Hey kids!
You will see it everywhere. People solely devoted to being the best at, well, whatever. Be it sports, academics, business ventures, you name it, a vast majority of your peers and neighbors will be bent on "making somebody" of themselves, spending sometimes insane amounts of time and effort toward this end.
While the pursuit of excellence isn't a bad thing, perfectionism is actually idolatry. We should work hard to get better at things that are important to us, because that glorifies God. But when those efforts start impeding our relationships with God and others, it's best to consider changing things up. Only you will really know if this is the case, although you may receive feedback from others that I would advise you to ruminate over. Sometimes others can see things we might be blinded to. However, sometimes others are simply jealous at ones accomplishments and are only trying to bring you down. Gotta be able to discern the difference!
Proverbs 11:14: "...In the multitude of counselors there is safety"
Have fun, aim high and glorify God with your efforts!
Love you!
Dad
Thursday, December 29, 2016
Tuesday, December 20, 2016
"All Things Are Lawful"
Hey kids,
Your mother and I are trying to enjoy the simple pleasures of Christmas while preparing for family guests and Daisy's arrival. Got the lights up and the tree, although it's only decorated on the top half (thanks to Rhett's kleptomania)! Sharing advent calendars and Christmas stories with you boys, although you don't really understand any of it yet (other than gift unwrapping).
I just finished a fantasy football season with friends. The game will probably still be around by the time you all are old enough to know what I'm talking about. Am quite happy it's over because I found it a little too fun (invested more time than anticipated) although the players themselves a little too hard to root for. I love sports, but the professional sports world, like most things, is saturated with worldliness - violence, hatred, lust, greed, humanism, etc. Hard to find athletes to be proud of. Too easy to find ones that make you want to boycott their world. Decided to do just that, actually. Will still play sports myself, and certainly with you guys, but won't follow the pros (or college really). Not that I'll ban it or anything. Would just rather spend that time doing other, better, things - like investing time with you all!
The reason I bring this up is to discuss a passage in scripture (1 Cor 10:23):
"All things are lawful, but not all things are helpful"
Paul wasn't referring to things that were obviously unlawful, as referenced clearly in other areas of God's word. He was referring to the "gray areas". People in his time were not sure whether it was permitted to eat certain foods, employ certain customs, or take part in certain festivals, etc. He was trying to inform them that, while they are permitted to engage in pretty much anything (freedom!), they still need to judge rightly whether it is to their advantage to do so (responsibility!).
Getting back to my example, are sports good? They certainly can be. And in other ways, not so much. Are we free to play? Yes! Are we free to watch? Yes! Are those equally "helpful"? Depends on the circumstances. I have judged for myself that watching pro sports is not worth my time investment. There may be circumstances where I will tolerate it for the bigger good (social occasions), but I won't say I am a pro/college sports fan. Rather than try to explain this to others, I'll probably just say "I'm not really into watching, though I like to play".
Anyway, you get the point. There are other areas where I employ this verse too. Like music. If I get to choose, I would prefer to listen to Christian music because it is uplifting to my spirit. Not that secular music is inherently unlawful (although some selections are certainly dishonorable!). I am free to listen to anything. But the one I find more "helpful" than the other.
Another biblical quote that plays into this comes from Jesus in Matthew 15:11:
"It is not what goes into the mouth that defiles a person, but what comes out of the mouth; this defiles a person."
To apply that to music, what goes in our ears does not defile us. No, we are already sinners, fortunately covered by God's grace! On the other hand, it would behoove us to choose rightly when our conscience beckons us. In other words, listening to "Running With The Devil" by Van Halen on the radio won't send us to hell, but certainly there is a better choice?
So, I encourage you to choose things that are helpful for you and honoring to God. Consider how you spend your time, what activities you take part in, etc. Feel free to leave behind the stuff that simply doesn't help you worship God, love others, or enjoy life. Enjoy the abundance of better alternatives!
I love you!
Dad
Your mother and I are trying to enjoy the simple pleasures of Christmas while preparing for family guests and Daisy's arrival. Got the lights up and the tree, although it's only decorated on the top half (thanks to Rhett's kleptomania)! Sharing advent calendars and Christmas stories with you boys, although you don't really understand any of it yet (other than gift unwrapping).
I just finished a fantasy football season with friends. The game will probably still be around by the time you all are old enough to know what I'm talking about. Am quite happy it's over because I found it a little too fun (invested more time than anticipated) although the players themselves a little too hard to root for. I love sports, but the professional sports world, like most things, is saturated with worldliness - violence, hatred, lust, greed, humanism, etc. Hard to find athletes to be proud of. Too easy to find ones that make you want to boycott their world. Decided to do just that, actually. Will still play sports myself, and certainly with you guys, but won't follow the pros (or college really). Not that I'll ban it or anything. Would just rather spend that time doing other, better, things - like investing time with you all!
The reason I bring this up is to discuss a passage in scripture (1 Cor 10:23):
"All things are lawful, but not all things are helpful"
Paul wasn't referring to things that were obviously unlawful, as referenced clearly in other areas of God's word. He was referring to the "gray areas". People in his time were not sure whether it was permitted to eat certain foods, employ certain customs, or take part in certain festivals, etc. He was trying to inform them that, while they are permitted to engage in pretty much anything (freedom!), they still need to judge rightly whether it is to their advantage to do so (responsibility!).
Getting back to my example, are sports good? They certainly can be. And in other ways, not so much. Are we free to play? Yes! Are we free to watch? Yes! Are those equally "helpful"? Depends on the circumstances. I have judged for myself that watching pro sports is not worth my time investment. There may be circumstances where I will tolerate it for the bigger good (social occasions), but I won't say I am a pro/college sports fan. Rather than try to explain this to others, I'll probably just say "I'm not really into watching, though I like to play".
