Good morning and happy Friday. Well, we adopted a new dog yesterday. It was to be her last day if she wasn't taken in. It was just by "chance" that we saw her picture on FB and decided to go get her. She got a reprieve from a death sentence. I wonder how many people there are in the world that get a reprieve by "chance" from a death sentence of an eternity in hell because someone happened across them and "adopted" them into the family of God. Nothing happens by chance and I don't believe in luck. God is in full control. I hope and pray for the same kind of attitude for people who are lost as our new addition got from us yesterday. Our other little lap dog is not going to be happy about all this and sometimes other people won't be happy that you took time to spread a little love to someone they may not think is worth it. Every one is worth love, especially the love that comes from a heart after God. It won't be by chance that you run across a moment of "do I or don't I" when it comes to showing love and compassion to someone. It's not by chance that someone showed you love in a time of your life where some may have thought you were unworthy. Love is the greatest of all things and feelings God has given us. At our very core we are designed to and made out of love. It's such a simple thing to love but yet one of the hardest things to do for us. It was never hard for Jesus, never. He's our role model and who we are to imitate. Practice loving and it will become easier, but first loving Jesus makes it all the more better. Let me start today by simply saying to you, no matter who you are or what you may think of me or my God, I love you. I really do. In love always. <>< 

Good morning and happy Thursday. Tomorrow is my youngest daughters last home basketball game. She won't play in that gym again. She has the playoffs but not in front of the home crowd at the home gym again. I find myself sad and happy at the same time. A new chapter of her life is soon opening as this one is closing. I hope she plays like never before. I hope that she has the best game and the most fun ever. What about our last day in front of the home crowd here on Earth? How well have you been playing so far? Have you got a good season going and maybe make the playoffs?  I think this season has really snuck up on her this year and hasn't really set in that its over. But she may be looking right past that and on to the other side of high school. I know she's been hard at work getting apps ready and paper work filled out. She's done a great job of getting and doing all she can to get ready for college. How focused on the other side are you? Are you getting ready to leave this place and move to other side. As we age and the inevitable gets closer we think more about it. What about the younger invincible folks who think they will live forever? Nothing on this Earth is worth losing a place with God in eternity. One thing is for sure. We will die. It's where we will spend our eternity that should concern us. The life we live here is preparation for our life with the Father. Live like there is no tomorrow. Give of yourself to others and serve Jesus to all who are in need. By serving Him while serving others you are gonna make the all district team and move on to play in the big show. The root to that ability to serve and give is love. Just begin loving if you're not and see how much more life can be when you do. In love always. <>< 

Good morning and happy Wednesday. I was watching a show the other night and in the situation you had grown ups and young adult/teens having a point of view about it. The grown ups were taking the hard line and leaning toward the most callus view and the teens seeing it for just what it was. And it made think about how we and the world see things so differently. On the show the adults were seeing the worst of the problem and the teens were seeing it for what it really was, the truth. It made all the adults step back and rethink what they thought too. So when we speak the truth of Jesus to the world it usually goes against their grain and may take a while for it to take effect. Our job is not to bring them to Jesus but to show them who He is. From there the Holy Spirit takes over and begins the work on the heart. We are the planters of seed by speaking and living the truth. Jesus has changed us and we want the same change for others. Why would we not? Speak the truth and let the world decide for itself. That's really all that we can do. We can't make people think or do think what we want them to, but we can make them rethink the way they see Christianity. That may be all that's needed for a heart and soul to be won over and changed by the Holy Spirit. Go a be the difference in the world today. Live in the truth of Jesus. In love always. <>< 

Good morning and happy Tuesday. Oh when the saints go marching in, do you wanna be in that number?  We've all read about the people of the Bible and we all figure those good guys are in Heaven. Just because we read about someone doesn't mean they've done something amazing. In today's times it seems that way, but back in the day they were messing it up first and the ones most likely to not be written about.  Those are the saints who have gone before us. What are you doing today to be among those marching in? It doesn't have to be much. Stephen simply preached the Gospel and we don't  hear much about him, now most churches have a ministry named after him. God doesn't need us to be stars to the world. He is the star and we are merely the pointers to the Way. So are you pointing people to Jesus or not? Our actions speak volumes more than our words. Living a Christian life out in front of the world is the best way to point others to the light that brings eternal salvation. We all have a purpose and God has a plan for us. It's our job to be there when called and needed. It's not hard to be with those who are marching in. No one may write about you, but in the end of it all as we stand in the presence of God, who really cares? Be the best pointer you can and get your marching shoes on. In love always. <>< 

