Our Daily Bread
It never, ever ceases to amaze me that the devotional speaks directly to this old bear almost every day! I was texting a friend about the topic of trust minutes before I read the devotional!
So what is "trust" and how do we develop it with someone? The dictionary defines trust as "Firm belief in the reliability, truth, ability, or strength of someone or something". From my experience, we develop trust in many ways including sight, sound, feelings, history and our "baggage". Some people can't trust at all after being "burned" many times. Some people trust a new friend explicitly right from the start. We use all the inputs about a person to determine if we can trust them.
I liked the point of the devotional -- trusting God to help us discern who we can trust. Wow! We know without a shadow of a doubt that we can trust God, don't we? Don't we? hehehe I can't hear you! Don't we? ;-p Through prayer and Bible study, we can figure out who to trust and how much.
I am determined to be the kind, trusting, loving man that God intends for me to be regardless of how others treat me in return. That doesn't mean that I have to grab and cuddle with the cactus people that can hurt me. I can forgive them and love them, but I do not have to hold them close.
Lord, help me to discern who I can really trust with my hopes and dreams and feelings.
Technology Thursday
The iPad3 announcement is March 7! Woohooo! I will write about it next Thursday. My best friend and I were joking that we are so excited and we don't know why! hehehe I plan to purchase an iPad3 as soon as I can. I plan to give my "hand me down" iPad to my best friend, who has wanted one for a while. We are going to keep it in the family! Apple might also announce a new Apple TV appliance. We will see.
I discovered and used a new iPhone app the past few weeks from Chase Bank. There is a feature in it that I find very, very handy -- depositing checks by taking pictures of the front and back and submitting them through the app! There are some specific steps you have to do to make it work and for Chase to accept the deposit. I used this feature twice in the past ten days. It worked great for me!
Other Stuff
I ran a errand, then took a short nap after work last night. I had a couple of conversations with mi tigre during the day. I also read more of my latest book, which is pretty short (119 pages). I might finish it tonight or tomorrow night. I have choir practice tonight. Should be fun.
Let go, my friends! God will be there to catch you and hold you in his loving arms!
Thursday, March 1, 2012
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
A new heart
Our Daily Bread
Nah, we don't need no stinkin' old nasty heart! We need a new heart! hehehe
I found the message in the devotional to be pretty basic in my understanding of being a child of God -- he gives us a new heart when we turn our old one over to him! The thing that surprised me is the scripture passage used to illustrate the point. It comes from the Old Testament! I thought a scripture passage quoting Jesus would have been the scripture passage. Check out Ezekiel 36:26-31
Do you see what happens as a result of God giving us a new heart? We change! We change from the inside out! How cool is that? We become his people when we allow him to give us a new heart and a new focus in life. A life of the beloved!
Lord, thank you for giving us a new heart if we will only ask!
Witness Wednesday
I started a new book last night called The Life of the Beloved. I will write more about it as I read it. It is short, so I will have it done next week. I love the premise of each child of God being "beloved" and that we should all claim that status each day. We have a saying at church for ourselves and for others when they are being difficult "Duane, you are God's beloved child in whom he is well pleased". It is hard to be mad at yourself or at another person when you frame things in that manner!
Other than that, I have thinking a lot about overcoming fear this week. I realized my fears were stifling some things in my life. I am working on releasing my fears over to God as I recognize them. My strategy is to pray about what my fears, then release them to God. The following saying is a big reason for me to do this:
"Have confidence in your relationships, and avoid suffocating people out of fear."
Wow! I am a confident, trusting person, almost to a fault. I have to be careful to not let fear keep me from being the person I need/want to be. I am praying about that...
Other Stuff
My best friend and I texted several times about the Apple announcement scheduled for next week. The news conference is supposed to be the announcement for the iPad3 tablet. We will see. My joke with him is: "I don't want rumors. I want hardware!". hehehe I plan to buy one. He will inherit my original iPad (keeping it in the family).
I ran an errand after work, then spent the evening at home. I had come nice conversations with mi tigre. Talked to my mother. I am going to visit her and my aunt on Saturday. I also returned some emails and did a few things around the house.
