Avoiding modicum haughtiness...

Easier said than done...the flesh pushes us towards being haughty consistently. It is easy as we continue on our journey of progressive sanctification that we may begin to judge others, even if it be actions that we ourselves used to commit regularly. Pride can easily be rooted and begin to grow and next thing you know we are acting as the Pharisees did thousands of years ago. Even the slightest bit of haughtiness is an ugly, ugly thing. That is why we should choose the Way. Before followers of Christ were referred to as Christians (Acts 11:26 ESV), they were called disciples of "the Way". The term, the Way, was especially used by Luke...could he foresee the future?

What I mean by that is this...how many "Christians" do you know? Or have you known? (I know I used to be one). I went around and claimed to be a Christian when the topic of religion was brought up. I was saved when I was young, baptized, etc. Yet, at some point in my life something shifted and I gave into the flesh. I was out heavily drinking on a consistent basis, doing drugs regularly, cursing profusely, abundantly participating in immoral sexual activities, etc. Now do not get me wrong, all struggle and fall short. I, however, was doing all these things by my own free will knowing from my upbringing that they were wrong. In March of 2008 I began attending church again thus renewing myself as a "Christian" as do many. The problem with that was that I had not changed my lifestyle (aside from attending church). I was living much like a narcissist according to the following definition: Narcissists - individuals that project a grandiose but false image of themselves. WOAH! Deep right.

That is why I feel that we should all be a part of "the Way". This term was brought about not long after the Great Commission. It referenced the way in which disciples of Christ were living their lives. Truly pursuing Jesus and His ways. Not just saying the right things, tithing, etc. Actually living their lives by what Jesus had taught.

I want that...I should show that I am a Christ follower by "the Way" I live. My life should reflect Jesus.

Now I know I will do things wrong in the future...the perfect world was fractured in the Garden of Eden. However, if we use our free will to really work on changing our lives to be more like Him then we can be a part of The Way! When we go to Jesus as the living water and the bread from heaven and the light of the world...we truly "follow" him and his teaching (we become disciples).

Jesus said, "Prove by the way you live that you have repented of your sins and turned to God." - Matthew 3:8 (NLT)

Other scripture references of the Way: Acts 9:1; 11:26; 19:9,23; 22:4; 24:14,22 (ESV)

Daily Survival Kit

Today, I am giving you a  DAILY SURVIVAL KIT to help you each day............ Toothpick ... to remind you to pick the good qualities in everyone,including yourself. Rubber band ... to remind you to be flexible. Things might not always go the way you want,  but it can be worked out. Band-Aid ... to remind you to heal hurt feelings, either yours or someone else's. Eraser ... to remind you everyone makes mistakes. That's okay, we learn by our errors. Candy Kiss ... to remind you everyone needs a hug or a compliment everyday. Mint ... to remind you that you are worth a mint to your family & Me. Bubble Gum ... to remind you to stick with it and you can accomplish anything. Pencil ... to remind you to list your blessings every day. Tea Bag ... to remind you to take time to relax daily and go over that list of God's blessings. This is what makes life worth living every minute, every day Wishing you love, gratitude, friends to cherish, caring, sharing, laughter, music, and  warm feelings in your heart.

Semblance of consistency...

It is difficult for us as humans to understand the timing of occurrences and circumstances in our life. Our God is far above our concept of time to a point that is impossible to comprehend. One of the biggest challenges, especially when going through a rough season or various trials, is to keep an eternal perspective.

We may view something over a period of a few weeks as not to our liking, but as we allow more time to unfold what we initially viewed as insufficient could in fact become overwhelming. For example, look at the stock market. Just a few months ago many individuals (even "experts") were claiming that the stock market had breathed it final breath. Well, just look at the line graph of the stock market over an extended period of time. It is cyclical in nature and (depending on how much longer we are on this earth) it will likely drop immensely again. The same thing occurs if you are running reports at your job to view trends. When the reports first begin, things will be skewed tremendously by simple actions.

Let us use the following as another example. If you manage a call center and you begin to run reports on how many calls are being made daily then it seems to be a simple report. Now let us assume that there are well over one hundred agents working under you. In the first week that you begin the report one of your agents has an incident where his vehicle has mechanical issues on the way to work, which causes him to miss a day. Well at the end of the week you are going to see a significant difference in the amount of calls handled by that agent than the others that were present for the duration of the work week. But, if you pull the same report three months from now then you will get a much more accurate depiction of reality. I hope I am making sense and not confusing you further.

In conclusion, we have to keep it all in perspective that what occurs in a matter of days, weeks, months, years, or even decades is nothing more than a small niche of time in the big picture of things.

Never relinquish YOUR leadership role...

Each and every one of us is a leader; we ALL touch the lives of others...no one can argue that. So in doing so should we not treat all of those whose lives we touch as sheep in our flock? Lead them, protect them, feed them, go after them when one strays, etc. Now, I know it is MUCH easier said than done, trust me, I struggle daily with the commandment of "love your enemy", but if we are not at least trying then how can we ever succeed? If you are attempting to win a marathon do you not have to try by training? If you are habitually late and you want to be early, do you not have to set an alarm? Without trying we would likely never reach any of our goals or aspirations.
- Ezekial 34:2-10

Additionally, we can have an impact on each and every individual in which we come in contact with. As reading this...some of you may be thinking that you have no impact on the world. Well, it is my great pleasure to tell you that you are listening to a lie! Whether we realize it or not we are impacting the lives of those around us. Therefore, we should live with integrity and be an example. So instead of dragging our feet as we journey through life we need to exercise self-control for the short time we have with others on this earth and use the time to encourage others and build them up!
- 1 Thessalonians 5:4-11

One of the most important things to remember as you come to realize that you are in fact a leader is to remain humble. Never let pride take over your mind, and more importantly your heart.

- Proverbs 27:21-22

Inordinate collusion...

This is what the enemy has been doing to all of us since ancient times. Whereas the antiquity of the world is debatable the fact remains that we are being constantly attacked. Are you wearing the armor? (Ephesians 6:10-18) If not...you should be.

Oftentimes easier said than done because in our flesh we try so hard to handle everything on our own (especially as men).



That is really all I have at this time on the topic. I am hoping to get back to writing more often whereas I found it very therapeutic and relaxing when I did. Until next time...

Peace, love, and joy!

The Trip Home... (Author unknown)

A pastor had been on a long flight between church conferences. The first warning of the approaching problems came when the sign on the airplane flashed on: Fasten Your seat belts. Then, after a while, a calm voice said, "We shall not be serving the beverages at this time as we are expecting a little turbulence. Please be sure your seat belt is fastened."