Anyway, you get the point. There are other areas where I employ this verse too. Like music. If I get to choose, I would prefer to listen to Christian music because it is uplifting to my spirit. Not that secular music is inherently unlawful (although some selections are certainly dishonorable!). I am free to listen to anything. But the one I find more "helpful" than the other.
Another biblical quote that plays into this comes from Jesus in Matthew 15:11:
"It is not what goes into the mouth that defiles a person, but what comes out of the mouth; this defiles a person."
To apply that to music, what goes in our ears does not defile us. No, we are already sinners, fortunately covered by God's grace! On the other hand, it would behoove us to choose rightly when our conscience beckons us. In other words, listening to "Running With The Devil" by Van Halen on the radio won't send us to hell, but certainly there is a better choice?
So, I encourage you to choose things that are helpful for you and honoring to God. Consider how you spend your time, what activities you take part in, etc. Feel free to leave behind the stuff that simply doesn't help you worship God, love others, or enjoy life. Enjoy the abundance of better alternatives!
I love you!
Dad
Sunday, November 27, 2016
Sound Judgment
Proverbs 3:21-26:
My son, do not let wisdom and understanding out of your sight,
preserve sound judgment and discretion;
22 they will be life for you,
an ornament to grace your neck.
23 Then you will go on your way in safety,
and your foot will not stumble.
24 When you lie down, you will not be afraid;
when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.
25 Have no fear of sudden disaster
or of the ruin that overtakes the wicked,
26 for the Lord will be at your side
and will keep your foot from being snared.
There were a couple things I wanted to talk with you about today. Firstly, I read a news story today about a young chess grandmaster who fell to his death from his 12th story balcony because he was engaging in extremely risky parkour acrobatics. The lesson here is that you can be incredibly smart and still make incredibly bad judgments. Remember, your lives are not your own to risk as you please. If I had to choose between smarts and good judgment, I'd pick and recommend the latter! It's more likely to lead to a long, happy, and productive life in God's service!
The other thing ties in with the verse you see above "when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet". Sinful choices (greed, envy, lust, etc) will rob you of your peace and plague you with consequences you may not have predicted. For me, I know the guilt/shame that comes with making sinful choices leads me to being angry with myself. That tends to boil over into my interactions with others, where I make more bad choices out of irritability and the cycle rages on. I may have preached this before, I don't recall.
Be mindful! Choose God's ways, even when you may not see the immediate benefit or, conversely, the immediate consequences of disobedience. The better you are able to accomplish this, the sweeter your life, and sleep, will be. Not to mention, you will be looked upon with admiration ("an ornament to grace your neck"). Defend your peace! Fight the sin in your lives. Pray for wisdom. And as the psalmist says, preserve sound judgment and discretion.
I love you!
Dad
My son, do not let wisdom and understanding out of your sight,
preserve sound judgment and discretion;
22 they will be life for you,
an ornament to grace your neck.
23 Then you will go on your way in safety,
and your foot will not stumble.
24 When you lie down, you will not be afraid;
when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.
25 Have no fear of sudden disaster
or of the ruin that overtakes the wicked,
26 for the Lord will be at your side
and will keep your foot from being snared.
There were a couple things I wanted to talk with you about today. Firstly, I read a news story today about a young chess grandmaster who fell to his death from his 12th story balcony because he was engaging in extremely risky parkour acrobatics. The lesson here is that you can be incredibly smart and still make incredibly bad judgments. Remember, your lives are not your own to risk as you please. If I had to choose between smarts and good judgment, I'd pick and recommend the latter! It's more likely to lead to a long, happy, and productive life in God's service!
The other thing ties in with the verse you see above "when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet". Sinful choices (greed, envy, lust, etc) will rob you of your peace and plague you with consequences you may not have predicted. For me, I know the guilt/shame that comes with making sinful choices leads me to being angry with myself. That tends to boil over into my interactions with others, where I make more bad choices out of irritability and the cycle rages on. I may have preached this before, I don't recall.
Be mindful! Choose God's ways, even when you may not see the immediate benefit or, conversely, the immediate consequences of disobedience. The better you are able to accomplish this, the sweeter your life, and sleep, will be. Not to mention, you will be looked upon with admiration ("an ornament to grace your neck"). Defend your peace! Fight the sin in your lives. Pray for wisdom. And as the psalmist says, preserve sound judgment and discretion.
I love you!
Dad
Monday, November 21, 2016
Daisy Joy
Hello my beautiful one,
I just wanted to say I'm so excited to meet you in a couple months! Feels surreal to me to be talking to my own daughter. I will try to add posts especially for you since being our only daughter makes you unique. But I will also keep it all on one blog since some messages will be important for you all.
I find it a great blessing that God has given you to your mother and I. When I set out to decide on your middle name (wanted my kids to have them especially from their father), it didn't take long to come up with Joy. Yes, it held with the J theme your brothers had, but I wanted it known that you bring me tremendous joy and if I only get to choose one word/name for you, that would be it. I haven't laid eyes on you yet, but my heart is bursting at the seams already.
I don't want to write all my thoughts right now, but did want to get this ball rolling.
May God grant me many happy years with you! I love you so much. Always will.
Dad
I just wanted to say I'm so excited to meet you in a couple months! Feels surreal to me to be talking to my own daughter. I will try to add posts especially for you since being our only daughter makes you unique. But I will also keep it all on one blog since some messages will be important for you all.
I find it a great blessing that God has given you to your mother and I. When I set out to decide on your middle name (wanted my kids to have them especially from their father), it didn't take long to come up with Joy. Yes, it held with the J theme your brothers had, but I wanted it known that you bring me tremendous joy and if I only get to choose one word/name for you, that would be it. I haven't laid eyes on you yet, but my heart is bursting at the seams already.
I don't want to write all my thoughts right now, but did want to get this ball rolling.
May God grant me many happy years with you! I love you so much. Always will.
