Procrastinators by nature

Our Daily Bread
I believe human beings are procrastinators by nature. Yes, even disciplined and over-achieving folks like me always have something they are putting off. My nemesis right now is getting some pictures framed. Whew. I bought frames and have had the pictures for two years.  Oh boy...  I guess I need to listen to the sermon from yesterday and "Just do it!".  LOL

Even if given a deadline, we will often try to get an extension, like on our taxes, a scholarship applications, etc. Christ calls us constantly if we do not have a relationship with him. He wants to know us. To make our lives purposeful. To help us love ourselves by loving others. Let us not procrastinate about that one!  May the Lord be with us!

Movie Monday
I didn't make it to the movies again this week. What is up with that!?!  LOL Not much on that I haven't seen or want to see, I guess.  Sooooo, I watched Netflix again.  This week is:

Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2
How cute was this movie!  Very cute! Loved the creativity with creating and naming the food animals on the island. The story line was pretty easy to follow (I think most folks saw the bad guy right away). It talked about the importance of family and friends (and for my friend Dana), fishing!

I give this move three bear paws.

The Dark Truth
This one caught my attention because of the cast: Andy Garcia and Forrest Whittaker. Great movie about the fight against private companies buying the water rights to for an entire country. Very well done. There is some shocking violence at the beginning.

I give this move three bear paws.

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We know we were made for so much more than ordinary lives
Its time for us to more than just survive
We were made to thrive
- Thrive by Casting Crowns

Proverbs 22

Proverbs 22New International Version (NIV)

22 A good name is more desirable than great riches;
    to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.

2 Rich and poor have this in common:
    The Lord is the Maker of them all.

3 The prudent see danger and take refuge,
    but the simple keep going and pay the penalty.

4 Humility is the fear of the Lord;
    its wages are riches and honor and life.

5 In the paths of the wicked are snares and pitfalls,
    but those who would preserve their life stay far from them.

6 Start children off on the way they should go,
    and even when they are old they will not turn from it.

7 The rich rule over the poor,
    and the borrower is slave to the lender.

8 Whoever sows injustice reaps calamity,
    and the rod they wield in fury will be broken.

9 The generous will themselves be blessed,
    for they share their food with the poor.

10 Drive out the mocker, and out goes strife;
    quarrels and insults are ended.

11 One who loves a pure heart and who speaks with grace
    will have the king for a friend.

12 The eyes of the Lord keep watch over knowledge,
    but he frustrates the words of the unfaithful.

13 The sluggard says, “There’s a lion outside!
    I’ll be killed in the public square!”

14 The mouth of an adulterous woman is a deep pit;
    a man who is under the Lord’s wrath falls into it.

15 Folly is bound up in the heart of a child,
    but the rod of discipline will drive it far away.

16 One who oppresses the poor to increase his wealth
    and one who gives gifts to the rich—both come to poverty.

Thirty Sayings of the Wise

Saying 1

17 Pay attention and turn your ear to the sayings of the wise;
    apply your heart to what I teach,
18 for it is pleasing when you keep them in your heart
    and have all of them ready on your lips.
19 So that your trust may be in the Lord,
    I teach you today, even you.
20 Have I not written thirty sayings for you,
    sayings of counsel and knowledge,
21 teaching you to be honest and to speak the truth,
    so that you bring back truthful reports
    to those you serve?

Saying 2

22 Do not exploit the poor because they are poor
    and do not crush the needy in court,
23 for the Lord will take up their case
    and will exact life for life.

Saying 3

24 Do not make friends with a hot-tempered person,
    do not associate with one easily angered,
25 or you may learn their ways
    and get yourself ensnared.

Saying 4

26 Do not be one who shakes hands in pledge
    or puts up security for debts;
27 if you lack the means to pay,
    your very bed will be snatched from under you.

Saying 5

28 Do not move an ancient boundary stone
    set up by your ancestors.

Saying 6

29 Do you see someone skilled in their work?
    They will serve before kings;
    they will not serve before officials of low rank.

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We know we were made for so much more than ordinary lives
Its time for us to more than just survive
We were made to thrive
- Thrive by Casting Crowns

It only hurts when I breathe

It only hurts when I breathe

I thought a lot about pain this week as I have been having issues with a tooth. It seems to hurt all the time, even after picking up pain meds at the pharmacy and taking them in a timely manner. I started thinking about folks who might experience pain like this, or much worse, on a daily basis. A life of pain. I started to be a little more understanding of others. Empathy I think they call it!  LOL

I am sure you have heard the common saying "don't judge a man until you walked a mile in his shoes". I have large feet, so I don't think I want to do that!  hahaha  I suggest that we don't judge the man or woman even AFTER we walk a mile in his or her shoes!

I feel like a wimp in some ways because this tooth isn't healing up correctly. I have a follow up call with my dentist today and a follow up visit on Sunday. We are afraid the inflammation in the broken tooth could be affecting the teeth around it.

