Psalm 62 My Soul Finds Rest

I came across this new song that I can't recommend enough. It's by Aaron Keyes and Stuart Townend. Enjoy!





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Now playing: Caedmon's Call - Mystery of Mercy
via FoxyTunes

Shaken

I'm not an emotional person. What I mean by that is that I am not easily moved to tears. In fact I would be hard pressed to recall the last time that I did cry. Not any time in the last few years of that I am sure. I don't say that out of some prideful masculine bravado, but rather, I am just stating the fact that is. Sometimes I wish tears would come easier. At times I feel as if though my lack of tears are indicative of a cold and uncaring heart. I hope that is not the case. I confess this in my life for two reasons. First, I pray that God would create in me a tenderness for the world directly around me. That His Spirit would let me see with eyes that see past the faces of people to the souls that are perishing within. That I would be living more and more with an eternal kingdom perspective. Secondly, I would like to draw attention to two new blogs that I have linked to on the side. I have started reading them recently and I recommend them heartily. Sometimes they are quite humorous, but very often they move me to be shaken to my core. In the writings of these two ladies, I see a glimpse of just how much hurting this world has in it. Their posts almost move me to tears frequently and that says a lot. Yet I continue to read due to the quality and the uniqueness of their posts, but more importantly because they show me how small my world is and how much more I need to be doing for Christ's kingdom.

Some of their latest posts that I recommend can be found here at 6 Year Med and Ali's African Adventures.

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Now playing: Sara Groves - It Might Be Hope
via FoxyTunes

The Clarity of Christ in Speech

I am reminded of these verses this morning.

Col 4:2-6 Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison— that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak. Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person. (emphasis mine)

I need to be reminded that my speech and the words of my mouth are one device that God can use to draw others to Him, whether they are believers or unbelievers. Far too often I speak impulsively or react suddenly with my mouth. Not necessarily in anger, but maybe more so to make sure that my point is heard. To make sure that my opinion matters. In reality, it doesn't.

What should matter when I speak is how clearly Christ is being heard. Isn't that the point of 1 Corinthians 13:1, that no matter how eloquently I speak, the effectiveness of my speech should be weighed by it's content of Christ and His love shining through. Without the love of God driving my motives, I become as annoying as a small child who will only play "Chopsticks" on the piano because it is the only song they know. In those moments or in the times of incessant tapping where I just cry out, "Stop it! You are driving me crazy!" May I then be reminded again of my speech and my need for God's grace in this area of my life also.

Do I weigh my words before I speak,
In the shadow of the Cross?
Is Christ clearly seen in every way,
My walk and talk and thought?
Do others all around me,
See any evidence of Him,
Or do they continue on their way
Just living as they've been?
May I hesitate to answer.
May I pause before I speak.
May I be more willing to be taught,
Less likely than to teach.
May sprinkled in the words I say,
God's grace be shown divine.
So all may see Christ's glory shine,
His kingdom built, not mine.

The Best Father Ever

For years I have coached my children in every sport they have been involved in. Basketball, baseball, soccer, whatever it is I have been involved and have enjoyed it immensely. I am not one of those parent/coaches that is under the delusion that their son or daughter is the best player on the field. I am a realist. My children are athletic and each of them have gifts that make them excel at certain things in the sport that they are involved in. At no time have they ever been the most gifted athlete on the team that they are playing for. I recognize that and only ask from them that they provide their best effort.

In saying all of that, it has been somewhat embarrassing as a baseball coach to have a child who can't catch a pop fly ball to save his life. If Caleb has had one severe deficiency in his baseball game, it has been his inability to catch a pop fly ball when he plays the outfield. As a coach you realize these things and instead play a player at a position where they can excel, like first base. At first base, he is close to the action, has a good glove, isn't afraid of the ball, and most of the time can catch a pop-up in the infield. He just cannot play the outfield.

Last week Caleb got contacts for his eyes. Turns out he can't see anything far away. We realized we had a problem a few weeks ago when a large sewage waste truck came down the road and Caleb said, "Here comes a bus." Maybe I should have asked a few years ago while coaching him if he could actually see the ball coming at him.

Dogs and Cats

Someday soon I hope to get back to actually writing something original. Until then this will have to do. Someone sent this in an e-mail to me the other day. I laughed out loud.

From a Dog's Diary...

8:00 am - Dog food! My favorite thing!
9:30 am - A car ride! My favorite thing!
9:40 am - A walk in the park! My favorite thing!
10:30 am - Got rubbed and petted! My favorite thing!
12:00 pm - Lunch! My favorite thing!
1:00 pm - Played in the yard! My favorite thing!
3:00 pm - Wagged my tail! My favorite thing!
5:00 pm - Milk bones! My favorite thing!
7:00 pm - Got to play ball! My favorite thing!
8:00 pm - Wow! Watched TV with the people! My favorite thing!
11:00 pm - Sleeping on the bed! My favorite thing!





From a Cat's Daily Diary...

Day 983 of my captivity.
My captors continue to taunt me with bizarre little dangling objects.

They dine lavishly on fresh meat, while the other inmates and I are fed hash or some sort of dry nuggets. Although I make my contempt for the rations perfectly clear, I nevertheless must eat something in
order to keep up my strength.

The only thing that keeps me going is my dream of escape. In an attempt to disgust them, I once again vomit on the carpet.

Today I decapitated a mouse and dropped its headless body at their feet. I had hoped this would strike fear into their hearts, since it clearly demonstrates what I am capable of. However, they merely made
condescending comments about what a 'good little hunter' I am.

There was some sort of assembly of their accomplices tonight. I was placed in solitary confinement for the duration of the event. However, I could hear the noises and smell the food. I overheard that my
confinement was due to the power of 'allergies.' I must learn what this means and how to use it to my advantage.

Today I was almost successful in an attempt to assassinate one of my tormentors by weaving around his feet as he was walking. I must try this again tomorrow -- but at the top of the stairs.

I am convinced that the other prisoners here are flunkies and snitches. The dog receives special privileges. He is regularly released - and seems to be more than willing to return. He is obviously retarded.

The bird has got to be an informant. I observe him communicating with the guards regularly. I am certain that he reports my every move. My captors have arranged protective custody for him in an elevated cell,
so he is safe. For now ...

Dancing in Church

I have nothing to say other than to warn you against drinking anything while watching this.

Time Wasting Recommendations

Tim Challies had a link to this fascinating article today. It is ten things you didn't know about the earth. Some of it is over my head, but all in all it shows to me the sovereign hand of God in creation. Click here to read the whole article.

Within that article is a very cool mapping tool. Well, at least it is amusing. Remember when you were a kid and you thought if you dug a hole straight down you would end up in China? Turns out you were probably wrong. However, you can find out where you would have ended up if you did dig the hole by going to the map tunneling tool.

I came across this site a while back and have forgotten to post it, but here it is now. It is a free music/pay as much as you want to music site founded by Derek Webb of Caedmon's Call fame. The site has a good variety of Christian music and it is all free to download. You have to provide three e-mail addresses in order to get the free music. Yes, you may use my e-mail address as one of the three. Enjoy!