Where To Turn & When To Go
You know, I was thinking. Often times we get ourselves caught up in the dilemma of making decisions in our lives. I know that each of us has a process that we use in order to come to a decision but often times we get caught up in the details of that process. Now, I must tell you that you are reading something from a man that has made a number of bad decisions in his life and that I don't always get things right the first time. But many people are so afraid of making the wrong decision that they really make no decision at all. I spend a lot of time with people of faith and most of them talk the good talk about making "prayful" decisions. I often ask myself that if people are praying about their decisions why does it seem to take so long to make them. I know that God gives His answers in His time but I really believe that some of the things that we are praying about really don't matter to God or we are not listening for his answers. For instance, I have been praying for years for God to deliver me into a different job. I have fasted and prayed and prayed and fasted and wondered why God wouldn't answer my prayer. Then, with the holy 2 x 4 God got my attention and let me know that he had answered my prayer time and time again and the answer was NO! His desire was for me to stay where I am. I didn't like the answer when I got it the first time so I kept on praying and praying and praying........and the whole time I was getting frustrated about it. God had given me an answer that I didn't like so I guess I was just pretending that I didn't hear Him.
When we have a decision to make we should seek God in prayer about it. But don't make it such a big production out of it. Many times I see Christians sitting back and doing nothing until the get "a sign" from God! Well, did you ask God for a sign? Did you pray specifically about what sign you were looking to receive? For instance about a month ago I received a call from a job recruiter about a position that was open that I was very qualified to fill. The problem was that the job was in Virginia. Well, not wanting to close any doors, I prayed about this opportunity and spoke to my wife about it. We decided that it was appropriate to test this and see if it was of God or not so we asked for a simple sign. If we were not supposed to pursue this opportunity then we wanted God to shut it down ASAP. So, I spoke to the recruiter, updated my resume and told him to proceed. A week later he called me and told me that the company had decided that I had not worked for a large enough company and that they weren't interested in me. How easy of a decision that became! We asked God to handle it and he did. All we did was open ourselves up to an opportunity and allowed God to speak through it.
Believe me when I say that the art of decision making isn't always this simple. There are some decisions that we must take some time on but there are also times when we know the right thing to do and we choose not to do it. Don't be afraid of making wrong decisions but be more fearful of being left in the dust because you have failed to make any decision. If you are indeed walking in the light as He is in the light and you do have fellowship with the Father, most of the time you really do know the answer to most of lifes questions very quickly. When it comes right down to it don't let yourself be motivated by fear but overcome the fear with the power that we all have in the Father. Make you best decisions based on what you believe to be what God would want you to do and don't be afraid of adjusting it as you go forward. Be blessed beyond belief today.
Some Regrets But Life Goes On
You know, I was thinking. Yesterday
The Original Mud Puppy had a post that really made me think. He talked about why some dads suck and well quite frankly I was one of those dads years ago. In my first marriage I had a daughter whom I loved dearly but because of a failing marriage and a serious lack of confidence in myself I gave my little girl up for adoption to her maternal grandparents. I basically gave up on my responsibilities and joys of being a father. What Russ is experiencing right now I missed out on but I will give God the glory here. My little girl turned out to be a fine young woman. She has her own challenges and struggles but she is a Christian woman who knows that God loves her. Now, thanks to the efforts of several people she knows that her daddy loves her as well.
I can do nothing to make up for my absence in her early life. All I can do is be the best daddy to her now that I can be. The added blessing here is that I also have two sons that my wife brought into our marriage. It is wonderful that I get to be their dad. I really believe that God is giving me a second chance at fatherhood! I don't believe for one minute that I can explain away my actions of nearly fifteen years ago but I can move forward and go beyond the man that I used to be and become the man that God wants me to be. Thank you Mud Puppy for making me think and causing me to be thankful. Be blessed beyond belief today.
Mental Instability
You know, I was thinking. You ever feel that for whatever reason that someone "just ain't right"? Well, have you ever looked in the mirror and said that? Have you ever thought to yourself that if the whole rest of the world seems off and I am the only sain one left then you have crossed over into mental instability? People have often asked my family "does Doug suffer from mental illness" to which they would all quickly reply "no, he enjoys it"! I know what most of you are thinking right now and that is "well it's about time he relized this." But follow my thoughts for a few minutes. Why is it that we will allow ourselves as imperfect people to form bonds and yes even long for relationships with imperfect people. I listen to a lot of people talking about how some of the relationships that they have now or have had in the past have caused them so much hurt. We all long for someone to be close to us but it is those very close relationships that can cause us the most hurt in our lives. It reminds me of the analogy of the man hitting himself in the head with a board. Someone asked him "why are you hitting yourself in the head with a board?" His answer was simply "because it feels so good when I stop!" Why do we form such close bonds with people when we know that the closer we get to them the more we can hurt them or be hurt by them?
