Interesting devotional considering how I feel

Jesus said that certain events would signal the nearness of His coming: There will be wars and rumors of wars; there will be famines and earthquakes; Christians will suffer persecution for the sake of Christ; false prophets will come and teach heresy, leading many astray; lawlessness will abound as people do what is right in their own eyes; the authorities will be unable to control crime. Because of lawlessness, people will become cynical and fearful, and their love for others will grow cold (Matt. 24:6–12).

The last line sums me up to a degree....

Another interesting tidbit that I am unclear about is what lawlessness is Jesus referring to? Government or biblical, ot law?

Changes

I have been a drifter lately. Not really good at anything or even interested in pursuing anything. I found that the first thing to go was a desire to further relationships. I notice that people that I am not close to..I don’t care if I get close to. It’s like I am not interested in the work that requires and I am not interesting enough to develop the relationship without that work. So, that gets put in the “too much effort for the reward” column and doesn’t get worked on.

 

However…(sometimes I hate that word)….however, I read a page of a book and it is making me think about my relationship with my kids even more. Are we developing deep relationships or are we rehashing the same ol’ stuff day after day. And, then I heard a song by Lincoln Brewster called Real Life and it spoke to leaving a legacy..and I thought some more.

 

The book spoke to teaching our kids the wonder and amazing-ness of God even in little flowers…The song spoke to leaving a legacy…The book talked about the details of creation and the intelligence of our God…The song speaks of the yesterdays that we had in real life, a place we took for granted. Praying that the moments now as a father, will last.

 

In my rapid and inevitable climb to middle age there are some adjustments that I am discovering I need to make…that I want to make.

 

I want to be a teacher to my kids. Not a professor. When I have had good teachers, they do exactly that…they attempt to take the knowledge they have and form it in a way that the student will understand it, digest it…and have it become their own. Professors…simply profess. The reason for this is blah, blah..the way that goes it blah, blah. They don’t ever seem to “care” about the student to the degree that I would want to as a teacher.

 

I want to be a learner – improve at the things that are worth my time.

 

I want to love others regardless of whether they love me or not.

 

I want to pray more.

 

I want to have a REAL relationship with the Lord.

 

I want my kids to see the importance of all that, I want to be teaching them those things and I want them to claim it for their own so that they have what they need in life to make decisions of utmost importance. They may not ever really say it, but, I would want to have covered enough stuff with enough depth and enough love for them to say, “what would Dad say about that?” Essentially, to have them reflect on our relationship because I cared enough to take the time and do the work.

 

I want to NOT be lazy.

 

Amen.

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Amazing

My wife is very thoughtful…and the weird thing is that she loves my company. Here are some of the wonderful things that she does to prove it:

Leaves me the best notes in my lunchbox

Wants to have date night (with me!)

Gets up in the morning and prepares a breakfast for me to take to work

She knows the foods I love (and hate)

She reminds me of things that I want to be reminded of (and some that I don’t!, but faithful are the wounds of a friend)

We joke around a lot

When I am down…she’s up

She shares what she hears from the Lord

 

May sound small…but these are very personal and wonderful things my wife does for me…she’s amazing!

 

 

 

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Family pic at company picnic

Fun gift JD got

Lack of thought

I have recently been told that I don't go out of my way to make others feel welcomed when they come over. Also, that it appears I'd rather escape then expose myself to potential correction.

Wow, those are a couple of doozies considering I thought I was being a happy go lucky nice guy. I really don't know what to make of it. Was I different at one time and suddenly am unfriendly or were these epiphanies a long time coming? I don't feel any differently, but that may be old age setting in I guess! ;-)

Is it really sinful to not be super friendly or warm? Where is the line on how far I should take the friendliness? Should I invite everyone I meet to dinner?

Part of my angst with the whole thing is that it seems a bit "man made". Maybe if there were scripture that reinforced how we are to behave all the time it would be easier! :-) I guess the point these 2 are trying to make is that there are some meetings/times that are God ordained and that I am not in tune with it. The fear that my introvertedness (if that's a word) is robbing the Lord of opportunities to bless others and or learn something about myself.

I have to think more on this one.

Fishing fun!

The kids had a blast with grandma and grandpa at a little pond at the RV park on Chaffee.

Z boys jumping jacks

Men's luncheon

Thursdays are pretty special to me. Thursdays are first baptist church lunches where the pastor come put and talks as we eat. He talks about things specific to men for the most part. It's also a time when I get to see friends that I don't work with anymore.

This week the pastor exposed a mindset to me that I don't have. He was talking about how the devil (yes, the devil) tries to win over your conscience. How the devil would have you turn to your own power to make things that you feel guilty about, correct or righted. He further explained how he would entice you to do the wring thing by downplaying it, then when you did, pop questions in your head like, "you call yourself a Christian?" Then convinces you that you've got to make it right before you seek out the Lord.

That kind of thing is NEVER from God. God would have you run to Him everytime. To win the battles in His power. He would never "kick you around the room" as Dale stated so eloquently.

So, go to Him everytime. Yes, with shame fear and trembling. There is nothing in your power that can truly make it right anyway. So go to the one that can!

2 concepts

1. Anger is not a fruit of the spirit
2. The Holy Spirit won't kick you around the room. (kick you when you're down)

Tough everyday

In our house whining over a scraped knee or falling down doesn't get sympathy. It is usually met with someone saying, "be tough!" and, surprisingly it is very effective. The tears quickly subside and life moves on. Z boy is at a stage where he just falls.... A lot. The other day as he's getting up without whining I send a "man, you're tough!" his way. He replied in a kind of frustrated voice, "I'm tough everyday!"

