I am a glutton for punishment. Saturday I ran a 5-mile race. It was not your ordinary run of the mill-race, it was a trail run. Instead of running on the road, I ran in the woods at the Lincoln Parish Park. The trail was hilly, dirty, full of roots, and overall a pain in the neck, actually it was a pain in the calves and thighs! I was in the trenches for sure. In spite of all these obstacles, I finished in a decent time. However, I prefer to run on the road. It is smooth and predictable. Life is not like a road, it is not smooth and predictable. Life is more like a trail run, hilly, rough, and painful. When I was running I was tempted to let up and give up, but I pressed on to reach the end. In life you are tempted to let up, give in and even give up. Press on to the end. At the finish line you will get something far better than a medal, a cold glass of water, and a handful of munchies!!!
Random Thoughts
A Strange Thanksgiving
I had a good Thanksgiving yesterday. This morning, on the day after, I took my dog Houdini for a walk. I begin to think of a few strange or unusual things I am thankful for. I am thankful for the coldness of an early autumn morning. I am thankful for the crunch of leaves under Houdini’s paws. I am thankful for the birds that chirp and fly with gusto. I am thankful for the warmth of a fresh cup of coffee. I am thankful for the steady tick of the clock. I am thankful for those who brave the shopping lines, so I dont have to!!! What are some “strange” or unusual things you are thankful for?
The “Greener” Grass
The grass is not always greener on the other side. Rich Rodriquez was flourishing as the football coach at West Virginia. Last year a bigger, better school came calling, Michigan. He smelled the money and ran for it! Well, he has learned that the grass is not always greener. Last year his team only won 3 games, a colossal failure for Michigan. Now there are allegations about how he handles practices. He is under a lot of heat. If he does not have a great season, he may be out of a job. If he would have stayed in West Virginia, he would still be high on the hog. I wonder if he regrets his decision to go to Michigan. Only time will tell. Remember – the greenest grass grows on septic tanks. Think about it.
The August Challenge
I gave my church an August challenge – share the Gospel with at least one person. Well, a few of them responded and shared the Gospel! I had the blessing of sharing with several people. I spoke with one guy in the Wal-Mart parking lot for quite a while. He had several objections to following Christ. He was turned off by hypocrites in the church and bad experiences in the past. Anyway, after a while he let his guard down and seemed really into the discussion. I believe he left a little less resistant to Christ. Sharing the Gospel is one of the most exciting (and fearful) experiences one can have in life. While I gave my people an August challenge, really Jesus has given us a lifetime challenge. You and I are to carry out the Great Commission. Are you doing your part?
Worthy of Honor
Scripture tells us to honor those who are worthy of honor. When Michael Jackson passed away people went crazy. Is he worthy of such honor? Now Ted Kennedy has passed awway. Turn on the news and his life is front and center. Yes, we are to grieve the loss for his family. But, why do we honor such a man? I am sure he did much to help those in need. But, he promoted things that were not worthy of honor. He was staunchly pro-abortion, for instance. The point of this posting is not politics. It is this – what values are we to esteem? Who should we emulate and celebrate? It is those whose lives reflect the Word of God. It is those who draw people to Christ. It is those who die leaving a mark, not for a political party, not for the music industry, but for the kingdom of God. The Lord said in 1Samuel 2:30, “For those who honor Me I will honor.” Just a thought.
Take the TV Challenge
I went a full day without watching television last Friday. It can be done. It wasnt that I was busy and away from home. I was home all day and never cut it on. What do I do? Well, the main thing I did was work. But, I also had time to mow the yard, walk the dog, do school work, read, etc. You will be amazed how much time television devours. Pick a day this week to fast from television. Make the most of it. Read a book. Have a family game night. Go for a walk. You can live without television, even if only for one day. Think about it.
Remember O-D-A-A-T
Lets face it, sometimes life stinks. Things do not always go your way. Maybe you are having a bad day. Maybe your family is falling apart. Maybe you are falling apart. Whatever you face, remember o-d-a-a-t. What in this world is o-d-a-a-t? Live your life: One Day At A Time (o-d-a-a-t). You don’t have to solve all your problems today. Just deal with what you can today. Tomorrow will take care of itself. When you are overwhelmed ask yourself: What can I do today? Can I make it through today? Of course you can. Whatever you face, no matter how big or small, take it o-d-a-a-t.
Life’s Little Surprises
Don’t give up on me. It has been a while since my last post. Things have been crazy. For instance, last week my uncle passed away. For several days no one could contact him. Because of his health, there was some concern. The police broke into his home and found him dead. My uncle never married and never had any children. But, he was a good man. I will miss him. It is ironic that his passing occurred 10 months to the day from his brother’s death [my dad]. His death is yet another reminder that life is short. What has God called yo to do? Do it without delay. There are no guarantees. What a minute, there is one guarantee – ONE DAY YOU WILL DIE!!! Don’t live with morbid thoughts and have a closet full of black clothes. But, remember that death is a fact of life. Live with no regrets. You never know what surprise, whether good or bad, is awaiting around the corner.
Trimming Your Sin
I trimmed the bushes today. The bushes cover both the sides and the back of my house – it was quite a chore. While trimming them I was reminded of a spiritual principle – killing sin. Someone once said, “Be killing sin or it will be killing you.” What does this have to do with trimming bushes? Consider this: (1) Trimming bushes is hard work, (2) It takes a long time, and (3) It is a never ending process. As soon as you are finished trimming them, the bushes are starting their growth process all over again! (1) Mortifying or killing your sin is hard work, (2) It takes a long time, (3) It is a never ending process. Lets say you struggle with stretching the truth. You fight and repent and find yourself being more straightforward and honest. After a while you stop fighting and assume you are over this sin. You have put down the trimmers for good. Before you know it, you are stretching the truth again. Stay on top of your sin. It is a never ending process. As soon as you think you have it whooped – it raises its ugly head. Be killing sin or it will be killing you.
The Lawnmower Resurrection
My lawnmower is dead. I probably killed it. Here is the irony – the warranty ran out less than a week before its demise. I mentioned this in my Easter Sermon yesterday. Why? Because the resurrection of Christ gives us hope in the good times and bad. Because Jesus is alive we can endure a broken lawnmower, losing a job, or the death of a loved one. Today I heard some good news about my lawnmower – it will be alive soon. Briggs and Stratton is adjusting my warranty. The parts are covered, and all I have to pay for is labor. Before long I will be able to cut the grass again. This minor roadblock in my journey is a reminder that whatever happens, there is always hope in Christ!
Just a Thought 