I don’t care who you are…that’s funny!
A Little Humor for Your Day…
Thursday, July 31st, 2008Lynch’s Departure
Thursday, July 31st, 2008
This is horrible news, but safety John Lynch is leaving the Denver Broncos (I almost swallowed my own tongue when I read this the first time)! You can read the full article in the Denver Post and Rocky Mountain News. All I can say is that he will be sorely missed…and that this is another veteran player I wish was staying around (ala Jason Elam).
I understand the move on both sides. For Lynch, he wasn’t likely to start and I’m guessing he will end up somewhere else (and I wish him all the best as long as it is outside of the AFC West). Lynch is a class act!
For the Broncos, they have a lot of talent at the safety position and enough class to recognize this early and they are letting a class act look for the best opportunity for him (not all organizations would do that). I hope this move doesn’t come back to bite them at some point during the year, but it will certainly provide plenty of talk-show fodder.
It’s an odd year for my beloved Broncos!
Good luck John…you will be missed! 
Finishing What You Start
Wednesday, July 30th, 2008Finishing is better than starting.
Patience is better than pride.
Ecclesiastes 7:8, NLT
Sigh…I hate it when God meddles! 
I mean, here I was having a perfectly nice morning when I get slapped-up-side-the-head with this little nugget. Now I have to confess that I am notorious for starting—not so much for finishing (Exhibit A would be college…which I am just now getting around to finishing up, 10 years after I quit the last time). Finishing takes too much long-term focus and energy (starting is so much more fun). Finishing takes commitment and discipline; the process often loses the luster and excitement it had to begin.
But, I need to develop all of these attributes in my character: focus, energy, commitment, discipline, and patience (see how He snuck that last one in?). So I add this to the list of things God is working on in my life. I’ve asked Him to help me identify areas in my life and journey that I have started but haven’t managed to finish.
Priority #1? Family Devotions (click here for Exhibit B). There, I’ve said it. I’ve admitted it. Now I’m off to get started again…wish me luck and pray for me…it’s too important to start and not finish! 
What Do You Want to Be When You Grow Up?
Tuesday, July 29th, 2008This is a great question to spark discussion, because it strikes a cord in our spirit…our desire to do something we love and are passionate about.
So, if you could do anything in the world (money and life circumstances not being an issue) what would you do? What is your true passion? What is your dream job (or dream calling)? If you could do or be anything you wanted to be, what would it be?
It’s fun to think about, but take a second to really consider this one. I asked this question to a co-worker this week and got an unexpected answer: Starbucks Barista. And she meant it, that’s what she would do if she could do anything and I admire her determination and spirit.
I for one am struggling with the answer…mainly because I have too many options and have a hard time narrowing the list down. I would certainly do something in the arena of teaching, but I’m not sure if that would mean as a Teaching Pastor, as a Sunday School teacher, Discipleship Pastor, or in some Para-church organization. I also DREAM of becoming a writer so I would add that to the list as well (but that can be done along with something else too). This is something I will continue to ponder and chew on…I even made it a matter of serious prayer this morning as I look toward the future God is preparing us for in ministry. His answer? Keep praying and pondering, but no answer for now…the process is part of the journey.
So how about you…what do you want to be when you grow up? What’s your dream job…your life calling and passion? Leave a comment with your answer(s) and maybe you’ll spark someone else’s passion…or at least have some fun sharing.
On a mostly unrelated note, here’s a great quote I read this morning in Messy Spirituality (my new favorite book). Enjoy…
I’m all for getting the mechanics right, but spiritual growth is more than a procedure; it’s a wild search for God in the tangled jungle of our souls, a search which involves a volitile mix of messy reality, wild freedom, frustrating stuckness, increasing slowness, and a healthy dose of gratitude. (pgs 114-115)
It’s All Good…
Monday, July 28th, 2008I am currently reading Ecclesiastes as part of my devotional time. I’ve always wrestled with this book every time I read it…mainly because much of it seems a little “backwards” from what you expect to read in Scripture. Of course, that’s a good thing—Scripture is anything but predictable, and it gets me thinking critically about life and walking with God. This passage struck a cord with me this morning:
I have noticed one thing, at least, that is good.
It is good for people to eat, drink, and enjoy their work under the sun
during the short life God has given them, and to accept their lot in life.
