Another great line

We were greeting at church on Sunday,and my bride's friend Betty came to say hello. I asked how she was and she said"Better than I deserve". Wow! I asked her if I could use that one. It is so true. I don't deserve anything. EVERYTHING is a gift from my Lord right down to the very breath I breathe.Lord,never let me take any of Your gifts for granted, and thanks for the endless mercy You give. Better than I deserve? You'd better believe it.

God moments

My friend Julie e mailed me the story of their new dog.The Lord really guided them,met all their criteria,and really confirmed through little things that this was the dog for them.One thing in particular confirmed it for them. She called it "one of those God moments".I love that line! It is so true.When I keep in close touch with The Lord,I get "God moments",too,times where He confirms His love and care fore me. Most of the time it is in little, everyday things, but they are important,or special to me.They are NOT coincidence, good luck,a great break,good fortune, THEY ARE GOD. Thanks Julie,for the story.Thank You Lord,for Your special moments.Please allow me to have many more.

Finding their spot

Most of the time when I feed Boots and Hattie, it goes pretty smoothly.In the warmer months, outside at the picnic table, in the winter, in the garage or igloo.Sometimes though,it's a battle. Today Hattie didn't want to eat at the table,or on the bench, but he wanted to lay in the grass and eat. He gets like that sometimes. He has to find his spot.The Lord has work for me to do. I have to find my spot for Him. It doesn't have to be some far off mission field,or spectacular ministry. It may just be right where I am, where people are.My spot is EVERYWHERE.Lord, help me to be alert, ready and willing to minister.As long as I stay close to You in my spot, I WILL be ready.

Maybe,they really were good!

ABBA wasn't a big sucess in the US. They only had 1 number one song here,as opposed to 10 or so in the UK,and 19 in Austrailia.Other countries as well really embraced their music. Not so here. Now the musical Mamma Mia,based on ABBA's songs,hit the big screen and made around 125 million dollars here, after the stage version made more than that. Plus a cd of ABBA was re released to coincide with the movie opening.After 16 years(it was first out in 1992) ,the cd DEBUTED at #1 and has now sold 27 million units. I can hear people saying,"looking back, maybe they really were good".People are realizing just how good ABBA was and is.That got me thinking about God.I pray people will stop and look back and realize how good God is. When I look back at my life,the paths that I've travelled,the ups and the downs, I don't say,"maybe He really is good". I say THANK YOU LORD that you ARE good, and thanks for being so good to me.

Sister,you're right!

We were at a birthday party for our great niece on Saturday. It was fun, there were a lot of kids there. My sister said"If I can just look at Eddie, Caitlyn,and Hannah every day, I'd never have a sad day". That my not be the exact quote, but you get the idea. It's so true. Those kids make you feel good. So do my cats.Just seeing them and snuggling up to them makes me feel good, no matter what kind of day I'm having. Thank You Lord, for kids and cats,AND SISTERS.

Inflection

The words are the same. "Good, morning, Lord. It's how I say them. Is it "Good Lord, morning", or "Good morning, Lord". I try for the latter,it helps me get my focus where it should be when I roll out of the rack: ON HIM. After all, He gave me the day to live. Now it's up to me to give back to Him. Lord, help me to follow through with living it out,after saying it when I get up.

That one stuck with me

I've heard a lot of sermons in my life. Most of them I can't remember, but they fed me spiritually.Just like I can't remember most of the meals that I've eaten but they feed me.I do remember a recent sermon in California.It was short, sweet, and to the point. The priest said that when we get to heaven, it won't be about anything that we've done here on earth, but it will be about 3 words. They will come from God's throne, they will echo through heaven, and we will join in the chorus. MERCY,MERCY, MERCY. Enough said. Thank You Lord for mercy.Without it, I'm done. I need it every second.

Stockers

I wanted some Edy's double fudge brownie ice cream,but the store didn't have it. It was the first day of the sale, and a lot of the ice cream was gone. The next day I went back, and it was there! Those night stockers did it for me, they restocked the shelves during the night. I really appreciate those people, and those like them. They work behind the scenes,get no credit at all,but are HUGELY important.Thank you Lord, for them, and those who labor in obscurity. I ask Your special blessing on them, and don't ever let me forget how great they are.

Chip off the old block

"He's a chip off the old block". It means that someone is just like someone or something else, very similiar. A lot of times it happens with parent and child,or brothers and sisters. Not so with me, though.I didn't get get my father's great skill as a carpenter, I didn't get his intelligence, his common sense, his wisdom,his knowledge about just about everything. At least I got his looks. A few people have told me that I look just like him. At least I got that. I want to be a "chip off the old block" with Jesus.What a challenge,what a goal. Impossible on my own,but with His grace, glimpses of Him can be seen. Lord, may those grow bigger and more regular as I walk with You.

