You are what you think about...

"You are what you think about when you can think about anything you want.'


I read that in a daily devotional earlier this week, and it really caused me to stop and think. What is it that fills my mind when my work day is over, after the kids are feed/bathed/and in bed? I've really been taking an inventory (so to speak) of late. I really want to discipline myself to focus more on God in those times. I know He gave each of us creative abilities, and I tend to fill my time with thinking about stories, or some such thing, but I do not remember a time when I really sat down and meditated on something, anything, about just God.

I am not getting down on myself, just an observation that I wanted to share. Self discipline is good so long as it doesn't become legalistic and my basis of my relationship with the Lord.
Verse for today:
Philippians 4:8-9, ESV
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.

Musical Monday

I wanted to use the song "What If" by Nichole Nordman today. I really like this song because I have trouble sharing my faith. Not because I don't believe, but because I can get pretty worked up and emotional. I have taken my time to research various things, but I am not really good at regurgitating what I have learned. Basically, I am not a very good debater.

I get tired of being thought of as 'closed minded', or that I am a believer because Jesus is now my 'crutch'. I have also found that even when the Holy Spirit is speaking through me (those moments I think, "whoa, where do that come from!"), and the other person just dismisses the point, I can get very frustrated. And yet we are not to grow tired doing this very thing. We may not all be gifted in hospitality or evangilism, but when opportunities present itself we should move forward in it. I am not perfect in my 'execution' of this either...

"What If" by Nichole Nordeman

What if you’re right
And he was just another nice guy
What if you’re right
What if it’s true
They say the cross will only make a fool of you
And what if it’s true?

What if he takes his place in history
With all the prophets and the kings
Who taught us love and came in peace
But then the story ends
What then?

But what if you’re wrong
What if there’s more
What if there’s hope you never dreamed of hoping for
What if you jump?
And just close your eyes?
What if the arms that catch you, catch you by surprise?
What if He’s more than enough?
What if it’s love?

What if you dig
Way down deeper than your simple-minded friends
What if you dig
What if you find
A thousand more unanswered questions down inside
That’s all you find?

What if you pick apart the logic
And begin to poke the holes
What if the crown of thorns is no more
Than folklore that must be told and retold?

You’ve been running as fast as you can
You’ve been looking for a place you can land for so long
But what if you’re wrong?

How many of you have had these kind of discussions? I know I have had many, including painful ones with my own family. But I also have had one that makes me joyfully hopeful.

I had one final such conversation with my mother as she lay dying in a hospital in Hinesville, GA in 2000. You see, my mother had two sisters (one has since passed away as well) that believed "all roads lead to heaven", and apparently my Grandfather was not a "Leave it to Beaver" type (to put it mildly). For years I could not persuade my mother that either Jesus Christ is a liar, or He is the truly the One. As my mother lay dying, not able to respond beyond a weak nod of the head and meeting of the eyes, my then sister-in-law started talking to her about her new age beliefs. I just stood there and let her go on and on, but then she left and I had chance to share.

I point blank asked her, "you do know that there is a difference between what was saying, and what I am saying, right?" She looked at me, and nodded her head. I then asked if she would liek me to read to her from the Bible and she nodded again. It was the last thing she would communicate to me. In the end, do I know if she accepted Christ as her Savior? I do not know it first hand, but others have told me so. I hope it is so. One day I will know for sure.

I encourage those who may stumble across this humble blog, and this post, take the time to research things. Lee Strobel has been helpful to me, so has Robert Cornuke and his BASE Institute.

The one thing I have learned is that it is all of God. No matter if you believe in pre-destination, or free-will, I thnk we can all agree that if it were not for God opening our eyes to the gospel, if it were not for the divine plan of redemption, it would all be for naught.

I may not be able to convince someone that there is an eternal decision to be made, but God can reveal it to them... and that is my prayer.



Verse for today:
Ephesians 2:4-10, ESV
But [2] God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

Ok, ok, ok

Man, it is takening longer to get myself geared towards getting more done than I thought! My beloved has been back in the work force for a little over two weeks now, and I can't seem to get my act together. I get the homework done, and the dinner made, and make sure the baths are done... but once all the kids are in bed it seems like all I want to do is veg.

