The Journey

Complicated!

Life is complicated.  Sometimes the learning curve is so high that anything you do falls short and makes matters worst.  This morning in my prayer time I was asking God to help me see things from his perspective.  At times my vantage point is limited.  Being a parent of four young children illustrates this everyday.  Shepherding a congregation also demonstrates that life seems more complicated than it appears.  Then I am reminded of God's Word: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.  In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight." (Proverbs 3:5-6). 

 "Lord, please give me straight, uncomplicated paths for my journey.  Amen!"

Character Counts

This Sunday I intend to address the issues of character and overcoming problems in our lives.  in 1 Samuel 11, the narrative directs our attention to Saul and how he was to face an enemy that would bring certain defeat and humiliation to all of Israel.  There are many enemies that want to bring us down--fear, doubt, hurt, unforgiveness, etc...  However, God wants us to trust in Him to bring victory in our lives.  One of the key areas that we need to explore in our lives is our character.  We live in a society that diminishes the importance of character.  You can lie, cheat and steal--and as long as you say the right things then it's ok.  But, without godly character, we do not have the right tools necessary to bring down the enemies of our lives.  True biblical holiness is critical!  I wonder if we truly understand this principle?

What do you think?

Facing the Giant

The giant that followers in Christ face oftentimes in our western culture is atheism.  I am amazed but not surprised that many professing Christians struggle with the thought that there might not be any God.  Books have been pouring off the writers' desks supporting the notion that science proves that their is no God and no faith--and that Christianity above all the other religions is dangerous, foolish, and only for weak-minded people.  It can be rather intimidating.  I really think this intimidation has had the sad effect that Christians are becoming silent with their testimony and afraid to even let others know of their faith in Christ.  One of the reasons for this is that the church has ignored to meaning and power of the Gospel.  We have allowed others to define us and dictate to us how we should live, what we should believe, and how we should worship.  They even go so far as to tell us that we should not vote according to what we believe. 

What do you think?

Pictures from our Vacation

Here are some pictures from the first half of our vacation to California.

   

Ed driving in western Kansas

 

The kids at Vail Pass in Calorado

 

Ethan helping Matthew with a book

 

President Reagan's grave at his Presidential Library

 

My brother Joe, me, dad, mom, my sisters Dinah and Debbie

The Library

Yesterday Angela made the suggestion on visiting the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library.  So, we took the kids and traveled to Simi Valley.  It was an incredible experience.  The highlight was walking through Air Force One (the one Nixon, Ford, Carter, Reagan, Bush One, and Clinton used).  It was amazingly cramped inside.  The final part of the tour was going outside and viewing the burial place for President Reagan.  I must admit it was a moving experience.

Safe and Sound

We arrived mid-afternoon to my sister's house safe and sound.  It is very hot here in Santa Clarita, California.  The drive was easy and uneventful--except for the motorcyclist that was killed falling off a bridge in Las Vegas.  No, I was not involved, but I had to wait in traffic for over an hour before the police let us through.  Although I am enjoying the thought of being with my family these next several days, I must confess that I miss my Church family in Manhattan.

California Here We Come

Well, we departed Manhattan Sunday afternoon--following a little hick-up to our vacation plans.  Angela's dad was in a car accident in Wichita that morning (at church).  So, Angela's mom, who was coming with us, had to abandon the trip and go back home.  Otherwise, we had an uneventful first day.  We spent the night in Denver, Colorado--and the left for a ten plus hour drive to St. George, Utah.  For the last hour of the day's travels, Matthew, our youngest, had enough.  Cries, tears, and gnashing of teeth were in order.  Well, the day is done, the kids are in the bed, mom is in the bed, and I have momentarily escaped to write this blog.  See you tomorrow.