pray for us as we meet next week to outline the year's ministry.

This should be an interesting year. Spiritually, Politically, Personally.

I continue to pray that God will have His way with His People (both the Jewish people and the Church). As a nation, I am afraid we have slipped very far down that slippery slope - away from the original vision of our Founding Fathers. It seems the average American is only interested in his or her own - "I'm not my brother's keeper!" Well I beg to differ! Matthew 25:31 and following talks about the time when we get to answer for our lives. You should read it. Then ask "Who is hungry, who is thirsty, who is a stranger, who is naked, who is sick, who is in prision?"

Look around you (in my case it only takes a look in the mirror!). We have become a decadent, obese, selfish nation of corrupt, selfish people. We seem to have lost our way. If you listen to our leaders, do you really think they express an understanding of the wants and needs of the average person? I'm asking you to open your eyes and think rationally about this - not some emotional knee-jerk.

Lately, I hear 2 Chronicles 7:14 quoted a lot:
"if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land."

My People, called my My name - do you call Jesus Lord and King over your life? Does He truly sit on the throne of your life?
Humble themselves - realize their true worth and position - give Kingship back to Jesus?
Pray - my laundry list or my directions for what I want God to do?
Seek My face - intentionally, seriously, even before American Idol?
Turn from their Wiked ways -change direction, heart and soul?

Do we just want the last part while we blow right by the part that is ours to do? God is waiting for us to do our part so He can do His part. What I see on the news and in daily life really makes me wonder.

Well, time to put up my soapbox and get to work. You know - the American Dream and all...

Til next time - hopefully not years.

Be blessed! Seek Him! See what He can do with a surrendered heart! Amazing!

Killing Time - Or Just Wasting It?

2010-03-05T10:20:00.002-06:00

In "The Phantom Tollbooth", by Norton Juster, the Watchdog, Tock, makes a profound statement to Milo, the main character. In response to Milo's answer about what he was doing, Tock replies, "Isn't it bad enough wasting time without killing it?!?"

Time, now there is a real conundrum. I was trying to think of all the sayings, cliches, etc that involve time.

This all came up as we were watching the movie "Into the Wild" about a young man who wants to throw off all encoumberances of society and live off the land in Alaska. I couldn't get over the fact that he still continued to wear his watch! Let's move to Alaska and live off the land, but we still need to keep our schedule?!? I guess I don't get it. Now I'm one of the lucky ones who can't wear a watch. They just don't seem to work when I wear them. I've had digital, wind up, and battery powered analog. They seem to loose time, run intermittently or just stop all together. I guess I am a negative polarity person (maybe from a parallel dimension where the poles are reversed? - wait I saw that on the Twilight Zone).

So, what is our fasination with time? I think it is really because God put eternity in our hearts, but we see our mortality staring us in the face every day. (Ecc 3:11)

In our society, we are fixated on time. Have you ever noticed. You see it on your arm, bank signs, your car dashboard, your phone, why you can even call a phone number and get it if you can't find it any other place!

How do you spend your time. Is it some commodity? You know, we each start the day with the same amount of it! Talk about a true level playing field? Do you invest your time? Maybe in your work? How about in your family? I spend too much of it watching TV. How about you? Do you spend time cultivating relationships? Do you spend it speaking with your Creator? How about studying His Word? Now that's an investment with some real eternal returns!

Now here is a good questions. Why do we drive to the gym so we can workout? Are we saving time by driving there? Why not just run there and get the extra benefit of the exercise? Do we have our lives so scheduled and compartmentalized that we have to schedule our leisure time as well? God commanded us to take a sabbath. Did you ever stop to thing what that means? (Exo 20:9) God knew we would burn out if we didn't stop to catch our breath. We need time to rest, reflect, rejuvenate, be with Him. Good plan God! Too bad we just don't have the time!

Maybe you just need a time out? Does that stop time so we can continue when time starts back up? Or do you just need a minute? I can give you one of mine. Maybe that's what we should do! If you see someone struggling because they don't have enough time, give them some of yours. It's called service! Are you a servant?

