Wednesday, February 8, 2012    

18 Years Ago Today

Monday, June 30th, 2008

Wedding DayOn an afternoon in Lakewood, CO, 18 years ago today, Anita and I were joined together in holy matrimony! It’s hard to believe two things:

  1. How far we’ve come. I can remember scrapping together just enough cash for a dollar movie and some popcorn. Red Lobster was a huge deal! We started out in a studio apartment where the cops used to park at night to save time and gas (they were going to be there eventually). On top of all that…we were basically just kids. Again…how far we’ve come!
  2. How lucky I am to have such an amazing wife! She is far more than I deserve…more than I could have ever hoped for. God has truly blessed me with a Proverns 31 wife and I thank Him for it every day!

We spent today together. Sushi followed by some shopping and a movie. Nothing fancy. We don’t need it (and we can’t afford it ).:smile:  As long as we spend it together that’s all that matters.

In some ways the last 18 years have flown by. In other ways I can’t believe how long it’s been. One thing is for sure…I can’t wait for the next 18 years with my amazing bride! Love ya babe!

Who can find a virtuous and capable wife? She is more precious than rubies.
Her husband can trust her, and she will greatly enrich his life

Her children stand and bless her. 
Her husband praises her: “There are many virtuous and
capable women in the world, but you surpass them all!”

Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last; 
but a woman who fears the Lordwill be greatly praised.
Reward her for all she has done.
Let her deeds publicly declare her praise.
Proverbs 31:10-11, 28-31, NLT

30.06.2008 Family 7 Comments

Thoughts on Faith

Sunday, June 29th, 2008

We all know what faith is right? Most of us can quote the proper Scripture…

Now faith is being sure of we hope for and certain of what we do not see.
Hebrews 11:1, NIV

I must admit, however, that I still struggle with the practical concept of faith (and maybe I always will). This morning God put the word “faith” in front of me too many times to ignore…and all within on passage of Scripture…

We are made right with God by placing our faith in Jesus Christ
…
People are made right with God when they believe that
Jesus sacrificed His life, shedding His blood.
…
It is based on faith. So we are made right God through faith and not by obeying the law.
…
There is only one God, and He makes people right with himself only by faith…
Romans 3:22, 25, 27, 30; NLT

God is at work within me to clarify what I truly and practically believe about this word and concept: FAITH. He is at work and I’m trying to listen and learn. The process won’t be over today. And don’t get me wrong…I know what faith is. I’ve studied the word and I am a believer and follower…I have faith in God. God is working at a more practical level. How am I living this concept of faith? What does it mean for my everyday?

As I said, the process will take some time. God wants me to wrestle with this and come to terms with it. But I think I know where it’s heading. Practically, the question is if I am truly trusting God with everything. Is He who and what I turn to always? Do I only need Him or do I think I need other things? It’s hard to explain…and I feel like I’m missing it completely (maybe that’s because it’s still churning within me?). Eldridge hit on it a little bit in my reading from Walking with God this morning (and I’m sure he says it much better…he does have an editor after all)…

There is no greater disaster for the human heart than this—to believe we have found life apart from God. And this shift I’ve been describing—this coming to believe that what I don’t have but long for I actually need—is the opening stages of the disaster. For whatever reason, we have come to believe that God is not enough. (Page 183, emphasis mine).

My faith…lived in practice…has something to do with believing (deep down) that I can only find true life in God and that He is more than enough…I don’t need anything else. More to come on this topic as God continues to reveal His truths to me on this topic.

What are your thoughts about this FAITH word? What insights do you have that you can share? We’re all part of this journey and I really do want to hear what God is speaking into your heart and life…it helps me along the journey too…:cool:

29.06.2008 Devotional, Spiritual Development, Spiritual Musings 2 Comments

The Great Sock-Shoe Debate

Thursday, June 26th, 2008

Anita and I have had a long-running debate regarding how you are supposed to put on your socks and shoes. I know it sounds crazy, but it’s one of those debates that keeps the spunk in a marriage (or something like that). :wink:

I say you should put on both socks and then put on your shoes (sock-sock then shoe-shoe).

Anita says it’s OK to put on a sock and a shoe and then a sock and a shoe (sock-shoe, shock-shoe).

Of course, this is just plain insanity! I am fairly confident only the criminally insane or those who are from an alternate universe would ever consider the sock-shoe, sock-shoe method truly viable. It is just plain wrong!

So, what do you say? Take a second to answer the quiz and become part of the great debate…but be prepared to be sent to the loony bin if you adhere to the heretical view (I am positive that the Old Testament agrees with my position!)…

[poll id="4"]

26.06.2008 Humor, Misc Ramblings, Poll 9 Comments

Transformed

Wednesday, June 25th, 2008

I have been captured by this word and concept this week: Transformed. God has been replaying the idea, the word over and over again in my mind and spirit for the past week. This morning he led me to do a little research on the word itself from Scripture (thanks to my Libronix program this wasn’t hard to do!).