Good morning and happy Monday. God is Sovereign. Do you trust Him? Really? Have you been worrying about something lately? What have you not given to Him and let go of yourself?  When we were babies we had to trust our parents to take care of us. When we we got a little older and bolder we jumped out on our own but still trusted our parents with the bigger things, food and baths and a house. We got older and a little smarter we took on some more stuff of our own till we were out on our and knew it all. Our life is not our own. It belongs to God. Many don't believe that and those that do still don't trust Him completely. It's a hard thing to do, trust. Who has your deepest darkest secret? Do you ever wonder if they will tell? Do you trust them to keep it? We trust people more than we do God, really. I'm amazed by that. I'm one of those too. It's a tough battle to turn loose of things and let God do His thing. In my older age it is getting easier. Mostly because I can look back and see where people have let me down or betrayed my trust and God has never done that, ever. What I thought was a bad thing when it happened was God moving me out of the way of a bus that would have destroyed me. Since our kids trust us now we really need to be animate about relaying the trust in God as the most important thing in their lives. Let your story be out there for others to see so they see God working for someone else and that it is possible and it does happen. Who better to trust than the one who made and created all things. Why would we not trust Him? Why do we not trust Him?  Give all your worries to Him today. Trust Him to guide you through the storm you're in. Trust Him with everything you have and everything you do. In love always. <>< 

Good morning and happy Thursday. To you men I ask, how did you see your wife as she walked down the isle towards you the day you got married? To the women, how did you see your husband as you walked down the isle towards him?  If you've never been married, how do you imagine it to be?  The perfect day, the perfect place, everything is perfect. It's beautiful and no matter how bad the piano player may have missed a note or a child in the crowd started crying or any of those other things that always happen on that day, all you see and hear is beauty. It's no wonder either that we are the bride of Christ. He is the groom waiting for us to walk to Him and be united forever. Listen to the wedding vows as we marry Him. For better or worse, in sickness and in health, for richer or poorer, but the last of it is changed; and death shall not part us. He is there through it all with us but have we done our part of staying with Him through it all? We're His beloved bride. Nothing is more pleasing to Him then to hear us say I do. I will follow you where ever you lead me. Now we must be a good bride and be faithful. Not becoming a mistress chasing other things of this world. There is nothing here that will ever satisfy us. We are made for Him and Him alone. We are to drink of His water and we will taste new life. A life we won't want to leave. The hole we've been trying to fill is now full. It's the perfect day, the perfect fit. And though we may grow tired and weary in this life, His love for us will never end. The mind boggling idea of eternity is how long His love for us lasts. Fall in love with Him today if you haven't already. Look deep into His heart and know that He has done everything for you. All the way to dying for you. True love doesn't get any deeper than that. In love always. <>< 

Good morning and happy Wednesday. I've been home now since Saturday and my little chihuahua Harley has not left my side since. He missed me. It feels good to be missed. While he wasn't the only one who did, I hope, he is just an animal. I'm amazed by how much our pets love us and miss us and hurt with us, feel bad with us when we're sick and will die when we do. The core to it all is love. They love when they've been loved. They feel love and know that it's good and what is right to do. Why then do we find it so hard to love. God has shown us love beyond measure and unconditionally. If we could just love like our pets, what a wonderful world this would be. We are not God's pets but we are His children, why do we not follow His instructions. We ask our kids to follow ours. Love is at the core of His being. He has shown us how to love through His son Jesus and has asked us to follow his example. With knowing how good it feels to be loved, how can we keep it from others? How do we not give it to others, as undeserving as we may think they are? Even a dog will love his abusive owner, someone who deserves to be bit instead. Love The Lord your God with all your heart, with all mind and with all your soul. He already loves you more than you can imagine. Love love love love.  It just feels so good. Why? Cause we're made like Him and its at the core of His being so its at the core of ours. Love on some folks today. It'll make people smile and feel good too. In LOVE always. <>< 

Good morning and happy Tuesday. Have you ever been in a totally dark, no light at all room? We are the only animals on the planet that can't see in the dark. I read that, I'm not that smart. So in this room, did you feel helpless? I know I did. Within a few minutes I felt kinda lost. The book I'm reading right now is about an animal preserve in Africa. They find themselves in total darkness and all of sudden hear the blood curdling roar of two lions claiming territory. The cats can see them but the men can't see a thing. Darkness is a terrible place for us to be. We are not designed to live in it. God had no intention for us to be in the dark. So how much light would it take to make that dark room seem and feel a little safer? Not much at all. We don't have to be much "light" in someone's life to help them see in their darkness. We have this idea that we need to make a big spot light impact to really do good for someone. Remember that dark room and how much a single little flicker of a match flame would have made all the difference in the world. We are called to be the light of the world. Even if its a small flicker, it may be the brightest light someone has ever seen. Do what you've been called to do, make a difference, and light the way for someone to come out of the darkness of life and into the loving light of Jesus. In love always. <><