I think I worked out a little too hard yesterday. I am only doing my Bowflex routine today. Whew... I can tell a different in my body in less than two weeks on the Bowflex. I am excited about that.
I plan to read after work and before D1 class tonight. I might be able to finish the latest book. I have another one on my Kindle to read next. ;-p
Let go, my friends! God will be there to catch you and hold you in his loving arms!
Nah, we don't need no stinkin' old nasty heart! We need a new heart! hehehe
I found the message in the devotional to be pretty basic in my understanding of being a child of God -- he gives us a new heart when we turn our old one over to him! The thing that surprised me is the scripture passage used to illustrate the point. It comes from the Old Testament! I thought a scripture passage quoting Jesus would have been the scripture passage. Check out Ezekiel 36:26-31
Do you see what happens as a result of God giving us a new heart? We change! We change from the inside out! How cool is that? We become his people when we allow him to give us a new heart and a new focus in life. A life of the beloved!
Lord, thank you for giving us a new heart if we will only ask!
Witness Wednesday
I started a new book last night called The Life of the Beloved. I will write more about it as I read it. It is short, so I will have it done next week. I love the premise of each child of God being "beloved" and that we should all claim that status each day. We have a saying at church for ourselves and for others when they are being difficult "Duane, you are God's beloved child in whom he is well pleased". It is hard to be mad at yourself or at another person when you frame things in that manner!
Other than that, I have thinking a lot about overcoming fear this week. I realized my fears were stifling some things in my life. I am working on releasing my fears over to God as I recognize them. My strategy is to pray about what my fears, then release them to God. The following saying is a big reason for me to do this:
"Have confidence in your relationships, and avoid suffocating people out of fear."
Wow! I am a confident, trusting person, almost to a fault. I have to be careful to not let fear keep me from being the person I need/want to be. I am praying about that...
Other Stuff
My best friend and I texted several times about the Apple announcement scheduled for next week. The news conference is supposed to be the announcement for the iPad3 tablet. We will see. My joke with him is: "I don't want rumors. I want hardware!". hehehe I plan to buy one. He will inherit my original iPad (keeping it in the family).
I ran an errand after work, then spent the evening at home. I had come nice conversations with mi tigre. Talked to my mother. I am going to visit her and my aunt on Saturday. I also returned some emails and did a few things around the house.
I think I worked out a little too hard yesterday. I am only doing my Bowflex routine today. Whew... I can tell a different in my body in less than two weeks on the Bowflex. I am excited about that.
I plan to read after work and before D1 class tonight. I might be able to finish the latest book. I have another one on my Kindle to read next. ;-p
Let go, my friends! God will be there to catch you and hold you in his loving arms!
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
How will I be remembered?
Our Daily Bread
I liked the homage paid to a loved and respected man in the devotional today. It reminded me of a conversation I had with some friends recently about how each of us might be remembered after we pass through this life. We each had our thoughts and hopes of what others would say about us. In the end, all that matters is what God says about us! I hope I hear "you are my beloved child in whom I am well-pleased"!
How do we need to live our lives to get the desired result? The scripture passage from Proverbs 15:21-33 gives us some great insight. Check it out and make some notes about how we should live.
Lord, thank you for giving me direction to find my way to you!
Teaching Tuesday
The Disciple 1 lesson this week is the book of Luke. We studied Luke extensively in D2 last year. I enjoyed it. Take a quick read through it this week to see what you think. I am enjoying the comparisons between the different books and how some of the details are different and the same.
Other Stuff
I saw the movie Act of Valor last night after work. It was interesting. I will review on Monday. I had a salad for supper when I got home. I found a salad dressing I really like that only has one gram of fat per two tablespoon serving. Woohoooo! I did a few things around the house and had a conversation with mi tigre before hitting the sack. I am up and at it this morning for my aerobic workout. I will probably walk at lunch as well.
Not sure what is on the agenda for tonight. I need to make some care calls. I will probably take care of those. I might watch some TV or do some reading.
Let go, my friends! God will be there to catch you and hold you in his loving arms!
I liked the homage paid to a loved and respected man in the devotional today. It reminded me of a conversation I had with some friends recently about how each of us might be remembered after we pass through this life. We each had our thoughts and hopes of what others would say about us. In the end, all that matters is what God says about us! I hope I hear "you are my beloved child in whom I am well-pleased"!