Majoring in the minors

You've heard it said, "Don't major in ther minors","Don't sweat the small stuff". Boy,how often I ignore that advice.I get all worried and bent out of shape over some minor thing.In the end, that thing most often turns out to be insignificant, or it works itself out. Foolish to worry about those things, to be sure. On the other hand, I believe The Lord majors in the minors. Let's face it, most of us live ordinary lives, nothing spectacular, just carving out our place in life, doing our thing.But to be sure, God is there, watching over us, working out those "little" things, those"minor" things,that make up the majority of every day. Lord, never let me forget that You are in the trivial,You are in the insignificant,You are in the day to day activities. THANK YOU that you are,give me eyes to see even more clearly Your hand.

Passed by

I remember playing a lot of sports growing up. We would get a lot of guys toghether, and "choose sides". The best players got chosen first, and so on down the line until there were only 2 left. How humiliating to be the last pick. You really even picked, you were the last one left, you were passed by, and had to go to the team picking last, they were stuck with you.I don't want to be passed by in my walk with Christ. I want to be so rightly related to Him, so devoted,so tuned in to Him, that when He needs someone to do something for Him, He won't pass me by. I absolutely cannot live that kind of life on my own. The amazing thing about God though, is that He helps us to be ready when He calls,we just have to stick close to Him.The Bible is full of men and women who were ready.They said "Lord,send me".Lord,don't pass me by when you next need someone,help my life to say "send me",YOU will do the rest.

Mamma Mia!

We went to see the movie, Mamma Mia.I saw the previews,heard Meryl Strep singing, and really didn't expect too much.I was wrong, big time! Meryl was great, she really sings very well,and the movie was excellent. Another case of me judging something before the fact.I'm guilty of that big time, a lot of the times with people. Appearances, things told to me,reputations, cloud my perception,and cause me to judge.It's inexcusable.Will Rodgers said it right"I never met a man I didn't like". Huh? He explained that how could he dislike someone that he just met?He didn't even KNOW them.Lord, forgive me for those many,many times that I have pre- judged situations,and most of all, people.May I take Will's words to heart,and remember that You said we are not to judge others.

Trade Deadline

It's the trade deadline in baseball today. I love it,teams are trying to improve for the stretch run.A lot of times, though,after a trade,I say"Why did they do THAT"?,only to find out later(sometimes even years later),that the team knew what it was doing, and did the right thing. I'm like that with God a lot of times. A setback,an unexpected thing, a loss of someone,an illness,gets me thinking, even saying sometimes," Lord,why did You do that"? But a later time,I see Him in these things, and understand what He was doing, or see the good that came of it.Some things I won't understand, but I have to trust His goodness and sovereignty. Thank you Lord, for baseball,trades, and the lessons from them. You amaze me.

Now it's ok

A lot of times when I feed Boots and Hattie, one of them is not there.They are off roaming around,sleeping, whatever cats do.It's funny, no matter which one is missing, the other one really doesn't eat well. They are constantly looking for their brother to come. When they do, then they are relaxed and both eat great. As long as their brother is ok, all is well.It's another good lesson for me. I need to get my eyes off myself, and be concerned about my fellow man, make sure they are well, try to do what I can to help them,especially bring them before The Lord in prayer.When I concern myself with them, I take a back seat,and the selfishness which snares me goes bye- bye. Lord, thanks for Boots and Hattie. Little did I know that when you sent them to me, they would teach me so much.

A lesson from cats

Boots and Hattie are amazing. They are 9 and one half years old, and have lived their entire lives outdoors.They like all of the varieties of food I give them, some better thaan others, but they eat it all, and seem grateful for it. Malchus, the visiting cat, on the other hand, seems to be getting spoiled. He is turning his nose up at some of the food,not eating it,taking it for granted,expecting it,instead of being appreciative. How often am I like him! I take God's blessings for granted,get spoiled by all of His goodness to me, instead of, like Boots and Hattie, being grateful and thankful, and "eating them up" as they are provided to me by His loving hand. After all,it ALL comes from Him,right down to the very breath I breathe. Thanks cats,for the lesson.Lord, don't let me ever forget it.

A lost art

Everywhere we go ,I see it.People on their cell phones,talking, texting, playing games, surfing the net. To me, it's sad. We've lost the art of being quiet, of thinking, of reflection. We have to have something to amuse ourselves. What ever happened to good old fashioned silence? No radio in the car, no TV, no computer.Getting quiet is good for the soul. It allows me to think and relect on God,how good He is to me, how much He has done and does for me. The biggest beneficiary of this technical age is the devil himself. Lord, help me to take those quiet times, look forward to them, and most of all, SEE and HEAR You in them.

Special delights

I had a bad day at work yesterday,not much went right. Plus I reached a new level of stupidity.I amaze myself sometimes at how really clueless I am. I was feeling a little down,but The Lord sent a couple of cool things my way to make me feel better. A duck came to the bird feeder to eat, and then a little yellow finch came to get some water before going to sleep. I love those special delights from God. Thank You Lord, for them,may I never grow tired of them, or take them or Your love for granted.

