Mortality continued..

More ramblings on this subject!

As I continue my thoughts on encouragement through mortality, I stumble across a thought from my wife’s blog. She stated that she wishes that she could have the “blessing” of Ezekiel and have her mouth sealed shut only to speak God’s words. This kind of ties into what I have been saying in a way. See, here’s what I think…may not be what you think (you are free to be wrong) but, I don’t believe that there are many that REALLY want to do what God wants them to or that really want to listen to His words. Here’s an example from Sundays sermon that is pretty frustrating: Kids are expelled from school or punished for praying since others observed them and it was considered against the rules. What are the parents thinking here? What do any parents think about this? Throw my child on the battlefront while both husband and wife go to work, then just discuss it with the child at home? Actually, I think in this particular example the child was punished by having them sit in an elevated part of the cafeteria by themselves facing the wall for all to see. Are we such cowards that we have our children bear the sacrifice of belief and parents do nothing? Why do Christians continue to send their kids to public schools at all?

"I am much afraid that schools will prove to be the great gates of hell unless they diligently labor in explaining the Holy Scriptures, engraving them in the hearts of youth. I advise no one to place his child where the Scriptures do not reign paramount."Martin Luther, German Monk, Theologian, and Church Reformer (1483-1546)

Interesting, eh? I would wholeheartedly agree (lol, not that my agreement give it more weight or anything) . Isn’t it true that we say our kids are important, but so many of us say (without words) that they aren’t as important as being able to pay for our car, cable, vacation,  etc. We often claim untruths, fear and doubt as our alibis. Many say that they aren’t qualified to teach their own kids. They don’t know what to do, where to acquire resources, etc. They worry about the stupidest things like, socialization, children’s happiness, activities, unique experiences, etc. over things like persecution, teen pregnancy, peer influence, authority over their children’s lives stating that Jesus and religion is stupid and something that is wrong to have and do. Seriously? Some that I know want their kids to be in the battlefield….alone so, that they may be a good influence to others and witness to others. We don’t even throw soldiers into the battlefield without intense training, mock exercises, studying, rehearsals….boot camp. Sorry, AWANAS ain’t boot camp. They need to see it alive in their parents every day, in every decision, in every circumstance…that’s boot camp. It’s more than just Sunday school, Awanas, and worldly church camp. It’s more than fun time. It’s LIFE. That’s what I mean by not just going through the motions that I referred to in part 1 of this ridiculous post! ;-)

 

All these things make me wonder what they think about the scripture that states, “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things will be added unto you.”?  Many that I know use a single scripture (inappropriately I may add) that states, “Be in the world and not of it”.  I encourage you to research these 2 scriptures and see what the Lord would say to you regarding them.

 

In any case, back to my “case”. Do we really fear the Lord? Are we afraid of His wrath? Do we fear the judgement? Is eternity just a word to us? Is there an overall feeling that since we’ve accepted Jesus, that’s good enough? If so, what does He mean and who is He referring to when he stated there would be some that He never knew? Those that THOUGHT they were His but weren’t! How can someone make that mistake? Could it be that we go through the motions? That we consider ourselves more important than others (a direct contradiction to the Lords words). Is it possible that we have been so deceived that we have bought into the worlds view regarding the things we need, where we need to put our kids, what we have, how we live over what scripture says?

 

The enlightenment regarding mortality is that I take Gods word seriously. That they make a difference to me in life and how I live, act and make decisions. Henry Blackaby stated regarding the Bible that “This is your life!”. There is no other that knows what you will need for the day besides God. I believe He wants me prepared. I believe that He wants me fully His. Now, I must act. I must. Death is at my door and there is work to be done before I go! As the old soap opera opening narrative states, “Like sands through the hourglass, so are the days of our lives”

 

… let’s rock and roll.

 

 

My Wifes BIRTHDAY!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SWEET LOVE!

Things about my wife that are simply awesome….

1. She loves our God!

2. Patience…wow.

3. B-E-A utiful

4. Amazing smile

5. Wonderful heart toward others (especially me!)

6. Her countenance is typically always pleasant

7. I wouldn’t rather sleep on the roof

8. Just read Proverbs 31 – the WHOLE thing – Yep, my wife.

9. Frugal – she has become the coupon queen

10. She squeezes out good kiddos

11. Focused

12. Selfless

13. Smart

14. Attentive

Since she is my completer…it shows extremely well that I was VERY deficient!!