Indeed.

What to do?

It seems that I am at a loss on what to do with my littles. Play time with them typically is just wrestling. I am pretty sure there are other things to do besides that! Any suggestions?

Mike Taggart
x3004

Real fun

I remember being a kid and always wanting a brother. Sisters are good and all, but there was always that something missing without a brother. Now that I have kids of my own that have all the different arrangements as far as that's concerned (except being an only child) I see, in real life, exactly those things that I missed out on without a same sex sibling.

 

For example, taking taekwondo and coming home to try out what was learned. Now, I don't believe I am a sissy but if I had a choice I would prefer NOT to get punched or kicked. I had the same preference as a kid. But, I think that's because I didn't have a brother. Hitting my sister definitely got me in trouble....but a brother? That's expected! I see my boys experiencing some of the pains that I avoided...and smiling about it. No, laughing! They are becoming warriors! They are improving their skills to defend themselves and their families! And having a blast to boot. I think about being punched as a scary thing, full of uncertainty. The same with punching. Will I be effective? Will they just laugh like in the movies? Not my boys, they know it...they will have experienced it and be all the more courageous because if it. I can't help but smile when I see them sparring. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t want them starting fights or what have you, but it is a reassuring thought to know that they know what to expect if one does break out.  And that’s just one small and simple aspect of it.

 

The other day I posted a video on facebook – 2 of my boys have been enamored by a video where people depicted towers and then fell….but not only fell…fell in SLOW MOTION!  I have to admit, it was one of the cooler things that I think I have seen in that sort of video. But, while I watched from afar and said, “cool”..they went to their room and worked out how to do it. I came from work one day and there they were. Double decker sons, falling in slow motion with sound effects to boot. Yea…there’s something you don’t do as an only child!

 

My family was at a playground at the park with my wife. My youngest son was on the jungle gym but was stopped from crossing a bridge by the “jungle gym bully”…you know a kid that’s too big to be playing on the stuff to begin with. My 3 year old really didn’t know what to expect….but, as my 7 year old came up behind him and received the same threat. All the times being defeated in wrestling by his older brothers had prepared him for this moment. NO! There wasn’t a punch thrown by anyone. However, there was this boy that was a head shorter than this bully. He had a smile on his face and a finger pointing at the bully…”yea, but do you know taekwondo?” … no fear. To top it all off, the 7 year old didn’t even know that his oldest brother was standing at the ready should things get out of control. But, they didn’t. The bully realized that he didn’t intimidate him…and suddenly, “I have to go”. I am so thankful that it didn’t come to blows. I did have a talk with him about taunting and being a little too adventurous….but the point is. He wasn’t afraid.

 

Yea, I am sure you have your own stories of such things. I am so thankful to be able to watch this. I love my family.

 

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Anger

Everyone around me (and including me) is easily angered and short tempered. It’s getting old.

How you know somethings yummy II

Mike Taggart
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How you know if something's good

2 b continued

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Much more fun

Something that I noticed as of late, it's much more fun to play games by the 3 and 4 year olds interpretation!

Fun night

Last nite while my oldest dAughter was having a get together with friends. I had the littles in the back room . We watched a soccer game in the background, played board games (by the 3 and 4 year olds rules. Which is much better than the real rules) and just hung out. During on of the games it was discovered that the game pieces stuck to my head. Apparently sticking things to dads head is more fun than playing games! After carefully adjusting the 6th piece to my enormous forehead my daughter says, "dad go show mom!"

Well, I didn't since we had a house full of people. But, t
Last night was one of the best nights I have had in a long time!

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Private! Do not read. This is for my records only.

I thought it would be appropriate to record some of the reasons that made it easy to move on from my old job so that I wouldn't look back with longing eyes.:

 

In a note to my director I listed some of the reasons "off the record".

1. I appreciate you. - There aren't many guys that I just plain respect. You are one that I do. I realize that may not hold much weight...but it does with me. You are a fantastic leader and a great asset wherever you are and at whatever you put your hands to. Your intelligence and how you typically hold yourself, protect your people and seem to want what's best just reinforces that fact.

2. Nope, it's not about money - entirely. There are things that disappoint me about how things got worked out and it seems that upper management considers the corporate employees to be the "lowest" in the chain of expenses or liabilities. It seems they fall right under having teeth pulled to upper management here...yet, I see (what appears to me) to be very lush decisions made regarding other equipment etc. And, to a degree, feel somewhat taken advantage of or just looked down upon as not having been worth what I was worth in the past. I realize you've said things contrary to that...and I appreciate it. But, for the most part, your words were the only bit of comfort there was. There isn't a feeling of value or worth. I guess knowing how others were handled when they wanted to come back just compounds what I perceive and from the lack of any type of activity to remedy it reinforces it.

3. It's about the leadership - Since I have been back (again, it seems to me) extreme upper management considers corporate employees to be money sucking pigs. In one of the employee meetings it was asked if we'd get raises this year. In a hallway conversation with someone that is in Silva's company I learned his view of the corporate employees...It was a relatively minor remark that went something like "all these corporate people want is more money".. Just left a really bad taste in my mouth. The demeanor with which the questions were answered in the PDF distribution just speaks volumes in regards to the opinion that management holds. There is a definite consensus from all the employees I know about that issue.