Dad
Saturday, October 1, 2016
Love and Marriage Pt 3
Don't have a lot to add to the other two posts, but I did want to say something on the topic of divorce. Is it permissible? Well, biblically speaking, it is under a couple circumstances - adultery and abandonment (domestic abuse probably falls under the latter). There really isn't any instruction regarding the concept of separation (living apart, perhaps temporarily, but not divorced), so I won't say much about it either.
What I would like to say is, avoid it! For all practical purposes, jettison the idea from your vocabulary. Most of us are not subjected to the situations above. "Irreconcileable differences" they call it. Baloney. All differences can be reconciled in a way that allows a selfless, biblical-loving relationship to continue and, in time, thrive. God is the God of reconciliation. He changes hearts. Even hard ones.
Just because we have legal permission to divorce, say they commit adultery, doesn't mean we have to cast them out. Consider Hosea's treatment of Gomer (Hosea chapter 3), symbolic of God's relationship to us (persistent adulterers in our relationship with him). God doesn't simply divorce us, even though he is incredibly, justifiably entitled to do so! No, he lovingly and long-sufferingly calls us back to himself. Provided your spouse is repentant and wants your forgiveness, I would advise giving it to them. Shoot, do everything you can to help them do so. If you were unfaithful, repent and seek forgiveness. Easier said than done for sure, but a temporary period of hardship is so worth the fruit of a thriving relationship later.
If they up and leave (abandonment), I'd say it may likely be worth a shot (or shots) at trying to persuade them to reconcile and come back.
Get counsel from multiple Godly people if these situations arise. I say Godly because if they don't seek the Lord's will for their lives, they have no business counseling you. And be wise about marriage, yours will be tested! Never a bad idea to seek counseling early on, even when things are "okay", to help each other cope with the changes and see that the other is committed to building a life together. Don't wait until things break down to begin construction. Fortify from the start. Every single day be going about strengthening your marriage.
Anyway, that's enough on that. Hate divorce. Love forgiveness and reconciliation.
I love you all!
Dad
What I would like to say is, avoid it! For all practical purposes, jettison the idea from your vocabulary. Most of us are not subjected to the situations above. "Irreconcileable differences" they call it. Baloney. All differences can be reconciled in a way that allows a selfless, biblical-loving relationship to continue and, in time, thrive. God is the God of reconciliation. He changes hearts. Even hard ones.
Just because we have legal permission to divorce, say they commit adultery, doesn't mean we have to cast them out. Consider Hosea's treatment of Gomer (Hosea chapter 3), symbolic of God's relationship to us (persistent adulterers in our relationship with him). God doesn't simply divorce us, even though he is incredibly, justifiably entitled to do so! No, he lovingly and long-sufferingly calls us back to himself. Provided your spouse is repentant and wants your forgiveness, I would advise giving it to them. Shoot, do everything you can to help them do so. If you were unfaithful, repent and seek forgiveness. Easier said than done for sure, but a temporary period of hardship is so worth the fruit of a thriving relationship later.
If they up and leave (abandonment), I'd say it may likely be worth a shot (or shots) at trying to persuade them to reconcile and come back.
Get counsel from multiple Godly people if these situations arise. I say Godly because if they don't seek the Lord's will for their lives, they have no business counseling you. And be wise about marriage, yours will be tested! Never a bad idea to seek counseling early on, even when things are "okay", to help each other cope with the changes and see that the other is committed to building a life together. Don't wait until things break down to begin construction. Fortify from the start. Every single day be going about strengthening your marriage.
Anyway, that's enough on that. Hate divorce. Love forgiveness and reconciliation.
I love you all!
Dad
Community
Seems my posts are getting farther apart. Ironic, seeing as how frequently I'm tormented by thoughts of being taken from you (kids you love so much will do that to you!).
I try to placate myself by reminding myself of two things - 1) our existence here is so ephemeral compared to what's in store, where I hope to enjoy life with you all once more, forevermore, and 2) your mom shouldn't have too much trouble finding a great guy down the road that will be able to love on you in my absence. I don't want you to give him a hard time if that happens. None of that "you're not my dad" stuff. God and I give them permission to be your dad (just like God gave me permission to be yours).
So what I wanted to emphasize today is the importance of surrounding yourself with Christian family. For one, God said in Genesis when creating man that it was not good that he be alone. Secondly, Jesus revealed that our true family (which may, if we are so fortunate, include our blood family) is centered around God:
"Who is my mother and who are my brothers?" And he stretched out his hand toward his disciples and said, "Here are my mother and my brothers! For whoever does the will of my father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother." - Matthew 12:48-50
And there are many of us:
"Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God's people and also members of his household." - Ephesians 2:19
"For if you belong to Christ, you are Abraham's offspring, heirs according to promise" - Galatians 3:29
"I will surely bless you and make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as the sand on the seashore." - Genesis 22:17
Wise King Solomon sums up the blessing of fellowship and community well:
"Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not easily broken." - Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
I'm reminded of the JRR Tolkien book/movie the Lord of the Rings, where Frodo owns the incredibly daunting task of venturing across the known world, into the dark land of Mordor, to destroy Sauron's ring in the volcano, Mt Doom. His gardener, the faithful Samwise, accompanies him the whole way, refusing to leave his side under any circumstances, even carrying him when he is too weak to continue. Pretty powerful image of the blessing of compassionate company along our journey through life.
The bonds of brotherhood are not quickly or easily formed. It is often true that fellow Christians may come to our aid when we need it, but there is a God-given need for fellowship, requiring an intimate bond of the heart, and that takes much time and effort to build. We are our brother/sister's surrogate Jesus, and they ours, until that time when he brings us to his side.
Gist is, don't be a loner! Life is simply too hard to attempt on our own. Invest your time in building the bonds of fellowship. Share your life openly and gratefully with those the Lord brings alongside. Doing so will enrich your life greatly. Next best thing to heaven itself.