And it is a good thing to receive wealth from God and the good health to enjoy it.
To enjoy your work and accept your lot in life—this is indeed a gift from God.
God keeps such people so busy enjoying life that they take no time to brood over the past.
Ecclesiastes 5:18-20, NLT
That right there will preach brothers and sisters! 
This is a life philosophy that I can get behind. I want to enjoy my work and accept my lot in life as the gift from God that it is. I want to be “so busy enjoying life” that I don’t have time to “brood over the past”. This is a pattern for living with God in the moments of life…enjoying the here and now instead of worrying about the past or the future.
God has blessed me more than I deserve, and I want to enjoy His blessings. This weekend was a reminder of that as I spent time with family and friends and didn’t worry about ANYTHING besides trying to get up on the stupid wake board (and no, it didn’t happen). Life is a gift from God…my wife is a gift…my kids are a gift…my job is a gift…my gifting is a gift. I want to accept my lot in life and enjoy to the fullest. Anything less would be downright rude of me.
Worth a Thousand Words??
Sunday, July 27th, 2008Tonight I was doing some catching up on news (specifically sports news) so I start browsing the Denver Post and I see this picture on the front page (and within the article itself)…
They say that a picture is worth a thousand words, right? I’m not sure what this picture is trying to say…but it cracks me up!! Is this really the best picture the Denver Post could find? I doubt it, which means they are either cruel or thought it was funny too (or both). I know it makes me a bad person, but this picture is funny…I can’t help it, consider it a character flaw! 
And of course I had to share. Don’t worry if you think it’s a little funny too…just as long as you can laugh at yourself.
Weekend on the Water
Sunday, July 27th, 2008We just got back from three days at Jackson Lake (just 1.5 hours NE of Denver). We went with three other families…one of which has a boat! I absolutely L.O.V.E. getting away with family and friends! It feeds my soul and is always a great time. We went last year too, but we were alone then…fun, but it’s also good share the fun.
This particular weekend was spent with Greg & Susie (and their 3 girls), Michael & Amanda (and their son Noah), and Lindale & Briana (sp?) (and their son and daughter…this was the first time we’d met them…great family). All told we had 8 adults and 9 kids. Does it get an better?
Of course it was a hot weekend, but we spent most of it at the beach or on the boat. The first night sucked royally…wind blew hard all night…nobody got any more than a couple hours of sleep (and most didn’t get any sleep at all). But the next day paid the rewards as we water-skied and tubed for most of the day (thanks to Greg & Susie for pulling us around the lake).
I tried to be manly and get up on the wake board, but it was nothing doing. I did get up on the skis twice (but if you blinked you might have missed it). Nothing like trying something manly to keep you humble! Lindsay was able to get up on the training skis once (she was up on the skis but couldn’t quite stand up). Always fun to watch your kids try something new and exciting and love every second of it…they especially loved being pulled by the tube!
We didn’t get a single picture…but our friends did so as soon as they post them we will share. Now we take it easy for the rest of the evening and get back to the “real world” of school (math is over for me, but I’m right back to it this week), work (ugh!), and the mundane parts of life that make it real. I always have a hard time getting to my devotions over a long weekend, but still feel connected with God anyway…He’s so good!
Oh yeah…almost forgot, Logan (our 8 year old) also learned to ride his bike this weekend! Now, of course, we can hardly get him off of it. It was a long time coming, but he picked it up fast once he put his mind to it (sounds like someone else I know…that would be me in case I was being to obtuse ). I’m so proud of him!
All Things Football
Friday, July 25th, 2008
Denver Broncos Training Camp 2008 officially start today!! I heard yesterday that this is the last weekend of the year without a broadcast football game (I know, it’s preseason, but it’s something!). 
I love this time of year because the season is full of just one thing…PROMISE. I plan on making it to at least one training camp session this year and am excited about the Bronco’s possibilities. Am I expecting the Super Bowl? Uh…no. Am I expecting the playoffs? Yes. I am also expecting a lot of young players to start making some contributions on both sides of the ball. I am expecting Mr. Cutler to make some significant strides in his game. My biggest question mark…the defensive line of course?!?!? Win or lose…the season is upon us!
BTW, my preseason prediction? 10-6
In addition to training camp starting, fantasy football is coming too! Our draft starts on August 16th and I am looking forward to a much better year than last year (3-10! 
