Big Daddy Weave Tonight!!!!

I'm going to see Big Daddy Weave tonight. I know you're all jealous but you'll just have to get over it. Watch out Derek Chalfant I'm catching up with you. Not that it's a competition or anything. :-)

Gearing Up

I'm gearing up when I should be gearing down. I'm gearing up for a night of camping with our Young Adult Ministry group Friday night. Which means I have a variety of
things to get done. Right now I'm canning tomatoes and that is a process of its own. I should be mowing the lawn but a small group of smurfs have moved in and I feel bad chasing them off.

I still need to get my camping gear in order so I can leave straight after work tomorrow. Then there is eating at some point. I'm having a difficult time budgeting my time these days. I want to spend quality time with the Lord also. This is tough to do when in the mornings I'm groggy and in the later evenings I'm sleepy. I want to give some of my best hours to God. Prayer time is so essential to our relationship.

I can't help but think how much easier things would be with a significant other around. You know, to cook and clean and mow the grass for me. Just kidding, but it would help a bit. I do take child donations as long as they can cook, clean, mow the grass and not complain.

I better get some stuff done so I can gear down at some point. Have yourself a lovely weekend.

Tell Your Story

..."Go home to your friends, and tell them what great things the Lord has done for you, and how He has had compassion on you. (Mark 5:19)

I got the chance to do this very thing last Sunday afternoon. I was busy cleaning out my truck I have recently put up for sale when my neighbor lady come strolling over with a Bible question. I tried to lead her in the right place in the Bible to find her answer and went back to cleaning my truck. While cleaning my truck I had the feeling I should go speak more with her so I stopped what I was doing and went.

You see, when I first met this lady she was standing in my front yard smoking a cigarette inviting me across the way to the Lutheran church. I've had it on my heart to share my story with her but never knew if she would receive it being Lutheran and all.

As we talked I discovered that she isn't Lutheran at all but a born again Christian. She told me that her and her husband don't say anything because the Lutherans look down on that. She went on to tell me how during worship time she just wants to raise her hands to God and praise Him but they look down on that as well. I told her, what in the world do they think they're going to do in Heaven. So during all this I was discovering that she would be more receptive to what I would have to say.

Then the door flung wide open. She mentioned something about her smoking. I stopped her dead in her tracks and asked if I could share something that happened to me personally. I laid it all out for her. From my rearing to my rebellion and years and years of addiction to drugs, alcohol and cigarettes. I told her when I laid everything down at the foot of the cross, came to Jesus in repentance, received Him as Lord and Savior I was instantly delivered from all addiction.

She received everything I had to say. It was an awesome moment of witnessing to be able to bring a glimpse of hope to her. While facts and figures often put listeners to sleep, an illustration from real life can motivate them to action.

Saying Good-bye

I'm really sad to say that this is good bye. Good bye to 3 years of fun. Good bye to mans best friend. NO, No, not the dog, the truck. I have put the old girl up for sale. We have had some good times together. Romping in the snow and the mud. Hill climbing and rock climbing. She has never gotten stuck unless you count that time I barried her up to her hood in snow. Actually, I ran out of gas, but after filling up she pulled right out. She's never broke on me unless you count a couple alternator belts and that one time the battery fell out severing the negative cable with the fan blades from jumping her out of a ditch. Man that was fun, we caught huge air that day! Shes been a good companion, getting me back and forth to and from work when all my other vehicles have broken down. Here's to Orcha the Killer Whale, an old friend who never failed me. You might only get 8 miles to the gallon but I will miss you still. I wish you could hear her rumble with her dual exhaust and cherry bombs. Wow, I don't think I want to get rid of her. But, alas, I must think of the future and prepare. I can use these funds to build my wealth.

Stay In The Word

I can see how important it is to read my Bible. Not because I'm so00 good. But because I see how bad I still am. I as a Christian am not exempt from the burdens of the sinful nature. There is nothing good in me except Christ Himself. Throughout the Bible it says how mans heart is evil. I need to be filled with God's Word so I can put it to use the way it was meant to be.