4. It's about my contributions - I feel like I have a lot to add but there are so many barriers. Attitudes, pride, preconceived notions, etc. I feel hamstrung. Having to deal with the emotional stability of others more than the solutions that you demand, require and deserve.

5. It's about the team - It may be a dynamic from the position I held before. But, I definitely don't feel part of the team. More like an outsider looking in. That is more than likely my fault more than anything...but, I think some of it is resentment from those I've worked with in the past and others that weren't here when I was here before are just "threatened" or something. But, the constant bickering and obnoxiousness is something that I look forward to leave behind. I am not saying that I am leaving behind disagreements or contention...that's everywhere...but, what appears to me to be hostility based off of insecurity.

 

You have always been the epitome of professionalism and I hope I can take what you have exemplified with me and attempt to reproduce it wherever I go.

###############################################

 

Other reasons that come to mind:

1. No investment in current resources. Training? What's that..in addition, when it can be done we are replaced by an offshore resource. That makes training even less appealing to pay for. I can't believe they don't really see the dissatisfaction from the facilities in that.

2. Lack of looking out for their people. In an example, a fellow engineer accidentally submitted 1 extra day of vacation than entitled. He was docked. Sounds straightforward. But, when you consider the number of hours outside of business hours he puts in I view it as a bit of legalism. He easily throws away 20 hours a month for this company that his family doesn't get...240 hours a year. That's more than a month of time...but, they got their 8 hours that he took "extra". Wow...I understand rules are important. But, what do you think he's doing now? Smooth move by the company.

3. Something that really surprised me. When I came back it was like everyone was a jedi trying to convince me of stuff. Mainly how processes and stuff are so much better than when I was here before. "Jedi mind tricks don't work on me...only money!" as our purple flying friend states. Here I was...a perfect specimen that they could ask..."so, what do you think of the changes? " I have a fresh perspective. I mean...gone for 2 years. That's long enough to implement some serious changes, yet short enough to recall how I left it rather easily. Nope. It's a funny thing to come from a university of smart people that were inquisitive and well read...to "here" and hear how the world is stupid and only this companies employees are smart. How processes that kept other departments away made things so much better. etc. etc. Very disappointing. I realize that it's probably a weird thing..having been in the same job doing the same things for 2 years...thinking that I am exactly the same as when I left..Like I stepped out into nothingness, experienced nothing...then reappeared.

4. I think my dad said it best. He said, "it's just hard to go back to someplace you've already been. Things are never quite the same.". I really think that sums it up. There's really nothing BAD about this ol' job nor the people that work here. I think mentally I just moved on when I left the 1st time and it was a valiant attempt at recapturing what was...the things I listed are just things that made it easier to choose to leave. I'm sure I'll encounter the same stuff everywhere and new things of their own at each job. But, trying to return just didn't work out. I am excited about beginning fresh in an environment that is in a rebuild situation.

 

We'll see.

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Simple concept that is making an impact

I feel like I should have known this. I mean scripture says that we love Him because He first loved us. But, the scripture seemed to be "simple"...well, sure, God loves me. :-) However, I was listening to a book on my iPod (thanks for the iTunes card kids!!) written by C.S. Lewis called "The problem with pain." and he stated something I knew in a way where I realized that I didn't KNOW it. It's hard to explain...but, that revelation of, "Ohhhh, that's what it meant." came to me.

 

So many times we overcomplicate things. Even our Christianity gets complicated by our own ignorance. Often I think things like..."hey, that was a work for the Lord. He'll want to high five me when I get to heaven!"...well, maybe. But, in it's most simple and beautiful form the realization of why we exist has been explained even more acutely by CS Lewis. Are you ready for this very profound thought? He states we're here to be loved by Him. A love that surpasses any love we've ever known or could even understand. It's not about what I do or how I worship or how "good" of a person I am. But, to allow your self to be loved by the Creator.

 

I asked myself a question..."Do I feel loved?"

 

Emphatic and exuberant, "Yes."

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Understanding...

I think that we take a lot for granted when we speak to our children...or, at least I have been. I have assumed that meanings to words like "humility" and "pride" were known by them. Why in the world would I think that!!!

We had good table talk last night where this was revealed, witnessed and made an example of.

I need to be sure the kids are understanding the words and intentions of my words more clearly. That's going to take work...but, they are worth it. :-)

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What is fretworthy?

As I wallow in my self-pity - God is faithful to occasionally open my eyes to the real issues of life. I received an email that contained the following:

"After a yearlong battle with brain cancer, Jennifer's dad passed away this morning around 6:00 a.m.  His wife and his children were all able to say goodbye, and we are thankful that he is in Heaven now and experiences no more pain.  Thank you for your prayers!"

 

As my wife and I are driving to vote - we pass an older lady pushing a younger lady in a wheel chair. The young lady in the wheel chair had an apparent ailment that kept her arms in certain positions and it was apparent that the wheelchair was necessary for any mobility....as we passed by, the sun was in the young ladies face...a smile, that was one of the most beautiful I have ever seen, flashed across her face. A smile.

 

Thankful? Smiling? In times of sadness and in a situation that seems hopeless to so many. What do they know? What have they learned?

 

Matthew 5:2-12

²And^(C) he opened his mouth and taught them, saying:

 ^3(D) "Blessed are^(E) the poor in spirit, for^(F) theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

 ⁴"Blessed are^(G) those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.

 ⁵"Blessed are the^(H) meek, for they shall inherit the earth.