Perhaps you would be a servant if it was the right time, but you see this is just the wrong time, I'm out of time, in a real time curnch. What about that sabbath? Did you forget? Do you need to put that on your calendar with a reminder? I do! Or is this just not a good time to help. You know, bad timing and all. I'll help when I have some spare time. Don't wait too long. Time, and tide wait for no one!

Now here is a confession. I started this blog on February 18. Here it is March 5. What with the phone ringing, emails to answer, facebook to post, cruises to go on, errands to run, meals to cook and eat, etc., things just never get done in a timely fashion. I was reading in James this morning. Talk about God's timing!

From Eugene Peterson's The Message:
James 4:13 And now I have a word for you who brashly announce, "Today -- at the latest, tomorrow -- we're off to such and such a city for the year. We're going to start a business and make a lot of money."
14 You don't know the first thing about tomorrow. You're nothing but a wisp of fog, catching a brief bit of sun before disappearing.
15 Instead, make it a habit to say, "If the Master wills it and we're still alive, we'll do this or that."
16 As it is, you are full of your grandiose selves. All such vaunting self-importance is evil.
17 In fact, if you know the right thing to do and don't do it, that, for you, is evil.

So, will you ask God how you should spend your time, that gift from Him, today? I think I will. Maybe if I keep in touch with Him, it won't be 3 weeks before you hear from me again. Then again....

Blessings until we meet again. God be with you!

Revelations, A Love Story (just in time for Valentine's Day)

2010-02-02T08:54:00.001-06:00

Well, did that title get your attention? Sure got mine! Valentine's Day is fast approaching and the marketing geniuses are telling us it is time to show our love to that special someone. If you haven't been doing it all along, what makes you think it is real this time!?!

Did you ever stop to think that love is not something we show, but is rather the natural result of who we are? Love is not something we can "muster up" or "rustle up" or "pull off the shelf." If it's not there all the time, it's just a vague shadow of the real thing. Love comes from understanding who we are, and who's we are. If we are left to our nature, we share only out of our excess, our abundance - and then only when we can't think of how we might need that in the future. After all, "God helps those who help themselves," right? WRONG! Show me where the Bible says that! It clearly states that God helps and provides for those who "Think as with sound judgement" (Rom 12:3). If you want to see what love really looks like just look to the cross. Jesus set aside His own (authority, power, agenda, you name it) and put our (broken nature, destination, punishment) before His. He was the epitimy of love. Look at 1Cor 13 to see how Paul describes love.

So, Revelations? Really? Surely you jest?!

Not at all. When you consider our natural condition (sinful to the core if left to our own devices - lustful, greedy, self centered, self serving, selfish, harsh, judgemental, jealous, angry, and on and on....you know, putting us first), you see that the only real love we have is for ourselves. I'm sure many would take issue with this, "I do good things, I help others, etc". But are they what you do, or who you are?

Now God, being who He is (that's like a flea trying to explain the St. Bernard he is riding on!) according to 1Jo 4:16, is love. Notice not loves us, or shows His love for us - those are used many other places, but IS LOVE. Ask Him to really show you what that means. You will be astounded! Here are a few to check out:

Zep 3:17
Rom 8:39
John 3:16
1 Cor 2:9
1 Jo 4:7
1 Jo 4:8
1 Jo 4:10
1 Jo 4:12

OK, so go read 1 John, especially chapter 4!

But, Revelations? No Way!

Have you every read Revelations? Not study Eschatology (end times), or trying to figure out the Rapture, Pre-Trib, Mid-Trib, Post-Trib, blah, blah, blah! Just pray, "Father, open my eyes." Then read it? This is the story of the extent God will go to get your attention. This is the story of how much He wants all of us to be in Heaven with Him. This is the story of our choice - Law or Grace? Remember? This is a warning of what the end result of Law will be (Judgement - OUCH!). This is the story of what we really deserve, but have been saved and redeemed from at the cross. This is the story of where putting ourselves on the throne of our lives will lead. This is the story of the justice we demand all the time - Thank you Father, that you don't give me what I deserve! You give me Grace upon Grace! All Praise be to You!