Two passages seem to cover the topic best:

Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world,
but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think.
Romans 12:2, NLT

What counts is whether you have been transformed into a new creation.
Galatians 6:15, NLT

Two things strike me as I meditate and consider these passages. First, it is God doing the transformation…I am obviously involved in the process, but it’s God doing the real work—He is the only one with power to affect this kind of change in my life. Frankly, I have demonstrated time and again that I am am powerless within my own strength alone to change pretty much anything (certainly anything that really matters).

Second, is that both passages talk about this transformation as wholesale change…not incremental change: “into a new person” and “into a new creation”. These are not small, piece meal changes. We are talking “Big Bang” versus “Evolution” (pardon the pun). I must confess that I am still wrestling with this even as I type. Is this transformation then only done when we are saved and become Christ followers? Don’t we continue to be shaped and molded into His image as we walk with Him? I believe that’s the case, but that doesn’t seem to be what these two passages are referring to.

What are your thoughts on this topic? I am certainly thankful for this type of transformation in my life! I couldn’t have done it without Him…wouldn’t be who I am today without Him changing me from the inside out. I’ve never been the same…

25.06.2008 Devotional, Spiritual Development, Spiritual Musings No Comments

What Americans “Believe”

Tuesday, June 24th, 2008

I read an interesting article in the Denver Post yesterday regarding the religious views of Americans. I was first surprised that the topic was their lead story (and still is today even). I was further confounded by some of the results. The data is from a religious survey conducted by the Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life. Here is an excerpt of the Denver Post article with my emphasis added:

Americans overwhelmingly believe in God and religion, yet most don’t feel bound by strict interpretations of their churches’ doctrines, according a survey released Monday by the Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life.

Most of the faithful, 70 percent, think there are paths to eternal life other than the one prescribed by their own religion. And 68 percent think there is “more than one true way” to interpret the teachings of their religion.

Only Mormons (57 percent) and Jehovah’s Witnesses (80 percent) have majorities who say that only their religion is the “one true faith leading to eternal life,” the survey found.

About 57 percent of Evangelical Protestants and 56 percent of Muslims think many religions can lead to eternal salvation — a view also held by 89 percent of Hindus, 83 percent of mainline Protestants, 82 percent of Jews and 79 percent of Catholics.

George Morrison, senior pastor at Faith Bible Chapel, an Arvada evangelical church, was surprised at the number of evangelicals who think many religions can lead to eternal salvation. It doesn’t fall within the teachings of the church, he said.

“To believe in Jesus Christ would be the only way to eternal life,” he added.

While 92 percent of Americans say they believe in the existence of God or a universal spirit, only about 70 percent say they are “absolutely certain.”

Almost two-thirds of the faithful take the view that their religion’s sacred texts are the word of God.

That group is divided almost evenly between those who think the text should be interpreted literally and those who don’t.

I found this survey both disheartening and a little shocking. How far have we come when people who profess to believe in God still don’t believe His own words regarding their salvation? I read another stat earlier this week in a magazine (I don’t have the exact numbers handy) that indicated Americans are not just split between Intelligent Design and Evolution but that many people are now accepting both as possibilities.

We have become a confused, diluted nation that is moving from believing just about anything to believing everything! It’s not just that nothing is true…but that all things are true. I think this is a very dangerous place to be. We need God to be in this place and show His Truth and love and grace. God help us! :neutral: 

I will say that I do believe a lot of people link religion and God together. But God calls us to know Him…not to some religion…so there is a ray of light in this whole thing. If people believe in God maybe our “job” isn’t as hard as we sometimes make it out to be if we will simply introduce the God we know to the people we know.

I’d like to hear your thoughts on this topic…leave a comment and let’s discuss. Am I being too concerned? Not concerned enough? What do you think?

24.06.2008 Church, Spiritual Musings No Comments

A Dangerous Walk

Sunday, June 22nd, 2008

As I said earlier this week…it’s been a rough and busy one! It has kept me from blogging much, but I haven’t gone anywhere, just regrouping a little bit! :???:

While it has been a busy couple of weeks, God certainly hasn’t been quiet. As I walk this journey with Him, He has continued to poke and prod into every area of my life. Sometimes it has been painful, other times it has brought healing and restoration, sometimes He has been showing me things about myself that I never knew. But it’s all been for the purpose of building me up and drawing me closer to Him! I am slowly learning to seek Him in all things.

I saw a sticker yesterday that states how I feel today: Know Him. That’s my goal and that’s what God has been doing in my life lately..helping me Know Him better. My prayer life is better than it’s ever been…as I seek God and engage Him in my life. I look forward to our time together every day. I have a lot to learn and a long way to go, but the journey itself is exciting. Walking with God is no leisurely stroll—it’s nothing short of dangerous and exciting. It truly is a dangerous walk! But I wouldn’t miss it for anything anymore (there was a time in my life when I ran from it).

