Isaiah 41:10
"Fear not, I am with you; be not dismayed; I am your God. I will strengthen you, and uphold you with my right hand of justice."
I just completed my last training ride in preparation for the Villainous Viper. Over the course of these 22 days I have spent several hours on my bike and have ridden more than 250 miles. I feel strong. I feel confident. I feel at peace with my entry in the Villainous Viper ride. But let's be honest, this whole 24 day journey and training regimen was never really about the race. It was about what the race embodied to me in my life and the fears and the anxieties I needed to conquer. For these 22 days I used my bike as a tool to bring me closer to God and to rediscover who I am as one of His creations. I feel strong. I feel confident. I feel at peace.
Each of us has a Villainous Viper in our lives. Perhaps our schedules are hectic, our work is less than thrilling, health issues have us worried, or our general outlook is jaded. The challenge is for us to take the time to focus on those items, not just with our internal power, but with the power of God. God tells us, "Look I know this is tough, but don't you worry, I have your back." Not only does He have our back, but He is going to strengthen our resolve and hold us above the situation so that we can work the issue in His glory. That is the key. Phillipians 4:13 states, "I have the strength for everything through Him who empowers me." God has gone through great lengths to bring us closer to Him. Because of this He wants to be involved, no immersed, in our lives. He provides strength, sure, but even more than that, He provides hope, He provides faith, and most of all He provides love. As Paul writes to the Corinthians, "Faith, hope, and love remain, these three, but the greatest of these is love". We are so special as individuals and as a collective body that this entity who possesses all power and domain knows us and loves us. All He commands of us is to love Him in return and to love one another. There is a great deal of power and strength to be found in that exchange.
I suppose the point I am making is that I tend to struggle when I do not let God into my life. I give Him the silent treatment and try to handle situations on my own. Generally, I find when I shut God out, things get more complicated. But if I pause and ask for help, I can find more moments of clarity in my thoughts and more results arise from my actions. God is great and the human mind could never fathom His true being, but He is present and He cares about us. I firmly believe that. I know that, because He sent His Son to atone for our sins. I hope you know that too.
Thank you for taking time out of your days to read this blog. It has helped me in more ways than I could imagine. I have received much encouragement from many of you and I appreciate you letting me work through my thoughts with you. Reading through the entries I have made, I noticed that I changed a bit in my style since I began. I think this is because I started to have a better understanding of how God was working in me the last few weeks. Although I hope you enjoyed my writings, I was working through my own questions and testing my own faith. Through those questions I found love is abundant in my life. Through my family, my friends, and through God. My prayer is that I can continue to see that love and that all of you experience it as well.
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Sunday, September 4, 2011
Are You Ready For Some Football?
John 3:16
"For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life."
Earlier this week I arrived home from work and as I stepped out my trusty ol' commuter car I could smell the distinctive odor of someone burning brush nearby. Two things struck me. The first was that the purveyor of this smell was not following the county's recent ban on burning brush, but that is a little off point. The second was that the smell this criminal-at-large was providing was wonderful. It was certainly a smell of Autumn and an indication that the season change was on its way. Of course, for most sports fans, Fall coincides with the magical time of year named Football Season.
I have watched bits and pieces of a few preseason games and, of course, I do have my favorites that I root for. I even have those special few teams that I root against. The feeling of the sporting event is electric. The crowds are adorned in the latest merchandise of their favorite teams and they share the elation of a touchdown with high fives and hugs. They also work together to let the referee know the crowd consensus of his botched call with the bellowing of a steady "BOOOO". Something that can always be found in this fantastic atomosphere is hidden for the majority of the game, but if you pay attention on a field goal attempt or point after kick, you will be sure to see it. Watch the ball as it turns end over end and heads between the uprights, follow the downward arc and look slightly beyond the ball into the stands. There, I can almost guarantee, you will see someone holding the sign that reads "JOHN 3:16". That is it. Nothing else.
It is one verse out of the greatest book ever written. How can one verse hold so much weight and importance, that most of the people watching the televised event and seeing the sign for only a moment, know the verse by heart? In my view the verse sums up the relationship God wants and has with each of us. He loves us. He loves us so much that He was willing to lose everything to restore our relationship with Him.
There is a song that makes me think of this verse and its importance everytime I hear it. I have to add a disclaimer here, I am a Christmas junkie. I love the colors, the smells, the sights, the general change in people's demeanor, and especially the music. So, when the first signs of Fall are on the horizon, I fire up the Christmas music on the ol' iPod. Because I know my wife will likely read this, I might have to admit that it can occur often before the first signs of Fall....just slightly...July or so. Anyway, the song is Joseph's Lullaby by Mercy Me. If you have not heard it before I suggest you give it a listen. While listening, reflect on the verse John 3:16.