So after reading a great article on FB this week, I am NOT going to say "everything happens for a reason". I had a discussion about this with some friends a few months back.  The reason a lot of us experience unpleasant thing is because we make bad decisions. I begged a friend who consistently makes very bad decisions to really think about his life and what he could do with it.  I love him dearly, however I hate hearing the broken record about his horrible life (filled with horribleness from making bad decisions).  We can only pray at times.

The bottom line: no matter what you are going through -- keep your eyes, heart, mind, soul focused on our Almighty God.  May the Lord be with us!

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We know we were made for so much more than ordinary lives
Its time for us to more than just survive
We were made to thrive
- Thrive by Casting Crowns

Love! Valor! Compassion

Our Daily Bread
Love! Valor!  Compassion is an LGBT movie that I learned about several years ago. It is about a group of gay guys who are very close friends. The movie takes place at a weekend home that they all enjoy together. One of the couples has been together a very long time (by gay or straight standards). At one point, one of them states "Being a role model can be so stressful..."  LOL

In today's society where heroes are raised up only to be shamed down, it can be very stressful to be a role model. We see it almost every day now -- respected conservative Christian political leader having an affair with an intern, a restaurant spokesperson who inspired thousands to eat better and lose weight accused of having child pornography, and ministers and priests sexually abusing children. Where have our heroes gone? He lived, died on the cross, and then rose again to be our ultimate hero. His name is Jesus Christ. May we look to him always. May he be with us each day.

Foodie Friday
Another post with random thoughts. That is how my mind has been working this week with my dental issues and ensuing pain. Whew...

A dear friend gave me one of my favorite things: salt potatoes! These salty, buttery potato chunks remind me so very much of my grandmother's dinner table. My grandfather (and I) loved potatoes cooked this way. Nice memories.

Soft food to eat when you have dental issues: ripe bananas, chicken noodle soup, Ensure, protein drinks, chocolate pudding and Greek yogurt are what I have been living on the end of this week. The pain is finally starting to subside a little bit. I hope it goes away completely this weekend. Whew.

Because of the dental issues, I haven't been cooking much. I hope to change that when it heals up.

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We know we were made for so much more than ordinary lives
Its time for us to more than just survive
We were made to thrive
- Thrive by Casting Crowns

Routine

Our Daily Bread
I have a tendency to compartmentalize certain routine tasks so I don't have to think about them. I do t his with my morning routine most days. When I shave. When I put on deodorant. When I pick up my clothes. When I make up my bed. If I get out of my routine, I have to THINK about doing these things.  Does that make sense?

There are good things and bad things about making our spiritual lives "routine". Yes, it is good to have a regular Bible study and prayer life. It is good to have routine things such as serving others at the homeless shelter or having a meal with friends (stuff I do). It is bad if we just go through the motions. Being in the routine of including Christ in all parts of our lives is the point Paul was making in 1 Cor. 9:26 niv  God give us purpose and focus. May the Lord be with us!


Technology Thursday
Some random technology thoughts today.

Drones: lots of stories about drones in the news. As the common man starts using them more and more, there will be more and more stupid things done with them. IMHO, there needs to be clearer rules about how they should be used and how the common person can protect himself/herself. An example is a case in Kentucky where a camera drone was flying very low over two families homes where teenage girls happened to be sun bathing. What a coincidence. When a father shot down the drone, the police arrested him due to some FAA rule about shooting down an "air craft". He also shot off a gun in city limits. What can we do?

Watches: there is another watch war going on since the Apple Watch came out. There are advantages and disadvantages to both iOS and Android watches. Then there is the Pebble Time that can work with either OS.  Interesting.

Computers: Does anyone buy desktop or laptop computers any more? Yes, if nothing else because the high end tablets have gotten so expensive! The Microsoft Surface bills itself as a laptop replacement, but costs more than most laptops. We will see what the market says about that.


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We know we were made for so much more than ordinary lives
Its time for us to more than just survive
We were made to thrive
- Thrive by Casting Crowns

More words

Our Daily Bread

The theme of words came up again in the devotional. The world seems to think "it's only words" while the Bible warns us in Proverbs about the power of words. Like have been reading about that in my Sunday posts!  

As a song says, Words can build us up and words can tear us down. What words will we choose today?

Wellness Wednesday 

The only thing I could think of to write about was taking care of yourself in relationships. As a Christian I find this find this difficult at times. Let's pray for each other that we can love others as God would have us do and find the boundaries of staying healthy. 

Difficult times

Our Daily Bread
I read two stories today about trials. First, a buddy of mine had his car break down on his way to work. To make things worse, the AAA truck that was supposed to tow him also broke down! He joked "I quit asking what else could go wrong!".  Then I read the story about Jimmy Carter teaching Sunday School in a small church a few days after finding out he had brain cancer.  Seriously? What an amazing man!

We all have different ways of reacting to difficult times. We can brave it out and trust in God. We can mourn and feel sorry for ourselves. We can be angry and lash out. I always think of the trials of Job in the Old Testament when I read passages like this.

Whenever we cry out against God or question him, he gently reminds us who he is and what he does for his children. He is always with us. If God feels distant, it is us who have moved away!

