Something I learned this morning. Did you know that sometimes it's absolutely necessary for you to walk through a trial? There's a lot to be learned when facing things in life but did you know it's not always about you?
Life sometimes seems to deal us what would be considered an unfair hand. Things seem to be going so good and then all of the sudden we are slammed with a situation that we do not know how to get out of. Our immediate thought is to pray to God and say, you have to get me out of this. Not only does God not have to get you out of it but sometimes that's exactly where he wants you.
How is that fair? Well, nobody ever said life was fair. Nobody ever said being a Christian was a free pass from problems. Sometimes when God places us in this situation it becomes a difficult thing for us to comprehend and we want to say; what is He trying to teach me now? But this is the part that I'm talking about. That it's not always about you. Sometimes it's about those that are around you.
The way you react to your trials may be where others gain their strength to be able to trust God in theirs. I've watched as people around me face things that probably should've sent them running but they face them with confidence and still with joy in their heart. I remember one man telling me when facing cancer and heart problems he told God to do what ever he needed because in the end he would still be a winner.
Face your problems with faith and confidence in God. And even though it might be hard on you, keep going. You never know who you are helping that may be on the verge of giving up in theirs.
Friday, October 16, 2015
Thursday, January 19, 2012
The Storms That Block the Blessings
Have you ever been caught in a storm and realized that no matter what you do you are going to have to be exposed to it? You can run for cover but even by the time you get there you are soaking wet. Most of the time that storm is all you are thinking about. You're not thinking about the beautiful sunny day before the storm. And chances are you are not thinking about the sun that will shine tomorrow. The only thing you are focused on is what is happening right now.
No one is immune to troubles. Whether you want to admit it or not at some point in your life you are going to have troubles. Troubles that you've never expected, troubles that you knew were coming, or troubles that you have brought on yourself. It's going to happen. That's the way life works. But how you respond in the storm determines the outcome of the storm. You have several choices. You can run from the storm, you can hide from the storm or you can face the storm and realize that it's not going to last forever.
I know from experience that it is sometimes very hard to see how you are going to make it through the storm but one thing is sure, if you give up you will definitely not make it. It will seem at times that the end is surely in sight and blessings have completely vanished from your life. I can also tell you from experience that that is not true. Most of the time we get so focused on the storms that we seem to block out the blessings. Why does this happen? I believe the number one answer is we have taken our eyes off the one who provides the blessings. We get into a valley so deep the only thing we expect are the bad things. And instead of trusting God we try ourselves.
Yes, there is always a lesson to be learned but there are also blessings in every storm. I realize that it may seem like there is no other way but if you'll look for those little blessings, that is what will sustain you through the storm. Those blessings will quickly become reminders that God still loves you and that he is still on your side. They will serve as markers later in life as you look back and say Though I've had my share of hard times, by my side He's always stood. Through it all. God's been good.
Don't be so caught up in the destruction of the storm that you fail to see what's waiting on the other side.
No one is immune to troubles. Whether you want to admit it or not at some point in your life you are going to have troubles. Troubles that you've never expected, troubles that you knew were coming, or troubles that you have brought on yourself. It's going to happen. That's the way life works. But how you respond in the storm determines the outcome of the storm. You have several choices. You can run from the storm, you can hide from the storm or you can face the storm and realize that it's not going to last forever.
I know from experience that it is sometimes very hard to see how you are going to make it through the storm but one thing is sure, if you give up you will definitely not make it. It will seem at times that the end is surely in sight and blessings have completely vanished from your life. I can also tell you from experience that that is not true. Most of the time we get so focused on the storms that we seem to block out the blessings. Why does this happen? I believe the number one answer is we have taken our eyes off the one who provides the blessings. We get into a valley so deep the only thing we expect are the bad things. And instead of trusting God we try ourselves.
Yes, there is always a lesson to be learned but there are also blessings in every storm. I realize that it may seem like there is no other way but if you'll look for those little blessings, that is what will sustain you through the storm. Those blessings will quickly become reminders that God still loves you and that he is still on your side. They will serve as markers later in life as you look back and say Though I've had my share of hard times, by my side He's always stood. Through it all. God's been good.
Don't be so caught up in the destruction of the storm that you fail to see what's waiting on the other side.
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
They Were Right
It's been a long time since I have written a blog or Plog as I refer to it after a suggestion from Dr. Rev. Bishop Jonathon McNeese. But sitting on a bus for 7 hours will make you want to do something.