How do we need to live our lives to get the desired result? The scripture passage from Proverbs 15:21-33 gives us some great insight. Check it out and make some notes about how we should live.
Lord, thank you for giving me direction to find my way to you!
Teaching Tuesday
The Disciple 1 lesson this week is the book of Luke. We studied Luke extensively in D2 last year. I enjoyed it. Take a quick read through it this week to see what you think. I am enjoying the comparisons between the different books and how some of the details are different and the same.
Other Stuff
I saw the movie Act of Valor last night after work. It was interesting. I will review on Monday. I had a salad for supper when I got home. I found a salad dressing I really like that only has one gram of fat per two tablespoon serving. Woohoooo! I did a few things around the house and had a conversation with mi tigre before hitting the sack. I am up and at it this morning for my aerobic workout. I will probably walk at lunch as well.
Not sure what is on the agenda for tonight. I need to make some care calls. I will probably take care of those. I might watch some TV or do some reading.
Let go, my friends! God will be there to catch you and hold you in his loving arms!
Monday, February 27, 2012
Yer not from 'round here, are ya?
Our Daily Bread
How cool is this? A reference to Star Wars in the devotional! I love Star Wars! hehehe The scene the author talked about reminded me of some churches too! The way the creatures looked at the strangers was sooooo typical! ha!
So why is it so difficult for us to get to know and accept folks that are different than us? I an not sure. I have always looked for new friends from many different places and backgrounds. I think I realized at a young age that my life til that point was very sheltered. I remember the first time I announced to my family I had an African-American friend. Oh nooooooo! They have worked through their prejudice issues over the years.
I find it amusing now that two of my cousin's children are married to Latino men. I am also attracted to Latino men. ha!
Lord,help us realize that different is not bad, just different!
Movie Monday
I got to see two movies last week: Haywire and Pina 3D.
Haywire
This movie has been on my list since it came out because I like strong chick movies (and TV shows). The main character is (a female UFC fighter in real life) double crossed by her ex-boyfriend/employer. The rest of the movie is her trying to survive and kicking lots of butt along the way. The fight scenes are pretty wild as she takes a lot of hits. I was surprised by that. I liked the movie because there were lots of well-known actors in it. There wasn't a lot for them to "act" in the script. Also, the lead was not an actor at all. God love her!
I give this movie one bear paw. See it on video if at all.
Pina 3D
This movie is a homage to late choreographer Pina Bausch (1940-2009), a leading influence in the development of the Tanztheater style of dance. If the movie had been all dancing, it would have been pretty cool. I was not familiar with this style, so it intrigued me. It was more "homage" than dancing. I almost fell asleep! The 3D effects were just OK. I teased my walking buddy that her husband would have lasted about 30 seconds before he excused himself! Only see this movie if you LOVE dance and you are very interested in learning more about this artist.
I give it one bear paw. See it at a artsy theater.
Other Stuff
We had some nice services at church yesterday. I enjoyed them both, as usual. I like hearing the sermon twice. I get something different out of it each time!
I had a conversation with mi tigre after church. I enjoy talking to him very much.
I did a few things around the house and took a nap. I made some black beans, but they turned out more like black beans and brown rice instead of black bean soup. They had a nice spicy kick that I liked a lot. They were great with a little reduced fat sour cream.
I went to an Oscars party at my mentor's house. We had a nice time and I met some new folks.
I came home and went to bed shortly after. I am up and at it this morning with my morning workout. Whew! I hope I get used to this soon! hehehe
Let go, my friends! God will be there to catch you and hold you in his loving arms!
How cool is this? A reference to Star Wars in the devotional! I love Star Wars! hehehe The scene the author talked about reminded me of some churches too! The way the creatures looked at the strangers was sooooo typical! ha!
So why is it so difficult for us to get to know and accept folks that are different than us? I an not sure. I have always looked for new friends from many different places and backgrounds. I think I realized at a young age that my life til that point was very sheltered. I remember the first time I announced to my family I had an African-American friend. Oh nooooooo! They have worked through their prejudice issues over the years.
