August 31
Ever see a person with a cardboard sign that reads "will work for food?"
I ask, “Does your sign mean what it says, will work for food?” He says yes. I drive him to my house and he mows my lawn. He is desperate for money to pay the rent and to buy food for his wife and child. He has some leads for work but nothing has come through. I pay him in cash, not food, and drive him to his neighborhood. We are both blessed this day.
"He who despises his neighbor sins; But he who has mercy on the poor, happy is he." (Proverbs 14:21)
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Free Lunch
August 30
The preacher held up a paper bag asking, “There is a gift in here who wants it?” John, who has cerebral palsy, is the first to respond. In the bag is a gift certificate to a restaurant. The preacher makes the point that salvation is like this gift; you have to receive it. The next day John is eating his free lunch with such joy that a couple tell the waitress they want to pay for his meal.
Later another couple does the same. Who said there is no free lunch? John had three.
“For by grace you have been saved through faith and that not of yourselves; it is a gift of God not of works, lest anyone should boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9)
The preacher held up a paper bag asking, “There is a gift in here who wants it?” John, who has cerebral palsy, is the first to respond. In the bag is a gift certificate to a restaurant. The preacher makes the point that salvation is like this gift; you have to receive it. The next day John is eating his free lunch with such joy that a couple tell the waitress they want to pay for his meal.
Later another couple does the same. Who said there is no free lunch? John had three.
“For by grace you have been saved through faith and that not of yourselves; it is a gift of God not of works, lest anyone should boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9)
Friday, August 28, 2009
A Sign Fall is coming
August 29
My wife asks if I noticed the change in green.
"Isn't green, ah--green?" I protest.
Joy explains that as the chlorophyll production slows the greens become muted, a sure sign fall is coming. I hadn't noticed the "change of green " before but then I’m the last to notice a pregnancy, or that the living room carpet has changed. But I do notice the change of green now.
Change is all part of God's plan. I should embrace it and live each moment fully.I even wear a green rubber bracelet to remind me that each day is special.
"To everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven:”
(Ecclesiastes 3: 1)
My wife asks if I noticed the change in green.
"Isn't green, ah--green?" I protest.
Joy explains that as the chlorophyll production slows the greens become muted, a sure sign fall is coming. I hadn't noticed the "change of green " before but then I’m the last to notice a pregnancy, or that the living room carpet has changed. But I do notice the change of green now.
Change is all part of God's plan. I should embrace it and live each moment fully.I even wear a green rubber bracelet to remind me that each day is special.
"To everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven:”
(Ecclesiastes 3: 1)
Thursday, August 27, 2009
"Fire"
August 28
FIRE!. The word yells at you. It demands action." Call the fire department!
"Where are the boys?" "Up there fighting the fire!"
We run up the hill behind the cottage. "It is steep--and long." "I smell it." "I see it.” Finally the top! There are two blackened faces,one holding a charged shirt. A circle of flames 10 feet in diameter is growing. Thank God there isn't a breeze. Finally the volunteer firemen arrive panting up the same hill with back pumps. They douse the flames. All are safe.
"But I have trusted in your mercy;
My heart shall rejoice in Your salvation.
I will sing to the Lord, Because He has dealt bountifully with me.” (Psalm 13:5-6)
FIRE!. The word yells at you. It demands action." Call the fire department!
"Where are the boys?" "Up there fighting the fire!"
We run up the hill behind the cottage. "It is steep--and long." "I smell it." "I see it.” Finally the top! There are two blackened faces,one holding a charged shirt. A circle of flames 10 feet in diameter is growing. Thank God there isn't a breeze. Finally the volunteer firemen arrive panting up the same hill with back pumps. They douse the flames. All are safe.
"But I have trusted in your mercy;
My heart shall rejoice in Your salvation.