Here are a couple verses I could of used to have memorized these last few days. Also, I think I need something to help me vent from time to time. Any ideas? I'm open to advise. What do you do to keep from fouling up? Perhaps a punching bag, or chopping wood, or going for a run. I'm open to suggestions as long as it doesn't involve turning my furniture into a pile of fire wood. I'm running out of furniture. =)

I will bridle my anger, trash my wrath, cool my pipes-it only makes things worse. (Psalm 37:8){The Message}

I follow the example of the Lord, who is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and plenteous in mercy and loving-kindness. (Psalm 103:8)

I am slow to anger and have great understanding; I am not like he who is hasty of spirit, exposing and exalting his folly. (Proverbs 14:29)

I speak soft answers that turn away wrath, not grievous words that stir up anger. (Proverbs 15:1)

I am not quick in spirit to be angry or vexed, for anger and vexation lodge in the bosom of fools. (Ecclesiastes 7:9)

Proverbs 15:18

Proverbs 19:11

Ephesians 4:26

Colossians 3:8 (GNT)

James 1:19-20(TLB)

Mr. Grumpy Pants

Every once in a while I have one of those days that makes me want to scream. I don't know if it's the compilation of things not going my way, or my flesh pulling at me, or people just being jerks or what the deal is. I can listen to sermons, read books, read scripture, blog about having a good attitude until I'm blue in the face and I still have those hair pulling days. Today topped the cake. It was everything I had to keep from walking out of work. Usually I can pull myself back together and find my joy and peace again. Not today. I had some strange looks coming from the rest of my co-workers today. I totally blew my witness out of the water with my bad attitude. I have calmed down since getting home this afternoon but looking back on it I don't understand why I through so much of a hissy fit today. It didn't seem to change a thing. It didn't make me feel better. In fact, I think it kind of gave me a headache. This just gives me the conclusion that I have a lot of growing up to do. I must have some anger issues I still have to deal with. And again, I'm reminded that I am only human.

Thermostat Check

It's so important that I keep the same temperature. Not just in my body. Think about it. Our body temperature has an average. If our body temperature goes up or down you will see it in our outer man. In the same way, spiritually and emotionally we need to set the thermostat and keep a controlled temperature.

We lose our witness whenever we lose our cool. There is always someone watching us to see how we react when we are under pressure. When things aren't going so well and the average person would blow their top. People living in the world want to see how Christians react. Are we being the best examples that we can be? Think about your personal life. When a money problem arises are you complaining and showing worry? When a person is getting under your skin do you let it be known? I've blown my witness plenty of times but am learning this skill of setting the thermostat.

Think of a house set at 67 degrees Fahrenheit. In the dead of winter when it's zero to below zero 67 will be a nice temperature to come inside to. Same if it's 90 to 100 degrees with humidity levels sky high. I would love to enter this house at a constant 67 degrees. May our lives stay a constant temperature so people will run to us looking for comfort. We can then direct them to our peace that is in Jesus.

Wisdom Is Her Name

How Blessed is the man who finds wisdom and the man who gains understanding. For her profit is better than the profit of silver and her gain better than fine gold. She is more precious than jewels; and nothing you desire compares with her. Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor. Her ways are pleasant ways and all her paths are peace. She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her and happy are all who hold her fast (Proverbs 3:13-18).

I'm fascinated how in Proverbs wisdom is repeatedly referred to as she. Is there some hidden meaning that God is trying to get across to us. I do believe He lays it out in Proverbs. Proverbs tells us how wisdom warns, wisdom brings security and wisdom calls out to us. It shows us some awesome rewards we get from wisdom. Who in their right mind wouldn't want this wisdom?

Prov. 4:6 ....love her, and she will watch over you. vs. 13 ....Guard her, for she is your life.

I do need to walk in more of this wisdom in my daily life. I don't always make the right decisions. I think that memorizing some of these passages would be of some benefit. (vs. 7) "The beginning of wisdom is: Acquire wisdom; and with all our acquiring, get understanding."

Still I marvel at the "she" aspect of it all. Is this just some witty way of explaining wisdom to us. Or is there more behind this. I think we all would agree that most times when we hear the term "she" we believe someone to be talking about a woman. The female gender. So I look at what God said about woman in the book of Genesis at her creation.

...."It is not good for the man to be alone; I will make him a helper suitable for him." (Gen.2:18)

I continue to read and it says in vs. 24 "For this reason a man shall leave his father and his mother, and be joined to his wife; and they shall become one flesh."

