Tuesday, May 5, 2009
CHECK OUT OUR NEW BLOG on WORDPRESS
We are currently not posting updates to this blog. Please see our current blog on Wordpress at http://abramovitz.wordpress.com
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Amid the grieving, a rare act of sportsmanship
There is a lot to learn from these kids. It is not just about winning a game, but about playing it in the best of the spirits...
read more | digg story
read more | digg story
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Tightening the Ties That Bind
The assignment: write each other a love letter. The setting: a Christian marriage-strengthening conference at an Arlington County hotel.
read more | digg story
read more | digg story
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Not Another Valentine Card
I'm a hopeless romantic-less (a term I've coined---romantless). I score about a 1 out of 5 on the romance scale or maybe a "clammy" on the dial of the Romance machine at the county fair. Poor Sue (my wife). But, last year, I tried to be clever.
I took the four days prior to Valentines day and starting with the letter "L", brought her home a little something that started with the letter "L". The next day it was all things that began with the letter "O", followed by, you guessed it, "V" and finally on the big day, "E". Now the only thing I score worse at than my romance test is my memory. Only a really soft stuffed Orangutan seems to ring a bell as one of the items I brought home.
The real victory was that I tried! I TRIED to be romantic. Fast forward to 2009--TODAY! It's Tuesday...4 days before another Valentine's day and I'm looking ahead and "I got nothin". Will I resort to just "another card"? Does anyone have anything for a poor, hopeless romantless? Please...would love to hear what you got! I'm waiting...
I took the four days prior to Valentines day and starting with the letter "L", brought her home a little something that started with the letter "L". The next day it was all things that began with the letter "O", followed by, you guessed it, "V" and finally on the big day, "E". Now the only thing I score worse at than my romance test is my memory. Only a really soft stuffed Orangutan seems to ring a bell as one of the items I brought home.
The real victory was that I tried! I TRIED to be romantic. Fast forward to 2009--TODAY! It's Tuesday...4 days before another Valentine's day and I'm looking ahead and "I got nothin". Will I resort to just "another card"? Does anyone have anything for a poor, hopeless romantless? Please...would love to hear what you got! I'm waiting...
Monday, February 2, 2009
Dad---Don't Say It!
The door between our garage and mud room opened. Our daughter was home. My wife and I were planted on the sofa when the door opened. But, this was not a typical return home. “I had an accident” were the words she blurted out in rapid fire succession accompanied by high volume and many tears. I’m not always quick on the uptake but I did that it wasn’t likely a serious accident since she had not been escorted into our home by an officer.
The words began to form over my tongue. They quickly spilled forward into the cavity of my mouth and were being arranged for a volcanic spewing. “AN ACCIDENT”…”WHY CAN’T YOU BE MORE C
AREFUL”…”YOU WON’T BE DRIVING UNTIL YOU’RE 25”. They were forming easily and furiously. Then, a wonder of God took place. The Spirit of the Lord gave me a peace and nearly audible instruction to wait before speaking. James 1:19-20 flooded my mind and I became “quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.”
The words that had formed in my mouth began retreating in single file back to the deep dark cavern from where they had come. My mouth was empty and my ears and eyes fixed on my sobbing daughter. God’s Spirit, not mine, was in control. She proceeded to tell us, between sobs, that it was a minor accident. She bumped into a car while backing out of a parking slot. Sue gently caressed her and hugged her. I sat there wondering what to say.
It was one of those moments I refer to as M3, a Memory Making Moment. It’s in those moments you make memories of joy or of harm. All I could do was go into the kitchen, turn her toward me, embrace her and tell her how much I loved her, was glad she wasn’t hurt and “these things happen…that’s why they call them accidents.” She melted in my arms and like a little child who is comforted, her sobbing subsided and she was soon calm.
Dads, I wish I could tell you that it was my ability to be discerning about what my daughter needed. Too often, I have given in to the fleshly impulses. There are times when a stern word or disciplining action is required. However, there have been many times when my daughter just needed to know I cared more for her than about what she did. The verse in James and this verse in Ephesians swelled in my heart, “Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.” It’s powerful when we follow the plans God has for us and we choose to live according to His words, not ours. We’ll have many M3 moments with our children. And, our words will often be the key to forming memories in our children of joy or of pain. So, dad, it might be a day for you to “not say it”.
