Our Daily Bread
Limited time offer! Come in the store today! This offer won't last long! Why wait? These are some of the tag lines for commercials or ads to encourage us to buy a product or service at a special price as soon as possible. Why add a time frame? Because people will wait as long as they can to take advantage of a special offer if it is available all the time! It is human nature! I don't know how many times I have waited too long for a special offer only to find it has expired!
The point of today's devotional is to live our lives like it is a special offer. Don't wait! Live your life for God today! We won't live forever! Why wait? Ha! It is true. If we thought we would live forever, we would wait forever to do the right things. Would we really strive to live for God forever if we stayed on this earth? Wouldn't we be tempted to take a few years off and be bad? Live for him today. And tomorrow. And the next day and until we see Him face to face!
Lord, thank you for our time on this earth. Please help us number our days and live for you while we can!
Movie Monday
Les Miserables
I saw the new movie version of Les Miserables on Christmas day. Even if you don't care for the story, which some people don't, I thought this movie version was pretty darn good. There were several good performances. Some not that great. The cinematography and staging were very good. The technique they used for the songs was a nice change -- they made the singing look more natural and part of the set instead of "OK, stop and sing now." I think it might get an Oscar nod for Best Picture, one for best actress and maybe one or two more. It is worth seeing at the theater, too.
I give this three bear paws. See it in the theater to get the full effect of the music and the cinematography.
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May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit - Romans 15:13
Monday, December 31, 2012
Sunday, December 30, 2012
Stored forever
Our Daily Bread
After my grandmother died, I helped my relative sort through the house she lived in for fifty years. I found boxes and boxes of cards, letters, and notes. As I went through them, I tried to sort them out so the sender could have them back if they wanted. I was very touched by all the ones from me she saved.
Think about how special the Bible is the next time you read it. I like the way the devotional talks about the preservation of the Bible and how we have more information about Jesus in the scriptures and manuscripts than historians have about several historical folks! That is amazing! There is a reason it was preserved, even though it can be difficult to understand at times -- it is God's Living Word! Read it. Let it live in you, too!
Lord, thank you for your Living Word. Help us understand and live our lives according to it!
Psalm Sunday
Let's look at Psalm 75 this week. This is the first time I have heard of the tune "Do Not Destroy". I am not sure where that came from. Here is a web page that has two different guys singing this tune. Very interesting.
Psalm 75
For the director of music. To the tune of “Do Not Destroy.” A psalm of Asaph. A song.
1 We praise you, God,
we praise you, for your Name is near;
people tell of your wonderful deeds.
2 You say, “I choose the appointed time;
it is I who judge with equity.
3 When the earth and all its people quake,
it is I who hold its pillars firm.
4 To the arrogant I say, ‘Boast no more,’
and to the wicked, ‘Do not lift up your horns.
5 Do not lift your horns against heaven;
do not speak so defiantly.’”
6 No one from the east or the west
or from the desert can exalt themselves.
7 It is God who judges:
He brings one down, he exalts another.
8 In the hand of the Lord is a cup
full of foaming wine mixed with spices;
he pours it out, and all the wicked of the earth
drink it down to its very dregs.
9 As for me, I will declare this forever;
I will sing praise to the God of Jacob,
10 who says, “I will cut off the horns of all the wicked,
but the horns of the righteous will be lifted up.”
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I pray the weight of my sins doth not crush me back to dust from where I came. I pray that God create in me a new, clean heart and place a right spirit within me. Restore to me the joy of my salvation. Praise the Almighty God from whom all blessings flow.
After my grandmother died, I helped my relative sort through the house she lived in for fifty years. I found boxes and boxes of cards, letters, and notes. As I went through them, I tried to sort them out so the sender could have them back if they wanted. I was very touched by all the ones from me she saved.
Think about how special the Bible is the next time you read it. I like the way the devotional talks about the preservation of the Bible and how we have more information about Jesus in the scriptures and manuscripts than historians have about several historical folks! That is amazing! There is a reason it was preserved, even though it can be difficult to understand at times -- it is God's Living Word! Read it. Let it live in you, too!
Lord, thank you for your Living Word. Help us understand and live our lives according to it!
Psalm Sunday
Let's look at Psalm 75 this week. This is the first time I have heard of the tune "Do Not Destroy". I am not sure where that came from. Here is a web page that has two different guys singing this tune. Very interesting.
Psalm 75
For the director of music. To the tune of “Do Not Destroy.” A psalm of Asaph. A song.
1 We praise you, God,
we praise you, for your Name is near;
people tell of your wonderful deeds.
2 You say, “I choose the appointed time;
it is I who judge with equity.
3 When the earth and all its people quake,
it is I who hold its pillars firm.
4 To the arrogant I say, ‘Boast no more,’
and to the wicked, ‘Do not lift up your horns.
5 Do not lift your horns against heaven;
do not speak so defiantly.’”
6 No one from the east or the west
or from the desert can exalt themselves.
7 It is God who judges:
He brings one down, he exalts another.
8 In the hand of the Lord is a cup
full of foaming wine mixed with spices;
he pours it out, and all the wicked of the earth
drink it down to its very dregs.
9 As for me, I will declare this forever;
I will sing praise to the God of Jacob,
10 who says, “I will cut off the horns of all the wicked,
but the horns of the righteous will be lifted up.”
*************************************
I pray the weight of my sins doth not crush me back to dust from where I came. I pray that God create in me a new, clean heart and place a right spirit within me. Restore to me the joy of my salvation. Praise the Almighty God from whom all blessings flow.
Saturday, December 29, 2012
The Light
Our Daily Bread
I know you experienced it. I know I did. Mom or Dad said "Don't do that". What did I (or you) do? We did it any way! We broke through a restriction or boundary even though Mom and Dad only had our safety in mind. Yikes!
We can play the same games with God sometimes. He set boundaries for us in his Word that have our best interests at heart. He loves us! We abuse and violate those boundaries. We learn the hard way that those boundaries are there for a reason. We suffer the consequences for violating the boundaries. Sometimes we learn. Sometimes we do not! Let us pray for each other that we can learn BEFORE we mistakes and definitely AFTER we make mistakes!
Lord, thank you for boundaries! Thank you for your love and strength as we observe them!
Simply Saturday
Learning to be the Light
I have heard the song Learning to be the Light by NewWorldSon many times, but didn't pay attention to the lyrics until last night. I was not immediately taken with the bouncy tune, so I hadn't really listened to the lyrics before. They are very meaningful. Here is a link with the lyrics. I thought about what the lyrics could mean to us.
I think we have all heard sermons or read scriptures about how Jesus is the Light of the World and how folks that accept him are also a light in this world. We are supposed to be a light that shows God's love to others. That is a big responsibility for a silly old bear like me! How do we do that?
This is where the song comes in. Just like almost anything else in our lives, humans have to learn how to do stuff. Just like anything else, some folks are better at it when they start. How can we learn to be the light? Let's look at the song.
Realize that we have something that everyone wants and needs to see -- the Light and Love of God. Wow! I show people my new iPad, but don't always talk about my relationship with God. I need to do better! Practice, I say, practice! I could lead into a talk about my Bible study when I show them the Bible apps on my iPad. Yeah, that's it! What ideas work for you?
Realize that we will have struggles and we will stumble. We are human. Sometimes our light will flicker. We just relight it and keep shining! We can do this!
Realize that all we have really belongs to God. That is a tough one. Giving of ourselves and our belongings until it hurts can be very tough. God will provide. Always remember that (yes, I am pointing fingers at myself here...)
Don't be afraid to let the light shine to every part of our lives. We think that if we hide something in a dark place that not even God can see it. NOT! God sees all and knows all. Letting the light into those dark places helps us show his light even better! Don't be afraid!
Lastly, remember that we should be lifetime learners. We can better and better at shining his light as we learn to be better at it!
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Trusting God’s faithfulness dispels our fearfulness. - Our Daily Bread web site
I know you experienced it. I know I did. Mom or Dad said "Don't do that". What did I (or you) do? We did it any way! We broke through a restriction or boundary even though Mom and Dad only had our safety in mind. Yikes!
We can play the same games with God sometimes. He set boundaries for us in his Word that have our best interests at heart. He loves us! We abuse and violate those boundaries. We learn the hard way that those boundaries are there for a reason. We suffer the consequences for violating the boundaries. Sometimes we learn. Sometimes we do not! Let us pray for each other that we can learn BEFORE we mistakes and definitely AFTER we make mistakes!
Lord, thank you for boundaries! Thank you for your love and strength as we observe them!
Simply Saturday
Learning to be the Light
I have heard the song Learning to be the Light by NewWorldSon many times, but didn't pay attention to the lyrics until last night. I was not immediately taken with the bouncy tune, so I hadn't really listened to the lyrics before. They are very meaningful. Here is a link with the lyrics. I thought about what the lyrics could mean to us.
I think we have all heard sermons or read scriptures about how Jesus is the Light of the World and how folks that accept him are also a light in this world. We are supposed to be a light that shows God's love to others. That is a big responsibility for a silly old bear like me! How do we do that?
This is where the song comes in. Just like almost anything else in our lives, humans have to learn how to do stuff. Just like anything else, some folks are better at it when they start. How can we learn to be the light? Let's look at the song.
Realize that we have something that everyone wants and needs to see -- the Light and Love of God. Wow! I show people my new iPad, but don't always talk about my relationship with God. I need to do better! Practice, I say, practice! I could lead into a talk about my Bible study when I show them the Bible apps on my iPad. Yeah, that's it! What ideas work for you?
Realize that we will have struggles and we will stumble. We are human. Sometimes our light will flicker. We just relight it and keep shining! We can do this!
Realize that all we have really belongs to God. That is a tough one. Giving of ourselves and our belongings until it hurts can be very tough. God will provide. Always remember that (yes, I am pointing fingers at myself here...)
Don't be afraid to let the light shine to every part of our lives. We think that if we hide something in a dark place that not even God can see it. NOT! God sees all and knows all. Letting the light into those dark places helps us show his light even better! Don't be afraid!
Lastly, remember that we should be lifetime learners. We can better and better at shining his light as we learn to be better at it!
*******************************
Trusting God’s faithfulness dispels our fearfulness. - Our Daily Bread web site
Friday, December 28, 2012
Perspective
Our Daily Bread
People can look at things from a different perspective. I know I do. I look at computers as exciting and fun. Friends look at computers as daunting and a little scary. It is a matter of perspective.
We can be the same way with our spiritual lives. We often look at the things in our lives and say "This is bad. God, why am I going through this?". It is easy for us to judge by the criteria we know best -- our own! God tries to teach us over and over that his criteria should be used and only he should be doing the judging. Yikes! I guess I would have time to be more loving and pray more and serve more if I gave up my judging time! ha!
Lord, thank you for helping us see things in your perspective, in your time.
Foodie Friday
I combined a tried and true recipe with a new taste I had at work. A friend brought in brownies made with a pretzel crust on the bottom. I decided to try that crust with my four layer pudding dessert. Here is what I came up with:
FOUR LAYER CHOCOLATE PUDDING DESSERT with pretzel crust
Crust
2 cups crushed pretzels (make sure they have salt on them)
3/4 cup butter, melted
3 tablespoons sugar
Layers
8 oz. pkg. cream cheese, softened
1 cup sifted powdered sugar
1 cup Cool Whip
1 small pkg. instant chocolate pudding
1 small pkg. instant vanilla pudding (or white chocolate works, too)
4 cups milk, divided
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We too can know this God and be assured of His presence. He has revealed Himself in His creation and in His Word. As we ask Him to make Himself known to us, we’ll learn that He is even more than the owner and creator of everything! - Our Daily Bread web site
People can look at things from a different perspective. I know I do. I look at computers as exciting and fun. Friends look at computers as daunting and a little scary. It is a matter of perspective.
We can be the same way with our spiritual lives. We often look at the things in our lives and say "This is bad. God, why am I going through this?". It is easy for us to judge by the criteria we know best -- our own! God tries to teach us over and over that his criteria should be used and only he should be doing the judging. Yikes! I guess I would have time to be more loving and pray more and serve more if I gave up my judging time! ha!
Lord, thank you for helping us see things in your perspective, in your time.
Foodie Friday
I combined a tried and true recipe with a new taste I had at work. A friend brought in brownies made with a pretzel crust on the bottom. I decided to try that crust with my four layer pudding dessert. Here is what I came up with:
FOUR LAYER CHOCOLATE PUDDING DESSERT with pretzel crust
Crust
2 cups crushed pretzels (make sure they have salt on them)
3/4 cup butter, melted
3 tablespoons sugar
Layers
8 oz. pkg. cream cheese, softened
1 cup sifted powdered sugar
1 cup Cool Whip
1 small pkg. instant chocolate pudding
1 small pkg. instant vanilla pudding (or white chocolate works, too)
4 cups milk, divided
- In a small bowl, combine the pretzels, butter and sugar. Press into an ungreased 13-in. x 9-in. baking dish. Bake at 400° for 10 minutes. Cool on a wire rack.
- Combine cream cheese and powdered sugar until well blended. Fold in the Cool Whip. Spread over the crust and chill.
- Prepare chocolate pudding as directed on pkg. Spread over cream cheese layer. Chill completely.
- Prepare vanilla pudding as directed on pkg. Pour over chocolate pudding. Chill completely.
- Spread additional Cool Whip over top. Chill.
*****************************
We too can know this God and be assured of His presence. He has revealed Himself in His creation and in His Word. As we ask Him to make Himself known to us, we’ll learn that He is even more than the owner and creator of everything! - Our Daily Bread web site
Thursday, December 27, 2012
Daily battle prayer
Our Daily Bread
I find inspiration at times in the silliest of places. In the songs and characters from Don Quixote. In the songs and characters in Monty Python and the Holy Grail (show and movie). The fake battles and enemies can offer some insight into daily life!
I liked the devotional today. So many times we wander off into our daily battles with life only to have our butts handed to us in defeat! Yikes! We have no plan. We have to strength because we did not consult God before we started. We need to rely on God for every breath in every minute of our lives. I didn't really understand that for many years. Here is a little prayer from the Our Daily Bread devotional for today. Let's say it together each day before we go out to "battle":
Dear Lord, before I go off into the battle today,
forgive me of my sin and lead me in the path You
want me to go. I want to serve You. Empower me
to live for You and Your will. Amen.
Technology Thursday
New toy
I have a nephew that is into computer stuff as much as I am. We both read about the cheap computer called a Raspberry Pi. Here is a short description from the web site:
The Raspberry Pi is a credit-card sized computer that plugs into your TV and a keyboard. It can be used for many of the things that your desktop PC does, like spreadsheets, word-processing and games. It also plays high-definition video.
I found them in stock a few weeks ago and ordered two of them to play with. I am not sure what I will do with them yet, but it will be fun playing with them! Here is a picture of one:
That is the actual size. You have to add storage (an SD card) and other peripherals like a USB hub for a keyboard and mouse. It also has interfaces like HDMI output for video! I will write more as I get time to play with it.
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Let go, my friends! God will be there to catch you and hold you in his loving arms!
I find inspiration at times in the silliest of places. In the songs and characters from Don Quixote. In the songs and characters in Monty Python and the Holy Grail (show and movie). The fake battles and enemies can offer some insight into daily life!