I will sing to the Lord, Because He has dealt bountifully with me.” (Psalm 13:5-6)
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Question in a small park
August 27
I sit and read my Bible. A woman with two girls in the play area asks, “Tell me in what book do you find the Tower of Babel? Oh I can look it up later.” I leave the park surprised by her question. I find it in the Book of Genesis. Men decide to build a tower to become famous. In case I don’t get it, the commentary says, "We should glorify God, not build towers (riches) to get our self worth, which become more important than God." (NIV)
“Its name is called Babel, because there the Lord confused the language of all the earth; and from there the Lord scattered them abroad over the face of all the earth." (Genesis 11:9)
I sit and read my Bible. A woman with two girls in the play area asks, “Tell me in what book do you find the Tower of Babel? Oh I can look it up later.” I leave the park surprised by her question. I find it in the Book of Genesis. Men decide to build a tower to become famous. In case I don’t get it, the commentary says, "We should glorify God, not build towers (riches) to get our self worth, which become more important than God." (NIV)
“Its name is called Babel, because there the Lord confused the language of all the earth; and from there the Lord scattered them abroad over the face of all the earth." (Genesis 11:9)
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Epitaph
August 26
What would you want written on your tombstone? Gino says; "his passing this way made a difference." I remember this because less than a year later, Gino died of a heart attack.
From the overflow eclectic crowd at his funeral and from the things that were said I knew that his “passing this way had made a difference” in a lot of people's lives including mine.
I know now it doesn't matter what is on my tombstone. Men will write that. What counts is what God says. I pray it will be something like:
"Well done good and faithful servant." (Matthew 25:21)
What would you want written on your tombstone? Gino says; "his passing this way made a difference." I remember this because less than a year later, Gino died of a heart attack.
From the overflow eclectic crowd at his funeral and from the things that were said I knew that his “passing this way had made a difference” in a lot of people's lives including mine.
I know now it doesn't matter what is on my tombstone. Men will write that. What counts is what God says. I pray it will be something like:
"Well done good and faithful servant." (Matthew 25:21)
Buy Four Bottles of Water
August 25
"I had no idea why I bought four bottles of water," Joy tells me, "one bottle would have been enough for the trip home. Something just told me to buy four."
The bottles sit in a bag while she drives down the Mass. Pike to the exit for Sturbridge. "As I approach the toll station, I notice a family of four sitting by the side of the road with a dog. They are beat. I stop, all are thirsty, especially the dog."
“Whoever, in the name of a disciple, gives to one of these little ones even a cup of cold water to drink, truly I say unto you, he shall in no way lose his reward.”
(Matt 10:42)
"I had no idea why I bought four bottles of water," Joy tells me, "one bottle would have been enough for the trip home. Something just told me to buy four."
The bottles sit in a bag while she drives down the Mass. Pike to the exit for Sturbridge. "As I approach the toll station, I notice a family of four sitting by the side of the road with a dog. They are beat. I stop, all are thirsty, especially the dog."
“Whoever, in the name of a disciple, gives to one of these little ones even a cup of cold water to drink, truly I say unto you, he shall in no way lose his reward.”
(Matt 10:42)
Monday, August 24, 2009
Peppy's War
August 24
My tent mate that summer was "Peppy" our camp chef. who was a World War II vet. He said, "We were in a hedge row in France and preparing for the night. I smelled coffee so a buddy and I followed our noses. We came upon three Germans sitting next to a pot of coffee. We stared at each other. One German poured a little coffee in each of our cups. We backed slowly then ran to our unit. We returned in force but they were gone.”
"I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you."
(Matthew 5:44)
My tent mate that summer was "Peppy" our camp chef. who was a World War II vet. He said, "We were in a hedge row in France and preparing for the night. I smelled coffee so a buddy and I followed our noses. We came upon three Germans sitting next to a pot of coffee. We stared at each other. One German poured a little coffee in each of our cups. We backed slowly then ran to our unit. We returned in force but they were gone.”
"I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you."
(Matthew 5:44)
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Your getting older when:
August 23, 2009
You know you are getting older when:
your grandchild becomes a parent;
your morning commute is to pickup the thin newspaper on the pavement;
telemarketers apologize for waking you from a nap;
a friend says he has MP3 and you think it is a disease;
tying a shoe you wonder what else you can do while down there;
your to do list is replaced by your prayer list;
you become a human being instead of a human doing.
"you trust the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understadning." (Proverbs 3:5)
You know you are getting older when:
your grandchild becomes a parent;
your morning commute is to pickup the thin newspaper on the pavement;
telemarketers apologize for waking you from a nap;
a friend says he has MP3 and you think it is a disease;
tying a shoe you wonder what else you can do while down there;
your to do list is replaced by your prayer list;
you become a human being instead of a human doing.