SOUND OFF: When have you experienced an M3 moment where you could have made a lasting memory of joy or of pain in your child’s life and you allowed God’s Spirit to move in your heart to make it one of joy?
The words began to form over my tongue. They quickly spilled forward into the cavity of my mouth and were being arranged for a volcanic spewing. “AN ACCIDENT”…”WHY CAN’T YOU BE MORE C
AREFUL”…”YOU WON’T BE DRIVING UNTIL YOU’RE 25”. They were forming easily and furiously. Then, a wonder of God took place. The Spirit of the Lord gave me a peace and nearly audible instruction to wait before speaking. James 1:19-20 flooded my mind and I became “quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.” The words that had formed in my mouth began retreating in single file back to the deep dark cavern from where they had come. My mouth was empty and my ears and eyes fixed on my sobbing daughter. God’s Spirit, not mine, was in control. She proceeded to tell us, between sobs, that it was a minor accident. She bumped into a car while backing out of a parking slot. Sue gently caressed her and hugged her. I sat there wondering what to say.
It was one of those moments I refer to as M3, a Memory Making Moment. It’s in those moments you make memories of joy or of harm. All I could do was go into the kitchen, turn her toward me, embrace her and tell her how much I loved her, was glad she wasn’t hurt and “these things happen…that’s why they call them accidents.” She melted in my arms and like a little child who is comforted, her sobbing subsided and she was soon calm.
Dads, I wish I could tell you that it was my ability to be discerning about what my daughter needed. Too often, I have given in to the fleshly impulses. There are times when a stern word or disciplining action is required. However, there have been many times when my daughter just needed to know I cared more for her than about what she did. The verse in James and this verse in Ephesians swelled in my heart, “Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.” It’s powerful when we follow the plans God has for us and we choose to live according to His words, not ours. We’ll have many M3 moments with our children. And, our words will often be the key to forming memories in our children of joy or of pain. So, dad, it might be a day for you to “not say it”.
SOUND OFF: When have you experienced an M3 moment where you could have made a lasting memory of joy or of pain in your child’s life and you allowed God’s Spirit to move in your heart to make it one of joy?
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
When Daddy Comes Home « by Leary Gates
“Daddy’s home!” — a distant echo from a time when my children were overjoyed to see me come home after a long day at the office. They were young then and, like their mom, no doubt happy to have someone different to interact with for a while.
I miss that time. Dragging my kids, one on each leg, another around my waist, another on my back, until we all fell to the ground. Yes sir! Dad’s coming home was special — for all of us.
When Daddy Comes Home «
Posted using ShareThis
I miss that time. Dragging my kids, one on each leg, another around my waist, another on my back, until we all fell to the ground. Yes sir! Dad’s coming home was special — for all of us.
When Daddy Comes Home «
Posted using ShareThis
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Respect for the Office of President-Even in Policy Disagreement
History was made as President Barack Obama took the oath of office as the 44th President of the United States. No matter where you stand in support of him or his political agenda, the fact that our country voted in an African-American president is historic. I am resolved to pray for this president and to not do what so many did to former President George Bush...bash him. I sense that the way we can best refute the media-led portrayal of Christians as "right wing nut cases" is to not act as they acted. Regardless of how we believed President Bush responded in his duty as President, he was not afforded the same sense of respect that the nation is giving to President Obama.
Lest this become a political column, I simply wanted to make a statement that I plan on responding in support of the office and give President Obama the respect that I had prayed President Bush would receive. Additionally, I pray that a majority of Hollywood and those in the media wouldn't incite the populace toward hatred as they did during President Bush's administration. Prayer will be uttered that President Obama would stand for life and a moral stance that people are more important than money, as President Bush did. My conviction in all of this is that the name of Jesus Christ is lifted high and our actions as followers is a fragrant aroma to an ever increasing hostility to Christianity. We may disagree and even fight against decisions made by President Obama but I pray that in it all we remember who we really serve, at least those who call themselves Christ-followers.
Thursday, January 8, 2009
When Pondering and Planning Meet
From a guest writer, friend of mine, Steve:
The chapter readings for today were Acts 2 and Psalm 111. The key verse for me that linked them together was Psalm 111.2, “Great are the works of the Lord; they are pondered by all who delight in them.”
