James

Sunshine,

Happy New Year!

Tests and temptations. We have seen our share - or have we. Just when we think we have seen enough, a new season of tests and temptations come our way. So for a slight change, I am called this year to offer encouragement through the promotion of wisdom. Now, there's a test!

Our congregation has started 2016 by taking a look at the Book of James. In chapter 1 verse 2 James writes; "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds,...".

What a stretch, right out of the blocks, to be asked to consider it 'pure joy' as we face our trials. But James is quick to add, "...because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."

Mature and complete can be translated to wise or gaining wisdom. Yet, as is always the case, God, nor anyone else, expects you to go this journey alone. He will be there with you - simply for the asking (v5).

As you enter into the challenges of 2016, be encouraged in knowing that you are loved beyond belief and that the love that is lavished upon you is a gift with no strings attached. The Giver wants you to grow in your faith and to let perseverance be your guiding principle.

I pray for strength, perseverance and wisdom as you venture into 2016.

Something to think about,

I love you,
Daddy

Kings

Sunshine,

Greetings and blessings I bring to you from the snowless mountains of Vermont. I have to say, this is as strange a winter as I have seen in quite awhile. Good news however, I have made it up my driveway everyday this winter.

Encouragement is found in the words of Pastor Roland and his teachings the past few months. He has been sharing the challenges and history of the Kings in the line of David. While many failed to be "good" leaders, failed to be "good" keepers of the Temple, or failed to carry forward the promise that the Lord had given to Moses of a coming Day. But then again, there were many kings who got it right.

These "good" kings were the source of encouragement for a people looking for a sign, a fulfillment of a promise, a gift. They each, in their own way, physically built up the Temple and created a place to worship and celebrate the Lord and His promise. They believed and promoted the law of God.

And finally, a baby appears and is proclaimed the King of Kings. Jesus, just a baby, says "I will build the Temple back up in three days." Of course He was not talking about the physical building but rather His return, His rise, His fulfillment of the promise.

As we march through this season of thanksgiving and celebration, we find our encouragement in the promise of a child born in a manager to a virgin. A child who was delivered to us as the promise from a God who cares about us, who tends to our every need and who loves us beyond our comprehension of the very notion of love. He is our encouragement.

Merry Christmas my sweet girl - you remind me of the good kings. Keep building the temple, you are making a difference.

Something to think about...

I love you,
Daddy

Morning With Jesus

Sunshine,

Thanks to my Bible app for this gem...

Family, dogs, green grass, blue sky, friends, snow, sun, chirping birds, job, spouse, comfy shoes, a soft pillow, coffee, chocolate, smiles, music, art, books, evergreen trees, irises, fresh air, horses, friends… These are some of the things I’m grateful for, Lord, and Your creative hand provided them all.

Even though I may have money troubles, physical ailments, rebellious children or myriad other complaints, I still choose to give thanks to you. An attitude of gratitude is a decision I make each morning—even on the days when I have difficulty thinking of a single thing I’m thankful for. A baby’s laugh, a purring kitten, a friendly hug . . . I look until I find. And I give thanks. 

Faith Step: Think of five things you are grateful for and concentrate on those today. Praise God for them.

Something to ponder...

I love you,
Daddy

My 2015 Wish List

Sunshine,

Getting old has some advantages - I just can't remember what they are. Here is a borrowed list that I am considering for 2015.

Wouldn't it be great if we could put ourselves in the dryer for ten minutes; come out wrinkle-free and three sizes smaller! 

Last year I joined a support group for procrastinators. We haven't met yet!

I don't trip over things, I do random gravity checks!

I don't need anger management. I need people to stop making me mad!

Old age is coming at a really bad time!

When I was a child I thought Nap Time was a punishment ... now, as a grown up, it just feels like a small vacation!

The biggest lie I tell myself is ... "I don't need to write that down, I'll remember it."

Lord grant me the strength to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can & the friends to post my bail when I finally snap!

I don't have gray hair. I have "wisdom highlights." I'm just very wise.

My people skills are just fine. It's my tolerance to idiots that needs work.

Teach your daughters how to shoot, because a restraining order is just a piece of paper.

If God wanted me to touch my toes, he would've put them on my knees.

The kids’ text me "plz" which is shorter than please. I text back "no" which is shorter than "yes".

I'm going to retire and live off of my savings. Not sure what I'll do that second week.

I've lost my mind and I'm pretty sure my kids took it!

Even duct tape can't fix stupid ... but it can muffle the sound!

Why do I have to press one for English when you're just gonna transfer me to someone I can't understand anyway?

Lord, Give me patience and give it to me NOW.