Good morning and happy Monday. I love when all the commotion of life settles down and you can hear again. Hear the still small voice of God whispering in your ear. In all the chaos of this new endeavor things seem to have gotten hectic. I haven't had the time to be in the Word or listening as much. Of corse that's just an excuse because making the time is what I'm supposed to do. That's what some of this has been about, learning to adjust. Our lives change and move in different directions and the routine we once had is now different. How do we keep our time with God the same or better yet improve it? While our lives are changing for the better or worse, our relationship with God should always be growing. No excuses, just get it figured out and get back to what brings you a peace beyond understanding. This world we hold so dear is just a temporary place. Our eternity is to be with God, where then should we more focused when things seem hurried, out of control, or just feeling lost? Always make time for God. Sometimes it may be at a different time of day or whatever, but make the time when you can. Our eternity depends on it for each if us. In love always. <><

Good morning and happy Tuesday. Went to bed last night with nothing but home on my mind.  I know I have to be here. I know I have to get this done, but it still doesn't keep me from missing home. My grandmother is in the hospital after a fall and I'm not there. My wife feeling bad at work and needing to go home and I'm not there. No telling what little things are going on that I'm missing. But that's just how it is and it's part of life for a lot of people. But how much of "Home" am I missing? How many times has there been a chance to visit with God at Home and I missed it? No excuse for that. Can't find a good enough reason. Sure, like most I don't really want to go Home right now, but I believe the place being prepared for me is based a lot on the time I spend there with Him. Oh I'd take a shack in the corner and sweep the streets all day but what am I missing at Home? How much of Home am I giving to the lost that are here looking for Home? I've been blessed beyond measure and I know it. What am I doing with the blessing? How much more does the blessing really belong to someone else because I'm simply the messenger God chose today? Do I sift through them and decide how to use them or when it's most convenient for me?  I'm missing Home because I choose to. I'm missing out on some things that He is trying to show me and to use me and to give me. Only by staying in His word do we make it through the worldly fog that separates us from Him. Don't miss Home by just not being there. Soak yourself in it daily and you'll feel that presence of stillness all the days of this world. Get Home today by talking to God and reading His word and letting Him guide you in all the ways of your life. In love always. <>< 

Good morning and happy Tuesday. Why is it that we can't control our egos? Why do we feel we must take charge or at least stop letting God have control over our lives once the wrecking ship is righted? We bring a problem or trial or need to Him because we finally got to the point we realized He was the only one to help us, and then as soon as its fixed and better we forget who done it for us. That's how we avoid most of the pitfalls of life anyway is by being with Him, always. Sure we're gonna stumble some still that's growth, but to just not be there at all is stupid. Continuing to be grateful is what the ego keeps us from doing. Continuing to not be humble is what the ego keeps us from being. If you find the method that keeps the ego of man at bay, tell the world so it can be a better place. Wait, we have been told by the very maker of the ego itself, but we don't listen to Him much anymore unless we have a problem because, we got this. Come on man, yes I love ESPN, you gotta do better than that. Our toughest battles in life are within ourselves. Once we can turn loose and let God, all will be good. Have a great and ego free day today. In love always. <>< 

Good morning and happy Thursday. So you wanna know how to impact a life? How to help someone see that everything is going to be ok? Be a part of theirs. Stop being afraid of what people will think of you because of what you've done or where you've been. You never know who is watching you from in the world or from your Facebook.  I think a lot about the stories of Jesus and when He heals someone or some other miracle, what the people around in the crowd are thinking and how many lives changed because of what they saw. Then I think more about the no good sorry people that He hung out with, Zacchaeus for instance. He was not liked among the people. Jesus was very intentional though about having dinner with him and staying at his house. Why? Why this guy? Jesus was setting an example to us that we have to go and be available to all His people. I wonder how many thought Jesus was a good guy then? Well we know the top dogs didn't like it, but that was because they were being shown they needed to get a little dirty to get the job done. They were too pious for that. But some where in the crowd some one didn't listen to the rhetoric but saw what Jesus was about. This person made a difference in others by what he learned from our Lord and Savior. You won't read about him and we don't know who it is, but there are some Christ followers in Heaven because of what he learned and imitated from Jesus. His ministry was a short three years and there are a few really good stories and lessons about lives changed, but there are probably a million other stories untold about others the same way. We are the other stories of life. We are the ones that need to be out getting dirty for others. Living with intent for our Lord so that everyone sees Him alive today. Be an untold story to some one today. I promise they will tell someone what happened to them, only God will get the credit. In love always. <>< 