"you trust the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understadning." (Proverbs 3:5)
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Dealing with Stress
August 22
We are moving and boxes are all over the living room. I fear two things I seek are in one of the taped boxes. “Let’s stop and pray right now,” Joy says.. “Lord we seek your help here. We need to find the work folder and Jill's gift certificate or give Mal peace about it.”
I feel my stress subside. I thank her for her love. As I rise from my knees I spot an open box under the divan. Inside is my business folder and the gift certificate.
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.” (Philippians 4:6)
We are moving and boxes are all over the living room. I fear two things I seek are in one of the taped boxes. “Let’s stop and pray right now,” Joy says.. “Lord we seek your help here. We need to find the work folder and Jill's gift certificate or give Mal peace about it.”
I feel my stress subside. I thank her for her love. As I rise from my knees I spot an open box under the divan. Inside is my business folder and the gift certificate.
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.” (Philippians 4:6)
Friday, August 21, 2009
Yelling at the Children
August 21
We received a call that a couple we knew was having a violent argument in front of their children. By the time Joy and I arrive the husband has left the house and the wife was still shaking from anger and fear. The confrontation started when one of the parents yelled uncontrollably at a child who refused to finish her breakfast. The other parent jumped to the defense of the daughter and a yelling match ensued. How different things can be when we follow the wisdom of the Proverbs.
“A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” (Proverbs 15:1)
We received a call that a couple we knew was having a violent argument in front of their children. By the time Joy and I arrive the husband has left the house and the wife was still shaking from anger and fear. The confrontation started when one of the parents yelled uncontrollably at a child who refused to finish her breakfast. The other parent jumped to the defense of the daughter and a yelling match ensued. How different things can be when we follow the wisdom of the Proverbs.
“A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” (Proverbs 15:1)
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
God Gives More
August 20
Yesterday I finally broke down and bought a new printer for my computer to print these pages in draft. It cost $183 with tax.
For the next four hours I’m print these true stories. I finish and get online to check the stock market. A stock I purchased the day before is up two points. I sell it. My profit on 100 shares is exactly $183. Is this Divine payback for finally being obedient and buying that printer? I think so! Now I owe God 10%.
We can't out-give God. Try it.
"Give generously for your gifts will return to you later." (Ecclesiastes 11:1)
Yesterday I finally broke down and bought a new printer for my computer to print these pages in draft. It cost $183 with tax.
For the next four hours I’m print these true stories. I finish and get online to check the stock market. A stock I purchased the day before is up two points. I sell it. My profit on 100 shares is exactly $183. Is this Divine payback for finally being obedient and buying that printer? I think so! Now I owe God 10%.
We can't out-give God. Try it.
"Give generously for your gifts will return to you later." (Ecclesiastes 11:1)
Dickey's Example
August 19
Dickey needed to pass lifesaving to be an Eagle Scout. He was handicapped with slow speech and weak legs. All the carries required a strong kick. He kept failing. On his last day I told Dickey, "I don't care how you do it. Bring Jim (my assistant) back,” He wrapped his legs around Jim and while on his back flapped his powerful arms. Jim's head and shoulders were out of water. It was smooth and quick. He met the test.God rewards honest persistence. Dickey taught me a life lesson that summer.
"Let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart." (Galatians 6:9)
Dickey needed to pass lifesaving to be an Eagle Scout. He was handicapped with slow speech and weak legs. All the carries required a strong kick. He kept failing. On his last day I told Dickey, "I don't care how you do it. Bring Jim (my assistant) back,” He wrapped his legs around Jim and while on his back flapped his powerful arms. Jim's head and shoulders were out of water. It was smooth and quick. He met the test.God rewards honest persistence. Dickey taught me a life lesson that summer.
"Let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart." (Galatians 6:9)
Monday, August 17, 2009
Unconditional Love
August 18
My teacher told the class my name meant “bald-headed monkey.” Laughter. I blame my mom. “Your teacher is mistaken, you tell her your name means bald-headed eagle,”
My teacher apologized and told the class.
A loving mother and a compassionate teacher had restored a boy’s self-esteem.
I didn’t fully appreciate my mom’s love for me until she was gone. I bet the Apostles felt the same way about Jesus.
God loves us so unconditionally that, “He gave His only begotten son that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16)
My teacher told the class my name meant “bald-headed monkey.” Laughter. I blame my mom. “Your teacher is mistaken, you tell her your name means bald-headed eagle,”
My teacher apologized and told the class.