The song tells the story of Jesus' birth from His earthly father's point of view. Joseph sees his new Son, just as all fathers see their children, with love, compassion, and an overwhelming sense of duty to protect. Imagine if you knew that your child would bear the burdens of the world on their shoulders. That they would restore the faith of the world, but the price that would have to be paid is your child losing his/her life. How many of us would be willing to let that happen? Would we not run to the far corners of the earth and build the strongest structures to protect are children? Joseph has faith in God's plan and knows that Jesus will be a hero and that he cannot be selfish in his protection of Him, but he prays for a moment of peace for this new baby.
Now we have to take this to the next level. God has given Himself to the world in the human form of His only begotten Son. He who can control all things, has not only allowed, but designed, His Son to be Crucified for the sins of all of His other children. Because God showed this love for us and He wanted us to come back to Him, His only Son suffered. This is certainly not the sign of an angry father, but one of great compassion. Maybe the posterboard in the endzone should read John 3:16-17. For then it would include the meaning of God's love, "For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through Him."
"For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life."
Earlier this week I arrived home from work and as I stepped out my trusty ol' commuter car I could smell the distinctive odor of someone burning brush nearby. Two things struck me. The first was that the purveyor of this smell was not following the county's recent ban on burning brush, but that is a little off point. The second was that the smell this criminal-at-large was providing was wonderful. It was certainly a smell of Autumn and an indication that the season change was on its way. Of course, for most sports fans, Fall coincides with the magical time of year named Football Season.
I have watched bits and pieces of a few preseason games and, of course, I do have my favorites that I root for. I even have those special few teams that I root against. The feeling of the sporting event is electric. The crowds are adorned in the latest merchandise of their favorite teams and they share the elation of a touchdown with high fives and hugs. They also work together to let the referee know the crowd consensus of his botched call with the bellowing of a steady "BOOOO". Something that can always be found in this fantastic atomosphere is hidden for the majority of the game, but if you pay attention on a field goal attempt or point after kick, you will be sure to see it. Watch the ball as it turns end over end and heads between the uprights, follow the downward arc and look slightly beyond the ball into the stands. There, I can almost guarantee, you will see someone holding the sign that reads "JOHN 3:16". That is it. Nothing else.
It is one verse out of the greatest book ever written. How can one verse hold so much weight and importance, that most of the people watching the televised event and seeing the sign for only a moment, know the verse by heart? In my view the verse sums up the relationship God wants and has with each of us. He loves us. He loves us so much that He was willing to lose everything to restore our relationship with Him.
There is a song that makes me think of this verse and its importance everytime I hear it. I have to add a disclaimer here, I am a Christmas junkie. I love the colors, the smells, the sights, the general change in people's demeanor, and especially the music. So, when the first signs of Fall are on the horizon, I fire up the Christmas music on the ol' iPod. Because I know my wife will likely read this, I might have to admit that it can occur often before the first signs of Fall....just slightly...July or so. Anyway, the song is Joseph's Lullaby by Mercy Me. If you have not heard it before I suggest you give it a listen. While listening, reflect on the verse John 3:16.
The song tells the story of Jesus' birth from His earthly father's point of view. Joseph sees his new Son, just as all fathers see their children, with love, compassion, and an overwhelming sense of duty to protect. Imagine if you knew that your child would bear the burdens of the world on their shoulders. That they would restore the faith of the world, but the price that would have to be paid is your child losing his/her life. How many of us would be willing to let that happen? Would we not run to the far corners of the earth and build the strongest structures to protect are children? Joseph has faith in God's plan and knows that Jesus will be a hero and that he cannot be selfish in his protection of Him, but he prays for a moment of peace for this new baby.
Now we have to take this to the next level. God has given Himself to the world in the human form of His only begotten Son. He who can control all things, has not only allowed, but designed, His Son to be Crucified for the sins of all of His other children. Because God showed this love for us and He wanted us to come back to Him, His only Son suffered. This is certainly not the sign of an angry father, but one of great compassion. Maybe the posterboard in the endzone should read John 3:16-17. For then it would include the meaning of God's love, "For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through Him."
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Is God in your Zone?
Matthew 6: 25 - 34 (Highlights)
"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you eat [or drink], or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing?...Can any of you by worrying add a single moment to your lifespan?...Your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given you besides. Do not worry about tomorrow; tomorrow will take care of itself. Sufficient for a day is its own evil."
In sports they call it "Being in the Zone". The person "in the zone" is able to block out all things external to their situation. If it is a pitcher in a baseball, the mound becomes a base of operations where the focused delivery is in area of homeplate. Perhaps the pitcher only sees the batter at the plate and the circular catcher's mitt in his vision. The crowd is not seen and not heard. The ball feels as if it is part of his hand as he grips the strings to maneuver the ball to create a particular pitch. For the moment, the pitcher is in perfect harmony with his situation, his environment, and his emotions. He is in perfect control. He is "in the zone". Perhaps the textbook example of a sports figure being in the zone, was Michael Jordan in the Chicago Bulls versus the New York Knicks playoff series. Michael Jordan simply could not miss in a game played in New York. The crowd stood in awe of his performance. Even Michael Jordan looked at Spike Lee and shrugged his shoulders while running down court as if to say, "I have no idea how I am doing this, but I will take it". He was "in the zone" and he was in control.