What does it mean to “ponder the works of the Lord”? Obviously, to think about them, to consider their importance, just as Mary “pondered all these things in her heart” regarding the foretold birth of Christ.
Do we truly ponder the works of the Lord in our lives? How often do we kneel before the creator of the universe and consider how He is working in our lives? If I were to be brutally honest, the answer is rarely. Applying the remainder of verse 2, that means in practical terms that I don’t delight in His works in my life. I do not rejoice in how God moves daily in the mundane moments of my life, because I rarely consider how He does that, or even that he does at all. Instead, I reckon those moments that do occasionally capture my attention as either chance or the success of my own endeavor. If I am truly a believer, they are neither chance or my own success. They are evidence of His ongoing efforts to work in me and through me to advance the kingdom, despite my lack of fitness to the task.
How does that fit into our life plan[ning] endeavor? As we’ve discussed, this is as much an effort to submit our lives to the leading of the holy spirit and the lordship of Christ as it is an attempt to get organized. By allowing the spirit to provide focus in key, high impact areas of my daily existence, I open my spiritual eyes to God’s continual work in me. By periodically reviewing the results of my response to the spirit’s leading, I provide myself the opportunity to ponder his works, and my cooperation with or disobedience to them. My hope is that I will come to rejoice in how I see Him working, and will see wisdom expand in my life as I come to fear (awe, respect, and revere) him more.
The chapter readings for today were Acts 2 and Psalm 111. The key verse for me that linked them together was Psalm 111.2, “Great are the works of the Lord; they are pondered by all who delight in them.”
What does it mean to “ponder the works of the Lord”? Obviously, to think about them, to consider their importance, just as Mary “pondered all these things in her heart” regarding the foretold birth of Christ.
Do we truly ponder the works of the Lord in our lives? How often do we kneel before the creator of the universe and consider how He is working in our lives? If I were to be brutally honest, the answer is rarely. Applying the remainder of verse 2, that means in practical terms that I don’t delight in His works in my life. I do not rejoice in how God moves daily in the mundane moments of my life, because I rarely consider how He does that, or even that he does at all. Instead, I reckon those moments that do occasionally capture my attention as either chance or the success of my own endeavor. If I am truly a believer, they are neither chance or my own success. They are evidence of His ongoing efforts to work in me and through me to advance the kingdom, despite my lack of fitness to the task.
How does that fit into our life plan[ning] endeavor? As we’ve discussed, this is as much an effort to submit our lives to the leading of the holy spirit and the lordship of Christ as it is an attempt to get organized. By allowing the spirit to provide focus in key, high impact areas of my daily existence, I open my spiritual eyes to God’s continual work in me. By periodically reviewing the results of my response to the spirit’s leading, I provide myself the opportunity to ponder his works, and my cooperation with or disobedience to them. My hope is that I will come to rejoice in how I see Him working, and will see wisdom expand in my life as I come to fear (awe, respect, and revere) him more.
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Christmas hangover
In my late teens and early 20's, Saturday's used to be pretty ugly for me. Mornings especially. Without going into too much detail, let's just say that it had a lot to do with my antics the night before.
While I no longer participate in those kind of festivities I'm feeling a little hungover today. Sue's parents just left and the enjoyment of their presence leaves me a little "hungover" this morning. And, when I recount the laughs and enjoyment we've had as a family the last few days, I'm a little contemplative and melancholy. I guess it's like this every year. We hustle and bustle our way into December 25 with so many things, including a lot of good things and then it passes leaving us a little forlorn. Maybe that's why the holiday season is so full of emotion on both ends of the spectrum. So many highs but also a few lows. And, for some, not a season of joy at all.
Those of us who follow Christ write, speak and share a lot about the "reason for the season". It helps keep things in perspective, at least for me. In fact, it's really the only cure for this hangover, isn't it? Aspirin won't work. Buying more stuff on sale with gift cards and cash received won't do it. Having relatives stay longer isn't a real good idea if you want the good feeling to last ;-). But, when all the dust settles, Christ still remains. He is the One who won't leave me lacking or wishing for something else. He is the One that fills all of those longings.