). We have some new teams in the league which is always fun and we expanded it from 10 to 12 players. We are also turning it into a Keeper League which should add a little more interest.
Sigh…football is here…all seems right with the world!
P.S.: Heading to Jackson Lake for the weekend with family and friends so no posts for the next couple of days (sorry Nick). Will have pics and stories to share when I get back. Peace out!
Check Out These Blogs…
Thursday, July 24th, 2008As a relative newcomer to this whole blogging thing (although I find it hard to believe I’ve been at it for over a year now), I am always on the lookout for other blogs that interest me. Lately I have found myself making frequent trips to the following blogs. I share them here in the spirit of blogging camaraderie and sharing (it’s always good to share right?). You may find something here that interests you…you might not…but it never hurts to try something new once in a while. Note that I am not including blogs on this list from people I know personally…it’s nothing personal (pun intended), but I’m trying to expand my horizons too (you can check out all the blogs I read on the sidebar links)…
Author: Dustin Boston
Tag-line: A Christian Blog about Manhood & Masculinity for Christian Men
My Thoughts:I absolutely love the theme, content, and writing that Dustin does on this blog. It’s written from a Christian perspective, but it’s not all “uppity spiritual” (I know, that’s not a word). This is Christian manhood at it’s best…real, authentic, and practical. I especially liked his blogs on the manliest cars and making the switch to a push mower. Dustin does some great writing and the topics are right up my alley. You won’t be disappointed.
Author: G. Scott (a.k.a: “Big Daddy”)
Tag-line: Because the World Needs REAL Men
My Thoughts: First, i absolutely love the blog name, logo, and tag line! I continue to be amazed at how creative other people are. Again, this is a blog geared toward Christian men and I like the topics and posts I’ve read so far. It too is “down to earth”…Big Daddy keeps it real (if not edgy) and speaks to practical issues and topics. Check it out.
Author: Natalie Witcher
Tag-line: He’s God. I’m Not. It Works.
My Thoughts:Natalie’s blog is certainly in contrast to the two above, but having a balance is always good. She writes from a female perspective, of course, but is still comes from a Biblical perspective. Her writing style is smooth and easy to read and I love her sense of humor! The blog design is out of this world and she keeps you coming back for more. Check out this “softer side” of the Christian blogging community.
There ya go…like I’ve said (too many times)…check these blogs out and let me (and them) know what you think. And if you’ve got a blog or two that you recommend, please share…you’ll make your mom so proud!
More Than Sacrifice? (Part 3)
Thursday, July 24th, 2008Read Part 1 Here Read Part 2 Here
This is the third (and final) installment of our journey into the following Scripture passage:
I want you to show love, not offer sacrifices.
I want you to know me more than I want burnt offerings.
Hosea 6:6, NLT
Today we examine the second “command”: “…to know me…” This is my favorite part of this particular verse because it speaks to my spiritual longing—to know God more and more every day. So let’s again start by looking at the Hebrews words themselves. In this case, the Hebrew “yada Elohim” is what gets translated “to know God”…
Yada : Information of a person, with a strong implication of relationship to that person
Elohim : The God of creation and judgement
There are many names used to describe God in Scripture (specifically in the Hebrew texts) so it’s important to know which name is being used, and what it means. Elohim is the same name used all the way back in Genesis (“In the beginning God…”). It is the name most often used when describing God and often has an implication of “the God of Israel”.
Again, the context is important here. The God of creation, the God of Israel is calling His people back to Himself in Hosea. They have betrayed Him…turned to other gods and idols. And what does He want? He wants them to come back and to know Him. He wants a personal relationship with them.
Every time I think about this it blows my mind. The God who SPOKE the universe into existence wants to have a personal relationship with us…with ME! The God of creation wants me to know Him…wants it more than I want it…wants it more than He wants my “burnt offerings”. He does want my obedience and my sacrifice, but even more than that He wants me to know Him. Sometimes it’s hard to believe…but there it is.
So where does that leave us? Simply put, God wants us to show Him love and devotion and He wants us to know Him and have a personal relationship with Him. I don’t know about you, but knowing this is what God desires makes me want to work at it just a little bit harder—more deliberately and with a little more intentionality (maybe just with a little more heart and passion). It’s liberating to know that the God I desire and love desires and loves me.
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