So can I boldly say that wisdom is our HELPER, we are to be JOINED to WISDOM and become ONE with WISDOM. Just a thought. What do you think?

Bible Study

At church we are starting a new Bible study on Wednesday nights. I'm excited to learn more on what the Bible says about the end times and how prophecy is playing out in modern Europe. We definitely are living in some of the most interesting times. So much I hear of going on around the world raises my eyebrows and makes me think of how much closer we are to Christ's return. We will be using this new book by Dr. David Jeremiah, "What In The World Is Going On". And of course the B.I.B.L.E.. to counter reference what we will learn. I'm glad to start a new book and will also be using and enjoying my new book mark. Thanks to Shelby Sorensen for your book mark making skills!

Veiled Description

I feel I'm being called into something bigger than me. Something that seems so overwhelming to me right now. I can only let God lead me and show me the way at this point. I've had it on my heart to do something radical for the Kingdom of God for some time now. When in Indiana at my cousin, Pastor Kris' church, Farmland Friends Church, I was approached by a young lady with a Word from the Lord. She spoke some scripture over me and gave me my Word. It was exactly what I was thinking on at that very moment! It is very reassuring when we get nudges like this from the Lord. It lets me now that it was God I felt speaking to me some time ago.

I decided to take it a step further and have a meeting with my pastor to let him know what I have been feeling. I told him of the stirring I have had in my spirit and what happened to me in Indiana. He opened my eyes to some things that I hadn't thought of and got my old thinking cap working overtime. He pointed me to my next step and I have been doing some research.

As you can tell I am beating around the bush because I don't want to spill the beans as of yet. I'm not 100% sure of what it is exactly that God is calling me into. I'm taking it step by step at this point and leaning on God for what to do next. I do have a pretty good idea what it is I will be doing but with God anything could happen. I can tell you it has something to do with the mission field.

I only want to be obedient to God and do what He calls me to do. If God tells me to quit my job I will do it. If He tells me to sell my house and move I will do it. I might have to do it scared like everything else I've done this last year and a half but so be it. If I know it's God's voice I'm hearing then I can relax and know He has my back.

At this point I need wisdom. Wisdom because this is going to take some money and legal advise. I want to be prepared so I wont stumble. Pray for guidance and wisdom to come my way. I pray that the Lord would continue to open these doors of opportunity to me. I pray for extra faith and courage so I don't miss any opportunities that may cross my path. Your prayers are appreciated.

The Untitled Title

Its funny how Pastor brought up the subject of Matthew 4:18-22 tonight during bible study. These are the exact scriptures I was meditating on last night before I fell asleep. It's funny how I came across these scriptures in my nightly devotions and didn't want to read them at first. I've read this so many times and thought to myself, I don't need to read this I almost know it by heart. But as you can guess, I read it. And then I read the Amplified version. And then I read it again, and again.

vs. 18 Now Jesus was walking by the Sea of Galilee, He saw two brothers, Simon who was called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen. vs. 19 And He said to them, "Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men."

Something had to click in these men's heads. They had to make that decision right then and there to follow Christ. My Bible tells me, vs 20 Immediately they left their nets and followed Him. Take in mind They were in the midst of casting a net into the sea. They chose to leave everything to follow Jesus instantly. Makes me wonder if they even brought the boat ashore or if they just jumped in and came to Jesus. They were casting nets and I don't think fisherman cast nets from shore. I could be wrong.

I was reading the comments on another blog yesterday. These comments disturbed me as the person was taking scripture out of context. It went something along the lines of (No one will come to the father unless their lives have been transformed into the likeness of the Christ. Its more about BEING someone than it is THINKING things about someone.) But as I read Matthew 4:20 in the AMP it tells me "At once they left their nets and became His disciples [sided with His party and followed him]". Notice they became His disciples as quick as they chose to follow Him. They were not instantly transformed into the likeness of Christ Jesus. This is something that takes a life time and still is not met completely in my humble opinion. Not that we don't strive to be Christ like. I recall these exact disciples 3 years down the road still making very un-Christ like decisions and they were hand in hand with our Savior learning and discerning the things of God.

Thats what has been swirling around in my head the last two days.

In The Presence Of

Something I've noticed about my dog lately. She loves to be in my presence. Whether I'm petting her or ignoring her it doesn't matter. If I put her on her leash when she wants out she will sit at the door and whine. If she's on the leash and I'm working in the garden, she whines. If she is indoors and I am outside doing yard work, she whines. But when we are together she is in bliss.