I've been playing a game called Highlander over on Facebook, watching the Australian Open, or just day dream! It's like I feel lost or something. I have gotten some really small project done, but I know I can be doing a whole lot more. And to my beloved's credit, she has not harped me not getting things done. On the contrary, she has been incredibly encouraging. Still, I would like to get the realitively small projects done. Things like replacing the gasket around the garbage disposal... that would be a good place to start.

I've started forgetting to carry around my little notebook - and I've had some good ideas too... it is sitting in my pocket now. :-)
Verse for today:
James 1:2-11, ESV
Count it all joy, my brothers, [2] 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.

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.

Let the lowly brother boast in his exaltation, and the rich in his humiliation, because like a flower of the grass [3] he will pass away. For the sun rises with its scorching heat and withers the grass; its flower falls, and its beauty perishes. So also will the rich man fade away in the midst of his pursuits.

Remembering when

I am going through a mid-life... um, crisis is to 'harsh' of a word... a mid-life re-evaluation? I have been waxing nastolgic of the 'old days' - mostly of the 80's. Sad, I know. :-)

It all started with 'Juke Box Hero', and recently movies like 'Terminator' or 'Highlander' come to mind. Now, I am fighting a lot of these impulses because they are not the most nurturing of my faith if you get my meaning.

It's not like the 80's were really all that great to me. In high school I was given the nickname 'Brainiac' - and it was not meant as a compliment. I dropped out of high school when someone broke into my toolbox and stole all of my tools (I may have accidentally left it unlocked) and I could not afford to replace them. In the 9th grade I lived in four different homes, and went to three different schools in the span of one school year (add two more homes if you extend that to a full calander year).

I was wondering how many other people wander down memory lane... and is it healthy? Or just risking turning into a pillar of salt?
Verse for today:
1 Corinthians 10:23-31, ESV
“All things are lawful,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful,” but not all things build up. Let no one seek his own good, but the good of his neighbor. Eat whatever is sold in the meat market without raising any question on the ground of conscience. For “the earth is the Lord's, and the fullness thereof.” If one of the unbelievers invites you to dinner and you are disposed to go, eat whatever is set before you without raising any question on the ground of conscience. But if someone says to you, “This has been offered in sacrifice,” then do not eat it, for the sake of the one who informed you, and for the sake of conscience— I do not mean your conscience, but his. For why should my liberty be determined by someone else's conscience? If I partake with thankfulness, why am I denounced because of that for which I give thanks?

So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.

Musical Monday - and miscellaneous ramblings

My that was a refreshing weekend. With the snow and paranoid bureaucrats the kids had Thursday and Friday off, although I did not (I am considered an essential employee), my beloved had Thursday off. The result was a semi-long weekend. Our schedule was a normal one (i.e. something going on pretty much every day), but it still seemed to slow down a tad. We watched the Australian Open (some really good matches this weekend), a little bit off NFL football (Go Giants!), and I joined yet another App in Facebook (good grief!).

Well, my song for this week is another one that really speaks to me as to where I stand before God...

WHO AM I

Who am I, that the Lord of all the earth
Would care to know my name
Would care to feel my hurt
Who am I, that the Bright and Morning Star
Would choose to light the way
For my ever wandering heart

(Chorus)
Not because of who I am
But because of what You've done
Not because of what I've done
But because of who You are

I am a flower quickly fading
Here today and gone tomorrow
A wave tossed in the ocean
Vapor in the wind
Still You hear me when I'm calling
Lord, You catch me when I'm falling
And You've told me who I am
I am Yours, I am Yours
(end chorus)

Who am I, that the eyes that see my sin
Would look on me with love and watch me rise again
Who am I, that the voice that calmed the sea
Would call out through the rain
And calm the storm in me

(chorus)

(repeat chorus)

Whom shall I fear
Whom shall I fear
'Cause I am Yours
I am Yours

This song really speaks to me, especially when I am feeling a little arrogant. I mean, who am I really? In the scheme of things I really am a vapor in the wind. A mere whisper in time. And yet I am His. I am a child of God, not because of anything I have done, but all because of what He has done, because of who He is. And that is an awesome thing to meditate on.
Verse for today:
Psalm 106:1-3, ESV
Praise the Lord!
Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good,
for his steadfast love endures forever!
Who can utter the mighty deeds of the Lord,
or declare all his praise?
Blessed are they who observe justice,
who do righteousness at all times!

