Thursday, December 30, 2010

"The Walk"

"The Walk"

4 balls, you say?
How can it be?
I'm not even in the box.

Why are you pointing in my direction?

I came to swing
to hit it far,
not to stand and watch.

Quit telling me to go.

Not so dramatic
walk off walk
end the game with a keen eye.

Who does this joker think he is?

I came to make a splash,
came to here a cheer,
came to make a name about me.

You stole my thunder.

I should be grateful,
should be ecstatic,
should be popping corks as well.

I am so disappointed.

Bottom 9, 2 outs, loaded...
I've played this scenario before.
I win it all, with the long ball.

NOT AN INTENTIONAL WALK!

Shouldn't happiness be how I'm feeling?
Shouldn't I be celebrating with my mates?
I'm miserable, walking miserable.

A winner, however, just the same.

"Ice Ice, Baby"

I ice skated across the porch
and down the steps, across
the sidewalk to the car... impressive.
Slick as ice.

2 days until 2011 and some things
will never change: the weather in
my part of the world will always be
unpredictable.

It's Western PA at its best.

Tuesday, December 28, 2010

"12:55 A.M."

I can't sleep. The reason varies actually.
I took a shower about an hour ago, and
when I do, that usually peps me up a bit.

Also, it appears that I have won a fantasy
football championship tonight by a mere
0.74 points. It is a family run league,
so having extended family bragging rights
for the next year is exciting. This may
seem a little simple, but I'm a simple guy.

I've been trying to retrospect with the
ability of 20/20 hindsight concerning
the year 2010, but I'm having a hard
time categorizing a way to do that.

As 2011 sneaks up on us, I think I would
rather forget what I forgot to do in 2010
than remember what was. I'm not even
sure if that makes any sense, then again,
I'm a no-sense kind of guy.

I am sure of one thing, I am 3 days closer
to a new year, and a year closer to eternity.
I'm not sure how "from" I am to eternity,
but I know I am closer. And when I
allow myself to think about it, the excitement
of that keeps me up at night.

Anticipation.

2011... 20-11... I'm not sure what it brings,
but I'm sure of what it doesn't... Good-bye, 2010.

Friday, December 24, 2010

"Merry Christmas"

From our family to yours, praying you all will have a very Merry Christmas.

So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

“Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”

So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.
Luke 2:4-20 NIV

Wednesday, December 22, 2010

"What's That Cross Got To Do With It?"

So, every year for Christmas I like to
decorate the outside of the house.

Multi lights, big lights,
little lights, icicle lights...
Snowman, Santa, wreaths...
and in some shape or form
a cross (which usually stays
up a lot longer than the rest of
the lights).

Usually (as pictured above) I use this
certain lighted cross in my display.
One year, I made a huge one on
the roof out of red lights... a good
'copter pilot would probably been
able to land on our roof if he needed to.

"What's the cross got to do with it?"

Isaiah says:
Yet it was the LORD’s will to crush him and cause him to suffer,
and though the LORD makes his life an offering for sin,
he will see his offspring and prolong his days,
and the will of the LORD will prosper in his hand.
After he has suffered,
he will see the light of life and be satisfied;
by his knowledge my righteous servant will justify many,
and he will bear their iniquities.
Therefore I will give him a portion among the great,
and he will divide the spoils with the strong,
because he poured out his life unto death,
and was numbered with the transgressors.
For he bore the sin of many,
and made intercession for the transgressors.

Yes, without the birth, there is not sacrifice.
But I say, without the sacrifice, the birth
means nothing. So what then if God became
man? He didn't just need to do that to be
among us. He did it to redeem his people,
and the rest of us as well.

Isaiah says again:
This is what God the LORD says—
the Creator of the heavens, who stretches them out,
who spreads out the earth with all that springs from it,
who gives breath to its people,
and life to those who walk on it:
“I, the LORD, have called you in righteousness;
I will take hold of your hand.
I will keep you and will make you
to be a covenant for the people
and a light for the Gentiles,
to open eyes that are blind,
to free captives from prison
and to release from the dungeon those who sit in darkness."