I liked the devotional today. So many times we wander off into our daily battles with life only to have our butts handed to us in defeat! Yikes! We have no plan. We have to strength because we did not consult God before we started. We need to rely on God for every breath in every minute of our lives. I didn't really understand that for many years. Here is a little prayer from the Our Daily Bread devotional for today. Let's say it together each day before we go out to "battle":
Dear Lord, before I go off into the battle today,
forgive me of my sin and lead me in the path You
want me to go. I want to serve You. Empower me
to live for You and Your will. Amen.
Technology Thursday
New toy
I have a nephew that is into computer stuff as much as I am. We both read about the cheap computer called a Raspberry Pi. Here is a short description from the web site:
The Raspberry Pi is a credit-card sized computer that plugs into your TV and a keyboard. It can be used for many of the things that your desktop PC does, like spreadsheets, word-processing and games. It also plays high-definition video.
I found them in stock a few weeks ago and ordered two of them to play with. I am not sure what I will do with them yet, but it will be fun playing with them! Here is a picture of one:
That is the actual size. You have to add storage (an SD card) and other peripherals like a USB hub for a keyboard and mouse. It also has interfaces like HDMI output for video! I will write more as I get time to play with it.
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Let go, my friends! God will be there to catch you and hold you in his loving arms!
Wednesday, December 26, 2012
Clean hands means clean heart
Our Daily Bread
Have you ever met someone that is a gemophobe? The constant washing of hands and being careful of germs is sort of annoying to me. I can understand being careful not to spread germs, but seriously?
I can understand being a "sin-o-phobe". I don't really mean being afraid of sin. I mean being as careful about letting sin infect our lives like some folks are worried about germs. Being constantly vigilant about our Bible study, prayer and personal discipline will help us guard against sin infections!
Lord, thank you for the anti-sin cure -- the blood of Jesus. Please help us be vigilant and avoid sinning as best we can!
Wellness Wednesday
Post holiday doldrums
It is easy to have post holiday doldrums or withdrawal after having a nice time with friends and family. The Christmas light fade and the thoughts of the new year invade your mind. Here are a few tips to deal with these doldrums from my personal experience:
I hope this helps your battle with the doldrums! Have a Happy New Year!
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u r a bcog u r fawm Now believe it...
Have you ever met someone that is a gemophobe? The constant washing of hands and being careful of germs is sort of annoying to me. I can understand being careful not to spread germs, but seriously?
I can understand being a "sin-o-phobe". I don't really mean being afraid of sin. I mean being as careful about letting sin infect our lives like some folks are worried about germs. Being constantly vigilant about our Bible study, prayer and personal discipline will help us guard against sin infections!
Lord, thank you for the anti-sin cure -- the blood of Jesus. Please help us be vigilant and avoid sinning as best we can!
Wellness Wednesday
Post holiday doldrums
It is easy to have post holiday doldrums or withdrawal after having a nice time with friends and family. The Christmas light fade and the thoughts of the new year invade your mind. Here are a few tips to deal with these doldrums from my personal experience:
- Do not drown yourself in post holiday sales and shopping. It is easy to spend more money after Christmas than you did before. Most folks can't afford to do that. If you decide to take advantage of the post-Christmas sales, make a list of what you might need. Only buy stuff you need or know you will use for gifts next year. To be frank, I still find stuff in the basement that I bought at after Christmas sales that I didn't remember buying!
- Continue to think of others first. It is easy to focus on your own issues or to be hyper sensitive to things after the holidays. The needs of the weak and weary do not go away after the holidays. We just forget to remember them!
- Get back into your routine. Eat right. Exercise regularly. Read your Bible. Pray. Do all the things that you know you need to do!
- Create and commit to SMART goals for the New Year. Your goals should be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time-bound. The last two are the ones most folks miss. A relevant goal is one that means something to your life right now. Don't make "learning to crochet" a goal if you don't like or care to do crafts! Time-bound means to set a time period like lose 20 pounds in six months. Try to create smaller increments of time instead of the entire year.
I hope this helps your battle with the doldrums! Have a Happy New Year!
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u r a bcog u r fawm Now believe it...
Tuesday, December 25, 2012
Merry Christmas!
We received the greatest gift from God on this day in his Son, Jesus.
We became a wonderful gift from Jesus to God -- a blameless people capable of a relationship with him
Now believe it.
Merry Christmas!
Monday, December 24, 2012
Moment of grace
Our Daily Bread
I hope you can answer "yes" to this question: Have you ever had a moment when you knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that God was in the room or around you? It doesn't have to be at church. It could be at home or at the hospital or out in nature. Yes, it is an amazing feeling, but so much more than just a feeling!
The devotional uses the phrase "moment of grace" to not only describe a church service, but also the birth of Jesus. His birth was a moment of grace for all those around the event. They HAD to tell others about it after they went back to their normal lives.
Yes, we all know that this season is about giving. It is also about a moment of grace in time that we must tell others about after we go back to our normal lives!
Lord, thank you for the most important moment of grace of all -- the birth of your Son! Please help us to tell others!
Movie Monday
I did not get a chance to go to the movies last week. Very busy week! I took time to relax and watch a bluray on Saturday. I found a cheap bluray disk of Pulp Fiction. Oh boy... I was not as traumatized by it as I was eighteen years ago when it first came out. I can understand the film better now that I have seen several other Quentin Tarantino movies over the years. The movie was shocking when I watched it on Saturday. I still remember how shocked and embarrassed I was when I saw it with a priest friend when it first came out.
I know this film is a cult classic, but I will only give it two bear paws. It will probably come out at the theaters again in 2014 for its 20th anniversary. If not, rent it or watch the disk.
************************************
We too can know this God and be assured of His presence. He has revealed Himself in His creation and in His Word. As we ask Him to make Himself known to us, we’ll learn that He is even more than the owner and creator of everything! - Our Daily Bread web site
I hope you can answer "yes" to this question: Have you ever had a moment when you knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that God was in the room or around you? It doesn't have to be at church. It could be at home or at the hospital or out in nature. Yes, it is an amazing feeling, but so much more than just a feeling!
The devotional uses the phrase "moment of grace" to not only describe a church service, but also the birth of Jesus. His birth was a moment of grace for all those around the event. They HAD to tell others about it after they went back to their normal lives.
Yes, we all know that this season is about giving. It is also about a moment of grace in time that we must tell others about after we go back to our normal lives!
Lord, thank you for the most important moment of grace of all -- the birth of your Son! Please help us to tell others!
Movie Monday
I did not get a chance to go to the movies last week. Very busy week! I took time to relax and watch a bluray on Saturday. I found a cheap bluray disk of Pulp Fiction. Oh boy... I was not as traumatized by it as I was eighteen years ago when it first came out. I can understand the film better now that I have seen several other Quentin Tarantino movies over the years. The movie was shocking when I watched it on Saturday. I still remember how shocked and embarrassed I was when I saw it with a priest friend when it first came out.
I know this film is a cult classic, but I will only give it two bear paws. It will probably come out at the theaters again in 2014 for its 20th anniversary. If not, rent it or watch the disk.
************************************
We too can know this God and be assured of His presence. He has revealed Himself in His creation and in His Word. As we ask Him to make Himself known to us, we’ll learn that He is even more than the owner and creator of everything! - Our Daily Bread web site
Sunday, December 23, 2012
Carriers of peace
Our Daily Bread
I have been in several denominations of churches that have a tradition in their worship services to "pass the peace". The attendees great each other with "Peace" or "Peace be with you". I like that tradition. I wish it was that easy to pass the peace among folks!
The devotional had a nice story of how the WWII ships were used as carriers of peace and good will after the war. They carried coats for needy children in New York City. How cool is that! It reminds me of the Toys for Tots campaign by the firemen all over the US.
My question for each of us this holiday season: Are we carriers of peace? If not, how can we change?
Lord, thank you for your peace that passes all understanding. Please help us be carriers of your peace!
Psalm Sunday
We are looking at Psalm 74 today. It is a maskil of Asaph. I found a good definition of maskil: it is a psalm that teaches you something. There are about thirteen psalms with this designation. Very interesting. Let's take a look at it. I think it is trying to teach us two things: who God is and how rejecting the ways of God can lead to ruin. What do you think? Asaph was a writer of psalms. He was attributed with several of them.
Psalm 74
A maskil of Asaph.
1 O God, why have you rejected us forever?
Why does your anger smolder against the sheep of your pasture?
2 Remember the nation you purchased long ago,
the people of your inheritance, whom you redeemed—
Mount Zion, where you dwelt.
3 Turn your steps toward these everlasting ruins,
all this destruction the enemy has brought on the sanctuary.
4 Your foes roared in the place where you met with us;
they set up their standards as signs.
5 They behaved like men wielding axes
to cut through a thicket of trees.
6 They smashed all the carved paneling
with their axes and hatchets.
7 They burned your sanctuary to the ground;
they defiled the dwelling place of your Name.
8 They said in their hearts, “We will crush them completely!”
They burned every place where God was worshiped in the land.
9 We are given no signs from God;
no prophets are left,
and none of us knows how long this will be.
10 How long will the enemy mock you, God?
Will the foe revile your name forever?
11 Why do you hold back your hand, your right hand?
Take it from the folds of your garment and destroy them!
12 But God is my King from long ago;
he brings salvation on the earth.
13 It was you who split open the sea by your power;
you broke the heads of the monster in the waters.
14 It was you who crushed the heads of Leviathan
and gave it as food to the creatures of the desert.
15 It was you who opened up springs and streams;
you dried up the ever-flowing rivers.
16 The day is yours, and yours also the night;
you established the sun and moon.
17 It was you who set all the boundaries of the earth;
you made both summer and winter.
18 Remember how the enemy has mocked you, Lord,
how foolish people have reviled your name.
19 Do not hand over the life of your dove to wild beasts;
do not forget the lives of your afflicted people forever.
20 Have regard for your covenant,
because haunts of violence fill the dark places of the land.
21 Do not let the oppressed retreat in disgrace;
may the poor and needy praise your name.
22 Rise up, O God, and defend your cause;
remember how fools mock you all day long.
23 Do not ignore the clamor of your adversaries,
the uproar of your enemies, which rises continually.
***********************************
Trusting God’s faithfulness dispels our fearfulness. - Our Daily Bread web site
I have been in several denominations of churches that have a tradition in their worship services to "pass the peace". The attendees great each other with "Peace" or "Peace be with you". I like that tradition. I wish it was that easy to pass the peace among folks!
The devotional had a nice story of how the WWII ships were used as carriers of peace and good will after the war. They carried coats for needy children in New York City. How cool is that! It reminds me of the Toys for Tots campaign by the firemen all over the US.
My question for each of us this holiday season: Are we carriers of peace? If not, how can we change?
Lord, thank you for your peace that passes all understanding. Please help us be carriers of your peace!
Psalm Sunday
We are looking at Psalm 74 today. It is a maskil of Asaph. I found a good definition of maskil: it is a psalm that teaches you something. There are about thirteen psalms with this designation. Very interesting. Let's take a look at it. I think it is trying to teach us two things: who God is and how rejecting the ways of God can lead to ruin. What do you think? Asaph was a writer of psalms. He was attributed with several of them.
Psalm 74
A maskil of Asaph.
1 O God, why have you rejected us forever?
Why does your anger smolder against the sheep of your pasture?
2 Remember the nation you purchased long ago,
the people of your inheritance, whom you redeemed—
Mount Zion, where you dwelt.
3 Turn your steps toward these everlasting ruins,
all this destruction the enemy has brought on the sanctuary.
4 Your foes roared in the place where you met with us;
they set up their standards as signs.
5 They behaved like men wielding axes
to cut through a thicket of trees.
6 They smashed all the carved paneling
with their axes and hatchets.
7 They burned your sanctuary to the ground;
they defiled the dwelling place of your Name.
8 They said in their hearts, “We will crush them completely!”
They burned every place where God was worshiped in the land.
9 We are given no signs from God;
no prophets are left,
and none of us knows how long this will be.
10 How long will the enemy mock you, God?
Will the foe revile your name forever?
11 Why do you hold back your hand, your right hand?
Take it from the folds of your garment and destroy them!
12 But God is my King from long ago;
he brings salvation on the earth.
13 It was you who split open the sea by your power;
you broke the heads of the monster in the waters.
14 It was you who crushed the heads of Leviathan
and gave it as food to the creatures of the desert.
15 It was you who opened up springs and streams;
you dried up the ever-flowing rivers.
16 The day is yours, and yours also the night;
you established the sun and moon.
17 It was you who set all the boundaries of the earth;
you made both summer and winter.
18 Remember how the enemy has mocked you, Lord,
how foolish people have reviled your name.
19 Do not hand over the life of your dove to wild beasts;
do not forget the lives of your afflicted people forever.
20 Have regard for your covenant,
because haunts of violence fill the dark places of the land.
21 Do not let the oppressed retreat in disgrace;
may the poor and needy praise your name.
22 Rise up, O God, and defend your cause;
remember how fools mock you all day long.
23 Do not ignore the clamor of your adversaries,
the uproar of your enemies, which rises continually.
***********************************
Trusting God’s faithfulness dispels our fearfulness. - Our Daily Bread web site
Saturday, December 22, 2012
Our heavenly theater
Our Daily Bread
As you might notice from my "Movie Monday" weekly feature, I love going to first run movies at the theater. I admit that it can get expensive, however, I use coupons, gas discounts, discount tickets, and whatever else I can do to defray the costs because I enjoy it so much. Where is this going, you might ask?
The devotional talks about the "heavenly theater" that we can watch every clear night for free! We can see the handiwork of God to create all of the heavens above. He also keeps it all moving in harmony as we watch from our humble little planet earth. How amazing is our God! I can barely follow a recipe at times while he speaks a universe into existence!
Lord, you are an amazing and awesome God. Thank you for the privilege to worship and serve you!
Simply Saturday
Live like that
I shared a song called "I want to live like that" a few weeks ago. I decided to write a entry on "I DON'T want to live like that" with a different spin.
First, I don't want to live a life without a close relationship with God. I tried that and it didn't work for me.
Second, I don't want to live a life that has grudges and hard feelings. I think I have done a good job of pursuing out folks that I offended and offered apologies. Sometimes people accept them. Sometimes not. If I ask forgiveness from them and from God, then I feel like the only other thing I can do is pray for the person. I was feeling very proud of myself until I realized that I needed to do some attitude adjustment. I realized that I hadn't forgiven the person for not forgiving me. I didn't know how I would act or if I would act in a loving way if the person did come back into my life. I am working on that.
Third, I don't want to live a life where I think I am the general manager of the universe. God is above all, not me. I don't want to judge folks. I don't want to worry about every little thing that I should be turning over to God.
Lastly, I don't want to live a life of narcissism or selfishness. We see so many people that are soooo caught up in themselves. We see it on TV, the Internet and the news all the time. God instructs us to love others as we love ourselves. In short, that means we can't love ourselves MORE than others.
How do you want to live?
*******************************
We are far from perfect, but despite our mistakes and our sins, we will never abandon the Lord and he will never abandon us - adapted from a statement about Abraham from the EfM Training Guide
As you might notice from my "Movie Monday" weekly feature, I love going to first run movies at the theater. I admit that it can get expensive, however, I use coupons, gas discounts, discount tickets, and whatever else I can do to defray the costs because I enjoy it so much. Where is this going, you might ask?
The devotional talks about the "heavenly theater" that we can watch every clear night for free! We can see the handiwork of God to create all of the heavens above. He also keeps it all moving in harmony as we watch from our humble little planet earth. How amazing is our God! I can barely follow a recipe at times while he speaks a universe into existence!