I started out this past Tuesday like any other day on Monday night getting my things ready for work. As I was getting ready I started thinking about all that needed to be done at work. What we had planned things that needed to be done. I thought why am I thinking about this now? So I get up Tuesday morning, get dressed, make my lunch and head out the door. I start out every day of work the same way. Put my stuff in my office, hit the coffee pot and go to the morning meeting.
So we finish the meeting and I get in my truck and head to the range. It was a nice bright sunny morning. I look in my mirror and there it is. A bunch of silver hairs shining in the sun. My first thought was there are the years of wisdom shining through. Although I have gotten wiser over the years its not enough to warrant gray hair. Then I thought it's probably just from stress. Then it hit me. I'm just getting old. I mean here I am waking up every morning, going to work, going to meetings, drinking coffee. Some how over the last 10 years I have become a responsible adult. All my life people told me enjoy life because before you know it you'll be old. Enjoy your kids because they grow up so fast. And they're right.
Life is becoming exactly what the Bible says it is. A vapour that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. I'm actually finishing this up a month or so after I started this. And in this past month it seems like I have read about a lot of deaths from different friends of mine. I sat tonight and played the remember when game. Remember when you were young and you thought you knew it all? Remember when all you had to worry about is what you and your buddies were going to do Friday night? Remember when you were a kid and you didn't have a care in the world? I could hear my kids in the other room and thought, I remember that. Running to the door when dad got home. Getting excited over the smallest things but yet I couldn't help but think, enjoy it boys because you grow up fast.
It's hard to believe I have four boys and the oldest will be 8 in a month. Time truly does fly. And eventually when you take time to sit back and just watch you can't help but wonder where its all gone. That baby that seems like we were just bringing home will be 8. It will make you search your life and put into perspective what is really important. Sometimes I look back and I know there are things I could have done differently. Better ways I could have reacted. And it hit me tonight, in the middle of doing the things I wanted to do one of the boys wanted me to hold them. I had been pushing them off and I thought, the things I do today will be memories tomorrow. Will they be memories that say dad always made time for us or dad fit us in when he could?
So enjoy your life. Sure it will be stressful at times but that's what makes it life. Because after all. They were right. Before you know it, it's all memories.
I started out this past Tuesday like any other day on Monday night getting my things ready for work. As I was getting ready I started thinking about all that needed to be done at work. What we had planned things that needed to be done. I thought why am I thinking about this now? So I get up Tuesday morning, get dressed, make my lunch and head out the door. I start out every day of work the same way. Put my stuff in my office, hit the coffee pot and go to the morning meeting.
So we finish the meeting and I get in my truck and head to the range. It was a nice bright sunny morning. I look in my mirror and there it is. A bunch of silver hairs shining in the sun. My first thought was there are the years of wisdom shining through. Although I have gotten wiser over the years its not enough to warrant gray hair. Then I thought it's probably just from stress. Then it hit me. I'm just getting old. I mean here I am waking up every morning, going to work, going to meetings, drinking coffee. Some how over the last 10 years I have become a responsible adult. All my life people told me enjoy life because before you know it you'll be old. Enjoy your kids because they grow up so fast. And they're right.
Life is becoming exactly what the Bible says it is. A vapour that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. I'm actually finishing this up a month or so after I started this. And in this past month it seems like I have read about a lot of deaths from different friends of mine. I sat tonight and played the remember when game. Remember when you were young and you thought you knew it all? Remember when all you had to worry about is what you and your buddies were going to do Friday night? Remember when you were a kid and you didn't have a care in the world? I could hear my kids in the other room and thought, I remember that. Running to the door when dad got home. Getting excited over the smallest things but yet I couldn't help but think, enjoy it boys because you grow up fast.
It's hard to believe I have four boys and the oldest will be 8 in a month. Time truly does fly. And eventually when you take time to sit back and just watch you can't help but wonder where its all gone. That baby that seems like we were just bringing home will be 8. It will make you search your life and put into perspective what is really important. Sometimes I look back and I know there are things I could have done differently. Better ways I could have reacted. And it hit me tonight, in the middle of doing the things I wanted to do one of the boys wanted me to hold them. I had been pushing them off and I thought, the things I do today will be memories tomorrow. Will they be memories that say dad always made time for us or dad fit us in when he could?
So enjoy your life. Sure it will be stressful at times but that's what makes it life. Because after all. They were right. Before you know it, it's all memories.
Friday, February 11, 2011
Top 10 Things That Drive Me Nuts
Every body has something that drives them nuts. I have a few things that really bug me. If you do any of the following things please stop.