Monday, December 20, 2010

"Legacy"


"Then people brought little children to Jesus
for him to place his hands on them and pray
for them. But the disciples rebuked them.
Jesus said, 'Let the little children come to me,
and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of
heaven belongs to such as these.' When he
had placed his hands on them, he went on
from there. Matthew 19:13-15 NIV


"God, They Are Yours"

Not mine, O God
Not mine, but yours
Blessings to me
Glory to you.

Love them, I do
Fail them for sure
Love them, You do
Love them for sure.

Give me your strength
to teach them up well
All of your might
Not mine, but yours.

Glory to you
Glory all yours
Here they are Lord
Here am I too.



Friday, December 17, 2010

"So..."

This why I never set out to write something
ongoing on here. As you may recall, I was
going to recant the most memorable Christmas
gifts that I could remember from a lifetime.
Did good for 2 days.

And then, I spent 24 hours fighting a very
eXplosive intestinal bug that left me virtually
in bed for that long.

Now, here I sit not longer wishing to remember
the Christmas past, and longing and praying
that Christmas present (or very near future)
will be eXplosive free for the rest of the clan.

OUT!

(and if you wish something different,
may I suggest this: CR

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

"12 Days Of Christmas Part II"

#11 The Tape Recorder

Not sure why this makes the list. It
wasn't an item that I remember hinting for.
But I do remember getting countless hours
of use out of it.

From tape recording people unbeknown to
them... to running our taped delayed
radio station, WFART... to singing...
to recording favorite songs from the
radio by placing the recorder near the
speakers of said radio...

It brought joy in some way... and considering
that I remember receiving it leads me to
believe it left an impression.

The next 10 may get a little harder to remember.

Monday, December 13, 2010

"12 Days Of Christmas"

In an effort to blog everyday for the remainder
of the year, I'm going to try to create a list
of the 12 bestest and greatest gifts I have
received for Christmas over my lifetime.
This is not going to be easy due to the fact
that my brain forgets more each day than
I can remember, and because blogging
each day never seems possible.

Also, the 12 will appear in no particular order.

#12 The Engagement Golf Set

Being a rather average hacker, and one with
limited funds that makes it hard to hit
the links at all any more, the engagement
golf set was delivered Christmas 1998.

Now, I'm not expecting to remember the
year I received most of these gifts, but
this one is a no brainer.

Engaged and waiting for March 1999 to come,
my lovely bride to be gifted me a new set
of golf clubs. It was totally unexpected...
which definitely propels it into the top 12.

Now, I'm not usually one who likes to give
gifts out of season. It's hard to gift a bike
to the kids for Christmas because to use
it you might have to wait a few months.

But for the engagement golf set, it didn't
matter. It was a splendid idea and worthy
of a top 12 ranking.



Friday, December 10, 2010

"9:44"

I wish I had some sort of thought at this moment
that would impact whoever reads this life.

9:45
But really, nothing comes to mind.
Nothing really does.

9:46
I just turned PBS kids on for the boys.
Still nothing in my brain.
But I am watching the snow flakes fall,
and it warms me in some way.

9:47
Broken thought, and I might have been
on the verge of something there.
Probably not however.
Did I get enough sleep last night?

9:48
Still snowing.
I need to eat something maybe.
I don't know.
I eat, the boys will want to eat too.
Now I'm clock watching.
Why?

9:49
The dog is rubbing herself all over the carpet.
Fur ball.
Still snowing.
Still watching the clock.

9:50
Yeah, I'm hungry.
Rather pathetic.
Why are my eyes tearing up?
Phone rings.

9:51

9:52
Talking to mom right now.
Probably shouldn't be.
She just wanted to ask if we needed milk.
Apparently in Calcutta, OH...

9:53
... it's $1.98 a gallon. WOW!
It's $3.45 a gallon here.

