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
Saturday, August 22, 2015
The Path to Peace
I was on my drive to work yesterday, enjoying some prayer and meditation time, and a song came on which never fails to bring back memories - "The Way of Wisdom" by Michael Card, from an album by the same name he recorded to reflect themes from the wisdom literature in the bible (Ecclesiastes, Job, Psalms, Proverbs, etc).
I was first introduced to this song back in the early 90's, when my brother liked to play it often in the car while our family drove around town in Virginia. I guess that's one of the reasons I like it so much. Brings back warm memories of family.
I had to pause and give some thought to one of the lines this time around.
"...the path to peace is forgiving"
How true that is. Our peace is interrupted daily by the actions of sinful people like ourselves. Regardless of whether there was actually any malicious intent, our selfish impulse is to cry foul and hold bitterness against them - be it anything from a hurtful word to simply getting cut off in traffic.
We can't help or escape living among others (and continue to follow God's prescriptive will for us, anyway), and those infractions will come at us ceaselessly. We can't control them, but we CAN control ourselves and our response. Forgiveness can bring that peace back. Bitterness keeps it at bay for as long as we entertain those feelings.
Do you want a peaceful existence? Learn to forgive quickly and often. Perhaps a quick prayer for yourself or the offending party is all it may take to stifle the urge to dwell in unsettled misery. Focus on Jesus in those instances and you'll find your peace restored.
I love you boys!
Dad
I was first introduced to this song back in the early 90's, when my brother liked to play it often in the car while our family drove around town in Virginia. I guess that's one of the reasons I like it so much. Brings back warm memories of family.
I had to pause and give some thought to one of the lines this time around.
"...the path to peace is forgiving"
How true that is. Our peace is interrupted daily by the actions of sinful people like ourselves. Regardless of whether there was actually any malicious intent, our selfish impulse is to cry foul and hold bitterness against them - be it anything from a hurtful word to simply getting cut off in traffic.
We can't help or escape living among others (and continue to follow God's prescriptive will for us, anyway), and those infractions will come at us ceaselessly. We can't control them, but we CAN control ourselves and our response. Forgiveness can bring that peace back. Bitterness keeps it at bay for as long as we entertain those feelings.
Do you want a peaceful existence? Learn to forgive quickly and often. Perhaps a quick prayer for yourself or the offending party is all it may take to stifle the urge to dwell in unsettled misery. Focus on Jesus in those instances and you'll find your peace restored.
I love you boys!
Dad
Friday, August 7, 2015
Fighting
It's a violent world we live in. Eventually, and more often than we'd like to, we cross paths with violent people who desire for whatever reason to inflict injury on us. Usually it's just words. The kind that indict the speaker of insecurity more so than cause any real damage, because we know who we are and whose we are (and only His opinion really matters). When they do this, it's great, because they've identified themselves as a threat and we can distance ourselves from them - probably 99% of the time if we're smart, keep our cool and don't wait around for escalation. But sometimes they cross the line and either force physical altercation on us or on someone we love and we simply must respond.
At times like these, it is permissible to fight. It is okay to exert just enough force to subdue the attacker and stifle the threat. We're under no mandate to stand and take a beating. And certainly, if we're protecting someone else, the greater good (or lesser of two evils) is being sought. Hopefully, both parties can walk away having learned a lesson from the encounter.
Sometimes the situation is life-threatening (ex- home invasion). If they are armed with a deadly weapon, it is advisable to use deadly force rather than attempt to subdue them. Don't wait for them to initiate (they already have if they're in your home) or simply try to injure them because you're afraid of ending a life. Protect your family. This is why I would recommend keeping a gun (or guns) in the home. If you don't have a family, use your best judgement. You may risk your life for a potentially better outcome if you choose.
I've been studying martial arts lately. Not training - yet, just trying to understand the world of violence and how best to defend against it. The best martial art would be a mix of many, because they all have strengths and weaknesses. Probably the most peaceable and useful are wrestling/jiu jitsu because you attempt to take the attacker to the ground and neutralize them there with submission holds. Trying to stand toe-to-toe swinging punches and kicks, you're just as likely to get KO'd as the other person (not a smart way of fighting).
I'll try to train you both in these disciplines, because they are useful for body conditioning and confidence building in addition to the self/others protection already mentioned. Better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it.