Of course I talk to myself, sometimes I need expert advice.

Oops!  Did I roll my eyes out loud?

Happy New Year!!!

Something to think about...

I love you,
Daddy

Compelling

Sunshine,

I recently read this piece by Lolly Daskal on "How to Become the Most Compelling Person You will Ever Know" - I found it - compelling.  Read Original

See what you think:

1. Be bold.

Dare to instigate! Take chances, create opportunities, make things happen. Risk greatness.

2. Find your unique self and wear it like a badge of honor.

Turn your back on conformity. Figure out what makes you different, and then embrace it. The world needs what you have.

3. Conquer the unknown.

Try something new, and don't cringe at fear. Leaving the safe and ordinary is the only way to get to the extraordinary.

4. Be inclusive.

The solitary hero is a myth; your allies are your greatest strength. Those who pride themselves on self-reliance have no safety net, and living a one-dimensional story is pretty limiting.

5. Be confident (but not arrogant).

Show your self-assurance. Confidence gives voice to your gifts.

6. Be generous with everyone you meet.

Generosity isn't just about money. Make introductions, teach what you know, reach out, send a text, share everything you can.

7. Never miss an opportunity to give a compliment.

A sincere compliment is among the greatest of gifts. If you admire someone, if someone does something extraordinary (or something ordinary very well), if something goes right, then say so--in public, if possible.

8. Say no so you can say yes.

Not everything that comes along is worthwhile, and not every opportunity is right for you. Say no to the things that drag you down to make room for what matters most to you.

9. Practice humility.

When you're sincerely humble in your heart and mind, the connections you make with others take on a different tone. Ask questions, listen, stay open, and remember you don't know everything.

10. Stand for something.

Leave no room for doubt about your passion for the people, places, and principles that are dear to you. A compelling purpose is a cause worth sharing.

Above all, to become the most compelling version of yourself, look within to find the heart of all that matters to you. Then go live it.
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I'd say that in addition to being compelling - this list would bring you a step closer to the person Christ would have you be as well.

Something to think about...

I love you,
Daddy

Failure

Sunshine,

Last night, Kobe Bryant broke John Havlicek's long standing NBA record for the most missed shots in a career. A dubious honor to say the least. When asked to respond he replied; "You can't be held captive by the fear of failure or the fear of what people may say."

Kobe Bryant has 5 NBA Championships, 14 All Star appearances, several MVP awards and a sure seat in the Basketball Hall of Fame.

Bret Favre holds the record for most interceptions in a career. He has won two Super Bowls, palyed in 16 All Pro seasons, has earned several MVP awards and a sure seat in the Football Hall of Fame.

Reggie Jackson holds the record for most strike outs for a hitter in a career. "Mr. October" actually has 13 more strikeouts than he does hits. He also wears 5 World Series rings, has earned several MVP trophies and owns a spot in the MLB Hall of Fame.

Martin Brodeur holds the record for most goals allowed in a career. He has hoisted the Stanley Cup three times, owns two Olympic Gold Medals, 10 All Star appearances and a future spot in the downtown Toronto where he is sure to be voted into the NHL Hall of Fame.

I share these little tidbits as encouragement to continue to do what you know is right, to keep working for His glory and to know that you are loved beyond a doubt. What you do matters - let nothing hold you back.

In God's perfect timing, I also received this verse this morning in confirmation:

"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you." Deut 31:6 (you've already seen this today!!)

Something to think about...

I love you ,

Daddy

Complacency

Sunshine,

This past week, Pastor Roland has started preaching on Revelation. This will be the second time I have gone through this book with him. He is pretty sold on the U Shaped Theory of the stories in Revelation. Begins in Heaven, swoops down to earth with a challenge, we respond, and if all goes well we end up back in heaven. That pretty much sums up the Theory.

The meat of the theory is in the "we get a challenge and we act on it" part. In each case, we are challenged to make some attempt at being something better than what we are. More loving, more caring, more supportive, more clean, more unselfish and more whatever else is good.

The word more is what struck me this weekend. We cannot be content which the status quo - we must be looking for another way to offer more. Complacency - the state of being ok with how things are and not too concerned with making them any different. Complacency does not equal more - it equals sit still.

God wants more from us, He wants us to get up every morning and look for a new way to serve Him with more of ourselves. While what we do today may be all good and everything, tomorrow it will look and feel stale, old, used. He wants new every morning (catchy). He wants us to look for ways to add a bit more WOW in what we do today. In every aspect of our lives He wants us to give more. So little to ask in return for what He has given us.

Something to think about...

I love you,
Daddy