A loving mother and a compassionate teacher had restored a boy’s self-esteem.
I didn’t fully appreciate my mom’s love for me until she was gone. I bet the Apostles felt the same way about Jesus.
God loves us so unconditionally that, “He gave His only begotten son that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16)
Sunday, August 16, 2009
100 Holes in a Day
August 17
It is a perfect day to play 100 holes of golf to raise funds for Christian charities. The object is to keep moving and finish. Each of us has raised pledges by the hole. I’m leaning on my club when the ground gives way and swallows my putter. I finish with a borrowed one. The golf pro suspects my old putter fell down the shaft of an old well. At the awards breakfast I win a new handcrafted putter. Now whenever I'm asked about my unusual looking putter, I say, "God gave me this putter. You see I was playing 100 holes of golf one day....
"Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above…" (James 1:16)
It is a perfect day to play 100 holes of golf to raise funds for Christian charities. The object is to keep moving and finish. Each of us has raised pledges by the hole. I’m leaning on my club when the ground gives way and swallows my putter. I finish with a borrowed one. The golf pro suspects my old putter fell down the shaft of an old well. At the awards breakfast I win a new handcrafted putter. Now whenever I'm asked about my unusual looking putter, I say, "God gave me this putter. You see I was playing 100 holes of golf one day....
"Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above…" (James 1:16)
Reeling in Walter
August 16
Walter, Joy’s dad, and I are returning from lunch to the Holyoke (Ma.) Soldier’s Home. We enter the chapel together. I read from "Would you like to Know God Personally?" There is a suggested prayer to receive Christ through faith. I ask if this is his desire? He nods and he repeats the prayer. I call Joy who is still in Florida. I tell her and hear a gasp. “I can't believe this. God is wonderful. The last two days I have been picturing my dad standing before Jesus, head bowed, fidgeting and holding his fishing pole.” Praise God.
“Rejoice with me; I have found my sheep which was lost.” (Luke 15:6)
Walter, Joy’s dad, and I are returning from lunch to the Holyoke (Ma.) Soldier’s Home. We enter the chapel together. I read from "Would you like to Know God Personally?" There is a suggested prayer to receive Christ through faith. I ask if this is his desire? He nods and he repeats the prayer. I call Joy who is still in Florida. I tell her and hear a gasp. “I can't believe this. God is wonderful. The last two days I have been picturing my dad standing before Jesus, head bowed, fidgeting and holding his fishing pole.” Praise God.
“Rejoice with me; I have found my sheep which was lost.” (Luke 15:6)
Friday, August 14, 2009
Timely Help
August 15
I love my son. For a time we tested each other. He was a "dead head" and I was a dull head. He had long hair, wore genes and smoked stuff. I had little hair, wore a suit and drank scotch. We were both lost. “I’m leaving school, I can always get a GED.” I pray for the right words. ”An interviewer is going to see GED on your resume and a red flag will go up. You will have to explain these years.” He quits school. A year later he says, “I am going to get a regular diploma, a GED will be a red flag on my resume.” I quietly thank the Lord.
"Now go, I will help you speak and will teach you what to say." (Exodus 4:12)
I love my son. For a time we tested each other. He was a "dead head" and I was a dull head. He had long hair, wore genes and smoked stuff. I had little hair, wore a suit and drank scotch. We were both lost. “I’m leaving school, I can always get a GED.” I pray for the right words. ”An interviewer is going to see GED on your resume and a red flag will go up. You will have to explain these years.” He quits school. A year later he says, “I am going to get a regular diploma, a GED will be a red flag on my resume.” I quietly thank the Lord.
"Now go, I will help you speak and will teach you what to say." (Exodus 4:12)
Handling Criticism
August 14
Some people turn criticism into fuel to propel them forward. For me criticism is a brake, which slows me down.
I had a boss once who not only listened to me criticize a decision he had made but thanked me for it. I need to take a rebuke like that, learn from it and move on.
How do you handle criticism? Does it slow you or grow you?
"Rebuke a wise man and he will love you.
Give instruction to a wise man and he will be still wiser.(Proverbs 9:9)
Some people turn criticism into fuel to propel them forward. For me criticism is a brake, which slows me down.
I had a boss once who not only listened to me criticize a decision he had made but thanked me for it. I need to take a rebuke like that, learn from it and move on.
How do you handle criticism? Does it slow you or grow you?