Well, let me say first of all these are just my thoughts this morning. Don't jump to any conclusions and read anything in to this post. I haven't been hurt lately and to my knowledge I haven't caused anyone hurt. This has just been on the fore front of my mind these past few weeks. Back after my divorce in 1994 I swore that I would never let someone get close enough to cause me that amount of pain again! I was fond of saying that "relationships are risks and I am not willing to risk that much again." Well here I am in the closest relationship that I have ever had with anyone and am blessed that she is my wife. God designed us to need each other. It appears that something is written into our DNA that causes us to form tight bonds with other human beings. Nothing else will take that place in our lives.
So what about hurt? Why do we hurt those who are closest to us? Pride, selfishness, envy, lust, laziness and greed seem to float to the top of the list as far as I am concerned. I know that I have been let down by others and I have let others down. I also know that I have been hurt by others and I have indeed hurt others. Yet through it all I continue to form relationships. I continue to need people in my life. Relationships are risky but benefits to healthy relationships are well worth the pain that we might endure. I guess all of humanity in one way or another is suffering from mental instability! Some of us just show it more than others. Be blessed beyond belief today.
Pistions & Tigers & Wings Oh My!
You know, I was thinking. This is a great time to be a sports fan in Detroit. I can't remember a time when I was so excited about three different Detroit sports teams at the same time. Right now I am just basking in the glow of both the NBA & NHL playoffs as well as enjoying an early season ride from the boys of summer. Now I know that the Pistons have not played well the past couple of games, the wings lost game two in Detroit and that the Tigers got tagged by both Minnesota & Boston but they are all giving us something to cheer about. Now if we can just get the Lions on board! Be blessed beyond belief today.
I've Decided To Take Up Smoking
You know, I was thinking. For quite some time now I have been considering whether or not I should take up smoking! Over the weekend I finally made the decision that this is what I should do! You know, I see people smoking all over the TV on different shows and it looks really cool. I was just picturing myself sitting on the back patio smoking and Rachel agreed that it would be a great idea. So I went to The Home Depot in Pontiac on Saturday afternoon and picked up the cast iron smoke box and some mesquite wood chips (now if you were thinking I was referring to cigarette.................GOTCHA). That night I put a half pork loin in some marinade and then on Sunday afternoon the festivities began. Rotissarie, smoked marinaded pork loin with a galic herb and onion rub! You know, I have created some tasty dishes before but this one has to go near the very top of the list. It took about 2-1/2 hours to cook but it was worth the wait. Combine that with a fresh fruit salad, sauteed asparagus and corn on the cob and you have the perfect Mothers Day meal! At least that was the sentiment of my wife and mother-in-law! So, if you are looking for something fun to do and are interested in being one of the "in crowd" then I would suggest that you take up smoking too! Be blessed beyond belief today.
What If?
You know, I was thinking. Have you ever stopped to wonder about your faith? Have you ever thought to yourself or maybe even shared with some friends a question like "what if Jesus wasn't real" or even "what if God doesn't exist?" Let's just say for a minute that a lot of people who have lived, are living and will live in this world have been completely duped! Let's just say for the sake of argument that the Bible was just a big conspiracy that was dreamed up a long time ago to see how many people could be fooled! What if everything that I personally believe in was false and that after my life is over on this planet then I would be like rover and be dead all over? What if there was no heaven, hell, angels or demons and people have no souls? Would that make the life that I have been living suddenly become worthless? What if? What if? What if?
Well, let me put it like this. I used to be single, gambling every dime I had in casinos, unemployed or at least barely employed, way over weight, selfish, stubborn (at least more so than I am now), hanging out in bars on the weekends, and I really hated myself! About twelve years ago I renewed my walk with the Lord and although it has been a tough road some times it has been well worth the journey. You see if God isn't real and none of the things that I have built this foundation of faith on exist then why has my life turned around? Some might say that my change in attitude and the fact that I began following a "moral compass" has caused this change. But, I can tell you that I have changed from the inside out. I have become a different man than I was twelve years ago and I actually like the guy I see in the mirror these days. Granted my life and me in general are not perfect but let's just say that both are greatly improved.
What if all of these beliefs brought me no glory at the end of my life? SO WHAT! The belief system that has been set up in the inner most parts of me has changed me for the better. I am a better man now than I have ever been before. I am better physically, emotionally, socially, economically and most importantly spiritually. My walk with God is a no lose proposition. God hasn't promised us a life of luxury and I certainly am not claiming to have that but I do have contentment with life. I have learned to enjoy the important things like people instead of possessions. If God isn't real and my life were to end tomorrow and there was no eternity in which to go, then my faith has not been wasted. The legacy that I hope to leave behind me will be one of patience, understanding, self control and caring for others and if there is no God then I am fully content with that.
But I believe that God is real! He created the universe in only six days and is alive and well and working in people today. I not only have a promise of heaven but I have a father who cares for me on this earth. He will never leave me and He will never forsake me. You can't convince me that there is no God but if I am wrong and all the things I believe in are false then I have still had a great life. Be blessed beyond belief today.
Just Rambling Today
You know, I was thinking. God's love and grace never ceases to amaze me. I have been in a whirlwind lately trying to get a lot of things done. I know that I am not in the busy catagory all by myself but I am certainly in that catagory. Last night I took the opportunity to spend some quality time with my step son Daniel. I really haven't had the time to be one on one with him much lately and since Rachel had a woman's thing going on at church last night it was a perfect opportunity. The three of us started out together going to dinner at the Old Country Buffet. Now, I really am not a big buffet fan but Daniel can really go to town at this place. He's a big steak lover and they have that there. He also knows that he can get away with not eating vegatables there as well (you gotta give the kid a break some time). So he got his fill and Rachel and I enjoyed that time as well.
After dinner Daniel and I were off to a heated game of mini golf! Now, this boy is a bit competative and he really is a pretty good putter. He wound up beating me by two strokes. I don't mind losing to him especially when he beats me out right. I get to model the example of a gracious loser then which is a very important lesson to learn. But more important than the golf itself was the time that we spent together. You see, I needed a break too and having one with this guy was very special to me. I think he and I are going to try to do something every week during the summer. Nothing fancy maybe hit some balls at the driving range or go to the batting cages, just do some guy stuff together that doesn't involve electronic devices.
Another thing that I realized last night is that it is sometimes good to step away from the work that I have in front of me. I am very motivated to finish this house but I must admit that I am tired. Saturday I worked in the yard all day which is something that I love to do. It is not so much the work that I enjoy as much as it is that immediate satisfaction in seeing the fruits of my labor. When you cut grass, do general clean up and prune a few tress you get to see the results right now! That makes me feel good both about what God has blessed me with and about the job that I have done.
So, why am I sharing this today? I am not really sure. Sometimes I just sit down at the key board and start typing. Normally I put the title up first and then go at it but I left it blank to begin this post. I guess I just wanted to say that it is good to work hard and accomplish what you can but don't forget the important stuff in life. Especially don't forget the important people that God has blessed you with. Be blessed beyond belief today.
Eclectic Christianity
You know, I was thinking. There are a lot of thoughts out there today about how to lead people to Jesus. Many people have put away some of their old traditions to help breathe new life into the body of Christ. Some have moved away from some of the traditional styles of public worship and have even traded in the term Christian for Christ Follower. It is obvious that there are many out there who are looking at reaching everyone they can for the cause of Christ. I don't usually share my viewpoints on these matters because I for one am glad that the message of Jesus is getting out to people but today is different. Today I want to share with you some of the things that I love about being a Christian.
I love traditional worship with hymns both accapella and with instrumentation. I also love contemporary worship songs. Now in both of these catagories there are particular songs that I enjoy more than others. Some songs really speak to me while others just make me think "that was nice"! I would love to sit in a worship service and sing a couple of songs like "Undignified" and "Praise You With The Dance" followed up with "How Great Thou Art" and "The Old Rugged Cross". Music is something that I love and music that speaks about salvation or our relationship to Jesus I love even more.
I love dressing up for church and being a little more formal that at other times during the week. I also love the fact that I can wear jeans and a T-shirt if I wish and still serve communion or lead prayer. I usually will dress according to the mood that I am in on any given Sunday morning. I don't put a lot of stock in being fashionable or trendy. I do like to have a clean and neat appearance though and do my best to be appropriately attired.