Happy birthday honey!

Mortality...

I was staring at my facebook prompt "what's on your mind?" it asks. Oh...so many things. But, I guess as this season of my life develops, mortality has begun to tickle my fancy. Not necessarily in a negative way, but in an enlightening way. Sometimes though, enlightenment can bring a bit of sadness, regret and even excitement about tomorrow. It gives me the education and information to try to do better than I did yesterday for God's glory, for God's purpose. As we said our goodbye's to our church in preparation for our departure from this beautiful state, it kind of struck me. I noticed that my oldest daughter is looking more like a woman, for that matter, my second oldest daughter is too. My ageless wife is stuck with a widening, balding guy that acts more like a kid than a responsible person. So, at this time, I think of all the things that I am in the process of regretting...in other words, the things that I am doing right now that if left unchecked would cause regret in the future. My dadness...As I look at the little women in our family I notice that they are well trained, groomed, friendly, sociable and well liked. I realize that I can take none of the credit. My God and my wife have done a simply amazing job. There are literally 4 women in my house that can take care of EVERYTHING that goes on in the home. Well done wife! As I pan over to the boys and reflect on what I have been training them in, I definitely feel blessed. See, I have done zero training in anything besides: soccer, playing, airsoft, America's army, FIFA xbox games, baseball, wiffle ball, football....not a very good list. I mean, this is what every dad that's NOT a Christian does. I feel like I am failing in so many areas with them. By God's grace I notice that they are the same as their sisters though. They appear well trained, well liked, polite, almost chivalrous...None of that has come from me. I long for those things in MY life. Looking around the church lunchroom was a fantastic glimpse into God's mercy and grace. As some folks approached me to wish me well they identify my family as a part of me. They are my extension...is that healthy? I don't really care. I love that they are my family and they ARE part of me as I am part of them. I guess that's why it's called a family! ;-) I am so impressed with them myself and as they spill out compliments of my wife and children, I can only agree with them. How the heck did that happen? Who's kids are those anyway??? God has been an integral part of their lives and He spills out of them frequently...God's grace. Hold on, I am starting to drift here...let me get back on track. Every struggle that occurs in my house is generated by me, my selfishness that has rubbed off and been picked up by my precious sons and sweet, beautiful daughters. Frustrations that they get the brunt of...Reactions to situations handled in ungodly ways. Regret....simply. The encouragement that I feel is that I have been informed...now, I must act. The musician Matthew West wrote: I don't wanna go through the motions I don't wanna go one more day Without your all consuming passion inside of me I don't wanna spend my whole life asking What if I had given everything Instead of going through the motions My emotions are running wild....you might be asking what does this have to do with mortality. Well, simply, if I died tomorrow what legacy would I leave behind. How would I be remembered? Would my kids remember anything that I taught them? Is what I taught them important at all? Am I doing my Godly duty as a father and husband? You know everyone dies...without exception. Big deal, right? But, the things that are important are what you did while you were alive and what you left behind. Not in the form of a statue or famous accomplishment....but, how you trained the next generation. How you made a difference in how they would live, serve and love others. Did you do your best to "raise a Godly seed"? Did you drop the responsibility elsewhere as you worried about your own goals and initiatives? While I don't put much stock into this movie I am about to quote, there is a great awakening moment that seems apropos...The movie is "Dead poets society"; Keating: "Seize the day. Gather ye rosebuds while ye may." Why does the writer use these lines? Charlie: Because he's in a hurry. Keating: No. Ding! Thank you for playing anyway. Because we are food for worms, lads. Because, believe it or not, each and every one of us in this room is one day going to stop breathing, turn cold and die. It was Keatings way of trying to awaken his students into "ceasing the day"...and living this life the most and best they could. Do you ever have days where you don't recall that you actually did anything? Maybe you spent a few hours watching TV or a movie. Maybe spent it doing "something"...but, nothing of consequence? Funny, the definition of spent: 1. to pay out, disburse, or expend; dispose of (money, wealth, resources, etc.): resisting the temptation to spend one's money. 2. to employ (labor, thought, words, time, etc.), as on some object or in some proceeding: Don't spend much time on it. 3. to pass (time) in a particular manner, place, etc.: We spent a few days in Baltimore. 4. to use up, consume, or exhaust: The storm had spent its fury. 5. to give (one's blood, life, etc.) for some cause. I guess I am rambling. I feel like I can continue on in this for some time. But, I'll stop for now. I guess the principle point I am trying to make is this: Do not regret. Don't do something and wish you hadn't. Don't NOT do something and wish you had. Give an effort, give your all. These are the things that I am trying to apply in my life. I want to give my all. If I have a death bed, I don't want any regrets...because it's too late to do anything about it then. There are a ton of good and bad anecdotes regarding death bed sayings...my favorite is "You'll never hear someone say on their deathbed, if I could have only spent more time in the office" Have you had any thoughts on this subject?