I find it amusing now that two of my cousin's children are married to Latino men. I am also attracted to Latino men. ha!
Lord,help us realize that different is not bad, just different!
Movie Monday
I got to see two movies last week: Haywire and Pina 3D.
Haywire
This movie has been on my list since it came out because I like strong chick movies (and TV shows). The main character is (a female UFC fighter in real life) double crossed by her ex-boyfriend/employer. The rest of the movie is her trying to survive and kicking lots of butt along the way. The fight scenes are pretty wild as she takes a lot of hits. I was surprised by that. I liked the movie because there were lots of well-known actors in it. There wasn't a lot for them to "act" in the script. Also, the lead was not an actor at all. God love her!
I give this movie one bear paw. See it on video if at all.
Pina 3D
This movie is a homage to late choreographer Pina Bausch (1940-2009), a leading influence in the development of the Tanztheater style of dance. If the movie had been all dancing, it would have been pretty cool. I was not familiar with this style, so it intrigued me. It was more "homage" than dancing. I almost fell asleep! The 3D effects were just OK. I teased my walking buddy that her husband would have lasted about 30 seconds before he excused himself! Only see this movie if you LOVE dance and you are very interested in learning more about this artist.
I give it one bear paw. See it at a artsy theater.
Other Stuff
We had some nice services at church yesterday. I enjoyed them both, as usual. I like hearing the sermon twice. I get something different out of it each time!
I had a conversation with mi tigre after church. I enjoy talking to him very much.
I did a few things around the house and took a nap. I made some black beans, but they turned out more like black beans and brown rice instead of black bean soup. They had a nice spicy kick that I liked a lot. They were great with a little reduced fat sour cream.
I went to an Oscars party at my mentor's house. We had a nice time and I met some new folks.
I came home and went to bed shortly after. I am up and at it this morning with my morning workout. Whew! I hope I get used to this soon! hehehe
Let go, my friends! God will be there to catch you and hold you in his loving arms!
Sunday, February 26, 2012
New wardrobe
Our Daily Bread
I have to admit -- I like clothes! I also like shoes and writing pens, but that is another posting! hehehe I promised myself this year that I would finally lose weight so I can wear all the clothes in my closet! I am on my way, but very slowly.
Clothes are what I thought about while reading the devotional. Do you remember how exciting it was to get new school clothes when you were a kid? Think about your life and your sins like clothes for a minute. The scripture talks about how the new robes of Joshua represented his forgiveness of sin and the cleansing that can only come from God. Oh, that it was only that easy! Go to Macy's and pick out a new outfit so we can be righteous! Isn't that what the Sadducees and Pharisees tried to do? Look good on the outside, but were rotten to the core?
How do we become righteous? Only through the grace of God. We can love God first in our lives and love others as ourselves to show our conversion!
Lord, please help us put on new robes after our cleansing so we can walk in you!
Psalm Sunday
Psalm 37 is the one for this week. It is sort of long, but it gets the message across! Trusting in God is the only way to live!
Psalm 37
Of David.
1 Do not fret because of those who are evil
or be envious of those who do wrong;
2 for like the grass they will soon wither,
like green plants they will soon die away.
3 Trust in the LORD and do good;
dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.
4 Take delight in the LORD,
and he will give you the desires of your heart.
5 Commit your way to the LORD;
trust in him and he will do this:
6 He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn,
your vindication like the noonday sun.
7 Be still before the LORD
and wait patiently for him;
do not fret when people succeed in their ways,
when they carry out their wicked schemes.
8 Refrain from anger and turn from wrath;
do not fret—it leads only to evil.
9 For those who are evil will be destroyed,
but those who hope in the LORD will inherit the land.
10 A little while, and the wicked will be no more;
though you look for them, they will not be found.
11 But the meek will inherit the land
and enjoy peace and prosperity.
12 The wicked plot against the righteous
and gnash their teeth at them;
13 but the Lord laughs at the wicked,
for he knows their day is coming.
14 The wicked draw the sword
and bend the bow
to bring down the poor and needy,
to slay those whose ways are upright.
15 But their swords will pierce their own hearts,
and their bows will be broken.