Build those trust-muscles. May the Lord be with us!


Teaching Tuesday
I regret to say that I haven't done much spiritual reading this summer. I started a new job and have been reading a lot of technical documentation.  If I were completely honest with myself, I would have to admit that I have been spending too much time with Netflix and not enough time with CS Lewis!  Oh well. EFM and preaching class start in a few weeks. I will try to get a head start on those books.


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We know we were made for so much more than ordinary lives
Its time for us to more than just survive
We were made to thrive
- Thrive by Casting Crowns

Presence, not presents

Our Daily Bread
I have always wondered two things: why I have gone through so many medical issues in my life and why God spared me through them all.  The devotional this morning reminded me of the answers to those questions.

God allow things to happen to us, IMHO, so we can grow closer to him and so we can share that faith with others. I have been fortunate to share my experiences with many friends over the years. I like to visit the hospital, send cards, call or text, and spend time with spouses/partners during the illness or death. It is what I do. I thank God for the training and privilege.

What has God lead you to do that may not even realize?  May the Lord be with us!

Movie Monday
There wasn't much on at the movie this weekend, so I watched a few movies on Netflix. I also bought a new Bluray at Meijer.

Animal House
Yes, Animal House on Bluray was on sale at Meijer. It was so much fun watching this old classic again. Soooo many laughs.  This movie is coming up on its 40th anniversary in a few years!  Wow, am I old!

Patchtown
This was a horribly odd train wreck of a movie musical.  Yes, I said musical.  It is about a fictional place where babies are born in cabbage patches and frozen in to dolls for little girls to buy all over the world.  OMG... It was bad, but I couldn't take my eyes of it.  Don't waste your time with it like I did. The one bright spot was the wife had a beautiful voice.

I give this one 1/2 bear paw.  Run away!

Otherworld
This was a scifi kind of movie. Not too bad. Good guys. Bad guys.  Not too bad to watch.

I give this one two bear paws.

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We know we were made for so much more than ordinary lives
Its time for us to more than just survive
We were made to thrive
- Thrive by Casting Crowns

Proverbs 21

Proverbs 21New International Version (NIV)

21 In the Lord’s hand the king’s heart is a stream of water
    that he channels toward all who please him.

2 A person may think their own ways are right,
    but the Lord weighs the heart.

3 To do what is right and just
    is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.

4 Haughty eyes and a proud heart—
    the unplowed field of the wicked—produce sin.

5 The plans of the diligent lead to profit
    as surely as haste leads to poverty.

6 A fortune made by a lying tongue
    is a fleeting vapor and a deadly snare.[a]

7 The violence of the wicked will drag them away,
    for they refuse to do what is right.

8 The way of the guilty is devious,
    but the conduct of the innocent is upright.

9 Better to live on a corner of the roof
    than share a house with a quarrelsome wife.

10 The wicked crave evil;
    their neighbors get no mercy from them.

11 When a mocker is punished, the simple gain wisdom;
    by paying attention to the wise they get knowledge.

12 The Righteous One[b] takes note of the house of the wicked
    and brings the wicked to ruin.

13 Whoever shuts their ears to the cry of the poor
    will also cry out and not be answered.

14 A gift given in secret soothes anger,
    and a bribe concealed in the cloak pacifies great wrath.

15 When justice is done, it brings joy to the righteous
    but terror to evildoers.

16 Whoever strays from the path of prudence
    comes to rest in the company of the dead.

17 Whoever loves pleasure will become poor;
    whoever loves wine and olive oil will never be rich.

18 The wicked become a ransom for the righteous,
    and the unfaithful for the upright.

19 Better to live in a desert
    than with a quarrelsome and nagging wife.

20 The wise store up choice food and olive oil,
    but fools gulp theirs down.

21 Whoever pursues righteousness and love
    finds life, prosperity[c] and honor.

22 One who is wise can go up against the city of the mighty
    and pull down the stronghold in which they trust.

23 Those who guard their mouths and their tongues
    keep themselves from calamity.

24 The proud and arrogant person—“Mocker” is his name—
    behaves with insolent fury.

25 The craving of a sluggard will be the death of him,
    because his hands refuse to work.
26 All day long he craves for more,
    but the righteous give without sparing.

27 The sacrifice of the wicked is detestable—
    how much more so when brought with evil intent!

28 A false witness will perish,
    but a careful listener will testify successfully.

29 The wicked put up a bold front,
    but the upright give thought to their ways.

30 There is no wisdom, no insight, no plan
    that can succeed against the Lord.

31 The horse is made ready for the day of battle,
    but victory rests with the Lord.

Footnotes:

1. Proverbs 21:6 Some Hebrew manuscripts, Septuagint and Vulgate; most Hebrew manuscripts vapor for those who seek death
2. Proverbs 21:12 Or The righteous person
3. Proverbs 21:21 Or righteousness

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We know we were made for so much more than ordinary lives
Its time for us to more than just survive
We were made to thrive
- Thrive by Casting Crowns