Keegan and Rhett, you are watching "the Notekins" on the baby channel while I type this. You both are early risers and, since your mom is not (mostly because she spends a lot of time up with Rhett during the night), I have to be too! Doesn't bug me, though. I can always take a nap later if I need it, but I just enjoy hanging out with you boys.
I used to be in to all sorts of things growing up. Everything new and fascinating was my new and latest hobby. When contemplating my life to be, I always assumed I'd get to continue doing these same things while still enjoying a wife and kids and community.
Now that I'm here, I figure I should give you a little heads up - there's not going to be time for all those hobbies you're enjoying now. Not much "me" time. Your day will inevitably fill up with "grown up" duties - your job, chores at home, cooking, cleaning, grocery shopping, babysitting, entertaining the family and your spouse. You won't have a lot of time left over for friends and neighbors, but in order to make more, you will have to give up even more "me" time. That leaves you with like... 15 mins a day.
I'm not going to dissuade you from exploring your world while growing up, but I would say it is a good idea to take on hobbies that are social in nature (things you can do with friends/neighbors) since your "me" time and social time would compete otherwise once you're older. Better yet, consider leaving yourself open to enjoying/sharing the interests of your family and friends. My hobby is now, well, people. I get into whatever I need to in order to spend time with those I want to connect with. I still get to explore - just now I'm letting others lead the way.
Not to mention, maintaining a simpler life when you're older is a LOT easier and a LOT cheaper. Which means (if I didn't have these student loans to repay), I wouldn't need to bring in a lot of money to maintain it. Less time working equals more time for family/friends... and yourself! Anyway, take from this what you will. Just happened to be on my mind. Glorify God in all you do!
I love you boys!
Dad
Sunday, September 13, 2015
Tuesday, September 1, 2015
Without Excuse
To borrow from a favorite pastor, Voddie Baucham, the motto of atheism is "there is no God... and I hate him!" If you ever debate one, the animosity towards God and Christians is evident. If God didn't exist, their whole platform for raging and pontificating becomes meaningless and they know that - while denying it all the same. Agnostics will tell you God hasn't given enough evidence for them to believe. But we all know in our hearts that it is absurd to think along those lines given the numerous proofs for God's existence.
One would think Jesus' miraculous entry and actions in the world to proclaim God's kingdom, glorious sovereignty, and unfathomable love for his sinful people would be enough. But even he would say "If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead", meaning they have shut their ears and closed their hearts to the truth.
Paul says this in his letter to the Romans (chapter 1, emphases mine):
"The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of people, who suppress the truth by their wickedness, since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse."
You are free to show an agnostic this passage and tell them God doesn't believe in agnostics. Of course, it should come as no surprise if they choose to suppress this truth as well. If such is the case, continue to pray for them - that God would intrusively speak to them as he once did for Paul and he has always done for his children. For we all were once dead in our sin (Ephesians 2, Colossians 2), enemies of God (Romans 5, Colossians 1), and closed to the truth. Only God can change the heart and make believers out of men.
I love you my sons,
Dad
One would think Jesus' miraculous entry and actions in the world to proclaim God's kingdom, glorious sovereignty, and unfathomable love for his sinful people would be enough. But even he would say "If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead", meaning they have shut their ears and closed their hearts to the truth.
Paul says this in his letter to the Romans (chapter 1, emphases mine):
"The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of people, who suppress the truth by their wickedness, since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse."
You are free to show an agnostic this passage and tell them God doesn't believe in agnostics. Of course, it should come as no surprise if they choose to suppress this truth as well. If such is the case, continue to pray for them - that God would intrusively speak to them as he once did for Paul and he has always done for his children. For we all were once dead in our sin (Ephesians 2, Colossians 2), enemies of God (Romans 5, Colossians 1), and closed to the truth. Only God can change the heart and make believers out of men.
I love you my sons,
Dad
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