In the Bible Study we attend on Tuesday evenings, we came to the passage in Ephesians that tells us that we were chosen by God to be holy and blameless and adopted by Him before the creation of the world. And besides that, for His pleasure and His glory. And it is so human to think we had something to do with that choosing. But, joyfully, it was God the Father who drew me to His Son, Jesus. Takes away a lot of the pressure to do it all on my power. That is cool.
It did get me to thinking how the conversation went when God preordained me to be His own. In light of all the politics that decides so much of our lives on earth now, I worry that the creation was delayed because of the debate in Heaven. I mean here is God, ready to create the world and before that creation He chose me to be in His family. I wonder if the vote was a split decision, like two to one or something like that. Makes me think my response to what He did for me should be more of appreciation and obedience rather than questioning everything I dont understand.
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Monday, January 4, 2010
Family Issues
Wow, people, this was a family discussion. Rick Warren was speaking to his congregation. There are needs in every family. If some in the family take it outside the family, it is not his fault. The guy doesn't benefit from the funds. He takes no salary.
Here, at Central, the exact areas of need that Rick Warren shared about are hurting as well. I know some people feel better giving "their" money to ministry rather than buildings. I feel it all goes to good whatever the designation may be.
It is still a fact that all areas of ministry, as well as all areas of the economy, are lacking. Good thing God is bigger than all the squabbling.
Here, at Central, the exact areas of need that Rick Warren shared about are hurting as well. I know some people feel better giving "their" money to ministry rather than buildings. I feel it all goes to good whatever the designation may be.
It is still a fact that all areas of ministry, as well as all areas of the economy, are lacking. Good thing God is bigger than all the squabbling.
Friday, January 1, 2010
2010, GOOD YEAR, SO FAR
First off, I didn't know a gala mean't suits or tuxes. I was not the only one who was not "dressed up". I didn't stand out but there were few enough of us that we were noticed. Jean bought a new top and I had on a new shirt. But I haven't seen that many ties in a long time.
Second, after a very "dry" year of not much Smooth, I have to thank Brian Bromberg for inviting some of his friends, and some of our favorite smooth jazz stars, to bring in the new year. Richard Elliot, Rick Braun and David Benoit are three of our favorites. As chance would have it, sitting at our table was the morning voice of the KYOT, Melissa Sharpe and her husband.
And at midnight, I could only reflect on how thankful I am that I am starting another year with Jean.
Second, after a very "dry" year of not much Smooth, I have to thank Brian Bromberg for inviting some of his friends, and some of our favorite smooth jazz stars, to bring in the new year. Richard Elliot, Rick Braun and David Benoit are three of our favorites. As chance would have it, sitting at our table was the morning voice of the KYOT, Melissa Sharpe and her husband.
And at midnight, I could only reflect on how thankful I am that I am starting another year with Jean.
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
NEW YEARS DAY IS TOMORROW, TODAY AND YESTERDAY
I am sure I will read some very good posts in the next few days dedicated to reflections, regrets, resolutions, ramblings, resolves for 2009 and 2010. Truly, tis the season for taking down Christmas decorations and car ads and commercials for weight loss programs. For some, New Years resolutions will be made. Some will resolve to lose weight, some will really stick with their read through the Bible plan. Some will look back on a great year and some will think the turning of the calendar will, somehow, change their lot in life.
I can not reflect too much on 2009. Not much happened, actually. Nothing that would change the course of the world.
Oh sure, I lost 40 pounds. I gained 25 back. I had hip pain, so I got a new knee replacement. I have both knees replaced now. Because of that, I can not run to exercise. Like I ever did. Ending the year waiting on a root canal. Blood pressure medicine seems to be stablizing my high blood pressure. The dizziness I was having from the one medicine has gone away. Any dizziness now is because I have not gone to the gym in about two months. See, not much happened health wise
I actually was affected by the politics of this country. The drive to pay for more educated, properous, motivated workers allowed my employer to reduce the size of the worker-ant force and I lost my position four years away from retirement. Unemployment insurance suddenly became IN and I receive a payment each week as I continue to look for the elusive job, both at my former employer and outside the ivy walls of the institution. See, not much happened job wise.
We got older this year. With it, we saw death get a little closer than year's past and we anticipate it will continue to be a part of our lives in the future. My step dad died. My best memory of him was how much he loved my mom. When we surprised her on her birthday, he sat and cried because someone had done something loving for her. Jean's mom also died. I never met her but I know her from how much Jean loved her. There will be more, I know that. See, nothing happened death wise.