As the pastor looked around the aircraft, it became obvious that many of the passengers were becoming apprehensive. Later, the voice on the intercom said, "We are so sorry that we are unable to serve the meal at this time. The turbulence is still ahead of us."

And then the storm broke . . .

The ominous cracks of thunder could be heard even above the roar of the engines. Lightning lit up the darkening skies, and within moments that great plane was like a cork tossed around on a celestial ocean. One moment the airplane was lifted on terrific currents of air; the next, it dropped as if were about to crash.

The pastor confessed that he shared the discomfort and fear of those around him. He said, "As I looked around the plane, I could see that nearly all the passengers were upset and alarmed. Some were praying. The future seemed ominous and many were wondering if they would make it through the storm.

"Then, I suddenly saw a little girl. Apparently the storm meant nothing to her. She had tucked her feet beneath her as she sat on her seat; she was reading a book and every thing within her small world was calm and orderly..

"Sometimes she closed her eyes, then she would read again; then she would straighten her legs, but worry and fear were not in her world. When the plane was being buffeted by the terrible storm when it lurched this way and that, as it rose and fell with frightening severity, when all the adults were scared half to death, that marvelous child was completely composed and unafraid." The minister could hardly believe his eyes.

It was not surprising that when the plane finally reached its destination and all the passengers were hurrying to disembark, our pastor lingered to speak to the girl whom he had watched for such a long time. Having commented about the storm and the behavior of the plane, he asked why she had not been afraid.

The child replied, "Cause my Daddy's the pilot, and he's taking me home."

There are many kinds of storms that buffet us. Physical, mental, financial, domestic, and many other storms can easily and quickly darken our skies and throw our plane into uncontrollable movement. We have all known such times, and let us be honest and confess, it is much easier to be at rest when our feet are on the ground than when we are being tossed about a darkened sky.

Let us remember: Our Father is the Pilot.. He is in control and taking us home. Don't worry!

Seasonal quiddity...

...that is exactly what today was here in north Texas. It was truly amazing how the first day of Autumn brought such cool weather that I can assure you was welcomed by most. After the storms last night and the cold front that moved in today the weather was phenomenal.

Leadership...

First, I want to thank Brad for the opportunity that he gave to me to be a guest blogger. This was the first time I had been asked to do so by anyone and I was honored to do so. With that being said, let us dig right in.
One of the most important aspects of Leadership to me is serving others. Did I lose some of you? I know that in our society oftentimes when one thinks of being a leader hey think of having all the power, delegating responsibilities, and having others serve you. Is that really what it is all about though? I think not.

I believe part of the foundation of Christ's teachings was caring for others and being compassionate servants to those that not only need our support, but to those that need our leadership. (Matthew 20:26-28) I think as believers we would all agree that Jesus was the ultimate leader throughout history and he served and eventually even died for us all. (John 10:11)

Another very important part of leadership while serving others is to remain transparent. It can be discouraging for those that follow you to see how "great" your life is; free of struggles, sorrow, and pain. By being transparent and even allowing there to be vulnerability by sharing your struggles with others it will allow them to see that they are not alone in their struggles.

I think all too often new believers come along (or even those that do not believe that are watching us) and they see strength, power, joy, etc. Then when they see others struggling with life it opens the door of the enemy to fill them with lies about how they are not "good enough" to be a leader themselves.

I sincerely and passionately believe, if we serve those around us and remain vulnerable and honest about the struggles we encounter in life that we can change the perception of a generation. Thus allowing them to see the true gospel. Once this is accomplished then we can lead more to salvation which in turn leads to inner healing and moves on to preparing those same individuals for discipleship to go out and spread the gospel and minster to others. You may be the President of a division in your company or the barista at your local Starbucks...either way you ARE a leader and should work hard every day to be the best leader you can be. As we continue to surrender to His will; He will continue to do works in us that will allow us to become the leader he has specifically and uniquely designed us all to be!

Do YOU take it all for granted?

I have to be honest...more often than not I do. What will it take for us to learn? Personally, I believe I need another trip to a third world country as I did when I was 13 and I went to Peru. We get caught in this fictitious reality that the world is as WE see it. We have to realize that in the time you will read this post someone died from lack of clean water, someone else is waking up in their home because it is raining on them due to having no roof, someone else is being beaten (possibly to death) because they chose a religious view contradictory to what their government feels is "acceptable"...

All of this being done while companies and organizations that could help to solve and/or eliminate these problems spend millions (and some billions) of dollars advertising in hopes of making more profit. It simply does not make sense to me....but some of you will say "who cares". I do...

Additionally, while you are reading this there are Americans putting their lives on the line to keep us safe and free. Soldiers in other nations; police officers, paramedics, and firemen in your own city; and possibly even your own father/brother/husband in your own household.

On this historic day we need to all think about where we are and what we have placed as priorities in our life. I am as guilty as the next person so let us take the time to really consider what we do to make a positive difference in the lives of those we come in contact with and others worldwide. Instead of spending numerous hours on social networking sites could you volunteer your time to those in need...or even read a book/magazine/newspaper to better educate yourself in something to make a difference.

...anyway I am beginning to ramble on a soapbox...the point of this post is an attempt to get us all to really look within ourselves and see if we are truly doing our part to make changes. We may all have complaints about our nation, but watch this video and tell me if you truly believe we have it so badly.

Non-smoking...

honestly I can not count how many times I had "quit" smoking in my life prior to the most recent, which was a few months ago. However, this time there is something different. Previously (if brought up in conversation) I would say, "I am trying to quit, it has been [fill in the blank] days, weeks, months, etc." The difference this time is that for the first time in over fifteen years, I actually think of myself as a nonsmoker! It happened a few days ago when I was the gym and my mind was wondering and covering all kinds of topics (as it always does 24/7). It was at that moment that the thought went through my mind that I am actually a nonsmoker. Now if I could only get back into the habit of consistently exercising...

Tomorrow

Let’s talk about tomorrow—today. What will your tomorrow be like?

Tomorrow could bring death. From the moment we’re born, we’re dying. Someone has said that death is one appointment you may postpone, but can’t cancel (see Psalm 89:47-48).

Tomorrow could bring about sickness (Job 14:1-2). We desire a healthy life. But we have to deal with the fickleness of life and our fragile bodies.

Tomorrow could bring about trouble and suffering. Our days are filled with pain and grief (Job 5:7, 7:1; Ecclesiastes 2:23). We live with frustration, disappointment, and bitterness (Psalm 90:9-10; Ecclesiastes 5:17).