Seminar

We went to our annual seminar last week from work. It's the same every year,asbestos and bloodborne pathogens.3 hours long. It gets really boring at times. Every year though,if I'm paying attention, the instructor gives some new info or twist. My Bible reading can get like that. It can become routine, boring,just going through the motions to say that I did it. BUT, if I am paying attention, listening, looking, those same passages and words are full of new lessons.I have heard people say that they have read a passage dozens of times, and then they see: a new thought or lesson or blessing is theirs. It's true. I just have to get out of the "routine" and put on my spiritual eyes and ears. Lord, let me NEVER view Your word as the same old thing. It is Your love letter to me.Give me eyes to see and ears to hear what You are saying.

Gas

My friend Mark and I had to cancel our baseball trip to the midwest because of the outrageous price of gas. I already had the tickets for a Cards game, then a Royals game. I was able to sell them through a ticket broker. The buyers are a person from Minnesota, and one from Pennsylvania.Since the games are in St.L and KC., they must be pretty happy getting them ,and must really want to go to these games. That's God for you. He takes disappointment(mine) and uses it to bless someone else. He is an amazing God. He is always active, doing things, blessing, providing, working. All I have to do is look.Lord,give me eyes to see You in ALL THINGS. Sometimes I may have to look hard,but I KNOW You are there,and I thank You so much.

What a lesson/legacy

Tim Russert tributes are everywhere. Deservedly so.One of the most powerful and influential people in the media,and yet what a kind, humble, caring man he was.I read stories of his notes to his fellow journalists,phone calls of encouragement to our local newspeople,just hanging out with common people when he visited here.He really was a remarkable man,and deserving of all the accolades.Really though,he was living life as it is supposed to be lived,how Jesus said we should live.Tim just flat out cared for people,made time for them,made them feel special,was grateful for all he had, was never full of himself, put his family and his God first.WHAT AN EXAMPLE!THAT'S how were supposed to live.I have the opportunity to be remarkable, too,and it has nothing to do with success as the world defines it.Let's see... be remarkable by the world's standards or the Russert standard. That's a no brainer. Give me Russert any day!

Comatose

I haven't blogged in a while.I just turned 50,and decided to review my life so far. It was so boring, it put me into a deep, deep coma. I didn't think that I was going to come out of it,but I guess the Lord has a few more insomniacs He wants me to help.We spent a few days in California with my cousin and his family.He was very sick many years ago,but The Lord reached down and touched him.He and his wife both have spent and spend a lot of time working with learning disabled kids.They are amazing.The Lord touched my cousin,he reaches out and touches others. That's how it's supposed to work.Lord,you have reached down and touched me more times than I can even count. Help me, like Bob, to stretch out my hands to help someone.

Boy, Jesus was right.

The Lord said that it is more blessed to give than to receive.So true.I just had a birthdayand people were very generous, giving me cards,gift cards, a cake, and good wishes. Made me feel uncomfortable.I know I don't deserve any of it,that's for sure. I'd much rather be on the other end,giving to someone. There's no better feeling for me than giving,other than giving annyomously. That's the tops.It's a contrary mind set for sure,but the rewards are much better.Lord, thank you that Your ways go against the grain. When I go Your way, it's the BEST one.

"Like you've been there before"

The old coach of the Bills, Marv Levy said about scoring a touchdown"When you get to the end zone, act like you've been there before". In other words, no ridiculous celebrations, just give the ball to the official, and go on with your job. I appreciated that. That's what you're supposed to do,not dance and high five someone just because you made a tackle.Hey, that's what they pay you to do,remember?I love to hear people pray who have "been there before". They are so at ease with God, and just talk to Him from their heart.I could listen to them pray all day. That's the way to do it,not bring a grocery list of wants to Him.Marv's advice about acting like we've been there before applies in the spiritual realm,too. The more we go "there" to Him in prayer, the more natural and easy it will be

Southern hospitality

We spent a few days in Georgia this past week. What nice people down there!Everywhere we went,very helpful,friendly people. My brother's friends all were very, very nice. It just came naturally to them, it seemed.That's how I'm to be in my walk with The Lord. He should come out of me naturally, easily, effortlessly. I'm not there yet by any means,but that's what I strive for. Lord, help me to have "God hospitality".

After grass snackies

It's a tradition.I get out the lawn mower, fire it up,and Boots and Hattie take off. They don't like it, or the noise it makes. After I'm done though, they come out,and we go to the picnic table for some snacks.This has been going on for years now. Boots always comes back out, Hattie most of the time. Yes, I can count on that Booties to show up every time.Got me thinking about God. In spite of my failures and sins, I can count on Him to "show up" in my life every day,all the time without fail.He is always there for me,and I thank Him so much for that.

Escape Artists

Harry Houdini was the most famous, David Blaine is doing it ow. All they want to be is "turned loose",to escape.I need to be an escape artist. I need to turn loose of those things that God has given to me.Himself, faith, money, time, talent,to name a few.I still need to take in these,but I need to let them escape, turn them loose,distribute them to my fellow man. I will be judged not on how much I took in, but by how much I let get out. Lord, make me a good escape artist!