 ⁶"Blessed are those who hunger and^(I) thirst^(J) for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.

 ⁷"Blessed are^(K) the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.

 ⁸"Blessed are^(L) the pure in heart, for^(M) they shall see God.

 ⁹"Blessed are^(N) the peacemakers, for^(O) they shall be called^(P) sons^[a] of God.

 ^10(Q) "Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for^(R) theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

 ^11(S) "Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely^(T) on my account. ^12(U) Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for^(V) so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

 

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My new definition

What is a "really good" friend? Here's the new current Mike T definition:

 

Someone that treats you like family - inconveniences themselves, spends a lot of money to get to where you are and participate in what you are doing - someone that will sing with you, laugh and cry with you. Someone that wants to share their time and presence and has no idea of what a gift their presence is!

 

My daughter graduation ceremony was Saturday - it is a great milestone for us as a homeschooling family to have our first graduate and we are even more excited for our remaining children. During the brief time we lived in Colorado we made some very dear friends...friends as I just defined them!  It was a very special time for our entire family. Thank you guys!

 

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Bezeekers is 3

It's a difficult angle..but, there are 3 candles on that cake! Our youngest young man turned three very recently. Happy birthday!!

It's not the Mike show!

Just a little revelation provided by my wife...

 

I have the fortunate blessing to play guitar for our worship band at church. I play electric guitar while the leader plays an acoustic guitar. I love getting the feedback from my kids after worship..."that was a cool sound" or, "that song was great".. Lately, they now give me a report, "I couldn't hear you". Honestly, at first it kind of bugged me. I mean, if I can't be heard, why even be up there. But, then I would think...that just means I am blending in well...it's fine.

 

Then, the other night, I was playing bass for the kids during a party my daughter was having. My "equipment" is attached to the kitchen and my wife was doing some cleaning up. She was perturbed with the volume of my bass....

 

In both cases my wife would say, "It's not the Mike show.."

 

Yep, I totally agree and wouldn't want it to be. However, I do like to hear if what I was doing was pleasing...but, feel if I ask that I am seeking praise. So, there's a fine balance on getting feedback v. seeking praise.

 

Oh, well..I'll just keep doin' what I'm doin', keep the ol' trap shut and try to make sure it ain't the Mike show!

 

Rock on!

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Recent reminders...

1 John 3:9-10

No one born of God makes a practice of sinning, for God’s seed abides in him, and he cannot keep on sinning because he has been born of God. By this it is evident who are the children of God, and who are the children of the devil: whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is the one who does not love his brother.

I love these verses. I am going to start referencing them a lot when I am working with my boys. I know that the word "brother" means our brothers in Christ, however, there is a special emphatic "umph" that will work to my advantage when I encourage them that some particular act wasn't very loving.

It's often easy for my sons to see that what they did wasn't loving at all...and repent. Since they are young and there aren't many outside influences, repentance comes quickly to them. It's such an encouragement to see the Lord working in their life that, since they have professed the Lord Jesus as their savior, they are born of God and are practicing this very verse. No Christian will ever be perfect until the Lord makes us that way. But, we, as believers, should not "make a practice of sinning'. The Spirit works within us and leads us to repentance.

I recently read a book called "What he must be if he wants to marry my daughter" by Voddie Bauchum. I learned a lot about what a young man needs to be to even come to call on my daughter...things that 1) I fall way short of 2) want to become myself... But, I think the most important thing in the whole book was helping me understand even more what a Christian actually is. Many people know the sweet little catch phrases that aren't even scripture per se...like, "I invited Jesus in my heart", or "I walked the aisle"... That's not what a Christian is though. Voddie did a great job using the typical pastoral teaching alliteration with the letter "R"...

Regenerate

Repentant

Renewed

Regenerate - born again. The mercy and free gift that no man can acquire on his own - God's grace. It's simply unattainable with out God giving it to us. We must be born again.

Repentant - we are sinners - we know that...but like the passage I lead this email with, "he cannot keep on sinning because he has been born of God" No bad tree gives off good fruit, no good tree gives bad fruit. What fruit are we bearing? When, not if, we bear the bad fruit, is there repentance...do we even know what that means?

Renewed - We are a new creation - Sometimes we forget that and get caught up in the "stuff" of this world. The distractions...Pastor Dale Thompson refers to it as the devil's World System. We need to do the things to refresh us and reinforce our new creation. We have to "feed" that which we want to be evident to all....stay in your bad habits, etc if you want to feed the old sinful self. Join a bible study, be accountable to someone, etc. if you want to feed your newly created, mercifully given self.

What an encouragement to know that the mighty creator reminds me of my shortcomings in such a loving and caring way. That, through other believers like Voddie Bauchum, He reminds me of His timeless truths and perfect precepts. Just more evidence that He loves me...

Happenings

As life spins dramatically by, certain things cause you to slam on the brakes and make sure you "try" to get something right. I had taken a day off of work to contemplate some things and keep a commitment I had made.

 

My daughter walked into my room in the middle of the night one night a couple of weeks ago. She hands me a book and asks me to read it. The name of the book is "What He Must Be...if he wants to marry my daughter" - Voddie Baucham. Already being a fan of VB, I gladly accept.

 

Bear in mind that I haven't read a book cover to cover in YEARS! Typically, I buy them for my ipod and listen to them. But, I'll get to it. I'll keep my word......eventually.