16 Better the little that the righteous have
than the wealth of many wicked;
17 for the power of the wicked will be broken,
but the LORD upholds the righteous.
18 The blameless spend their days under the LORD’s care,
and their inheritance will endure forever.
19 In times of disaster they will not wither;
in days of famine they will enjoy plenty.
20 But the wicked will perish:
Though the LORD’s enemies are like the flowers of the field,
they will be consumed, they will go up in smoke.
21 The wicked borrow and do not repay,
but the righteous give generously;
22 those the LORD blesses will inherit the land,
but those he curses will be destroyed.
23 The LORD makes firm the steps
of the one who delights in him;
24 though he may stumble, he will not fall,
for the LORD upholds him with his hand.
25 I was young and now I am old,
yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken
or their children begging bread.
26 They are always generous and lend freely;
their children will be a blessing.
27 Turn from evil and do good;
then you will dwell in the land forever.
28 For the LORD loves the just
and will not forsake his faithful ones.
Wrongdoers will be completely destroyed;
the offspring of the wicked will perish.
29 The righteous will inherit the land
and dwell in it forever.
30 The mouths of the righteous utter wisdom,
and their tongues speak what is just.
31 The law of their God is in their hearts;
their feet do not slip.
32 The wicked lie in wait for the righteous,
intent on putting them to death;
33 but the LORD will not leave them in the power of the wicked
or let them be condemned when brought to trial.
34 Hope in the LORD
and keep his way.
He will exalt you to inherit the land;
when the wicked are destroyed, you will see it.
35 I have seen a wicked and ruthless man
flourishing like a luxuriant native tree,
36 but he soon passed away and was no more;
though I looked for him, he could not be found.
37 Consider the blameless, observe the upright;
a future awaits those who seek peace.
38 But all sinners will be destroyed;
there will be no future[e] for the wicked.
39 The salvation of the righteous comes from the LORD;
he is their stronghold in time of trouble.
40 The LORD helps them and delivers them;
he delivers them from the wicked and saves them,
because they take refuge in him.
Other Stuff
My Saturday was busier than planned, but it was OK. I did some things around the house in the morning, then ran a few errands before the memorial service at church. I got to talk to mi tigre a couple times before church. I hoped we could talk early because we were both busy in the afternoon and evening.
The memorial service was nice. I stopped by the Dollar Tree to look for some cards and other treasures. I was killing time before meeting my walking buddy for a movie at Gateway. The movie was both exciting and boring as heck all wrapped up into one! I will review it tomorrow.
I helped my walking buddy with a few things she needed help with and then made my way home. I finished my D1 reading before bed. Only then did I realize I hadn't made my bed! OH well. I grabbed a blanket and just slept on the mattress. I will rotate the mattress and make the bed Sunday afternoon. No worries!
I have church today and a pre-Oscar show party tonight. I promised my mentor I would stop by for a while.
Let go, my friends! God will be there to catch you and hold you in his loving arms!
I have to admit -- I like clothes! I also like shoes and writing pens, but that is another posting! hehehe I promised myself this year that I would finally lose weight so I can wear all the clothes in my closet! I am on my way, but very slowly.
Clothes are what I thought about while reading the devotional. Do you remember how exciting it was to get new school clothes when you were a kid? Think about your life and your sins like clothes for a minute. The scripture talks about how the new robes of Joshua represented his forgiveness of sin and the cleansing that can only come from God. Oh, that it was only that easy! Go to Macy's and pick out a new outfit so we can be righteous! Isn't that what the Sadducees and Pharisees tried to do? Look good on the outside, but were rotten to the core?
How do we become righteous? Only through the grace of God. We can love God first in our lives and love others as ourselves to show our conversion!
Lord, please help us put on new robes after our cleansing so we can walk in you!
Psalm Sunday
Psalm 37 is the one for this week. It is sort of long, but it gets the message across! Trusting in God is the only way to live!
Psalm 37
Of David.
1 Do not fret because of those who are evil
or be envious of those who do wrong;
2 for like the grass they will soon wither,
like green plants they will soon die away.
3 Trust in the LORD and do good;
dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.
4 Take delight in the LORD,
and he will give you the desires of your heart.