I love you all!
Dad
I try to placate myself by reminding myself of two things - 1) our existence here is so ephemeral compared to what's in store, where I hope to enjoy life with you all once more, forevermore, and 2) your mom shouldn't have too much trouble finding a great guy down the road that will be able to love on you in my absence. I don't want you to give him a hard time if that happens. None of that "you're not my dad" stuff. God and I give them permission to be your dad (just like God gave me permission to be yours).
So what I wanted to emphasize today is the importance of surrounding yourself with Christian family. For one, God said in Genesis when creating man that it was not good that he be alone. Secondly, Jesus revealed that our true family (which may, if we are so fortunate, include our blood family) is centered around God:
"Who is my mother and who are my brothers?" And he stretched out his hand toward his disciples and said, "Here are my mother and my brothers! For whoever does the will of my father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother." - Matthew 12:48-50
And there are many of us:
"Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God's people and also members of his household." - Ephesians 2:19
"For if you belong to Christ, you are Abraham's offspring, heirs according to promise" - Galatians 3:29
"I will surely bless you and make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as the sand on the seashore." - Genesis 22:17
Wise King Solomon sums up the blessing of fellowship and community well:
"Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not easily broken." - Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
I'm reminded of the JRR Tolkien book/movie the Lord of the Rings, where Frodo owns the incredibly daunting task of venturing across the known world, into the dark land of Mordor, to destroy Sauron's ring in the volcano, Mt Doom. His gardener, the faithful Samwise, accompanies him the whole way, refusing to leave his side under any circumstances, even carrying him when he is too weak to continue. Pretty powerful image of the blessing of compassionate company along our journey through life.
The bonds of brotherhood are not quickly or easily formed. It is often true that fellow Christians may come to our aid when we need it, but there is a God-given need for fellowship, requiring an intimate bond of the heart, and that takes much time and effort to build. We are our brother/sister's surrogate Jesus, and they ours, until that time when he brings us to his side.
Gist is, don't be a loner! Life is simply too hard to attempt on our own. Invest your time in building the bonds of fellowship. Share your life openly and gratefully with those the Lord brings alongside. Doing so will enrich your life greatly. Next best thing to heaven itself.
I love you all!
Dad
Saturday, August 6, 2016
Love and Marriage Pt 2
Finally getting back to this post...
4) You may hear the phrase "happy wife, happy life". That, for the most part, is quite true. When she's happy, you will be happy. Kinda hard to have the latter without the former. However, that doesn't mean that you shouldn't concede every point of debate just to be happy. It does mean you need to communicate and debate in a loving manner so that you both can remain happy. There is almost always a happy middle ground when you are divided in opinion. Seek it out each time and you'll keep a peaceful, happy house.
5) I've found I'm happiest in my life/marriage whenever I consistently adopt Christ's humble servant attitude. As the psalmist says, "I'd rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked". This holds true in marriage as well. Don't strive for selfish interests. Make sure she has her cake and then you can have your piece. Don't keep score over who does what. Be the servant and do everything you possibly can for her (yes, even if it leaves you dead tired). If she is the godly woman I hope you end up with, she will seek to do the same for you and share the burdens.
6) Be merciful! You will probably be able to find a hundred things a day to nit pick your wife over. Resist the urge and maintain the peace. If you must address something (same thing happening over and over?), sandwich it in between a bunch of I love yous and use the sweetest tone you possibly can. Better to deal with things promptly that make you cringe every time you see it happen. If you're angry, wait until it fades before coming back to it (it will - refer to #'s 4 & 5 if you need motivation). Remember, she may not always be so merciful in return. That's on her. The better you are at your end, the better she'll likely be (or get) at hers.
Enough for now. Perhaps more later!
Love you!
Dad
4) You may hear the phrase "happy wife, happy life". That, for the most part, is quite true. When she's happy, you will be happy. Kinda hard to have the latter without the former. However, that doesn't mean that you shouldn't concede every point of debate just to be happy. It does mean you need to communicate and debate in a loving manner so that you both can remain happy. There is almost always a happy middle ground when you are divided in opinion. Seek it out each time and you'll keep a peaceful, happy house.
5) I've found I'm happiest in my life/marriage whenever I consistently adopt Christ's humble servant attitude. As the psalmist says, "I'd rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked". This holds true in marriage as well. Don't strive for selfish interests. Make sure she has her cake and then you can have your piece. Don't keep score over who does what. Be the servant and do everything you possibly can for her (yes, even if it leaves you dead tired). If she is the godly woman I hope you end up with, she will seek to do the same for you and share the burdens.
6) Be merciful! You will probably be able to find a hundred things a day to nit pick your wife over. Resist the urge and maintain the peace. If you must address something (same thing happening over and over?), sandwich it in between a bunch of I love yous and use the sweetest tone you possibly can. Better to deal with things promptly that make you cringe every time you see it happen. If you're angry, wait until it fades before coming back to it (it will - refer to #'s 4 & 5 if you need motivation). Remember, she may not always be so merciful in return. That's on her. The better you are at your end, the better she'll likely be (or get) at hers.
Enough for now. Perhaps more later!
Love you!
Dad
It's a Girl!
Well, my sons, it looks like you're going to be the proud older brothers to a lovely young lady. Your mom and I just found out a sister is on the way! Not sure if I'll update the site to include notes to all of you or start a separate blog just for her.
Exciting!
Love ya,
Dad
Exciting!
Love ya,
Dad
Wednesday, July 27, 2016
Love and Marriage Pt 1
I guess this collection of wisdom impartation wouldn't be complete without something on love and marriage. This is a pretty big topic, so I'll probably end up breaking it up into many segments. I'll try to hit some highlights first. Random stuff - whatever comes to mind.