"You just want to use their pool"

That was the accusation in the neighborhood every summer when I was growing up.All the kids got accused,myself included. It was said that we were hanginng around certain kids when the weather got warmer,so we could swim in their pool.We had nothing to do with them when swimming season was over, just hung around them for what we could get out of them.True?In my case, not really. I had to pay people to be my friends, so this case didn't apply to me.What about God and me? Why do I "hang around with Him?To get blessings out of Him? For "hell insurance"?Or is it becuse I love Him,and am grateful for the very breath He gives me, and in gratutde for how He's changed my life?Is it because I'm so grateful that want to serve Him and my fellow man? Lord, may my answers not disappoint you.

Obedience

I remember when Billy Graham came here.I signed up to work after each one of the meetings, processing follow up mail to pastors who would be in touch with those who made a commitment to Christ that evening.It was a great experience.Since I worked after the meeting, I was able to play in our baseball game the first night. However afterwards,the team was going to have a little get together. Boy, I wanted to go!I realized though,that I had to obey God and go work for Billy. I really wasn't sure how to even get to The Christian Center,but I set out anyway.I thought I was going the right way,and then I noticed a car with a Billy Graham bumper sticker right in front of me. You'd better believe I felt God then, and for sure I followed that care which went right to the Christian Center!What a lesson: be obedient,and you will see God show up.True then, still true today. Help me Lord,to obey,for then I will see YOU.

Weekends are great...really?

It's true,they are great.For those who work Monday-Friday,weekends are what we look forward to.I enjoy my weekends very much,I get to spend time with my bride,have fun, cram a lot of living into those 2 days. But I'm also concerned that weekends are not so great for me spiritually.I seem to get out of my pattern of Bible reading, praying,serving,singing that is fairly consistent during the work week. Days off are great, but days off from The Lord are not.In fact,I CAN'T and SHOULDN'T take a weekend from God. I need Him,and the world needs to see Him in me 24-7-365.

Knowing me, knowing you

Another ABBA song.It literally says that's the best I can do,it's the way I am, I'm not going to change."Knowing me, knowing you,there is nothing we can do... Knowing me, knowing you, it's the best I can do".It's a catchy tune,I really like it.I can't be like that song, however. I need to be willing to try to change,to put off some of those old ways of thinking, of doing things, those old attitudes. For a person who's picture is in the dictionary under the word stubborn,it's not an easy thing to do. But I'm trying,and Lord I thank You for your patience with me,and the progress that You have helped me to make.

Why is that in there?

"Call upon Me and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you knowest not"Jeremiah 33:3.Sometimes some of the promises in the Bible take a lot of faith to believe.But guess what? This verse is so true,I've seen it firsthand. People literally on death's door,restored,miraculously as a result of prayer(calling upon Him). A believer's home preserved untouched in the midst of a hurricane which damaged and destroyed much property all around. Yes, people called upon The Lord.I could relate many other instances of direct answers to calling upon The Lord,people shown amazing mercy, medical issues being healed, people feeling the presence of God on and all around them,all a result of calling upon Him.Great and mighty things? FOR SURE,I believe that promise, I KNOW it to be true. Wait a minute, if THAT one is true, could it be that the other promises in the Bible are too? Could it be? ABSOLUTELY, POSITIVELY!

What if?

Working the graveyard shift was weird. I went in to work when just about everything was closed. All kinds of companies, most restaurants,gas stations,just about everything was dark.Then I would come home in the morning, lights would be on, places would be open, people would be working, and out and about. I wondered what would happen if everybody decided not to show up for work,open these places up. Let's face it, most people aren't all that thrilled about getting up and going to work. We do it only because we have to, to pay the bills.I admire all those out there who go to battle every day, be it first, second or third shift.Thanks for being there, even if it's just because you have to be.

The King

Hattie is the king. He struts around the yard like he knows it,too. The other cats seem to respect him.Fields was at it again,though. He got too close to Hattie,and tried to get some of his food. WHOP! Hattie bopped him in the head. The thing about it was that it was a closed paw,no nails came out. Hattie had mercy on Fields, he could have cut him real badly. The "King" showed mercy.Got me thinking...The KING OF KINGS has mercy upon me every day, every minute.The very breath I breathe is a result of His mercy.Lord, never let me take that or You for granted.

Fields vs. Malchus

The 2 visiting cats got into a brawl a few days ago. Fields beat up Malchus. He had a mouthful of his hair after they rolled around in the grass,going at each other. Malchus doesn't come by too much now, but when he does, he keeps his distance from Fields.Fields is in his spot, watching. It reminds me of when I sin.The Lord is there, watching, waiting for me to come to Him.I keep my distance, though, ashamed, afraid, putting off the inevitable, as though He didn't see. The awesome thing is that He waits, and watches for me, and when I do come, His arms are open wide,welcoming me,forgiving me.I don't think Malchus can expect that same treatment from Fields,but Lord, I'm so thankful for the way you treat me when I "brawl" with You.