Most of all, this is the story of the end of the curse. The curse from back in Genesis 3, when we (yes, we!) were kicked out of the Garden. Well, God is welcoming us (yes, us!) back. It is the story of the fulfillment of the hope we have in Christ. It is the story of getting a glimpse of eternity with Him, and our Big Brother, Jesus. It is the story of the end of suffering, pain, tears, loneliness, dispair. It is the story of life as God intended it for us. Now there is a true love story.

I wait with bated breath! Amen, Come Lord Jesus!

Under Law OR Under Grace

2010-01-27T09:08:00.000-06:00

I've been in Galations for my quiet time lately. I was struck by an interesting thought. You have to choose - will you be under the Law OR under Grace? You can't be both. This may seem like old hat to some of you, but revisit it if that is the case. Let me explain.

It's interesting that you can read something in the Bible and it is like it is the first time you have seen that! (Heb 4:12 "For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.") Thank you LORD for your abiding word that opens our eyes to see in new and different ways!

Paul talks about the prepatory nature of the Law. It was given to show us the way to the Truth. Truth of how to act, how to think, how to worship, how to give, how to serve, how to love. God's design is to have the Law written on our hearts - internalized - not a set of rules, but a way or thought and life. (Jer 31:33 "I will put My law within them, and on their heart I will write it; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people.") As spiritual children, the Law was our tutor - pointing us in the correct direction.

Paul talks about our liberty. (Free will - ever heard of that?) Have you ever really realized that you have absolute liberty in Christ? Liberty to be what God created you to be! Liberty to live differently in the world! Liberty to NOT sin! Liberty to forgive yourself when you fail! Liberty to get up and try again, and again, and again! But he also warns that liberty came with a great cost. Praise to Jesus for paying that cost at Calvary!

So, if we choose Grace, we are no longer under Law. What! Blasphemy? Heresy? No - Truth. Look at Gal 3: 10-14 and Gal 5: 1 - 6. If you live by Law you are cursed, because you can't fulfill the Law. It doesn't matter how good you are, how much to do, how much you give - you still fall short. (I think I've heard that before. Rom 3:23) Christ came to fulfull - complete - pay full penalty (propitiation) under the Law. Now you have Grace! The ability to actually have the Law written on your heart. The ability to have that new nature which is not under compulsion to abide by the law, but under heartfelt desire to live righteously - because it is natural!

Every time you go back to trying to obey the rules, you step out from under Grace and back under Law. Confusing? You bet! OK, lets boil it down - are you controled by the flesh or the Spirit? Now I know how a yo-yo feels, right? Christ tells us to stop trying to obey the law and allow Him, by the Holy Spirit, to change our nature so that how we act is a product of who we have become. You know, you obey the law without even thinking or realizing it, it's just who you are.

Look at your life. What do you see, no I mean really, in your heart of hearts.

Are any of these the fruit of your efforts - immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmites, strife, jeolousy, outbursts of anger, dusputes, dissensions, factions, envyings, drunkenness, carousings? These are the fruit of the flesh. This is the result of our old nature trying to live under Law.

Are any of these the fruit of your efforts - love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. These are the fruit of the Spirit. This is the result of our new nature living under Grace.

Remember the part about having liberty to forgive yourself and try again. Steve Brown from Key Life says something like this - I'm better than I was yesterday, by the Grace of God. Can you say that?

So, this week, as you drive, as you work, as you interact, as you live, look inside and out. What fruit are you seeing in yourself and those around you. My prayer is that you (and God) like what you see. If not, are you willing to do something about it?

1984 Soon! - Oh - wait - I Missed it?

2010-01-10T21:17:00.006-06:00

Most of you on the web, and blogs probably don't remember the whole "1984 Soon" thing. Back when I was young (you know, when dinosaurs roamed the Earth), we thought the government was sticking it's nose in our business. There was a big movement (of all us Hippies in the '70s) spouting how Big Brother was watching. If you remember that, you might be ready for Social Security (hurry, before it's gone!). Anyway, I remember seeing signs and bumper stickers saying the simple political statement "1984 Soon." Oh! How I wish for the good old days!