So, I'll be a little mellower today (until I have to pay bills ;), a little more sullen. That's OK. That's the Christmas hangover. In the middle of it all, it drives me back to the depth of my desire. It's not in gifts, family, great deal finds or even church gatherings. It's solely my relationship with Jesus...the Christ-child. Thanks, God, for being my "hangover" medication.
While I no longer participate in those kind of festivities I'm feeling a little hungover today. Sue's parents just left and the enjoyment of their presence leaves me a little "hungover" this morning. And, when I recount the laughs and enjoyment we've had as a family the last few days, I'm a little contemplative and melancholy. I guess it's like this every year. We hustle and bustle our way into December 25 with so many things, including a lot of good things and then it passes leaving us a little forlorn. Maybe that's why the holiday season is so full of emotion on both ends of the spectrum. So many highs but also a few lows. And, for some, not a season of joy at all.
Those of us who follow Christ write, speak and share a lot about the "reason for the season". It helps keep things in perspective, at least for me. In fact, it's really the only cure for this hangover, isn't it? Aspirin won't work. Buying more stuff on sale with gift cards and cash received won't do it. Having relatives stay longer isn't a real good idea if you want the good feeling to last ;-). But, when all the dust settles, Christ still remains. He is the One who won't leave me lacking or wishing for something else. He is the One that fills all of those longings.
So, I'll be a little mellower today (until I have to pay bills ;), a little more sullen. That's OK. That's the Christmas hangover. In the middle of it all, it drives me back to the depth of my desire. It's not in gifts, family, great deal finds or even church gatherings. It's solely my relationship with Jesus...the Christ-child. Thanks, God, for being my "hangover" medication.
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
A Model for Living Life as a Follower of Christ
Sometimes I like to write about thoughts of things I've read or seen, sometimes I like to ponder and then sometimes I read something that leaves nothing to be said. As I had my quiet time this morning and read this in Titus, I realized that I just wanted to share it's truth and no other words need to be said...so here it is:
3 Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, 2 to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people. 3 For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another. 4 But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, 5 he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, 6 whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life. 8 The saying is trustworthy, and I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works. These things are excellent and profitable for people. 9 But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law, for they are unprofitable and worthless. 10 As for a person who stirs up division, after warning him once and then twice, thave nothing more to do with him, 11 knowing that such a person is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned.
The Holy Bible : English standard version. 2001 (Tit 3:1-11). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.
3 Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, 2 to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people. 3 For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another. 4 But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, 5 he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, 6 whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life. 8 The saying is trustworthy, and I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works. These things are excellent and profitable for people. 9 But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law, for they are unprofitable and worthless. 10 As for a person who stirs up division, after warning him once and then twice, thave nothing more to do with him, 11 knowing that such a person is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned.
The Holy Bible : English standard version. 2001 (Tit 3:1-11). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.
Friday, December 19, 2008
At The Core of Christmas (or A Bread Maker is always a Bread Maker)
When you peel back all the wrapping that our culture has put on Christmas and get back to the central message you find the celebration of Christmas is about a gift. It's a gift from God to mankind...ALL mankind. Just like any gift, it not only must be offered but it must be actively received and then, used as intended. If someone wraps up a bread maker and gives it to me but I wanted a coffee maker instead, there are going to be a lot of grumpy mornings at my house. I wanted caffeine, not wheat and flour. Not that a bread maker isn't a good gift. But, I can't make or turn it into a coffee maker. That's not what it was made to do and the gift giver assumed it would be used as intended...to make bread.
Despite all the things that get included in the celebration of Christmas, there is a core message or purpose for this historical, world changing event. Babies are born every day. Babies of all shapes, sizes, colors and health. But NO baby like Jesus was or has ever been born. No matter how He's depicted in a manger scene, the fact remains, He is the Son of God. The incarnate God. God, dressed in flesh, coming into the womb of a young betrothed virgin girl named Mary. That IS Christmas. It's not about family getting together---though that's a good thing. It's not about the beautiful, funny or even ireverent songs sung during this season---though they add to the celebration. It's not about the trees, the presents, the food or the tradition---none of which are "evil" or bad. But, they are NOT Christmas. Somewhere over time, we've lost the focus of this celebration. In techno-geeky terms we've swapped the "plug-ins" with the core application. A plug in is no good without the application to "plug it into". And, so it is with Christmas. If we don't fall on our knees at the gift of salvation that the Baby came to give us and accept it for what it is, than Christmas is just another social, retail, economic event. Not a bad thing. Just not THE thing.