"Rebuke a wise man and he will love you.
Give instruction to a wise man and he will be still wiser.(Proverbs 9:9)
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Quest for Manhood
August 13
We have completed the 26- week study seeking authentic manhood designed by Robert Lewis. We have unpacked our past, looked at the present and submitted a plan for change. Now is the commencement. With wives and girl friends present sixty six of us are called by name and knighted by our pastor who rests a replica gallic sword on each soldier.
He sends us off on the rest of our life journey quoting what David said from his death bed to his son Solomon.
"Now go and be a man, keep the charge of your Lord to walk in his ways, to keep his statutes.”(1 Kings 2:2)
We have completed the 26- week study seeking authentic manhood designed by Robert Lewis. We have unpacked our past, looked at the present and submitted a plan for change. Now is the commencement. With wives and girl friends present sixty six of us are called by name and knighted by our pastor who rests a replica gallic sword on each soldier.
He sends us off on the rest of our life journey quoting what David said from his death bed to his son Solomon.
"Now go and be a man, keep the charge of your Lord to walk in his ways, to keep his statutes.”(1 Kings 2:2)
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
A Scary Moment
August 12,2009
It was a scary moment. Traffic was bumper to bumper around Washington DC and the transmission in our ten year old van was warning us. Each time we slowed or picked up speed the transmission would thump and the van would shutter. The check engine light came on.Of course, it was a Sunday. We eased off at the next exit and found a hotel. What to do? We were 1,000 miles from our destination in Florida.
I prayed. The next two days we drove incident free to Florida. PTL
"Trust the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding,
acknowledge Him in all your ways, and He will direct your paths."(Proverbs 3:5&6)
It was a scary moment. Traffic was bumper to bumper around Washington DC and the transmission in our ten year old van was warning us. Each time we slowed or picked up speed the transmission would thump and the van would shutter. The check engine light came on.Of course, it was a Sunday. We eased off at the next exit and found a hotel. What to do? We were 1,000 miles from our destination in Florida.
I prayed. The next two days we drove incident free to Florida. PTL
"Trust the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding,
acknowledge Him in all your ways, and He will direct your paths."(Proverbs 3:5&6)
Friday, August 7, 2009
Guide Dog Training
August 11
West Hartford (CT) business center is a small version of a big downtown where
Fidelco trainers walk their guide dogs.
I am behind a trainer and his dog as they arrive at an intersection. A car arrives at the stop sign. It is a standoff. I watch. Nobody moves. Finally the trainer gives in and waves the driver on.
The Driver's mouth is moving behind a closed window as he leaves. I can only guess what words he uses to express his feelings. I shouldn't judge the driver who obviously is making a misjudgment of his own.
"Judge not that you be judged." (Matthew 7:1)
West Hartford (CT) business center is a small version of a big downtown where
Fidelco trainers walk their guide dogs.
I am behind a trainer and his dog as they arrive at an intersection. A car arrives at the stop sign. It is a standoff. I watch. Nobody moves. Finally the trainer gives in and waves the driver on.
The Driver's mouth is moving behind a closed window as he leaves. I can only guess what words he uses to express his feelings. I shouldn't judge the driver who obviously is making a misjudgment of his own.
"Judge not that you be judged." (Matthew 7:1)
Thursday, August 6, 2009
High School Reunion
August 9
Signs pointed the way. I stood in the doorway, staring at old people. I wonder when we leave this world if there will be a reunion of souls that were in the same earthly class? Will the Heavenly reunion be just peers or will it include parents, mentors, teachers, bosses, children, and of course high school classmates?
Will I be bored? Will I be shocked? Will I be invited? I'll be happy just to be there.
"So the last will be first, and the first will be last. For many are called, but few are chosen." (Matthew 20:16)
Signs pointed the way. I stood in the doorway, staring at old people. I wonder when we leave this world if there will be a reunion of souls that were in the same earthly class? Will the Heavenly reunion be just peers or will it include parents, mentors, teachers, bosses, children, and of course high school classmates?
Will I be bored? Will I be shocked? Will I be invited? I'll be happy just to be there.
"So the last will be first, and the first will be last. For many are called, but few are chosen." (Matthew 20:16)
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Missed Opportunity
August 8
The man says, "You certainly model your faith and you don't shove it down somebody's throat. How did you get to where you are?"