Lord, you are an amazing and awesome God. Thank you for the privilege to worship and serve you!
Simply Saturday
Live like that
I shared a song called "I want to live like that" a few weeks ago. I decided to write a entry on "I DON'T want to live like that" with a different spin.
First, I don't want to live a life without a close relationship with God. I tried that and it didn't work for me.
Second, I don't want to live a life that has grudges and hard feelings. I think I have done a good job of pursuing out folks that I offended and offered apologies. Sometimes people accept them. Sometimes not. If I ask forgiveness from them and from God, then I feel like the only other thing I can do is pray for the person. I was feeling very proud of myself until I realized that I needed to do some attitude adjustment. I realized that I hadn't forgiven the person for not forgiving me. I didn't know how I would act or if I would act in a loving way if the person did come back into my life. I am working on that.
Third, I don't want to live a life where I think I am the general manager of the universe. God is above all, not me. I don't want to judge folks. I don't want to worry about every little thing that I should be turning over to God.
Lastly, I don't want to live a life of narcissism or selfishness. We see so many people that are soooo caught up in themselves. We see it on TV, the Internet and the news all the time. God instructs us to love others as we love ourselves. In short, that means we can't love ourselves MORE than others.
How do you want to live?
*******************************
We are far from perfect, but despite our mistakes and our sins, we will never abandon the Lord and he will never abandon us - adapted from a statement about Abraham from the EfM Training Guide
Friday, December 21, 2012
Is it Angry Birds or angry words?
Our Daily Bread
I rarely play games on my iPhone or iPad, except for an occasional bowling game or hearts. I have never played Angry Birds. I guess I am behind the times! Oh horror!
I laughed about the Angry Birds game when I read the devotional. I have the played the game of angry words way too often! I let my frustrations at work, in my personal life and other things affect the way I talk to people. Instead of "keeping it sweet" like the devotional suggests, I can be one big angry bear -- the grizzly bear in me comes out! To adapt a Native American story, which bear wins out in the struggle of the grizzly bear and the teddy bear inside of me? The one I feed.
During this holiday season and all year long, let us feed the teddy bear inside of us and keep things sweet!
Lord, thank you for creating us in your image. Please help us to live by your example!
Foodie Friday
Brining a turkey
To brine a turkey or not to brine. That is the question. Whether to suffer the outrageous inconvenience of soaking a 13 pound turkey (small by most standards) in a solution of my choosing in order to make the turkey more moist and flavorful or to take my chances with the way I have cooked turkeys for many years. Hmmmmm... ha! Such lofty thoughts during the holiday season!
I decided to brine my turkey this year. I am making my own turkey for Christmas instead of buying the take-and-warm meal from Mimis Cafe (I recommend that meal if you are so inclined). I even found some brining bags on sale at Target for 75% off! Woohooo! Here is a collection of articles about how to make a turkey, including brining:
Everything you need to know about making a turkey:
http://www.seriouseats.com/2008/11/turkey-questions-recipes-cooking-brining-roasting-carving-hotlines.html
How to brine and a recipe:
http://bbq.about.com/od/turkeybrinerecipes/r/bl11806.htm
http://video.about.com/bbq/How-to-Brine-Turkey.htm
My favorite brining recipe is from Woodford Reserve bourbon. Mix two quarts of water with two QUARTS of Woodford Reserve bourbon. WHAT! I would be drinking that! ha!
Have a great holiday meal!
*********************************
I will trust in the Lord. I will wait patiently for Him.
I rarely play games on my iPhone or iPad, except for an occasional bowling game or hearts. I have never played Angry Birds. I guess I am behind the times! Oh horror!
I laughed about the Angry Birds game when I read the devotional. I have the played the game of angry words way too often! I let my frustrations at work, in my personal life and other things affect the way I talk to people. Instead of "keeping it sweet" like the devotional suggests, I can be one big angry bear -- the grizzly bear in me comes out! To adapt a Native American story, which bear wins out in the struggle of the grizzly bear and the teddy bear inside of me? The one I feed.
During this holiday season and all year long, let us feed the teddy bear inside of us and keep things sweet!
Lord, thank you for creating us in your image. Please help us to live by your example!
Foodie Friday
Brining a turkey
To brine a turkey or not to brine. That is the question. Whether to suffer the outrageous inconvenience of soaking a 13 pound turkey (small by most standards) in a solution of my choosing in order to make the turkey more moist and flavorful or to take my chances with the way I have cooked turkeys for many years. Hmmmmm... ha! Such lofty thoughts during the holiday season!
I decided to brine my turkey this year. I am making my own turkey for Christmas instead of buying the take-and-warm meal from Mimis Cafe (I recommend that meal if you are so inclined). I even found some brining bags on sale at Target for 75% off! Woohooo! Here is a collection of articles about how to make a turkey, including brining:
Everything you need to know about making a turkey:
http://www.seriouseats.com/2008/11/turkey-questions-recipes-cooking-brining-roasting-carving-hotlines.html
How to brine and a recipe:
http://bbq.about.com/od/turkeybrinerecipes/r/bl11806.htm
http://video.about.com/bbq/How-to-Brine-Turkey.htm
My favorite brining recipe is from Woodford Reserve bourbon. Mix two quarts of water with two QUARTS of Woodford Reserve bourbon. WHAT! I would be drinking that! ha!
Have a great holiday meal!
*********************************
I will trust in the Lord. I will wait patiently for Him.
Thursday, December 20, 2012
Examples of giving
Our Daily Bread
I have been fortunate to have known many folks over the years. One of the highest compliments I heard when I was growing up was "He would give you the shirt off his back". Now that is a loving giver!
The devotional had a different twist on the gift that came down at Christmas. Not only did God give the earth the gift of His Son, the devotional talks about the gift that Jesus gave God --"a holy and blameless" people. Wow! I never thought about that. What examples of giving! There is so much we can learn from that! During this season of giving, let us remember the gifts that God and Jesus gave each other and us!
Lord, thank you very much for teaching us how to give. Thank you Jesus for teaching us how to live.
Technology Thursday
5 Ways to Take Better Videos with Your Smartphone
I saw this article on Yahoo (click on the title for the article) and decided to share it with you since you might be using your phone for some videos over the holidays. I have been experimenting with this as well for videoing my voice lessons. Here are some good tips.
1. Keep your smartphone steady
While zero shutter lag is helping to eliminate camera shake on still shots, this isn't going to help us with video. Make sure you grip the smartphone firmly with two hands. Turning the camera sideways to shoot in landscape mode will help with this task. Avoid sudden movements. Take a firm stance and anchor your arms to your chest for additional stability. If you are moving the smartphone to capture off-screen activity or panoramic views, turn your whole body and not just your arms.
For a much steadier video clip, use a tripod. Although few phones currently come with a tripod socket, it's relatively easy to manufacture one by inserting a small screw through the edge of a smartphone case. After that, you can attach the screw to a regular tripod or any other device that will give you the desired stability.
2. Try to regulate the amount of light
Too much or too little light can dramatically impact the quality of a smartphone video. If possible, shoot outside on a cloudy day, so you have natural light but not too much glare. Indoor conditions can be far trickier, with artificial light impacting both the color and sharpness of the video images.
Newer smartphones like the iPhone 4S have a larger aperture to let in more light and tools like auto white balance to make colors more accurate, but they can still be overwhelmed by too much light or a dramatic change in light from one frame to the next. Consistency is the key. If you are shooting something more formal like a wedding video, then try out a few locations and angles to make sure you optimize whatever light is available.
3. Follow the basic rules of photo composition
Although video gives you much more license, you should still follow the basic rules of good photography to make your video more interesting. Divide the picture frame into a 3×3 grid and position the main subject somewhere other than the center. If a person is facing left, then position him on the right of the frame. Anticipate your subjects' actions and give them room to move.
Also, be careful with the audio. Countless kids' sports videos has been spoiled by the videographer chiming in with his or her comments or encouragement, totaling overwhelming the background audio. Let the scene speak for itself.
4. Use editing tools
Even if your smartphone video isn't quite what you had in mind at first glance, it's amazing what can be done with a little bit of editing. Again, some of the newer smartphones come with a suite of built-in editing tools, which will allow you to cut out certain scenes or add some limited special effects. But for a proper makeover, you will need to upload the video to a PC or Mac and use an editing tool like Windows Movie Maker or iMovie.
With these professional-style tools, you can enhance the color, eliminate unnecessary footage, blend the video with stills or slideshows, add full-blown special effects, and even add dramatic or background music.
5. Publish your video
OK - your video is now ready for an audience. Get it out of your smartphone (or off your PC if you have been using editing tools) and post it somewhere it can be seen. Most smartphones now allow you to post your video directly to Facebook, YouTube or other sharing sites. If you find yourself taking more and more video and are pleased with the results, then it might be worth starting your own YouTube channel so friends and family can subscribe.
******************************
Then Jesus said, “Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?” John 11:40
I have been fortunate to have known many folks over the years. One of the highest compliments I heard when I was growing up was "He would give you the shirt off his back". Now that is a loving giver!
The devotional had a different twist on the gift that came down at Christmas. Not only did God give the earth the gift of His Son, the devotional talks about the gift that Jesus gave God --"a holy and blameless" people. Wow! I never thought about that. What examples of giving! There is so much we can learn from that! During this season of giving, let us remember the gifts that God and Jesus gave each other and us!
Lord, thank you very much for teaching us how to give. Thank you Jesus for teaching us how to live.
Technology Thursday
5 Ways to Take Better Videos with Your Smartphone
I saw this article on Yahoo (click on the title for the article) and decided to share it with you since you might be using your phone for some videos over the holidays. I have been experimenting with this as well for videoing my voice lessons. Here are some good tips.
1. Keep your smartphone steady
While zero shutter lag is helping to eliminate camera shake on still shots, this isn't going to help us with video. Make sure you grip the smartphone firmly with two hands. Turning the camera sideways to shoot in landscape mode will help with this task. Avoid sudden movements. Take a firm stance and anchor your arms to your chest for additional stability. If you are moving the smartphone to capture off-screen activity or panoramic views, turn your whole body and not just your arms.
For a much steadier video clip, use a tripod. Although few phones currently come with a tripod socket, it's relatively easy to manufacture one by inserting a small screw through the edge of a smartphone case. After that, you can attach the screw to a regular tripod or any other device that will give you the desired stability.
2. Try to regulate the amount of light
Too much or too little light can dramatically impact the quality of a smartphone video. If possible, shoot outside on a cloudy day, so you have natural light but not too much glare. Indoor conditions can be far trickier, with artificial light impacting both the color and sharpness of the video images.
Newer smartphones like the iPhone 4S have a larger aperture to let in more light and tools like auto white balance to make colors more accurate, but they can still be overwhelmed by too much light or a dramatic change in light from one frame to the next. Consistency is the key. If you are shooting something more formal like a wedding video, then try out a few locations and angles to make sure you optimize whatever light is available.
3. Follow the basic rules of photo composition
Although video gives you much more license, you should still follow the basic rules of good photography to make your video more interesting. Divide the picture frame into a 3×3 grid and position the main subject somewhere other than the center. If a person is facing left, then position him on the right of the frame. Anticipate your subjects' actions and give them room to move.
Also, be careful with the audio. Countless kids' sports videos has been spoiled by the videographer chiming in with his or her comments or encouragement, totaling overwhelming the background audio. Let the scene speak for itself.
4. Use editing tools
Even if your smartphone video isn't quite what you had in mind at first glance, it's amazing what can be done with a little bit of editing. Again, some of the newer smartphones come with a suite of built-in editing tools, which will allow you to cut out certain scenes or add some limited special effects. But for a proper makeover, you will need to upload the video to a PC or Mac and use an editing tool like Windows Movie Maker or iMovie.
With these professional-style tools, you can enhance the color, eliminate unnecessary footage, blend the video with stills or slideshows, add full-blown special effects, and even add dramatic or background music.
5. Publish your video
OK - your video is now ready for an audience. Get it out of your smartphone (or off your PC if you have been using editing tools) and post it somewhere it can be seen. Most smartphones now allow you to post your video directly to Facebook, YouTube or other sharing sites. If you find yourself taking more and more video and are pleased with the results, then it might be worth starting your own YouTube channel so friends and family can subscribe.
******************************
Then Jesus said, “Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?” John 11:40
Wednesday, December 19, 2012
Ask
Our Daily Bread
I have a joke with my friends about asking. I say "Ask. The worse they can do is laugh at you!". It works! They rarely laugh and you can get what you want more often!
When it comes to our prayers, I am not suggesting that we use this approach with God. The point of the devotional is that sometimes we should be specific. We should be candid with God. He already knows your thoughts and feelings, right? Tell God about it. I started talking to God at times like I am a little kid again -- very direct and honest. It works! Give it a try today!
Lord, thank you for being so patient with us and listening to our prayers. Please help us be more candid and direct with you!
Wellness Wednesday
Holiday Stress Triggers: How To Cope With 5 Common Scenarios
I found this nice article on holiday stress triggers and how to cope with them on the AOL Healthy Living site. Here is a summary of the article.
You can do this. Make this season the happy and stress-free holiday!
********************************
Let go, my friends! God will be there to catch you and hold you in his loving arms!
I have a joke with my friends about asking. I say "Ask. The worse they can do is laugh at you!". It works! They rarely laugh and you can get what you want more often!
When it comes to our prayers, I am not suggesting that we use this approach with God. The point of the devotional is that sometimes we should be specific. We should be candid with God. He already knows your thoughts and feelings, right? Tell God about it. I started talking to God at times like I am a little kid again -- very direct and honest. It works! Give it a try today!
Lord, thank you for being so patient with us and listening to our prayers. Please help us be more candid and direct with you!
Wellness Wednesday
Holiday Stress Triggers: How To Cope With 5 Common Scenarios
I found this nice article on holiday stress triggers and how to cope with them on the AOL Healthy Living site. Here is a summary of the article.
- Travel stress - many of us have to travel to visit friends and family. Delays and crowds and traffic can be very stressful! Planning for trips -- and for inevitable delays -- makes the stress easier to bear!
- Avoiding conflict at the family dinner -- I think we all have at least one difficult person in our family. Actually, I may BE the difficult person in my family! Yikes! We don't have a choice in picking our family, but we do have a choice in how we react to them. Make a conscious choice to react well and reduce stress!
- Finances are tight -- I think we have all experienced this in our lives, especially around the holidays. We stretch ourselves too thin financially because we want to create the "perfect Christmas" for our friends and family. Relax. Not all gifts have to be material things. Gifts of time and other irreplaceable things can mean more than any present!
- You are running out of time -- Any good project manager knows that there are three main variables in a project: time, money and people. When we run out of time, individuals can't always throw more people or money at the project of creating a memorable holiday season. We have to set our expectations for ourselves and the expectations of others. Relax. It will be fine. Remember the things that are REALLY important.
- You're Feeling Guilty Because You Can't Be There -- With work schedules and other constraints, we can't always spend time with our friends and families over the holidays. I know I still feel some guilt for not being with my grandfather for his last Christmas on this earth. Do all you can to let your family know how much you miss them. Share with your family how much you would like them to contact you as well. Make it a two way street!
You can do this. Make this season the happy and stress-free holiday!
********************************
Let go, my friends! God will be there to catch you and hold you in his loving arms!