The majority of us do not spend our life "in the zone". We do not have control over the nuances that affect our daily endeavors like an athlete does on their particular field of play. Life is a professional pitcher and is an expert at throwing us curves. For those of you that view this blog, it is no secret that I struggle to overcome some minor heart issues. That is one of the reasons why the preparation for this bicycle ride is so important to me. I have been working hard and the last time I wrote I spoke about how good I felt and how much stronger I was feeling physically and spiritually. Well, life wound up and let loose a slight curve. I received some tests back and have been put on yet another supplement to counteract another level of a different enzyme that is out of whack. After all of this training. After all of this soul searching. After this time trying to connect with God and getting my physical life in order. Nothing has changed. Ahhh...whoas me, right?
Tonight God taught me a lesson. Subtly, but loud and clear, nonetheless. I control my anxiety and my fear by controling my situations. If you control the situation, you can control the outcomes. Makes sense, huh? I spend my life playing a game of chess. I try to anticipate the next three to four things that are going to occur in all aspects of life so I can plan for and respond appropriately to each situation. It is the analytical mind at work. On my bike, to monitor my heart, I depend heavily on my heart rate monitor. I look at it constantly on the ride. I know what my heart rate should be and I know the indications that something abnormal is going on. The heart rate monitor is my security blanket. I have been down all day about this new supplement being added to my daily routine and I have had some dialogue in my head with God that was full of anger. His response was to turn my heart rate monitor off 2 minutes into my ride tonight. Nothing registered. Not one beat. My first inclination was to stop and get off the bike. "I can't do this," I thought, "Not without monitoring every beat". I struggled for 10-15 minutes as to what I should do. Then the verse I typed above came into my head. I was filled with worry and I had no faith. I cleared my mind and said a prayer. The prayer was short, "God show me what you want me to learn. I give you control." Shortly after the prayer, I found myself in the zone. I rode 30 miles tonight.
So, a couple of things. My heart is good and my heart is strong. The supplement is what it is; a supplement. I am sure that all of us need those in their diet, I am just lucky enough to get tests done to check up on me. The bad thing was that I was feeling sorry for myself without turning to God. I was arrogant to think that He was not with me. A subtle reminder was all that was necessary for Him to demonstrate how wrong I was. Please look for those subtle reminders in your own lives. God is working in our lives every day. We should never feel abandoned, and if we do, we should turn to Him for guidance because chances are He will answer.
"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you eat [or drink], or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing?...Can any of you by worrying add a single moment to your lifespan?...Your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given you besides. Do not worry about tomorrow; tomorrow will take care of itself. Sufficient for a day is its own evil."
In sports they call it "Being in the Zone". The person "in the zone" is able to block out all things external to their situation. If it is a pitcher in a baseball, the mound becomes a base of operations where the focused delivery is in area of homeplate. Perhaps the pitcher only sees the batter at the plate and the circular catcher's mitt in his vision. The crowd is not seen and not heard. The ball feels as if it is part of his hand as he grips the strings to maneuver the ball to create a particular pitch. For the moment, the pitcher is in perfect harmony with his situation, his environment, and his emotions. He is in perfect control. He is "in the zone". Perhaps the textbook example of a sports figure being in the zone, was Michael Jordan in the Chicago Bulls versus the New York Knicks playoff series. Michael Jordan simply could not miss in a game played in New York. The crowd stood in awe of his performance. Even Michael Jordan looked at Spike Lee and shrugged his shoulders while running down court as if to say, "I have no idea how I am doing this, but I will take it". He was "in the zone" and he was in control.
The majority of us do not spend our life "in the zone". We do not have control over the nuances that affect our daily endeavors like an athlete does on their particular field of play. Life is a professional pitcher and is an expert at throwing us curves. For those of you that view this blog, it is no secret that I struggle to overcome some minor heart issues. That is one of the reasons why the preparation for this bicycle ride is so important to me. I have been working hard and the last time I wrote I spoke about how good I felt and how much stronger I was feeling physically and spiritually. Well, life wound up and let loose a slight curve. I received some tests back and have been put on yet another supplement to counteract another level of a different enzyme that is out of whack. After all of this training. After all of this soul searching. After this time trying to connect with God and getting my physical life in order. Nothing has changed. Ahhh...whoas me, right?