Tomorrow may of course bring no change. Just the mundane grind of sameness. Tomorrow is just like yesterday and the same as today (Ecclesiastes 1:9).

Tomorrow could bring about success and rewards. (Ah, finally something positive!) A promotion? Good profits? Life is good and you can’t wait for tomorrow to come (Isaiah 56:12).

But what about the next tomorrow? Will tomorrow’s tomorrow change your good fortunes—bringing death, sickness, or suffering? Your life comes full circle (Ecclesiastes 1:5-6,9, 3:15).

Ira Stanphill sums up our response to our tomorrows with these lyrics: “I don’t know about tomorrow, I just live from day to day. I don’t borrow from its sunshine, for its skies may turn to gray. I don’t worry [about] the future, for I know what Jesus said; And today I’ll walk beside Him, for He knows what is ahead. Many things about tomorrow, I don’t seem to understand; but I know who holds tomorrow, and I know who holds my hand.” —K.T. Sim, Our Daily Journey

Are You a Threat? - by Os Hillman

"But I will tarry in Ephesus until Pentecost. For a great and effective door has opened to me, and there are many adversaries" (1 Cor 16:8-10).

Angie and I entered the airport when suddenly she began to feel sick. "Honey, I don't think I can go. I feel awful. I was fine driving down here," she said. We stopped and prayed. She didn't feel any better. She decided she would not go. Sadly we said goodbye to one another.

About thirty minutes later I was sitting at the gate when Angie comes running up to me. "I am coming with you," she said. "What happened?" I responded. "I asked the Lord if I was to go and He said 'Yes.' So, I am coming, despite the way I feel."

We got onto the airplane and it was only a few minutes into the flight when she turned to me and said, "I feel fine now. I can't believe how much better I feel." Angie and I began to recognize a consistent pattern of this happening whenever we would go on our ministry trips. We have become increasingly aware of Paul's admonition in Ephesians 6:12,13: "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.

How big of a threat are you to the kingdom of darkness? If you are pushing back the kingdom of darkness, then chances are you will have opposition in your life. The apostle Paul realized that as doors became open to him, so too were the adversaries in the spiritual realm to his activities.

Today, realize you are in a physical and spiritual battle and put on the armor of God.

Literally, probably, maybe...

I think the title of this post is how well we believe what is rightfully ours. We are given the following: Love, Joy, Peace, Longsuffering, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self-control. We get so caught up in the meaningless things of this world we lose focus and forget what we have been promised; it is ours for the taking! The need and desire to fill every moment of time completing a task has made us lose sight of taking time to enjoy our life while we are here on earth.

Do we know how to rest? In these days it seems that we have lost the ability to do so (generally speaking). We have all of this technology that is meant to make us work more efficiently and get more done in less time. So why do we work longer hours? Why do we focus more of our time on things that waste our time? Why do we have less time to rest and relax?

To go into even more depth...why do we not trust our God to do his part so that we may relax and enjoy the important things in life. Important things are not our nice cars, gadgets, or any material things for that matter. We need to focus more of our time and energy on family and friends. Those are the important things in life. What if you were to lose your job and everything you own. What will still be there? Ultimately your God will be there...then family and friends (if they were ever truly there for you). It is easy for us to lose focus in this society. We are the most prestigious society to ever live on this great and magnificent planet. We have to release everything to our God to allow us our time we have been promised to rest. We were promised victory a long time ago and it is ours for the taking.

"But now, listen to me, Jacob my servant, Israel my chosen one. The LORD who made you and helps you says: O Jacob, my servant, do not be afraid. O Israel, my chosen one, do not fear. For I will give you abundant water to quench your thirst and to moisten your parched fields. And I will pour out my Spirit and my blessings on your children. They will thrive like watered grass, like willows on a riverbank. Some will proudly claim, `I belong to the LORD.' Others will say, `I am a descendant of Jacob.' Some will write the LORD's name on their hands and will take the honored name of Israel as their own.
-Isaiah 44:1-5

After reading that promise of victory you should evaluate your life and figure out where you have put your priorities. We should all make a list of the activities to which we devote our time. We should do this often and make sure that we have them in the proper order. In fact, Peter Drucker (who was a renown management consultant to major corporations and authored many bestselling business books) gives advice on time management. He suggests that we ask three questions about each of these activities to help us minimize the amount of time we waste:

1. "What would happen if this were not done at all?" And if the answer is, 'Nothing would happen,' then obviously the conclusion is to stop doing it.
2. Which of the activities on my time log could be done by somebody else just as well, if not better?
3. What do I do that wastes my time without contributing to my effectiveness?

I realize I put a lot on here after not posting much as of late. It is OK. Let it all sink in :). I hope all that read this have a wonderful and blessed day!

Change, risk, and REWARDS!

A lot has happened in my life (and within me) over the last 18 months. It has been truly amazing. When initial change is confronted is can be scary. Change inspires fear, creates discomfort, and requires taking new risks. However, change also takes us to the next level. When we reach that new level we are rewarded greatly. When we look back at the point we were facing fear it is hard to not laugh at how minor it truly was. Please try to remember that we have to stay focused on the big picture and not allow ousleves to become overwhelmed with current events!

God, the doorman?!

God closes doors no man can open and
God opens doors no man can close.

Praise God to live in this great nation!

I challenge you all to watch this video. It is about fifteen minutes long. Now before you say you do not have time; think about the individuals that sacrificed their time to be on the side of the road throughout the trip. More importantly think about Sergeant First Class John C. Beale who gave his life not even two months ago so that you and I can have the freedom to use the internet to be watching this. This makes me proud to be an American, want to praise God for this great nation in which I live, and to send many prayers and much gratitude to those that serve to protect our freedom.



P.S. - is someone cutting onions around here...or is there a fan on high?

Look...God

Look back and thank God.

Look forward and trust God.

Look around and serve God.

Look within and find God!

God's Accuracy

God's accuracy may be observed in the hatching of eggs.

For example, the eggs of the potato bug hatch in 7 days;
Those of the canary in 14 days;
Those of the barnyard hen in 21 days.
The eggs of ducks and geese hatch in 28 days;
Those of the mallard in 35 days.
The eggs of the parrot and the ostrich hatch in 42 days.
(Notice, they are all divisible by Seven).

God's wisdom is seen in the making of an elephant.
The four legs of this great beast all bend forward in the same direction.
No other Quadruped is so made.
God planned that this animal would have a huge body,
too large to live on two legs.
For this reason He gave it four fulcrums so that it
can rise from the ground easily.

The horse rises from the ground on its two front legs first.
A cow rises from the ground with its two hind legs first.
How wise the Lord is in all His works of creation!