Its an invitation and I blow it. I had let me get in the way. I had tried to tell him how I got to where I was rather that tell him how the Lord brought me to where I am today. I should have quoted Paul.
"I have been crucified with Christ, it is no longer I who live but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me." (Galatians 2:20)
The man says, "You certainly model your faith and you don't shove it down somebody's throat. How did you get to where you are?"
Its an invitation and I blow it. I had let me get in the way. I had tried to tell him how I got to where I was rather that tell him how the Lord brought me to where I am today. I should have quoted Paul.
"I have been crucified with Christ, it is no longer I who live but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me." (Galatians 2:20)
Bright Light
August 7
Ron held the hand of his younger brother while in a coma in a hospital. "All I could do was groom him. and ask God where my brother was. There was a flash of light, so bright I dropped his hand. Then I knew he was with God and a peace came over me."
Don, struggling with tears, said he was beset by pain imagining what his little brother must have gone through just before the impact of the head on crash that killed him. “A bright light, temporarily blinded me and I heard in my head, ‘Don't worry I took him before the impact."
”You shall cry, and He will say, Here I am.” (Isaiah 58:9)
Ron held the hand of his younger brother while in a coma in a hospital. "All I could do was groom him. and ask God where my brother was. There was a flash of light, so bright I dropped his hand. Then I knew he was with God and a peace came over me."
Don, struggling with tears, said he was beset by pain imagining what his little brother must have gone through just before the impact of the head on crash that killed him. “A bright light, temporarily blinded me and I heard in my head, ‘Don't worry I took him before the impact."
”You shall cry, and He will say, Here I am.” (Isaiah 58:9)
Proverbs 32 Husband
August 6
To me Joy is a Proverbs 31 wife .She makes me her priority in all that she does.
She is a woman that fears the Lord and I praise her for all she does.
There should be directions for a Proverbs 32 husband. Come to think of it, there are. Paul articulates them in his letter to the Ephesians.
“Husbands, love your wives even as Christ also loved the church and gave himself for it. So husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies .He who loves his wife loves himself.” (Ephesians 5:25,28)
To me Joy is a Proverbs 31 wife .She makes me her priority in all that she does.
She is a woman that fears the Lord and I praise her for all she does.
There should be directions for a Proverbs 32 husband. Come to think of it, there are. Paul articulates them in his letter to the Ephesians.
“Husbands, love your wives even as Christ also loved the church and gave himself for it. So husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies .He who loves his wife loves himself.” (Ephesians 5:25,28)
Wife is Gift
August 5
Joy exclaims, "Oh! I had the most wonderful feeling when I was in the mall today; you know how you feel when you first love, like the butterflies you get. I had them again today for you and I said to myself; I get to go home to him today."
Wow what a loving thing to feel and share. Truly a loving wife is a gift from God. I am blessed.
"Houses and riches are an inheritance from fathers,
But a prudent wife is from the Lord." (Proverbs 19:14)
Joy exclaims, "Oh! I had the most wonderful feeling when I was in the mall today; you know how you feel when you first love, like the butterflies you get. I had them again today for you and I said to myself; I get to go home to him today."
Wow what a loving thing to feel and share. Truly a loving wife is a gift from God. I am blessed.
"Houses and riches are an inheritance from fathers,
But a prudent wife is from the Lord." (Proverbs 19:14)
Family Reunion
August 4
It is August and that means family reunion at Briggs Beach in Little Compton R.I.
There is something special about a family reunion and seeing each other and the children who grow so quickly into little people. Once a year our various busy lives intersect for a day. We share and care, not because we know each other well but because we are family. God wants us all to love each other, simply because we are all family, His family.
"A new commandment I give to you, love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. (John 13:43)
It is August and that means family reunion at Briggs Beach in Little Compton R.I.
There is something special about a family reunion and seeing each other and the children who grow so quickly into little people. Once a year our various busy lives intersect for a day. We share and care, not because we know each other well but because we are family. God wants us all to love each other, simply because we are all family, His family.
"A new commandment I give to you, love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. (John 13:43)
Barred from Prison
August 3
Our prison services were suppose to start in February. I had April. I asked people to pray for me and they did.
We never got into the Prison. The clearances hadn’t come through. We prayed for the men through the barbed wire fence.I was reassigned to December. A call in late November cancelled our group.