Good morning and happy Wednesday. I hope you had a great Christmas and end of year eve and waking to a great new year ahead of you. It's been two weeks and a day since the last post here. Time sure does fly. It seems like only a few days. That bothers me that that much time can go by and it not seem like much. Lets me know how it's possible to slip away from God and not really realize I've been gone. A Sunday here, a Bible study there and well it hasn't been too long since I got together with God. I missed it and felt a little ashamed of myself too. My reason was mostly not to bother folks in the morning during their time off for the holidays. You know, what if there was someone needing to hear something one of those days? I know my days didn't start off as well as they usually did because of my lack of time spent with Him in the morning. Oh I spent some but not as much. Thought really hard about the fact of just making it a long vacation for all of us. God said no and that's that. Now as my job change begins to take place it will change some as my hours of work will kinda dictate when things get sent and stuff. But what I take from all of this is the fact, no matter what, my time with God and people has to be a part of my life all the time and the best way will be to start the day with Him. And, well, you may wan to put your phone on silent till you get up in the morning if you get this by text. I've made my resolution known to God so He can keep me convicted this year as it goes by so fast. Stay in touch with God daily. Don't let time pass without noticing its passing. Don't let a moment go without noticing it. Thank God for each one. In love always. <>< 

Good morning and happy Tuesday. So is satan winning? According to the news and other media and the opinion of most people it would seem so. Since when does a nation of Christians let an event take them down. I don't know that any are but I don't see or hear many out there pointing to God with this. The message is about evil and sinister things and now that's what we talk about. All satan needs is a small crack to weasel his way into a life. A view just off the mark that may look like God but in the end is not. In the Book of Revelation do you know why John describes those horrible images? That's how he sees satan and evil. That's how Christians will see it. In the end days the world will see a good kind hearted man leading them to their unforeseen doom. The Christ followers will see him as the serpent and dragon that he is. So how do you see the world?  As a terrible place void of God or a terrible place ruled by the dragon. Make no doubt, God is here, and is by the way, satan's God too. We are being allowed this time to come to Him on our own out love for Him. Not tricked or deceived but pure love for Him. Find a way to love the hurting people of this world and not call them names and cast them aside because its easier to do so. That's how we win more souls with Gods love for us and others. We have to make our lives about Him in this chaotic and crazy world that satan uses to draw us away. People will ask, where is God in all of this? He's right there holding a hand some else wouldn't. He's hoping that by putting them in our path we will find the compassion for them He has.  I have so far to go. Help me Lord Jesus. In love always. <><

Good morning and happy Monday. Well, last week God was laying ground work for today it seems. Prayer and the subject of them. With the school shooting and the way the economy is and the election, there's no telling what if anything is being prayed about. There was a man named Saul who wanted Christianity gone. The people of Damascus knew he he was coming for them. What would you as a group of Christians there be praying for? That the wheel on his chariot fall off and he be hurt or killed?  You could rationalize that it's a Godly prayer because if he doesn't get us we can spread the Gospel better. I know if I were there I would have prayed for his demise. Do you think anyone stopped to pray for his salvation instead? Well in spite of us God saw to it and now we read the things he's written about our Lord and savior. The news has been about 26 victims at the school. For God He sees 28, and many more still left alive. There was a mother killed that no one is saying much about. There was a lost boy who no one seemed to understand or at least see this coming. Never to take away from those 26, please understand that. But the point is the same as Saul, what is being prayed over people who are lost? God lost some of His children that day. Some will be with Him I'm sure but who knows where the others were in there relationship with Him. We are so quick to get after the thing we think will bring immediate relief to a situation instead of what brings the best and most glory to God. I would have never prayed for Saul to be saved knowing he was coming to kill me. We need to be in prayer for our leaders, our teachers, our families, our nation, our world, for all of our salvation. I'm saddened by the shooting but from the heart and mouth of child came these words about it; " I feel most sorry for the guy that did this. He must've really been hurting the most to be able to do this". I never thought of it that way, but God does. Be careful what you pray for, and be mindful of what you say in it. You never know how God is going to use the event for His glory. In love always. <><