Over the years working with kids in the Church and at camp, I have made statements about the only things that matter are Faith and People.
I rediscovered this truth recently and wanted to remind myself and those around me who true this concept is!
I spent two full days riding my motorcycle and thinking about all the things for which I was grateful. I began at my earliest memories and moved forward. Two themes began to emerge; People and Experiences. All the other memories where less clear, but the experiences combined with people or the just those individuals in my life stood out the most.
Good and bad memories involve people who celebrated or agonized WITH YOU. All parts of my life where dominated by people like Joby when I was younger. My dad, brother and other young men during my time as a Boy Scout. Serving at Mission Trips because of Don or Doug (Youth Pastors)...okay, you get the point.
Why don't you take time and consider all those who have contributed to who you are and thank them! That's what I am going to do. Thank those people who are part of me and part of God's story in me.
David
Thursday, August 2, 2012
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
The Road We Travel
In "The Message" Bible, Deuteronomy 10:12-13 says this:
"So now Israel, what do you think God expects from you? Just this: Live in his presence in holy reverence, follow the road he sets out for you, love him, serve God, your God, with everything you have in you, obey the commandments and regulations of God that I'm commanding you today—live a good life."
My plans get in the way of what God is doing. It's blunt but true! Sometimes my life would have the verse above saying "follow the road that David thinks is best". Can you relate?
Most of us struggle with following the road that God has for us. It may me riches, but likely it means average income or being poor. His road could have suffering and hurt from those around us...probably lots of that. Success in our work??? Ha, there is no guaruntee of that for anyone!
Today, for me and you, submit to the road that God has laid out for you. Regardless of who you feel about where you are, the fact remains...that's where you are! Will you allow God to move you each day? Will you allow Him to be more directly involved in what you are doing?
Enjoy the trip my friends. The best road is the one that God has, it comes with the most support!
"So now Israel, what do you think God expects from you? Just this: Live in his presence in holy reverence, follow the road he sets out for you, love him, serve God, your God, with everything you have in you, obey the commandments and regulations of God that I'm commanding you today—live a good life."
My plans get in the way of what God is doing. It's blunt but true! Sometimes my life would have the verse above saying "follow the road that David thinks is best". Can you relate?
Most of us struggle with following the road that God has for us. It may me riches, but likely it means average income or being poor. His road could have suffering and hurt from those around us...probably lots of that. Success in our work??? Ha, there is no guaruntee of that for anyone!
Today, for me and you, submit to the road that God has laid out for you. Regardless of who you feel about where you are, the fact remains...that's where you are! Will you allow God to move you each day? Will you allow Him to be more directly involved in what you are doing?
Enjoy the trip my friends. The best road is the one that God has, it comes with the most support!
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Trying something new in prayer
I am trying something new as a tool to help me stay organized when I pray! At first I tried an "app" for my phone but I didn't like who it operated so I kept looking. I found echoprayer.com.
This simple website allows you to write out the prayers that you wish to offer and follow. You can have the site email or text you the reminders in 5 minute increments.
I have it text me early in the day the recurring specific themes that I want to pray about and then I have it text me random prayer requests in the afternoon. My hope is to "pray continually". Hope this is helpful or comment back on your prayer tools.
God bless your day!
This simple website allows you to write out the prayers that you wish to offer and follow. You can have the site email or text you the reminders in 5 minute increments.
I have it text me early in the day the recurring specific themes that I want to pray about and then I have it text me random prayer requests in the afternoon. My hope is to "pray continually". Hope this is helpful or comment back on your prayer tools.
God bless your day!
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Truth in Advertising
Driving through Boulder City, NV recently I passed this trailer. While it's diffiult to read, if you focus on the trailer door you will see this phrase. "Veteran needs beer, gas and ammo $". Truthful statement!
You will also notice the Wood Canes and Carvings for $1 so this is not panhandling. This veteran is working to support himself/herself. I just loved the sign.