Beyond this let me comment on a couple things. Under NO circumstance is it okay to avenge yourselves or even others if the encounter has passed (Romans 12:19). The government exists for that, and you know God will ultimately bring justice. I see many young hot-heads who think they're good at fighting who then begin instigating fights to prove how tough/"manly" they are. If you seek fights, you will die an early death. Also, don't involve yourselves with fighting sports where it's essentially no different than human cock-fighting and women walk around half-nude to help promote it (ex- UFC). Those events cater to the lustful/bloodthirsty. That's not for us. God holds us all to HIS standard.
Respect life, love your enemies, and try to keep His interests for us in mind, and you can't go too far wrong.
I love you guys!
Dad
At times like these, it is permissible to fight. It is okay to exert just enough force to subdue the attacker and stifle the threat. We're under no mandate to stand and take a beating. And certainly, if we're protecting someone else, the greater good (or lesser of two evils) is being sought. Hopefully, both parties can walk away having learned a lesson from the encounter.
Sometimes the situation is life-threatening (ex- home invasion). If they are armed with a deadly weapon, it is advisable to use deadly force rather than attempt to subdue them. Don't wait for them to initiate (they already have if they're in your home) or simply try to injure them because you're afraid of ending a life. Protect your family. This is why I would recommend keeping a gun (or guns) in the home. If you don't have a family, use your best judgement. You may risk your life for a potentially better outcome if you choose.
I've been studying martial arts lately. Not training - yet, just trying to understand the world of violence and how best to defend against it. The best martial art would be a mix of many, because they all have strengths and weaknesses. Probably the most peaceable and useful are wrestling/jiu jitsu because you attempt to take the attacker to the ground and neutralize them there with submission holds. Trying to stand toe-to-toe swinging punches and kicks, you're just as likely to get KO'd as the other person (not a smart way of fighting).
I'll try to train you both in these disciplines, because they are useful for body conditioning and confidence building in addition to the self/others protection already mentioned. Better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it.
Beyond this let me comment on a couple things. Under NO circumstance is it okay to avenge yourselves or even others if the encounter has passed (Romans 12:19). The government exists for that, and you know God will ultimately bring justice. I see many young hot-heads who think they're good at fighting who then begin instigating fights to prove how tough/"manly" they are. If you seek fights, you will die an early death. Also, don't involve yourselves with fighting sports where it's essentially no different than human cock-fighting and women walk around half-nude to help promote it (ex- UFC). Those events cater to the lustful/bloodthirsty. That's not for us. God holds us all to HIS standard.
Respect life, love your enemies, and try to keep His interests for us in mind, and you can't go too far wrong.
I love you guys!
Dad
Saturday, July 18, 2015
Fun
I'm sitting in the study this morning, trying to type quietly as Rhett lays in his baby cot below snoring softly. Figuring out which topics to discuss on this is rather difficult. Too many things I could weigh in on. Going to have to leave the majority of them for you to learn through experience, I guess. Going to have to put my trust in God to lead you by his spirit along with the godly men and women he places in your lives.
One thing that does come to mind is the idea of balancing work/fun. In a world like this where it seems there is always someone in need, we may think we should be working all the time to alleviate those needs. Well, that is why the Lord designated 6 days for work out of 7. Most of the time we should be working. The idea of "retirement", where one does nothing but play golf and watch tv all day is ungodly.
We don't have to be pharisaichal about this. There are times when it is appropriate to work through the sabbath (when it is unavoidable due to the need at hand), and times when it is ok to relax for more than one day at a time. But these are exceptions to the general rule of life - work hard! ...but save some time for rest/rejuvenation/worship. It is also okay to work and rest/play in the same day. We must not forget the intent behind God's weekly plan:
"The sabbath was made for man" - Jesus, Mark 2:27
God ordained a time to put up the work and rest joyfully in his presence. Some may turn this into a labor in itself - you must do this and/or that to observe the sabbath correctly. Don't fall into that error, or its opposite - being lazy and selfish, ignoring the call to worship with God's people.
Play is an acceptable form of rest/rejuvenation. God delights in us delighting in his creation and our freedom. As John Piper says, "God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in him". A loving father wants his kids to have fun amongst all the work to be done. Find whatever lifts your spirit and go enjoy it!
Be prudent about your choices - "all things are lawful for me", but not all things are helpful - 1 Cor 6:12, 10:23. For example, choosing to spend all your time playing video games by yourself - fun, sure, but you'll get fat, vitamin-D deficient, and friendless : P and many video games have you practicing ungodly behavior within them anyway. Make sure to balance fun with work responsibly and don't allow your spirit to lose its sense of wonder and passion!