5 Commit your way to the LORD;
trust in him and he will do this:
6 He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn,
your vindication like the noonday sun.
7 Be still before the LORD
and wait patiently for him;
do not fret when people succeed in their ways,
when they carry out their wicked schemes.
8 Refrain from anger and turn from wrath;
do not fret—it leads only to evil.
9 For those who are evil will be destroyed,
but those who hope in the LORD will inherit the land.
10 A little while, and the wicked will be no more;
though you look for them, they will not be found.
11 But the meek will inherit the land
and enjoy peace and prosperity.
12 The wicked plot against the righteous
and gnash their teeth at them;
13 but the Lord laughs at the wicked,
for he knows their day is coming.
14 The wicked draw the sword
and bend the bow
to bring down the poor and needy,
to slay those whose ways are upright.
15 But their swords will pierce their own hearts,
and their bows will be broken.
16 Better the little that the righteous have
than the wealth of many wicked;
17 for the power of the wicked will be broken,
but the LORD upholds the righteous.
18 The blameless spend their days under the LORD’s care,
and their inheritance will endure forever.
19 In times of disaster they will not wither;
in days of famine they will enjoy plenty.
20 But the wicked will perish:
Though the LORD’s enemies are like the flowers of the field,
they will be consumed, they will go up in smoke.
21 The wicked borrow and do not repay,
but the righteous give generously;
22 those the LORD blesses will inherit the land,
but those he curses will be destroyed.
23 The LORD makes firm the steps
of the one who delights in him;
24 though he may stumble, he will not fall,
for the LORD upholds him with his hand.
25 I was young and now I am old,
yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken
or their children begging bread.
26 They are always generous and lend freely;
their children will be a blessing.
27 Turn from evil and do good;
then you will dwell in the land forever.
28 For the LORD loves the just
and will not forsake his faithful ones.
Wrongdoers will be completely destroyed;
the offspring of the wicked will perish.
29 The righteous will inherit the land
and dwell in it forever.
30 The mouths of the righteous utter wisdom,
and their tongues speak what is just.
31 The law of their God is in their hearts;
their feet do not slip.
32 The wicked lie in wait for the righteous,
intent on putting them to death;
33 but the LORD will not leave them in the power of the wicked
or let them be condemned when brought to trial.
34 Hope in the LORD
and keep his way.
He will exalt you to inherit the land;
when the wicked are destroyed, you will see it.
35 I have seen a wicked and ruthless man
flourishing like a luxuriant native tree,
36 but he soon passed away and was no more;
though I looked for him, he could not be found.
37 Consider the blameless, observe the upright;
a future awaits those who seek peace.
38 But all sinners will be destroyed;
there will be no future[e] for the wicked.
39 The salvation of the righteous comes from the LORD;
he is their stronghold in time of trouble.
40 The LORD helps them and delivers them;
he delivers them from the wicked and saves them,
because they take refuge in him.
Other Stuff
My Saturday was busier than planned, but it was OK. I did some things around the house in the morning, then ran a few errands before the memorial service at church. I got to talk to mi tigre a couple times before church. I hoped we could talk early because we were both busy in the afternoon and evening.
The memorial service was nice. I stopped by the Dollar Tree to look for some cards and other treasures. I was killing time before meeting my walking buddy for a movie at Gateway. The movie was both exciting and boring as heck all wrapped up into one! I will review it tomorrow.
I helped my walking buddy with a few things she needed help with and then made my way home. I finished my D1 reading before bed. Only then did I realize I hadn't made my bed! OH well. I grabbed a blanket and just slept on the mattress. I will rotate the mattress and make the bed Sunday afternoon. No worries!
I have church today and a pre-Oscar show party tonight. I promised my mentor I would stop by for a while.
Let go, my friends! God will be there to catch you and hold you in his loving arms!
Saturday, February 25, 2012
What hair?
Our Daily Bread
Yes, I am hairless on the top of my head. It seems I can grow hair everywhere else on my body except for my head! Oh well. I accepted my baldness many, many years ago. I enjoy the current fashion trend of baldness and very short hair. I am in style! That is so important to me! NOT! hehehe
But I digress. The devotional uses the analogy of "letting your hair down" to lead into the story of Mary. She was the woman who anointed Jesus with expensive oil/perfume and wiped it off with her hair. I never realized that the women of that time didn't let their hair down in public. That was an interesting tidbit to add even more meaning to the story! She risked her most valuable treasure and her reputation in one act of love!