#1 Some people say they are "called" to be single. I put that in quotes because Jesus doesn't really call us to anything other than himself and his great commission. That's simply their preference, and I must say, most people don't fit that category. Many that claim so are downright miserable, neglecting a God-given desire to, in fact, be married. Bottom line, if you feel yourself wanting to be married - do yourself a favor and get married.
#2 Do yourself a favor and marry your best friend. You're going to spend the rest of your life with her, after all. Marry that girl you can't live without.
#3 Consider your "love languages". This was the theme of a popular book on the subject of relating to your spouse. If you feel most loved through physical affection (like me), it certainly helps if she does too - or at least puts a priority on it. Ignoring each other's love language will leave you miserable. Skim the book - you'll get the idea.
More to come...
Love you!
Dad
Don't Settle
My heart aches today. Just received word from your mom that the teenage son of dear family friends died today. The details are not important. What is important to recognize, however, is that this life is fleeting. I'm approaching midlife statistically (if I'm not there already), but am not guaranteed even another breath. People all around me die every day, some famous, some not. All headed to the same endpoint of this life - death and the judgment (Hebrews 9:27).
Life here is tragic. Life hereafter doesn't have to be. To keep this simple, I just want to say don't ever settle for what little a worldly life here can offer. We are all immortal. Our existence here is but a blip on the eternal "timeline". How we spend the rest of our eternal lives is incomparably more important than the time spent here.
Secure your eternal destiny by placing your life, your hope, your trust in the hands of Jesus. You may end up listening to me or not, but that is the wisdom I would lovingly impart to you, my sons, with my whole heart. One of my greatest desires is to share that abundant life Jesus promised, glorified, fulfilled and satisfied, joyful and at peace in God's presence, forever - with you.
I love you,
Dad
Life here is tragic. Life hereafter doesn't have to be. To keep this simple, I just want to say don't ever settle for what little a worldly life here can offer. We are all immortal. Our existence here is but a blip on the eternal "timeline". How we spend the rest of our eternal lives is incomparably more important than the time spent here.
Secure your eternal destiny by placing your life, your hope, your trust in the hands of Jesus. You may end up listening to me or not, but that is the wisdom I would lovingly impart to you, my sons, with my whole heart. One of my greatest desires is to share that abundant life Jesus promised, glorified, fulfilled and satisfied, joyful and at peace in God's presence, forever - with you.
I love you,
Dad
Saturday, July 23, 2016
Means of Grace
It's really very simple. The answer to one's spiritual dryness, one's moral decay, one's feelings of purposelessness, anxiety, or loneliness. The life and blessed spiritual fruit that comes from being rooted in Christ requires daily maintenance. The world, the devil, and our own sinful inclinations aim to uproot us from God, promising "freedom" and fulfillment. They can't deliver what was meant to only come from a connectedness to our Lord.
What maintenance am I talking about? Things like prayer, studying/meditating on God's word, worshiping with fellow Christ followers, taking part in communion, acts of service, etc. These kinds of things are called the "means of grace". The means by which we experience God's grace, his abundant life and power.
Make time for these. You may not see immediate results (sometimes you will!), but lasting change takes time and consistency. A body builder, a magnificent oak, Rome (choose your analogy) is not made in a day. Put in the work and you'll reap the reward. You'll see yourself becoming a strong, confident, courageous, spirit-filled man of God. No longer a mopey, self-pitying mess. A man able to meet his potential.
That's all for now. I love you guys!
Dad
PS - (27 July) - Funny. Have been rereading some older posts. This one seems very similar to the one from January. Guess that means its doubly important! : )
What maintenance am I talking about? Things like prayer, studying/meditating on God's word, worshiping with fellow Christ followers, taking part in communion, acts of service, etc. These kinds of things are called the "means of grace". The means by which we experience God's grace, his abundant life and power.
Make time for these. You may not see immediate results (sometimes you will!), but lasting change takes time and consistency. A body builder, a magnificent oak, Rome (choose your analogy) is not made in a day. Put in the work and you'll reap the reward. You'll see yourself becoming a strong, confident, courageous, spirit-filled man of God. No longer a mopey, self-pitying mess. A man able to meet his potential.
That's all for now. I love you guys!
Dad
PS - (27 July) - Funny. Have been rereading some older posts. This one seems very similar to the one from January. Guess that means its doubly important! : )
Saturday, June 25, 2016
Slow Down
"He has told you, O man, what is good;
and what does the Lord require of you
but to do justice, and to love kindness,
and to walk humbly with your God?" - Micah 6:8
Also described as do justly, love mercy and walk humbly. A great motto for our character as we seek to live out the Great Commission. You will find that it is impossible to maintain perfectly, but we can certainly strive to improve! I feel ashamed often for the lack of justice and mercy I display towards others, also made in the image of God.
In seeking to rid my life of as much of these occurrences as I can, I've found one common inciting factor is hurry. Going about my business with mind for efficiency, leads me to walk quickly, drive quickly, and engage others quickly. When they slow me down or frustrate my efforts, however unintentionally, I get upset with them, which leads to an attitude of bitterness and a great LACK of justice and mercy.
The solution? Well one, if I remember to employ it anyway, is to simply slow down. Simplify my day's agenda. Leave early. Remind myself often to "take it easy". When I'm not feeling pressed, I am not nearly as irritable. I remember that, like Christ, I live to serve rather than be served.
Meditate on these things and strive to arrange your life accordingly to employ them. They will bring you peace and fulfillment.
I love you boys!!
Dad
and what does the Lord require of you
but to do justice, and to love kindness,
and to walk humbly with your God?" - Micah 6:8
Also described as do justly, love mercy and walk humbly. A great motto for our character as we seek to live out the Great Commission. You will find that it is impossible to maintain perfectly, but we can certainly strive to improve! I feel ashamed often for the lack of justice and mercy I display towards others, also made in the image of God.