Then, the other day, my daughter mentioned that it was 2010. She said, "Remember the movie 2001 and how we thought that was so advanced?" Now that is over a decade old! Where does the time go?

My kids tell me I see the "Biblical" side to movies, books and everything else. I guess that's just my gift?!?! It seems to me there is truth to the saying "the more things change, the more they stay the same." Maybe the degree, or speed of things seems greater, but it is still the same old "Let's do our own thing and then ask God to bless it." Have you noticed that man does a lousy job of governing himself? In fact, I don't think anyone who is truly honest with himself can say they even do a good job of governing their individual self. How are you doing with that covetousness? lust? greed? anger? gluttony? prayer? study of the Word? and on, and on.... I feel the same way - you know "I am so proud of how humble I have become!"

Well we are back to the realization that we are still living between Gen 3:17 and Rev 22:3. (That would be under the curse!) Time, for us, marches on. Sometimes it seems to crawl. Sometimes it seems to fly. The older you are, the faster it seems to move. Time, and tide wait for no man. I'm sure you can put a bunch more cliches here.

Well, let's get back on topic here. In the book "1984" Winston is caught in a world of unreality pretending to be reality. Remember, he works for the Ministry of Truth, who's job is to correct the truth errors and rewrite everything to match the new "truth." "Big Brother" was the idea of the government always watching to make sure you were a good, compliant member of society. They don't want any waves, and if you cause them, you get "re-educated." Now that I think about it, sounds similar to things we hear today, just like it did back in the '70s. Remember, we are still under the curse! Man, of his own accord, in his own wisdom, in his own strength, is a lousy candidate to be in charge of anything! O.K. ... So... what now? I'm so glad you asked!

God, in His infinite wisdom, knew we couldn't govern. He never created us to govern. Did you ever think of that. Now some might call me an Anarchist, but I don't really believe in government, at least not like any we have ever experienced on Earth. If, and this is a big if, we allow God to rule our hearts, we really don't need government. Each person would have the necessary insight, compassion, generosity, and all other traits internally and would not need an external rule. That's kind of what I imagine heaven to be like. No traffic signs, no courthouses, no police, no legal infractions. Only God's people, Worshiping Him, Loving Him and each other.

But, there would still be "Big Brother." Yes, you heard me right, but He is really here now. I'm talking about Jesus. If you have accepted his action on the cross to pay the debt for your sins, you have been adopted into His family. He is now your Big Brother! And He is watching. Not to thump you, or twist your perspective, but to encourage, to teach, to love, to cheer, to mourn, to share every aspect and part of your life. After all, He gave all so we could receive all. He has made it possible for us to become what He created us to be in the first place. You may get tired of hearing me say this, but I never get tired of being reminded of that TRUTH!

So, think about this. If you live your life, guided by the Holy Spirit, remembering that Jesus is watching to cheer you on to the finish line, what would your life look like? Could you be trusted with a job? opportunity? responsibility? government office? family? spouse? children?

Christmas, According to the Romans?!?

2009-12-17T08:24:00.000-06:00

Well, life ran over me the last week or so. I try to write on Monday, when I am fresh from a relaxing weekend (oh, wait! I can't remember the last one of those I had!).

In my reading, I have moved from Acts to Romans. God's timing is interesting!?! I never realized that Romans begins with the Christmas Story - you know "unto you a child is born." We'll get to that in a minute.

Did you ever stop to wonder why God needed to send a gift to us? You know, He created us to be in fellowship with Him - Adam and Eve in the Garden - one on one - face to face with God - always in His presence. He really wanted that for us! He still wants that for us! But, like most kids, we decided to do our own thing. Boy, what a mistake. Then came the apple. You know, if I had been there ... (well, actually, Eve would not have had to give me the apple. I would have taken it myself - no help from anyone else.) At that moment, God already knew we would stray, and He already had a plan in mind to get us back into fellowship with Him. Amazing! I would have just scrapped the whole thing and started over. But, (don't you love that word when it comes from God?) He loved (and still loves) us too much to just give up on us. So, He sent us a baby. What! I know, it's not how we would have done it, but it's really just what we needed.