That begs the question: what are we willing to risk to be a servant for Jesus? Are we willing to "let our hair down" so we can serve others? Will we risk looking silly or exposing our faults so we can better serve God?
Lord, help us let our hair down and be willing to do whatever it takes to serve others in your name!
Simply Saturday
This was an interesting week of ups and downs. I did a decent job of staying on an even keel. There were some challenges at work. Even keel. There were some relationship challenges with friends. Even keel. There were some serious conversations with God. Even keel. There was a breakthrough in a situation I have been praying about. Even keel. Saw the Buckeyes beat Illinois at the Schott. Yeah, I got a little excited. hehehe
The even keel thing is important for me since I can be an up and down kind of guy at times. I started a new workout routine that starts at 5:00 am each morning. I am happy to say it is working already. The problem is that I get tired right after lunch. I can be cranky when I am tired! I can get very tired when doing stuff in the evenings. Whew. I will get used to it. I am excited that I am already seeing results the first week of this routine and from using the Bowflex machine. I will keep it up.
Yesterday was mi tigre's birthday. I sent his present a few weeks ago as it was for both Valentines Day and his birthday. He should have gotten his card in the mail by Friday at the latest. I will ask him about it today. I hope he had a good time with friends and family last night.
I worked on my D1 reading and laundry last night. I have a busy afternoon today as I am singing with the church choir at a memorial service, and then attending a movie with my walking buddy. I found a Groupon for the theater that is playing a movie she wants to see. Her husband owes me one as it is not a movie he would see with her! We will both enjoy it. It is called Pina (in 3D).
Let go, my friends! God will be there to catch you and hold you in his loving arms!
Yes, I am hairless on the top of my head. It seems I can grow hair everywhere else on my body except for my head! Oh well. I accepted my baldness many, many years ago. I enjoy the current fashion trend of baldness and very short hair. I am in style! That is so important to me! NOT! hehehe
But I digress. The devotional uses the analogy of "letting your hair down" to lead into the story of Mary. She was the woman who anointed Jesus with expensive oil/perfume and wiped it off with her hair. I never realized that the women of that time didn't let their hair down in public. That was an interesting tidbit to add even more meaning to the story! She risked her most valuable treasure and her reputation in one act of love!
That begs the question: what are we willing to risk to be a servant for Jesus? Are we willing to "let our hair down" so we can serve others? Will we risk looking silly or exposing our faults so we can better serve God?
Lord, help us let our hair down and be willing to do whatever it takes to serve others in your name!
Simply Saturday
This was an interesting week of ups and downs. I did a decent job of staying on an even keel. There were some challenges at work. Even keel. There were some relationship challenges with friends. Even keel. There were some serious conversations with God. Even keel. There was a breakthrough in a situation I have been praying about. Even keel. Saw the Buckeyes beat Illinois at the Schott. Yeah, I got a little excited. hehehe
The even keel thing is important for me since I can be an up and down kind of guy at times. I started a new workout routine that starts at 5:00 am each morning. I am happy to say it is working already. The problem is that I get tired right after lunch. I can be cranky when I am tired! I can get very tired when doing stuff in the evenings. Whew. I will get used to it. I am excited that I am already seeing results the first week of this routine and from using the Bowflex machine. I will keep it up.
Yesterday was mi tigre's birthday. I sent his present a few weeks ago as it was for both Valentines Day and his birthday. He should have gotten his card in the mail by Friday at the latest. I will ask him about it today. I hope he had a good time with friends and family last night.
I worked on my D1 reading and laundry last night. I have a busy afternoon today as I am singing with the church choir at a memorial service, and then attending a movie with my walking buddy. I found a Groupon for the theater that is playing a movie she wants to see. Her husband owes me one as it is not a movie he would see with her! We will both enjoy it. It is called Pina (in 3D).
Let go, my friends! God will be there to catch you and hold you in his loving arms!
