I will Keep Christmas in my heart all year long

I have a reputation of sorts at work.  I have been known to whistle/sing Christmas carols pretty much any time of the year.  I do not necessarily have any one favorite song for the season so at least there is some variety.  This time of year has been special to me for a very long time.I don't remember exactly when, but i do know it was after i knew the truth about the guy in the suit.  To me the season is awe inspiring in that God chose to step down from His throne and take on the aspects of man...  Songs like O Holy Night and Mary Did You Know bring me to a point of worship like few other songs do.

 

 

It's also this time of year i miss the Cross centered messages from my old church, Covenant Life in Gaithersburg, MD, the most.  I still follow Pastor CJ Mahaney's blog. Yesterday's post was yet another inspirational message for me. The more i learn about the Holiness of Christ, the more i learn and about my own depravity (let alone the depravity of man as a whole), the more i am amazed that God took any interest in me at all.  And then, as i draw closer to Christmas day and celebrate the birth of mankind's Savior, and i meditate on God coming to earth... the more i am moved by the initiative Jesus took to come down and become man... to reach out to me.  There are many times i feel like the woman at the well, or even the leapers in the streets, and yet there He is... reaching out... touching me...

Christmas is about God the Father (the offended party) taking the initiative to send his only begotten son to offer his life as the atoning sacrifice for our sins, so that we might be forgiven for our many sins. (from CJ's blog yesterday)

I definitely do not have a corner on the market regarding the things of Christ, but i would encourage you to read the Gospels and just marvel at all that Christ did.

Now the birth of Jesus Christ [5] took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed [6] to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit.  And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly.  But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.  She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.”  All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet:

“Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son,
and they shall call his name Immanuel”

(which means, God with us).  When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him: he took his wife, but knew her not until she had given birth to a son. And he called his name Jesus.

In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered.  This was the first registration when [1] Quirinius was governor of Syria.  And all went to be registered, each to his own town.  And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David,  to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, [2] who was with child.  And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth.  And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.

And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.  And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with fear.  And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.  For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.  And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.”  And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,

“Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” [3]

When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.”  And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger.  And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child.  And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them.  But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart.  And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.

 And at the end of eight days, when he was circumcised, he was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.

Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men [1] from the east came to Jerusalem,  saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose [2] and have come to worship him.”  When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him;  and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born.  They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet:

“‘And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,
are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;
for from you shall come a ruler
who will shepherd my people Israel.’”

Then Herod summoned the wise men secretly and ascertained from them what time the star had appeared.  And he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him, bring me word, that I too may come and worship him.”  After listening to the king, they went on their way. And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was.  When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy.  And going into the house they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh.  And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way.

And when the time came for their purification according to the Law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord  (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, “Every male who first opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord”)  and to offer a sacrifice according to what is said in the Law of the Lord, “a pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.”  Now there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon, and this man was righteous and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him.  And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord's Christ.  And he came in the Spirit into the temple, and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him according to the custom of the Law,  he took him up in his arms and blessed God and said,

“Lord, now you are letting your servant [4] depart in peace,
according to your word;
for my eyes have seen your salvation
that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples,
light for revelation to the Gentiles,
and for glory to your people Israel.”

And his father and his mother marveled at what was said about him.  And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “Behold, this child is appointed for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is opposed  (and a sword will pierce through your own soul also), so that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed.”

And there was a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years, having lived with her husband seven years from when she was a virgin,  and then as a widow until she was eighty-four. [5] She did not depart from the temple, worshiping with fasting and prayer night and day. And coming up at that very hour she began to give thanks to God and to speak of him to all who were waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem. (Matthew 1:18-25, Luke 2:1-21, Matthew 2:1-12, Luke 2:22-38 - all verses from the ESV)

May the Spirit of God meet each and everyone of you this holiday season.  May the Holy Spirit fill each of us with a renewed sense of awe and wonder in all that Christ accomplished for us on the Cross, and even more that He would relent and approach us in the form of a baby, born to a virgin.

Music Monday - 20091012 and church search conclusion (?)