Tuesday, December 18, 2012
The God channel
Our Daily Bread
Have you ever tried the SiriusXM radio, like when you received a free trial after purchasing a new vehicle? There are sooooo many channels to listen to! There are music channels and talk channels and more music channels and more talk channels. It is amazing. After reading the devotional, I wish there was a God channel!
The devotional talks about truly listening to God and being focused on what he is telling us. I had two thoughts: the SiriusXM radio concept and the iPod concept. I see folks walking around or waiting for public transportation wearing their iPod headphones. They listen so intently to their music (or whatever). They are focused on it. My new goal is to be that focused on listening to God. I want to listen like I wearing noise canceling ear phones that block out all the noise around me!
Lord, thank you speaking to us. Please help us focus on listening!
Teaching Tuesday
The lesson this week was a very detailed look at the seven bodies or codes of law in the Torah (the first five books of the Old Testament). The book talked about the sources for each code and why they were written the way they were. The law also included one of the most familiar to us today, the Ten Commandments.
In short, all the laws taught us two things: how to interact with God and how to interact with each other. The concepts carry over into the New Testament in the teachings of Jesus. When asked which of the laws was most important, Jesus said: These two: love God with all you heart, soul and mind; love each other as you love yourself. These two phrases encapsulated the laws of the Old Testament in simple terms.
The book also talked in more detail about the deep meaning in the phrase "love God with all your heart, soul and mind". This means love God with all your being -- all of it!
It was a long chapter. I am sure I missed some things. I will reread chapters 13 - 15 over the holiday break.
********************************
We too can know this God and be assured of His presence. He has revealed Himself in His creation and in His Word. As we ask Him to make Himself known to us, we’ll learn that He is even more than the owner and creator of everything! - Our Daily Bread web site
Have you ever tried the SiriusXM radio, like when you received a free trial after purchasing a new vehicle? There are sooooo many channels to listen to! There are music channels and talk channels and more music channels and more talk channels. It is amazing. After reading the devotional, I wish there was a God channel!
The devotional talks about truly listening to God and being focused on what he is telling us. I had two thoughts: the SiriusXM radio concept and the iPod concept. I see folks walking around or waiting for public transportation wearing their iPod headphones. They listen so intently to their music (or whatever). They are focused on it. My new goal is to be that focused on listening to God. I want to listen like I wearing noise canceling ear phones that block out all the noise around me!
Lord, thank you speaking to us. Please help us focus on listening!
Teaching Tuesday
The lesson this week was a very detailed look at the seven bodies or codes of law in the Torah (the first five books of the Old Testament). The book talked about the sources for each code and why they were written the way they were. The law also included one of the most familiar to us today, the Ten Commandments.
In short, all the laws taught us two things: how to interact with God and how to interact with each other. The concepts carry over into the New Testament in the teachings of Jesus. When asked which of the laws was most important, Jesus said: These two: love God with all you heart, soul and mind; love each other as you love yourself. These two phrases encapsulated the laws of the Old Testament in simple terms.
The book also talked in more detail about the deep meaning in the phrase "love God with all your heart, soul and mind". This means love God with all your being -- all of it!
It was a long chapter. I am sure I missed some things. I will reread chapters 13 - 15 over the holiday break.
********************************
We too can know this God and be assured of His presence. He has revealed Himself in His creation and in His Word. As we ask Him to make Himself known to us, we’ll learn that He is even more than the owner and creator of everything! - Our Daily Bread web site
Monday, December 17, 2012
Windows JC
Our Daily Bread
I remember when the Windows operation system first became commonly used. It became very popular because it gave users a visual interface into their computers, like looking through multiple windows.
The devotional used the same kind of analogy for Christians. We are like windows for others to see Christ inside of us! I call it Windows JC! They should see Christ both inside and outside of us, in how we think and feel and how we act towards others. I really liked this analogy. I also liked the way the devotional talked about the consequences of sharing Christ. St Stephen was stoned. We could possibly be outcast from the folks that we think are cool or want to be accepted by. Our love for Christ should transcend all of those things!
Lord, thank you for giving us a reason to live that is beyond our understanding at times. Please help us trust you!
Movie Monday
I saw The Hobbit in 3D IMAX on Saturday. I splurged a little as I don't usually spend that much for a movie!
What I liked: The cinematography, costumes, special effects and 3D were amazing. Peter Jackson does a great job capturing the essence of the books. The characters were endearing and scary and fun. Very cool.
What I didn't like: No closure. Like most folks, I am disappointed that they split this out into three movies. Oh well. I will read The Hobbit to find out how the story ends. I will have to wait for the other movies. It is my understanding that they also included some stuff from other books as well as The Hobbit. We will see how that works out.
I give this movie three bear paws. See it on the big screen!
*************************
u r a bcog u r fawm Now believe it!
I remember when the Windows operation system first became commonly used. It became very popular because it gave users a visual interface into their computers, like looking through multiple windows.
The devotional used the same kind of analogy for Christians. We are like windows for others to see Christ inside of us! I call it Windows JC! They should see Christ both inside and outside of us, in how we think and feel and how we act towards others. I really liked this analogy. I also liked the way the devotional talked about the consequences of sharing Christ. St Stephen was stoned. We could possibly be outcast from the folks that we think are cool or want to be accepted by. Our love for Christ should transcend all of those things!
Lord, thank you for giving us a reason to live that is beyond our understanding at times. Please help us trust you!
Movie Monday
I saw The Hobbit in 3D IMAX on Saturday. I splurged a little as I don't usually spend that much for a movie!
What I liked: The cinematography, costumes, special effects and 3D were amazing. Peter Jackson does a great job capturing the essence of the books. The characters were endearing and scary and fun. Very cool.
What I didn't like: No closure. Like most folks, I am disappointed that they split this out into three movies. Oh well. I will read The Hobbit to find out how the story ends. I will have to wait for the other movies. It is my understanding that they also included some stuff from other books as well as The Hobbit. We will see how that works out.
I give this movie three bear paws. See it on the big screen!
*************************
u r a bcog u r fawm Now believe it!
Sunday, December 16, 2012
We are talking GREAT
Our Daily Bread
When looking for a car or SUV, I prefer one that uses regular unleaded gas. I think it takes better engineering to get the performance I want without using high test. Regular is for me!
You may wonder what the heck that has to do with the devotional. It is a stretch, but there is a point. When it comes to joy, I want the premium unleaded! We are talking GREAT joy! It is the joy that came down on Christmas morning. The joy the angels sang about. The joy that made animals, shepherds, wise men and kings take notice. Tidings, I say! Tidings of GREAT joy!
I started this entry today with the story about gasoline. Please think about GREAT job each time you fill up your tank. No regular joy for us! We have GREAT joy!
Lord, your love came down at Christmas in the form of your Son. Glory to God in the highest!
Psalm Sunday
I love reading reading the psalms. That is why I picked this idea for Sundays! Psalm 73 is another beautiful "human emotions" psalm. It expresses what each of us feels when we look around us. The important part is not to stop at verse 22. Read verses 23 - 28 again. I love verse 28 - "it is good to be near God". Wow!
Psalm 73
A psalm of Asaph.
1 Surely God is good to Israel,
to those who are pure in heart.
2 But as for me, my feet had almost slipped;
I had nearly lost my foothold.
3 For I envied the arrogant
when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.
4 They have no struggles;
their bodies are healthy and strong.
5 They are free from common human burdens;
they are not plagued by human ills.
6 Therefore pride is their necklace;
they clothe themselves with violence.
7 From their callous hearts comes iniquity;
their evil imaginations have no limits.
8 They scoff, and speak with malice;
with arrogance they threaten oppression.
9 Their mouths lay claim to heaven,
and their tongues take possession of the earth.
10 Therefore their people turn to them
and drink up waters in abundance.
11 They say, “How would God know?
Does the Most High know anything?”
12 This is what the wicked are like—
always free of care, they go on amassing wealth.
13 Surely in vain I have kept my heart pure
and have washed my hands in innocence.
14 All day long I have been afflicted,
and every morning brings new punishments.
15 If I had spoken out like that,
I would have betrayed your children.
16 When I tried to understand all this,
it troubled me deeply
17 till I entered the sanctuary of God;
then I understood their final destiny.
18 Surely you place them on slippery ground;
you cast them down to ruin.
19 How suddenly are they destroyed,
completely swept away by terrors!
20 They are like a dream when one awakes;
when you arise, Lord,
you will despise them as fantasies.
21 When my heart was grieved
and my spirit embittered,
22 I was senseless and ignorant;
I was a brute beast before you.
23 Yet I am always with you;
you hold me by my right hand.
24 You guide me with your counsel,
and afterward you will take me into glory.
25 Whom have I in heaven but you?
And earth has nothing I desire besides you.
26 My flesh and my heart may fail,
but God is the strength of my heart
and my portion forever.
27 Those who are far from you will perish;
you destroy all who are unfaithful to you.
28 But as for me, it is good to be near God.
I have made the Sovereign Lord my refuge;
I will tell of all your deeds.
**********************************
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit - Romans 15:13
Then Jesus said, “Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?” John 11:40
When looking for a car or SUV, I prefer one that uses regular unleaded gas. I think it takes better engineering to get the performance I want without using high test. Regular is for me!
You may wonder what the heck that has to do with the devotional. It is a stretch, but there is a point. When it comes to joy, I want the premium unleaded! We are talking GREAT joy! It is the joy that came down on Christmas morning. The joy the angels sang about. The joy that made animals, shepherds, wise men and kings take notice. Tidings, I say! Tidings of GREAT joy!
I started this entry today with the story about gasoline. Please think about GREAT job each time you fill up your tank. No regular joy for us! We have GREAT joy!
Lord, your love came down at Christmas in the form of your Son. Glory to God in the highest!
Psalm Sunday
I love reading reading the psalms. That is why I picked this idea for Sundays! Psalm 73 is another beautiful "human emotions" psalm. It expresses what each of us feels when we look around us. The important part is not to stop at verse 22. Read verses 23 - 28 again. I love verse 28 - "it is good to be near God". Wow!
Psalm 73
A psalm of Asaph.
1 Surely God is good to Israel,
to those who are pure in heart.
2 But as for me, my feet had almost slipped;
I had nearly lost my foothold.
3 For I envied the arrogant
when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.
4 They have no struggles;
their bodies are healthy and strong.
5 They are free from common human burdens;
they are not plagued by human ills.
6 Therefore pride is their necklace;
they clothe themselves with violence.
7 From their callous hearts comes iniquity;
their evil imaginations have no limits.
8 They scoff, and speak with malice;
with arrogance they threaten oppression.
9 Their mouths lay claim to heaven,
and their tongues take possession of the earth.
10 Therefore their people turn to them
and drink up waters in abundance.
11 They say, “How would God know?
Does the Most High know anything?”
12 This is what the wicked are like—
always free of care, they go on amassing wealth.
13 Surely in vain I have kept my heart pure
and have washed my hands in innocence.
14 All day long I have been afflicted,
and every morning brings new punishments.
15 If I had spoken out like that,
I would have betrayed your children.
16 When I tried to understand all this,
it troubled me deeply
17 till I entered the sanctuary of God;
then I understood their final destiny.
18 Surely you place them on slippery ground;
you cast them down to ruin.
19 How suddenly are they destroyed,
completely swept away by terrors!
20 They are like a dream when one awakes;
when you arise, Lord,
you will despise them as fantasies.
21 When my heart was grieved
and my spirit embittered,
22 I was senseless and ignorant;
I was a brute beast before you.
23 Yet I am always with you;
you hold me by my right hand.
24 You guide me with your counsel,
and afterward you will take me into glory.
25 Whom have I in heaven but you?
And earth has nothing I desire besides you.
26 My flesh and my heart may fail,
but God is the strength of my heart
and my portion forever.
27 Those who are far from you will perish;
you destroy all who are unfaithful to you.
28 But as for me, it is good to be near God.
I have made the Sovereign Lord my refuge;
I will tell of all your deeds.
**********************************
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit - Romans 15:13
Then Jesus said, “Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?” John 11:40
Saturday, December 15, 2012
Wouldn't know how to act
Our Daily Bread
When I was younger, my friends and I would fantasize about going to some fancy movie premier so we could rub elbows with famous people. We would finally shrug it off and say "I guess I wouldn't know how to act!"
I thought about this story while reading the devotional. Many non-Christians (and some Christians) wonder why we should bother living a godly life. Why should we give up all of that fun? We could be partying and carousing and all the other "pleasures" of this world if we wanted. We could always ask forgiveness later, right? Despite several theological issues with this approach to life that I won't address today, there is a huge reason to live a godly life -- I am practicing for my life ever after in heaven! Just like we can train and practice to know how to act at a fancy restaurant or event, we need to practice being godly so we know how to act for eternity!
Lord, thank you for teaching us how to live. Please help us know how to act!
Simply Saturday
Story
A friend posted a story on Facebook this week that means a lot to me. I do not know the original source. I hope you enjoy the story too.
A young man was getting ready to graduate from college. For many months he had admired a beautiful sport car in a dealer showroom, and knowing his father could well afford it, he told him that was all he wanted.
As Graduation Day approaches, the young man awaited signs that his father had purchased the car.. Finally, on the morning of his graduation, his father called him into his private study. His father told him how proud he was to have such a fine son, and told him how much he loved him.
He handed his son a beautiful wrapped gift box. Curious, but somewhat disappointed, the young man opened the box and found a lovely, leather-bound Bible, with the young man's name embossed in gold.
Angrily, he raised his voice to his father and said, "With all your money you give me a Bible? "and stormed out of the house, leaving the Bible.
Many years passed and the young man was very successful in business. He had a beautiful home and wonderful family, but realized his father was very old and thought perhaps he should go to him. He had not seen Him since that graduation day. But before he could make arrangements, he received a telegram telling him his father had passed away, and willed all of his possessions to his son. He needed to come home immediately and take care of things.
When he arrived at his father's house, sudden sadness and regret filled his heart. He began to search through his father's important papers and saw the still new Bible, just as he had left it years ago.
With tears, he opened the Bible and began to turn the pages. His father had carefully underlined a verse, Matt 7:11 ,
"And if ye, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more shall your Heavenly Father which is in Heaven, give to those who ask Him?" As he read those words, a car key dropped from the back of the Bible. It had a tag with the dealers name, the same dealer who had the sports car he had
desired.. On the tag was the date of his graduation, and the words...
PAID IN FULL.
MORAL LESSON:
How many times do we miss God's blessings because they are not packaged as we expected?
A PRAYER FOR YOU!
May you never miss God's Christmas gift for you just because its not wrapped and packed as you expect it.
*****************************
Trusting God’s faithfulness dispels our fearfulness. - Our Daily Bread web site
When I was younger, my friends and I would fantasize about going to some fancy movie premier so we could rub elbows with famous people. We would finally shrug it off and say "I guess I wouldn't know how to act!"
I thought about this story while reading the devotional. Many non-Christians (and some Christians) wonder why we should bother living a godly life. Why should we give up all of that fun? We could be partying and carousing and all the other "pleasures" of this world if we wanted. We could always ask forgiveness later, right? Despite several theological issues with this approach to life that I won't address today, there is a huge reason to live a godly life -- I am practicing for my life ever after in heaven! Just like we can train and practice to know how to act at a fancy restaurant or event, we need to practice being godly so we know how to act for eternity!
Lord, thank you for teaching us how to live. Please help us know how to act!
Simply Saturday
Story
A friend posted a story on Facebook this week that means a lot to me. I do not know the original source. I hope you enjoy the story too.