Friday, February 24, 2012
The Faithfulness of God
Our Daily Bread
I love the vivid references used in the Old Testament at times. I don't always understand them because our culture and climate is very different in Central Ohio than in Israel! We don't see a lot of palm or cedar trees here! ;-)
The devotional talks about how a child of God will appear to others if we are "well rooted" in his Word and his love. We will be beautiful like a mature palm tree, never fading in the desert sun. We will be unbending in our faith and works like the unbending cedars of Lebanon. I remember Solomon used a heck of a lot of cedars in the temple! Wow!
Would you describe your life as "well rooted"? Ask God how today!
Lord, thank you for making our hearts fertile to your Word and your love if we will just turn ourselves over to you.
Foodie Friday
I tried a green sauce at El Vaquero on Tuesday night. I thought it was going to be the green sauce I used to get at Tumbleweed many years ago. It was different! This was a hot sauce instead of a milder, chicken broth based sauce. Here is the recipe for the green sauce I had on Tuesday. It was hot and tasty!
Mexican Green Sauce
Ingredients
1 lb tomatillos, husked and washed
2 -3 fresh jalapenos, seeded
5 sprigs fresh cilantro, coarsely chopped
1 small onions, chopped
1 garlic cloves, chopped
6 -7 fresh mint leaves (optional)
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 cups vegetable broth
¼ teaspoon salt
Directions
Boil the tomatillos and jalapenos in salted water until just tender, about 10 minutes, then drain.
Place in blender or food processor with cilantro, onion and garlic (mint, if desired) and blend until smooth.
Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Pour sauce in and stir for 5 minutes.
Add broth and salt, return to a boil, then simmer for 8 to 10 minutes until thickened.
Other Stuff
I went to see the movie Haywire after work last night. I missed it when it first came out. I guess I should say I really didn't miss much! I will review on Monday.
I had some nice conversations with mi tigre. I miss him so much. He is becoming more special to me each day. I also had some phone and text conversations with other friends after the movie.
I had choir practice at church, and then went home.
I have a few things to do this weekend. Nothing too major. It will be nice.
Let go, my friends! God will be there to catch you and hold you in his loving arms!
I love the vivid references used in the Old Testament at times. I don't always understand them because our culture and climate is very different in Central Ohio than in Israel! We don't see a lot of palm or cedar trees here! ;-)
The devotional talks about how a child of God will appear to others if we are "well rooted" in his Word and his love. We will be beautiful like a mature palm tree, never fading in the desert sun. We will be unbending in our faith and works like the unbending cedars of Lebanon. I remember Solomon used a heck of a lot of cedars in the temple! Wow!
Would you describe your life as "well rooted"? Ask God how today!
Lord, thank you for making our hearts fertile to your Word and your love if we will just turn ourselves over to you.
Foodie Friday
I tried a green sauce at El Vaquero on Tuesday night. I thought it was going to be the green sauce I used to get at Tumbleweed many years ago. It was different! This was a hot sauce instead of a milder, chicken broth based sauce. Here is the recipe for the green sauce I had on Tuesday. It was hot and tasty!
Mexican Green Sauce
Ingredients
1 lb tomatillos, husked and washed
2 -3 fresh jalapenos, seeded
5 sprigs fresh cilantro, coarsely chopped
1 small onions, chopped
1 garlic cloves, chopped
6 -7 fresh mint leaves (optional)
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 cups vegetable broth
¼ teaspoon salt
Directions
Boil the tomatillos and jalapenos in salted water until just tender, about 10 minutes, then drain.
Place in blender or food processor with cilantro, onion and garlic (mint, if desired) and blend until smooth.
Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Pour sauce in and stir for 5 minutes.
Add broth and salt, return to a boil, then simmer for 8 to 10 minutes until thickened.
Other Stuff
I went to see the movie Haywire after work last night. I missed it when it first came out. I guess I should say I really didn't miss much! I will review on Monday.
I had some nice conversations with mi tigre. I miss him so much. He is becoming more special to me each day. I also had some phone and text conversations with other friends after the movie.
I had choir practice at church, and then went home.
I have a few things to do this weekend. Nothing too major. It will be nice.
Let go, my friends! God will be there to catch you and hold you in his loving arms!
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