I love you boys,
Dad
One thing that does come to mind is the idea of balancing work/fun. In a world like this where it seems there is always someone in need, we may think we should be working all the time to alleviate those needs. Well, that is why the Lord designated 6 days for work out of 7. Most of the time we should be working. The idea of "retirement", where one does nothing but play golf and watch tv all day is ungodly.
We don't have to be pharisaichal about this. There are times when it is appropriate to work through the sabbath (when it is unavoidable due to the need at hand), and times when it is ok to relax for more than one day at a time. But these are exceptions to the general rule of life - work hard! ...but save some time for rest/rejuvenation/worship. It is also okay to work and rest/play in the same day. We must not forget the intent behind God's weekly plan:
"The sabbath was made for man" - Jesus, Mark 2:27
God ordained a time to put up the work and rest joyfully in his presence. Some may turn this into a labor in itself - you must do this and/or that to observe the sabbath correctly. Don't fall into that error, or its opposite - being lazy and selfish, ignoring the call to worship with God's people.
Play is an acceptable form of rest/rejuvenation. God delights in us delighting in his creation and our freedom. As John Piper says, "God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in him". A loving father wants his kids to have fun amongst all the work to be done. Find whatever lifts your spirit and go enjoy it!
Be prudent about your choices - "all things are lawful for me", but not all things are helpful - 1 Cor 6:12, 10:23. For example, choosing to spend all your time playing video games by yourself - fun, sure, but you'll get fat, vitamin-D deficient, and friendless : P and many video games have you practicing ungodly behavior within them anyway. Make sure to balance fun with work responsibly and don't allow your spirit to lose its sense of wonder and passion!
I love you boys,
Dad
Saturday, July 11, 2015
God's Law
Recent events in this country's history directed my attention to the importance of God's sovereign, unchanging law - the absolute standards by which we judge good and evil. The Supreme Court has ruled homosexual marriage to be legitimate and has ordered all states to comply with granting them licenses. Obviously the U.S. has gone astray here. We must always remember, as God's people, we belong to His kingdom and not to any geo-political entity here. We can bless a nation by our presence/deeds, much like Daniel in Babylon, but we can never forget that worldly nations will always hate Christians and will continue to ostracize and persecute us, even those founded by Christian men.
Many Christians believe wrongly that the law is of no more importance to us since we are forgiven once and for all from any sin debt. While the latter is true, the law still has tremendous importance, as discussed in this excerpt from a devotional I subscribe to:
______________
Many Christians believe wrongly that the law is of no more importance to us since we are forgiven once and for all from any sin debt. While the latter is true, the law still has tremendous importance, as discussed in this excerpt from a devotional I subscribe to:
______________
Romans 7:12: “Therefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy and just and good.”
Romans 7:22: “For I delight in the law of God according to the inward man.”
Does this sound like a man who believed the law of God has no place in the Christian life? Read Paul’s writings carefully and you will find a man whose heart longed for the law of God as much as David’s.
The law drives us to the gospel. The gospel saves us from the curse of the law, but in turn directs us back to the law to search its spirit. The law of God is still a lamp to our feet. Without it we stumble and trip and grope in darkness.
For the Christian, the greatest benefit of the law of God is its revelatory character. The law reveals to us the Lawgiver. It teaches us what is pleasing in His sight.
______________
______________
Yes, we must study the law to better know the character of God. We can come to delight in his goodness, justice, mercy, and holiness. While we are forgiven of wrongdoing, the law shows us how to avoid offending God in the first place. We will not obtain perfection this side of glory, but that doesn't mean we shouldn't strive for obedience. He does, afterall, promise blessings in the here and now for those that honor him with their lives (not talking "health/wealth gospel" here, though). Take time to study the law and how it applies to us today.
I love you guys!
Dad
Friday, July 10, 2015
Tough Job
"Hey buddy!"
That's my preferred address for each of you it seems. I love how you, Keegan, are always running up to me to put books or toys in my lap in a not-so-subtle way of saying you want attention. Sometimes you bring me my flip-flops, meaning you want me to take you outside. It appears you don't care what we do so long as you get to do it with me. Funny, that's how I feel about you boys too. Keegan, I'll reread your truck book for the millionth time if I get to hold you in my lap again. Rhett, I know it will be no different when you're a bit older. In the meantime, I get to study your face as I feed you a bottle. Truth is, I'm really looking forward to being your buddy as you two grow up. So many things I daydream of enjoying with you.