A young man was getting ready to graduate from college. For many months he had admired a beautiful sport car in a dealer showroom, and knowing his father could well afford it, he told him that was all he wanted.
As Graduation Day approaches, the young man awaited signs that his father had purchased the car.. Finally, on the morning of his graduation, his father called him into his private study. His father told him how proud he was to have such a fine son, and told him how much he loved him.
He handed his son a beautiful wrapped gift box. Curious, but somewhat disappointed, the young man opened the box and found a lovely, leather-bound Bible, with the young man's name embossed in gold.
Angrily, he raised his voice to his father and said, "With all your money you give me a Bible? "and stormed out of the house, leaving the Bible.
Many years passed and the young man was very successful in business. He had a beautiful home and wonderful family, but realized his father was very old and thought perhaps he should go to him. He had not seen Him since that graduation day. But before he could make arrangements, he received a telegram telling him his father had passed away, and willed all of his possessions to his son. He needed to come home immediately and take care of things.
When he arrived at his father's house, sudden sadness and regret filled his heart. He began to search through his father's important papers and saw the still new Bible, just as he had left it years ago.
With tears, he opened the Bible and began to turn the pages. His father had carefully underlined a verse, Matt 7:11 ,
"And if ye, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more shall your Heavenly Father which is in Heaven, give to those who ask Him?" As he read those words, a car key dropped from the back of the Bible. It had a tag with the dealers name, the same dealer who had the sports car he had
desired.. On the tag was the date of his graduation, and the words...
PAID IN FULL.
MORAL LESSON:
How many times do we miss God's blessings because they are not packaged as we expected?
A PRAYER FOR YOU!
May you never miss God's Christmas gift for you just because its not wrapped and packed as you expect it.
*****************************
Trusting God’s faithfulness dispels our fearfulness. - Our Daily Bread web site
Friday, December 14, 2012
No clue
Our Daily Bread
Some people think I am very smart. Boy, do I have them fooled! Well, I am sort of smart is some areas of my life. I am sooooo stupid in other areas. When a friend asked me for relationship advice, I just laughed and said "You are asking me? I have no frickin' clue!". ha!
Unfortunately, I also don't have a clue about how God works sometimes. No clue at all. I try to make things happen, usually good things, with my own plans and schemes instead of letting God work in his time. Do we understand how God works? Do we really understand who God is and what he has done (the passages from Job in the devotional). We think we know a lot, but we have no clue!
Lord, thank you for being so patient with us. Please help us get a clue and wait for things in your time!
Foodie Friday
I have my church dinner group Sunday night. I offered to make a side dish. If I don't hear any specific requests from the hosts, I think I will make this holiday casserole. I needed something without cheese since we have one person that doesn't like cheese. Here is the holiday vegetable casserole recipe I found. I will probably use a larger package of mixed veggies.
HOLIDAY CASSEROLE
Printed from COOKS.COM
1 brown onion
1 small package of mixed vegetables
1 cup sour cream
2 cups, seasoned croutons
1 can cream of mushroom/chicken soup
4 tablespoons of butter
Chop the onion into small pieces, sautee the onion and mixed veggies with
2 tablespoons of butter, put into 1 1/2 quart casserole dish. Use the
remaining butter and sautee half of the croutons. Add to onion and veggie
mixture.
Add cream of mushroom/chicken soup and sour cream, Mix well. Saute
the remaining croutons and pour over the top of the casserole.
Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes or until it starts to bubble.
Take out and enjoy.
Serves 8.
Submitted by: Delvonna
****************************
Let go, my friends! God will be there to catch you and hold you in his loving arms!
Some people think I am very smart. Boy, do I have them fooled! Well, I am sort of smart is some areas of my life. I am sooooo stupid in other areas. When a friend asked me for relationship advice, I just laughed and said "You are asking me? I have no frickin' clue!". ha!
Unfortunately, I also don't have a clue about how God works sometimes. No clue at all. I try to make things happen, usually good things, with my own plans and schemes instead of letting God work in his time. Do we understand how God works? Do we really understand who God is and what he has done (the passages from Job in the devotional). We think we know a lot, but we have no clue!
Lord, thank you for being so patient with us. Please help us get a clue and wait for things in your time!
Foodie Friday
I have my church dinner group Sunday night. I offered to make a side dish. If I don't hear any specific requests from the hosts, I think I will make this holiday casserole. I needed something without cheese since we have one person that doesn't like cheese. Here is the holiday vegetable casserole recipe I found. I will probably use a larger package of mixed veggies.
HOLIDAY CASSEROLE
Printed from COOKS.COM
1 brown onion
1 small package of mixed vegetables
1 cup sour cream
2 cups, seasoned croutons
1 can cream of mushroom/chicken soup
4 tablespoons of butter
Chop the onion into small pieces, sautee the onion and mixed veggies with
2 tablespoons of butter, put into 1 1/2 quart casserole dish. Use the
remaining butter and sautee half of the croutons. Add to onion and veggie
mixture.
Add cream of mushroom/chicken soup and sour cream, Mix well. Saute
the remaining croutons and pour over the top of the casserole.
Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes or until it starts to bubble.
Take out and enjoy.
Serves 8.
Submitted by: Delvonna
****************************
Let go, my friends! God will be there to catch you and hold you in his loving arms!
Wednesday, December 12, 2012
Not afraid to cry
Our Daily Bread
I found a silly birthday card last year. I haven't had the guts to give it to anyone yet. On the outside it says: Be careful if a guy comes up to you while you are out celebrating your birthday and says "I am not afraid to cry". On the inside it says "Good, because I am not afraid to hurt you!". Wow! I thought about sending it to an old flame, but that didn't seem appropriate!
Many things in our lives can cause us to tear up. I know I hate those Hallmark special commercials on TV! I am a tender-hearted bear that is touched by these special programs. When it comes to more serious things that cause tears, it is good to know that tears are just an earthly phenomenon! When we are with God, there will be no more tears. No more sorrow. We will be with him in his glory! Amazing!
Lord, thank you for your promise of no more tears!
Wellness Wednesday
Emotional wellness during the holidays
I had several friends talk to me about how difficult the holidays are for them because of the loss of friends and family. I, too, have experienced the loss of several folks that I used to spend time with during the holidays. I want to offer a few things that might possibly help.
1. Acknowledge your feelings. Knowing yourself and your feelings is the first step to emotional wellness during the holidays.
2. Talk about your feelings with friends who can relate. Almost everyone has experienced loss. Talk to some close friends or a religious leader about it.
3. Do you best to deal with the feelings and move on. I am not suggesting "forget about the folks you miss". I am saying that the feelings do not have to debilitate you during the holidays or any other time of the year. You are strong. You can deal with this successfully and in a healthy manner!
4. Acknowledge and keep special traditions. I try to do some of the same things each year that I did with my grandparents. The things include making homemade buckeyes with the family recipe. Using my grandmother's recipe when I bake a ham or make mashed potatoes. I also think of my grandfather whenever I see a bag of mixed nuts. We used to pick out the hazelnuts, crack them and eat them together. Remember the special times and share them with other friends and family.
You can do this. Have a healthy holiday season!
*****************************************
Let go, my friends! God will be there to catch you and hold you in his loving arms!
I found a silly birthday card last year. I haven't had the guts to give it to anyone yet. On the outside it says: Be careful if a guy comes up to you while you are out celebrating your birthday and says "I am not afraid to cry". On the inside it says "Good, because I am not afraid to hurt you!". Wow! I thought about sending it to an old flame, but that didn't seem appropriate!
Many things in our lives can cause us to tear up. I know I hate those Hallmark special commercials on TV! I am a tender-hearted bear that is touched by these special programs. When it comes to more serious things that cause tears, it is good to know that tears are just an earthly phenomenon! When we are with God, there will be no more tears. No more sorrow. We will be with him in his glory! Amazing!
Lord, thank you for your promise of no more tears!
Wellness Wednesday
Emotional wellness during the holidays
I had several friends talk to me about how difficult the holidays are for them because of the loss of friends and family. I, too, have experienced the loss of several folks that I used to spend time with during the holidays. I want to offer a few things that might possibly help.
1. Acknowledge your feelings. Knowing yourself and your feelings is the first step to emotional wellness during the holidays.
2. Talk about your feelings with friends who can relate. Almost everyone has experienced loss. Talk to some close friends or a religious leader about it.
3. Do you best to deal with the feelings and move on. I am not suggesting "forget about the folks you miss". I am saying that the feelings do not have to debilitate you during the holidays or any other time of the year. You are strong. You can deal with this successfully and in a healthy manner!
4. Acknowledge and keep special traditions. I try to do some of the same things each year that I did with my grandparents. The things include making homemade buckeyes with the family recipe. Using my grandmother's recipe when I bake a ham or make mashed potatoes. I also think of my grandfather whenever I see a bag of mixed nuts. We used to pick out the hazelnuts, crack them and eat them together. Remember the special times and share them with other friends and family.
You can do this. Have a healthy holiday season!
*****************************************
Let go, my friends! God will be there to catch you and hold you in his loving arms!
Tuesday, December 11, 2012
Be there
Our Daily Bread
I was talking to a new friend a few months ago. He is straight. I am not. As we talked about many topics over the course of two evenings riding a transportation van, we started talking about dating. After a few quips and quotes and stories, I told him: "Use this line, but only if you mean it. 'I am honest and emotionally available'" He thought about it for a minute and agreed that it was a great saying, but only if you meant it!
The devotional reminded me of the many times that I am not "available" to others. I think we all use the excuse "I am soooo busy, I can't fit in even one more activity!". We often let our misaligned priorities keep us from helping and blessing others and ourselves! Will we be there for our friends and families and even the strangers that God wants us to serve?
I am reminded of a song called Lead Me by Sanctus Real
I look around and see my wonderful life
Almost perfect from the outside
In picture frames, I see my beautiful wife
Always smiling, but on the inside
Oh, I can hear her saying
Lead me with strong hands
Stand up when I can't
Don't leave me hungry for love
Chasing dreams, but what about us?
Show me you're willing to fight
That I'm still the love of your life
I know we call this our home
But I still feel alone
I see their faces, look in their innocent eyes
They're just children from the outside
I'm working hard, I tell myself they'll be fine
They're independent, but on the inside
Oh, I can hear them saying
[From: http://www.elyrics.net]
Lead me with strong hands
Stand up when I can't
Don't leave me hungry for love
Chasing dreams, what about us?
Show me you're willing to fight
That I'm still the love of your life
I know we call this our home
But I still feel alone
So Father, give me the strength
To be everything I'm called to be
Oh Father, show me the way
To lead them
Won't You lead me?
To lead them with strong hands
To stand up when they can't
Don't want to leave them hungry for love
Chasing things that I could give up
I'll show them I'm willing to fight
And give them the best of my life
So we can call this our home
Lead me 'cause I can't do this alone
Father, lead me 'cause I can't do this alone
Lord, please help us lead and show others your love!
Teaching Tuesday
I have to admit that I am behind in my EFM readings. :-( I will catch up this week. We have two weeks off for the holidays, but I want to read the two books below during that time! Here is our holiday reading list! Please remember I haven't read them yet so review them on Amazon.com or the book store before you purchase or borrow.
The Prayer that God Prays by Jim Rosemergy This is ia book about prayer and about the variety of forms and styles of prayer. A new friend recommended it to me.
My Utmost of His Highest by Oswald Chambers This is supposed to be a Christian classic. I am looking forward to reading it.
**********************************
We too can know this God and be assured of His presence. He has revealed Himself in His creation and in His Word. As we ask Him to make Himself known to us, we’ll learn that He is even more than the owner and creator of everything! - Our Daily Bread web site
I was talking to a new friend a few months ago. He is straight. I am not. As we talked about many topics over the course of two evenings riding a transportation van, we started talking about dating. After a few quips and quotes and stories, I told him: "Use this line, but only if you mean it. 'I am honest and emotionally available'" He thought about it for a minute and agreed that it was a great saying, but only if you meant it!
The devotional reminded me of the many times that I am not "available" to others. I think we all use the excuse "I am soooo busy, I can't fit in even one more activity!". We often let our misaligned priorities keep us from helping and blessing others and ourselves! Will we be there for our friends and families and even the strangers that God wants us to serve?
I am reminded of a song called Lead Me by Sanctus Real
I look around and see my wonderful life
Almost perfect from the outside
In picture frames, I see my beautiful wife
Always smiling, but on the inside
Oh, I can hear her saying
Lead me with strong hands
Stand up when I can't
Don't leave me hungry for love
Chasing dreams, but what about us?
Show me you're willing to fight
That I'm still the love of your life
I know we call this our home
But I still feel alone
I see their faces, look in their innocent eyes
They're just children from the outside
I'm working hard, I tell myself they'll be fine
They're independent, but on the inside
Oh, I can hear them saying
[From: http://www.elyrics.net]
Lead me with strong hands
Stand up when I can't
Don't leave me hungry for love
Chasing dreams, what about us?
Show me you're willing to fight
That I'm still the love of your life
I know we call this our home
But I still feel alone
So Father, give me the strength
To be everything I'm called to be
Oh Father, show me the way
To lead them
Won't You lead me?
To lead them with strong hands
To stand up when they can't
Don't want to leave them hungry for love
Chasing things that I could give up
I'll show them I'm willing to fight
And give them the best of my life
So we can call this our home
Lead me 'cause I can't do this alone
Father, lead me 'cause I can't do this alone
Lord, please help us lead and show others your love!
Teaching Tuesday
I have to admit that I am behind in my EFM readings. :-( I will catch up this week. We have two weeks off for the holidays, but I want to read the two books below during that time! Here is our holiday reading list! Please remember I haven't read them yet so review them on Amazon.com or the book store before you purchase or borrow.
The Prayer that God Prays by Jim Rosemergy This is ia book about prayer and about the variety of forms and styles of prayer. A new friend recommended it to me.
My Utmost of His Highest by Oswald Chambers This is supposed to be a Christian classic. I am looking forward to reading it.
**********************************
We too can know this God and be assured of His presence. He has revealed Himself in His creation and in His Word. As we ask Him to make Himself known to us, we’ll learn that He is even more than the owner and creator of everything! - Our Daily Bread web site
Monday, December 10, 2012
Directions
Our Daily Bread
I haven't said it for a while, but I am always amazed with the Our Daily Bread site has just the right devotional for me at the time! It is like they are looking in a crystal ball and seeing what I need to hear before they write it! We all know it is the Holy Spirit that does the leading, not a crystal ball. It still amazes me how God good is!
I am like the guy in the devotional -- I don't like to ask for directions. I have gotten better over the years as I use the maps app on my phone a lot. I also purchased a GPS unit for my car since I don't always like using my phone for directions. The GPS unit was a great deal at Costco, but I digress! ;-) I can also relate to the stubbornness of trying to live my life by my own GPS instead of God's direction. It causes me so much angst and needless suffering when I go it alone.
How about you? Can we let God lead?
Lord, thank you for being our life GPS if we will just let you!
Movie Monday
I didn't have a chance to see a movie at the theater this week. I relaxed at home and watched Universal Soldier on Bluray. I bought the disk for $6 the weekend after Thanksgiving! Woohooo! I liked this movie for several reasons, not the least is seeing hunky men scantily clad! I liked the plot as well. Van Damme and Lundgren make a great good vs evil conflict! If you haven't seen it for a while, rent it. It is still pretty good!
I give this movie two bear paws. Only available for rent or purchase.