Tonight God taught me a lesson. Subtly, but loud and clear, nonetheless. I control my anxiety and my fear by controling my situations. If you control the situation, you can control the outcomes. Makes sense, huh? I spend my life playing a game of chess. I try to anticipate the next three to four things that are going to occur in all aspects of life so I can plan for and respond appropriately to each situation. It is the analytical mind at work. On my bike, to monitor my heart, I depend heavily on my heart rate monitor. I look at it constantly on the ride. I know what my heart rate should be and I know the indications that something abnormal is going on. The heart rate monitor is my security blanket. I have been down all day about this new supplement being added to my daily routine and I have had some dialogue in my head with God that was full of anger. His response was to turn my heart rate monitor off 2 minutes into my ride tonight. Nothing registered. Not one beat. My first inclination was to stop and get off the bike. "I can't do this," I thought, "Not without monitoring every beat". I struggled for 10-15 minutes as to what I should do. Then the verse I typed above came into my head. I was filled with worry and I had no faith. I cleared my mind and said a prayer. The prayer was short, "God show me what you want me to learn. I give you control." Shortly after the prayer, I found myself in the zone. I rode 30 miles tonight.
So, a couple of things. My heart is good and my heart is strong. The supplement is what it is; a supplement. I am sure that all of us need those in their diet, I am just lucky enough to get tests done to check up on me. The bad thing was that I was feeling sorry for myself without turning to God. I was arrogant to think that He was not with me. A subtle reminder was all that was necessary for Him to demonstrate how wrong I was. Please look for those subtle reminders in your own lives. God is working in our lives every day. We should never feel abandoned, and if we do, we should turn to Him for guidance because chances are He will answer.
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Would you run from the Lion?
Romans 12:1-2
"I urge you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God, your spiritual worship. Do not conform yourselves to the age but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and pleasing and perfect."
I was able to work in a road ride yesterday. I called up a good friend of mine and we went 25 miles through the back roads. It was so different to be on the road and off the trainer. We rode through the country so we saw Americana at its best. The weather was warm but a nice breeze was present throughout the ride. For me, I was anxious to see how my work on the trainer translated to rubber on the road. I was excited to learn that my work had been beneficial and I was able to move over the hills at a decent pace. My greatest surprise of the afternoon was the reminder of what it felt like to go greater than 45 mph on the bike on the descent of a hill. That event just cannot be simulated on a trainer. Just awesome.
On the ride I thought a lot about the experience of training for the Villainous Viper and the chance I have had to write in this blog. Believe it or not, it has actually been working out the way I have hoped. The time on the bike is getting me into physical shape and my time in reflection and writing on the blog has boosted my spiritual outlook. I see God more readily at work in my life and I am thankful for His presence.
I have been reading a book, Four Witnesses: The Early Church in Her Own Words, and it concerns the contributions of four of the fathers of the Christian church. I type on this blog with little refrain from my personal opinion and with great pride in my Christian beliefs. But this book and the stories therein illustrate that the church's earliest founders did not have those luxuries. Shortly after the descending of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost upon the disciples of Jesus Christ, the ministry of the church began. However, the climate of the world was not as accepting of this new faith as it may seem to us now. Teachings of the church took place underground and in secret from the pagan civilization within which it was growing. Sport was made of capturing Christians and excuting them in ways pleasurable to the crowds that watched the gruesome event. One of the fathers discussed in the book, Ignatius of Antioch, was transported for months after his capture to the Roman Coliseum. He arrived just in time to be the season finale for the sports arena. Moments after his arrival he was released into the coliseum where he knelt and prayed. He never acknowledged the lion and never tried to run as it approached and began to devour him. Our priest this morning quoted C.S.Lewis as saying that, "if you want an easy and popular religion than do not become a Christian". I believe his meaning in the use of this quote was that God makes demands on us to do the right thing and to abide by him for his rewards in heaven are far greater than any consequences suffered on earth. Obviously Saint Ignatius thought this to be true.
How lucky are we to live in a time where Christianity is readily accepted and in a country where we can express our views on the religion. These luxuries are not without there downfalls though. Perhaps the verse from Romans reminds us that though the times may change and we may experience advances in technology, communication, education, and man's knowledge about all things, we still live in a world where God's will reigns. The world may change but the expectations on the faithful do not. Therefore, when we continue our reading in Romans to chapter 13 verse 8 we will find that the commandment of a Christian remains the same no matter what time we live in: "Owe nothing to anyone, except to love one another; for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law".
"I urge you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God, your spiritual worship. Do not conform yourselves to the age but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and pleasing and perfect."
I was able to work in a road ride yesterday. I called up a good friend of mine and we went 25 miles through the back roads. It was so different to be on the road and off the trainer. We rode through the country so we saw Americana at its best. The weather was warm but a nice breeze was present throughout the ride. For me, I was anxious to see how my work on the trainer translated to rubber on the road. I was excited to learn that my work had been beneficial and I was able to move over the hills at a decent pace. My greatest surprise of the afternoon was the reminder of what it felt like to go greater than 45 mph on the bike on the descent of a hill. That event just cannot be simulated on a trainer. Just awesome.
On the ride I thought a lot about the experience of training for the Villainous Viper and the chance I have had to write in this blog. Believe it or not, it has actually been working out the way I have hoped. The time on the bike is getting me into physical shape and my time in reflection and writing on the blog has boosted my spiritual outlook. I see God more readily at work in my life and I am thankful for His presence.