My reflection of 2009? No matter what, I can not believe how much my wife loves me. And no matter what, I can not believe that I wake up more in love with her each day. I have enjoyed so much watching her love for God grow and how lovingly she serves Him and His children. See, that is what happened this year.
New years day is in three days and in a week it will be three days past. It is just a day. Another day that will be affected by Real Life and Real Love.
I can not reflect too much on 2009. Not much happened, actually. Nothing that would change the course of the world.
Oh sure, I lost 40 pounds. I gained 25 back. I had hip pain, so I got a new knee replacement. I have both knees replaced now. Because of that, I can not run to exercise. Like I ever did. Ending the year waiting on a root canal. Blood pressure medicine seems to be stablizing my high blood pressure. The dizziness I was having from the one medicine has gone away. Any dizziness now is because I have not gone to the gym in about two months. See, not much happened health wise
I actually was affected by the politics of this country. The drive to pay for more educated, properous, motivated workers allowed my employer to reduce the size of the worker-ant force and I lost my position four years away from retirement. Unemployment insurance suddenly became IN and I receive a payment each week as I continue to look for the elusive job, both at my former employer and outside the ivy walls of the institution. See, not much happened job wise.
We got older this year. With it, we saw death get a little closer than year's past and we anticipate it will continue to be a part of our lives in the future. My step dad died. My best memory of him was how much he loved my mom. When we surprised her on her birthday, he sat and cried because someone had done something loving for her. Jean's mom also died. I never met her but I know her from how much Jean loved her. There will be more, I know that. See, nothing happened death wise.
My reflection of 2009? No matter what, I can not believe how much my wife loves me. And no matter what, I can not believe that I wake up more in love with her each day. I have enjoyed so much watching her love for God grow and how lovingly she serves Him and His children. See, that is what happened this year.
New years day is in three days and in a week it will be three days past. It is just a day. Another day that will be affected by Real Life and Real Love.
Thursday, December 24, 2009
NOT NOW, NOT EVER
It is amazing that no matter how often I watch Nobody's Fool, it continues to entertain me and touch my heart. It is truly my favorite movie of all time. I used to see it as my favorite Christmas movie. Now, I say it has passed up such great flix as Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, Kelly's Heros and Casablanca as my favorite any time of the year.
I do hope every one has had a meaningful Christmas. I can not be so bold as to wish each of those that may see this as having a great season. I do not know where you are at spiritually. But even if you are down, I pray you a season and time that is meaningful and you grow from it.
I do hope every one has had a meaningful Christmas. I can not be so bold as to wish each of those that may see this as having a great season. I do not know where you are at spiritually. But even if you are down, I pray you a season and time that is meaningful and you grow from it.
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
The Thanksgiving Message: Appreciation and Compassion
I had a wonderful Thanksgiving week end. It was long. Lots going on. Lots of family. I had a chance to have all the grand boys over at the same time.
Thats Nathan, Josh, me and Dylan. I do think that grand kids are a tool God gives you to make amends to your children.
I appreciate all of my children so much. We have been blessed with six wonderful kids and all of their spouses and kids. Now, if I can spread the compassion I feel towards our kids to others in need, this would be a better world.
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
SO MANY QUESTIONS
I can not go through a day without having so many questions to be answered. Well, such as:
1. If they were invited to the White House dinner, did they ever find their table? Wouldn't there had been a place setting with their names on it?
2. If your wife heard a crash out in the front yard, would she grab your golf club and see if she could help you? Or would she run outside and see that it was you and run, empty handed, towards you to see if she could help? The only way she would have a golf club in her hand is if she were already chasing you with it.
3. How is that Notre Dame contract working out for NBC?
4. I wonder if someone could explain to me how 15% interest is so much better than 17.5%.
5. Can Mark Grace see how much better he is away from Darrin Sutton? And how much more he could accomplish if he were down on the field with Matt Williams next year? Or anywhere other than with Sutton?
1. If they were invited to the White House dinner, did they ever find their table? Wouldn't there had been a place setting with their names on it?
2. If your wife heard a crash out in the front yard, would she grab your golf club and see if she could help you? Or would she run outside and see that it was you and run, empty handed, towards you to see if she could help? The only way she would have a golf club in her hand is if she were already chasing you with it.
3. How is that Notre Dame contract working out for NBC?
4. I wonder if someone could explain to me how 15% interest is so much better than 17.5%.
5. Can Mark Grace see how much better he is away from Darrin Sutton? And how much more he could accomplish if he were down on the field with Matt Williams next year? Or anywhere other than with Sutton?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)