9:54
Time to get something to eat...

There is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under the heavens.
Ecclesiastes 3:1

9:55

Monday, December 6, 2010

"Nathan Stiles"

ESPN OTL: Nathan Stiles Story

#1 This link will take you to another page.
#2 Be aware there is a 15 second commercial
before the story actually starts

Saturday, December 4, 2010

"A Good Read"


The Christmas Tree harvest is always an adventure.

A Blessed Christmas




Wednesday, December 1, 2010

"Isaiah 53"

Who has believed our message
and to whom has the arm of the LORD been revealed?
He grew up before him like a tender shoot,
and like a root out of dry ground.
He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him,
nothing in his appearance that we should desire him.
He was despised and rejected by mankind,
a man of suffering, and familiar with pain.
Like one from whom people hide their faces
he was despised, and we held him in low esteem.

Surely he took up our pain
and bore our suffering,
yet we considered him punished by God,
stricken by him, and afflicted.
But he was pierced for our transgressions,
he was crushed for our iniquities;
the punishment that brought us peace was on him,
and by his wounds we are healed.
We all, like sheep, have gone astray,
each of us has turned to our own way;
and the LORD has laid on him
the iniquity of us all.

He was oppressed and afflicted,
yet he did not open his mouth;
he was led like a lamb to the slaughter,
and as a sheep before its shearers is silent,
so he did not open his mouth.
By oppression and judgment he was taken away.
Yet who of his generation protested?
For he was cut off from the land of the living;
for the transgression of my people he was punished.
He was assigned a grave with the wicked,
and with the rich in his death,
though he had done no violence,
nor was any deceit in his mouth.

Yet it was the LORD’s will to crush him and cause him to suffer,
and though the LORD makes his life an offering for sin,
he will see his offspring and prolong his days,
and the will of the LORD will prosper in his hand.
After he has suffered,
he will see the light of life and be satisfied;
by his knowledge my righteous servant will justify many,
and he will bear their iniquities.
Therefore I will give him a portion among the great,
and he will divide the spoils with the strong,
because he poured out his life unto death,
and was numbered with the transgressors.
For he bore the sin of many,
and made intercession for the transgressors.

Monday, November 29, 2010

"Finally"

1:05 p.m Monday November 29th, 2010... the wait is now over!

Saturday, November 27, 2010

"Scope"

So Monday is the first day of rifle season here
in Pennsylvania. And as I sit here and watch
the "Wizard of Oz" for the who knows how
many timeth of my life, I began to think about
how much four children really know how
to hoard a tree with ornaments.

Thanksgiving has come and gone. The artificial
Christmas tree went up downstairs
on Friday; and the whole house
was transformed from a
turkey/fall decor to a
Christmas themed
one.

Today, Saturday, the last thing to do to
complete the decorating process was
go cut down a real one, bring it home
and put it in the house... mission
accomplished.

Now all that's left of the Thanksgiving
weekend, is NFL football on Sunday,
and 2 days of sitting in a tree stand
hoping the BIG one decides to come
strolling by.

And really, that's how it's got to happen.
There's nothing to the hunting I'm about
to do on Monday. I don't actually
"hunt" down the deer; they just happen by.
Sure, I do feel that I've done enough knowing
about the location to give myself the upperhand;
but if they don't come, I get a good days
rest 15 feet above the ground.

It'll be good. A chance to do a lot of
reflecting and praying and napping.
What more could I ask for?

Anything to avoid the Lollipop Guild I guess.

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

"THANKS=GIVING"

I read this today. (click here)
And then, as I was about to add
another blog to my promised
series of things I'm thankful for,
some thing hit me like a wrecking ball:
the construct of the word Thanksgiving.

Two parts.
Thanks.
Giving.

I wonder, how much more Giving
would be in my life if I truly awoke
each day with Thanks in my life.

Put this way: The more I give Thanks,
the more I should be Giving.

What spurs me on to do the Giving
things in my life? Is it my goodness?
Absolutely not!