 

Fast forward to Sunday afternoon about a week and a half after I've been given the book. By the way, the book is in the exact same place she left it. It's not that I wasn't going to read it..I just needed to prioritize and get to it. I really wanted to, it just seemed so unimportant and unnecessary. "SEEMED"...key word.

 

I was facebooking on Sunday after a most excellent lunch. I was enjoying that fact that we had company and the weather was perfect and I didn't have a LOT to do. As I am finishing up with catching up on facebook, one of our guests ask if they can talk to me in private. Sure!

 

He followed me to the semi-private garage (as there is really no private place in my entire house) - as I turned to face him, I could tell he was nervous. He asked with (what appeared to be) all the courage he could muster, "I would like to ask your permission to court your daughter." - <gasp> ....speechless. Not because it was an inappropriate question or anything like that....I was extremely unprepared.

 

Moral of the story - when your daughter hands you a book on how to evaluate potential suitors, either read it or move to a different state! ;-)

 

To be sure, this young man seems to have the makings of a great son in law and more importantly, a prophet, priest, protector and provider for my precious, sweet daughter. - I am looking forward to know him better.

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The things I learn

Things I learn from my kids:

The latest thing is about being tough - My babyest boy was in a phase of his life that required crying about every little thing when something "happened" to him. For example, if he fell on the concrete and got a bleed...there'd be tears and some added vocal activity. That kind of thing...Since he's been a baby we've tried to help him control his emotions. Like when he erupts into tears about something that hasn't gone his way, we are able to tell him to stop doing that, and for the most part, he does. This is another phase of that lesson. When we get hurt, our reaction should be more than just a reaction...it should communicate the severity of the issue to those around so others can respond or help appropriately. So, if he falls and skins his knee, it should not be the same level of angst from him as if his knee were to have fallen off. And, that's exactly the phase he was in. The level of pain or problem was irrelevant, he was victimized and the world was going to know about it.

Well, as we've worked with him, he's learned quite well. Last night, he was standing by our soccer goal...one of the older boys absolutely ripped a shot and hit babyest boy right in the gut. He staggered for a second...all of his peers and I move toward him not knowing how bad he'd react...I asked, "you ok?". He looked at me and his face was looking like he was holding his breath because it had been knocked out of him..That always terrifies me when it happens to me. Yet...he uttered in a fashion where you don't have any air to say a word.."yep"....and finally caught his breath and walked off.

Man, that dude is tuff! A few minutes later I absolutely blasted a shot that caught him on the back of the legs from across the yard...when he got back up, he just continued with what he was doing...

Another lesson about being tough - My middle boy has this new saying. I don't know where he got it...but, I love it. He USED to say..."That's fine." when he was hurt or something happened that he didn't like. But, his new phrase is now a favorite. The other day we were doing something outside and he somehow got "nailed" in a painful way (I think by me.)..the reason I think that is because that's when I first heard him say the phrase. As I apologized he looked right at me and said, "It's ok...it's part of it."

All of the kids have done the same in some way lately that has made me so proud...

Those things have made me reflect on how I respond to adversity and things that go against how I'd expect them to go. Most of the time, I throw a "fit" that would lead someone to believe that the thing happening right then was the absolute most critical thing EVER. But, if I'd just step back and apply the lesson I've learned from my kids I might catch my breath and say..."it's ok...that's just part of life"..

Shameful.

It's really a shame that the way that the lost see Jesus is through the found. It seems that a lot of the non-believers are so disenchanted by the representative. I know that I fall so short and continually fail to take it as serious as it actually is. I get too busy living life and forget what is important. If it mattered more to me, wouldn't I work harder at it? Hum...work at "it"? Yes, there are works even though there is grace. There are works...but, not the kind that we are judged by...the kind that a new creation wants to "do" to love and serve. Things to do such as treating others with respect. Helping the poor and needy. Explaining the good news to the lost. These are things that I believe wholeheartedly - and the world will hate me because of it. The reason - EXCLUSIVITY...but, that's a topic for another time.

 

But, I get so discouraged by how I (and others) represent our Creator, our Savior, our Lord. I believe Gandhi once said, "I like your Christ, I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ." and "If all Christians acted like Christ, the whole world would be Christian." (Actually, in my opinion, the second quote is wrong. Since, He was alive and acted like Himself and so few believed...) Doesn't this even force the believer to love Him more...that He was so perfect, so unlike us...unblemished in every way, unstained and pure in thought, action and deed. That's what made Him the ultimate and required sacrifice. Yet, I continually forget that. As my pastor would say in his best Arkansan draw, "Hwai?" (That's Arkanese for "why")...Even the co-stars of the Bible struggled with this matter - I think Paul said it best "Why do I do the things I hate"

 

We can through out philosophical jargon and even scripture to explain it. But it comes down to me and my choices. I choose me. I choose to make myself comfortable. I choose to be self sufficient. I choose to be this way.

 

So, you may ask, "how's that working out for ya?"

 

I want to choose someone else........

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The motion of our house....

Music moves like this:

Innocent play moves like this:

Dinner moves like this:

Coveting

I just heard a great lesson on the 10th commandment. I didn't realize that it was the only covenant that was an internal commandment. It speaks mostly to heart issues where the others are "physical" for the most part.

 

Contentment with Godliness is great gain. - Being happy with what you have and not dwelling on what others have. Whether it's their wife, Lexus, cash or whatever. He mentioned a very good definition of coveting which I don't remember nor did I write it down. But, it was good! :-)

 

The one thing I noticed with this commandment is that I do struggle with coveting things. I tend to want what I want and get it when I want it. God has blessed me immensely and I tend to just waste the resources that He's given. I need to be a better steward.

