A quick note in passing...

...well, for reasons I will not expound upon here and now, I will not be blogging for the next week or so. I will be getting back into the swing of things around the 5th. In other news, my Panthers got walloped yesterday, at home... again. It's looking more and more like a 5-11, and maybe even (shudder) a 4-12 season! I keep hoping the Falcons will go on a winning streak so the Panthers can finish 4th in the NFC South... then, assuming the trend continues, they have a good shot at winning the NFC South next year (IF the Bucs win it this year, that will be 5 years running that the team that took 4th the previous season, wins the division the following year). I pray you all had a great Thanksgiving... Verse for today: 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, ESV Now concerning the times and the seasons, brothers, [1] you have no need to have anything written to you. For you yourselves are fully aware that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. While people are saying, “There is peace and security,” then sudden destruction will come upon them as labor pains come upon a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. But you are not in darkness, brothers, for that day to surprise you like a thief. For you are all children [2] of light, children of the day. We are not of the night or of the darkness. So then let us not sleep, as others do, but let us keep awake and be sober. For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, are drunk at night. But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and for a helmet the hope of salvation. For God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us so that whether we are awake or asleep we might live with him. Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.

Where has the day gone!

Wow! Today has just flown by... in order to not forget to update my blog I thought I would post some things that I am thankful for this day...

1) I am thankful for my beloved wife. I still remember the day we met at the home coming football game for her college. I had been set up on a blind date with one of her roomates (long story there), and the three of us spent the entire game talking about the Soveriegnty of God! I don't think I saw three plays the whole game. She captured my heart the very first day we met. I still am not sure why she puts up with me... and I really mean that.


2) I am thankful for three kids. It just amazes me that God used me and my beloved to create three other human beings. Each one of them is amazing to me. And does God ever use them in my life! Joy, frustration, humility, love... and they are like mirrors into my soul and mind. God uses them to reveal sin in my life, to help me to better conform into the image of His Son, and there by - I hope - make me a better father and husband.


3) I am thankful for my career. When I met my beloved I was a carpenter's apprentice. Although I owned a little Ford Escort station wagon (a 'gift' from a church member I had never met), which was totaled a week later. She was always having to come down and meet me (we lived over 50 miles from each other), or I was having to catch a ride. When I moved to another state (actually closer to her) in order to pursue a college education and get married, I had no real job. Long story short, I have the job I have today, not because I knew what I wanted and went after it, but because God continually opened doors in my path.


4) I am thankful for my past. Specifically for my experiences. I grew up with divorced parents. I lived with my mother who struggled with depression and had attempted suicide several times. I never lived in any one place for more than two years. At one point, I lived in four different homes, and went to three different schools - all in one school year. I look back and I am just amazed at what God did and how He shaped me through those things. It is all by grace that I can say that my Lord is Jesus Christ, that He died for my sins, and that I can call Him friend/Lord/Savior. It is nothing done by my hand, or anyone elses.


5) I am thankful - and this really should be #1 on the list - for my salvaton. That God humbled Himself, came into the world to reveal the Father, and then paid the price of my sin so that I could know the Father.


6) I am thankful for the National Guard. God has used it to really shape me into a man who is responsible for his actions, and a man who takes service seriously. I have had the opportunity to serve my fellow man when they are most in need... and it is something I have really, really enjoyed. I have had the chance to travel (Honduras, Panama, Louisiana, Arkansas, California, Virginia, Maryland, New York, Florida, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Pennsilvania, West Virginia, Georgia). I have had the chance to meet Governors; fly in helicopters; repel off towers, helicoptors, mountains. I have had the chance to experience so many things that otherwise I would not have had the opportunity.


7) I am thankful for music. I really love music. Especially 'praise and worship' music. but I have found that i enjoy a lot of different kinds. Rock and Roll, Blues, Soul or Jazz, Irish and Scottish folk music. I especially enjoy the flute and piccilo.


8) I enjoy the internet. I have a been able to meet a lot of people, a chance to learn. A chance to 'see' a lot more than I otherwise might not have.


Well, I could probably go on, and on, but I need to wrap up for today... may God grant each of you a peaceful, and blessed Thanksgiving!



Verse for today:
Psalm 9:1-2, ESV
I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart;
I will recount all of your wonderful deeds.
I will be glad and exult in you;
I will sing praise to your name, O Most High.

"Brothers"

A little over a year ago my Father-in-law asked me if I had ever watched "The Unit" (CBS, Tuesdays at 9 PM et/pt), and to be honest I hadn't up to that point. So, the next time it was on I made sure I was sitting down to watch it. In between bath time, and getting kids to bed (I am very grateful for DVR) I was hooked by the time the preview for next weeks episode came on. I was so hooked that I asked for the season-1 set when it came out, for Christmas (and I've asked for season 2 this year).