God's wisdom is revealed in His arrangement of sections and segments as well as in the number of grains.
Each watermelon has an even number of strips on the rind.
Each orange has an even number of segments.
Each ear of corn has an even number of rows.
Each stalk of wheat has an even number of grains
Every bunch of bananas has on its lowest row an even number of bananas, and each row decreases by one, so that one row has an even number and the next row

an odd number.

The waves of the sea roll In on shore twenty-six to the minute in all kinds of weather.
All grains are found in even numbers on the stalks
The Lord specified Thirtyfold, sixtyfold, and a hundredfold - all even numbers.

God has caused the flowers to blossom at certain specified times during the day, so that Linneus, the great botanist, once said that if he had a conservatory

containing the right kind of soil, moisture and temperature, he could tell the time of day or night by the flowers that were open and those that were closed.

Thus the Lord in His wonderful grace can arrange the life that is entrusted to His care in such a way that it will carry out His purposes and plans, and will be fragrant

with His presence.

Only the God-planned life is successful.

Only the life given over to the care of the Lord is safe.

Keepin' it real!

The Lord is my Shepherd ----- that's a Relationship!
I shall not want ----- that's Supply!
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures ----that's Rest!
He leadeth me beside the still waters -----that's Refreshment!
He restoreth my soul ----- that's Healing!
He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness --that's Guidance!
For His name sake ----- that's Purpose!
Yea, though I walk through the vall ey of the shadow of death--that's Testing!
I will fear no evil ----- that's Protection!
For Thou art with me ----- that's Faithfulness!
Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me -----that's Discipline!
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies------that's Hope!
Thou annointest my head with oil ----- that's Consecration!
My cup runneth over ----- that's Abundance! Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life----that's Blessing!
And I will dwell in the house of the Lord -----that's Security!
Forever ----- that's Eternity!

Face it, God is crazy about you!
Send this to the people you are crazy about. I thought this was pretty special, just like YOU! What is most valuable is not what we have in our lives, but WHO we have in our lives

Psalm 23 (For the Work Place)

The Lord is my real boss, and I shall not want.

He gives me peace, when chaos is all around me.

He gently reminds me to pray and do all things without

murmuring and complaining. He reminds me that He is my source and not my job. He restores my sanity everyday and guides my decisions that I might honor Him in all that I do. Even though I face absurd amounts of e-mails, system crashes, unrealistic deadlines, budget cutbacks, gossiping co-workers, and an aging body that doesn't cooperate every morning, I still will not stop for He is with me! His presence, His peace, and His power will see me through. He raises me up, even when they fail to promote me. He claims me as His own, even when the company threatens to let me go. His Faithfulness and love is better than any bonus check His retirement plan beats any 401k there is!

When it's all said and done, I'll be working for Him a whole lot longer and for that, I BLESS HIS NAME!!!!!!

Don't Settle for Happiness; Aim for Joy

Whatever happens, dear brothers and sisters, may the Lord give you joy Philippians 3:1 (NLT)

A man once told me that he'd broken up with his fiancé because she didn't make him happy enough. Mind you, he was happy with her; she just didn't make him as happy as he felt a future wife should.

What this man told me gives memorable insight into how some people view happiness: They believe happiness is dependent upon the people, the things, and the circumstances that surrounded them.

Yet, the Bible says don't settle for happiness; aim for joy.

Joy comes from within; joy is not dependent upon the people in your life, or the possessions you accumulate, or what's happening at this point in your life.

God says you'll find joy, when you trust that he's in control and working to use the good and the bad of your life for a greater purpose.

The apostle Paul understood this, writing about joy while in prison, chained to a guard, alone in a foreign city: Whatever happens, dear brothers and sisters, may the Lord give you joy (Philippians 3:1 NLT).

He suggested there are two keys to transforming mere happiness into a deeply-felt, ever-present joy:

First, live each day by grace. Grace means you don't have to earn God's love or his approval. And here's some joyful news: If you don't have to earn God's love, then you don't have to earn anyone else's love.

God offers his love unconditionally, and you can joyfully live in that grace everyday, all day long. Understanding this drains the tension from your life: you can make mistakes and know that you're still loved by God, who desires a relationship with you over any rules or rituals.

The man who broke up with his fiancé appears to have had difficulty in understanding grace. His love came with conditions As long as you make me happy, I'll love you and that means he probably assumes the love he receives from others is conditional too. How can anyone experience joy when they live each day thinking they have to earn love?

Second, stay focused on what's really important. There are a lot of little things that can steal your joy but only if you let them. Jesus taught this: Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also (Matthew 6:19-21 NIV).

My sister, Chaundel, thought about this Bible passage when she learned her house in Maryville, California, was under 9 feet of water. While she and her husband, Tom, were out to dinner, the local levy broke and flooded the area. Even in her grief, she joked, We drove our Chevy to the levy, and the levy was dry.

Looking back on that time, Chaundel says, God taught us that such a loss really makes you think about what's important and what's going to last. Our possessions were wiped out in a matter of minutes, but the important thing is that we were alive and well. Within a year, our house was rebuilt, but we could have never replaced each other.

Happiness is overrated. On the other hand, joy is often forgotten. Yet, joy will stabilize your life as you embrace grace and focus on the things that are truly important, moving a bad hair day down the list and relationships up to the top. No matter what happens, may God give you joy.