Ashamed and grateful

We're working on our house. We've had the bathroom done, we did the bedroom, and now we are doing the kitchen. We live in a dump. Our house is a dump,I'm ashamed of it. We don't invite people over( other than family, or very close friends who are like family) due to the fact that our house is an embarassment.I'm ashamed of it, yet I'm grateful to God for it. He is there, and lots of love is there.Ashamed and grateful,kind of a contridiction,but it's how I feel about my walk with The Lord, too. Ashamed of the life I lived before finding Him, ashamed of some of the things I still do today, but GRATEFUL for His unending mercy and forgiveness.

Put your tongue in your mouth,Pipey!

My boy Pipe used to sit there with his tongue sticking out.He did it a lot. We think he was a little slow as a result of breathing in too much exhaust when he was a kitten. I used to tell him"Put your tongue back in your mouth"! Boy, I wish someone had told me that BEFORE the MANY times I have spoken stupid, hurtful things.Yes, boring man,(raca) put your tongue in your mouth. Take it out to bless, encourage, strengthen, praise,lift up.It is a very powerful force, the tongue. Lord, help me to use mine for good.

Useless trivia

I am an expert in it. Usless trivia that is.My bride says that my mind is full of it,and she's right.I know a lot about stuff that really is insignificant,or that not a lot of people know.For example,when Batman and Robin fired up the Batmobile, Robin always said the same thing. I know what he said,verbatum. Stuff like that I know, useless stuff.It sometimes seems that my life is full of useless,trivial things. But The Lord uses all of it,to teach,to discipline, to strengthen,to encourage,to help me relate to others,to minister to others.When I look back on some of those"trivial"things, I realize that nothing is insignificant with God. He can and does use those things in my life.Thank You Lord for trivia,and the lessons that come with it.

Acts 20:24

I am a sportsaholic.Not as much as I used to be though.I still get pretty bummed sometimes when my favorite teams lose, or the teams I don't like,win.In the grand scheme of things,though,it really doesn't matter. Acts 20:24 says"None of these things move me, neither do I count my life dear unto myself,that I may finish my course with joy, and the ministry which The Lord Jesus has given me, that I might testify to the gospel of the grace of God".Thanks,Lord ,for putting that verse in the Bible.I want to be an Acts 20:24 disciple.Dear Lord,please bring this verse to me when those insignificant things try to weigh me down.

Who knew?

1982. The last video."Under Attack". 1982,the last tv appearance, the last appearance together as a group. Yep,ABBA.The end of the video shows them walking together in a warehouse,then a delivery door opens and they walk out into the sunshine. It was pretty sad to watch,actually. It was all over,though nobody knew it then.You just never know when the"last time" will be.If I treated every person as if it was going to be the last time I ever saw them,man,that would revolutionize my life.Imagine if we all took that attitude. It would change the world! Lord, help me to start that change today!

I just couldn't help it

I've said that many times, heard it many times, too. Sometimes you have no explanation for why you do something, or you wonder why someone did what they did, and that's the response, "I just couldn't help it".Peter and John got called on the carpet for preaching Jesus to the people. The "religious" leaders told them to stop, and they said they just couldn't help it. Jesus is so wonderful that they just can't stop talking about Him.AWESOME! Let that be me, Lord,in my life, in my speech.Let them be reflections of you... "Hey, I just couldn't help it!"

Happy Birthday Fellas(and T.C.)

Today my 2 outdoor cats, and one indoor (used to be outdoor) cat are 9 years old.My boys, Boots and Hattie,are nearing the end of their 10th winter living outside. Only by the grace and mercy of The Lord have they come this far.Their sister, T.C.,spent 1 winter out there and decided that inside was much better.Thank You Lord for Your mercy upon them, Your mercy and guidence upon me,and thanks so much for all the joy that You have given me through these 3 great cats.

Snooze Alarm

I love that thing.Too much,according to my bride.9 extra minutes of sleep.We've even moved the radio,so we have to get up to shut off the alarm or hit the snooze. It doesn't matter to me.I get up,hit the snooze,and zzzzzzzzzzzzzz,back to sleep.It's because I don't want to get up RIGHT NOW, I'll get up a little later.Sadly, I must confess I've hit the snooze alarm with The Lord many times. Make that phone call, do that kindness,pray for that person, read some Scripture...Ok,Lord,just a little later...snooze. Cmon,Lord, just 1 more time...snooze.Fortunately,God in His mercy gives me second and 3rd and 4th chances to do the thing He wants me to do. Sometimes though,He does not.The opportunity is gone, lost.It really is true, you snooze, you lose.Not only do I ,but sometimes others do, too.

