2-23-2012

As we prepare for face2face and again look to the blessing I am compelled to think about how I have or have not blessed my own children and family. It also has me thinking about the importance for blessing others within the walls of the church. This is a fresh concept that I believe is very timely in my ministry and I am looking forward to seeing how it impacts those around me. What a blessing it is to bless others with the love of the Lord as He has blessed me.

2-14-2012

As I continue to read "The Good And Beautiful LIfe" along with other readings that I am doing I can't help but come to the conclusion that so much of our life revolves around loving others more than ourselves. I think of Philippians 2 and Paul's words to think of others better than ourselves and again it comes to, "Do we love those around us more than ourselves?" Is that part of the reason so many men struggle with pornography, due to them loving themselves above everything and everyone else. Does our sin come from self gratification over serving others. today is Valentines Day and here we have an intentional time to love others. If we go into this day expecting to be loved than again our pride separates us from loving others as God intended. So again we are faced with the choice to love the Lord our God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, and to love our neighbors as ourselves. Or I guess we could say above ourselves.

2-7-2012

Yesterday I sat down and read my chapter from "The Good And Beautiful Life."
I have to admit that just before reading it I had gotten upset, or angry by a stupid commercial on TV. Then I went to read the chapter and it was all about why we get angry. Now I don't know if I was really angry or if I was just frustrated, or really if there is a difference. What I do know is that I do struggle to let go of control. I do struggle when my day doesn't go as i have planned it. I do struggle when life inserts interruptions without my consent. So I reflect on the fact that I need to leave margins in my life for those unexpected moments. I need to take Sabbath rest seriously and keep myself charged up. And I need to spend more time with God, reading His word, and praying more as He is the true source of the peace that I need.

2-2-2012

Last time I blogged I was in a sort of funk and realy had a bad attitude. I am happy to say that has seemed to pass. Recently I have found an accountability partner who so far I realy relate to well. Talking to Dave has helped me see and be reminded of the need for rest. And things at the church seem to be going in a positive direction. In fact, tomorrow we will have our first leadership retreat here at the church with the topic of outreach on the table. I am excited of the possibilities that God may bring out of these two days.
As of this morning, to add to the blessings, I have lost 27 pounds since our last face 2 face in Colorado. I am hoping to be down at least 30 by the end of the month. I was able to put a pair of jeans on today that I hadn't been able to in months and that felt really good.

So I am praising God for his faithfulness to me as I strive in my faithfulness to Him.