In seeking to rid my life of as much of these occurrences as I can, I've found one common inciting factor is hurry. Going about my business with mind for efficiency, leads me to walk quickly, drive quickly, and engage others quickly. When they slow me down or frustrate my efforts, however unintentionally, I get upset with them, which leads to an attitude of bitterness and a great LACK of justice and mercy.
The solution? Well one, if I remember to employ it anyway, is to simply slow down. Simplify my day's agenda. Leave early. Remind myself often to "take it easy". When I'm not feeling pressed, I am not nearly as irritable. I remember that, like Christ, I live to serve rather than be served.
Meditate on these things and strive to arrange your life accordingly to employ them. They will bring you peace and fulfillment.
I love you boys!!
Dad
Friday, May 27, 2016
Checking in
Well, it's been about two months since I last wrote something. Taking a little break I guess. I try to write only when I feel inspired, so I don't fill up the blog with fluff. Also frees up more time to play with y'all! Just wanted to say I'm still thinking about you guys and praying for you all the time. Have really enjoyed getting to watch you grow up. Rhett took his first steps this week and will doubtless be happy to have an easier time following you around soon, Keegan. You clearly are best friends already. Looking forward to all the great times we will have together from here into eternity.
On an interesting side note, you are both older brothers now! If all goes well, you will get to meet your newest sibling early next year. Exciting!
I love you guys!
Dad
On an interesting side note, you are both older brothers now! If all goes well, you will get to meet your newest sibling early next year. Exciting!
I love you guys!
Dad
Friday, March 18, 2016
A Powerful 2 Minutes
"Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing." - 1 Thessalonians 5:11
"But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness. " - Hebrew 3:13
I remember it, somewhat vaguely now, but it has stayed with me for a long time. A medical school classmate had emailed me to encourage me when he had learned that I was considering quitting medicine. Just a couple lines. Probably didn't take him more than a couple minutes to produce. But what an impact. Filled my sails to know that someone felt it important enough to lift me up.
I have paid attention to it since. Times when friends or family have, seemingly out of the blue, written, called or texted to say they were thinking of me or praying for me. Very encouraging. Nothing quite like it. Now I have determined to employ it myself. Not to the point of the messages becoming trite and worthless, but every so often to accomplish what the NT writers exhorted in the verses mentioned above.
Just days ago, I had someone tell me that the two sentence text message I had sent them while their spouse was in surgery was almost overwhelming - one of the nicest things someone had done for them in a long time. Small investment perhaps. Enormous impact.
Just wanted to emphasize that words are powerful. Use them to build up your brothers & sisters or even your enemies. Little, targeted missiles of love that destroy Satan's strongholds & establish God's kingdom. Can't help but feel God smiling down when we use them. Both the giver and gifted are blessed. But use them wisely, because as I mentioned previously, they can seem frivolous if overused, over-dramatic or simply timed wrong. Be intentional about looking for opportunities where a kind word would be needed and then deliver, along with a prayer for their well-being and the words' intended effect.
That's all. Love you boys!!
Dad
"Though it's crazy, amazing
We can turn a heart with the words we say.
Mountains crumble with every syllable.
Hope can live or die.
So speak life, speak life.
To the deadest darkest night.
Speak life, speak life.
When the sun won't shine and you don't know why.
Look into the eyes of the brokenhearted;
Watch them come alive as soon as you speak hope,
You speak love, you speak... (life)."
From "Speak Life" by Toby Mac
"But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness. " - Hebrew 3:13
I remember it, somewhat vaguely now, but it has stayed with me for a long time. A medical school classmate had emailed me to encourage me when he had learned that I was considering quitting medicine. Just a couple lines. Probably didn't take him more than a couple minutes to produce. But what an impact. Filled my sails to know that someone felt it important enough to lift me up.
I have paid attention to it since. Times when friends or family have, seemingly out of the blue, written, called or texted to say they were thinking of me or praying for me. Very encouraging. Nothing quite like it. Now I have determined to employ it myself. Not to the point of the messages becoming trite and worthless, but every so often to accomplish what the NT writers exhorted in the verses mentioned above.
Just days ago, I had someone tell me that the two sentence text message I had sent them while their spouse was in surgery was almost overwhelming - one of the nicest things someone had done for them in a long time. Small investment perhaps. Enormous impact.
Just wanted to emphasize that words are powerful. Use them to build up your brothers & sisters or even your enemies. Little, targeted missiles of love that destroy Satan's strongholds & establish God's kingdom. Can't help but feel God smiling down when we use them. Both the giver and gifted are blessed. But use them wisely, because as I mentioned previously, they can seem frivolous if overused, over-dramatic or simply timed wrong. Be intentional about looking for opportunities where a kind word would be needed and then deliver, along with a prayer for their well-being and the words' intended effect.
That's all. Love you boys!!
Dad
"Though it's crazy, amazing
We can turn a heart with the words we say.
Mountains crumble with every syllable.
Hope can live or die.
So speak life, speak life.
To the deadest darkest night.
Speak life, speak life.
When the sun won't shine and you don't know why.
Look into the eyes of the brokenhearted;
Watch them come alive as soon as you speak hope,
You speak love, you speak... (life)."
From "Speak Life" by Toby Mac
Saturday, February 27, 2016
The Cure for Depression
There will come times in your lives where you will find yourselves depressed. Life will have lost its luster. Maybe you'll feel like you're just not getting anywhere. Nothing seems exciting or interesting. You may even feel sad or lonely. This is normal. Unfortunately, many don't realize that this is only a season. Ecclesiastes says "there is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens" - this is just one of them.
What to do about it? The only cure I have found is to get your mind off yourself and put it on others - both God and your neighbor. Pray, praise, spend some intimate time abiding with the Lord, and then go find someone to serve! Volunteer your time rather than sitting about, doing something as simple as visiting widows, loving on some orphans, or cooking for the homeless. Probably best to pick one of the above and just go to town. Give a few people a lot of personal attention. Listen to them. That's all most people want. Someone to notice them. A heaven-sent friend.