2Bcontinued....

Have times changed??

Does anyone else feel a bit skiddish about giving their social security number out over the phone? I was talking with my future mortgage loan holder and they asked for it...I was like, uh, er, it's... I found that I was trying to be confusing with the numbers and stuff.

I am getting paranoid!

Kinda funny

I laughed out loud reading what Jesus said this morning:

“You blind guides, straining out a gnat and swallowing a camel!” – Matt 23:24

 

It was in his 7 woes to the scribes and Pharisees. Reading over that list I found myself wondering how often I do the same as they did… Jesus is awesome at identifying those gotchas. It’s easy for Him…He’s God. It’s amazing how blinded I can become in certain areas. I pray that He reveal my sin and then give me the strength to put it away!

 

On the family side, yesterday my wife calls me at work and she’s laughing so hard I can barely make out what she’s saying..something to the effect of the a/c heating guy called and LM answered the phone. Here’s what I was able to decipher from my beautiful wife – She’s describing what she hears going on:

“Hello?”

“No we’re not eating, we aren’t going to eat for a while”

“I’ll let you talk to your mom”

“Here mom”

 

As my wife puts the phone to her ear hears, “Your mom???”

 

Turns out it was the lady from the A/C and heating place that I called the day before and LM heard something a little different than “Hi, this is such and such from Darrells AC and heating”

 

Well, it was humorous to hear my wife blowing snot bubbles while she was telling me on the phone…

 

Speaking of side tracked

I had a really good talk with a friend of mine yesterday that had to do with our leaving to Arkansas. He made some very compelling arguments and some very honest assessments. It is too bad it took us leaving to come to this point in a relationship where we can speak freely in love to each other. I can say that there are a few of the men in Colorado that I would have liked to have known better and wished it had gotten to that “point”. It seems we are all too worried about our precious feelings to really communicate…it, in my opinion, severely, tragically, beautifully, honestly deepens a relationship and it’s because of the relationship that it can go that real…it kind of builds upon itself.

Oh well, speaking of being side tracked, that has nothing to do with what I wanted to blog about! ;-)

Ministry – what is it and what does it mean to you? This is a question that was brought up by my good friend. It stunned me because I had never really thought about it. It always seemed like the definition is “helping”. That when I am in ministry I am a “helper” to God. Not that He needs ME, but He does use us. It’s a great and wonderful place to be used by the Lord. However, my friends assessment is that it’s more, much more. Listening to his definition and reasoning, it kind of made sense. I am sure that if he reads this he will “clarify” or correct anything that I screw up here…but, he likened it to your family. That your family is your immediate sphere of influence..however, your church being an extension of your family deserves the same commitment as your inner, immediate sphere. He used Paul as an example and the life that he lead in ministry. So, if that’s true my question is, does ANYONE really live their life in their ministry? I can see inward that I put my immediate family with their wants, needs and desires above all other periphery. Am I alone in that, is that wrong? That sounds like the topic for another blog at a later date. I have to stay focused here..sorry. So, who is living out life in the ministry and what do they do that separates themselves in it? What does it truly mean? As I look around, who can I use as a mentor in this? Who is a real life example? Is there anyone living this today? Let’s evaluate the qualifications… Their yes should be yes and their no should be no. They should love the Lord their God with all their hearts, minds and souls. Loving their neighbors as themselves. They should know when to say yes and when to say no. They should follow through with what they say they would do and do it forever or at least until there is a clear cut sign that it’s done. Anyone know anybody like that?