I have no natural goodness in me.
Sure, I may stumble into doing
something good... Giving some thing
good. But that's not really in me.

For I know that good itself does not dwell in me, that is, in my sinful nature.
For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out.

Romans 7:18

How then, can I carry out continual Giving?

You, however, are not in the realm of the flesh
but are in the realm of the Spirit,
if indeed the Spirit of God lives in you.
And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ,
they do not belong to Christ.
But if Christ is in you, then even though your
body is subject to death because of sin, the Spirit gives life
because of righteousness.
And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from
the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ
from the dead will also give life to your mortal
bodies because of
his Spirit who lives in you.
Romans 8:9-11

And in there is my reason to be Thankful...
what should be my daily focus of Thanks.
Thanks for God's grace.

God's grace... to life.. to be Spirit-led...
to do the Giving things I cannot do on my own.

Thanks...to Giving!

Monday, November 22, 2010

"Cleaning Brush"

I know this might not fall under the previously
declared "Thankful Things" string of blogs I
intended to blog about. But in a way, it does.

I know that I did write that I am thankful
for my children. Here's another short story
why:

Yesterday during the Steeler's victory, my
daughter informed me that she was unable
to properly use the bathroom because here
2 younger brothers were occupying the space.
SO, I went to check it out.

I found the four-year-old trying to do his
personal business, while the 2-year-old
sat across from him (only about a foot away)
on a stool. I guess he was pretending to
do "number two" like his big brother.
I don't know what he was really doing,
but I quickly evacuated him from the
bathroom.

Thinking all things were now okay for
the 4-year-old to complete his task,
I returned downstairs to the game.

20 minutes later, when said four-year-old
hadn't returned downstairs after finishing
his business, I went to investigate again.

This time I found the two-year-old
trying to nap with his mother. But also
found the bathroom door locked. So I knocked.
And after a flurry of sounds behind locked
door that didn't sound very good to me,
the four-year-old opened the door.

The following is the conversation that ensued:

Me: What are doing?
Luke: I was pooping.
Me: Are you done, cause your sis...
what's that in the toilet?
Luke: I don't know.
Me: Why is that brush (cleaning brush, not hair brush)
in the toilet?
Luke: I don't know.
Me: Did you put that in the toilet?
Luke: No.
Me: You didn't put that in the toilet?
Luke: No.
Me: How did it get in the toilet?
Luke: I don't know.

Now at this point I thought I would take the funny father
approach.

Me: Did you poop that into the toilet?
Luke: Yep.
Me: That brush came out of your butt into the toilet?
Luke: Yep.
Me: Really?
Luke: Yep.
Me: You pooped that brush out of your butt into the toilet?
Luke: Yep, I pooped it into the toilet... out of my butt!

Well, we had to have a conversation about lying.
And I banished him to his bed for a few minutes.

Later when mom asked about the incident, he said
he was just "trying to clean away the stink."

Thank you, Lord, for my children. As always,
you remind me that some times I try to "clean
up my stink" when I am in reality unable to
do it.

Friday, November 19, 2010

"6 More Days Until Thanksgiving"

11-19-10: Prayer Warriors

God's people who spend time in prayer.

Not just talkers to the Lord, but folks
who carry their sWORD with them
onto their knees to fight for others.

Those who partner with the Holy Spirit
to lay out a distinct battle plan before
the Father and see to it that plan is
carried out, not by their own will, but
in accordance to God's will.

People who have prayed for me, my
family, my friends, whom I never
knew were.

People who are persistent to the point
of stubbornness in prayer.

Jesus said to his disciples, “Suppose one of you has a friend. Suppose you go to him at midnight and say, ‘Friend, let me borrow three loaves of bread. A friend of mine on a trip has dropped in on me, and I don’t have anything to serve him.’ Your friend might answer you from inside his house, ‘Don’t bother me! The door is already locked, and my children are in bed. I can’t get up to give you anything.’ I can guarantee that although he doesn’t want to get up to give you anything, he will get up and give you whatever you need because he is your friend and because you were so bold. Luke 11:5-8 GOD'S WORD TRANSLATION

Thursday, November 18, 2010

"One Week Until Thankgiving"

My hope at the onset of writing this is force
myself over the next 7 days to write about
something each day that I am thankful for.
That being said...