You will find that when you're finished your heart will be fuller. The day will seem a little brighter. Best of all, you will be satisfied knowing your time was well spent.
Don't wait to jump in. Maybe spend your first day just talking to a friend and discussing ideas along these lines. This will help you get motivated. But set something up right away. Ask others (pastors or friends on social media) if you don't already know where to start.
Later, when you have some off time, spend it setting up your next service activity or teaching yourself a skill you can employ on the behalf of others. There are times when you will find yourselves just needing to rest ("veg"). That's okay. We all need "me time". Just make sure to put a reasonable cap on it, or you will find yourself wasting time and getting depressed about that. So, as John Ortberg would say, abide then ABOUND!! Btw, listen to his sermon series on this when you can - awesome stuff.
Well, that's enough for now. Jesus, your mom and I are all praying for glorious victory for you! I love you guys!
Dad
What to do about it? The only cure I have found is to get your mind off yourself and put it on others - both God and your neighbor. Pray, praise, spend some intimate time abiding with the Lord, and then go find someone to serve! Volunteer your time rather than sitting about, doing something as simple as visiting widows, loving on some orphans, or cooking for the homeless. Probably best to pick one of the above and just go to town. Give a few people a lot of personal attention. Listen to them. That's all most people want. Someone to notice them. A heaven-sent friend.
You will find that when you're finished your heart will be fuller. The day will seem a little brighter. Best of all, you will be satisfied knowing your time was well spent.
Don't wait to jump in. Maybe spend your first day just talking to a friend and discussing ideas along these lines. This will help you get motivated. But set something up right away. Ask others (pastors or friends on social media) if you don't already know where to start.
Later, when you have some off time, spend it setting up your next service activity or teaching yourself a skill you can employ on the behalf of others. There are times when you will find yourselves just needing to rest ("veg"). That's okay. We all need "me time". Just make sure to put a reasonable cap on it, or you will find yourself wasting time and getting depressed about that. So, as John Ortberg would say, abide then ABOUND!! Btw, listen to his sermon series on this when you can - awesome stuff.
Well, that's enough for now. Jesus, your mom and I are all praying for glorious victory for you! I love you guys!
Dad
Saturday, February 20, 2016
Don't Wait to Celebrate!
I opened my bathroom cabinet to pull out a new bar of soap today. Was about to pull another from the 12 pack of Dove Mens that I'd been using when I saw a fancy box of "Yardley of London". "Why not?", I thought, and popped open the expensive stuff. Wasn't like we were saving it for guests.
As I enjoyed the new scent and feel, I pondered how infrequently I "shake things up" and break out of the monotonous routine. Just handling things a little different each day might make them a little more exciting and enjoyable. Such things help our hearts find new reasons to praise God and stay joyous - and more usable for His purposes.
So, that's all my sons. Find ways to "shake things up" and remain passionate about life. Think twice before saving things for later. For one, you're not guaranteed a later and, two, God says He'll provide for later (should we doubt he has these kinds of things in mind too?).
I love you guys!
Dad
As I enjoyed the new scent and feel, I pondered how infrequently I "shake things up" and break out of the monotonous routine. Just handling things a little different each day might make them a little more exciting and enjoyable. Such things help our hearts find new reasons to praise God and stay joyous - and more usable for His purposes.
So, that's all my sons. Find ways to "shake things up" and remain passionate about life. Think twice before saving things for later. For one, you're not guaranteed a later and, two, God says He'll provide for later (should we doubt he has these kinds of things in mind too?).
I love you guys!
Dad
Sunday, February 14, 2016
The Great Commission
Last night I was on Facebook and came across a post by a friend I knew from medical school. Unfortunately, instead of remembering the good times we shared as members of a Medical Campus Outreach fellowship group, all I could think about was my quitting the profession. Although I firmly believe I made the right choice in leaving it behind, something about that career blunder (shouldn't have entered it to begin with) left me feeling guilty/shameful. A failure of sorts. To this day, I've tried to avoid my old classmates because I didn't want to be reminded of it.
As I shared this feeling with your mom, she initially tried to say it was okay, because I would never have ended up where I did in life (with her and you boys) had I not gone down that road. That, while true, didn't really make the pain go away. Still felt like a failure. Then she said something along the lines that I wasn't a failure because of who I was in Christ and what I was doing for God's kingdom. Bam! Talk about blowing away all feelings of self-pity. How could I not see that? She was right, my success in my career or education meant nothing compared to what I was doing towards the great commission. This is huge and something I can't emphasize enough to you, my boys.
Don't ever feel ashamed by where you go or can't go in school or professionally. Perfect GPAs don't matter. Degrees don't matter. Flashy jobs don't matter. All that matters is are you actively living to glorify God? Don't seek to be the best at something. That's vanity. Seek to glorify God with your best efforts. Resolve to make an impact in this world for Him, using well the limited time you have here.
When it comes to school/career, first ask yourself what you would most like to accomplish for God's kingdom. Then go acquire the tools you need to accomplish it. And, if I have taught you anything through my own professional odyssey, it's okay to start over.
I can't wait to see where your passions take you. Please, please, please - do what you love! Your God will meet your needs, and I'll teach you his basic principles of responsibility. You just need to let your hearts fly, with the grace he gives you.
I love you both so much,
Dad
As I shared this feeling with your mom, she initially tried to say it was okay, because I would never have ended up where I did in life (with her and you boys) had I not gone down that road. That, while true, didn't really make the pain go away. Still felt like a failure. Then she said something along the lines that I wasn't a failure because of who I was in Christ and what I was doing for God's kingdom. Bam! Talk about blowing away all feelings of self-pity. How could I not see that? She was right, my success in my career or education meant nothing compared to what I was doing towards the great commission. This is huge and something I can't emphasize enough to you, my boys.