******************************************
Let go, my friends! God will be there to catch you and hold you in his loving arms!
I haven't said it for a while, but I am always amazed with the Our Daily Bread site has just the right devotional for me at the time! It is like they are looking in a crystal ball and seeing what I need to hear before they write it! We all know it is the Holy Spirit that does the leading, not a crystal ball. It still amazes me how God good is!
I am like the guy in the devotional -- I don't like to ask for directions. I have gotten better over the years as I use the maps app on my phone a lot. I also purchased a GPS unit for my car since I don't always like using my phone for directions. The GPS unit was a great deal at Costco, but I digress! ;-) I can also relate to the stubbornness of trying to live my life by my own GPS instead of God's direction. It causes me so much angst and needless suffering when I go it alone.
How about you? Can we let God lead?
Lord, thank you for being our life GPS if we will just let you!
Movie Monday
I didn't have a chance to see a movie at the theater this week. I relaxed at home and watched Universal Soldier on Bluray. I bought the disk for $6 the weekend after Thanksgiving! Woohooo! I liked this movie for several reasons, not the least is seeing hunky men scantily clad! I liked the plot as well. Van Damme and Lundgren make a great good vs evil conflict! If you haven't seen it for a while, rent it. It is still pretty good!
I give this movie two bear paws. Only available for rent or purchase.
******************************************
Let go, my friends! God will be there to catch you and hold you in his loving arms!
Sunday, December 9, 2012
Best gift
Our Daily Bread
When my ex-partner's niece and nephew got too old to buy that special present each year, it was suggested that we just give them gift cards. I had the same problem with my family. They wanted gift cards. I made a deal -- if we give gift cards, then we must spend time with them spending them! The gift of time on both parts was so much more meaningful than the gift cards!
God did the same thing for us. He just didn't send a "gift card". He send his own Son. He sent the gift of his presence on earth in human form. What an amazing gift! Love came down to earth. God is with us.
God wants to be with us today if we will just let him. Won't you accept his gift today?
Lord, thank you for your amazing gift! Please warm our hearts to accept and love you!
Psalm Sunday
Let's look at Psalm 72 this week. This is another prayer for the king. In our case, can we pray for our leaders in this manner? I especially like verse 4.
Psalm 72
Of Solomon.
1 Endow the king with your justice, O God,
the royal son with your righteousness.
2 May he judge your people in righteousness,
your afflicted ones with justice.
3 May the mountains bring prosperity to the people,
the hills the fruit of righteousness.
4 May he defend the afflicted among the people
and save the children of the needy;
may he crush the oppressor.
5 May he endure as long as the sun,
as long as the moon, through all generations.
6 May he be like rain falling on a mown field,
like showers watering the earth.
7 In his days may the righteous flourish
and prosperity abound till the moon is no more.
8 May he rule from sea to sea
and from the River to the ends of the earth.
9 May the desert tribes bow before him
and his enemies lick the dust.
10 May the kings of Tarshish and of distant shores
bring tribute to him.
May the kings of Sheba and Seba
present him gifts.
11 May all kings bow down to him
and all nations serve him.
12 For he will deliver the needy who cry out,
the afflicted who have no one to help.
13 He will take pity on the weak and the needy
and save the needy from death.
14 He will rescue them from oppression and violence,
for precious is their blood in his sight.
15 Long may he live!
May gold from Sheba be given him.
May people ever pray for him
and bless him all day long.
16 May grain abound throughout the land;
on the tops of the hills may it sway.
May the crops flourish like Lebanon
and thrive like the grass of the field.
17 May his name endure forever;
may it continue as long as the sun.
Then all nations will be blessed through him,
and they will call him blessed.
18 Praise be to the Lord God, the God of Israel,
who alone does marvelous deeds.
19 Praise be to his glorious name forever;
may the whole earth be filled with his glory.
Amen and Amen.
20 This concludes the prayers of David son of Jesse.
******************************
Then Jesus said, “Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?” John 11:40
When my ex-partner's niece and nephew got too old to buy that special present each year, it was suggested that we just give them gift cards. I had the same problem with my family. They wanted gift cards. I made a deal -- if we give gift cards, then we must spend time with them spending them! The gift of time on both parts was so much more meaningful than the gift cards!
God did the same thing for us. He just didn't send a "gift card". He send his own Son. He sent the gift of his presence on earth in human form. What an amazing gift! Love came down to earth. God is with us.
God wants to be with us today if we will just let him. Won't you accept his gift today?
Lord, thank you for your amazing gift! Please warm our hearts to accept and love you!
Psalm Sunday
Let's look at Psalm 72 this week. This is another prayer for the king. In our case, can we pray for our leaders in this manner? I especially like verse 4.
Psalm 72
Of Solomon.
1 Endow the king with your justice, O God,
the royal son with your righteousness.
2 May he judge your people in righteousness,
your afflicted ones with justice.
3 May the mountains bring prosperity to the people,
the hills the fruit of righteousness.
4 May he defend the afflicted among the people
and save the children of the needy;
may he crush the oppressor.
5 May he endure as long as the sun,
as long as the moon, through all generations.
6 May he be like rain falling on a mown field,
like showers watering the earth.
7 In his days may the righteous flourish
and prosperity abound till the moon is no more.
8 May he rule from sea to sea
and from the River to the ends of the earth.
9 May the desert tribes bow before him
and his enemies lick the dust.
10 May the kings of Tarshish and of distant shores
bring tribute to him.
May the kings of Sheba and Seba
present him gifts.
11 May all kings bow down to him
and all nations serve him.
12 For he will deliver the needy who cry out,
the afflicted who have no one to help.
13 He will take pity on the weak and the needy
and save the needy from death.
14 He will rescue them from oppression and violence,
for precious is their blood in his sight.
15 Long may he live!
May gold from Sheba be given him.
May people ever pray for him
and bless him all day long.
16 May grain abound throughout the land;
on the tops of the hills may it sway.
May the crops flourish like Lebanon
and thrive like the grass of the field.
17 May his name endure forever;
may it continue as long as the sun.
Then all nations will be blessed through him,
and they will call him blessed.
18 Praise be to the Lord God, the God of Israel,
who alone does marvelous deeds.
19 Praise be to his glorious name forever;
may the whole earth be filled with his glory.
Amen and Amen.
20 This concludes the prayers of David son of Jesse.
******************************
Then Jesus said, “Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?” John 11:40
Saturday, December 8, 2012
Goodness
Our Daily Bread
So I have a silly joke with my friends since I am not always a patient person. I say jokingly "I am tapping my foot patiently"! If you think about it, you really can't tap your foot patiently. It is only my feeble attempt to be patient about something. Heavy sigh...
Some people think that God "taps his foot patiently" with us, always on us the second we screw up. Personally, I don't believe that. I think that God lets us do the things we do, then we enjoy the blessings of being obedient or the wages of our sins. That is not the case all the time, like in the case of Job. God let Satan do what he would to Job because God was so confident in Job's faith. God sometimes allows things to happen to us to test our faith. Notice that I said "allows" and not "causes". That is an important distinction.
During this holiday season, emotions can run high and amplify the good and the bad. Trust God always. Remember Christ IS the reason for the season!
Lord, thank you for your goodness and patience with us. Please help us follow your will as best we can.
Simply Saturday
Giving up or Letting go?
There are times in our lives that we just get tired. We get tired of certain situations that we seem powerless to deal with or to change. Like I said above, emotions can run high during the holiday season. Those additional feelings aside, how do you know when you are giving up or letting go?
Have you ever had a situation in your life that you were soooooo very sure of that you kept having faith and believing in what you thought was God's promise? You believed even though friends thought you were stupid for trusting and believing so much. Ministers judged you for being things you were not (like a little crazy). Being judged is not fun at any level.
I am feeling like I should be letting go now. I have been pretty good about using my stubbornness for believing in God and having faith in his promises. I have to admit that I did not discern the situation correctly. I have to admit that I need to deal with the feelings and wages of my sin. So, as always, I will focus on the positive. I will let go. It is not giving up.
Here is a song that means a lot to me. I hope you enjoy the lyrics as well.
Healing Begins by Tenth Avenue North
So you thought you had to keep this up
All the work that you do
So we think that you're good
And you can't believe it's not enough
All the walls you built up
Are just glass on the outside
So let 'em fall down
There's freedom waiting in the sound
When you let your walls fall to the ground
We're here now
This is where the healing begins, oh
This is where the healing starts
When you come to where you're broken within
The light meets the dark
The light meets the dark
Afraid to let your secrets out
Everything that you hide
Can come crashing through the door now
But too scared to face all your fear
So you hide but you find
That the shame won't disappear
[ From: http://www.elyrics.net ]
So let it fall down
There's freedom waiting in the sound
When you let your walls fall to the ground
We're here now
We're here now, oh
This is where the healing begins, oh
This is where the healing starts
When you come to where you're broken within
The light meets the dark
The light meets the dark
Sparks will fly as grace collides
With the dark inside of us
So please don't fight
This coming light
Let this blood come cover us
His blood can cover us
This is where the healing begins, oh
This is where the healing starts
When you come to where you're broken within
The light meets the dark
The light meets the dark
************************
We are far from perfect, but despite our mistakes and our sins, we will never abandon the Lord and he will never abandon us - adapted from a statement about Abraham from the EfM Training Guide
So I have a silly joke with my friends since I am not always a patient person. I say jokingly "I am tapping my foot patiently"! If you think about it, you really can't tap your foot patiently. It is only my feeble attempt to be patient about something. Heavy sigh...
Some people think that God "taps his foot patiently" with us, always on us the second we screw up. Personally, I don't believe that. I think that God lets us do the things we do, then we enjoy the blessings of being obedient or the wages of our sins. That is not the case all the time, like in the case of Job. God let Satan do what he would to Job because God was so confident in Job's faith. God sometimes allows things to happen to us to test our faith. Notice that I said "allows" and not "causes". That is an important distinction.
During this holiday season, emotions can run high and amplify the good and the bad. Trust God always. Remember Christ IS the reason for the season!
Lord, thank you for your goodness and patience with us. Please help us follow your will as best we can.
Simply Saturday
Giving up or Letting go?
There are times in our lives that we just get tired. We get tired of certain situations that we seem powerless to deal with or to change. Like I said above, emotions can run high during the holiday season. Those additional feelings aside, how do you know when you are giving up or letting go?
Have you ever had a situation in your life that you were soooooo very sure of that you kept having faith and believing in what you thought was God's promise? You believed even though friends thought you were stupid for trusting and believing so much. Ministers judged you for being things you were not (like a little crazy). Being judged is not fun at any level.
I am feeling like I should be letting go now. I have been pretty good about using my stubbornness for believing in God and having faith in his promises. I have to admit that I did not discern the situation correctly. I have to admit that I need to deal with the feelings and wages of my sin. So, as always, I will focus on the positive. I will let go. It is not giving up.
Here is a song that means a lot to me. I hope you enjoy the lyrics as well.
Healing Begins by Tenth Avenue North
So you thought you had to keep this up
All the work that you do
So we think that you're good
And you can't believe it's not enough
All the walls you built up
Are just glass on the outside
So let 'em fall down
There's freedom waiting in the sound
When you let your walls fall to the ground
We're here now
This is where the healing begins, oh
This is where the healing starts
When you come to where you're broken within
The light meets the dark
The light meets the dark
Afraid to let your secrets out
Everything that you hide
Can come crashing through the door now
But too scared to face all your fear
So you hide but you find
That the shame won't disappear
[ From: http://www.elyrics.net ]
So let it fall down
There's freedom waiting in the sound
When you let your walls fall to the ground
We're here now
We're here now, oh
This is where the healing begins, oh
This is where the healing starts
When you come to where you're broken within
The light meets the dark
The light meets the dark
Sparks will fly as grace collides
With the dark inside of us
So please don't fight
This coming light
Let this blood come cover us
His blood can cover us
This is where the healing begins, oh
This is where the healing starts
When you come to where you're broken within
The light meets the dark
The light meets the dark
************************
We are far from perfect, but despite our mistakes and our sins, we will never abandon the Lord and he will never abandon us - adapted from a statement about Abraham from the EfM Training Guide
Friday, December 7, 2012
Not too young
Our Daily Bread
I remember an experience when I was a sophomore in high school. I was selected to be part of the University for Young Americans, a week long summer program held at Baldwin-Wallace College. We stayed on campus for a week and attended meetings about community and political topics. It was very interesting! I was the youngest participate, which was also very interesting. I was known for being the young guy that wasn't afraid to speak up!
Some things should carry over to the rest of your life! The boldness we can have as a youth should carry over to adulthood, but with some adjustments for maturity! Yes, I still speak out. I wish I wouldn't do it sometimes. I also wish I could be more loving while saying things. What about you?
Lord, thank you for using us at any age to accomplish your will!
Foodie Friday
I had a nice meal with a friend at Downtown Disney in Anaheim on Monday. We ate at a restaurant called Catal We had some tapas and appetizers. The bread was also very good. My buddy was very patient with me when we ordered stuff. I love his taste in food. He is a real foodie. I promised him that I would try new stuff and I did. The calamari dish was much better than any other calamai dish I had ever tasted. The lamb chorizo sausage was delicious. The funny part is that I ordered someting that sounded good, but it turned out to be pork rinds! Fancy ones, but they were still pork rinds!
I encourage you to try new stuff. You never know what you might like!
***************************
Let go, my friends! God will be there to catch you and hold you in his loving arms!
I remember an experience when I was a sophomore in high school. I was selected to be part of the University for Young Americans, a week long summer program held at Baldwin-Wallace College. We stayed on campus for a week and attended meetings about community and political topics. It was very interesting! I was the youngest participate, which was also very interesting. I was known for being the young guy that wasn't afraid to speak up!
Some things should carry over to the rest of your life! The boldness we can have as a youth should carry over to adulthood, but with some adjustments for maturity! Yes, I still speak out. I wish I wouldn't do it sometimes. I also wish I could be more loving while saying things. What about you?
Lord, thank you for using us at any age to accomplish your will!
Foodie Friday
I had a nice meal with a friend at Downtown Disney in Anaheim on Monday. We ate at a restaurant called Catal We had some tapas and appetizers. The bread was also very good. My buddy was very patient with me when we ordered stuff. I love his taste in food. He is a real foodie. I promised him that I would try new stuff and I did. The calamari dish was much better than any other calamai dish I had ever tasted. The lamb chorizo sausage was delicious. The funny part is that I ordered someting that sounded good, but it turned out to be pork rinds! Fancy ones, but they were still pork rinds!
I encourage you to try new stuff. You never know what you might like!
***************************
Let go, my friends! God will be there to catch you and hold you in his loving arms!
Thursday, December 6, 2012
Sweeter than honey
Our Daily Bread
I found out many years ago that I am diabetic. It runs very strong in my family. Like most things, I deal with it sometimes via humor. My aunt and I have a joke that the reason that I am diabetic is that I am just tooooo sweet! ha!
The devotional today is about something that David called "sweeter than honey" -- the laws of the Lord. The devotional did a great job explaining that most folks consider laws restrictive rather than "sweet". We have all kinds of laws in society, both written and unwritten. The laws of God are different. They free us! As the psalmist wrote in Psalm 19:7-11:
7 The law of the Lord is perfect,
refreshing the soul.
The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy,
making wise the simple.
8 The precepts of the Lord are right,
giving joy to the heart.
The commands of the Lord are radiant,
giving light to the eyes.