God didn't want me in that prison. Why? Wasn't I properly prepared? Wasn't my heart right? A year later I heard God’s reply, "You never asked Me. "It wasn’t His will that I go it was mine.
“For without Me you can do nothing.” (John 51:5)
Our prison services were suppose to start in February. I had April. I asked people to pray for me and they did.
We never got into the Prison. The clearances hadn’t come through. We prayed for the men through the barbed wire fence.I was reassigned to December. A call in late November cancelled our group.
God didn't want me in that prison. Why? Wasn't I properly prepared? Wasn't my heart right? A year later I heard God’s reply, "You never asked Me. "It wasn’t His will that I go it was mine.
“For without Me you can do nothing.” (John 51:5)
Deserted Island?
August 2
We paddle a skiff to a small beach and walk up the trail to the huts. Clothes hang on racks, two smoldering fires and chickens mill about but not a soul in sight. It is eerie. Now I have an inkling how missionaries must feel going to a remote area to share the Gospel. Their faith must be bigger than their fears. Is mine?
“Go therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and know I am with you always, even to the end of the world.”(Matthew 28:19-20)
We paddle a skiff to a small beach and walk up the trail to the huts. Clothes hang on racks, two smoldering fires and chickens mill about but not a soul in sight. It is eerie. Now I have an inkling how missionaries must feel going to a remote area to share the Gospel. Their faith must be bigger than their fears. Is mine?
“Go therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and know I am with you always, even to the end of the world.”(Matthew 28:19-20)
Baseball Lesson
August 1
The coach is chiding his third baseman.
A grounded heads for third and the baseman, thoroughly rattled, misplays the ball. As the inning ends the player storms off the field and slams his glove down.
The catcher tells him “cheer up, the coach only rides those he thinks have potential. It is his way of trying to bring the best out of you.” The third baseman lifts his head.
God is like that coach. He is trying to bring out our best. He knows what is inside. He put it there.
“For whom the Lord loves He corrects; even as a father the son in whom he delights.” (Proverbs 3:11)
The coach is chiding his third baseman.
A grounded heads for third and the baseman, thoroughly rattled, misplays the ball. As the inning ends the player storms off the field and slams his glove down.
The catcher tells him “cheer up, the coach only rides those he thinks have potential. It is his way of trying to bring the best out of you.” The third baseman lifts his head.
God is like that coach. He is trying to bring out our best. He knows what is inside. He put it there.
“For whom the Lord loves He corrects; even as a father the son in whom he delights.” (Proverbs 3:11)
Where was it?
July 31
I ask in the van if she has her cell phone. She returns to the house to look for it.
She is back in less than half a minute with the phone in her hand with a quizzical look on her face.
“ Where was it,” I ask relieved?
“I don’t know,” she says softly.
“What do you mean you don’t know?”
“I went into the kitchen and I didn’t see it, I prayed and then I’m holding the phone. It was like someone handed it to me.”
“Let your request be made known to God and the peace of God which surpasses
all understanding shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
(Philippians 4:6-7)
I ask in the van if she has her cell phone. She returns to the house to look for it.
She is back in less than half a minute with the phone in her hand with a quizzical look on her face.
“ Where was it,” I ask relieved?
“I don’t know,” she says softly.
“What do you mean you don’t know?”
“I went into the kitchen and I didn’t see it, I prayed and then I’m holding the phone. It was like someone handed it to me.”
“Let your request be made known to God and the peace of God which surpasses
all understanding shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
(Philippians 4:6-7)
IG Inspection
July 30
Try keeping anything metal from rusting in Panama. It is impossible. The Inspector General team arrived headed by a captain I had served with a year earlier. I told him my officer evaluation was riding on the weapons.
The captain took over inspecting the weapons himself. Later he made an oral report to the brass. When he got to the weapons section he turned to my company commander and said; "Captain, I congratulate you and your men for having the best looking weapons in the battalion."
“… with God all things are possible." (Mark 10:27)
Try keeping anything metal from rusting in Panama. It is impossible. The Inspector General team arrived headed by a captain I had served with a year earlier. I told him my officer evaluation was riding on the weapons.
The captain took over inspecting the weapons himself. Later he made an oral report to the brass. When he got to the weapons section he turned to my company commander and said; "Captain, I congratulate you and your men for having the best looking weapons in the battalion."
“… with God all things are possible." (Mark 10:27)
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