Long weekend

I feel like I've hit a wall today, and I am so looking forward to the long weekend. I wish I had more... instead I will be going back to reply to some of the very nice replies to some posts this week.
Verse for today:
Matthew 25:25-30, ESV
At that time Jesus declared, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will. All things have been handed over to me by my Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him. Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

Let it snow

We are getting our first real snow fall of the winter season today. We had a dusting earlier, but it was pretty much gone by the time I got home from work. This one should be enough to build a small snowman out of. I might even have to shovel the driveway! :-)

This may be a surprise to some, but I can be annoying at times. For instance I like to whistle "Let it Snow" when it snows... or even when it just gets cold out. It kind of got started while I was on active duty. From about mid-December right through our re-integration training in early April it must have snowed three out of every seven days. I don't mind foul weather. I actually kind of enjoy it (and no, I don't know why). I like to stand out in the rain or snow. I like to listen to it fall, and watch it come down. What I would do, in a pretty poor attempt to rally the troops, I would sing and/or whistle "Let is Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow". I mean, you can't do anything about the weather, and you have a job to do, so you might as well enjoy it. In the end the guys tolerated my singing because I was always willing to be out in the mess and shovel.

One of my favorite pictures from our re-integration training is of one of the sections while they were training for their safty certification.

Man was that cold. Now my fellow soldiers are enjoying snow where it does not do it all that much, and I am waiting until they return to retire.
Verse for today:
Psalm 84:1-4, ESV
How lovely is your dwelling place,
O Lord of hosts!
My soul longs, yes, faints
for the courts of the Lord;
my heart and flesh sing for joy
to the living God.

Even the sparrow finds a home,
and the swallow a nest for herself,
where she may lay her young,
at your altars, O Lord of hosts,
my King and my God.
Blessed are those who dwell in your house,
ever singing your praise!
Selah

I have found something I have in common with my sister

LOL - I recently found out that my sister likes to pull all of the M&M's out of the bag, group them by color. Once she has done this she will eat one from the group with the most M&M's until it is equal with the next most, then she will eat from those two (or more) groups equally until they are equal with the next group, and so on... until they are all gone. Yup, when I get a fist full of M&M's I do the same thing! :-) So now, when I have a bag of them, I just resist this temptation by not dumping them all out. I only pull one or two out at a time. :-) Sad, I know.

I also find that I compulsively do things until I feel that they are at an 'even' point. I like to do things that count until they are at intervals of 5/10, or what ever the next tier is... but I have been known to surpasas the standard until I get to an 'even' number.

My beloved told me that the state Autism 'guy' (that we meet with twice a month in a support group) told her that it was 'interesting' to see me interact with DS2. Now, I am not sure what he meant by that, but I know my beloved refers to DS2 as my twin. "I was just the host" is often her claim. LOL :-)

I have no idea where I am going with this post. It's been one of those days...

In recent weeks I have had several people from my unit approach me about staying in the Guard. To be honest, I am torn. I really like serving. I enjoy the work. But I don't like being away from home. Mostly it's because I see the affect it has on my beloved. Only a few more months to go...

Verse for today:
Luke 17:11-19, ESV
On the way to Jerusalem he was passing along between Samaria and Galilee. And as he entered a village, he was met by ten lepers, [6] who stood at a distance and lifted up their voices, saying, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us.” When he saw them he said to them, “Go and show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went they were cleansed. Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice; and he fell on his face at Jesus' feet, giving him thanks. Now he was a Samaritan. Then Jesus answered, “Were not ten cleansed? Where are the nine? Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?” And he said to him, “Rise and go your way; your faith has made you well.” [7]

Wierd dreams

I cannot remember the last time I woke up in a cold sweat, but last night broke the trend. I am having a hard time remembering the specifics as I write this but it went something like this.

Me and one other person, I can not remember who it was (if I know them at all), were standing around what seemed to be some sort of heavy duty well cap. There was something inside really trying to get out, and it was pounding really hard.

This dream cycled through at least three times. All I know is that when I woke up I was wide awake, and I went to my knees in prayer. I have never really been any good at interpreting dreams - especially my own - but I do know that I was pretty disturbed by it.

Verse for today:
Romans 7:18-25, ESV
For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out. For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing. Now if I do what I do not want, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me.

So I find it to be a law that when I want to do right, evil lies close at hand. For I delight in the law of God, in my inner being, but I see in my members another law waging war against the law of my mind and making me captive to the law of sin that dwells in my members. Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself serve the law of God with my mind, but with my flesh I serve the law of sin.