Back to Romans. In Chapter 1, verses 1 - 7, Paul tells us the Christmas Story. Read it again if you don't believe me. Set apart, by a Promise from beforehand. His Son, born of flesh. Declared with resurrection power to be The Son of God. To give us grace and apostleship - adopted back into the family, nature changed so we can be what we were created to be, eternal destination changed so we could be back in face-to-face relationship with Him. There it is again - He wants us! Can't imagine why, but He can. Thank you Lord Jesus for being willing to come and do all things necessary and save us! Thank you Father for not giving up on me, ever!

But, keep reading. Now comes the part we were saved from. Starting in verse 18 and following, Paul tells us what we are really like, if we are honest, when we are left to our own devices. Yes, I know, you aren't that bad. But couldn't you be, if there were no restraints? I think - no, I know - I could!?! As I read this, I was amazed by how much of it you could actually see in everyday life. Nature screams out that there is a creator. We ignore it. We know all about God, but put him neatly in a corner, not to inconvience us too much. We search for more knowledge, but fail to gleen it's true potential. We pervert, cheapen, trade, lie, steal, gossip, boast and on it goes. If you read this list and compare it to the papers, or grocery store magazines, or evening news, can you see it. It's all right there.

But, God sent us a baby! Never forget that. He didn't send us a tree. He didn't send us a candy cane. He didn't send us a sleigh or reindeer. He sent us a baby. That baby was the joy of the whole world. We had the pleasure of keeping our youngest grandson (6 mos.) this past week. Baby's can be demanding. But, boy is it worth it! All it takes is one smile that lights up his face to make you forget the early mornings, the dirty diapers, everything else. That's what God sent us. A baby who's smile will continue to light up the world for all who believe. It really lights it up even if you don't believe, but you don't have eyes to see. That's for another day.

So, remember this Christmas Season. Remember what God has sent you. Revel in it. Ponder it. Consider it. Accept it. No strings, just light!

Blessings to you and yours this wonderful, joyful, bright Christmas!

Happy Holidays! Well Merry Christmas TO YOU!

2009-12-07T09:04:00.000-06:00

Happy Holidays. Or maybe Season's Greetings. What! Don't you mean Merry Christmas!

Holiday Tree! Don't you mean Christmas Tree!

Man, we can sure get caught up in all this. Do you think we might have lost the true meaning and reason for Christmas? Let's see......

First off, there is a whole lot of discussion and debate about the actual date when Jesus was born. Then, (Oh NO!, kind of like Congress), we set the date arbitrarily so it has the most advantageous benefit (maybe to hide a pagen celebration) for us. Well not really we, but someone did, right? So we now have a date when we can celebrate the birth of Jesus. And for the Christian world, it is one of the most Holy Celebrations. Here is the ultimate gift. Right?

Let's see...

God, decided to give all His children a gift. Not just any gift, but the ONE they really needed. See, He is really fond of ALL His children, even the one's who don't claim to be His children. He gave the Gift to ALL, even if they chose not to accept it. Are you seeing this yet? He gave us the Gift of:

Adoption back into His family (We are sons and daughters of God!)
A new nature so we can return to being what He created us to be in the first place.
A new destination (Eternity in Heaven with Him, and our true Big Brother, Jesus!)

All of this was wrapped in the smallest and most vulnerable of packages, a baby. You remember the story - The shepherds get the message, the Wise Men get the message, the baby is born, the star, the Heavenly Host Praising and Worshiping...Unto YOU a child is born, and He was not sent to judge us, but to SAVE us! (The judging part comes later! He won't be asking our opinion! Are you ready?) Not the way we would do it, right?