My family and i continue to search for a new church. It had come down to two. One is relatively near by, while the other one is about 25 minutes away. Yesterday tipped the scales to the one further away. Why is it that i continue to find one of two 'types' of churches. On one 'side' we find a church that has good teaching BUT we find several legalistic people, people who do not seem to practice what is preached outside of the pew (personal experiences with said people), child care (pre-school/elementary/youth) not very friendly, and not much in the way for families to fellowship together. Then on the 'other side' we find a slightly 'watered down' message but the people seem more genuine. The teachers in the youth are friendly and helpful, there are things for the family and youth to do. Do i come across as self righteous in these blogs? Do i seem stubborn or elitist? Because i desire in-depth teaching and accountability am i doing the things that we are seeing? I deeply desire a church home that desires to continually teach the gospel, that encourages grace filled accountability, that encourages the meeting together of the saints not just in teaching situations but relationship building ones AND service (i.e. ministry) opportunities. I am fully aware that a 'perfect church' does not exist out there, and yet... why do i struggle to find one that i am comfortable to bring my family too? The more i think about it the more i am inclined to think it is me. When i listen, read, or watch things about/by about men like CJ Mahaney, John Piper, Allister Begg, John Stott, RC Sproul, Thabiti Anyabwile, and John MacArthur, my spirit's hunger gnaws at me. I recently listened to an interview with one of these men and i remember this because i remember my spirit crying out to know God more... to be more passionate for Him. And there was a line that went like this, "Someone once asked me, 'how can i be as passionate as you are'? and (he) replied, if you want to be passionate you have to spend time with God. You have to study His word. (He suggested to) start with the gospels and the seven sayings of Christ on the cross." (off of memory, but hopefully just as accurate) So, what i am taking away from this is that i need to stop seeking to have my hunger satisfied from a pulpit and i have to take a more personal approach to feeding this desire. I'm not saying that i don't need to attend a local church, quite the opposite, but i need to stop seeking to have my hunger and thirst quenched strictly from the pulpit. I need to be more directly involved in the satiating of such hunger pains. I also want to guard my heart against the very things that we've been seeing in "deep" churches around us of late.

And I tell you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened. (Luke 11:9-10, 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. (John 15:12-17, ESV)

To be honest i have leaned more towards spiritual slothfulness than becoming a marathon runner. I read the following from a facebook friend over the weekend, "Once an overweight couch potato with a glut of bad habits, including smoking and drinking, at the age of 43 John Bingham looked mid-life in the face—and started running. Since then, he has completed 40 marathons and hundreds of 5K and 10K races... —and developed a whole new outlook." Famous quote: "The miracle isn't that I finished. The miracle is that I had the courage to start." (Thanks for sharing that Linda!) I am praying in Jesus' name that i may have the courage to start... OK... enough rambling. Last week, again on facebook, the I LOVE CHRISTIAN MUSIC♥ page shared the song below and it moved me. I know many of you may think that it was just because that it is in both English and Japanese that this is the case but i truly believe that it was more than that. I love hearing the praises of God sung in other languages. There is something moving that is hard to explain. Before i was a Christian there was a Chinese family that lived next door to me. Whenever i would get sick my friend's mother would make me dumplings. My mouth still waters... well, they also took me to church a couple of times, but the sermons and singing were always in Chinese. But even then it caught my attention. So, without further delay...

Found in You Written by Lisa Davidson Translated by Emi Shirasaya 救いの神様が 変えてくれたよ　この人生を 救いの十字架が 永遠の命　与えてくれる 捧げよう　すべて あなたを愛してるから イエスだけが　満たす魂 歌おう　あなた讃えて　イエス Salvation belongs to our God Nothing else could ever change My life the way You did Salvation belongs to the cross By the perfect blood You shed I live eternally My life is forfeit to You 'Cause I have fallen in love with the Saviour Jesus alone can satisfy my soul I'll sing Your praises forever My life is forfeit to You 'Cause I have fallen in love with the Saviour Jesus alone can satisfy my soul I'll sing Your praises forever Jesus すべては　あなたの　中にある すべては　あなたの　中にある すべては　あなたの　中にある すべては　あなたの　中にある All that I want All that I need I've found in You All that I want All that I need I've found in You All that I want All that I need I've found in You All that I want All that I need I've found in Your Love My life is forfeit to You 'Cause I have fallen in love with the Saviour Jesus alone can satisfy my soul I'll sing Your praises forever 捧げよう　すべて あなたを愛してるから イエスだけが　満たす魂 歌おう　あなた讃えて 歌おう　あなた讃えて 歌おう　あなた讃えてイエス

Enough is never enough

This morning i was reminded that sometimes no matter how hard we try we do not always get things right. Our best efforts, our best intentions, no matter how motivated we might be it will never be perfect. Sometimes our intentions are not noble, they are mischievous. Sometimes our failures are mistakes. But in the end the result is the same. A perfect 'score' has not been achieved. Even the best efforts, the noblest intentions, have some taint of imperfection. "A little leaven leavens the whole lump." (Galatians 5:9, ESV) - it only takes a hint of selfish ambition, or pride, or covetousness, or any other form of sin, and the sin works it way through and taints the whole. "If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us." (1 John 1:8, ESV) There are two expressions that kind of bother me. The first one is that there is good in everyone. Good and evil are used in relevant terms. In one sense i could agree with this expression. When used in a human comparison point of view, yes this is possible. But when used in light of God's perfection this is not true.

