Wednesday, February 8, 2012    

Chosen

Thursday, June 25th, 2009

I have taken a little hiatus from blogging this month as I tried to find a new “life equilibrium” once school let out. I have been trying to spend time with family and with God to be sure my priorities are right. Blogging paid that price (and that’s as it should be). Life is getting back to “normal” (whatever that is) and the blogging itch is slowly returning. It’s a creative outlet for me…and hopefully it gives back a little too.

This morning I was reading in Romans and had one of those “light-bulb” moments. Here is the passage I was reading and meditating on:

For God knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like his Son…
he called them to come to him…he gave them right standing
with himself…he gave them his glory.
Romans 8:29-30, NLT

I have read this passage, and other like it, without much thought to this notion of being “chosen” by God. I have been in classes that explored the theological implications of us being “chosen” by God. I understand the theological concepts (and “controversies”) behind the word and the concept.

God gave me new insight this morning. It might not be new to you—I pray it isn’t—but it was fresh and new to me…my “light bulb”.

Here it is: God chose me! (I know…groundbreaking isn’t it?). I mean…he actually chose me. He made a conscious decision. God wants to know me.

This goes back to the adoption metaphor that Paul uses earlier in Romans chapter 8. I wasn’t born into God’s family (like my own children were born into our family)—God adopted me. He chose me. God wants me so much that He actually selected me—God picked me! I wasn’t the last kid left to be picked for kickball…He chose me to be His son…and to be like His Son.

That is mind boggling and life changing. The God of the universe…the God who spoke worlds into existence…chose me to be adopted into His family.

It feels good to be chosen.

25.06.2009 Devotional, God's Love, Spiritual Musings 1 Comment

I’m Not Dead Yet

Wednesday, January 21st, 2009

I know I haven’t been around much lately, but “I’m not dead yet”! This month has just been extra busy with school getting back into full swing (Hebrew Prophets), a sermon this Sunday, work, family, and getting ready for a new teaching series in February (and not necessarily in that order). Not to worry though, this too shall pass and I will be back to my “usual” blogging schedule. Something had to give this month, but life will find balance once again (at least I hope it does!).

I hope to post a little more here in near future. In the meantime, here’s a little something to reward your patience and keep you entertained…

Bring Out Your Dead!

Gotta love British humor!

21.01.2009 Blogging, Humor, Misc Ramblings, Video 2 Comments

Spies Among Us

Thursday, October 30th, 2008

I have had a few people tell me the past few days that they have been reading my blog. That’s awesome (not the biggest reason I write, but having nobody read would suck too). However, in a couple of these instances I had no idea they were reading.

See…there are spies among us. Sneaky ones too.  :wink:

So, how about we play a little “Marco Polo”? I know not everyone like to leave a comment (I don’t understand it myself since I can’t seem to help myself…but I know it’s true). So instead of eliciting comments for their own sake (I tried and failed at that once already)…how about just leaving a “Polo” comment with your name so I can see who all is reading?

No pressure…but it wouldn’t kill you either. :grin:

And I’ll start the game with a loud…

 ”Marco!”

Now, your turn. Leave your “Polo” response in the comments…thanks…

30.10.2008 Blogging, Misc Ramblings 11 Comments

The Blogger’s Ego…

Sunday, July 20th, 2008

I saw this comic in last weekend’s newspaper (yes,I’m that far behind) and couldn’t resist sharing. I’m not saying this is me…but…:wink:

Pearls & Swine

20.07.2008 Blogging, Humor, Misc Ramblings 1 Comment

Anita Takes the Cyber-Plunge

Friday, July 18th, 2008

My beautiful bride has taken the plunge into cyberspace and the world of blogging with her very own blog site! You can find her at (also linked on my sidebar):

A Girl Needs Accessories

I highly recommend you check it out…she will be sharing funny stories from hers/our life as well as her passions. I must admit that she is much wittier and funnier than I am…it’s a blog sure to be a hit! Stop by and drop her a comment or two (she already is making my jealous for the comments on her first blog). :smile:

18.07.2008 Blogging, Misc Ramblings No Comments

Journeyman Journal is One Year Old

Sunday, June 8th, 2008

I find it hard to believe myself, but Journeyman Journal officially turned one year old yesterday. So this post will be a little bit of a retrospective on the last year with some “interesting” facts and a few of my favorite posts from the last 12 months.

