I feel happy......

Well, my last post was titled, "It's Alive!".  Two months later, I am writing another post.  It was only mostly dead.  Which is partly alive.  I wanted to take a second to thank God for my second son Daniel.  He is an interesting child!  He is very passionate about everything.  He is the most caring, servant- hearted kid I have ever seen and because of that caring spirit, when he gets hurt, he gets perturbed!!!!!  I love that passion though!  I wouldn't change it for anything.  I love to hear him pray.  He prays for everything.  The stuff that we, in all our wisdom, think is too trivial, he knows is perfect fodder for praise!  He still from time to time prays for a lady that we were behind in traffic, that was driving erratically.  I, ahem, made some comments about her and her lack of transportation skills.  I also commented about her many silly bumper stickers mocking God and the Bible.  He perked up and I said we should pray for her.  We did, and for many nights since, he has prayed that she will meet Christians that point her to Jesus.  In his words, "she will listen to the Bible and love God."  Thank you God for giving me such a loving, caring, passionate son to show how you love me and this messed up world!

It's Alive!!!!

     The other day, I saw a friend I hadn't seen in quite a while. She told me that she was reading my blog. So you can blame her.  I decided that I need to write.  I'll be honest, I haven't written much because I didn't think anyone was reading. I enjoy writing tremendously, but, I don't exactly have a lot of time to sit and twiddle my thumbs. So, I try not to spend my time doing things that aren't necessary. Facebook and ESPN excluded.  Well, I try to make my time on Facebook useful and let's be honest, on the Eighth Day, the Lord created ESPN.  And He did grin.
      Anyway, I am realizing a valuable lesson in all of this.  I had forgotten that everything we are doing is really for "an audience of One."  (Ephesians 6:7; Colossians 3:17)  So even if I am literally and figuratively a voice crying out in the desert, I will keep on writing about my Lord and this life He's given.  That's essentially what He has called us to do. In whatever you are doing in word or in deed, in blog or in Wal-Mart, do it all for the glory of God! What thank-less task are you struggling with?  If we all stop complaining about our lack of rewards and start doing what we can, maybe more people will know about the great God we serve.

My Boys, Part 1

I am supremely thankful for my boys! I never thought I would be the father of three boys, but I love it. I get frustrated, and tired sometimes, but it is worth it! I want to thank God for my oldest son, Luke. He is an amazing boy. He is really athletic, smart and funny. But what really counts is his heart. He has a strong desire to follow God and a conscience that is impressive. He wants to do what is right and genuinely cares about people and their relationship with God. I can't wait for the day when he is immersed into Christ. He will do great things for the kingdom. In my mind, he already has. He's made me a better person and servant. He has taught me about God's love and passion for His people!

Day One. Catchy, Ain't It?

I am thankful beyond words for my wife, Shari. I don't understand her patience towards me. She deals with my impatience (ironic, isn't it?), my immaturity, my bouts with discouragement, and my selfishness. I could go on, but this is meant to encourage me! I seldom take her encouragement as well as I would from others. I often vent my frustrations towards her. I don't know how she handles it. Somehow, she keeps a positive outlook on life and still loves me. She takes great care of our kids and keeps the household running. Yet somehow she stays beautiful, inside and out.

Ultimately, she's the reason that I am writing this. She hasn't told me to, but she constantly reminds me, by her actions and her words, that I have so much to be thankful for.

May this be the first of many entries. Thank you, Father, for a wonderful woman in my life.

Moving to the Land Where the Deer and the Antelope Play.

Sometimes I get focused on the negative. Actually, a lot of the time. I have yet to figure out my personality. I should probably donate my brain to science when I die. I am a person with a lot of ideas. Many of them are good. Most of them are full of hope and big dreams. Yet, at the drop of a hat or another bill, I can become very negative about the state of things in my life. I know as well as anyone, that there is always someone worse off than me and that life is full of blessings. Though, time and time again, I find myself completely distraught at my circumstances or someone else's discouragement or lack of encouragement.

So, I have made my decision! I am going to use my greatly neglected blog to spend a few moments each day giving thanks for the great things in my life. So, if anyone reads this; I hope you gain some perspective and a little encouragement. If no one reads this, I'll take comfort in knowing I have praised my Creator "out loud" for the good things He has given.