"And Jesus said to him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good except God alone." (Luke 18:19, ESV)

The second is giving "110%". This would imply that it is possible to give more than your all. By the very definition our "all" IS 100%. It is impossible to give more than that. The expression of giving "110%" would imply that the standard for "all" is a bar set so that everyone can achieve it and thus the person giving the "110%" was superior to all of the rest because (s)he was able to give more. Granted we are not all born with the same abilities. I will never be an Evangelist like Billy Graham, or an Apologist like Lee Strobel. In college i took Finite Math. At the beginning of the semester the instructor told us that he grades on a curve because it is rare for anyone to score higher than the upper 60's and he felt that it would be unfair to fail the entire class because they could not score high enough on his tests. Well, when the first test came back there were two in the class who score in the upper 90's while the rest of the class was in the Intrsuctor's anticipated range. When it happened again with the second test i thought the class was going to Lynch me and the other guy. Fortunately the Instructor saw this and informed us that he would exempt our two scores from the over all curve. Having said that i will still never be a mathematician like Albert Einstein. Our best is our best, and my 100% is not your 100% and vice versa. Today i am "suffering" with the fact that i am not perfect. I want to be perceived in certain ways. I have been known to 'exagerate' (i.e. lie) personal accomplishments in order to be better thought of by others. I like being thought of as the 'hero' in my home. The 'go to' guy in all things. I like the fact that others come to ask me things at work (i still think it ironic that i am asked to proof read things... especially since i never passed an English class past the first half of the 10th grade). But here's the kicker... when i fail to live up to some perceived standard (more often than not - my own) i get irritated, and too often it spills out on those around me. Such is the sin of pride. If you take such a train of thought out to its logical conclusion... isn't that what got Satan and his followers tossed down from Heaven? But the truth is we are to run the race as if to win it? (1 Corinthians 9:24) And at the same time realize that because of my own sin i will never achieve the perfect obediance that God requires... it is ONLY by His grace, His substitution that i am redeemed and made perfect it in sight. In the end i do receive the prize because of His initiation on my behalf.

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. [2] The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling [3] the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God." (2 Corinthians 5:17-21, ESV)

This is not A La Carte people

There are things in the Bible that we are not going to like, maybe not agree with, but they are there. I once heard second hand of an acquaintance saying that he believes God lied. Back in Genesis, when God told Adam and Eve that if they ate the forbidden fruit they would die he lied because they did eat the fruit, and they didn't die. I nearly choked when i heard this. I wanted to ask this young man where exactly Adam and Eve were presently. By now i am sure everyone has heard of what happened at the Miss U.S.A. contest. I did not see it live, and i really don't have a desire to look it up on YouTube, but i have read a few articles on it. While i think Carrie Prejean could have been more poised in her answer, i feel she did an OK job answering what she believed. Since then there has been a little tit for tat going on back and forth as to what is Biblicaly correct and this, to me, is fairly clear. Sexual immorality includes male-on-male or female-on-female "relations". (1 Corinthians 6:9 is one) The questions was if she (Ms. Prejean) felt that the other 46 states (that do not currently allow gay marriages) should change. She did that. The reaction by the judge has been extremely harsh and "intolerant" to say the least. Look, we live in a country that espouses the separation of church and state, and while that has come to mean no 'religious' influence upon the government, it was originally written so that the Government should have no influence on religion. I am sure that many other states will eventually legalize such unions. I do not have to agree with it, but that does not mean i have to endorse it either. If the state wants to legalize same sex marriage, that does not mean the church has to agree with - nor should they be required to perform such ceremonies. This post today is not supposed to be a reflection on government, or gay rights, or gay marriage. What i really want it to be is a reflection on how different our society and Fundies, such as myself, are becoming. We (Chrisitans, and not just fundamentalists) are to be in the world, but not of the world. It is becoming clear to me that although i have a right to worship as i please, i really do not have the right to voice my opinion. Sure, in this context what is the worst i might expect? An angry commentor (unlikely since so few actually read this blog) exercising their right to disagree? It has gotten to the point where i feel that my Federal government no longer represents me. And i am ok with that because i am but 1 in over 300 million. Such a body of government cannot possibly represent each and every individual, but more and more i am seeing where vocal few are dictating policy. Both our past President, and our current President are inacting policies that they feel are in the best interest of the country - even if that means doing things that are not necessarily popular. That is what being in charge means - making the hard decisions. Man, my ADD must really be in high gear because as i read over this blog... it is all over the place. The end example i really wanted was to give the picture of Job (i know, i know, but stick with me for just a few moments more). Job wanted to protest to God about how he felt things should be. In the end God answered Job: “Who is this that darkens counsel by words without knowledge? Dress for action [1] like a man;

I will question you, and you make it known to me.

“Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth? Tell me, if you have understanding. Who determined its measurements—surely you know! Or who stretched the line upon it? On what were its bases sunk, or who laid its cornerstone, when the morning stars sang together and all the sons of God shouted for joy?

“Or who shut in the sea with doors when it burst out from the womb, when I made clouds its garment and thick darkness its swaddling band, and prescribed limits for it and set bars and doors, and said, ‘Thus far shall you come, and no farther, and here shall your proud waves be stayed’?

“Have you commanded the morning since your days began, and caused the dawn to know its place, that it might take hold of the skirts of the earth, and the wicked be shaken out of it? It is changed like clay under the seal, and its features stand out like a garment. From the wicked their light is withheld, and their uplifted arm is broken."

(Job 38-1:15, ESV)

God continues on, but the gist is that man is not the end all judge of right and wrong. As Christians we must read the Bible. We must be about our Father's business. When presented with the opportunity we need to share our understanding, and allow for differences of opinion - especially when it comes to relating with the world. Do not expect the world to accept the things of God with gladness. I pray that God will give me the strength and courage of Ms. Prejean if i am called to make such a public statement.

But before all this they will lay their hands on you and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors for my name's sake. This will be your opportunity to bear witness. Settle it therefore in your minds not to meditate beforehand how to answer, for I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which none of your adversaries will be able to withstand or contradict. You will be delivered up even by parents and brothers [3] and relatives and friends, and some of you they will put to death. You will be hated by all for my name's sake. But not a hair of your head will perish. By your endurance you will gain your lives. (Luke 21:12-19, ESV)

Oh the weather outside is frightful...

Listening to the news this morning you would have thought the end was near. "Oh no! the weather will be cold and windy today!" I know it's only October and all, but come on people this is the Fall after all. Winter is coming and the weather is bound to change. There's not even any snow coming our way! Relax people, we will have snow soon enough. For now just enjoy the opportunity to snuggle in your living rooms and enjoy someone's company. I took my lunch break to run down to GameStop to pick up my pre-ordered copy of Fallout 3 (PC) and the "Prima Collector's Edition Game Guide". I still do not have the laptop to play it on, but that's ok. Anyway... i walk into the mall and what greets my eyes but Christmas decorations! Now, i am not one who is turned off by this in general. For me it is a welcome diversion to all that is Halloween. I love Fall, i think i mentioned this before, but the one thing i am not fond of during this time of year is all of the Halloween things. I am not fond of horror movies, and i am not particularly fond of trick-or-treating. But that is me. I know there are many who enjoy the festivities, etc. so for the most part i keep my opinions of these things to myself. But when i saw the Christmas decorations i was, slightly, filled with joy. Not because of the mad retail season, but because we are ever closer to the season of celebrating the coming of the Christ. So dread not my heart - the Yule is coming! Verse for today: Luke 1 : 26-33, ESV In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed [2] to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. And the virgin's name was Mary. And he came to her and said, “Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you!” [3] But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and tried to discern what sort of greeting this might be. And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.”

Music Monday - 20081006

The past week has been a blur, and the coming week does not promise to be anymore in focus. :( So, instead of a 'deep' song i though i would share an instrumental... Fall is my favorite season of the year, and having grown up in the Washington DC area it usually does not wane until after the Christmas season. Christmas in turn is my favorite holiday season. Growing up in a family where presents were fairly sparse helped me curb the natural greed instinct (despite my mothers truly heroic efforts). I have always been captivated by the birth of Christ. I know He was not born on December 25th and all that, but that does not stop me from being in wonder of the whole thing. God's condescension to take on human form, not just our form, but in to begin in our weakest and most dependent state. How God the Father sent the angels to announce His birth. The reaction of the shepherds. The wise men from the east. How He then grew into a man and proclaimed the Good News. And then, how He willingly went to the cross to die for me. I 'suffer' through the Halloween season, i feast my way through Thanksgiving, but for me Christmas season began five days ago. Verse for today: Luke 2 : 1-7, ESV In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration when [1] Quirinius was governor of Syria. And all went to be registered, each to his own town. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, [2] who was with child. And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.

Tales from the Darkside

A longer time ago than i would care to remember i was in a car with two friends of mine. We were doing the "guys hanging out thing" when somehow the conversation turned into a banter of Star Wars and the faith of myself and one of the my other friends. We were witnessing to our friend using a contemporary "tool" if you will. For the past week or so i have been contemplating what it means to die to myself. I don't know if i fully understand the passages where Jesus is quoted saying "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me." (Matthew 16:24, Mark 8:34, & Luke 9:23) There are many examples of people dieing for others outside of Jesus. Randy Shugart and Gary Gordon are two that immediately came to mind. But what is it that Jesus is calling ME to? In some regards a call to throw yourself in harms way can be easier to bear then the little things that all add up. Please do not misunderstand what i am saying here. I am in now way taking away from the incredible sacrifice of those who have given their lives for another. It is in the end the most that anyone can do for another. But it can be harder making those daily "little" sacrifices. The deferring of your preferences for others. Why do i consider this to be more difficult? Because, at least in my mind, the little things add up over time. The enemy whispers in your ear about the 'fruit' of taking for yourself. And it is in our sinful nature to want and to be selfish. We do not have to teach our children to be selfish. Some take to the teaching of giving and sacrifice easier than others, but even the most generous take for themselves from time to time. This is why things in life are hard. When we take the easy path down range consequences are sure to follow. And I struggle with taking the initiative in my own life. This is true in all things that are worthy of pursuing. In order to succeed routinely one must be willing to do the hard thing and take initiative. One reason Thomas Jonathon Jackson, aka "Stonewall", was so successful was that he was willing to work his men hard in order to seize the initiative and take decisive action. Early on his men complained about the workload. They did not see what he was doing. He has been quoted as saying, "I am obliged to sweat them tonight, that I may save their blood tomorrow." This is best understood by studying Jackson and his "Valley Campaign" of 1862.

YODA: Run! Yes. A Jedi’s strength flows from the Force. But beware of the dark side. Anger… fear… aggression. The dark side of the Force are they.

Easily they flow, quick to join you in a fight. If once you start down the dark path, forever will it dominate your destiny, consume you it will, as it did Obi-Wan’s apprentice.

Ever notice how easy it is to succumb to anger? How quick we react when we have been "wronged"?

LUKE: Vader. Is the dark side stronger?

YODA: No… no… no. Quicker, easier, more seductive.

LUKE: But how am I to know the good side from the bad?

YODA: You will know. When you are calm, at peace. Passive. A Jedi uses the Force for knowledge and defense, never for attack.

What is hardest is to cultivate the fruits of the Spirit - love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. These are things that need to be painstakingly nurtured, reinforced.

LUKE: I'll try

YODA: Try not. Do, or do not. There is no try.

LUKE: I can't believe it.

YODA: That is why you fail.

What is it that holds us back? We know these things (as Christians) intellectually, but why is it that we fail? Because we are inclined towards laziness and selfishness. It causes us trouble, it takes work. We succeed when we put off the old and take on the newness in Christ. When we die to ourselves we no longer care for what we want, but what we can do for others. There is a part in Eric Haney's Book Inside Delta Force that speaks volumes (to me anyway):

All day long, I crossed that mountain from one side to the other.... I would arrive exhausted and breathless at one RV (check point) only to be sent to the next back on the other side I had just come from. The mountain was too big to contour around, and the lay of the was such that I could never anything approximating a direct approach or maintain the hard-earned high ground for any length of time. Never getting anywhere, back and forth across the same mountain. It was a masterful torture. But then I had a revelation. What difference could it possibly make if I crossed back and forth over this mountain until doomsday? A mountain is a mountain, time was time, and route selection was route selection. The only that that mattered was speed and ground made good.... The frustration and mental torture I had been suffering were completely of my own making - and completely within my power to disregard.

- and -

I was physically spent and sore in every part of my body, But as I reflected on what I had undergone, I felt a calm sense of satisfaction and contentment. I had not just survived an ordeal, because survival in a sense if passive. No, I had conquered. But conquered what? I had to think about that a while, and then I realized: myself.

What had Eric Haney realized? That when he no longer minded, it no longer mattered. I think this post better describes yet another aspect of why i admire the samurai so much. The strived to die to themselves every day in order to serve their lord. "If by seeing one's heart right every morning and evening, one is able to live as though his body were already dead, he gains freedom in 'the Way'. His whole life will be without blame, and he will succeed in his calling." (from Haguakure) Am i perfect in this... not by a long shot. But i feel that it is a noble pursuit. Verse for today: Hebrews 9 : 24-28, ESV For Christ has entered, not into holy places made with hands, which are copies of the true things, but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God on our behalf. Nor was it to offer himself repeatedly, as the high priest enters the holy places every year with blood not his own, for then he would have had to suffer repeatedly since the foundation of the world. But as it is, he has appeared once for all at the end of the ages to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself. And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment, so Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him.

It was a new day yesterday, but by God it is an old day now

It is amazing how fast time seems to fly, and the older you get the faster it flies. I used to think that it was just because i had children and my life was busier, but nope! Those who have children grown and out of the house say it is just as fast, if not faster for them now! 8/ bummer After missing four consecutive days at the gym over the weekend it was really hard to force myself up and out of bed both yesterday and today. I missed Friday because of the tooth i blogged about last week, and the first day of our yard sale. That set me behind, so i planned on making sure i got to the gym on Monday. God must chuckle when we think we have things all planned out. Sunday morning my beloved woke up with some severe pain in her lower abdomen and back. "Worse than child birth", she said. 8/ Wow... fast forward to Sunday night and we are in the ER. She has a kidney stone. Ouch! So despite having a few extra hours of awake time the past few days it still feels like they are flying by - even though my tail is draggin' in the dirt so far this week. :) I did, however, make it both yesterday and today, and today is our first weigh in at my work for our very own "Biggest Loser" contest. My first weigh in was: 205.8 lbs with a BMI of 31.40. :( When i got married i weighed a mere 165lbs - so it is obviously all my beloved's fault! ;) Seriously though, i am trying to control my eating habits and portion control. Soda Pop is like liquid crack for me. Especially Dr Pepper. I am already feeling a little better just having been going to the gym for about four weeks now. When they asked me what my goals where and i told them my short term goal was to just make getting to the gym a habbit. After that we can discuss the longer term goals. I had more to write about, but it has flown away and a shiny object has taken its place. :) Before i sign off i do want to want to say that my title for today comes from a Jethro Tull song. I pray for this man (Ian Anderson) and his group. I am not sure he would like that, but I like his music and feel it is a good thing. Verse for today: Luke 9 : 57-62, ESV As they were going along the road, someone said to him, “I will follow you wherever you go.” 58 And Jesus said to him, “Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.” 59 To another he said, “Follow me.” But he said, “Lord, let me first go and bury my father.” 60 And Jesus [7] said to him, “Leave the dead to bury their own dead. But as for you, go and proclaim the kingdom of God.” 61 Yet another said, “I will follow you, Lord, but let me first say farewell to those at my home.” 62 Jesus said to him, “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.”

Music Monday - 20080902

Ok, i know it's not Monday but i wanted to get this one in this week. The parable of the "Rich Young Ruler" (Luke 18:18-30) has been playing over and over in my mind this past weekend. I know the parable does not reveal an anchor that is only money. The things we hold onto can be hobbies, or possessions, or even relationships. But God has told us that if we are faithful, if we turn from our idols (sins) and turn to Him, and call His name, he will draw us near to Him.

Call My Name Lyrics Third Day Songwriters: Anderson, Tai; Avery, Brad; Carr, David; Lee, Mark D; Powell, Mac It's been so long since You felt like you were loved So what went wrong But do you know There's a place where you belong Here in My Arms Chorus: When you feel like you're alone in your sadness It seems like no one else in this whole world cares And you want to get away from the madness You just call My name and I'll be there "Call My Name" You just call My name and I'll be there The pain inside Has erased your hope for love Soon you will find That I'll give you all That your heart could ever want And so much more Chorus: When you feel like you're alone in your sadness It seems like no one else in this whole world cares And you want to get away from the madness You just call My name and I'll be there You just call My name and I'll be there [these lyrics are found on http://www.songlyrics.com] You just call My name You just call My name Call My name say it now I want you to never doubt The love I have for you is so alive Call My name say it now I want you to never doubt The love I have for you is so alive You just call My name You just call My name You just call My name The love I have for you is so alive The love I have for you is so alive You just call My name You just call My name You just call My name © CONSUMING FIRE MUSIC

Are we really willing to leave our father and mother, brother and sister, our homes, our jobs, if God called us to? This morning i was reading in Matthew some things that really kind of caused me to wake up and pay attention (I was having a hard time dragging myself out of the warm covers this morning). If our Lord was to return today would we be willing to drop everything and respond to Him? I know we have to live our lives right where we are. We need to focus and live our lives and be prepared - but are we allowing ourselves to grow complacent? These questions are more for me today than any sort of challenge to a reader that may happen by. Verse for today: Matthew 24 : 15-28, ESV “So when you see the abomination of desolation spoken of by the prophet Daniel, standing in the holy place (let the reader understand), then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. Let the one who is on the housetop not go down to take what is in his house, and let the one who is in the field not turn back to take his cloak. And alas for women who are pregnant and for those who are nursing infants in those days! Pray that your flight may not be in winter or on a Sabbath. For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been from the beginning of the world until now, no, and never will be. And if those days had not been cut short, no human being would be saved. But for the sake of the elect those days will be cut short. Then if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or ‘There he is!’ do not believe it. For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect. See, I have told you beforehand. So, if they say to you, ‘Look, he is in the wilderness,’ do not go out. If they say, ‘Look, he is in the inner rooms,’ do not believe it. For as the lightning comes from the east and shines as far as the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. Wherever the corpse is, there the vultures will gather.