11/18/2010: Family.

I am so thankful for my wife,
who loves me despite.

I am so thankful for my children,
who remind me everyday that this
life is not about me.

I am so thankful for Parents and siblings,
laws and in-laws, who support us in so many
tangible and intangible ways.

I am so thankful for the family of God,
who teach and preach, who pray, who
encourage not only me but also my
entire family.

We always thank God for all of you and continually mention you in our prayers.
1 Thessalonians 1:2

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

"Raising Hope"

A golden nugget written into what may
be the most outrageously raw and crude
comedy show on TV:

"If you're not dreaming, you're just sleeping."

In my life, I'm snoring.

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Friday, November 5, 2010

"November"

The beauty of fall has given
way to the prequel of winter.
Cold rain and cold winds
mark each day as the last
hold outs of the great oak
hang on for their final release.


Tuesday, November 2, 2010

Monday, November 1, 2010

"I Like My Bubble"

In my bubble I am safe;
protected from the world.

Yes, I rely upon my bubble,
fragile as that may seem.

In my bubble I can't escape;
protected from myself.

Yes, I rely upon my bubble,
it's my safety zone.

In my bubble you can't stray;
kept out, just my way.

Yes, I rely upon my bubble,
please, don't touch my bubble.

In my bubble I am king;
king of a servant hood of one.

Yes, I rely upon my bubble,
my bubble, my kingdom.

In my bubble I will stay;
safe, secure and isolated free.

Yes, I rely upon my bubble,
all alone, all alone.

Are you in a bubble;
a fragile fragile bubble?

If you rely upon a bubble...

BURST!

Friday, October 29, 2010

"A Knight, Doctor, Soldier & Fireman"



I'm not sure what profession any of my children
will pursue in their futures. But as long as they
pursue God's purpose for their profession, I don't
care if it takes them across the world.

If He calls one to soldier across the pond...
If He calls one to doctor the dying an ocean away...
If He calls one to run up a collapsing tower to save a life...
If He calls one to carry His sword to the ends of the earth...

They are His first to His Glory.

Monday, October 25, 2010

"The Cool Bus"

We might have to buy a real one some day.

"Words"

What happens when the words you need
are not found inside you head?

What happens when the words you speak
won't come out instead?

Where do you go to find the words,
when comfort is need in them?

Digging deep inside to find the right ones
you come back empty handed.

Searching your heart for encouragement
leaves you on an island stranded.

They hurt, they wound, they fail you.
They build walls around you.
They bury you deeper in the earth.
They shouldn't, but they do.

Now imagine, my friend, the difference
of knowing just what to say.

Would you use them to make a difference?
would you use them correct today?

Time to take the self out to say the right words.
Time to make the self fall in line to say the right words.
Time to fall upon his sword to find the right words.


Tuesday, October 19, 2010

"Hats"

I own probably around 25 different hats. Maybe more.
Really I'm not 100% sure. I'm a matcher. Women
match shoes, purses... I match hats, usually by color.
I don't think that makes me weird in any way, just
coordinated.

Just like those that adorn my head, I wear different
hats in everyday life; Plainly... dad, husband, son, etc.
But also more specifically... chef, chauffeur, garbage
man, grass cutter, sweeper, tackling dumbie, etc.
You get the picture.

I'm a jack of all trades, master of none.
I dabble in it all. And as long as 4 children believe
I'm expert in all those areas, I can survive the day.

I'm afraid however I do to much dabbling as it
were in the matters of God. I'm inconsistent
in prayer, inconsistent in the reading of His
word. I dabble.