- Rick Warren

Isaiah 65:24

This beautiful story was written by a doctor who worked in Central Africa.
One night I had worked hard to help a mother in the labor ward; but in spite of all we could do, she died, leaving us with a tiny, premature baby and a crying two-year-old daughter. We would have difficulty keeping the baby alive; as we had no incubator (we had no electricity to run an incubator). We also had no special feeding facilities.
Although we lived on the equator, nights were often chilly with treacherous drafts. One student midwife went for the box we had for such babies and the cotton wool that the baby would be wrapped in. Another went to stoke up the fire and fill a hot water bottle. She came back shortly in distress to tell me that in filling the bottle, it had burst (rubber perishes easily in tropical climates).
'And it is our last hot water bottle!' she exclaimed. As in the West, it is no good crying over spilled milk, so in Central Africa it might be considered no good crying over burst water bottles. They do not grow on trees, and there are no drugstores down forest pathways.
'All right,' I said, 'put the baby as near the fire as you safely can, and sleep between the baby and the door to keep it free from drafts. Your job is to keep the baby warm.'
The following noon, as I did most days, I went to have prayers with any of the orphanage children who chose to gather with me. I gave the youngsters various suggestions of things to pray about and told them about the tiny baby. I explained our problem about keeping the baby warm enough, mentioning the hot water bottle, and that the baby could so easily die if it got chills. I also told them of the two-year-old sister, crying because her mother had died.
During prayer time, one ten-year-old girl, Ruth, prayed with the usual blunt conciseness of our African children. 'Please, God' she prayed, 'Send us a hot water bottle today . It'll be no good tomorrow, God, as the baby will be dead, so please send it this afternoon.'
While I gasped inwardly at the audacity of the prayer, she added, 'And while You are about it, would You please send a dolly for the little girl so she'll know You really love her?'
As often with children's prayers, I was put on the spot. Could I honestly say 'Amen'? I just did not believe that God could do this. Oh, yes, I know that He can do everything; the Bible says so. But there are limits, aren't there? The only way God could answer this particular prayer would be by sending me a parcel from the homeland. I had been in Africa for almost four years at that time, and I had never, ever, received a parcel from home.
Anyway, if anyone did send me a parcel, who would put in a hot water bottle? I lived on the equator!
Halfway through the afternoon, while I was teaching in the nurses' training school, a message was sent that there was a car at my front door. By the time I reached home, the car had gone, but there on the porch was a large 22-pound parcel. I felt tears pricking my eyes. I could not open the parcel alone, so I sent for the orphanage children. Together we pulled off the string, carefully undoing each knot. We folded the paper, taking care not to tear it unduly... Excitement was mounting. Some thirty or forty pairs of eyes were focused on the large cardboard box.
From the top, I lifted out brightly-colored, knitted jerseys.. Eyes sparkled as I gave them out. Then there were the knitted bandages for the leprosy patients, and the children looked a little bored. Then came a box of mixed raisins and sultanas - that would make a batch of buns for the weekend.
Then, as I put my hand in again, I felt the.. could it really be?
I grasped it and pulled it out. Yes, a brand new, rubber hot water bottle. I cried. I had not asked God to send it; I had not truly believed that He could.
Ruth was in the front row of the children. She rushed forward, crying out, 'If God has sent the bottle, He must have sent the dolly, too!


'Rummaging down to the bottom of the box, she pulled out the small, beautifully-dressed dolly. Her eyes shone! She had never doubted! Looking up at me, she asked, 'Can I go over with you and give this dolly to that little girl, so she'll know that Jesus really loves her?'
'Of course,' I replied!
That parcel had been on the way for five whole months, packed up by my former Sunday school class, whose leader had heard and obeyed God's prompting to send a hot water bottle, even to the equator. And one of the girls had put in a dolly for an African child - five months before, in answer to the believing prayer of a ten-year-old to bring it 'that afternoon'.
'Before they call, I will answer.' (Isaiah 65:24)


Prayer is one of the best free gifts we receive. There is no cost, but a lot of rewards. Let's continue praying for one another. This awesome prayer takes less than a minute.

Heavenly Father, I ask you to bless my friends reading this. I ask You to minister to their spirit. Where there is pain, give them Your peace and mercy. Where there is self doubting, release a renewed confidence to work through them. Where there is tiredness or exhaustion, I ask You to give them understanding, guidance, and strength. Where there is fear, reveal Your love and release to them Your courage. Bless their finances, give them greater vision, and raise up leaders and friends to support and encourage them. Give each of them discernment to recognize the evil forces around them and reveal to them the power they have in You to defeat it. I ask You to do these things in Jesus' name. Amen.

Resurrected Faith

"Then he reached out his hand and took the knife to slay his son" (Gen 22:10).
There are times in our lives when God brings a test to see if we are ready to put to death the very thing that God promised we would have. Such was the case in the life of Abraham with Isaac. Isaac was the promised son. Yet, God said to raise the knife to sacrifice him in obedience to God.
When God brings such a test into our lives we usually have a choice. Neither choice is attractive. One choice will often salvage some aspect of the vision. The other choice will totally kill the vision from our perspective. However, that is the faith decision. That is the only decision from God's perspective.
If we choose the faith decision that kills the vision - we will witness the resurrection of the vision supernaturally by God. Our own faith will be launched into a whole new dimension. He will raise us up in order to speak through our lives in that experience. God often brings that person into a very public ministry.
However, if we choose the lesser decision, we will reside in a lesser walk with God. God will accept the decision but there will be consequences to our faith journey. He cannot trust us with a bigger vision because He sees our obedience is moveable based on our perceived consequences.
If we choose the lesser decision then God will often orchestrate other events in our lives that are designed to develop our faith to a level that will allow us to make the right decision the next time.
Do you have resurrection faith that will trust God to raise your situation from the dead?

by Os Hillman

A prayer...

I ran across this today and thought that this was an awesome prayer. It truly fits into my life on this day as well. I just wanted to share...

Dear God, Thank you for being my Father and my greatest Friend. You listen when no one else does. You love me unconditionally. You correct me when I'm wrong, in whatever way you know I will respond. You comfort me when I grieve. You encourage me when I am discouraged. You lead me when I am confused. You carry me when I am weak. You are awesome! Please help me to be that kind of friend to others. I pray that I will be sensitive to other people's feelings and life situations; that I will be a true friend who speaks the truth in love. I pray that I will be alert to signs that cry out for help. I pray that I will be available when needed. I pray that I will laugh with and have fun with my friends, rejoice with them as well as hold and comfort them when the time comes. May I be consistent in every season of life. May I share your love and shine the light of your word upon others. And may you be glorified. In Jesus' name I pray, amen.

Gratitude...

I am grateful for my mother who has always been there for me and continues to show her support through all my times of need.
I am grateful for my sister who despite our many differences has always shown me love and is the best sibling I could have hoped and dreamed of having.
I am grateful for all my family who has stuck with me through all of my trials and tribulation sin life.
I am grateful for my friends who show support when it is needed and are there for me to vent to.
I am grateful for the mother of my son who has been an amazing mother and raised a bright, happy boy that will grow into a strong man.
I am VERY grateful for the healthy son that I have been blessed with and regardless of the past I now have a bright future whereas I can be an example for him to become a great man that lives the life all men should.
I am grateful for GOD for having the grace to let someone with my wicked past live a great life from this day forward so that I may do my part to make this world a better place.

There is so much that I am grateful for that I could go on for hours but I will spare anyone that reads this the experience of falling asleep while reading a blog.

Thank you to all that are in my life and I appreciate each and every one of you.

Enjoy the ride...

Hello people...I realize that I have not been around here. Things are getting run down. I know. I know.

Well, I am trying to get back into the mode of writing again. Not only is it therapeutic but it is thoroughly enjoyable as well.

Anyway all I have is this which was shared with me by my mother.

Enjoy the Ride!

Decaffeinated kerfuffle...

Many Americans have a predilection to enjoying a cup of coffee in the morning.

Well, those that work where I do are no different. However, due to working for a company that is a hybrid combination of two of the worst industries in our nation (at this juncture). They are doing all they can to cut costs whereas we are a sinking ship.

The best analogy out there would be in the first "Pirates of the Caribbean" film where Captain Jack Sparrow's ship was sinking and just before it went completely under he stepped off onto the dock. I am just hoping the dock draws near before the ship goes under so I can make it to dry land. Anyone that knows me well knows that swimming is not my strong suit! LOL

I digress...

Below I have attached portions of an email that we received at my place of employment two weeks ago. Quite amusing if you ask me.

"In a continued effort to minimize costs in 2009 we are looking at all areas of our building where we can save money... As a result of our partnership with [censored for discretion] we are pleased to announce that the cafeteria will offer you premium coffee...starting on March 23, 2009. We will also be adding a coffee vending machine in the building that will supply regular coffee, flavored coffee and hot chocolate at reduced prices.

Because of the ongoing cost, we will no longer be supporting the complimentary coffee service throughout the building.

We appreciate your support as we move forward to save costs in 2009."

Ironically, just over a week later this appeared in Dilbert. I found it fitting and comical..HAHA

Do you feel...

Experiments from jarrett on Vimeo.

Siren Lucidity...

This will be another one of my dream entries....I will do my best to provide as much of it as I can remember. 

I was the second vehicle in the caravan we had going to dinner. Not sure who all else was going but there was several cars in our caravan. As we approached our destination there was a spiral ramp (like at a parking garage) leading up the parking lot. 

The vehicle in front of me turned sharply which struck me as odd. A split second later I see a NRH police car rapidly approaching me head on (going the wrong direction I might add). I swerve to miss them and do luckily. as I look in my rear view mirror I see the car blast through the wall and over the side. 

As odd as it was I continued up the ramp to my parking space. Our group all came up, parked, and we were waiting for our table. I am not sure if anyone else in my group was aware of what happened whereas everyone was simply making small talk as we waited. I kept looking over to where the crowd was gathering looking over at where this tragic event occurred. From what i remember it looked as though the driver was in uniform, there was a second individual in the passenger seat, and a third (also in uniform) riding in the back.  

I finally went over to see the result of this. the vehicle had plummeted into water. Once in the restaurant you could go down to the lower level and see through the glass wall into this area. What was strange is that the water did not slow the fall enough for the car to sit on the bottom. It has actually gone all the way through the floor. However, none of the water was draining out?! 

They then did a quick fix patch job on the floor with plywood and lattice. Then several senior citizens arrive for an underwater cardio class. One kept getting her foot caught in the lattice and I thought she going to fall through. 

I saw another officer and asked if the patrol car had been stolen or not. He advised me that he had not heard anything and then replied with a question, asking me if I thought the driver had been doing meth. 

I woke up before I could read the paper (LOL) and find out exactly what had happened. 

I am not sure what the meaning of this is but my dreams continue to be even more odd than my daily thoughts...lol

I think you should all pray for me...LOL

Periphery comet...

It is said that the comet named Lulin (which was only discovered in 2007 by Chinese and Taiwanese astronomers) it making its way out of our solar system to never return. Here is a map of where to find it if you are into these type of once in a lifetime opportunities. Otherwise you can get PDF maps here. 

Damage Inc. and Paper or plastic?

Damage Inc. 

Well, on my way to work this morning...

BOOM!

...it happened. 

What happened? (you might ask)...

Yes I am OK...hopefully the car will be OK...

Now moving on...

Paper or plastic?

Whole Foods will be there first chain to completely stop using plastic bags! They plan to do so in all U.S., Canada, and U.K. store location no later than on Earth Day 2009 (April 22). They have stopped all orders for new so as they run out; they will no longer be available. Let us now just hope that other stores will follow in their footsteps. Some 4 to 5 trillion plastic bags—including large trash bags, thick shopping bags, and thin grocery bags—were produced globally in 2002, according to the Worldwatch Institute’s State of the World 2004 report. It is said that more than 100 million bags will be kept from the environment in 2009 alone as a result of this action. I for one would be happy to take a road trip and not see one of these bags in a tree or shrub. 

Perhaps less widely known is the destructive impact that plastic bags have on marine life. As the they make their way into streams, rivers, storm drains, etc.; these bags are the major source of human-related waste on the seabed. Over 250 different species have suffered from entanglement or ingestion of marine debris...and that is only what has been reported. 

So kudos to Whole Foods and let us hope and pray that other corporations will follow in their footsteps. 

I know that is a strange combination of topics but being that this is my 100th post on this blog I did not want it to end on a negative...lol

Tersely stated...

more proof that (American) football is the greatest and most popular sport in the United States. I just discovered that the Pro Bowl beat out the Lakers-Cavs game in the ratings by almost 20%. That is truly amazing to even me. For those that know me; know that I have to be among the top five percent of fanatical football fans. Yet, even for me it is hard to fathom that there was that much of a separation be tween the two. I mean you have Kobe Bryant and LeBron James on the court competing against one another. WOW! That is all I can say is WOW! Although I watched the Pro Bowl I had no idea that it had that much popularity. 

...I'm just sayin'...LOL

Guilty of obfuscation...

many have implied or flat out stated Google is. Is it because they track a lifelong record of every search query each of its users had made, also including the IP address the query was executed from and a cookie ID to link together queries from a user's computer even if the IP address changes?  I realize that they have an inordinately large amount of information stored on individuals web surfing habits; but this is all public knowledge and is explained in Google's privacy policy. 

Additionally, you are notified any time you install something like Google desktop, Picasa, latitude, Grand Central, etc. They are not trying to be secretive about it. 

There are plenty of conspiracy theories out there about the what they intend to use the information for...or why? Is it to ingratiate themselves with the governments of the world when information is needed? Is it simply to get into our mind so they can send us the advertising ads with the most relevance to us? Both seem logically possible and yet that of being theoretical all at the same time. 

Regardless of their intentions I am a fan and a huge advocate of Google and all of their services. That is why I want to introduce the following new initiative the my four regular readers (and anyone else that comes across this...LOL). 

Introducing Google powermeter! At this time I believe it is only available for the employees of Google currently testing it out. But think about the positive impact this could have on individuals expenses as well as the carbon footprint we as a nation put forth currently. IN fact if I still lived in the DC area I would happily attend the Plug into the Smart Grid event! 