Ten Lepers and VBS

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] (Luke 17 : 11-19, esv)

Last night was the second night of VBS (vacation bible school) at out church. Before I get too much into my subject I want to be up front. I am not a big fan of our current methodology. We are pushing for more and more kids, with 'incentives' if a certain number show up on any given night. We then have two and a half hours in order to get through: 'Opening ceremonies' and drama presentation, crafts, recreation, snack, instruction, and music. This gives us about twenty five minutes for each section per night. It feels more about the quantity of people and 'things' than it is about teaching these kids about Jesus and His gospel. My beloved heads up the preschool ministry at our church so she is hoping. She makes sure all four of the classes of preschoolers have what they need. and are taken care of. With DS2 having Aspergers I am an assistant teacher for the 4th grade group (when he moves on to 5th I will follow along with him). DS1 is almost too old, but I am very, very grateful that the church has expanded VBS to include the 6th grade and beyond (to about 8th I think). DD3 is upset with me this week because I am never (emphasis hers) with her. As a result we are probably not going to be home before 9:00PM any night this week. Then getting them down, etc. I am not getting to bed before 11:00, and not asleep before 12:00 midnight. With the little sleep I got this past weekend, I am hurting pretty bad right now - so my mind may not be all that... 'crisp'. Ok, enough background... this is one of the stories from Jesus' time of ministry that really affected me when I was a young Christian. Now, I am no expert on leprosy, or even the what the world was like in and around 0 - 30 A.D. But I do know a little about thankfulness, and the differences in social standings. Ten men who are the absolute bottom of the social ladder in their day (straw dogs would be more welcome), who were suffering physically, mentally, and spiritually called out to a man whom they heard could do miracles. This was a man (Jesus) who was traveling with what is essentially an entourage, and yet he stopped and talked (and, more importantly, healed!) them. The part that really grabbed my thoughts was not necessarily the healing because this was something that Jesus had done in other places, but it was the response of the men. I can only assume they went on their way and at least rejoiced with their families and friends. Perhaps most, if not all, of them did do as Jesus told them. But only one man realized who he should give the praise and thanks to. And the man was not even an Israelite. Throughout the gospels there are instances of gentiles recognizing Jesus' authority. The Centurion, several Samaratins. The most telling passages are when Jesus says, "I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel." (Matthew 15 : 24, esv ). How eye opening is that! It's not that He did not come for the rest of us 'Gentiles', but that His ministry was focused on Israel first, and then His disciples would be sent out to the rest of the world later. To me this just heightens the awareness of the privilege of knowing Jesus as my Lord and Savior. And the great need to acknowledge what He has done in my life. Verse for today: John 3 : 16-21, ESV “For God so loved the world, [9] that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God. And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil. For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed. But whoever does what is true comes to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that his works have been carried out in God.”

My latest diet

Ok, I just want to say here an now... the first three letters in the word diet are DIE! :) So when we diet, we die. ;)

While I was at my two week deal this year I resolved myself to not eat a single MRE. It has nothing to do with the taste, or the selection available. It had everything to do with the sheer number of calories. Without verifying , those things have like 1500 calories a piece! What I did instead was I hit Wally World before we left and filled up a little Tupperware tote thing with: Cold Brew Lipton Ice Tea bags (family size), Nature Valley Granola Bars (Honey and Oats), Dole Jello Fruit Cups (Black Cherry and Peach), and some of those new cookies on the go. I can't remember who makes them, I'm pretty sure it's Keebler, but I couldn't find it on their website. But I love cookies, and these little packages have like four cookies per, and it was perfect. No cookies went to waste. ;-) LOL

The diet helped me lose 3-5 pounds! Although that was not my overall goal, it did help. I don't know how much my food choices helped, but I know the lack of sodas, specifically Dr Pepper, helped. :)
Verse for today:
Luke 12 : 22-24, ESV
And he said to his disciples, “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat, nor about your body, what you will put on. For life is more than food, and the body more than clothing. Consider the ravens: they neither sow nor reap, they have neither storehouse nor barn, and yet God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds!

In Lieu of my regularly scheduled program...

I have decided to blog about my weekend getaway instead of music today.

The more I learn about Milton Hershey, the more I am impressed with him as a man, as a Christian, and as a husband. Ok, I know he never walked on water and that he failed several times before he succeeded, but he never gave up. And when God granted him success he did not hoard it for himself. I will not go into it all here, but I would encourage everyone who reads this humble little blog to read some on Mr. Hershey. He is a man who did a lot of good, and his legacy still helps those (a lot) less fortunate than himself over 60 years after he died in 1945. If you are ever fortunate enough to go to Hershey, PA (which by the way is not an incorporated town) I could not encourage you enough to take the trolley ride that leaves from Chocolate World just outside the amusement park. This was a man who did not build himself the biggest barn, but gave back to his workers, his community, and his neighbor.