I probably won't stop shopping, spending time with family, elbowing the lady next to me to get the last available of something (ok...I'll probably have to stop that), listening to all kinds of Christmas music and the other wrappings of Christmas. But, God...please help me, once again, to fully embrace what You did by sending Jesus Christ to this earth. That Baby changed my world forever when I realized at the age of 17 why He came:
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!”
(Lk 2:10-14, ESV)
Despite all the things that get included in the celebration of Christmas, there is a core message or purpose for this historical, world changing event. Babies are born every day. Babies of all shapes, sizes, colors and health. But NO baby like Jesus was or has ever been born. No matter how He's depicted in a manger scene, the fact remains, He is the Son of God. The incarnate God. God, dressed in flesh, coming into the womb of a young betrothed virgin girl named Mary. That IS Christmas. It's not about family getting together---though that's a good thing. It's not about the beautiful, funny or even ireverent songs sung during this season---though they add to the celebration. It's not about the trees, the presents, the food or the tradition---none of which are "evil" or bad. But, they are NOT Christmas. Somewhere over time, we've lost the focus of this celebration. In techno-geeky terms we've swapped the "plug-ins" with the core application. A plug in is no good without the application to "plug it into". And, so it is with Christmas. If we don't fall on our knees at the gift of salvation that the Baby came to give us and accept it for what it is, than Christmas is just another social, retail, economic event. Not a bad thing. Just not THE thing.
I probably won't stop shopping, spending time with family, elbowing the lady next to me to get the last available of something (ok...I'll probably have to stop that), listening to all kinds of Christmas music and the other wrappings of Christmas. But, God...please help me, once again, to fully embrace what You did by sending Jesus Christ to this earth. That Baby changed my world forever when I realized at the age of 17 why He came:
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!”
(Lk 2:10-14, ESV)
Friday, December 12, 2008
Still Learning after all these years
I just had a great week with my wife in Orlando. It was a mix of work and pleasure...well, kind of. We worked on some things that we just don't get to at home. And, during our time together, some things that were still not working for us caused us some pain as a couple. We'll get through them but these are the same issues we've been dealing with for so many years. I feel like such a failure some times. Most of these problems are my doing. It's either because I couldn't say "no", I said "yes" when I should have said "no" or just didn't think and did it. In any case, it still has caused some major trauma. Yet, despite it all, I know that my wife loves me, is going to stick by me and we'll get this ship turned around.
This whole situation reminded me of God's constant love for me even in the middle of constant screw ups. I'm so glad for a forgiving Savior.
How about you? Are there some things that keep coming up in your life that you need God's promise of grace to remind you that He's not done with you yet? Then, can you see the Holy Spirit working inside you to change you?
This whole situation reminded me of God's constant love for me even in the middle of constant screw ups. I'm so glad for a forgiving Savior.
How about you? Are there some things that keep coming up in your life that you need God's promise of grace to remind you that He's not done with you yet? Then, can you see the Holy Spirit working inside you to change you?
Saturday, December 6, 2008
Words to be remembered by
I was having my quiet time this morning which has been much too eratic lately. As I read the Word of God, I almost always say this at some point either out loud or to myself, "I LOVE THIS...why is it so hard to be in God's Word more frequently?"
Well, I experienced that again this morning. I've been reading out of Acts and just chewing on a few verses sometimes and on a few chapters or stories other times. Today, as I was reading in Acts 11 about Barnabus being sent to Antioch to see what was going on with so many coming to the Lord, I was stopped by the way Luke described Barnabus..."for he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were added to the Lord."
It reminded me of a question I had just asked my "really" small group of young men on Thursday night, "What do you want to be known by or said about you when your days on this earth are over." When I was preparing to meet with them and thought of asking this often-asked question, I was reminded that I've often struggled with this. There are a lot of things I'd like people to say about me or to think of when they think of me. Things like...."he was a good father and husband" or "he cared about others"..."he was kind and gentle"..."we enjoyed being with him"..."he made everyone around him better"..."he gave of himself"...just to rattle off a few. But, when I read those words that Luke wrote about Barnabus I stopped and thought, "I think that's it! If those things can be said of me, the other things will follow. Yeah...those are the words I'd like to be remembered by." I guess if those are the words I want to be remembered by, there is no better time than today to start living according to them.