The Ultimate Legacy

It's almost a year ago now.The husband of one of the ladies who is active in our school passed away. 44 years old. He woke up during the night saying he was not feeling well.A short time later, he was gone, heart attack. It hit our school very hard.He was a street cleaner for the town, a very common, ordinary man.The wait to get into the funeral home was 45 minutes to an hour,just to get in!The Buffalo News wrote a half page article on him titled"An Extrordinary Ordinary Man".Wow, what a legacy. Let's face it, most of us fall into the ordinary category,especially me.(boring too)We're called by God,not to do exceptional things for Him,but TO BE EXCEPTIONAL IN ORDINARY THINGS.If I can do THAT,if I can BE that, perhaps I could get close to the kind of legacy that Eric left,which continues to inspire me to this day.

SOS

One of my favorite ABBA songs,if not THE favorite.SOS,save our ship,a distress call,a call put out in a crisis. How many times do I put out an SOS to The Lord,call on Him only in a crisis, or when I need something? Shame on me,too many times.SOS =Seek Our Saviour. Not just in crisis times, not just in needful times, but ALL THE TIME.Thank You Lord, that You are there when my SOS signal comes to YOU,help me to remember that You would love for me to call on You when there is no SOS.To say hello,to say thanks,to talk, to just fellowship.Those are precious times,thank You for them.

La Brea Tar Pits

We were fortunate last year to get to see the La Brea Tar Pits in California.They really are just pits, filled with tar and sludge and gunk. Every few seconds, tar comes bubbling up to the surface at different spots in the pits.You look and there's nothing, then all of a sudden you see a bubbling spot. It is really cool. If I stay myself on God, and keep close to Him, He will come bubbling out of me. It will just happen. It's up to me to cultivate that close relationship with Him. I won't have to force His "bubbles" to come out, they will, naturally. Just like the La Brea Tar Pits.

Powerful force

I think I know the most powerful force in the universe. It's not a tornado, hurricane,blizzard, lightning,or wind.I believe it is prayer.I am blessed to have people in my life that I can call on to pray for me, or people and/or situations,that are on my heart. They are the true "movers and shakers".It makes ALL THE DIFFERENCE in the world to know that people are praying.I consider it an honor to be asked to pray.Lord, never let me be flippant about it,but to realize that people are counting on me to take their needs before you.THANKS for that priveledge,and most importantly, help me to remember thati t's not my prayers that do it, but YOU.

I owe,I owe...

So off to work I go. I've seen a lot of those bumper stickers.It sure is true. Most of us,I think, work only because we owe,not because we want to. Being a follower of Jesus, I owe. I owe it to my fellow man to be my best,to be a good representative of Christ to them. They have that right,I owe that to them.Sometimes I don't fel like it or fall short of it,but I have learned that if I stay close to The Lord,He will shine out of me naturally, even when I am not at my best.I owe,I owe, so off to "work" I go. Lord,help me to be a good employee for YOU.

Nameless, but special

I have had at least 4 people come up to me this year, and tell me how clean our school building is.They were parents from other schools, or people here for meetings that are held in our school.People that I had never met, and maybe will never see again. They blessed me,went out of their way to encourage me. Those comments,probably not much to them, meant and still mean a lot to me. It's amazing what an encouraging word will do for someone. Lord, help me to be a good encourager, as these nameless, yet very special ones, were to me.

Fields

We have a cat who showed up last summer. He's all white with one green eye, and one blue one. We called him WC(white cat),but changed it to Fields.At first he would hang around all day,eat,lay in the yard, lay with the other cats, just hang out. Now he just comes for food.He eats, then he leaves.He gets what he wants, then doesn't come back until he wants something(more food). His actions have made me ask myself if I'm like that in my walk with The Lord. Do I just come to Him when I want something, or do I like just "hanging out" with Him,not for what He can give me, but because I enjoy His company? Lord, help it to be the latter,and thanks, Fields, for the lesson.

Part of a Team

I played a lot of sports when I was younger.Organized baseball,basketball,in school and after I got out.It was really cool being part of a team,(even though no one really sat next to me or talked with me because I was such a terrible player) all on the same page, after the same goal.I miss it even to this day.I'm on another team now, GOD'S TEAM.My teammates are the most wonderful people in the world, and my coach..HE IS AWESOME!Thank you Lord, for allowing me to be on your team.Please help me to do my best for my teammates,and FOR YOU.

Leaving a witness

There was a terrible incident at a hockey game the other day. A player had his corotid artery cut by a skate. Those skates are razor sharp. He left a trail of blood all over the ice. He had the presence of mind to skate toward his bench,and it "just so happened" that a doctor was sitting in the stands right near the bench and was able to attend to him.The doctor's actions and presence and this player's own wisdom probably saved his life, the doctors would say after performing surgery."He was lucky" "Fortunate that the doctor was there".These were some of the comments. BALONEY. THE LORD was in control and helped him, HE saved his life.Another witness by The Lord that He is in control. He leaves them all the time,in big ways and little ways. We need to WAKE UP and realize that it is HIM,not luck,fate, good fortune, coincidence, BUT GOD. Lord,give us,give me, eyes to see YOU.