Don't ever feel ashamed by where you go or can't go in school or professionally. Perfect GPAs don't matter. Degrees don't matter. Flashy jobs don't matter. All that matters is are you actively living to glorify God? Don't seek to be the best at something. That's vanity. Seek to glorify God with your best efforts. Resolve to make an impact in this world for Him, using well the limited time you have here.
When it comes to school/career, first ask yourself what you would most like to accomplish for God's kingdom. Then go acquire the tools you need to accomplish it. And, if I have taught you anything through my own professional odyssey, it's okay to start over.
I can't wait to see where your passions take you. Please, please, please - do what you love! Your God will meet your needs, and I'll teach you his basic principles of responsibility. You just need to let your hearts fly, with the grace he gives you.
I love you both so much,
Dad
Wednesday, January 20, 2016
A New Year
"And he who sat upon the throne said, "Behold, I am making all things new"." - Revelation 21:5
The wise man, or rather the man made wise, will find himself at some point in his life realizing, like King Solomon once did, that there is nothing new under the sun, that all seems vanity. Fortunately, it is God who gives that world-shaking revelation - right before he shows that all things are made new in Him. Yes, right before he offers that man a glorious view of himself. It is He who gives all things purpose, newness... life. Every good and perfect gift is from above (James 1:17). Jesus said that "everyone who drinks of this water will thirst again, but he who drinks of the water that I give him will never thirst" (John 4). We will never see life as vanity ever again! Praise God from who all blessings flow.
So, here I am in what has become a routine - watching the baby channel in the living room with, well, Rhett. Keegan, you would be here too, but you're taking a nap after a wild morning. I'm enjoying your constant smiling, Rhett. You've taken over Keegan's old bouncer and are loving it. That toy was a score!
Mom let me out today to watch "13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi". It's a pretty violent war movie, but the themes within - courage in the face of death, laying it all on the line (with memories of your wife/kids still fresh in your minds) to do what is right - are very powerful and convicting. I will always thank the soldiers who sacrifice so much to fight evil in this world. Though a veteran myself, I will never see myself as equals with these kinds of men that serve on the front lines. I tell you what, though, I will fight as hard and courageously to protect you boys and our family from evil.
A big part of that fight, though, is the daily routine. It may not seem very valiant, but honoring God with my service to family and community, is most certainly so. Staying disciplined with my spiritual training is even more important than the physical. I need to indulge in the means of grace to receive the power of God's spirit for good in this world. That is a daily fight. A fight against sleepiness, irritability, rage, anhedonia, spiritual dryness, grief, despair, etc. Sometimes we find ourselves losing, other times gloriously winning. But the fight is never fully won until we are glorified and at home with our heavenly Father.
My big question today was, am I ready to go home? Would I be okay with God taking me out of this world at any moment, feeling like I have done all I can. Yes. As much as it grieves me to ponder leaving my family behind (I'm looking at your smiling face, Rhett), I know the Lord is good and would sustain you in my absence. I would eventually get to enjoy eternal life - life at its fullest - with all of you! Until that day he takes me home, I will relish every moment here with you boys! I will enjoy getting to be your father - teaching you, encouraging you, providing for you, serving with you, laughing with you - loving you. I feel like I have said this all before, but these are the things I would want you to know above any other.
Well, back to playing on the rug...
Love you boys so much,
Dad
The wise man, or rather the man made wise, will find himself at some point in his life realizing, like King Solomon once did, that there is nothing new under the sun, that all seems vanity. Fortunately, it is God who gives that world-shaking revelation - right before he shows that all things are made new in Him. Yes, right before he offers that man a glorious view of himself. It is He who gives all things purpose, newness... life. Every good and perfect gift is from above (James 1:17). Jesus said that "everyone who drinks of this water will thirst again, but he who drinks of the water that I give him will never thirst" (John 4). We will never see life as vanity ever again! Praise God from who all blessings flow.
So, here I am in what has become a routine - watching the baby channel in the living room with, well, Rhett. Keegan, you would be here too, but you're taking a nap after a wild morning. I'm enjoying your constant smiling, Rhett. You've taken over Keegan's old bouncer and are loving it. That toy was a score!
Mom let me out today to watch "13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi". It's a pretty violent war movie, but the themes within - courage in the face of death, laying it all on the line (with memories of your wife/kids still fresh in your minds) to do what is right - are very powerful and convicting. I will always thank the soldiers who sacrifice so much to fight evil in this world. Though a veteran myself, I will never see myself as equals with these kinds of men that serve on the front lines. I tell you what, though, I will fight as hard and courageously to protect you boys and our family from evil.
A big part of that fight, though, is the daily routine. It may not seem very valiant, but honoring God with my service to family and community, is most certainly so. Staying disciplined with my spiritual training is even more important than the physical. I need to indulge in the means of grace to receive the power of God's spirit for good in this world. That is a daily fight. A fight against sleepiness, irritability, rage, anhedonia, spiritual dryness, grief, despair, etc. Sometimes we find ourselves losing, other times gloriously winning. But the fight is never fully won until we are glorified and at home with our heavenly Father.
My big question today was, am I ready to go home? Would I be okay with God taking me out of this world at any moment, feeling like I have done all I can. Yes. As much as it grieves me to ponder leaving my family behind (I'm looking at your smiling face, Rhett), I know the Lord is good and would sustain you in my absence. I would eventually get to enjoy eternal life - life at its fullest - with all of you! Until that day he takes me home, I will relish every moment here with you boys! I will enjoy getting to be your father - teaching you, encouraging you, providing for you, serving with you, laughing with you - loving you. I feel like I have said this all before, but these are the things I would want you to know above any other.
Well, back to playing on the rug...
Love you boys so much,
Dad
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