Musical Mondays

Welcome to another glorious week in the Lord! God I love to praise you! \o/

This weekend I had the priviledge to spend a little over four hours drive to/from a conference for the National Guard. I was able to span the radio and listen to some of the Radio stations that are dedicated to Christ, that I've not had a chance to listen to in a while. Yesterday, as I was just beginning the 2+ hour return trip my song for this week came on the radio and it immediatly drew me in, and reminded me of my time when I was deployed back in 2002.

A little back ground... while I was on active duty I often spent a lot of time in my room (since I am not into going to the NCO club, or drinking with the others in their rooms, I would frequent the PX (post exchange - or military equivilant of Wal Mart). One one such trip I picked up Michael W. Smith's DVD "Worship". I played that DVD over, and over, and over again. So much so that I actually worried about somehow wearing it out. Any way, on that DVD the song "Agnus Dei" is really moving to me. I almost always slow down or stop what I am doing to reflect on my relationship with God. The words are pretty simple...

- - alleluia, alleluia

For the lord God almighty reigns

Alleluia, alleluia

For the lord God almighty reigns

Alleluia

Holy, holy are you lord God almighty

Worthy is the lamb

Worthy is the lamb

You are holy, holy are you lord God almighty

Worthy is the lamb

Worthy is the lamb

Amen

The words may be simple, but the image and meaning behind them are quiet powerful to me. And Mr. Smith does a really good job in singing it. I am going to work on learning how to imbed the video's into my blog, so stand by for an update (I hope). But here is a link to the YouTube video.

Edited note: Ok, here is my attempt to add the video...



Verse for today:
Revelation 5:11-14, ESV
Then I looked, and I heard around the throne and the living creatures and the elders the voice of many angels, numbering myriads of myriads and thousands of thousands, saying with a loud voice, “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing!” And I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them, saying, “To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!” And the four living creatures said, “Amen!” and the elders fell down and worshiped.

Running around

Today was supposed to be my "Theological Thursday", aka book review time, but I have been preoccupied with other things and I never got the first chapter read. :( Not an excuse, merely an explination.

Today is my beloved's first day back to work after almost twelve years of being out of the paid work force. Well that's not entirely true. She had some training and administrative things to get done the past two days, but it is the first day she will be doing what she was hired to do. We've both had mixed feeling about this, but have decided to give it a go until at least May. It's just really, really hard to go it with just one salary, and with me 'losing' my National Guard pay in July we have some concerns about the old "emergency fund". It has also been happered with my beloved recently starting to get migrane headaches, almost every day. There is a lot going on there, but needless to say our medical bills have been going up too.

On the flip side, I am hoping to get some things done around the house while she is at work.

Not much else going on today... God bless...
Verse for today:
Proverbs 10:19-22, ESV
When words are many, transgression is not lacking,
but whoever restrains his lips is prudent.
The tongue of the righteous is choice silver;
the heart of the wicked is of little worth.
The lips of the righteous feed many,
but fools die for lack of sense.
The blessing of the Lord makes rich,
and he adds no sorrow with it. [1]

How do we know?

Since Christmas I have had the chance to watch a few movies. In two of them there was a line or two that kind of caught my attention.

The first one was in "Ratatouille". The main human charecter, Linguini . When he shows up at Gusteau's asking for a job it is found out that his mother (who had written a letter to help him) has passed away. When the Chef offers his condolences Linguini says something to the affect that she is "covered" because she believe in heaven. It is also important to state that why she is "covered", or what exactly she believed, is not expounded upon in the movie. It is more a part of the conversation to help the audience feel sympathy for the boy, and a sense of concern for how the whole plot unfolds for him.

The other movie is "Meet Joe Black". At the end Bill Parish (Anthony Hopkins) is leaving with 'Joe Black' (Brad Pitt), he turns and asks, "Should I be afraid"? Joe responds, "Not a man like you". Once again it is important to note that the movie does not go in depth as to the charecters view on heaven and hell, or his theological beliefs.

I am not really sure how much to go into this whole subject. From an observers point of view we can try and discern things, but in both of these cases, the 'people' being observed are completely fictional. The charecters themselves do not have souls, once the movie ends so does there existance. I guess my main point of concern is the messages that are being conveyed.

I have several relatives who are (or where) of the mind that "all roads lead to heaven". I only mention this, and I guess it is on my mind because, the comments were specific references to heaven and the people on their way to the afterlife. I love both of these movies, and these references do very little to diminish my enjoyment of them. But I would like to speak to my fellow believers in Christ who come upon these pages.

“Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy [1] that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few." (Matthew 7:13-14, ESV)

"Thomas said to him, “Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?” Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you had known me, you would have known my Father also. [4] From now on you do know him and have seen him.” (John 14:5-7, ESV)

As Christians we may doubt about our salvation. We may question our own walk with the Savior, but we must guard our hearts and minds against how salvation (the path to heaven) is obtained. There is one God, and there is but one path to salvation, and that is through Jesus Christ. He cannot be both a great prophet and a liar. He is either one or the other, and I place my trust in the former.


Verse for today:
John 10:22-30, ESV
At that time the Feast of Dedication took place at Jerusalem. It was winter, and Jesus was walking in the temple, in the colonnade of Solomon. So the Jews gathered around him and said to him, “How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Christ, tell us plainly.” Jesus answered them, “I told you, and you do not believe. The works that I do in my Father's name bear witness about me, but you do not believe because you are not part of my flock. My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, [1] is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father's hand. I and the Father are one.”

Musical Monday - a day late

My appologies for not having kept up with the very thing I am trying to start! Musical Mondays! No good excuse, just poor explinations... but I am here today, to pick up where I left off, even if it's a day late this week.

I listen to music all the time. Pretty much whenever I get the chance, but I still struggle with what I want to share on Mondays. This morning, just as I was getting to work the song I've chossen for today came on. I almost sat and listened to it, but I was already running a little late. My song for today is by Mercy Me, titled "Bring the Rain".

I can count a million times

People asking me how I

Can praise You with all that I've gone through

The question just amazes me

Can circumstances possibly

Change who I forever am in You

Maybe since my life was changed

Long before these rainy days

It's never really ever crossed my mind

To turn my back on you, oh Lord

My only shelter from the storm

But instead I draw closer through these times

So I pray

Bring me joy, bring me peace

Bring the chance to be free

Bring me anything that brings You glory

And I know there'll be days

When this life brings me pain

But if that's what it takes to praise You

Jesus, bring the rain

I am Yours regardless of

The dark clouds that may loom above

Because You are much greater than my pain

You who made a way for me

By suffering Your destiny

So tell me what's a little rain

So I pray

Holy, holy, holy

Is the Lord God Almighty

How many times have I prayed for God to reveal His glory through me? Or asked for Him to do His work in me? When I first came to KNOW him, when I confessed that I am a sinner and asked for Him to come live in me, accepting His substitution for my payment, did I not say that I trust Him ultimately? But how often have I held back? How often have I feared what He might do? I trust Him with my soul, but not my flesh?!?

The book of Job has been a long time favorite, and I know - at least intellectually - that God is ultimately trust worthy. This song really speaks to me about how truly trustable God is, and that even in the midst of the storms of life, God is there. He is there to not only calm the waves and wind, but He controls them as well. In the opening chapters of Job is shown that the enemy can only move so far. In Romans His word shows that He uses ALL things for our ultimate good.

This song really moves me, and it reminds me that if God were to bring a storm (even more than a light 'sprinkle') that I can trust Him, that I can stand in the midst of the raging wind and water, and look to the heavens and rejoice. Our time on this earth is incredibly short in the light of eternity...

Verse for today:
Revelation 21:5-8, ESVAnd he who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” Also he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” And he said to me, “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will give from the spring of the water of life without payment. The one who conquers will have this heritage, and I will be his God and he will be my son. But as for the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable, as for murderers, the sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death.”

I need to stop!

Ok, Facebook is taking over my life! I need help... serious help. :-)

I've been obsessive compulsive with an application called 'Jedi vs. Sith'. So much so that I had to set a goal for myself, so that once I achieved it, I could feel better about walking away! I achieved that goal today, but in the meantime my blogging and my writing have suffered. I've also not tended to my preperation for tonights caregroup (Bible study) as I should have. Fortunately I still have some time to ready myself for that.

For today I would like to ask for everyone's prayers that I GET A GRIP ON REALITY! :-) God has been working on me in the area of self discipline of late, and I think this is a testament to how the enemy can, and will, step up the temptation in peoples lives when God is moving. I just need to slow myself down, take the deep breath, and turn from the temptations... (that sounds so easy). I need to remember, and act upon the verse that says, "But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong." (2 Corinthians 12:9-10, ESV)

May God grant each of you a peace and grace filled weekend. :-)

Verse for today:
1 Corinthians 9:24-27, ESV
Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. But I discipline my body and keep it under control, [2] lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.