I have been reading a book, Four Witnesses: The Early Church in Her Own Words, and it concerns the contributions of four of the fathers of the Christian church. I type on this blog with little refrain from my personal opinion and with great pride in my Christian beliefs. But this book and the stories therein illustrate that the church's earliest founders did not have those luxuries. Shortly after the descending of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost upon the disciples of Jesus Christ, the ministry of the church began. However, the climate of the world was not as accepting of this new faith as it may seem to us now. Teachings of the church took place underground and in secret from the pagan civilization within which it was growing. Sport was made of capturing Christians and excuting them in ways pleasurable to the crowds that watched the gruesome event. One of the fathers discussed in the book, Ignatius of Antioch, was transported for months after his capture to the Roman Coliseum. He arrived just in time to be the season finale for the sports arena. Moments after his arrival he was released into the coliseum where he knelt and prayed. He never acknowledged the lion and never tried to run as it approached and began to devour him. Our priest this morning quoted C.S.Lewis as saying that, "if you want an easy and popular religion than do not become a Christian". I believe his meaning in the use of this quote was that God makes demands on us to do the right thing and to abide by him for his rewards in heaven are far greater than any consequences suffered on earth. Obviously Saint Ignatius thought this to be true.
How lucky are we to live in a time where Christianity is readily accepted and in a country where we can express our views on the religion. These luxuries are not without there downfalls though. Perhaps the verse from Romans reminds us that though the times may change and we may experience advances in technology, communication, education, and man's knowledge about all things, we still live in a world where God's will reigns. The world may change but the expectations on the faithful do not. Therefore, when we continue our reading in Romans to chapter 13 verse 8 we will find that the commandment of a Christian remains the same no matter what time we live in: "Owe nothing to anyone, except to love one another; for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law".
Thursday, August 25, 2011
As the Wind Blows
Psalm 103 (partial)
"As the heavens tower over the earth,
so God's love towers over the faithful.
As far as the east is from the west,
so far have our sins been removed from us.
As a father has compassion on his children,
so the has compassion on the faithful.
For he knows how we are formed,
remembers that we are dust.
Our days are like grass;
like flowers of the field we blossom.
The wind sweeps over us and we are gone;
our place knows us no more.
But the Lord's kindness is forever,
toward the faithful from age to age.
He favors the children's children of those
who keep his covenant,
who take care to fulfill its precepts."
If we were all able to have it our way, we would never have to say good-bye to eachother. Eternal life could be fulfilled right here, with our family, friends and all of the comforts we have come to appreciate in this world. However, that is not God's design. We are here among eachother for only a brief moment compared to the eternity that waits for us in Heaven. When we lose someone from our lives it is difficult to understand that they have, in some way, fulfilled God's plan for them on earth and He is now calling them home. But we must understand and we must rejoice. Sometimes the person we lose is a Grandparent who has provided us love and support or friend or family member who has died much too young. Their time with us was part of a larger plan. It is up to us to decipher how God had them act for him in our lives and how He had them touch us in some way. We learn in life and we learn from death. We should find comfort in knowing that our loved ones find peace and eternal love in the arms of their Father when they leave this world.
Today, I am reflecting that I love and I miss those that I have lost in my life. I also realize that although those losses have caused pain, they have helped me to grow in my understanding of my own relationship with God and my own mortality. I know that life can get to be a frenzy, but I pray that we all are able to take a moment with the people we meet and converse with everyday and let them know that they are special in some way. Sometimes a pat on the back or a smile is all it takes. Hold your spouse for a moment longer and read your child the extra page. For those simple gestures might help someone to have a brighter blossom in the field. We are only passing through. The wind will eventually blow that takes each of us away to our eternal resting place and we will be greeted lovingly by those we so dearly miss.
Bike:
Road another 20 miles tonight. The wife and I are already scheming to make sure I have time to get a road ride in this weekend. It will work out for sure.
"As the heavens tower over the earth,
so God's love towers over the faithful.
As far as the east is from the west,
so far have our sins been removed from us.
As a father has compassion on his children,
so the has compassion on the faithful.
For he knows how we are formed,
remembers that we are dust.
Our days are like grass;
like flowers of the field we blossom.
The wind sweeps over us and we are gone;
our place knows us no more.
But the Lord's kindness is forever,
toward the faithful from age to age.
He favors the children's children of those
who keep his covenant,
who take care to fulfill its precepts."
If we were all able to have it our way, we would never have to say good-bye to eachother. Eternal life could be fulfilled right here, with our family, friends and all of the comforts we have come to appreciate in this world. However, that is not God's design. We are here among eachother for only a brief moment compared to the eternity that waits for us in Heaven. When we lose someone from our lives it is difficult to understand that they have, in some way, fulfilled God's plan for them on earth and He is now calling them home. But we must understand and we must rejoice. Sometimes the person we lose is a Grandparent who has provided us love and support or friend or family member who has died much too young. Their time with us was part of a larger plan. It is up to us to decipher how God had them act for him in our lives and how He had them touch us in some way. We learn in life and we learn from death. We should find comfort in knowing that our loved ones find peace and eternal love in the arms of their Father when they leave this world.