What about you? How do you want to be remembered? Is it God honoring? Is it noble? Does it include something about reaching the lost for Jesus Christ? I guess at this stage in my life after trying to achieve joy and happiness in many other ways, it all boils down to this for me..."for he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were added to the Lord."
Well, I experienced that again this morning. I've been reading out of Acts and just chewing on a few verses sometimes and on a few chapters or stories other times. Today, as I was reading in Acts 11 about Barnabus being sent to Antioch to see what was going on with so many coming to the Lord, I was stopped by the way Luke described Barnabus..."for he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were added to the Lord."
It reminded me of a question I had just asked my "really" small group of young men on Thursday night, "What do you want to be known by or said about you when your days on this earth are over." When I was preparing to meet with them and thought of asking this often-asked question, I was reminded that I've often struggled with this. There are a lot of things I'd like people to say about me or to think of when they think of me. Things like...."he was a good father and husband" or "he cared about others"..."he was kind and gentle"..."we enjoyed being with him"..."he made everyone around him better"..."he gave of himself"...just to rattle off a few. But, when I read those words that Luke wrote about Barnabus I stopped and thought, "I think that's it! If those things can be said of me, the other things will follow. Yeah...those are the words I'd like to be remembered by." I guess if those are the words I want to be remembered by, there is no better time than today to start living according to them.
What about you? How do you want to be remembered? Is it God honoring? Is it noble? Does it include something about reaching the lost for Jesus Christ? I guess at this stage in my life after trying to achieve joy and happiness in many other ways, it all boils down to this for me..."for he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were added to the Lord."
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Monday, November 24, 2008
A Day of Service...a lifetime of memories
I'm not a big fan of big blowout events to prove we can do something. The real test of anything is longevity. Especially when it comes to serving others. Anyone can do it for a day. But, can you make it a lifestyle? As a follower of Christ, that is what He asks of us. Jesus told those who wished to follow him to daily deny themselves, pick up their cross and follow Him. I don't know about you but that is very humbling for me. Now, none of us get to serve on a grand scale everyday. But, we can serve our spouses, our children, our colleagues, our friends, our neighbors, those in lines at stores or a random person you meet on a walk. Each day will present an opportunity to serve. The question for me is, "am I willing to deny myself, my comfort, my calendar, my money, my agenda, my opinion, my time....my life to do it?" That's my prayer heading into the day. God, will you help me to see those areas where selfishness abounds and selflessness overcomes.
To that end, we participated in a big blowout event that serves the community of Little Rock each year. Through a consortium of churces and organizations we hold a Sharefest event that originated in Little Rock and is spreading around the country and world. It's truly a great event. However, as you read in my opening paragraph, participation in this kind of event, though needed, can often prove to be a salve for those who have spent most of the year focused on themselves. That's me, too often. So, the issue is not to do away with the big event like a Sharefest, because it's a blessing to the city and to many people. The real challenge is to cultivate that attitude of sacrificial service as a lifestyle throughoutthe year!
Well, here are a few photos of the project our community group helped with. We were at Arkansas Baptist College which is in the early stages of renewal. As the only black, Baptist college west of the Mississippi, it has had an historic significance over it's 164 year history. Just a few short years ago its enrollments was down to about 150. Dr. Fitz Hill, former football head coach of San Jose State, was called by God to invest his energy, passion for students and love of Christ into this ailing college. A very LARGE challenge. But, since his arrival as President of Arkansas Baptist College, enrollment has increase fourfold and he's making a difference in a very rough part of the city. It's being transformed one life, one student, one home at a time. Our service project was to help them restore a pretty tired old school that has been in decay for years. It's on the rise and the main building is slated for complete renovation in the next 12 months! I was part of a deck building group. We added a deck to the dining hall to give them a place to enjoy fellowship around a meal outdoors (weather permitting :-). We also built a couple of benches for them to use. There were many other projects going on around the campus and around the city of Little Rock. It was a pleasure to participate. Here are some of the photos of the weekend:
-Pres. Hill giving us a pregame pep talk and doing what a good coach does, he left us with a charge to not let this be the only time we were on campus investing in students and the mission!