I'm fatigued and finding it difficult to motivate myself to write these days. Back to zombie mode since bringing Rhett home and rediscovering what life is like on 6 or less hours of sleep a night. Trying to take care of the priorities with the energy and time I do have - helping your mom with babysitting and household chores, keeping Keegan entertained, taking the family places to break up the periods of being homebound, Bible studying, keeping up with friends/family, etc.
But then I hear about some local tragedy, like a fatal wreck on Hwy 17a (my commute road to work) yesterday, and it reminds me I better get back to this in case I get taken home earlier than expected. My new life insurance policy doesn't take effect for another 9 days and it scares me somewhat. I know I need to place more faith in my God in this regard ("do not be anxious about anything..."), but you may understand what I mean if/when you have kids someday. You want so bad to make sure they are provided for if something were to happen to you.
Only lesson here is, if I'm gone, it's up to you two to look after your mother. Yes, you will have plenty of help from our respective families, but don't forget you will be her primary caretakers. She's a tough woman, though, and probably won't need much help until she's older. I trust you will use your good judgement in determining how best to do that. Companionship would mean the most to her, I can tell you that much.
As men, looking after the welfare of others is our biggest responsibility. Family first, but also those in your community - even strangers. Think Golden Rule and you'll be fine. Don't get caught up trying to help everyone ("savior complex" they call it). Sometimes you'll just have to leave people in God's gracious hands (he cares even for the sparrows, afterall). But we are tasked to accomplish good works wherever we find ourselves. That may mean sacrificing things we would like - a LOT. Be it play time, "chill" time, workout time (I haven't run for almost 2 years), sleep time, money, that last piece of dessert, etc. It's not easy, but it is rewarding. JOY = Jesus, Others, Yourself. Reevaluate your use of time often and prioritize as needed.
That's all for now. I love you guys!
Dad
That's my preferred address for each of you it seems. I love how you, Keegan, are always running up to me to put books or toys in my lap in a not-so-subtle way of saying you want attention. Sometimes you bring me my flip-flops, meaning you want me to take you outside. It appears you don't care what we do so long as you get to do it with me. Funny, that's how I feel about you boys too. Keegan, I'll reread your truck book for the millionth time if I get to hold you in my lap again. Rhett, I know it will be no different when you're a bit older. In the meantime, I get to study your face as I feed you a bottle. Truth is, I'm really looking forward to being your buddy as you two grow up. So many things I daydream of enjoying with you.
I'm fatigued and finding it difficult to motivate myself to write these days. Back to zombie mode since bringing Rhett home and rediscovering what life is like on 6 or less hours of sleep a night. Trying to take care of the priorities with the energy and time I do have - helping your mom with babysitting and household chores, keeping Keegan entertained, taking the family places to break up the periods of being homebound, Bible studying, keeping up with friends/family, etc.
But then I hear about some local tragedy, like a fatal wreck on Hwy 17a (my commute road to work) yesterday, and it reminds me I better get back to this in case I get taken home earlier than expected. My new life insurance policy doesn't take effect for another 9 days and it scares me somewhat. I know I need to place more faith in my God in this regard ("do not be anxious about anything..."), but you may understand what I mean if/when you have kids someday. You want so bad to make sure they are provided for if something were to happen to you.
Only lesson here is, if I'm gone, it's up to you two to look after your mother. Yes, you will have plenty of help from our respective families, but don't forget you will be her primary caretakers. She's a tough woman, though, and probably won't need much help until she's older. I trust you will use your good judgement in determining how best to do that. Companionship would mean the most to her, I can tell you that much.
As men, looking after the welfare of others is our biggest responsibility. Family first, but also those in your community - even strangers. Think Golden Rule and you'll be fine. Don't get caught up trying to help everyone ("savior complex" they call it). Sometimes you'll just have to leave people in God's gracious hands (he cares even for the sparrows, afterall). But we are tasked to accomplish good works wherever we find ourselves. That may mean sacrificing things we would like - a LOT. Be it play time, "chill" time, workout time (I haven't run for almost 2 years), sleep time, money, that last piece of dessert, etc. It's not easy, but it is rewarding. JOY = Jesus, Others, Yourself. Reevaluate your use of time often and prioritize as needed.
That's all for now. I love you guys!
Dad
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