9 The fear of the Lord is pure,
enduring forever.
The decrees of the Lord are firm,
and all of them are righteous.
10 They are more precious than gold,
than much pure gold;
they are sweeter than honey,
than honey from the honeycomb.
11 By them your servant is warned;
in keeping them there is great reward.
Learning and keeping the law of the Lord frees us to be more like him!
Lord, thank you for your laws. Please help us understand and obey -- for our own good!
Technology Thursday
I subscribed to a TV service yesterday called Playon.tv (that is also the URL for the site). It is an interesting option for those of us that don't watch much TV and don't want to pay for cable. I am still testing it out since it has a thirty day money back guarantee. I bought the deal that has a Roku HD unit with it as well. The Roku HD unit streams video content from the Internet or from the Playon.tv server.
How does it work? You have to run a Playon.tv "server" on a Windows-based PC, which accesses the content and then streams it via your wireless network to your devices. By devices, I mean several different kinds including the devices like the Roku, several other media streaming devices and portable devices. I installed the playon.tv app on my iPad, then accessed some episodes of The Office. The video was very good. There are lots of choices for content, including accessing some of your paid content if you like. I am also going to check out using this to stream movies from my PC (since I don't have an Apple TV unit).
You can also configure the playon.tv server with your home network to allow accessing content remotely over the Internet. I am not sure I like that idea very much, but it might be an option sometime.
The playon.tv service has several pricing plans. They have a lifetime deal right now that is very attractive. Like I mentioned earlier, there is a 30 day money back guarantee if you are not satisfied. Check it out.
****************************
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit - Romans 15:13
I found out many years ago that I am diabetic. It runs very strong in my family. Like most things, I deal with it sometimes via humor. My aunt and I have a joke that the reason that I am diabetic is that I am just tooooo sweet! ha!
The devotional today is about something that David called "sweeter than honey" -- the laws of the Lord. The devotional did a great job explaining that most folks consider laws restrictive rather than "sweet". We have all kinds of laws in society, both written and unwritten. The laws of God are different. They free us! As the psalmist wrote in Psalm 19:7-11:
7 The law of the Lord is perfect,
refreshing the soul.
The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy,
making wise the simple.
8 The precepts of the Lord are right,
giving joy to the heart.
The commands of the Lord are radiant,
giving light to the eyes.
9 The fear of the Lord is pure,
enduring forever.
The decrees of the Lord are firm,
and all of them are righteous.
10 They are more precious than gold,
than much pure gold;
they are sweeter than honey,
than honey from the honeycomb.
11 By them your servant is warned;
in keeping them there is great reward.
Learning and keeping the law of the Lord frees us to be more like him!
Lord, thank you for your laws. Please help us understand and obey -- for our own good!
Technology Thursday
I subscribed to a TV service yesterday called Playon.tv (that is also the URL for the site). It is an interesting option for those of us that don't watch much TV and don't want to pay for cable. I am still testing it out since it has a thirty day money back guarantee. I bought the deal that has a Roku HD unit with it as well. The Roku HD unit streams video content from the Internet or from the Playon.tv server.
How does it work? You have to run a Playon.tv "server" on a Windows-based PC, which accesses the content and then streams it via your wireless network to your devices. By devices, I mean several different kinds including the devices like the Roku, several other media streaming devices and portable devices. I installed the playon.tv app on my iPad, then accessed some episodes of The Office. The video was very good. There are lots of choices for content, including accessing some of your paid content if you like. I am also going to check out using this to stream movies from my PC (since I don't have an Apple TV unit).
You can also configure the playon.tv server with your home network to allow accessing content remotely over the Internet. I am not sure I like that idea very much, but it might be an option sometime.
The playon.tv service has several pricing plans. They have a lifetime deal right now that is very attractive. Like I mentioned earlier, there is a 30 day money back guarantee if you are not satisfied. Check it out.
****************************
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit - Romans 15:13
Wednesday, December 5, 2012
Its nice to share
Our Daily Bread
I was reminded of another lesson I learned in Kindergarten: sharing. I admit that I was a spoiled brat when I sent to Kindergarten in North Ridgeville, Ohio. Oh my the stories my mother tells me! I was particularly bad at sharing at first. When I practiced and really understood the importance of sharing, I got to be pretty good at it.
Sharing the love of God is much the same way. At first, we can be shy or unsure or reluctant to share the love of God with others. With time and practice and understanding the importance of sharing God's love, we can get pretty good at it! Practice with some friends, then start slow. We can do this!
Lord, thank you for your love that is too amazing for us to keep to ourselves!
Wellness Wednesday
Travel Wellness
Finding balance when traveling for work or pleasure can be a challenge. We have a tendency to eat too much and exercise too little! Here are a few tips that I had reinforced over my long weekend trip:
As you can tell, you should have a good time! Following these suggestions can help you do this.
100 Simple Secrets of Happy People
Number 24: Do what you say you are going to do
It is important to be reliable. Experts agree that folks with purpose and integrity are happier in general. If you say you are going to do something, then do it!
***********************************
Let go, my friends! God will be there to catch you and hold you in his loving arms!
I was reminded of another lesson I learned in Kindergarten: sharing. I admit that I was a spoiled brat when I sent to Kindergarten in North Ridgeville, Ohio. Oh my the stories my mother tells me! I was particularly bad at sharing at first. When I practiced and really understood the importance of sharing, I got to be pretty good at it.
Sharing the love of God is much the same way. At first, we can be shy or unsure or reluctant to share the love of God with others. With time and practice and understanding the importance of sharing God's love, we can get pretty good at it! Practice with some friends, then start slow. We can do this!
Lord, thank you for your love that is too amazing for us to keep to ourselves!
Wellness Wednesday
Travel Wellness
Finding balance when traveling for work or pleasure can be a challenge. We have a tendency to eat too much and exercise too little! Here are a few tips that I had reinforced over my long weekend trip:
- Have a good time, but do your best to keep some normalcy. Completely changing your schedule or routine can make you feel out of sorts. Try to keep some kind of normalcy if at all possible.
- Have a good time, but don't eat everything in sight. I saw sooooo many treats when I was traveling over the weekend. I settled on a dark chocolate hot fudge sundae at Ghiradelli's and a nice Mickey Mouse ice cream bar during the course of the day at Disneyland. I ate fairly healthy at supper.
- Have a good time, but get some rest. Yes, I ran pretty hard over the weekend with my activities. I also allowed for rest time. It worked out well!
- Have a good time, but don't forget to exercise! Walk or something!
- Have a good time, but keep in touch with friends and family.
As you can tell, you should have a good time! Following these suggestions can help you do this.
100 Simple Secrets of Happy People
Number 24: Do what you say you are going to do
It is important to be reliable. Experts agree that folks with purpose and integrity are happier in general. If you say you are going to do something, then do it!
***********************************
Let go, my friends! God will be there to catch you and hold you in his loving arms!
Tuesday, December 4, 2012
Give more
Our Daily Bread
I was in a discussion recently where we discussed the 1% vs the poor folks in America. Someone chimed in that there shouldn't be a 1% at all. Personally, I thought that sounded like socialism, not Christianity (as demonstrated by the early church). I said that our Lord mentioned we would always have the poor with us. We just need to do a better job of providing for them!
That is the point of today's devotional -- we can't love without giving. We can't honestly stand up in church to read the scriptures or sing the songs without living those words! I know I need to do a better job!
Lord, thank you for your love. Please help us show it by helping those less fortunate.
Teaching Tuesday
I didn't take the time to read my lesson this week since I was not going to be in class tonight. It is supposed to be about the second part of the Exodus storry and the Law. Should be cool when I read it.
I learned some stuff about myself this weekend. God also used a new friend in my life to reinforce some things in my silly brain. I will see what happens next!
********************************
Let go, my friends! God will be there to catch you and hold you in his loving arms!
I was in a discussion recently where we discussed the 1% vs the poor folks in America. Someone chimed in that there shouldn't be a 1% at all. Personally, I thought that sounded like socialism, not Christianity (as demonstrated by the early church). I said that our Lord mentioned we would always have the poor with us. We just need to do a better job of providing for them!
That is the point of today's devotional -- we can't love without giving. We can't honestly stand up in church to read the scriptures or sing the songs without living those words! I know I need to do a better job!
Lord, thank you for your love. Please help us show it by helping those less fortunate.
Teaching Tuesday
I didn't take the time to read my lesson this week since I was not going to be in class tonight. It is supposed to be about the second part of the Exodus storry and the Law. Should be cool when I read it.
I learned some stuff about myself this weekend. God also used a new friend in my life to reinforce some things in my silly brain. I will see what happens next!
********************************
Let go, my friends! God will be there to catch you and hold you in his loving arms!
Monday, December 3, 2012
Don't belong here
Our Daily Bread
I went on a church retreat with some friends to St Louis many years ago. We stayed in a hotel and had our church retreat stuff throughout the day and early evening. It was nice. At night, some of us decided to walk around downtown St Louis. Yes, stupid young people walking around downtown St Louis AT NIGHT. At one point, I joked with my friends: "Even that ATM says 'you don't belong here. Go back to your hotel'"! ha!
This world is sort of like that for Christians. We belong here because God calls us to make heaven on earth according to His will. We do not belong here with all the hate and prejudice and worldliness that leads so many astray. We have a higher calling. Much higher!
Lord, thank you for giving us love and purpose. We love and praise you!
Movie Monday
I saw the movie Killing Them Softly yesterday. Yikes. I see a lot of movies. This was one of the worst ones I have seen in a while. It was very disappointing. There were one or two bright spots, but I won't spoil the movie for you if you can't resist seeing train wreck of a movie. Brad Pitt plays a hit man. James Gangolfini played another hit man. It was odd.
I give this movie one star only because of the one or two bright spots. May not even be worth seeing on Netflix.
**********************************
u r a bcog u r fawm now believe it
I went on a church retreat with some friends to St Louis many years ago. We stayed in a hotel and had our church retreat stuff throughout the day and early evening. It was nice. At night, some of us decided to walk around downtown St Louis. Yes, stupid young people walking around downtown St Louis AT NIGHT. At one point, I joked with my friends: "Even that ATM says 'you don't belong here. Go back to your hotel'"! ha!
This world is sort of like that for Christians. We belong here because God calls us to make heaven on earth according to His will. We do not belong here with all the hate and prejudice and worldliness that leads so many astray. We have a higher calling. Much higher!
Lord, thank you for giving us love and purpose. We love and praise you!
Movie Monday
I saw the movie Killing Them Softly yesterday. Yikes. I see a lot of movies. This was one of the worst ones I have seen in a while. It was very disappointing. There were one or two bright spots, but I won't spoil the movie for you if you can't resist seeing train wreck of a movie. Brad Pitt plays a hit man. James Gangolfini played another hit man. It was odd.
I give this movie one star only because of the one or two bright spots. May not even be worth seeing on Netflix.
**********************************
u r a bcog u r fawm now believe it
Sunday, December 2, 2012
Hope for the hopeless
Our Daily Bread
If you have ever read this blog before, you know I can be a silly old bear. After one particularly fun evening of singing and laughing and teasing, one friend said "You are hopeless!". I guess I am in that context!
In the context of being "hopeless" in life, I know I am not. Jesus Christ is the hope and light in my life. He has been since I was eight years old. Like many folks, I have had my spiritual ups and downs through my life. One thing has remained constant -- the love of God. During this Advent season leading up to Christmas, please always remember the hope of this world. He can give you hope in yours, too!
Lord, you are the source of all hope. Thank you!
Psalm Sunday
Let's look at Psalm 72 today. It sounds like a prayer for a king (or leader). I wonder what would happen if we prayed this prayer for our leaders?
1 Endow the king with your justice, O God,
the royal son with your righteousness.
2 May he judge your people in righteousness,
your afflicted ones with justice.
3 May the mountains bring prosperity to the people,
the hills the fruit of righteousness.
4 May he defend the afflicted among the people
and save the children of the needy;
may he crush the oppressor.
5 May he endure[a] as long as the sun,
as long as the moon, through all generations.
6 May he be like rain falling on a mown field,
like showers watering the earth.
7 In his days may the righteous flourish
and prosperity abound till the moon is no more.
8 May he rule from sea to sea
and from the River[b] to the ends of the earth.
9 May the desert tribes bow before him
and his enemies lick the dust.
10 May the kings of Tarshish and of distant shores
bring tribute to him.
May the kings of Sheba and Seba
present him gifts.
11 May all kings bow down to him
and all nations serve him.
12 For he will deliver the needy who cry out,
the afflicted who have no one to help.
13 He will take pity on the weak and the needy
and save the needy from death.
14 He will rescue them from oppression and violence,
for precious is their blood in his sight.
15 Long may he live!
May gold from Sheba be given him.
May people ever pray for him
and bless him all day long.
16 May grain abound throughout the land;
on the tops of the hills may it sway.
May the crops flourish like Lebanon
and thrive[c] like the grass of the field.
17 May his name endure forever;
may it continue as long as the sun.
Then all nations will be blessed through him,[d]
and they will call him blessed.
18 Praise be to the Lord God, the God of Israel,
who alone does marvelous deeds.
19 Praise be to his glorious name forever;
may the whole earth be filled with his glory.
Amen and Amen.
20 This concludes the prayers of David son of Jesse.
**************************************
Let go, my friends! God will be there to catch you and hold you in his loving arms!
If you have ever read this blog before, you know I can be a silly old bear. After one particularly fun evening of singing and laughing and teasing, one friend said "You are hopeless!". I guess I am in that context!
In the context of being "hopeless" in life, I know I am not. Jesus Christ is the hope and light in my life. He has been since I was eight years old. Like many folks, I have had my spiritual ups and downs through my life. One thing has remained constant -- the love of God. During this Advent season leading up to Christmas, please always remember the hope of this world. He can give you hope in yours, too!
Lord, you are the source of all hope. Thank you!
Psalm Sunday
Let's look at Psalm 72 today. It sounds like a prayer for a king (or leader). I wonder what would happen if we prayed this prayer for our leaders?
Psalm 72
Of Solomon.1 Endow the king with your justice, O God,
the royal son with your righteousness.
2 May he judge your people in righteousness,
your afflicted ones with justice.
3 May the mountains bring prosperity to the people,
the hills the fruit of righteousness.
4 May he defend the afflicted among the people
and save the children of the needy;
may he crush the oppressor.
5 May he endure[a] as long as the sun,
as long as the moon, through all generations.
6 May he be like rain falling on a mown field,
like showers watering the earth.
7 In his days may the righteous flourish
and prosperity abound till the moon is no more.
8 May he rule from sea to sea
and from the River[b] to the ends of the earth.
9 May the desert tribes bow before him
and his enemies lick the dust.
10 May the kings of Tarshish and of distant shores
bring tribute to him.
May the kings of Sheba and Seba
present him gifts.
11 May all kings bow down to him
and all nations serve him.
12 For he will deliver the needy who cry out,
the afflicted who have no one to help.
13 He will take pity on the weak and the needy
and save the needy from death.
14 He will rescue them from oppression and violence,
for precious is their blood in his sight.
15 Long may he live!
May gold from Sheba be given him.
May people ever pray for him
and bless him all day long.
16 May grain abound throughout the land;
on the tops of the hills may it sway.
May the crops flourish like Lebanon
and thrive[c] like the grass of the field.
17 May his name endure forever;
may it continue as long as the sun.
Then all nations will be blessed through him,[d]
and they will call him blessed.