-She's not going to be happy with this one...but she is so cute!
-just some of the throng assigned to Ark Bapt College to help out with various projects
-pictures of the deck that I helped with. This is outside the cafeteria/dining hall.
-getting ready for lunch
-LUNCH TIME!!
-the benches a team of four and myself help put together for the students to eat out on the new deck
-trying to finish the deck...will get photos of the finished deck if I get a chance.
To that end, we participated in a big blowout event that serves the community of Little Rock each year. Through a consortium of churces and organizations we hold a Sharefest event that originated in Little Rock and is spreading around the country and world. It's truly a great event. However, as you read in my opening paragraph, participation in this kind of event, though needed, can often prove to be a salve for those who have spent most of the year focused on themselves. That's me, too often. So, the issue is not to do away with the big event like a Sharefest, because it's a blessing to the city and to many people. The real challenge is to cultivate that attitude of sacrificial service as a lifestyle throughoutthe year!
Well, here are a few photos of the project our community group helped with. We were at Arkansas Baptist College which is in the early stages of renewal. As the only black, Baptist college west of the Mississippi, it has had an historic significance over it's 164 year history. Just a few short years ago its enrollments was down to about 150. Dr. Fitz Hill, former football head coach of San Jose State, was called by God to invest his energy, passion for students and love of Christ into this ailing college. A very LARGE challenge. But, since his arrival as President of Arkansas Baptist College, enrollment has increase fourfold and he's making a difference in a very rough part of the city. It's being transformed one life, one student, one home at a time. Our service project was to help them restore a pretty tired old school that has been in decay for years. It's on the rise and the main building is slated for complete renovation in the next 12 months! I was part of a deck building group. We added a deck to the dining hall to give them a place to enjoy fellowship around a meal outdoors (weather permitting :-). We also built a couple of benches for them to use. There were many other projects going on around the campus and around the city of Little Rock. It was a pleasure to participate. Here are some of the photos of the weekend:
-Pres. Hill giving us a pregame pep talk and doing what a good coach does, he left us with a charge to not let this be the only time we were on campus investing in students and the mission!
-She's not going to be happy with this one...but she is so cute!
-just some of the throng assigned to Ark Bapt College to help out with various projects
-pictures of the deck that I helped with. This is outside the cafeteria/dining hall.
-getting ready for lunch
-LUNCH TIME!!
-the benches a team of four and myself help put together for the students to eat out on the new deck
-trying to finish the deck...will get photos of the finished deck if I get a chance.
When will this start happening in the US?
In England, it's not a question of whether the government should intrude in family life, but how and when.
November 22, 2008 - by Frank Furedi
During the past decade, the British government has adopted an interventionist stance towards the management of family life. It continually lectures mothers and fathers about how to bring up their children and it constantly criticizes parents for behaving in ways that run counter to the ethos of expert-approved child rearing. The government does not simply advise or provide information, it is also in the business of saving children from their parents.
Click here to read entire article
November 22, 2008 - by Frank Furedi
During the past decade, the British government has adopted an interventionist stance towards the management of family life. It continually lectures mothers and fathers about how to bring up their children and it constantly criticizes parents for behaving in ways that run counter to the ethos of expert-approved child rearing. The government does not simply advise or provide information, it is also in the business of saving children from their parents.
Click here to read entire article
Friday, November 21, 2008
Who Did That?
I really don't understand or comprehend God. Ok...stating the obvious doesn't make something worth writing. But, as I read a passage in the book of Jeremiah and just took a few minutes to try and wrap my punie little mind around our vast, majestic, unexplainable God I was humbly reminded that it's not up to me to try to understand God. It's up to me to understand and know that HE IS God. Wow...that brings a lot more relief as I enter the day that the world and it's issues don't rest on my ability to solve them. Rather, I place my trust today in the One who created all things and planned them for His glory and my good from before time began.
"It is he who made the earth by his power,
who established the world by his wisdom,
and by his understanding stretched out the heavens.