In the same way I love being and yearn to be in my Heavenly Fathers presence. What really befuddles me is I don't run to Him like I should. I have this yearning to be with Him but I spend more of my spare time messing around on the computer. I find myself going through emails and blogging, then rummaging through ebay which we all now can lead to hours of nothingness. Why do I fight it so much? I don't understand why I don't seek the Lord as often as I know I should. I hate to say it but I should be more like my dog. Not so much the butt sniffing and whining as the pressing in and seeking that intimate closeness. Even to just be still and know He is here is enough.

Random Vacation Photos

Often Asked, Rarely Answered

I've often wondered if I were to move away or die if anyone would miss me. I've wondered if I make any impact anywhere I go at all. I think about the work place, if I would be missed there. I think about my church and if the body of Christ there would miss me at all. How long would it take people to realize I was gone?

I've been blessed these last few days to get some answers to these often pondered questions. At work my boss welcomed me back and said he missed me. I thought he was fooling around with me. Later he came and said "No really, I missed you last week." He told me that I'm needed there and nobody can do my job as well as me. That was cool to hear.

Then Wednesday I got a letter in the mail from an older lady from church. She was missing me in church the last two Sundays. She let me know she was thankful for what I do there and in the ministries there of. She was hoping everything was well with me. That blesses me so much to know that people are thinking of me and missing me. This is such an encouragement in my life right now.

Now I'm thinking of another question or two. Have I encouraged anyone lately? Have I told anyone how I appreciate them recently?

Harvesting God's Goodness

This picture doesn't do these carrots justice. The middle one is about as thick as that tin can is round. This is only four out of many, many carrots harvested out of my garden.

God's Goodness is on my mind when I look at these fat boys. Even today at work I couldn't help but sing out loud "How Great Is Our God". One guy said "What"? I said that I was singing about God. (what I meant to say to him was, I am singing about God's Goodness). I got a really strange uncomfortable look from my coworker and he went back to work avoiding any more conversation. I was kind of hoping it would strike up a conversation so I could tell him about God's Goodness. One seed at a time I guess.

Being Glad

My first day back to work after vacation is done and over. It wasn't as bad as I had dreaded. Of course I still have to deal with the unorganization of things that people would rather neglect and push off to the next person. Doesn't really bother me though. I love working hard. The Bible tells me that whatever I work at to work at it with all my heart.

In my morning devotions I read about finding something good in every circumstance. No matter how my day goes I can turn my thoughts to thankfulness. One thing might come against me but I don't let it ruin my day. I think of better things. For example; I grabbed my pay check from last week at the end of the day expecting a big check with overtime pay. What I got was a normal run of the mill 40 hour pay check. I was upset at first and disappointed. Also, my supervisor said there is no more overtime to put in. Instead of letting this make me crabby for the rest of the day I started to thank the Lord for what I had. Don't you think God looks at us with pleasure when we find reasons to be thankful (1 Thes. 16-18). Thankfulness finds something good in every circumstance.

I'm Back

I'm finally back after a long week in Indiana. I enjoyed my stay and did many things. Over all I was glad to spend time with family and get to know them better. God really blessed my trip and I even got a word from the Lord while I was there. But that is a different post all together.

I feel spiritually, emotionally and even physically refreshed and it's nice to be back home. As I gear up to get back into my normal routine I'm plagued with the thought of how backed up at work I am going to be. The thought of going back to that dark place makes me want to get back in my Jeep and keep driving.

Tonight, as I kept getting closer to home and the sun was setting further and further behind the horizon,I noticed how at first peoples head lights didn't bother me. As darkness crept in the lights got more and more irritating. This reminded me of how Christs light in me shines brighter in the dark places of this earthly realm.

Going back to work in that dark place is where I belong for now. I might not like it but this is what is expected of me. Many months ago I was talking to the Lord on my way to work. I asked Him what it was I was supposed to do at work and if there was anything specific to let me know. The Lord answered me right then and there with a simple answer. He said, "Be a light in this dark place." That was it. Simple enough on my part. Some days are more taxing than others but I strive to persevere. I wait till the day that I am released from this work place and can move on.