He Still Rolls The Stone Away

There is another song that says "He still rolls the stone away". I am thankful God can soften our heart, and break the bondage of sin. If your bound by sin's prison, you don't have to stay. Thank the Lord for victory regardless of circumstances that are out of our control!

A Miracle In Every Pew

There is a song titled "A Miracle In Every Pew", most notably sung by Karen Peck and New River. As I reflect on my struggles with church problems, I realize that often times I find a hypocrite on every pew, and miss the miracles.

P.S. - if you attend a church with no problems, then you must be lonely.

Shaving

I took this rough photo today just being crazy. I tried to fluff my hair up and have not shaved in a couple of days. Actually, I have become quit lazy when it comes to shaving. Sunday morning and Wednesday are about the only days I shave. My lack of interest in shaving began when my wife informed me she like me with a goatee. At first I was not crazy about it, but it has grown on me. What made me really like the goatee was no more slicing and dicing of my chin. Something about the contour of that part of my face attracts the razor blade to cut extra deep. I rarely cut myself shaving now.

Since I started working from home in 2007, daily shaving has become a thing of the past. The home office has it's benefits. Showering without shaving is much more gratifying. Some say they can not stand a few days growth because of itching, but I don't really seem to be bothered with that. My neighbor mentioned that I should just let it all grow out, but I'm not sold on that idea yet.

Well, I just wanted to post this picture so that those of you who would like to see me on a wanted poster can have a preview of what my mug shot would look like! Enjoy.
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Mariano is very excited about seeing his Wendy and Aydan again (and they look forward to seeing Mariano also). He seems to be encouraged and stays somewhat busy working for his brother-in-law (I think). I've talked with him from time to time and just received an email from him too. I am looking forward to visiting Guatemala in the near future. Not sure I'll ever be able to call him Juan. He has always been a hard worker, and volunteers his time to help others. On top of that, he puts up with Wendy! We have been praying for them daily and trusting that the Lord will reunited them permanently as soon as possible.

I Will Do My Part

What am I doing up at this hour (3:30 on a Sunday morning)? Well, I took a 45 minute nap with the boys yesterday and for some reason, naps throw me off. I had trouble going to bed in the first place. Then, for the first time since I installed the wood stove, I actually got up in the middle of the night (had to set an alarm) to add wood to the fire. There are three reason why I did this: #1, it has been very cold, #2 I do not want the oil furnace running any more than it has to, and #3 the wood I have right now is very dry and burns a little faster. So after laying back down for 1/2 hour, I got up and here I am. Keep this in mind if you find any typos here.

Thinking back over my recent posts, I wanted to explain I am not trying to be negative towards any one person or any group of people. Just putting out the thoughts that I've had in general over the circumstances I face in life. To point some of this in a more positive direction ...

I sometimes find myself looking at others and questioning "what are they doing"? If your in the work place and someone isn't doing their part, it really is frustrating. It can also be experienced in our homes, places of worship, and just about anywhere that two or more people get together.

Didn't one of the disciples of Jesus ask about what one of the other disciples was going to be doing? I need to find that scripture.

Anyhow, going back to the thoughts from Heb 12:2, "looking unto Jesus", instead of looking around at others. If I am doing my part, then that is all God asks of me. He may ask me to help bear someones burden, but I need to be careful not to forget I am doing it for God, and not let my thoughts get caught up in "I have to pick up the slack" mentality.

An old hymn came to my mind. Have not heard it in years, ,but for some reason it has been playing in my mind with the repeat setting on.

I Will Do My Part

1. It may be little that I can do,
   Nor may I have much to say,
   But in that little I mean to be true,
   And do what I can today.
   • Refrain:
     From the depths of my heart I will do my part
     With a ready and willing hand;
     And I will not shirk, I will faithfully work
     In the place that my Lord hath planned.
2. The work He giveth may lowly be,
   It may not win man’s applause,
   But if I do what He chooses for me,
   I know it will help His cause.
3. In vain no service that love may give,
   No matter how small it be;
   In God’s remembrance it ever shall live
   To shine in eternity.
4. In that fair day, when the crowns are brought
   For those who have faithful proved,
   There will be one for each soul that has wrought—
   For all that have worked and loved.

Click here to listen to the tune (same with title above).

Luke 17:32 and Heb 12:2

Luke 17:32 - Remember Lot's wife.

Heb 12:2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

These two scriptures came to my mind at the same time today. I did not study out what Luke was trying to say - just had these two scriptures come to my mind.

Often times we become careless and have our focus on the things behind us. We take our eyes off of the prize and like Peter we begin to sink into the sea of despair.

Or like Lot's wife, we turn into a pillar of salt. Nothing wrong with salt in the correct amount. A little bit adds flavor, too much makes you want to spit it out. A little salt can help heal/clean a cut but I won't pour a whole jar in an open wound.

Looking unto Jesus ... if we are looking in the right direction, our words and our actions will most likely reflect what we are seeing. If we are looking backwards, well, our words and our actions will most likely reflect what we are seeing.

There is a time for reflection, but you better keep your eyes on the road you plan to travel.

Mat 5:44

Mat 5:44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;

Sometimes we forget to live by this scripture. We find out someone is talking about us or something seems chaotic because others are not doing their job and we immediately become angry and sometimes we respond in anger. God help me to pray for those who are so miserable and looking for company to share their bad news with. Help me to say nothing when I have nothing nice to say. (especially when I may not know what I'm talking about)