For those who don't know, the show is based off of the book "Inside Delta Force" by Eric Haney. The episodes cover a team of Delta Force operators and their wives.

Last night I finally was able to watch last weeks episode "Play 16", which was the follow up to "Five Brothers" the week before that. In Five Brothers the writers and producers did something that not many other shows are willing to do... they killed off an integral charecter - they killed Hector "Hammerhead" Williams. Although he was not one of the 'front three' (as I might call them), but he was a team member - and I really liked his charecter. Then in last weeks episode I really liked how the brough him back home.

This show does not have a large budget (I think), but they do a lot with what they do have. The story lines are interesting to me, even the home front side where they sort of talk about what the spouses go through is compelling. The one thing I do not like, and often skip over, is the extra marital affair of one of the main charecter's wife - and their commanding officer of all things!

The Unit kind of speaks to me. It's probably because I 'bleed Army green', and I have a deep respect for the kind of training and drive it takes to do such things. I have come to accept that I am not now, nor have I ever been, that skilled in - well anything. I have not been willing to discipline myself to that level of training and focus. I once began a work out regimine to attempt a tryout for the Special Forces group, but I quit early on because I was tired of being so tired.

Right now I suffer from some guilt. Earlier this year most of my unit was called to active duty, I was only one of four who weren't. I am now a REMF (please don't ask me to spell it out). Grant it, it's an important assignment - and it needs to be done, but when most of the men you trained with are called up - and possibly in harms way, but you are not...

Anyway... if anyone who reads this, who is either a member of the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force - or a family member (epecially a spouse of a member) you have my deepest respect.



Verse for today:
John 15:12-17, ESV
"This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you. No longer do I call you servants, [1] for the servant [2] does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you. You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you. These things I command you, so that you will love one another.

Musical Monday... not yet... but hopefully soon

I've seen "Wordless Wendnesday", "Thursday Thirteen", "Friday Feast" on other blogs. They are generally a helpful 'tool' to help a blogger generate a post for at least one or more days a week. Although I've not looked very hard, I've not seen one called "Music(al) Monday" - not decided what I want to call it yet - and I was thinking about doing this from time to time. Basically a way to post a song, or about a song, that has been going around the void between my ears of late. Unfortunately, this is not the Monday to start that as I've not really had one bouncing around this morning. I mean, last week Jukebox Hero was doing a number on me... But this week I am not fully prepared to begin this. Over the weekend I was pondering what God has done in my life. Specifically my professional career. I was able to spend some time with a good friend from High School (we've known each other since 1983). By God's grace we got through High School, post High School, life, marriage, kids, and moving to remain within ten miles of each other (not necessarily all in that order). He is a manager of an auto parts store, and for the most part he is doing very well. Although they are struggling with his work schedule. Being the manager he tends to work a whole lot more hours, including most holidays, and for less money/vacation/etc. I know it bothers him that he is not able to spend as much time with his family as he would like to, especially on weekends. I guess it's one of those questions we may never fully know the answer too. I know I don't feel deserving of all that I do have, let alone why others are not as "blessed". Especially of those who I feel do deserve such things. Verse for today: Proverbs 19:1, ESV Better is a poor person who walks in his integrity than one who is crooked in speech and is a fool.

I got nothin'

Well, at least not much. :) Not today anyway. The past three of four nights I've not been able to sleep very well. When I am really desperate I grab a spare blanket and crash on the floor next to our bed. I have no idea why, or how, that works, but I am usually out within five minutes - tops. Last night even that didn't work. I was too hot! On the coldest night we've had so far! So, around 1 AM, I climbed back into bed, folded back the blankets and slept with just a sheet. That did the trick... out like a light until it was time to get up this morning. I've started "The Cross of Christ" by John Stott (again). I think I am daunted by the size and depth of it. I constantly have to remind myself that I had no problem picking up "Lord of the Rings" and pretty much reading until I was done. Why is it that we have no trouble diving into projects, no matter how mundane, when it's something not of a theological bent - but when it comes to just picking up scripture, or a book like "The Cross of Christ", we waver?!? I also took home the book "Living the Cross Centered Life", by CJ Mahaney, last night (it's been sitting on my desk at work since I received it a few months back). CJ's writing has always been easy to read. When I've read his work in the past it was like drawing a sip from a cool refreshing glass on a hot day - easy to read, easy to absorb, and it feels like it penetrates through me. I also like the fact that the chapters are brief enough that I can delve into a chapter and finish it within 15 - 30 minutes. I'm thinking about doing a weekly commentary on this book... I dunno... I hope and pray that you all have a wonderful weekend. Verse for today: Matthew 6:5-8, ESV And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites. For they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you. “And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.

Family time at the movies

For some time now my beloved and I have been seeing posters, and trailers for "The Golden Compass". We both like that general type of film, and the advertisers are doing a fairly decent job of promoting it. However, I have been reading things on the internet of late bringing forth somethings that concern me greatly. The movie is based off of a trilogy written by author Phillip Pullman. It is written that Mr. Pullman is an athiest who really does not like C.S. Lewis, or his books, or pretty much to do anything with religion in general. It is my understanding (from what I have read on-line) that the book that this movie is based off of has some serious anti-God threads, and in the end the children "kill God". (Read a snoops article here) Apparently the movie has really supressed these themes in order to make it more friendly for us "church goers". (On a side note: it's intresting to hear that the 'other side of the coin' faces such supression.) Originally we were planning on going to see it as a date night movie, but I doubt I will even do that now - not even NetFlix it.


We should not be surprised buy such things. The 'world' hates Christ (John 7:7), and as a result it is only natural for it to hate those of us who follows Christ (John 15:9). The enemy of our souls is a master at his craft (Genesis, Job, 2 Corinthians), and as a result he has managed to turn some to hate, and I do mean hate, those who seek after Christ. And sometimes the best way to attack something, is by deception and disguise.


Now, I have watched The Lord of the Rings and Narnia with my two sons, and there are definetly things that I need to talk over some things with them in those movies as well. But, isn't that the role of a parent? We can never completely protect them from the world (when I use this term it is in reference to the part of the world in opposition to God). Our actual role is to teach and to train (Proverbs 22). I guess what I am trying to say is this, whatever you do with your children, wherever you go, whatever you see, talk to them about it - and ultimately pray for them. God can, and does, use all things to teach and to train them. Our ultimate peace and joy will be at our destination, and not during the journey. But that doesn't mean that we can't stop and appreciate the view from time to time. Look for those little nuggets. :)






Verse for today:
Deuteronomy 11:18-21, ESV
“You shall therefore lay up these words of mine in your heart and in your soul, and you shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall teach them to your children, talking of them when you are sitting in your house, and when you are walking by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates, that your days and the days of your children may be multiplied in the land that the Lord swore to your fathers to give them, as long as the heavens are above the earth.

Rest interrupted

Well, my 'mini vacation' was interrupted by the telephone at 06:50 this morning. It was the midnight shift guys letting me know that the 'bossman' was very ill, and I would be needed to come in and attend all of the daily/weekly meetings for him. Such is life, but I've since talked with 'bossman' and he's agreed to let me take a replacement day saometime in the "near future". Who knows... I might be able to start my Thanksgiving break a little early? :)

Today has been a whirlwind, but here are some random thoughts...

For some reason the song "Juke Box Hero" (by Foreigner) has been playing in mind over, and over, and over again... I really have no idea why. So, I've played it a few times from a You Tube video. I don't get it... but it's like being unable to scratch an itch or something!



For the past week or so, I have really been turning over the subject of knowing, and being known by, God. The verses "“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’" (Matthew 7:21-23, ESV), has been something I dwell on from time to time. Not just for my own edification, but so that I can (hopefully) explain it others if asked. One particular sub-theme of this as been (for me) the act of repentence. Over at Steve Camp's blog (yes the contemporary Christian musician) there is an excellent post regarding this very subject. I highly recommend it to anyone wanting to ponder such things.

I enjoy writing the occasional short story, but I have been 'dry' for about 3 months now. I have ideas and concepts... continuations of several story lines I've started, but it's just not coming out. At least not in a cohesive form. I'm itching to write... I've just not had the time to sit and plug (i.e. bang) away at it until I clear that hurdle. I've been trying to carry a notebook around to jot notes in... but I've not been disciplined enough to follow through on that. gotta get off my duff!

Speaking of discipline... I need to get out and start running again. I know this is not the normal time a year to start such things, but my back has sidelined me from doing any serious exercise since late April. I've already missed two APFT test times, and I don't want to go out (retire) on a profile - unable to complete my expected check marks. My back still has some aches, and I am still seeing a chyropractor once aq month, but he feels it should be ok to start light running, and even some sit-ups (the later filling me with dread even thinking about it).

Coming back to music before I close things out for today, if you are one who enjoys praise and worship music I can cannot recommend the blog Worship Matters enough. It is written by a man who leads worship in church every Sunday. For me it has been very insightful.

Well, that's all I have for today... God bless...



Verse for today:
Phillipians 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.