(ESV, Je 10:12)
So, what about you? What things are you trying to accomplish or solve by yourself? What worries do you take into the day that you really have no ability at all to resolve? Maybe it's time to take a few minutes, read the verse above and exhale. Breath. It's not up to you. It's not about you. Play your part today. Give up the mantle of self determination and play to the Author of life, love and liberty. "Choose you this day whom you will serve...as for me and my house, we choose life"
"It is he who made the earth by his power,
who established the world by his wisdom,
and by his understanding stretched out the heavens.
(ESV, Je 10:12)
So, what about you? What things are you trying to accomplish or solve by yourself? What worries do you take into the day that you really have no ability at all to resolve? Maybe it's time to take a few minutes, read the verse above and exhale. Breath. It's not up to you. It's not about you. Play your part today. Give up the mantle of self determination and play to the Author of life, love and liberty. "Choose you this day whom you will serve...as for me and my house, we choose life"
Monday, November 17, 2008
Winding Down In MN
Well, nearly 190 hours and 5 billion calories after touching down in Minnesota last Monday, I am ready to go home!! The dual purposes of coming to MN for an extended time were accomplished. I had a great time during the National Coalition of Men's Ministry conference held in Burnsville, MN at my home church, Berean. The consensus from the group was that the church was very hospitable, the speakers tremendous, the conference an overwhelming success and a desire that next years conference would be in a more tropical climate :-). I would agree. However, if that is what had happened this year, the second purpose of my trip wouldn't have been possible.
I had the great privilege of meeting with more than 25 friends and family for meals and fellowship directly as well as at least another 30-40 via Sunday School, Worship service at church and other chance meetings at various coffee shops around time (including Caribou, my favorite coffee shop of all) plus another 30 or more men I met while attending the NCMM conference. Some of those meetings were to share in more depth the nature of our current financial support situation but mostly it was to simply connect and to express my love for them in word while they expressed it in word and deed. I was treated so undeservedly well. It's "knee dropping" humbling to me. I am honored by God's gift of friendship.
However, in my absence from home, while being overwhelmed by the goodness of so many, I miss my wife and my daughter. I miss seeing their beautiful face in the morning, listening to their antics of the day and just being with them. This is the second longest trip I've ever taken alone away from my family. The longest was last year when I was gone for over two weeks. I must say that God accomplished much more through me this trip than through last year's trip. I was more intentional to meet as many as possible during my open time slots. And, God provided those meetings.
I don't know all of what got accomplished during the meetings I had but I do know that many more of our team know we love them and desire to minister to their families and marriages via the ministry of FamilyLife and that we can't do what we do without them. They are indeed the most integral part ministry outside of the work of the Holy Spirit.
So, thank you to all of you who made this trip a success. You are loved and appreciated. But, I'm glad to soon be back in the arms of my lifetime lover...my gorgeous wife, Sue. In the inimitable words of Fred Samson, "I'm Comin' home Elizabeth (except it's Susan, for me :-)"
I had the great privilege of meeting with more than 25 friends and family for meals and fellowship directly as well as at least another 30-40 via Sunday School, Worship service at church and other chance meetings at various coffee shops around time (including Caribou, my favorite coffee shop of all) plus another 30 or more men I met while attending the NCMM conference. Some of those meetings were to share in more depth the nature of our current financial support situation but mostly it was to simply connect and to express my love for them in word while they expressed it in word and deed. I was treated so undeservedly well. It's "knee dropping" humbling to me. I am honored by God's gift of friendship.
However, in my absence from home, while being overwhelmed by the goodness of so many, I miss my wife and my daughter. I miss seeing their beautiful face in the morning, listening to their antics of the day and just being with them. This is the second longest trip I've ever taken alone away from my family. The longest was last year when I was gone for over two weeks. I must say that God accomplished much more through me this trip than through last year's trip. I was more intentional to meet as many as possible during my open time slots. And, God provided those meetings.
I don't know all of what got accomplished during the meetings I had but I do know that many more of our team know we love them and desire to minister to their families and marriages via the ministry of FamilyLife and that we can't do what we do without them. They are indeed the most integral part ministry outside of the work of the Holy Spirit.
So, thank you to all of you who made this trip a success. You are loved and appreciated. But, I'm glad to soon be back in the arms of my lifetime lover...my gorgeous wife, Sue. In the inimitable words of Fred Samson, "I'm Comin' home Elizabeth (except it's Susan, for me :-)"
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