 

Man, I love Dale Thompson. He is a great teacher of the Word.

 

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Whatchadoin?

My mind has been preoccupied with thoughts of what I am doing with my life that makes a difference. Within that, what am I focusing on and improving in. It seems that I am a more "focused on playing" kind of guy. (That must be where my kids get it). I have been getting lazy in the important things (i.e. being a dad) and focusing on the "fun" things I am involved in with life. That always leads me, in some way, to death.

 

If I were to die today...but, yet alive to evaluate my life and whether it was spent well or not, would I be disappointed? Would there be regret? With what? And now that I know what, will I be motivated enough to move strongly in those directions...the important "life" matters.  The problem is always identifying the real "whats" though. You know what I mean? Some things are obvious, but the subtle things that we really have to evaluate our lives are typically the ones we overlook. For example, smiling. When I am dead or dying will I really wish I would have frowned more or smiled more? Dumb things like that. Although, depending on the type of death...that may never come to mind. But, the point is that we CAN evaluate that kind of stuff while we are alive to make a difference to others in a positive way every day we are alive. Then, we don't have to worry about that sort of thing when we die. I mean, it would be pointless to be lying on your death bed wanting to have smiled more in life. Although, it might freak people out if you started RIGHT THEN! ;-)

 

But, those things are to what I am referring...I want positive things to get subliminally planted in my kids. Those actions I take or habits I have formed that would become evident in their lives via observation. Those things can be negative - like being lazy. Or, positive, like having an exercise regiment or bible study.

 

Those are a lot of words to say I want to be a better example to my kids. I want to leave a legacy of value, character and perseverance....

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Science..

I was reading an article today about a non believer that was basically discrediting the resurrection (always happens at Easter)..one of the blog entries on the bottom of the ridiculous article stated many prophecies that had not come true...then stated something like, "for more science...go to this web site"...It struck me kind of funny and my mind started churning:

WikiPedia defines science as: Science (from the Latin scientia, meaning "knowledge") is, in its broadest sense, any systematic knowledge-base or prescriptive practice that is capable of resulting in a correct prediction, or reliably-predictable type of outcome. In this sense, science may refer to a highly skilled technique, technology, or practice, from which a good deal of randomness in outcome has been removed.^[1]

In its more restricted contemporary sense, science refers to a system of acquiring knowledge based on scientific method, and to the organized body of knowledge gained through such research.

Another quick search illustrated the following:

As of 2005 (most recent data), approximately 88 percent of the world's population were said to "believe in God" (Cambridge University). This is down from 96 percent in 2000. In the United States, 95 percent of the population "believe in God."

While belief in God in itself does not provide scientific proof..there is science in there that says there is a VAST number of people that have experienced God in some way. So, let's see if you science whizzes can move farther with this. Here's my feeble attempt:

1. Theory 1 - God exists!

· People that believe in God say that they experience God and that God exists.

· People that believe in God and say God exists comprise a huge portion of the population.

· People that don't believe say that people that believe are wrong and God doesn't exist

· People that don't believe don't experience God so they say He doesn't exist.

· People that, at one time did not believe, now do and have experienced God and believes God exists.

· People that, at one time believed, now do not because they did not encounter God

Isn't that the start of science...anyone want to take it a step further?

Praying

In the past few days I have been asked to pray for several things. I gladly state that I will...I mean, even if it weren't a privilege, what would I say? But, keeping up with them and actually remembering to do it is WAY harder than it should be. Typically, I will grab a second as quickly as I can after I commit to it. That way, I can say...Done. I said I would do it and I did it. That way if they ask I can say, "yep!"....man, what a prayer warrior!

Well, that's pretty shallow...isn't it. It's kind of like telling your kids to say they are sorry...They have offended someone, they got caught...now, they have to say "sorry"...How often is there really repentance in the apology? There's often regret of being caught. Usually, we have to reinforce it with a hug or have them look in their eyeballs to say it. Cuz, then they mean it! :-) But, should my acceptance of prayer requests be a thing where I am more concerned about following up on my word? God will honor that I bet! I can see it now when I am in heaven with the saints, "guys, all I did was what I said I was gonna do! Yeah buddy!".

Nope, I don't think that's the way I want it played out. I want to petition the Father on behalf of the requestor with all my heart. Earnestly and sincere...James 5:16 - The prayer of a righteous man avails much.

I suppose righteous means something a little more than just doing what you say!

Any tips for improving that?

Balance...Danielson

Ok..so as I get older, I feel like I am getting tired of trying to "defend" my position. I am usually very confident that when I make a suggestion - my way is the right way. But, lately I am learning I should hold my tongue lest I want to battle for that position. The battle is usually long since I have also noticed others feel the same about their suggestions and opinions. So, there are 2 strong-willed overly convinced souls pitting against each other. The balance I am referring is - while I am not giving up the notion that when I have an idea that it's a good one, nay, the best one...But, it is about "what" I choose to expend my energy on in battle. Cause that's what it usually ends up being. A battle. I have heard that "anything worth having is worth fighting for". So, now, I ask myself if this thing that I have an opinion on ... is this is really worth having....

This, I think is the key to harmony and my balance...everyone say, "Wax on...Wax off". Not everyone agrees as to what topics are the most important...what hill they want to plant their flag and make their stand. Which hills to give up are the things I have learned I need to balance.