18 Praise be to the Lord God, the God of Israel,
who alone does marvelous deeds.
19 Praise be to his glorious name forever;
may the whole earth be filled with his glory.
Amen and Amen.
20 This concludes the prayers of David son of Jesse.
**************************************
Let go, my friends! God will be there to catch you and hold you in his loving arms!
Saturday, December 1, 2012
Mindful
Our Daily Bread
I am sure someone special to you has dragged you to a dopey romantic movie where one character with tears in his eyes says "I don't matter to you at all, do I?" Tears...and not just on the screen!
I am not sure everyone has felt this way at least once in their lives or not. I know I have. During times like this, I remember scripture passages about how much God loves us. Have you ever really thought about it? We matter to the God who made the ENTIRE UNIVERSE! WOW! OMG! Or, as I start to create new slang like TYG! Thank you God! Yes! I know sometimes it is hard to keep this in mind when we are tired or lonely or thinking about someone we care about. God is there for us during those times as well. He is there. Will you call on him today?
Lord, Thank you for being mindful of us. Please help us to always be mindful and thankful.
Simply Saturday
I am using one of the things I am seeing at Universal Studios Hollywood today as the them of my blog entry. Let's talk about the Transformers! ;-)
We want to be Autobots. These are the good guys. They usually do the right thing even though they can be a little ornery at times! I think that is the way God sort of intended us to be -- good inside and out. He transforms us into better people (vs better machines). Notice I said "instead of machines". Some folks think that we have no "free will". God pre-destined each of us to be who we are and do what we do. I don't think so. I will write about my beliefs some other time.
Too many times, we give in to our human nature and act like Decepticons. Those are the bad robots that sort of look cool when they are common trucks and cars and stuff. We can be like that, even as Christians. We can look fine and sort of Godly on the outside, but we transform at times into the evil charac ter. I nicknamed my character "MegaJerk" (instead of Megatron). Yes, I can be that way. I hate to admit it, but I have to be honest when writing stuff like this.
So God is trying to make us all into real, Godly humans. We are not bots of any kind. We have a choice in how we act. We are not perfect. With God's help, we can act more like Jesus more and more each day. That would be cool!
********************************
u r a bcog u r fawm now believe it!
I am sure someone special to you has dragged you to a dopey romantic movie where one character with tears in his eyes says "I don't matter to you at all, do I?" Tears...and not just on the screen!
I am not sure everyone has felt this way at least once in their lives or not. I know I have. During times like this, I remember scripture passages about how much God loves us. Have you ever really thought about it? We matter to the God who made the ENTIRE UNIVERSE! WOW! OMG! Or, as I start to create new slang like TYG! Thank you God! Yes! I know sometimes it is hard to keep this in mind when we are tired or lonely or thinking about someone we care about. God is there for us during those times as well. He is there. Will you call on him today?
Lord, Thank you for being mindful of us. Please help us to always be mindful and thankful.
Simply Saturday
I am using one of the things I am seeing at Universal Studios Hollywood today as the them of my blog entry. Let's talk about the Transformers! ;-)
We want to be Autobots. These are the good guys. They usually do the right thing even though they can be a little ornery at times! I think that is the way God sort of intended us to be -- good inside and out. He transforms us into better people (vs better machines). Notice I said "instead of machines". Some folks think that we have no "free will". God pre-destined each of us to be who we are and do what we do. I don't think so. I will write about my beliefs some other time.
Too many times, we give in to our human nature and act like Decepticons. Those are the bad robots that sort of look cool when they are common trucks and cars and stuff. We can be like that, even as Christians. We can look fine and sort of Godly on the outside, but we transform at times into the evil charac ter. I nicknamed my character "MegaJerk" (instead of Megatron). Yes, I can be that way. I hate to admit it, but I have to be honest when writing stuff like this.
So God is trying to make us all into real, Godly humans. We are not bots of any kind. We have a choice in how we act. We are not perfect. With God's help, we can act more like Jesus more and more each day. That would be cool!
********************************
u r a bcog u r fawm now believe it!
Friday, November 30, 2012
Total faith
Our Daily Bread
I remember an old joke about a farmer and his wife discussing dinner. "What do you want for dinner, honey?" said the wife. The husband said "I am not sure. Beef, pork, chicken. I could kill a fresh chicken, I guess. I am uncommitted at this point". The wife said sweetly "Yes, but the chicken is "all-in" and committed if you pick him!" I think that sounded funnier in my head. ;-p
The point of the story is commitment. The story in the devotional is about having total faith in God We are not talking about the partial, go-to-church-on-Sunday-and-do-what-you-want-during-the-week type of faith. We are talking about being "all-in" where everything in your life is based on your faith in God! Wow! I don't have that. I am working on it! How about you?
Lord, you are faithful to us if we just trust you. We thank you and praise you!
Foodie Friday
I tried making pulled this week. It was OK. I want to try some other recipes. I think the pork part turned out pretty good. I wasn't happy with the BBQ sauce I got at Costco. Oh well. Here is the recipe I used.
Slow Cooker Texas Style Pulled Pork
INGREDIENTS:
1 teaspoon vegetable oil
1 (4 pound) pork shoulder roast
1 cup barbeque sauce
1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/4 cup light brown sugar
1 tablespoon prepared yellow mustard
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 extra large onion, chopped
2 large cloves garlic, crushed
1 1/2 teaspoons dried thyme
8 hamburger buns, split
2 tablespoons butter, or as needed
DIRECTIONS:
1. Pour the vegetable oil into the bottom of a slow cooker. Place the pork roast into the slow cooker; pour in the barbecue sauce, apple cider vinegar, and chicken broth. Stir in the brown sugar, yellow mustard, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, onion, garlic, and thyme. Cover and cook on High until the roast shreds easily with a fork, 5 to 6 hours.
2. Remove the roast from the slow cooker, and shred the meat using two forks. Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker, and stir the meat into the juices.
3. Spread the inside of both halves of hamburger buns with butter. Toast the buns, butter side down, in a skillet over medium heat until golden brown. Spoon pork into the toasted buns.
*******************************************
We are far from perfect, but despite our mistakes and our sins, we will never abandon the Lord and he will never abandon us - adapted from a statement about Abraham from the EfM Training Guide
I remember an old joke about a farmer and his wife discussing dinner. "What do you want for dinner, honey?" said the wife. The husband said "I am not sure. Beef, pork, chicken. I could kill a fresh chicken, I guess. I am uncommitted at this point". The wife said sweetly "Yes, but the chicken is "all-in" and committed if you pick him!" I think that sounded funnier in my head. ;-p
The point of the story is commitment. The story in the devotional is about having total faith in God We are not talking about the partial, go-to-church-on-Sunday-and-do-what-you-want-during-the-week type of faith. We are talking about being "all-in" where everything in your life is based on your faith in God! Wow! I don't have that. I am working on it! How about you?
Lord, you are faithful to us if we just trust you. We thank you and praise you!
Foodie Friday
I tried making pulled this week. It was OK. I want to try some other recipes. I think the pork part turned out pretty good. I wasn't happy with the BBQ sauce I got at Costco. Oh well. Here is the recipe I used.
Slow Cooker Texas Style Pulled Pork
INGREDIENTS:
1 teaspoon vegetable oil
1 (4 pound) pork shoulder roast
1 cup barbeque sauce
1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/4 cup light brown sugar
1 tablespoon prepared yellow mustard
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 extra large onion, chopped
2 large cloves garlic, crushed
1 1/2 teaspoons dried thyme
8 hamburger buns, split
2 tablespoons butter, or as needed
DIRECTIONS:
1. Pour the vegetable oil into the bottom of a slow cooker. Place the pork roast into the slow cooker; pour in the barbecue sauce, apple cider vinegar, and chicken broth. Stir in the brown sugar, yellow mustard, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, onion, garlic, and thyme. Cover and cook on High until the roast shreds easily with a fork, 5 to 6 hours.
2. Remove the roast from the slow cooker, and shred the meat using two forks. Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker, and stir the meat into the juices.
3. Spread the inside of both halves of hamburger buns with butter. Toast the buns, butter side down, in a skillet over medium heat until golden brown. Spoon pork into the toasted buns.
*******************************************
We are far from perfect, but despite our mistakes and our sins, we will never abandon the Lord and he will never abandon us - adapted from a statement about Abraham from the EfM Training Guide
Thursday, November 29, 2012
Stirred, but not shaken
Our Daily Bread
I love James Bond movies. The latest one, Skyfall, was very good in my opinion. I wrote about it a couple of weeks ago. The best part is that I got to see it for free! Woohooo! One of his signature lines is "Shaken, not stirred" when ordering his martinis. I propose a different saying for Christians: "Stirred, not shaken"!
I derived this from the scripture passage in Psalm 112. Verses 6 -7 say:
6 Surely the righteous will never be shaken;
they will be remembered forever.
7 They will have no fear of bad news;
their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the Lord.
Wow! Never be shaken! I want to live like that! How about you?
Lord, thank you for your steadfast love and faithfulness. Please help us never be shaken, but rather stirred by your Holy Spirit!
Technology Thursday
Here is some miscellaneous stuff from the technology world:
Apple releases new iMacs tomorrow
Apple will start selling its ultra-thin iMac tomorrow in the 21.5" version. The 27" version will be available next month. If you haven't seen a picture of it yet, take a look at this:
It is amazingly thin! Lots of power, too! Lots of cash, too! I am not sure it is worth it to get such an elegant machine for two or three times the price of a Windows machine, but it would be tempting! I guess I will have to pass since I didn't win the lottery!
Samsung Galaxy Tabs being discontinued?
My best friend caught a great sale on the Galaxy Tab 10.1 last weekend. I am not sure if they are discontinuing that model because they came out with the Galaxy Note 10.1 or what is going on. Friends who waited to buy one after the weekend had trouble finding them at the low price. BTW, my best friend loves the device!
Hands on iPad Mini
My hands shook. My eyes marveled. I held one of the iPad Minis yesterday. Wow. I think it is the perfect device for me. It is a little larger than other small tablets I have used, but lighter. It felt good in my hand, like I could read or surf the web with it. Wow! Would I buy myself one? Nah. I will wait for the retinal display model to come out next year. It sort of looked like a large iPhone 4S with a faster processor! ha! I really like it though. I can see one in my future. I don't really like my Google Nexus 7 tablet ;-(
*******************************
Trusting God’s faithfulness dispels our fearfulness. - Our Daily Bread web site
I love James Bond movies. The latest one, Skyfall, was very good in my opinion. I wrote about it a couple of weeks ago. The best part is that I got to see it for free! Woohooo! One of his signature lines is "Shaken, not stirred" when ordering his martinis. I propose a different saying for Christians: "Stirred, not shaken"!
I derived this from the scripture passage in Psalm 112. Verses 6 -7 say:
6 Surely the righteous will never be shaken;
they will be remembered forever.
7 They will have no fear of bad news;
their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the Lord.
Wow! Never be shaken! I want to live like that! How about you?
Lord, thank you for your steadfast love and faithfulness. Please help us never be shaken, but rather stirred by your Holy Spirit!
Technology Thursday
Here is some miscellaneous stuff from the technology world:
Apple releases new iMacs tomorrow
Apple will start selling its ultra-thin iMac tomorrow in the 21.5" version. The 27" version will be available next month. If you haven't seen a picture of it yet, take a look at this:
It is amazingly thin! Lots of power, too! Lots of cash, too! I am not sure it is worth it to get such an elegant machine for two or three times the price of a Windows machine, but it would be tempting! I guess I will have to pass since I didn't win the lottery!
Samsung Galaxy Tabs being discontinued?
My best friend caught a great sale on the Galaxy Tab 10.1 last weekend. I am not sure if they are discontinuing that model because they came out with the Galaxy Note 10.1 or what is going on. Friends who waited to buy one after the weekend had trouble finding them at the low price. BTW, my best friend loves the device!
Hands on iPad Mini
My hands shook. My eyes marveled. I held one of the iPad Minis yesterday. Wow. I think it is the perfect device for me. It is a little larger than other small tablets I have used, but lighter. It felt good in my hand, like I could read or surf the web with it. Wow! Would I buy myself one? Nah. I will wait for the retinal display model to come out next year. It sort of looked like a large iPhone 4S with a faster processor! ha! I really like it though. I can see one in my future. I don't really like my Google Nexus 7 tablet ;-(
*******************************
Trusting God’s faithfulness dispels our fearfulness. - Our Daily Bread web site
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
Know it all
Our Daily Bread
OK, I will admit it. I can be sort of a jerk sometimes because I can be a know it all kind of guy. As I say "I am sort of smart". Probably more of a smart a$$!
The apostle Paul seems to be smarter than I will ever be. He was educated in many things as well as an expert in the Torah. He was the cream of the crop of young Hebrews in his day. Yet he wrote about his material things and all the other things in his life
"But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. 8 What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith. " Phil 3:7-9
So no matter what "garbage" I obtain in this life. No matter how many degrees or certifications I earn. The only knowledge that really that really matters is knowing Christ!
Lord, thank you for letting us know you!
Wellness Wednesday
Just breathe
I like scanning the Healthy Living section of the Huffington Post (new.aol.com). I ran across the article on "mindful breathing" the other day. It is consistent with several other approaches to meditation and breathing-type activities like tai chi. Check it out and do some mindful breathing. It was a good reminder for me!
Secret number 23 from 100 Simple Secrets of Happy People
Don't let your religious beliefs fade.
I liked number 23! ;-) I know it is sort of cliche to get more religious as we get older, but doing so has been very good for me in so many ways. A young friend joked "I guess you would get closer to God when you are older since you will be seeing him soon!". I never liked him... ;-p Have a relationship with God gives us a sense of purpose and a lifestyle that is the best thing for us. I highly recommend it!
********************************
We too can know this God and be assured of His presence. He has revealed Himself in His creation and in His Word. As we ask Him to make Himself known to us, we’ll learn that He is even more than the owner and creator of everything! - Our Daily Bread web site
OK, I will admit it. I can be sort of a jerk sometimes because I can be a know it all kind of guy. As I say "I am sort of smart". Probably more of a smart a$$!
The apostle Paul seems to be smarter than I will ever be. He was educated in many things as well as an expert in the Torah. He was the cream of the crop of young Hebrews in his day. Yet he wrote about his material things and all the other things in his life
"But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. 8 What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith. " Phil 3:7-9
So no matter what "garbage" I obtain in this life. No matter how many degrees or certifications I earn. The only knowledge that really that really matters is knowing Christ!
Lord, thank you for letting us know you!
Wellness Wednesday
Just breathe
I like scanning the Healthy Living section of the Huffington Post (new.aol.com). I ran across the article on "mindful breathing" the other day. It is consistent with several other approaches to meditation and breathing-type activities like tai chi. Check it out and do some mindful breathing. It was a good reminder for me!
Secret number 23 from 100 Simple Secrets of Happy People
Don't let your religious beliefs fade.
I liked number 23! ;-) I know it is sort of cliche to get more religious as we get older, but doing so has been very good for me in so many ways. A young friend joked "I guess you would get closer to God when you are older since you will be seeing him soon!". I never liked him... ;-p Have a relationship with God gives us a sense of purpose and a lifestyle that is the best thing for us. I highly recommend it!
********************************
We too can know this God and be assured of His presence. He has revealed Himself in His creation and in His Word. As we ask Him to make Himself known to us, we’ll learn that He is even more than the owner and creator of everything! - Our Daily Bread web site
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