And I am not on this journey alone. I have my family, my friends, my church, and men around me that are taking this journey together. I could not be more thankful for everyone God has placed in my life…I would be lost with them and I would be lost without Him.

A little rambling today…but that’s OK. It’s been awhile since I’ve written and sometimes it just feels good to blather on a bit. So I hope you forgive me and that you are on the dangerous walk with Christ!

 

22.06.2008 Misc Ramblings, Spiritual Musings No Comments

A Little Reminder

Wednesday, June 18th, 2008

This has been a crazy, busy week! This math class I started has consumed a lot of time and thought processes just to keep my head above water (but I’m determined not to drown). Work hasn’t been much easier this past week either with a major project of mine taking some serious hits…requiring even more thought processes and causing plenty of stress.

So blogging has taken a slight back-seat this week…but I haven’t gone anywhere! And in the midst of all this chaos, stress, and workload God has been very close. And I couldn’t be more thankful! I am learning (slowly) to turn to Him in these times instead of turning to my false idols…the things I used to turn to when things got rough.

And He has come through in spades! This morning He gave me gentle reminder of just how much He loves me and how much He has done for me already…

 Yet it was our weaknesses he carried; it was our sorrows that weighed him down.
   And we thought his troubles were a punishment from God,
a punishment for his own sins!
But he was pierced for our rebellion, crushed for our sins.
   He was beaten so we could be whole. He was whipped so we could be healed.
 All of us, like sheep, have strayed away. We have left God’s paths to follow our own.
   Yet the Lord laid on him the sins of us all.
Isaiah 53:4-6, NLT

What more can I say besides:

THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!

I think that says it.

18.06.2008 God's Love, Jesus, School, Spiritual Musings, Work 1 Comment

My “Good” Addiction

Saturday, June 14th, 2008

Confession is good for the soul…right? Well,here is my confession for the day…

I am addicted to Bibles!

There…I said it. Now, I know what you may be thinking: “What? Addicted to Bibles?” You heard me right, I’m officially addicted to Bibles. Taking me anywhere near a Bible bookstore is just plain dangerous. At last count I had somewhere in the neighborhood of 20+ Bibles. Sure, I have different versions and many of them have a different purpose (study, etc). But deep down that’s not the real reason I like buying Bibles…no matter how “holy” it might sound.

I even got a new one that ”I just had to have” today. This despite the fact that I got the “perfect” Bible for Christmas (and I do still love that Bible…by far my favorite!). Why did I get this new Bible? Ready for it? Because it looked cool! :smile: On the practical side (a.k.a.: my justification) it is smaller than my good Bible and I can take it places I wouldn’t take my good one (like hunting and camping). Never mind the fact that I certainly have other Bibles that fit that same bill.

What’s worse is that I also think I’m becoming a Bible snoob! :oops: It has to be cool, or have good leather, be a good version, et al. Use a pulpit Bible?? Who would even suggest such a thing! I know there are MUCH worse addictions in life (and I have one or two of those as well), but I just had to let someone know. So now you know…I’ll see you at the bookstore…you can probably find me in the Bible section (or looking for the latest Nooma video). :cool:

14.06.2008 Books, Hobbies, Misc Ramblings 1 Comment

The Polite Lifeguard

Thursday, June 12th, 2008

I was forwarded this Jamie Kennedy Experiment video at work today…this guy is flat out funny and this skit is no exception. I love the people’s reactions (specifically that nobody says a word). I would bet that almost everyone got back in the pool though. :shock:


If you can’t see the video above, you can see it at YouTube directly by clicking here.

12.06.2008 Humor, Video No Comments

Who Do I Turn To?

Thursday, June 12th, 2008

God has really been speaking to my heart over the past few weeks…and boy have I needed it. He’s been showing me areas in my spiritual journey where I need healing and restoration—and he has been providing both! It’s a great place to be and I am truly thankful for it.

One of the things He’s been working on with me is where I turn to when life gets tough or things aren’t going the way I expect them to. Too often I am turning to the wrong things when I should be turning to God. It’s not that the things I am turning to are necessarily wrong (although sometimes they are)…it’s just that my heart should be turning to God for strength and comfort. And with His help I’ve been doing that more and more.

So this morning I read this in my devotional time and it was yet another reminder for me on this topic:

Don’t put your confidence in powerful people;
there is no help for you there.
Psalm 146:3 NLT

Where is my confidence? Too often it is in other people…those I think are “powerful” in one way or another. Where should my confidence be? In God alone. I’m starting to get the picture. :smile:

12.06.2008 Devotional, Spiritual Development, Spiritual Musings No Comments

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