It’s a pretty hefty commitment. But, does God deserve any less? I would agree…he deserves my all. I will no longer commit to any man (as long as I remember) or church or team…but, be cautious about all my commitments in the future…and commit only to the Lord and be listening for His voice in moving me or keeping me. It was a very good talk yesterday.

One final thing – are there things that you have committed to that you’ve let go? See proverbs 6 about such matters! J

Have you said something will change that has remained the same?

Have you changed something only to revert back to your old ways?

Have you said that you wanted to start something, gotten started, then quit?

Have you ever encouraged others to movement, then not move yourself?

Have you ever had an idea and when it came to be never moved toward it?

Join the club! Maybe we can all change together! I don't think there is a more important ministry than being a witness and representative of the Lord in your every day walk. To that end, be extra careful and diligent...let your Yes be Yes...and if you say that you are going to do something, DO IT. My old pastor used to say the the battle cry of the baptist is "I'll try!!!". Let's be doers and not just hearers of the Word...

Don't get me wrong, I am not attempting to justify myself by the faults of others...but, merely stating that we all have a long way to go...and that we should do just that. Get going.

Many are called, few are chosen

I have been pondering this quote. Jesus said this at the end of his parable regarding what the kingdom of heaven would be like (although some versions omit this statement). (Matt 20:1-16)His parable referenced workers in a field that had agreed to a wage for the day…as the day went on the owner of the field brought in more workers. Finally, an hour before the workday was complete he brought in workers…and ended up not only paying them first, but paying the same wage for an hours work as he paid for the workers that were there all day. The workers that were there all day were unjustifiably peeved. Then, Jesus said many are called, few are chosen.

This started me thinking about “callings”. Many people make a really big deal about this. I don’t know if this passage has to with each man’s calling. But, there have been books written on finding your calling, I even had to go through one for a class I took at CCU. I suppose that callings have to do with gifting and the proper utilization thereof. However, what in the world did Jesus mean that many are called and few are chosen? And why do I have a sneakin’ suspicion that it’s related to when He says that many will say “Lord, Lord” and He will say “Depart, for I never knew you”…

He states “For many are called, but few are chosen.” again at the end of the parable of the wedding feast (Matt 22:1-14).

This parable is very similar to the other in several ways:

1. People are asked to come. They were sought out and had to be brought in.

2. It had to do with multiple people

3. Some were unpleasant

4. Some were disrespectful

5. Some received the reward.

Another similarity that I saw was that there was someone in charge, like a landowner or king. This person was responsible for and the reason for everyone being in the place that they were.

I will continue thinking on this…let me know if you have ideas or thoughts as well!

Focus Danielson

Here are some excerpts from the book “The Grand Weaver” by Ravi Zaccharias.

 

As management sits around a table heavily discussing some technology problem that they are having one of the people finally states, “What about the shirts?”

“What about them?” is the reply…

“ Isn’t that what this company is all about, manufacturing shirts?”

 

Too often we put all our energies into the peripheral concerns of life and forget why we are here…we neglect the purpose of our life. The bane of our lives is getting side tracked into secondary pursuits.

 

Write down your purpose, put it somewhere where you can prominently see it to remind you what your primary purpose is. Mark down your life’s goal to use as a measuring stick against all that you try to accomplish.

 

Suzanna Wesley gave birth to 19 children – when asked by one of her sons to define sin she stated, “Son, whatever weakens your reasoning, impairs the tenderness of your conscience, obscures your sense of God or takes away your relish for spiritual things. In short, if anything increases the authority and power of the flesh over the Spirit then, that to you becomes sin however good it is in itself.” Her son carved that on his heart to focus his life around that wisdom….it became his guiding beacon…

 

Dr. Livingston – “Sever any ties but the tie that binds me to your service and your heart” – a set purpose….

 

What is your purpose? Are you a victim of side trackery? Let’s write down what our purpose is and hold true to it.  I highly recommend this book…

 

 

What I Like About CO (guest post from his lovely wife b/c she doesn't wanna mess up another post that she's working on on her own blog!)

