Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Philippians 2:3-4 (ESV)
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Avoiding modicum haughtiness...
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)
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Daily Survival Kit
|
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Semblance of consistency...
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.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Never relinquish YOUR leadership role...
- 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
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Inordinate collusion...
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!
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
The Trip Home... (Author unknown)
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!
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Seasonal quiddity...
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Leadership...
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!
Friday, September 11, 2009
Do YOU take it all for granted?
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Non-smoking...
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Tomorrow
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
Friday, August 14, 2009
Are You a Threat? - by Os Hillman
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.
Friday, July 24, 2009
Literally, probably, maybe...
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!
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Change, risk, and REWARDS!
Monday, July 13, 2009
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Praise God to live in this great nation!
P.S. - is someone cutting onions around here...or is there a fan on high?
Look...God
Look forward and trust God.
Look around and serve God.
Look within and find God!
Monday, July 6, 2009
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.
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
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
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
Only the God-planned life is successful.
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Keepin' it real!
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
Saturday, July 4, 2009
Psalm 23 (For the Work Place)
Friday, July 3, 2009
Don't Settle for Happiness; Aim for Joy
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
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Isaiah 65:24
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.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Resurrected Faith
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...
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.
Friday, May 15, 2009
Gratitude...
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.
Monday, May 11, 2009
Enjoy the ride...
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!
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Decaffeinated kerfuffle...
"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."

Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Siren Lucidity...
Monday, February 23, 2009
Periphery comet...

Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Damage Inc. and Paper or plastic?
.jpg)
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Tersely stated...
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Guilty of obfuscation...
If you found this post even the slightest bit intriguing then you should also check out this book.
Monday, February 9, 2009
Surreptitiously observing the workforce...
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Tantalisingly trippy...
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Inequity in life...
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
The end of repugnant cookies...
Purported error...
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Disingenuous promises...
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Enervation to auspicious beginnings...
Saturday, January 10, 2009
A lesson to be learned...
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
THE SILENT SERMON
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.