Don't bother arguing with me on this issue, my flag is planted! ;-)

Does attitude fix everything?

Last night I put the words to a Hee Haw song on my facebook status:

" Gloom, despair, and agony on me Deep, dark depression, excessive misery If it weren't for bad luck, I'd have no luck at allgloom, despair, and agony on me" 

Except I used the words Doom instead of Gloom...

However, one of the posts stated "Great Positive attitude". The guy that said it is a fantastic guy, this post isn't about him..it's about that perception. So, here's the question; If I am feeling like the song but decide to have a great positive attitude is everything better? If it's better, for whom is it actually better? Are my circumstances merely perception that altering the perception can correct?

Perhaps there are times that it may work to simply change your attitude. But, to me, that's like taking a blood clotting medicine to stop the bleeding without removing the dog from your arm. I am probably wrong. A positive person may think, take the blood clot medicine in ANTICIPATION of the dog being removed. Whatever... I say get a gun, shoot the dog, clean your wound, wrap your arm, take the body of the dog to the vet to see if it has rabies, etc....

I feel like there's a procedural way to get out of a funk. I don't think deceiving myself is the proper way to do it. Take Job for example. He experienced gloom, despair, agony, doom, misery, etc. He didn't simply paint on a smile and call it positive thinking. He also never found out why...God is not obligated to tell us why He chooses anything...or allows things...or disallows things.

Perhaps on some issues it's a good way to go about things....take for example this picture I took with my phone this morning:

The fog is beginning to clear - the blue sky is peeking through...Things are changing toward a beautiful day. So, if I was gloomy about the foggy morning, there is hope for a beautiful day, so changing my attitude may make sense here..

Now, look at this picture of a real scene taken by photojournalist Paul Taggart:

What is your attitude here? If it's gloomy...will painting on a smile make it better? Sorry for the graphic-ness. But, the point is there is a time and a season for everything - and with that comes the growth and maturity of who we are becoming. How we deal with our gloom and doom says a lot about us...will we simply paint on a smile, grab a camera and take a picture of it? Or, will we slip on a mask and start doing the "needful"...regardless of how we feel. Not being a slave to our feelings but not masking them and being fake either.

What do you think?

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New music new floor..

I am listening to some new music that I really recommend:

Tenth Avenue North-not only is their music fantastic, but the lead singer blogs great messages - a real outreach to the kids following the band. This is a new favorite and I highly recommend it. I would love to play a couple of their songs in church. Specifically, "Hallelujah".

Lifehouse-their new album is, hum, interesting. They have always been a "undercover" Christian band, in the sense that there isn't a blatant praising of the Lord...just general references occasionally. But, this time I haven't noticed any...Maybe I'll discover some later...

Sanctus Real - the newest album is a lot more mellow than some of their other stuff, but I am really loving the words to these songs. They are by no means "undercover" Christians...I have only listened through it 2 times..but, I can tell it's going to be a favorite.

David Crowder Band-This has been a staple for me for a few years...their latest CD is no exception - chock full of Jesusy goodness.

Addison Road- Ok, Les, if you read this you'll understand why it's unusual for this band to make my recent "most listened to and really like it" list - it's a female lead singer. For whatever reason, I don't typically like that. The pitch, breathyness, seduction etc. in the voice is something I can live without. However, I can't figure out why I like it...but I do.

Decyfer Down - My heavier rock medicine. Very good.

 

On the border of liking these bands:

Run Kid Run - kind of a cross between relient K and Anberlin  - (FM Staticy) But, pretty good guitar riff action.

Fireflight - another girl band with hard rockin' guitars....

Remedy Drive - Haven't listened all the way through..but sounding good so far.

Pocket Full of Rocks -  "loudly I'll sing, loudly I'll live, giving You all I have to give, until the world knows the love that's made me so alive. I'm ALIVE!" - nuff said.

 

Oh, and our house is a disaster as we are having a floor put in the dining room and entry. Sandy is thrilled that we won't have to vacuum under the dinner table anymore... Gross.

Lately

It feels like I'm under some sort of attack. Every direction I turn, every topic that pops up, every task that needs to be done, every bit of news that falls on my ear, every thought that pops in my head seems to be testing my resolve. That leads me to an interesting place spiritually speaking. I find myself thinking of King David and wondering what and how he came to write, "Against You, You only, have I sinned" I really like Psalm 51 - especially when something's been revealed to me and I find that Gods mercy is amazing - His forgiveness permanent and perpetual. But, what about when "I" am the victim of someone else's mistakes, evil, or whatever? Why do I have a hard time thinking "Well, it's not ME they sinned against, it was the Lord!"? When it feels like it's me that got the bad end of the deal, got the harsh side of the words, got the brunt of some other persons wrath..I tend to want to take that on for myself. That I am the one they "owe" an apology to and I am the one from which they need forgiveness.

 

That's the way I WANT to feel. That's the human side of me wanting to be put on a pedestal. I mean, imagine that someone you loved very much told you something that violated your trust. What they told you revealed that everything you thought was true about your relationship was actually a lie, or at least a partial lie. That every day when you thought something was all good...there was this other side that you didn't know about at all...and suddenly it's all revealed to you. It's quite a feeling of betrayal. And it feels like betrayal, embarrassment, etc. to you. But, is it?

