Where are the Hands and Feet?

Today I saw a video that hit me between the eyes. It was a video from Floodgate media that described what happens in the parking lot of a church after the service dismisses. As I watched I began to think about my own conversations that take place after Sunday service. The questions that I ask, the statements I make about what just took place. I know that most of them are probably selfish and pointless and don't really matter. What does matter is how my faith becomes action. When I am able to get beyond myself see what is right in front of me, then and only then do I begin to be the hands and feet I have been called to be. I Think about 1 Corinthians 13 which is known as the love chapter. It says in simple terms that if I do all there is to do that is good, but do not love, it's useless. I have learned over the years that love is an action word, a verb. There is a catch. I cannot love on my own. I know I want to be loved and that those right around are just like me in that respect.  We all want to be loved.  I can simply begin by just saying a kind word, or reaching out to help someone in need.  It's still selfish if I hope to get something from it.  I want to love without any expectation.  Without seeing what I will get out of it.  I know that this is attainable.  I do this for my wife and kids.  I just love them.  I cannot define why or how.  I just do.  I need to see all that is around me as thought they are my very flesh and blood and see their needs and respond. 

Summertime!

Quick little post for today.  It's still summer and I am taking it in.  Currently it's 97 degrees outside and I'm in the cool of my home.  This summer so far has been good.  Spending time with my wife and kids, trying to get a few projects finished.  It's so tempting to do nothing.  Don't really have anywhere to be and getting motivated can seem difficult at times.  Everything I need to do costs, and I'm really not in any position to spend.  I know there are things to accomplish this week and am aiming to do so.  Wish me luck!!!

Happy Easter!

Today we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. In fact, every Sunday morning, Christians around the world celebrate this fact. It is the reason we have church on Sunday. Do you ever consider this when getting ready each and every week? We are always quick to recognize that Easter is "The Day" in Christian history. When the women arrived at the empty tomb early that morning and being told by the angel, "why do you seek the living among the dead?" That was news. It was the best news for those who were followers of Jesus. It still is the best news, Jesus is Alive! I know that most of us probably are not thinking about about Easter except around the month of April, but I just wanted to remind those who might read this that every moment we are alive that Christ has conquered death! We join together as the body of Christ each week in our respective churches as a direct result of Jesus and His resurrection. We are His people, we are the body of Christ. When we choose to accept Jesus as Savior, when we decide to make Jesus our Lord, we are being brought into new life. We are resurrected from death and are given life eternal. The resurrection is the beginning, it's our beginning. You as a believer have life, due to Jesus. Celebrate His resurrection! Celebrate your resurrection in Christ. He has given you life, each day is Easter for the believer. Never forget that it is because of Jesus we are alive. Happy Easter!!!

Write, Read, Write Some More

Today I'm just being a little silly. A few years ago I began this blog and since that time I really haven't written a whole lot. This month I've written more entries than I have in the past two years combined. I decided that If I was to keep this thing, I've got to do something with it. I honestly do enjoy writing. I do not claim to be a great writer. In fact, in college, my wife (then girlfriend) helped edit my papers so that when I turned them in I would get them back without bleeding to death. I like to think that I've gotten better at putting thoughts on paper or cyber-paper as this is. I do think that the more you do something, you get better at it. Practice, practice, practice they say. I figure that at the pace I going there might be a legitimate thought coming soon. I guess it also might have something to do with reading. I'm not into novels, but I find myself reading way too many articles and blogs throughout the day. When writing, I also sort of pretend that I'm really speaking out loud. Before I post I read what I've written a few times to make sure I don't sound too stupid. The point is, I'm really enjoying the privilege of putting my thoughts down and maybe, just maybe someone might read and get something out of it. That's why I'm always reading and looking for information. Trying to gain insight into the world in which I find myself. I would encourage anyone who is thinking, that should include a sizable majority of the population, to write and let some of those thoughts out for others to hear. You never know how it might encourage someone or even help them in understanding their immediate world and the one beyond them. If nothing else, I find it therapeutic and just fun. Happy Writing!!!