That I really all I have for the world today! I hope that this is available for me someday in the near future. I will absolutely utilize the service to save myself some money as well as reduce my energy consumption. 

P.S. - Do not forget to install the Google Energy Saver Gadget on your computer to adjust your computers power settings to save the worlds energy as well. 

If you found this post even the slightest bit intriguing then you should also check out this book. 

Surreptitiously observing the workforce...

I sit back and watch. It pains me at times but I know that life is full of tests and one thing that only we control of ourselves is our integrity. I also know that trust, whereas it takes time to build, can be completely taken away and removed in seconds. That is why I continue to be "that guy" at work. You know the guy many people talk about and call a brown noser? Why do they call me that?

I can tell you why. Because, I do what I am paid to do. I show up to work on time. I actually work while I am there. I do not take excessive breaks, lunches, or meaningless trips to the printer/copy machine. I do not take personal calls (nor give out my work number). I do not email on personal matters at work. Nor, do I surf the net while at work. 

...and this all makes me some sort of a freaky nerd? Tell you what I will gladly accept that label. 

One thing that consistently shows at EVERY place I have ever been employed is that my performance and results are among the leaders every time. I can go home every day knowing that no one can look at me and my actions and state that my work day was just a subterfuge. You get what you see when it comes to my work. 

What is frustrating is seeing so many individuals in the work force that lack true work ethic and are essentially "equals" in the work force. Is it possible that this is all envisaged by myself? I suppose it is possible but, I see and hear people complaining about the most insignificant things on a daily basis. Their pejorative behaviour seems to be contagious as well as you watch it spread through a work place like a wild fire. I often times become enervated with it all. 

Tantalisingly trippy...

the mind truly is an amazing thing. We will never fully understand the complexity of God's true design of it all. But here are some fun hack tricks for your brain!

P.S. - You do NOT even need LSD or mescaline to do these. These are safe and fun for the whole family.

Inequity in life...

I am truly amazed when I am out and about in public. Whether it be work, the grocery store, a restaurant, and even church *gasp* (yes even at church)...one common occurrence that I witness is someone complaining about something. They may be on the phone going off to the mystery human on the other line; or even just bantering to another individual near them. Either way I am truly amazed that out of everything we have in this country that there is so much to complain about. A country where our homeless live better than many people in third world countries. 

I challenge anyone reading this...from this day on...take the opportunity to focus on the positive things in your life. The blessings that have been given to you. If you need to stop and look around at nature...it is soothing, relaxing, and can really allow for you to acknowledge some of the great things we have in life. If you apply your attention prosaically on a daily basis you will find things begin to look up for you. Once you reach the point of feeling more optimistic about yourself and the world around you; you can then share that optimism with the world. 

With all that being said...do NOT let the negativity become your idiosyncratic style. It is ugly and repulsing. No matter how bad things get...remember what you DO have. 

If you focus on these things they will drag you down and not allow you to grow and move forward to reach your future goals and aspirations. 

The end of repugnant cookies...

I felt that this post was necessary today whereas today is Data Privacy Day 2009!!!

I know that over the last several years the fact that Google tracks your every move down to the day you cut yor toenails has been the cause of much contrvoersy. Well for those of you that feel you have something to hide the answer has arrived. Now there is a search engine that will truly anonymize your search results. It is a (not so) new Netherlands-based search engine named ixquick. Just for the sake of full disclosure: The Dutch search engine does actually use two cookies, but one expires after 90 days and the other expires at the end of each search session.

Otherwise if you are a huge Google advocate you can download Google Chrome which is their web browser. You would then hit 'Ctrl+Shift+N' and it will open what they call an Incognito Window. 

Wither of these options can come to be very useful if you need a stealth mode. For example, if youa re planning that dream vaction for Valentines Day. Or, if you are moving out of the country to avoid paying a speeding ticket...lol (Poor reasoning I know...I am in a funky mood at the moment.) Either of these options will not store data of the websites you were at and both options will delete any (and all) cookies upon closing out the window. 

Purported error...

I think that when people call in to an organization for assistance in reference to a matter; they instantly assume that the person that answered the phone is the cause of all their problems in life. Sure it is a major pain to call in using your valuable time, sit on hold, and then have to explain your entire story to the representative that is there to assist you.  However, you should not scream, yell, cuss, and/or argue with the aforementioned individual there to assist you. Keep in mind, that that individual is a consumer just as well and has likely experienced the same issues that you are dealing with. Additionally, it is possible that this individual has likely never (I repeat NEVER) heard of you, seen your account, or even had the slightest knowledge of your existence prior to answering your phone call. 

I would also bet my annual salary that there is a 90% (probably higher) chance that the person at which you are dealing out incomprehensible amounts of hate and anger had nothing to do with the issue that you are having with that said product or service. Some that read this may say, "Hey you are customer service it is your job." WRONG pal! As human beings we should ALL be kind and respectful to one another. Typically the person you are speaking with on the other line is paid a minimal amount for their services anyway. 

You also want to get pissy and angry with someone in India (or any other country) trying to assist you. Look, I understand the frustration with our jobs moving to other countries; oftentimes not being able to fully understand what that person is saying and a communication barrier where they do not understand anything we mention outside of their script...just to name a couple. I get that. 

But, with that being said...it is no wonder some individuals in other nations hate us...look at the perception they must have and the "word of mouth" that would be spread. 

P.S. - One more thing...what I have found to be true in most aspects of life over the last few years is that people are not willing to be accountable for their own actions. For example, someone gets their vehicle repossessed. They call up and scream and yell and blame the company. Well, YOU are the one that did not make your payments as agreed upon within the terms of your contract. These companies also do not go out and repossess your car after being just a few days late. You are either a repeat offender and/or you are VERY past due. Some arguments are as follows: "No one ever contacted me." - well you should have contacted the company with updated contact information when you moved and/or changed your number. "I lost my job." - that is truly unfortunate but when income stops for a business, as it does when people stop paying their bills, they too can go out of business (or file bankruptcy) and then be out of jobs. "I did not know the terms of my contract." - ummmm really? You should read documents you sing. If you choose not to (as most individuals do) then do not use it as an excuse. 

OK I am done ranting...I hope you all learned something...lol

P.S.S - OK I am not done. I want to be sure that everyone that reads this understands that I have been the person yelling at the representative in the past so I feel I can rightfully write this whereas I have been on both sides. I was simply taking my anger for other issues in life out on some poor unknowing individual. 

I would also like to add that I have had a vehicle repossessed in my past. Only I knew it was MY fault and not the credit company's so I had to suck it up. This occurred at a time after I had realized I am accountable for my own actions so no one there got yelled at! LOL

Disingenuous promises...