 

What did it cost me? It simply may have made me look foolish for trusting something that was actually deceiving me. Is that my deepest fear, that I would appear foolish or gullible? That I put my trust in something that backfired? Why is that painful? I wish I knew...but, here's something that I do know. It isn't my place to "resent" or feel foolish or feel betrayed. I think that David was right. They didn't sin against me, a mere person, but a HOLY and JUST God. There is some healing power in knowing that. There is rest there...It really helps me to continue loving, to offer human forgiveness, to come along beside that person as a fellow "mistake maker" and disciple, love, or offer correction. Because, I, the reigning champion of mistakes and wrong doing, need that same treatment when I do what I am prone to do so frequently.

 

As David so eloquently states in Psalm 51:

¹³Then I will teach transgressors your ways,
   and sinners will^(Y) return to you.
¹⁴Deliver me from^(Z) bloodguiltiness, O God,
   O^(AA) God of my salvation,
   and^(AB) my tongue will sing aloud of your^(AC) righteousness.
¹⁵O Lord, open my lips,
   and my mouth will declare your praise.
^16(AD) For you will not delight in sacrifice, or I would give it;
   you will not be pleased with a burnt offering.
¹⁷The sacrifices of God are^(AE) a broken spirit;
   a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.

Do unto others

As I was thinking about many of the shortcomings I have as a human being, I was struck with the passage, Matthew 7:12 - So^(A) whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is^(B) the Law and the Prophets.

This is also referred to as the "golden rule".

 

I used to think...well, if I want others to share with me, I'll share with them...if I want people to be nice to me, I should be nice to them. I have found that's not exactly understood as it's intended. Although, it is true to some degree...but, not in the degree we as believers would hope. Here's what I mean...If you want someone to talk about you behind your back, think lowly of you, consider you a total loser...think that and do those things to others. It's GUARANTEED to come back to you that way...If you want people to be kind to you..think highly of you...consider you worthwhile, think that way of others and treat others that way. However, there is NO guarantee that will come back to you.

 

See the flaw in my line of thinking? I can't expect people to be nice to me by being nice to them. That's not what it's about. It's about me being nice to them REGARDLESS of how they treat me for this is how I long to be treated. So, others might also long for that treatment...And, if I can be to them how I long to be treated I am obeying the new covenant. I am on the narrow path.

 

Matthew Henry says this about it:

There are but two ways right and wrong, good and evil; the way to heaven and the way to hell; in the one or other of these all are walking: there is no middle place hereafter, no middle way now. All the children of men are saints or sinners, godly or ungodly. See concerning the way of sin and sinners, that the gate is wide, and stands open. You may go in at this gate with all your lusts about you; it gives no check to appetites or passions. It is a broad way; there are many paths in it; there is choice of sinful ways. There is a large company in this way. But what profit is there in being willing to go to hell with others, because they will not go to heaven with us? The way to eternal life is narrow. We are not in heaven as soon as we are got through the strait gate. Self must be denied, the body kept under, and corruptions mortified. Daily temptations must be resisted; duties must be done. We must watch in all things, and walk with care; and we must go through much tribulation. And yet this way should invite us all;

 

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Been thinking.

I was laying in bed thinking....you know, that time right before you fall asleep. I was thinking of all that was going on and how utterly unimportant it was in light of the real issues of life. My wonderful father-in-law was in the hospital (doing ok now by the way)...Life is short....Life is a gift. A pastor friend had texted me 1st thing in the morning, checking on how things were going. The pastor of my church emailed us to find out if there was anything that he could pray for. It was a tremendous blessing to have brothers in Christ ready to petition the almighty on our behalf.

 

So, back to my thinking; I was laying there thinking of all the trivial little things in my life that cause me frustration or angst. How I desire to be more intimate with the Lord but make everything else in the world more important. To know Him at a more personal level and as I glance at the Bible reach past it to a Photoshop magazine. How, I was aggravated at our stingy neighbors and began to resent where we live. What I need to study on guitar to get better and struggle with why I am playing and how I know for sure it's for His glory and not mine.......

 

How my mind easily turns from thing to thing...I was overcome by a prompt from God to read scripture. I really struggled with it because I was feeling pretty cozy and in my best guess about to fall asleep...but, there was the prompting. Read the Bible... Well, I was thinking that if it's from the Lord then there is nothing more important in my life than to read it right then. If it wasn't, I was reading the Bible..I went with the idea that anytime I read the Bible it is the most important thing I am doing right then....tossed off the covers and grabbed my Bible off the dresser. I was standing there with it and prayed that practically silly prayer. "Ok, Lord I want to be obedient...but, there are a LOT of pages in this book." So, I just thought that God has power enough to direct me to what he would have me read. I opened the Bible and my eyes fell on a psalm that stated:

Psalm 101:5 (English Standard Version)

 ⁵Whoever slanders his neighbor^(A) secretly
   I will^(B) destroy.
Whoever has a^(C) haughty look and an^(D) arrogant heart
   I will not endure.

 

Thank you God. Another one of Your amazing coincidences ;-) in my life. I am amazed at how real you are. Your amazing mercy to remind me that I am worse than my neighbors...that I stand on the brink of being disobedient...Lord take from me my slander, haughtiness and arrogance. Thank you for reminding me that you love my neighbors...That I am to love my neighbors. Thank you...

 

Excerpt from Leeland's "Beautiful Lord"

Beautiful Lord

Awesome and mighty

Tender and holy

your mercy brings me to my knees

it's your mercy that has made me free....beautiful Lord.

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Happy Birthdays!!

To my Lane and Joshua!! I love you guys.

 

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