Today, I am reflecting that I love and I miss those that I have lost in my life. I also realize that although those losses have caused pain, they have helped me to grow in my understanding of my own relationship with God and my own mortality. I know that life can get to be a frenzy, but I pray that we all are able to take a moment with the people we meet and converse with everyday and let them know that they are special in some way. Sometimes a pat on the back or a smile is all it takes. Hold your spouse for a moment longer and read your child the extra page. For those simple gestures might help someone to have a brighter blossom in the field. We are only passing through. The wind will eventually blow that takes each of us away to our eternal resting place and we will be greeted lovingly by those we so dearly miss.
Bike:
Road another 20 miles tonight. The wife and I are already scheming to make sure I have time to get a road ride in this weekend. It will work out for sure.
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
If You Like Your Job, You Never Work A Day
Colossians 3:23
"Whatever you do, do from the heart, as for the Lord and not for others"
I would venture to say that when most people think of a Veteran they picture the aged man who fought in World War II, the Korean War, or Vietnam. But did you know that the US has been involved in 13 military engagements since Vietnam? The face of the Veteran is the aged man, and is also the very young man. I am a Veteran. I served in the United States Air Force for almost 10 years. I was lucky though. I spent most nights in the comfort of my own bed and was consistently in the company of my loving wife. The longest time I was apart from her was a deployment of 60 days; a far cry from the consecutive years away that many have served. I write this blog in a freedom of expression and in a freedom of religion that people have fought hard to preserve for our country. Many have sacrificed their time with family, their personal goals, their limbs, and even their lives to ensure I have this right. While serving I never got the typed orders that put me in harm's way. For that, I am thankful, but to be honest, I also feel guilt. I was lucky enough to never be in a situation where my family needed me and I was unable to be there. I have been lucky enough to hold my children the moment they were born and say prayers with them and kiss them good night most nights since. There are children who still have not met their fathers and some that never will. I chose to serve my country, but God protected me and my family.
I have been frustrated lately, because I feel that God is calling me to do something to help this community that I care so much about. I want to serve them as they have so valiantly served all of us. I want to share the glory of the Word with those who are suffering wounds, anguish, and loss. I work for the Department of Veterans Affairs now so that I can help this community of protectors, but the job is mired in administrivia and the practicality of helping the Veteran is low. This week, my directorate is being reorganized for the third time in a year. There is no work being done for the Veteran it seems because the agenda keeps changing. The mission appears to be determining who is in charge, not how we work together to help. Sure I am an idealist. I get that. But if we are doing all our work as if we are working for the Lord, shouldn't we all be idealists? Shouldn't the obstacles be the exception to the rule and not the daily routine?
I have thoughts of being a chaplain sometimes, but there are some denominational issues that have to be worked through for that to occur. Also, I am not sure that is really what God is calling me to do. But I do know he is calling me to help. I wish to offer encouragement, hope, and love to a group of people who have demonstrated those characteristics for us all. I pray tonight that God gives me wisdom to discern his voice and I pray that he gives me courage to stand up for things that are just and right and the strength to act accordingly.
The truth is we all have a calling from God. Max Lucado has a great book about it titled, "When God Whispers Your Name". I think we all have days like I had today, where we wonder if what we are doing is what God intended for us. Is this our lot in life? Is this God's plan? The verse above minces no words in its commands. No matter what our work is, no matter how mundane it seems or meaningless it seems, we should take pride in it because we are working for Him, and as the following verse states, "from the Lord we will receive the proper inheritance".
Bike Training:
I worked in 18 miles in an hour. I was pretty excited about this because I had the resistance set about medium on the trainer. Without getting much roadwork in, I am a bit nervous about the first 20 miles of the VV. But I think I am getting stronger...in more ways than one.;-)
"Whatever you do, do from the heart, as for the Lord and not for others"
I would venture to say that when most people think of a Veteran they picture the aged man who fought in World War II, the Korean War, or Vietnam. But did you know that the US has been involved in 13 military engagements since Vietnam? The face of the Veteran is the aged man, and is also the very young man. I am a Veteran. I served in the United States Air Force for almost 10 years. I was lucky though. I spent most nights in the comfort of my own bed and was consistently in the company of my loving wife. The longest time I was apart from her was a deployment of 60 days; a far cry from the consecutive years away that many have served. I write this blog in a freedom of expression and in a freedom of religion that people have fought hard to preserve for our country. Many have sacrificed their time with family, their personal goals, their limbs, and even their lives to ensure I have this right. While serving I never got the typed orders that put me in harm's way. For that, I am thankful, but to be honest, I also feel guilt. I was lucky enough to never be in a situation where my family needed me and I was unable to be there. I have been lucky enough to hold my children the moment they were born and say prayers with them and kiss them good night most nights since. There are children who still have not met their fathers and some that never will. I chose to serve my country, but God protected me and my family.