Bursting Into Song

Sometimes my bride will start singing at the drop of a hat. About the weather, God, people,whatever she is thinking about at that time. I ask her why, and she says" I just had to burst into song". When I think of all that The Lord has done for me, I am apt to burst into song too,songs of praise.When people or situations pop into my mind, I try to burst into prayer. Great ways to keep the lines of communication open between God and me. Thanks,Lord,for the "burster",who blesses me every day.

The Purse

It happened a couple years ago.I was at work when a couple came in saying that their daughter had lost her purse,and may have left it at the school.She was a little girl(1st or 2nd grader,as I remember),and this little purse meant the world to her.A co worker of mine, Kathy, and I looked in a few places,and lo and behold, we found the little purse.The parents were tremendously happy and thankful, and couldn't wait to get home to give their daughter back her favorite thing.A little effort, a little kindness, not really very hard to do, but what an impact it had on the dad, mom, and little girl.Thank you for the lesson,Lord. Please keep it fresh in my mind when those opportunities come my way.

Ruined

18 straight wins. One more for a perfect season. The Patriots couldn't do it. They lost. All that hard work wasted.All it took was one slip up, one defeat, one loss,and everything was ruined. I'm so thankful that that's not the case in my following Christ.I slip up all the time, make mistakes, act without thinking,in other words, sin. Does it ruin me? THANK GOD,NO! He is a forgiving God, who's mercy is endless.I need that mercy every day. Thank you, Lord,that I can call for it, thank you MORE for giving it.

Power outages

We had a huge wind storm yesterday. The gusts reached over 70 miles an hour in some spots.We usually lose power wheni t gets windy, but thankfully we didn't this time. Others were not as fortunate. A lot lost power. Driving home from work last night(12:30am) I saw some crews out,and at breakfast this am., I saw some come in to eat. They were either working all night, or getting an early start. These are the real heroes. Doing really thankless, dangerous work,tying to get people up and running again.I'm so thankful for them. It takes a lot for the powere to go out sometimes. In my walk with The Lord I have to be careful not to let "the power" go out. It can happen pretty easily if I neglect Him,get lazy in my Bible reading/devotions, get"too busy" to give Him proper place and attention.Proverbs says it best:"A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest; so shall your need come in like a robber, and your want like an armed man".(I apply that spiritually)Lord, help me to be consistant in my walk with you.

Game Piece

I bought a box of cat food the other day. They are giving away some prizes and cash,and on the box it said that there was a game piece inside.I opened the box, no game piece. I dumped all the cat food out, and sorted through it, no game piece. False advertising. Very dissapointing.How much worse though, when I claim to be a Jesus follower, and my actions and/or words don't back it up. False advertising. A much worse form than no game piece in a box of cat food. Lord, forgive me for those times that I was a false advertiser of who You are to me. Help me to be true in EVERY way.

The Birds

The place where I get my birdseed ran out this week. I got some today. The lady who waits on me all the time said"I can't believe all the people who came in yesterday ,looking for birdseed"(We knew it was coming in then). She added"I can't believe how many people feed the birds".Jesus said that the birds don't worry about food, our Heavenly Father feeds them. Could it be that He uses all of us,including me, who has absolutely nothing to offer Him,to feed His birds? I believe it.That's so cool of Him! Can He also use me for some of His other purposes? FOR SURE! Lord, help me to be ready,AND WILLING when you call.

Report Cards

I remember getting our report cards in grammar school. Sometimes they would get one of the parish priests to come and hand them out.He would call your name, and open up your report card in front of whole class and look at it. It better have been good, or else he would embarass you in front of the whole class,especially if the conduct (misbehaving) mark was bad. Pretty cruel, looking back on it. I hope that's not how they do it today. When I come to the judgement day,the books will be opened, and my"report card" will be looked at by the Righteous Judge. He won't embarass me,He'll welcome me home, and dispense any rewards I may have coming. Lord, help my life to honor You,so I can take those rewards and lay them at Your feet.

The Fab 4

1964. I remember it well. I was 6 years old. The Beatles.Man, they were great,took the country by storm.What a sound,so different,unique for that time. Their music made you feel good, happy.Without a doubt,the greatest band of all tme, EVER. The Fab 4 they were called. I know of another Fab 4. Matthew,Mark, Luke, John,the gospel writers. They recorded the words, and chronicled the life of the greatest man ever to set His feet on the earth.The Gospels,chock full of Jesus,showing us what God is like, instructing us how to live,showing us what love is,and how to flesh it out. I'm happy the Fab 4 came here from England and left us their music. I'm thankful the other "Fab 4" followed Him,and recorded it, so I can follow Him, too.

How can they prove THAT?

No two snowflakes are alike. Who said that? How can they prove it? Billions and ga-zillions of snowflakes have fallen since the beginning of time(one is too many for me),and no two are alike? C'mon, how can that ever be proven? I have to take it on faith that it is true.There are many things in my walk with The Lord that I have to take on faith. Forgiveness for one. To think that His death on the cross was payment for all of my sins,and when I screw up now, and ask for His forgiveness, and HE DOES FORGIVE ME,takes faith.I can't prove that my sins are forgiven, I can't prove that Jesus forgives me now when I ask,but by FAITH, I BELIEVE IT,I ACCEPT IT,in fact, I STAKE ETERNITY ON IT.