Red in the morning...

The old sailor's legend says, "red in the morning, sailors take warning", but what may be true out at sea does not necesarrily mean danger here on land. At least, I've never been one to be very superstitious. That does not mean my day did not get off to a rough start. I've been trying to work on my self discipline. Get up, have some time with God (also known as a quiet time), hopefully get in a little exercise, but the bed is so warm, and sleep so inviting... Today I actually got up when the alarm went off (well, I did hit the snooze once), but I didn't hit the shower running. I strolled in, checked e-mail, casually got a shower, and then realized that it was a school morning and DS1 and my beloved were not awake. As a result I was not able to walk downstairs and open up my Bible. I did, however, get DS1 to school on time, and as a result, to work a tad early. While I was coming in to work I glanced to my left and I saw one of the most incredible sunrises. The sky was a pristine blue (the kind only a really sharp cold can produce) with just wisps of clouds. Lower towards the horizon there was one cloud that was a burnt orange that extended for about one half of the visibile horizon. But what made this one so incredible was what looked like a thick beam of an orange red straight up. It originated from the upper edge of the sun, that appeared to be exploding in light as it 'broke forth' from the horizon. Since I was driving it was niegh impossible to stop and enjoy it, nor did I have a camera with me. I was encouraged instead of being disappointed about not actually doing what I had hoped to (quiet time, exercise). But I am concerned that my focus the past six to twelve months has not been all that great. I really need to exercise my self disicpline. My view on it is this, discipline is like a muscle. It only gets stronger when exercised. :-) Verse for today: 2 Chronicles 11-16, ESV Thus Solomon finished the house of the Lord and the king's house. All that Solomon had planned to do in the house of the Lord and in his own house he successfully accomplished. Then the Lord appeared to Solomon in the night and said to him: “I have heard your prayer and have chosen this place for myself as a house of sacrifice. When I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or command the locust to devour the land, or send pestilence among my people, if my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land. Now my eyes will be open and my ears attentive to the prayer that is made in this place. For now I have chosen and consecrated this house that my name may be there forever. My eyes and my heart will be there for all time.

Happy New Year, 2008!

Wow the time really flies when you are having fun. Even when that fun is a vacation spent at home for the holidays. Christmas was a very nice time. We stayed home, and did not have anyone over. I was a little disappointed when the movies that I ordered for my beloved - 2 weeks before - had not arrived in time for Christmas. :( But she was very gracvious and I still received my presents from her. ;-) I received a copy of 'The Unit - season 2' on DVD, a copy of 'Amazing Grace' on DVD, a copy of "Ratatouille' on DVD, a Carolina Panthers hat, and the first of what I hope becomes a collevtion of little churches. Sort of like the 'David Winter' type houses. This one was a small 'Country Church' that could be used as an ornament on the tree. Later, I received a very nice fleece jacket from my sister and brother-in-law. The rest of the week was spent painting a bathroom, moving an entertainment center, installing a surround sound system that I had bought a year ago, and hanging a sconse (? sp) and some curtains for some windows previously hidden by the afor mentioned enterainment center. :) New Years eve was spent catching up with some old friends. It was a large crowd, but I played some scrabble, a game called Man's/Woman's Law (very interesting), and then had the chance to catch up with an old friend who is also an army buddy. He has had a pretty interesting life since we last had a chance to catch up. But the chit-chat is catching up with me today. We stayed up until 4 in the morning, and then I was up early to make sure he was not ambushed by the kids. The last night we were invited over to a freinds house for dinner. They have 3 kids about 4 years older (average), but it was nice to be invited out so we accepted. The result is I am starting my New Year a little burned out. LOL But that's ok. I still have 2 more small sconses to hang up. 3 more curtain rods (the curtains will come later), and a ceiling fan. I hope you all had a great Christmas and start to the New Year. I need to catch up with all of the blogs I've been missing. Verse for today: Psalm 2:1-6, ESV Why do the nations rage [1] and the peoples plot in vain? The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the Lord and against his Anointed, saying, “Let us burst their bonds apart and cast away their cords from us.” He who sits in the heavens laughs; the Lord holds them in derision. Then he will speak to them in his wrath, and terrify them in his fury, saying, “As for me, I have set my King on Zion, my holy hill.”