~Our church

~Our friends

~Our homeschool group

~Our house (Honey you're good at picking out houses!)

~The weather (most of the time)

~Soccer and fencing and music lessons at CCU

~Tuition waivers at CCU

~Better grocery shopping

~Waterton and the zoo

~Some of our family living closer

Hmmm, maybe I should've titled this a Top Ten List.

What would they say?

I am trying to figure out how I feel about leaving, 1) my job 2) my church...
1. This is fairly easy - I more than likely haven't been a good example. Probably way too prideful there. Mostly thinking that I could offer a lot more than they cared to listen to! ;-) Typical of me really and really, this is probably the answer for both questions, but...

2. My church is a little different - as I was thinking about it I started getting disappointed. I know my pastor would consider this arrogance. But, it wasn't like that ... it was a sad disappointed and not because I was leaving and not coming back, but for those that were staying. WAIT, don't start balling me out yet...Here's what I am talking about; as I was studying the congregation from behind the drums here's what I noticed every week - when we sang praise songs, certain older folks refuse to sing. Their arms are crossed and they actually have a scowl on their face. The younger folks sing along as expected. When we sing hymns those same folks may uncross their arms, but rarely utter a word, and as I look at the younger crowd, they are singing along. I started thinking of how this ties into scripture. How the older folks are to teach the younger, be examples. What are they teaching me, what is the example they are trying to set? So, in this example, I wondered if given the microphone and the opportunity to say farewell, how exactly would it go?

Here's what I thought of: "When I first visited here without my family I thought that this wasn't the church for me. I didn't like the tone of the worship and the teaching was good..but, at this point, most of the churches I visited had good preaching/teaching. Except this one where all they talked about was their new building and how they needed to really give so they could complete it. I kinda crossed that one off the list quickly. ;-) But, honestly, based on location, this one made the top 3. So, when my family arrived, we visited each of the churches and I let the family decide where they wanted to attend. The kids loved the size of AHBC and it appeared that most of the older ladies just loved the kids. So, we sank into this church for a while. After a few times, I started to take a look around and get excited about the opportunity to be mentored or discipled to some degree by the older men in the church. The ladies were active, I could only assume the men were. After I attended an evening study a few times for the men, I learned that the older men didn't usually participate. I tried to make a go of it, but quickly lost interest in the book that was being studied. It appears that I philosophically disagreed with a lot of the book. My problem, not the books or the guys there for sure. Fast forward 1.5 years to today. Still the same thing, there are none of the older men involved in anything that I see except for a monthly luncheon..where just one or 2 may show up. But, I usually don't attend that since it's in the middle of the day and I am usually at work. Whatever seems to happen that is church sponsored, it's always the same 10 or so core folks (rarely any of the older men). So the questions come up: 1. Did I leave anything behind that may have been a blessing or a work for the Lord 2. Was there anything that I can take away from the church to build my relationship with the Lord? In regards to number 1. I don't know. I tried. I wanted to. I hope I did or helped or something. 2. This is what this letter to myself all comes down to. The answer is yes, there are many things. I had been working on developing a fantastic relationship with the pastor. He's guided and helped me tons. His heart appears to be truly for the Lord and the body that he pastors. But, I also learned some very negative things that I hope to turn around and make good in my life. I hope for all the folks that were scowlers, that for their sakes, when we get to heaven and we are worshipping the Lord together, that Jesus prefers hymns and speaks using "thee and thou". If he likes modern worship, some folks will just absolutely not be happy. :-)

While there is a hint of sarcasm to a lot of this, I do mean that I am bit disappointed that we couldn't help them with what they needed. (Whatever that would have been.) But, there were soooo many that were far above the bar. The women, especially the older ladies, of the church are AMAZING. Us men should take notes.

Fare well, AHBC, do not let the letter of John be true of you, burn hot for the Lord!!

14"To the angel of the church in Laodicea write: These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God's creation. 15I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! 16So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth. 17You say, 'I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.' But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. 18I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see. 19Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest, and repent. 20Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me. 21To him who overcomes, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I overcame and sat down with my Father on his throne. 22He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches."