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
Sunday, February 14, 2016
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
Friday, December 25, 2015
Merry Christmas!
I'm lying on the couch with a bad cold this morning - this glorious Christmas morning. Couldn't sleep due to my symptoms, so I rose early to spend some time with God. Have been watching videos of Pastor John Piper expound on the idea of "Christian hedonism" - that God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in him. Please find time to read his book or watch him preach on this topic - it will bless your life immensely. I may have written on this concept on here already. No problem - emphasis is a good thing!
I want so much for you, my sons, to know the same joy I have found in God, through an intimate relationship restored by the work of Jesus. These writings are all in vain if I only encourage you to seek worldly pleasures in this life. However, there are innumerable pleasures that, when we realize that they were graciously given to us by God, bring him glory when we delight in them.
Piper mentioned that the fruit of a joyous heart, delighting in God, is love. Not merely obedient servitude, but fervent, heart-felt, emotional love - sincerely wanting the very best for others, indeed God's best. So, the quick lesson for today before I enjoy a celebratory morning with you both is this: Your ability to love effectively (the horizontal relationships) is proportionally dependent on your satisfaction/contentment with God (the vertical relationship). Seek God's glory in every experience you can, requesting that you may find it and be enraptured by it! Thereby you can find contentment (joy/peace) in this life, and the love that you share throughout will leave a glorious legacy.
I love you boys so, so much - chiefly because I see God's glory in you so easily.
Merry Christmas!
Love,
Dad
I want so much for you, my sons, to know the same joy I have found in God, through an intimate relationship restored by the work of Jesus. These writings are all in vain if I only encourage you to seek worldly pleasures in this life. However, there are innumerable pleasures that, when we realize that they were graciously given to us by God, bring him glory when we delight in them.
Piper mentioned that the fruit of a joyous heart, delighting in God, is love. Not merely obedient servitude, but fervent, heart-felt, emotional love - sincerely wanting the very best for others, indeed God's best. So, the quick lesson for today before I enjoy a celebratory morning with you both is this: Your ability to love effectively (the horizontal relationships) is proportionally dependent on your satisfaction/contentment with God (the vertical relationship). Seek God's glory in every experience you can, requesting that you may find it and be enraptured by it! Thereby you can find contentment (joy/peace) in this life, and the love that you share throughout will leave a glorious legacy.
I love you boys so, so much - chiefly because I see God's glory in you so easily.
Merry Christmas!
Love,
Dad
Sunday, December 13, 2015
Don't Waste Your Time
Rhett, you and I are in the living room watching the baby channel while the rest of the house sleeps in. You keep reaching over and grabbing the hair on my leg and pulling vigorously - during commercial breaks, of course. Harry the Bunny and Rainbow Horse have your complete attention otherwise.
Mom and I watched a movie I checked out at the library. The title is of no concern. I picked it out thinking we would be watching an adventurous movie of someone hiking from the Mojave Desert to Canada. Most of it, however, was more concerned with telling the sad tale of a woman whose life was marred by drugs, adultery, divorce, and the death of her mother. She takes to the trail to "find herself", all the while cursing God and quoting vain philosophers. Because she ends the film (based on her highly successful book) talking about getting remarried and having two kids, one of which she names after her mother, she makes it seem as if she has reached a perfect ending. In truth, she is no better off than when she started - Godless, meaningless and hopeless. Other than some picturesque cinematography, the movie was a total waste of time for us.
I walked away resolved of two things - 1) I'd like to take the family, or at least you boys on a hike of the Appalachian or Pacific Crest Trail (whether in part/s or whole) and 2) not to waste more of my time on anti-Christian movies that peddle humanist philosophies.
While most Christian movies are generally poor quality, I don't have to suffer through them as an alternative. It is not my Christian duty to watch them (although there are some that are very, very good). There are media not intended to glorify God that can still be used for that purpose, and that can still enrich my life. For example, I can glorify God watching a 30 minute video simply highlighting the trails I spoke of above and getting exciting about them, exploring his beautiful creation.
Movies are just one way in which we can use/misuse our time. Best to give a little thought before committing to something. Would God want me to give ____ my attention?
Life is short, so focus the time he grants you on the positive. Meaning, on things Philippians 4:8,9:
"Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you."
I love you boys!
Dad
Mom and I watched a movie I checked out at the library. The title is of no concern. I picked it out thinking we would be watching an adventurous movie of someone hiking from the Mojave Desert to Canada. Most of it, however, was more concerned with telling the sad tale of a woman whose life was marred by drugs, adultery, divorce, and the death of her mother. She takes to the trail to "find herself", all the while cursing God and quoting vain philosophers. Because she ends the film (based on her highly successful book) talking about getting remarried and having two kids, one of which she names after her mother, she makes it seem as if she has reached a perfect ending. In truth, she is no better off than when she started - Godless, meaningless and hopeless. Other than some picturesque cinematography, the movie was a total waste of time for us.
I walked away resolved of two things - 1) I'd like to take the family, or at least you boys on a hike of the Appalachian or Pacific Crest Trail (whether in part/s or whole) and 2) not to waste more of my time on anti-Christian movies that peddle humanist philosophies.
While most Christian movies are generally poor quality, I don't have to suffer through them as an alternative. It is not my Christian duty to watch them (although there are some that are very, very good). There are media not intended to glorify God that can still be used for that purpose, and that can still enrich my life. For example, I can glorify God watching a 30 minute video simply highlighting the trails I spoke of above and getting exciting about them, exploring his beautiful creation.
Movies are just one way in which we can use/misuse our time. Best to give a little thought before committing to something. Would God want me to give ____ my attention?
Life is short, so focus the time he grants you on the positive. Meaning, on things Philippians 4:8,9:
"Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you."
I love you boys!
Dad
Tuesday, October 27, 2015
Guilty
The last few weeks I've noticed it's been getting longer and longer since I last posted on here. I think by now, though, I've covered most of the topics I really wanted to include. Mainly just wanted you to know I still care for you enough to consider this ongoing project important!
Was talking with Lili about father/son relational dynamics and how I received plenty of corrective discipline from my dad but not so much affection/affirmation (same as his dad with him). At least, in my younger years. He really changed for the better by the time I became an adult. By then, though, I feel like the pains of my growing up may have affected my thoughts/reactions/habits in a negative way. I must admit, I'm terribly scared of the possibility of doing that to you boys. Making a point of doling out as many, if not more, hugs and commendations as reprimands.
Just wanted you to know I was making concerted efforts to be the best dad I can be for you boys. I apologize in advance for the fact that, as a sinner, I will fall short plenty often. I will promise, however, that I will never give up trying to be better!
I love you boys and am so thankful for each day I get to spend with you.
- Dad (or "dodo" as Keegan has been calling me lately)
Was talking with Lili about father/son relational dynamics and how I received plenty of corrective discipline from my dad but not so much affection/affirmation (same as his dad with him). At least, in my younger years. He really changed for the better by the time I became an adult. By then, though, I feel like the pains of my growing up may have affected my thoughts/reactions/habits in a negative way. I must admit, I'm terribly scared of the possibility of doing that to you boys. Making a point of doling out as many, if not more, hugs and commendations as reprimands.
Just wanted you to know I was making concerted efforts to be the best dad I can be for you boys. I apologize in advance for the fact that, as a sinner, I will fall short plenty often. I will promise, however, that I will never give up trying to be better!
I love you boys and am so thankful for each day I get to spend with you.
- Dad (or "dodo" as Keegan has been calling me lately)
Sunday, September 13, 2015
Simplicity
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
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
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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