1. Slurping: what are the benefits of making that noise? Let gravity do it's job. Don't make yourself work harder than you need to.
2. 2 people driving the exact same speed on a four lane road: I'm not sure if it is a pride thing. Maybe you don't want to be a follower. But somebody needs to get out of the way so I can get by. High blood pressure is a bad thing. And where I am heading is more important than where you are going.
3. People that don't use the proper spelling of a word in their FB postings: It's really not that hard. If you want to say they are going then you write they're. Not there. If you want to say we are going you write we're. Not were.
4. Spider webs: Mr. Spider, thanks for making me look like an idiot.
5. Liars: You don't have to make up crazy stories to be my friend. Just because somebody has an awesome story doesn't mean you have to try to top it.
6. People that try to make me eat new foods (Faith): I'm 31 years old. If I don't want to try something new I should not be forced to do so.
7. Car Salesmen: Self explanatory
8. Telemarketers: Honestly, they aren't as bad as they use to be. I find it more amusing to actually talk to them. It gives me time to practice my voices.
9. Dogs that feel it is necessary to relieve themselves in my yard: I guess your one acre lot is not good enough?
10. The Call: Some of you men can relate. You've worked all day long and you are just ready to get home and see the family and relax and then it happens. Your cell phone rings, you're hesitant to answer but you know that if you don't the rest of your night can be kind of cold "Can you stop at the store on the way home?" And we all respond the same way, I was just there yesterday. Of course you never say that to her. Just say yes, it will be so much better for you.
Number 6 and 10 might get me in trouble so if you don't hear from me in the next week somebody should check on me.
1. Slurping: what are the benefits of making that noise? Let gravity do it's job. Don't make yourself work harder than you need to.
2. 2 people driving the exact same speed on a four lane road: I'm not sure if it is a pride thing. Maybe you don't want to be a follower. But somebody needs to get out of the way so I can get by. High blood pressure is a bad thing. And where I am heading is more important than where you are going.
3. People that don't use the proper spelling of a word in their FB postings: It's really not that hard. If you want to say they are going then you write they're. Not there. If you want to say we are going you write we're. Not were.
4. Spider webs: Mr. Spider, thanks for making me look like an idiot.
5. Liars: You don't have to make up crazy stories to be my friend. Just because somebody has an awesome story doesn't mean you have to try to top it.
6. People that try to make me eat new foods (Faith): I'm 31 years old. If I don't want to try something new I should not be forced to do so.
7. Car Salesmen: Self explanatory
8. Telemarketers: Honestly, they aren't as bad as they use to be. I find it more amusing to actually talk to them. It gives me time to practice my voices.
9. Dogs that feel it is necessary to relieve themselves in my yard: I guess your one acre lot is not good enough?
10. The Call: Some of you men can relate. You've worked all day long and you are just ready to get home and see the family and relax and then it happens. Your cell phone rings, you're hesitant to answer but you know that if you don't the rest of your night can be kind of cold "Can you stop at the store on the way home?" And we all respond the same way, I was just there yesterday. Of course you never say that to her. Just say yes, it will be so much better for you.
Number 6 and 10 might get me in trouble so if you don't hear from me in the next week somebody should check on me.
If Bible Characters Had Facebook (An Idea Borrowed From Chad)
Way back in October my bro-in-law Chad posed this question on his facebook status. If Bible characters had FB, what would their status be? Turned out to be a big hit so I'm borrowing stealing the idea and a few of the comments he came up with. Here are a few of mine to start.
Isaac: Dad makes me walk all the way up the mountain, ties me up and then almost kills me. Thank God for rams.
Bartimaeus: 2 minutes ago I couldn't see
Lazarus (the beggar): Oh man, who let the dogs out?
John the Baptist: Come on in boys, the water's fine
Prodigal Son: Headed home
Wall Post: Abraham to Sarah: I'm getting to old for this
Here are a few from Chad
Samson: Ripped a lion in half, killing some Philistines later.....cells on, text it
Jonah: It sure is dark in here
Little Boy with lunch: You don't see that every day
Elijah: Go Ravens
Bartimaeus: Didn't see that one coming
Give me some comments and let me know if you have any to add.
Isaac: Dad makes me walk all the way up the mountain, ties me up and then almost kills me. Thank God for rams.
Bartimaeus: 2 minutes ago I couldn't see
Lazarus (the beggar): Oh man, who let the dogs out?
John the Baptist: Come on in boys, the water's fine
Prodigal Son: Headed home
Wall Post: Abraham to Sarah: I'm getting to old for this
Here are a few from Chad
Samson: Ripped a lion in half, killing some Philistines later.....cells on, text it
Jonah: It sure is dark in here
Little Boy with lunch: You don't see that every day
Elijah: Go Ravens
Bartimaeus: Didn't see that one coming
Give me some comments and let me know if you have any to add.
Friday, February 4, 2011
What's Your Problem?
Ever had somebody ask you this question? Or have you ever asked somebody that question? If so you have just opened yourself to a whole new world of getting to know somebody. In fact I have compiled a list of people that I will not ask how they are doing just to avoid a five hour story of the most depressing facts in the world. Those people can ruin your day. Not trying to be mean. I realize that everybody is going to face problems in their lives and believe me I have had my share of hard times. But not everybody needs to know or wants to know that you have bunions on your feet nor do they want to see them.
On a more serious note it is a fact that we are going to face heartache. We are going to have problems that we need help with and it is an awesome fact to know that we have friends and family that we can turn to for help. Galatians 6:2 says Bear ye one anothers burdens and so fulfil the law of Christ. There will be times when you feel you can't even pray but you can be comforted to know that somebody is praying for you. But more importantly the Holy Spirit is praying for you. Sometimes it feels like the valley you are in will never end and the sun may never shine but don't give up praying. (YouTube Mike Bowling song No Stranger to this Valley) The woman with the issue of blood for twelve years spent all she had and could have easily given up hope but she pressed on. We face a problem that might last a week and we're ready to give up. Instead let's give those problems to God. 1 Peter 5:7 says Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. Next time instead of worrying yourself sick cast it on God and let his will be done. Trust God to meet your needs.
On a more serious note it is a fact that we are going to face heartache. We are going to have problems that we need help with and it is an awesome fact to know that we have friends and family that we can turn to for help. Galatians 6:2 says Bear ye one anothers burdens and so fulfil the law of Christ. There will be times when you feel you can't even pray but you can be comforted to know that somebody is praying for you. But more importantly the Holy Spirit is praying for you. Sometimes it feels like the valley you are in will never end and the sun may never shine but don't give up praying. (YouTube Mike Bowling song No Stranger to this Valley) The woman with the issue of blood for twelve years spent all she had and could have easily given up hope but she pressed on. We face a problem that might last a week and we're ready to give up. Instead let's give those problems to God. 1 Peter 5:7 says Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. Next time instead of worrying yourself sick cast it on God and let his will be done. Trust God to meet your needs.
Saturday, January 29, 2011
He Called My Name
The other night me and dad got the chance to go to a Dailey and Vincent concert. Right off the bat I have lost most of you. But one of the coolest things happened to me. I had sent Jamie Dailey a message on Facebook and requested a song. He wrote back and said they would do it. Well, I was excited. We went to the concert, it was awesome. They sang their last song, said goodnight and walked off. Dad said, did they sing the song you wanted? I said no I guess they didn't have time. By now everybody was standing and clapping. The group came back out and said we have time for a few more. Then Jamie says, there was a guy on Facebook named Paul. Where are you Paul? You wanted to hear I Believe right? I said yes. And they sang it. I sat there and thought man how cool is that, that Jamie Dailey just called my name from on stage? As popular as they are he remembered my request and he granted it.
Well, that got me to thinking. As awesome as that was and how it made me feel, how much greater it is to know that God has called my name. And not only did he call my name but he knows me like nobody else. He knows my every need, he knows when I'm feeling down, he knows when I need comfort, in fact Psalm 40:17 says But I am poor and needy, yet the Lord thinketh upon me. What a great comfort to know that we are on his mind. Next time you feel helpless and that nobody wants anything to do with you remember that God is thinking about you. As big as God is and of all the things he's created he still takes time to hear and answer our prayers. What a joy to know that He called my name.
Well, that got me to thinking. As awesome as that was and how it made me feel, how much greater it is to know that God has called my name. And not only did he call my name but he knows me like nobody else. He knows my every need, he knows when I'm feeling down, he knows when I need comfort, in fact Psalm 40:17 says But I am poor and needy, yet the Lord thinketh upon me. What a great comfort to know that we are on his mind. Next time you feel helpless and that nobody wants anything to do with you remember that God is thinking about you. As big as God is and of all the things he's created he still takes time to hear and answer our prayers. What a joy to know that He called my name.
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