I have been frustrated lately, because I feel that God is calling me to do something to help this community that I care so much about. I want to serve them as they have so valiantly served all of us. I want to share the glory of the Word with those who are suffering wounds, anguish, and loss. I work for the Department of Veterans Affairs now so that I can help this community of protectors, but the job is mired in administrivia and the practicality of helping the Veteran is low. This week, my directorate is being reorganized for the third time in a year. There is no work being done for the Veteran it seems because the agenda keeps changing. The mission appears to be determining who is in charge, not how we work together to help. Sure I am an idealist. I get that. But if we are doing all our work as if we are working for the Lord, shouldn't we all be idealists? Shouldn't the obstacles be the exception to the rule and not the daily routine?
I have thoughts of being a chaplain sometimes, but there are some denominational issues that have to be worked through for that to occur. Also, I am not sure that is really what God is calling me to do. But I do know he is calling me to help. I wish to offer encouragement, hope, and love to a group of people who have demonstrated those characteristics for us all. I pray tonight that God gives me wisdom to discern his voice and I pray that he gives me courage to stand up for things that are just and right and the strength to act accordingly.
The truth is we all have a calling from God. Max Lucado has a great book about it titled, "When God Whispers Your Name". I think we all have days like I had today, where we wonder if what we are doing is what God intended for us. Is this our lot in life? Is this God's plan? The verse above minces no words in its commands. No matter what our work is, no matter how mundane it seems or meaningless it seems, we should take pride in it because we are working for Him, and as the following verse states, "from the Lord we will receive the proper inheritance".
Bike Training:
I worked in 18 miles in an hour. I was pretty excited about this because I had the resistance set about medium on the trainer. Without getting much roadwork in, I am a bit nervous about the first 20 miles of the VV. But I think I am getting stronger...in more ways than one.;-)
Sunday, August 21, 2011
Sometimes You Just Have to Believe
1 Corinthians 1:25
"For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength."
Well if you haven't guessed it by now, I am a bit of a movie buff. Fortunately for me, my time on the bike trainer has afforded me some time to watch some movies that wouldn't interest my lovely wife (I have caught up on all of the Harry Potters) and I get to re-watch some movies that show up on AMC. I have become a fan of the classics, such as John Wayne movies, and I really enjoyed the one I watched this evening, "The Treasure of the Sierra Madre" with Humphrey Bogart ("We don't need no stinking badges!"). A few weeks ago I saw a movie that is a very good movie and can be watched by all ages. Second Hand Lions stars Haley-Joel Osmond (the kid from the Sixth Sense). He has two eccentric uncles he is sent to live with played by Robert Duval and Michael Caine. The movie is entertaining and should be seen in its entirety but one of the parts that stands out to me is Uncle Hub's speech to the boy. Watch the speech here. I believe the video does not show the line right before the speech begins that says something like "Boy, Just because something ain't true doesn't mean you can't believe in it".
Last night we watched a show called Curiosity: Did God Create the Universe. In the show Stephen Hawking explains from a physics standpoint how the creation of the universe likely took place. To give a quick synopsis, Hawking suggests that there are only three things required for creation to occur. Those three things are matter, energy, and space. Due to the scientific achievements of Albert Einstein and his development of the mathematical equation E=mc2 (2 is square, no superscript), there are now only two items required because matter and energy can be derived from the same source. Through these fundamental theories in physics, Hawking asserts that creation can arise out of nothingness and therefore there is no need for a creator. The theory seems scientifically sound, and if it is on the Discovery Channel it must be! But should we put Hawking in a room with Lee Stroebel and have him debate how scientific evidence points to a creator, who would the scientific community deem the winner? Should we care?
While discussing the show this morning, the wife and I discussed how we would handle the cross over in science and religion when it occurs with our children. What do we do as parents when we are faced with the question of did we evolve or did we come from Adam and Eve? You know, one of my favorite writings was penned by a man named Francis Church entitled, "Yes Virginia, There is a Santa Claus". This passage plays a significant role in Mr. Church's answer to young Virginia:
"You may tear apart the baby's rattle and see what makes the noise inside, but there is a veil covering the unseen world which not the strongest man, nor even the united strength of all the strongest men that ever lived, could tear apart. Only faith, fancy, poetry, love, romance, can push aside that curtain and view and picture the supernal beauty and glory beyond. Is it all real? Ah, VIRGINIA, in all this world there is nothing else real and abiding."
To me that is the truth in all of these questions. Our power is our belief in God. Just as Uncle Hub says, "This is what a man should believe, because this is what matters most". Sure, science will continue to determine whether we evolved or whether we are direct ancestors of the two beings who walked in the Garden of Eden. No matter how hard we try though, we will always come up short. There will always be more questions. It is our belief that makes it true and it is our faith in our belief that allows us to build our relationship with God. Science is not evil. Quite the contrary. It is necessary. More fantastic parts of our world and beyond will continue to be discovered because of scientific and technological efforts. But the point is the debate will have no winner. This debate does not even enter in to the presence of God on earth as Jesus. We are simply discussing the origin of man, or more specifically, the origin of the universe.
