My dad died six months ago today (July 20, 2008). In two days he would have celebrated his 68th birthday (Janurary 22, 2009). Dealing with his death has been an intersesting journey. At times, it seems he only died yesterday. In other moments, his life and death seem like a distant memory – a dream perhaps. Some days it is easy to rejoice in his life and memory. Other days are filled with sadness and a yearning for his presence. I do not think it will get any easier. I wonder, will it get any harder? I suspect it will. People say that time heals everything. I am not so sure now. As life goes on, and I advance in years, dad’s life and memory will seem farther and farther away. Yet, in a another sense, he will be getting closer and closer. The more time goes on, the closer I get to my own death and of course – Heaven. There I will be with dad, and more than that – with Christ Himself! Dad, we miss you and love you.
Read Upside Down
This evening I was reading through Genesis 8-11. I found my mind racing and giving no thought to the words. So I did something to cure that – I read upside down. What do you mean? I turned the Bible upside down and started reading. This forced my mind to slow down and process the truth. It sounds weird, but it works. When you are racing through your readings, or you can’t seem to concentrate – read upside down [the book – not yourself of course]!
A Morning Prayer
“Lord – may I represent you well today.”
Tim Tebow – Quarterback for Christ
Here is a great article on Tim Tebow (Florida Quarterback) and his faith.
http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/columns/story?columnist=forde_pat&id=3812762&sportCat=ncf
My Wife is Awesome
Our daughter doesn’t like being in the bed by herself. It is high time for her to be doing it. The other night we drew a line in the sand. It was an awful experience. Ainzley finally went to sleep after crying for 3 hours. Last night, my wife thought of a way to make the situation better. She played “hide and seek” with Ainzley. Ainzley would hide under the covers and Lori would go back to her room and try to find her. Thirty minutes later Ainzley was sound asleep. I hope this works again. Leave it to my wife to find such a clever way for this dillema. She is awesome!
Be a Kid Again
I am reading The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobeby C. S. Lewis. This is a welcome break from my typical readings. If you recall, it is a story of four young children finding adventure in the land of Narnia. Last night, I was so wrapped up in their grand adventure, I begin to enter into my own. I took a trip down memory lane and encountered many of my own childhood memories. I was reminded of something – I had forgotten who I was. We are so busy being adults that we forget the excitement, adventure, and bliss of life. Instead of seeing a new day as one big opportunity, we see it as one big burden. We can’t wait to get the day over. We can’t wait to get home from work. We can’t wait to get one more bill behind us. Where is the adventure of life? Where is the excitement? Where is the wonder that we had as kids? If just for a moment, be a kid again. Take a brief stroll down memory lane. Enjoy your grand adventure!
Jonah Outline
I love the book of Jonah. I just began preaching through it at my church. I encourage you to read the book, even if you are very familiar with the story. Here is an outline to assist you:
1. An Assignment from God, 1:1-2
2. Running from God, 1:3-16
3. Praying to God, 1:17-2:10
4. Turning to God, 3:1-10
5. Questioning God, 4:1-11
Bible Reading Plan
The New Year is a great time to begin reading through the Bible. There are many plans for doing this. The one I am using for 2009 is one that I highly recommend. It can be found at http://www.bible-reading.com/bible-plan.html. It is called 52 Week Bible Reading Plan.
Just a Thought 