A Few Steps Forward, A Lot of Steps Back!

This almost seems like a way of life. I get started, feel a good pace, then some great wind comes along and blows me further back than where I began. Do you ever feel that way? I am realizing that no matter how much I think I can do, I really am at the mercy of being human. There in lies the problem, self. I don't care how great a person you are, your self usually is the one that gets you into trouble. I'm glad, in one respect, to realize this and be able to recognize it when it begins to happen. Now, I don't always catch it right away. Sometimes I really make an a%# out of myself before I can get a clear picture of what is happening. I typically feel remorse and frustration. I'm not too good to get down right angry and stupid. Maybe I'm headed in the right direction knowing these things. But, why do I find myself doing this over and over again? Back to self. Is there ever going to be a solution to this? I doubt it. I recognize that I am fallen. I also know that I am not my own anymore either. I find it best to stop trying to be in charge. I really don't have anymore control than the next guy. I do know the one who is in control and as I read it, has it all figured out for me. All I am asked to do is blindly trust and willingly obey. Sound like too much? As I see it, I don't really see at all, I make choices and decisions which I feel are directly related to whether or not I'm listening to self or the Spirit. I hope each day that I deny my self enough to allow the Spirit to lead my mind and soul to be the person God, Himself intended me to be. And in those moments, which usually turn into days, when I am only thinking of myself and my wants I'll begin to get back. I'll begin today, then tomorrow and the next day by doing those things that I know are more than about me. Another step forward towards something beyond me. I think doing so is more than a step, it's reaching out in faith and that is the step I'm willing to take.

The Art of Us All

Over the past week I have stayed up way too late, haven't been reading a whole lot, and did take part in little artwork. I took the an opportunity to feast my eyes on a few great pieces of art via the Internet. The Google Art Project page has before your eyes artwork from many different museums from around the world. From the National Gallery to the Palace of Versailles you are transported from your living room into the world's preeminent museums. I was gazing at the Van Gogh page and found a piece that drew me to do a little artwork myself. This allowed me to reach back and remember how much I really love fine art. I remember over a year ago I spent a few hours at our fine arts museum here in town and was mesmerized at what I saw there. The collection of portraits from over the past few centuries are quite incredible in detail. I know that I could easily spend hours just looking and pondering how these artists took simple elements and were able to fashion them into a masterpiece. I then begin to get a tiny glimpse of what my creator has done. Fashioning out of nothing, a world in which life can exist. The details and brushstrokes taken to make this world a place of beauty and amazement. I cannot deny that God is real. We, his creation, continue to create things of amazement and beauty whether or not we believe in His existence. I love it that art and music move me. I love it when nature causes me to pause and wonder. I love it when I am able to use devices and things that make life a little easier. They are all created things. We are all created things. Simple elements designed to demonstrate the eminence of God. The Psalm says it best...
The heavens declare the glory of God,
and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.
(Psalm 19:1 ESV)

On a Date

Yesterday I had the wonderful privilege of taking one of my daughters out on a date. As a father I really enjoy those moments when I can have some one on one time with each of my children. This time, of course, I was with my second daughter. Now, what constitutes a date? Well, I took her to see a movie she has been dying to see and afterwords I asked her where she would like to eat. It took her a while to settle on a place, but she managed. It wasn't to complicated nor did we discuss everything going on. We really just the time hanging out. I think every child needs to know they are precious. I know that these opportunities are far too rare. I get to hear whats going on with her and really try to listen. I don't know if you have children, but if you do, spend time with them. They need us for more than just making sure their rooms are clean and that they take a bath. They need us to show them how to love and care for one another. I also think of the future when some boy comes a calling. I want her to know what a gentlemen looks and sound like. Each and every time I get these opportunities I have another chance to show her what unconditional love. I don't expect anything from her. I just want her to know that she is important to me and that I will make the time for her. Children are only on loan, so I've been told. I got to be sure I invest all I can in her and the rest of my children so they know their daddy loves them. Make the time and take the opportunity to love your children and remember what a true gift of God they are.