My beloved and I hit the road around lunch time on Friday to head to Hershey, PA for a romantic getaway for just the two of us. I had been saving for this trip for almost 18 months, and I have been planning it for the last 6. It's hard not to be disappointed by how short such a trip is when so much effort was put into it. Although I am not happy with how short it was, I am very happy with how great a time we had.

We stopped for lunch at Friendly's and then got into town fairly early. We checked in and found out the trolley rides ended at 2:30 on Friday afternoon so we decided to just catch a matinée. We saw "Vantage Point" with Dennis Quaid and Forest Whitaker (and many others). A pretty good movie that keeps the audience's attention (IMO), and we had the entire theater to ourselves! :-) After the movie we headed back to the Hershey Lodge and just relaxed in the lobby for a little while. When we checked in, I made arrangements for some chocolate covered strawberries to be delivered to the room, at 8. But when I ran our coats upstairs just before dinner I was pleasantly surprised to find that they had been delivered early. Now, those of us who are planners, this can normally be a "nightmare", but because I am married to a woman who is impossible to surprise this was a good thing. That meant I did not have to worry about being back in the room by such-n-such a time. I could just relax and enjoy the afternoon and evening with my beloved.

Eventually we went to the 'Bear's Den' for a light dinner and then headed up stairs where my surprise was a huge success! She had not expected, or suspected, a thing! \o/ And those strawberries were awesome! At one time my beloved jokingly told me that if I ate the piece of chocolate that fell from one of her strawberries that the marriage was over! I laugh because I know it was not a serious threat, but it was a comment on how much she was enjoying them! They really were delectable!

The next morning we slept in all the way until 8AM! LOL We took our time getting ready, and then headed out to a local diner for breakfast. The parking lot was packed, and not a single out of state license plate. It was great. From there we headed over to the Park so we could catch the trolley tour. Now we make it a point to try and go to Hershey Park at least once a year, but we had never taken this tour. This is where I learned a lot more about Milton Hershey's true legacy - the Milton Hershey School. We then did a tour of the Hershey Museum and Chocolate World before going back to the Lodge once more. Our original plan was to lounge around the lobby some more and read, or maybe go and take a quick swim. But when we found out that Chef Carlos Gomez was going to do a quick demonstration of a few appetizers we quickly changed our plans! We enjoyed his creations so much that I had to change our reservations for dinner at the Forbay.

When we went back to the room to relax I passed out and took a short nap (men), but got up in time for dinner. What a fabulous experience. The food was delicious and the atmosphere was just as nice. The only downside was that we both ate too much! For the first time we were stuffed.

Then Sunday came and we had to come back to reality. It's always nice to be home, especially picking up the kids, but I would really have liked to have just one more day for just me and my beloved.
Verse for today:
Luke 12:13-21, ESV
Someone in the crowd said to him, “Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.” But he said to him, “Man, who made me a judge or arbitrator over you?” And he said to them, “Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.” And he told them a parable, saying, “The land of a rich man produced plentifully, and he thought to himself, ‘What shall I do, for I have nowhere to store my crops?’ And he said, ‘I will do this: I will tear down my barns and build larger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods And I will say to my soul, Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, be merry.’ But God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul is required of you, and the things you have prepared, whose will they be?’ So is the one who lays up treasure for himself and is not rich toward God.”

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]

Merry Christmas

In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration when [1] Quirinius was governor of Syria. And all went to be registered, each to his own town. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, [2] who was with child. And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with fear. And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest,and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” [3] When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them. Luke 2:1-20, ESV

Musical Monday

For some reason I am having trouble coming up with a song in just my second week of wanting to do a recurring 'theme'... Hmm... well, I am going to go with a song that I find myself whistling even in July... Silent Night:

Silent night, holy night

All is calm, all is bright

Round yon Virgin Mother and Child

Holy Infant so tender and mild

Sleep in heavenly peace

Sleep in heavenly peace

Silent night, holy night!

Shepherds quake at the sight

Glories stream from heaven afar

Heavenly hosts sing Alleluia!

Christ, the Saviour is born

Christ, the Saviour is born

Silent night, holy night

Son of God, love's pure light

Radiant beams from Thy holy face

With the dawn of redeeming grace

Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth

Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth

For as along as I can remember this song has held my heart pretty dear. I know that it is a romanticized vision of the night Christ was born, but for me it envisions what I would have liked it to be. A great article on Worshiping God can be found at Worship Matters. Ultimately Praise & Worship music is to declare glory for God. Verse for today: Luke 2:8-14, ESV And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with fear. And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest,and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” [3]