I find it amazing how common an occurrence it is in our society today to have individuals promise to let go of the past and "start over". These same individual then stridently do the exact opposite. 

In fact, I do not just see it with individuals today but also spreading into our corporate world. Look at all of these companies wanting a bailout. How do we expect these organizations to ever change if they are "bailed out"? 

How do we ever expect them to truly change their business practices unless you let them fail and then be forced to restructure? Not to say that it is not possible to make the necessary changes for survival without a helping hand...but seriously....is that what we are seeing?

IAG being caught on two different occasions at resorts holding so-called restructuring conferences where they spend hundreds of thousands of dollars in one weekend. You have banks getting billions in bail-out money then laying off thousands of employees, just to turn around and purchase other companies in the industry. Then the latest we have is CitiGroup spending $50 million to purchase a private jet that seats twelve! Am I the only one pissed off about this?

John Maxwell once said, "You will never change your life until you change something you do daily." 

We are humans..the most intelligent species on the planet. Should we not be challenged to grow every day that we are here on earth? Now I will be the first to say I can work on this concept myself. However, can we continue to let people in our lives and businesses in our society to do the opposite and rely on the rest of us to protect them? 

We all need to change that something we do daily for the better and then get passionate about what we do. Another great man named John Wesley once said, "Catch on fire with enthusiasm and people will come for miles to watch you burn." That is so true! I have witnessed it myself, with me being the one burning with passion and enthusiasm. It is an amazing thing. 

Well, just on a tear and trying to get back in mode of posting here regualrly. Had to write about something...lol I hope everyone is having a great 2009 thus far. 

Enervation to auspicious beginnings...

Well, here we are. My first blogoversary! I figured with this I should begin writing again. It has been far too long since I have regularly posted entries in here. 

Well the last year was definitely filled with all kinds of change, adversity, etc. 

January: at the time I began writing in this blog I was just coming out of a state of pretty severe depression that was a result of a time in my life of obfuscation. I had never experienced depression before (whereas I am a predominantly happy go lucky kind of person) so it took me a while to even figure out what was wrong within myself. During that time I also began consistently experiencing migraine headaches that would last days. It was what some would call a low-point in my life. The turn around began when I flew into Texas for the holidays. I was able to visit my mother and sister and try to get my thoughts worked out. It worked...I went back to my home in Virginia after the holidays with a new sense of motivation. 

February: I decided I was moving out of Virginia and back to Texas. I gave my two weeks notice to my place of employment and began packing my things. 

March: On the first of the month I found myself back in my home state with a new vigor for life. On the eighth my mother invited me to go to Church with her which was another good move. 

April: By now I had quit smoking and was rarely drinking. I had replaced those habits with yoga and lifting weights. 

May: Still continuing a frustrating job search but keeping my spirits up throughout that time. I continued to go to the gym regularly and do yoga as often as possible. I also began spending more time at church volunteering by working with the children's ministries and the singles home group ministry as well. 

June: By now I am continuing the aforementioned activities, exercises, etc. I also got myself a job (though not ideal was a job none-the-less). I also joined a flag football pick-up league that was here locally and got involved in being a co-organizer for that group as well. 

July: The month that changed everything and will go down as one of the greatest months of my life. Not only did I get a new job that I enjoyed much more than the previous...on the sixteenth of this month I was contacted and discovered I have a son (Andrew)! An emotional roller coaster would follow; but, I knew that I had to keep focused now that there is a child in the picture. 

August: Continued to get to know Andrew and his mother which was very fulfilling for me. Although i had missed out on the previous three years of his life I was enthralled with knowing I could be there for the years to come to help to raise him to be a good man. I also continued to excel at my new job by leading my department for the month. 

September: Month number two of leading the department at my new job; due to that fact I also got a promotion! But the best part of the month was when I flew out to meet my son. I also must thank the Guerrero's for providing me with that plane ticket so I could go meet my son. It was the most amazing weekend. His mother has done a fantastic job of raising him. He is very well behaved and so happy. I did not want to leave to come back home.

October: I continued to struggle for a while after going out there. I was under a lot of stress. Starting the new position at work, still living with my mother (which was supposed to be very temporary), and the pain of not being able to see my son. For a while I could not even go to my friends houses that had children because it was too difficult to be around children. But, I got through it and continued to move forward at work as well. 

November: At this point I was just counting the days to when I would be back in California to hang out with Andrew! There was stark contrast as to my emotions after leaving California in September. I knew now that I would once again be spending time with my son again. This time I had more than a week to do so!

December: The time has come. The first year I get to spend my birthday, Christmas, and Andrew's birthday with him! The anticipation was so intense. I finally got out to CA and to get to hold him in my arms was a great reward for months of patience. I made the best of the time I was allowed to see my son and tried to be near him at all times. Knowing the value of time and knowing that we had such a small amount of it together made it that much more important to me. Also knowing that I have no idea when I am going to be able to see him again. 

Now we are in a new year that will be full of new beginnings and changes. I am pledging to make this the best year of my life and make great strides in the direction that I have to go. I also intend to begin posting again and more often as a place to vent my thoughts and reactions to things in the world. Happy New Year all!

 

A lesson to be learned...

When you look around and see all the fighting and division in our nation; even our world it is often times confusing. Watch this video and tell me that this is not how all species (especially humans) shoudl interact with one another. 

THE SILENT SERMON

A member of a certain church, who previously had been attending services regularly, stopped going. After a few weeks, the preacher decided to visit him.

It was a chilly evening. The preacher found the man at home alone, sitting before a blazing fire. Guessing the reason for his preachers visit, the man welcomed him, led him to a comfortable chair near the fireplace and waited.

The preacher made himself at home but said nothing. In the grave silence, he contemplated the dance of the flames around the burning logs. After some minutes, the preacher took the fire tongs, carefully picked up a brightly burning ember and placed it to one side of the hearth all alone then he sat back in his chair, still silent.

The host watched all this in quiet contemplation. As the one lone ember's flame flickered and diminished, there was a momentary glow and then its fire was no more. Soon it was cold and dead.

Not a word had been spoken since the initial greeting. The preacher glanced at his watch and realized it was time to leave. He slowly stood up, picked up the cold, dead ember and placed it back in the middle of the fire. Immediately it began to glow,once more with the light and warmth of the burning coals around it.

As the preacher reached the door to leave, his host said with a tear running down his cheek, 'Thank you so much for your visit and especially for the fiery sermon. I shall be back in church next Sunday.'

We live in a world today, which tries to say too much with too little.  Consequently, few listen. Sometimes the best sermons are the ones left unspoken.