Also, the trailer is actually a flatbed trailer that they have mounted this truck-bed camper on it and now it's Travel Trailer...AWESOME!
Keep your eyes open on the road, who knows what you will see!
Friday, October 28, 2011
We will do it ourselves
Reading in "Money" magazine November 2011 edition, I found an article regarding how the economy has changed people. It's a great read!
It covers surveys in 2009 and 2011 regarding how the economy has affected families. There is a glaring result that caught my attention. The data suggests that in most households 2011 is better than 2009 and the future looks better for them. HOWEVER, it's definetly not because of the actions of the government.
It seems clear that families have lowered their debt, began saving more money and live a simpler life enjoying time with family more than ever! The government solution and/or economy does not look better yet they are optimistic because THEY ARE DOING IT THEMSELVES.
Sounds like the Country that I know and love. Join the rest and take control, don't wait for someone else to help!
It covers surveys in 2009 and 2011 regarding how the economy has affected families. There is a glaring result that caught my attention. The data suggests that in most households 2011 is better than 2009 and the future looks better for them. HOWEVER, it's definetly not because of the actions of the government.
It seems clear that families have lowered their debt, began saving more money and live a simpler life enjoying time with family more than ever! The government solution and/or economy does not look better yet they are optimistic because THEY ARE DOING IT THEMSELVES.
Sounds like the Country that I know and love. Join the rest and take control, don't wait for someone else to help!
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Taking time to listen and learn
I was reminded recently about the power of listening and learning. I was doing some welding at a friends house. I have done this many times before and always with a long sleeve shirt. On the day in question, I wore a sleeveless shirt.
My friend said "you are going to get burnt, you better put on a long sleeve shirt", I responded by saying that I would change if I got burnt. I was talking about slag from the welding landing on my skin and burning me, he was talking about "sunburn" from the welder.
Have you ever done something like this? He and I even used the same word: burnt, but we meant different things from it. 5 days later my arm is peeling like crazy because I fried it. All this could have been avoided if I would have taken a few extra moments to clarify what he meant vs. what I meant.
Next time I weld, it's long sleeves for me, but I had to pay a price when someone who knew better was helping me and I did not understand!
My friend said "you are going to get burnt, you better put on a long sleeve shirt", I responded by saying that I would change if I got burnt. I was talking about slag from the welding landing on my skin and burning me, he was talking about "sunburn" from the welder.
Have you ever done something like this? He and I even used the same word: burnt, but we meant different things from it. 5 days later my arm is peeling like crazy because I fried it. All this could have been avoided if I would have taken a few extra moments to clarify what he meant vs. what I meant.
Next time I weld, it's long sleeves for me, but I had to pay a price when someone who knew better was helping me and I did not understand!
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Social norms...shattered!
Just before church on Sunday morning last weekend, I ran to the bathroom. First, let me give some context. Men have this unwritten rule that you really don't speak to other men in the bathroom. Perhaps this goes back ages to our early ancestors, or perhaps just to modern America, but that's the RULE!
So, there I was standing at the urinal and this young man approached and said hello to gentlemen next to me and then said "Hello sir" to me! I would guess his age to be about mid 30's and he appears to have mild "Down Syndrome" or something similar. I responded back and then began to think about what just happened.
To be honest, I was moved by this young man who saw a friend and said hello, then not wanting to be unfriendly, he spoke to me. FORGET THE RULES, he was being better than the rules.
I hope I can grow up and ignore stupid societal rules in order to care for people. Don't you???
So, there I was standing at the urinal and this young man approached and said hello to gentlemen next to me and then said "Hello sir" to me! I would guess his age to be about mid 30's and he appears to have mild "Down Syndrome" or something similar. I responded back and then began to think about what just happened.
To be honest, I was moved by this young man who saw a friend and said hello, then not wanting to be unfriendly, he spoke to me. FORGET THE RULES, he was being better than the rules.
I hope I can grow up and ignore stupid societal rules in order to care for people. Don't you???
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