I love to hear sermons that encourage others to seek a relationship with Jesus. One that is both encouraging and not pushy. I also do enjoy a good barn burner sermon that gets you pumped up and excited about being a follower of Jesus. I also like (believe it or not) to be convicted by God's word because that motivates me to change the things that need to be changed in my life. I guess I just love to hear lessons about God no matter how they are presented.
I love to be called a Christian. I know that in today's world that term carries some negative baggage. It is descriptive of who I belong to and to whom I am a servant. I also love being called a Christ Follower. This term is specific to my task in life and that is to follow Jesus. I guess as long as people regognize that I am trying to become more like Jesus then I really don't care what they call me.
Why do I write all of this today? Well, I guess I am just simply saying that I am an Eclectic Christian. I have seen a great divide in the people of God. There are people who hold to extreme views whether they are very "conservative" and "traditional" or are "seeker sensative". Extremes are usually bad and often promote divisions amoung God's people. I for one do my best to never place judgement on how people serve God. I have not perfected this yet and do still struggle but I have always believed that as long as each of us are doing the best we can to live a life for Christ then we are doing what we are called to do. So today if you are Catholic, Methodist, Presbyterian, Baptist, Church Of Christ, Epicopalian, Lutheran, an Evangelical, an Independent Non-Denominational whatever just do what you do for the furthering of the Kingdom. I want to leave you with two scriptures today. The first is from the Gospel of Matthew 6:33:
"But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."
And Paul's first letter to the Corinthians 1:10:
"I appeal to you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another so that there may be no divisions among you and that you may be perfectly united in mind and thought."
Be blessed beyond belief today.
Staying Humble
You know, I was thinking. One of the toughest things for the Pudgeman sometimes is staying in the background. I have been truly blessed by God to do things in various public forums. It is easy for me to be in front of a group to speak, teach, sing or perform. Now please don't get me wrong, I know that I am not the best at any of these things but it's stuff that I genuinely love to do and have been blessed by doing them over the years. One of the most difficult things for someone with these types of giftings is to stay out of the limelight. I can remember a few years ago while serving at another church I slipped back into my gambling addiction and was really struggling with getting back on track. At that time I was a worship leader and I felt it was necessary to step back from that for a while. I knew that niether God nor His people were wishing to force me to do something like this but I felt that I needed to gain my perspective. My intent was to take about three months away from this ministry and then to ease back into it. Well, I found out after three weeks that God had a different plan in mind and through the absolute love of His people He called me back into this ministry to serve how He wanted me to serve and He really didn't give a rip about what I thought was the right thing to do.
Why share all of this today? When you do things in the public eye you are easily tempted to do things your own way. For months I had been sinning in secret and stood before God's people in leadership! I learned a lot from that experience. It takes a very special servant to be in the public eye, to serve humbly and to stay pure hearted. I have struggled with that for a long time and that is probably why I have stayed in the background for a number of years now. I have been watching and learning from men and women of God and have grown a great deal. It is easy to covet or even become jealous of another persons giftings and to get caught up in what appears to be their popularity. But God has given me some new perspectives and directions lately that I believe are only going to bring glory to Him.
Over the the past few months my life has changed dramatically and all for the better. God has given me all of the desires of my heart and I walk a truly blessed life. I don't deserve all of these incredible blessing and am very humbled by them. Today is my four month anniversary and I can't believe that Rachel and I have only known each other for a little over 14 months. The love that we share is something that I can't even explain. I have never had a relationship like this and I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that God has brought us together. As I was driving in to work this morning I was listening to the radio and this song by Casting Crowns came on and blessed me, so I hope that the lyrics will bless you also:
Who am I?
That the Lord of all the earth,
Would care to know my name,
Would care to feel my hurt.
Who am I?
That the bright and morning star,
Would choose to light the way,
For my ever wandering heart.
Bridge:
Not because of who I am,
But because of what you've done.
Not because of what I've done,
But because of who you are.
Chorus:
I am a flower quickly fading,
Here today and gone tomorrow,
wave tossed in the ocean,
A vapor in the wind.
Still you hear me when I'm calling,
Lord, you catch me when I'm falling,
And you've told me who I am.
I am yours.
I am yours.
Who am I?
That the eyes that see my sin
Would look on me with love
And watch me rise again.
Who am I?
That the voice that calmed the sea,
Would call out through the rain,
And calm the storm in me.
Be blessed beyond belief today.