First, let’s start with my first post ever where I laid out my goals and intentions for my own personal blog. Here’s a quick excerpt from the post that states what my intentions were, and still are, for this blog:

My intent is for the Journeyman Journal to be a repository of random thoughts and ideas—a place for me to share what God is doing in my life and have a place to sharpen the often wild and crazy ideas the Spirit lays on me. I don’t pretend to have the answers…but I do know The Answer and am getting to know Him more and more every day. He’s got me on a grand journey and I’m along for the ride wherever that takes us.

In December of this year God gave me a Theme Verse for Journeyman Journal (you can read the full blog on December 27th). Here’s the theme verse:

Lord, remind me how brief my time on earth will be.
Remind me that my days are numbered—how fleeting my life is.
For I am your guest—a traveler passing through, as my ancestors were before me.
Psalm 39:4, 12b

Here are a few Journeyman Journal statistics over the past 365 days:

  1. There have been 180 posts over this year (an average of one every other day).
  2. There have been 142 comments to go along with them (not bad!)
  3. There have been 1,892 visitors from 19 different countries: USA, Jamaica, Australia, Costa Rica, United Arab Emirates, Japan, United Kingdom, Germany, India, Philippines, Portugal, Spain, Hungary, France, Czech Republic, American Samoa, Trinidad & Tobago, Iran, Canada, and Russia.

Here are the Top 3 Most Popular Posts (by visits):

  1. WordPress Upgrade Day: I think this is largely due to the “Google Factor”. People searching for WordPress upgrade help have found there way to this post. I wish I had been more detailed in the post…next time.
  2. The Taser: This one is also my favorite post of all time (see the list below). This post if flat out hilarious! If you haven’t read it…what are you waiting for?
  3. Football Is Coming!: I think the comments drove the visits to this post…certainly wasn’t the post itself since all I was saying was that I couldn’t wait for football season to start. Nothing spectacular, but it struck a nerve somewhere.

My Favorite Posts (in date order):
   Note that I did a similar list on my 100th Blog…of course it’s hard to narrow the list down out of 180 posts, but these are just 12 of my most favorite (I’m sure I’ve missed a few as I tried to spread out the topics)…

  1. Sages - June 8th
         *The people who have shaped my life.
  2. The Lighter Side- July 4th
         *Used underwear?? What?
  3. The Great Sand Dunes- July 16th
         *Be sure you watch the video on this post…it’s priceless.
  4. Practical Atheism- September 16th
         *My favorite more serious post
  5. Pennies Should be Outlawed- September 19th
         *My personal pet-peeve and quest
  6. The Taser - October 22nd
         *Be FAR the funniest post. I challenge you NOT to laugh!
  7. Don’t Judge By the Cover - December 4th
         *The surprise video of the year!
  8. The Wrong Question - January 21st
         *A more serious post about Genesis, prompted by a sermon at church
  9. Drive Thru Blues- March 7th
         *A Little Self-Deprecation never hurt anyone
  10. Some British Humor - May 5th
         *Some good, old fashioned British bathroom humor (in video form even)
  11. My Favorite Chuck Norris Facts - May 15th
         *If you haven’t shared your own favorite, what are you waiting for?
  12. I’m a What?- May 30th
         *Found out I’m not a Republican! Find out what I am and take the test yourself (you might be surprised!)

I have absolutely loved the interaction with everyone who reads the blog!! Thanks for taking the time and sharing your own thoughts and comments. If you enjoy it, please pass it along to others. Want to see something (or which I’d stop doing something)? Drop me a comment and let me know.

Here’s to another year ahead as we share the Journey of God together. He never disappoints…it’s always fun! Thanks again!!

08.06.2008 Blogging, Misc Ramblings 1 Comment