So now we make it about giving gifts, trees, candy canes, etc. Do you think we can outgive God? Do you think if we give enough we can be saved, or free, or happy, or healthy, or wise? Do you think if we give enough we will be remembered? Do we really think this a a Gift Exchange?

Wow, Gift Exchange! There's a thought. God, thanks for Jesus, here is my 1.4 hours on Sunday. Thanks for Jesus, here is my career. Thanks for Jesus, here is my checkbook. How about - God, Thanks for the true Gift I really needed, Jesus to Save me, here is everything I am and have - my devotion, my worship, my (well you fill in the blank). Do you think that is the gift exchange God is looking for? He gave The Gift with NO Strings attached. That's right - NO STRINGS! He gave it even if you chose not to accept it! He will leave it wrapped on the shelf, with your name on it, right up until That Day. You know, when Jesus comes again to judge.

So, why are we so offended when someone doesn't accept the Gift He gave? (What do you mean, Happy Holidays! Don't you mean Merry Christmas?) We didn't give it! We can't make them open it! Maybe all we can do is pray for a softening of their heart to the One who truly loves them with ALL of His heart. Maybe we could influence them to accept and open the gift by showing them how much WE VALUE OURS! (You know how Grandparents are when they talk about their grandkids, right!)

Well, I have sure rambled this week. Here's the thing. At church last Sunday, they showed a video. It really struck a chord with me. My heart still resonates with it! It makes you stop and ask some questions, and think, if you are so inclined. I am. Maybe, this Christmas, I want to spend less and give more. Not sure how that looks, but I'm asking my Daddy in Heaven to show me!

Here is the link. I encourage you to watch, and ponder the wonder of Christmas again.

www.rethinkingchristmas.com/?q=node/14

http://www.adventconspiracy.org/

www.btbf.org/adventconspiracy

Praying for a Worship-Full Christmas,

David

If only we had that much passion for the lost!

Time to get started!

2009-12-02T08:31:00.001-06:00

I sort of mentioned to my family that I was thinking of blogging. They all seem to think I am very opinionated anyway...don't have any idea why they think that. So, anyway, they encouraged me to start blogging (maybe they think I will leave them alone now ... not likely!

Here are some thoughts I think I will expand in the coming months. I'm always up for discussion and questions. I was an educator for 15 years and been in technology for over 20. I don't know all the answers, but I have a good idea how to find out the ones I don't know.

Topic thoughts:

Who appointed me judge or arbitor over you.

Cosmic dance with the creator.

Washed in the blood or just in the water.

Republican, Democrat or realist.

There are more, but I better stop before I get out my soapbox.

So, we just finished Thanksgiving. Now here is an interesting thought. We jump from Halloween to Christmas and somehow, Thanksgiving is just a quick bus stop on the route. If we could just come up with a theme to decorate our yards, do you think we would spend more time there?

Thanksgiving should be every day. Thank you Lord that I woke up this morning, in a warm bed, in a warm house, beside a loving wife, with more food in the pantry and fridge than some families will see this month, with a truck in the driveway, with a job to go to, in a country that allows incredible freedom (at least right now), to the sun shining, or the snow falling, with air to breathe, with a wonderful assortment of plant and aminal life to see - experience - enjoy, with friends to enjoy, with a hope in my heart of more and better things to come (in this life or in heaven), and so on, and so on.

You do realize how much we take for granted, right. God is truly good all the time. I know, I know - How can a loving God allow...... But if you read The Book, you know, The Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth, you will see that we are living between Genesis 3:17 and Rev 22:3. Look those up for yourself. The end says there is a better day coming - That Day. I sure look forward to it.

OK, so looking forward to it doesn't mean I don't have to live today. In fact there are only 2 days of real consequence to a believer - Today - and That Day (you know, when Jesus comes back to get us). Each day is a new gift from God for you to show the world what He is doing in and through you. Think about that today, when you are stuck in traffic, waiting in the line for that woman to find the checkbook in her purse, looking at the wrong food order you just got, you know - living in the real world.

Blessings to you - From Our Father in Heaven.