So what do I tell my kids (with my wife's blessing). I tell them that there are certain things in life that science has proven to be true. There are certain things that still remain a mystery to people that practice scientific research. I could even share the theories with them depending on their ages, but the final statement will likely be, "I do not know whether we evolved or we are ancestors of Adam and Eve, but we can ask God when we see Him."
Bike Ride:
Didn't get any road work in this weekend. We had 100 degree days and thunder storms on Saturday (about the time I was planning to ride) so I spent some more time getting acquainted with the trainer. Physically, I am doing well. My left shoulder is giving me some fits. I have been to the doctor before for a pinched nerve and I think it is acting up. I guess I bear down a lot on those handlebars when I am out of the saddle. I don't think that is the appropriate form...but it is the form I have. :-)
"For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength."
Well if you haven't guessed it by now, I am a bit of a movie buff. Fortunately for me, my time on the bike trainer has afforded me some time to watch some movies that wouldn't interest my lovely wife (I have caught up on all of the Harry Potters) and I get to re-watch some movies that show up on AMC. I have become a fan of the classics, such as John Wayne movies, and I really enjoyed the one I watched this evening, "The Treasure of the Sierra Madre" with Humphrey Bogart ("We don't need no stinking badges!"). A few weeks ago I saw a movie that is a very good movie and can be watched by all ages. Second Hand Lions stars Haley-Joel Osmond (the kid from the Sixth Sense). He has two eccentric uncles he is sent to live with played by Robert Duval and Michael Caine. The movie is entertaining and should be seen in its entirety but one of the parts that stands out to me is Uncle Hub's speech to the boy. Watch the speech here. I believe the video does not show the line right before the speech begins that says something like "Boy, Just because something ain't true doesn't mean you can't believe in it".
Last night we watched a show called Curiosity: Did God Create the Universe. In the show Stephen Hawking explains from a physics standpoint how the creation of the universe likely took place. To give a quick synopsis, Hawking suggests that there are only three things required for creation to occur. Those three things are matter, energy, and space. Due to the scientific achievements of Albert Einstein and his development of the mathematical equation E=mc2 (2 is square, no superscript), there are now only two items required because matter and energy can be derived from the same source. Through these fundamental theories in physics, Hawking asserts that creation can arise out of nothingness and therefore there is no need for a creator. The theory seems scientifically sound, and if it is on the Discovery Channel it must be! But should we put Hawking in a room with Lee Stroebel and have him debate how scientific evidence points to a creator, who would the scientific community deem the winner? Should we care?
While discussing the show this morning, the wife and I discussed how we would handle the cross over in science and religion when it occurs with our children. What do we do as parents when we are faced with the question of did we evolve or did we come from Adam and Eve? You know, one of my favorite writings was penned by a man named Francis Church entitled, "Yes Virginia, There is a Santa Claus". This passage plays a significant role in Mr. Church's answer to young Virginia:
"You may tear apart the baby's rattle and see what makes the noise inside, but there is a veil covering the unseen world which not the strongest man, nor even the united strength of all the strongest men that ever lived, could tear apart. Only faith, fancy, poetry, love, romance, can push aside that curtain and view and picture the supernal beauty and glory beyond. Is it all real? Ah, VIRGINIA, in all this world there is nothing else real and abiding."
To me that is the truth in all of these questions. Our power is our belief in God. Just as Uncle Hub says, "This is what a man should believe, because this is what matters most". Sure, science will continue to determine whether we evolved or whether we are direct ancestors of the two beings who walked in the Garden of Eden. No matter how hard we try though, we will always come up short. There will always be more questions. It is our belief that makes it true and it is our faith in our belief that allows us to build our relationship with God. Science is not evil. Quite the contrary. It is necessary. More fantastic parts of our world and beyond will continue to be discovered because of scientific and technological efforts. But the point is the debate will have no winner. This debate does not even enter in to the presence of God on earth as Jesus. We are simply discussing the origin of man, or more specifically, the origin of the universe.
So what do I tell my kids (with my wife's blessing). I tell them that there are certain things in life that science has proven to be true. There are certain things that still remain a mystery to people that practice scientific research. I could even share the theories with them depending on their ages, but the final statement will likely be, "I do not know whether we evolved or we are ancestors of Adam and Eve, but we can ask God when we see Him."
Bike Ride:
Didn't get any road work in this weekend. We had 100 degree days and thunder storms on Saturday (about the time I was planning to ride) so I spent some more time getting acquainted with the trainer. Physically, I am doing well. My left shoulder is giving me some fits. I have been to the doctor before for a pinched nerve and I think it is acting up. I guess I bear down a lot on those handlebars when I am out of the saddle. I don't think that is the appropriate form...but it is the form I have. :-)
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