Show and Tell

I really don't remember it at school,show and tell.We were supposed to bring something in,and then tell about it.I'm sure we did it,I'm pretty sure they still do it today,I just don't remember ever taking anything to school for it,or even having it at all.I heard a minister say that Christianity is a "Show and Tell" religion.You have to show people what Jesus is like, THEN you can tell others about Him. I don't know who said this but it is so true: "It is of no use to walk anywhere to preach unless we preach everywhere as we walk".AMEN.Lord, please help my life back up my words.

Boots,Hattie,and the BIG BIG snow

It was a Thursday,a few years ago, 7 I think. It started snowing, it didn't stop for a long time.3 feet!Our outdoor cats,Boots and Hattie weren't in the garage where they spend most of the winter. They were out in all that snow. I shoveled a path for them over to the house next door which they go underneath sometimes. No sign of them. Overnight 4 more feet of snow! 7 feet,I measured it myself. No sign of Boots and Hattie. I was afraid they were holed up somewhere and unable to get out. I shoveled till I thought my arms would fall off,and walked and shoveled in hip deep snow all the way across the street to another garage,calling the boys to come home. Nothing.I called my mother and asked her to pray. I could hear the concern in her voice as she said she would for sure.Friday came and went,we had to walk to the store because we couldn't get off the street.They actually had the National Guard come in and remove some of the snow.On the way to the store a neighbor said that if Boots and Hattie don't come home soon,they may never. I knew he was right.My mother called to check on the boys, but I had no news for her. In going across the street,I had managed to trudge a little path(along with shoveling) back to the house. It was around 8pm Friday night,I was out shoveling the cars out.I looked up and I saw them,Boots and Hattie! They were in the street,coming from across it.I called to them,they came to me,and I hugged them all over and kissed them and cried tears of thankfulness to God for bringing them home.I went in and annouced the news,and immediately called my mother. She was SO HAPPY.I truly believe that her prayers were INSRUMENTAL in bringing Boots and Hattie home. How fitting that her last words to me were"PRAY".I do,mom,and I will,as long as The Lord gives me breath. THANKS.

ABBA The Music

My bride and the Woppinger sisters went to see ABBA The Music a couple years ago. They were a band that performed the music of ABBA.They dressed liked them,talked like them, and most importantly,sounded JUST LIKE them.I remember closing my eyes and thinking that it was just like being at a real ABBA concert.It was amazing, almost a perfect imitation.Can I be that close to imitating Jesus to those that I come in contact with? I try.If I can come nearly as close as this band did in imitating my favorite group,then He will be pleased.Even a glimpse of HIM in me...Lord, let it be!

No time

"I just don't have any time".I don't know how many times I've said it ,or heard other people say it.It really is a bunch of hooey. If something is important enough,I'll make the time for it.It's a matter of prioritizing.I hear it a lot about praying, getting alone with God. "I'm too busy,I just can't fit that alone time with Him in".It is hard, I know. One way that helps me is leaving the radio off as I drive, and pray instead,talk to my heavenly Father. Of course, since I am unable to drive and pray(as well as walk and chew gum) at the same time, I have to wait for lights to turn red.But it can be done.The alone time with Him is VITAL in my walk,be it in the car,kitchen,shower,wherever. I'm not busy 24 hours a day,(boring yes,busy, no)certainly I can find some time for Jesus. In fact, I MUST.

"We were trying"

I remember a ball game we played many years ago. We were ahead going into the bottom of the last inning, but we kicked the game away,we lost. There were a few errors in that inning, I know I made one, I think it was my ninth or tenth of the game.Afterwards, our coach hollared at us for screwing up and blowing the game.We alrady felt badly,and that didn't help.I remember someone saying"Hey,we were trying".I'm thankful that The Lord isn't like our coach.He knows that I'm trying, and doesn't yell or condemn when I screw up,which is thousands upon thousands of times.On the contrary,He says: "Come to me,I'll forgive you,just ask Me".Thank you Lord, that you know me so well, and love me anyway.Ps. The kindergarten kids have an "I Can Tie My Shoe Club" in their classroom. I have been practicing really hard, and hope to take the test for membership in this club very soon.

Customer Service

I had to take our car in for a brake job. I went to a place where I have gone before,but when I went in I recieved very poor customer service. They seemed almost bothered that I was there, and didn't even try to accomodate me with a request I asked of them. I left. Took my business elsewhere. It got me thinking about my "customer service".I come in contact with many "customers" during my day.My job is to reflect Jesus out to them. Do I scare them off, and/or do they go elsewhere because of my indifference,or lack of concern?Lord,may that not be said of me,that I gave poor customer service to my fellow man. Help me to go "the extra mile" for them,and for YOU.