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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My talented family

Those with untalented families..Prepare to be AMAZED!

 

Things men do with technology....at church

We were at the men's lunch...just finished eating, then tend to business. Preparing our hearts before the pastor speaks...
Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T

Utter disappointment

Why would I expect any different. I am not even any different. But, really, selfish mean people really make me sad. My kids were recently told by a neighbor that they were not allowed to ride their bikes and various riding things in their driveway. It's kind of understandable...but, the reason she gave them was that the crack in her concrete was getting worse. Wow. Honestly, she doesn't owe us any explanation, but to make something up like that says a lot more about her.

 

It's that way with most of the folks around where we now live. There are a couple of really nice folks..but, for the most part it is the crabbiest neighborhood I have ever been around.

 

How disappointing..

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Maybe I've been too naive

I have been amazed by some of the photography taken from space by GEOEYE. (GEOEYE.COM) However, through that I have discovered a major misconception that I've had. My thoughts have always been that throughout the world, if there's anything really cool, it's right here in the good ol' USA. We have the best theme parks, water parks, stadiums and whatever else entertainment driven people would pay for. I mean, we live in America. We have the superhighways...6 lanes each direction...cars, cars, and more cars. Most other countries...not so much. Even Europe I envision as slightly behind us in the technology/entertainment/etc. areas.

 

We have outsourced several of our positions to India due to the very inexpensive cost to our company. We have 18-20 helpdesk personnel out there compared to our 10-12 here...When some of the employees from India have visited the corporate offices, they would buy toys like iPods, Jeans, Computers... to take back home. Ahh...poor third world country people...

 

Well, I have had a major eye opening..slap my face and call me silly. I was looking at GEOEYE.COM. I read a heading...the tallest building ever constructed. Hum...where's that? As I clicked I was amazed. It's in the United Arab Emirates...near Dubai in a place called Burj Khalifa... the UAE. Standing at 2717 feet it is the tallest manmade structure in the world. However, not only is it tall...it appears to be amazingly beautiful. The area surrounded by water, the landscaping and roadways add to it's beauty as viewed from above. Wow, I thought. What an anomaly. Oh wait...there's more. Google search "Yas Island"....Then, go here http://www.atlantisthepalm.com/default.aspx...Oh, that's located on the map here: http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=atlantis&sll=25.126014,55.119095&sspn=0.15635,0.216637&ie=UTF8&radius=6.77&split=1&rq=1&ev=zi&hq=atlantis&hnear=&ll=25.122284,55.119095&spn=0.164126,0.216637&t=h&z=12

Reading a little bit about it...it appears that "The Palm" is a man made structure in the shallows of the ocean...an amazing feat in itself. Let alone the park, resorts, and HOMES that are on the that structure. It's almost like they anticipated advertising from space...it's quite amazing. Look a little south on the map and see "The Palm Jebel Ali" in the works....

 

Where is all this amazing stuff being built? Saudi Arabia. When I look at our attractions, they appear dated and dusty compared to those places. Kind of like comparing Disney World to that traveling carnival that comes to town on the back of Semi- tractor trailers. It's good to know that our gas money is being put to good use...

 

"Many organizations today are locked into doing things a certain way, not because it is still effective, but because it was effective yesterday. This is the curse of success." - Blackaby

 

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Thoughts about our 1st airsoft event...

Thoughts about our last event

We have our first event under our belts. I have received different comments, mostly positive..but, the one that captured my attention was: "I wasn't used to that.." If I let it go at that, I could fill in the blank with whatever I wanted...like, "I wasn't used to so many good, quality players." or "I wasn't used to the number of players that were there"..But, I didn't let it go at that. Come to find out they weren't used to playing with so many people that cheated. Hum.

Well, unfortunately, I think we all experienced it. I know for sure that the people that I experienced it with wasn't part of our group. In fact, before I go any further I'd like to say how impressed I was with our group. The character of the players, the integrity, the ferocity in gameplay. I was proud to be part of "us".

My initial thoughts were, "well, that's the last time we play there!". But, quickly reconsidered...and as I think of the passage from James 1
Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

Who are our brothers though? Who do we put in the "battle" like this?Obviously, that will not be a place where we go with a bunch of our young ones. But, we may have a core group of men and women that are established in our faith and make that a mission field. But, for now, until we have established who the core group and leaders are, we are going to make these events "Semi-Private". Meaning, it will be mostly Christian men and women...but, feel free to invite those that may be non-believers. But, the plan is to be on "home" turf in the immediate future.

Thank you all for coming out to our first event! I am looking forward to the next. When I get a date I will post it on our site and homeschool loop as well as our mailing group. (Sign up for that on the top of this page)...

S@nkT!f!ed