And I can think of a few reasons why, but
none that excuse me from being that dabbler.

DABBLE v. "to work at anything in an irregular or superficial manner"

Irregular, yes.

Superficial, now that's scary.

I don't want to be superficial. I want to be real.
I don't want to be irregular. I want to be diligent.
I don't want to be cubic zirconium.

Friday, October 15, 2010

"Still the One"

I'm not quite sure why I like this:

Friday, October 8, 2010

"an·tic·i·pa·tion"

–noun
1. the act of anticipating or the state of being anticipated.
2. realization in advance; foretaste.
3. expectation or hope.
4. previous notion; slight previous impression.
5. intuition, foreknowledge, or prescience.


I wonder, do I really anticipate the day
I will be swept into glory with my
Savior, my Lord, my King, my God...
my Jesus?

Do I really have #3 above?
expectation or hope?

I do in the sense that my faith in Christ
is full of an obedience to the hope,
anticipation, of such time.

But do I really live my life in such a way?

Christmas.
As a child I anticipated the day, long in
advance of it's arrival. I don't ever
remember thinking, "truly, have I been
good enough for what lies ahead."
Sure, I was conditioned in way to be
good, because "Santa would take me
off the list if I wasn't." A ploy for
sure to coerce the young to behave.
But is there damage in that way of thinking.

I remember a time in an October so
long ago, of the anticipation of a good
hunt with my dad one saturday afternoon.
At the time, my younger sister was
anticipating a party that was to occur
the same evening. We must have
been in our early teens, 'cause we
were expected to act a certain way...
behave... while my parent went out
somewhere that Saturday morning.
My recollection is this: Upon return,
our parents were pretty upset
with what he had done or maybe
hadn't done. I really don't remember.
But I do remember there were consequences.
No hunt for me. No party for her.
I remember think how awful that was.
But for her, not me.
See, I knew that there would be another
day for the hunt. But for my sister,
there wouldn't be another party
quite like the one she anticipated.
Hopes dashed.

My point is this: do I not take time,
from time to time, to anticipate
eternal life with Christ, because
I am programmed to think that something
I do or don't do will derail me from my
undeserved reward. Or do I not take
the time, because I am not sure exactly
when that will be.

Christmas is December 25th... a definite scheduled time.
The hunting day trip, was X day. I knew when it was
and I anticipated it.

My last breath that ushers me into the eternal
is certainly set, but I'm unaware of when exactly
it is. It could be tomorrow, 2013, March 19th 2073?
(3.19.2073 would make me 99 years old...
and another blog for another time).
It could happen as I type this.
I don't know when.
I just know it will.

So, is my anticipation thwarted by the when...
or should my anticipation be propelled foward by the will...
and not my will, but by His will...

"But God demonstrates his own love for us in this:
While we were still sinners, Christ died for us."
Romans 5:8 NIV

I for one no longer want to live my life
minus the anticipation that Christ bought
for me. Sure, stay focused on doing the
work he has prepared in advance for me,
but never allow the excitement of the
anticpation of Him be lost during most
moments of my life.

Tuesday, October 5, 2010

"When The Syrups Gone"

Really, this isn't about the syrup.
It's not even about the empty water jug;
Or even about the inside out shirts found in the dryer.

It's not about the last sheet on the toilet roll...
or the last spoonful of mayo in the mayo jar;
Or even about whoever constantly leaves the
backdoor open after coming in the house.

I could say I could go on and on... but I have
learned that most of the time the little "pet peeves"
I have are really not an issue when I've got
plenty of food in my belly and a few extra winks
in my sleep.

I realize how important food and sleep are
to a body in general, but in greater depth,
they are imperative to a well-balanced
day to day perspective.

Perspective.
World English Dictionary, via
dictionary.com, give this definition
for perspective as #1:
a way of regarding situations, facts, etc.,
and judging their relative importance.

In my world, without the proper food and sleep,
the relative importance of things mentioned above
and other things that could be added, are
more important than they really are.
I've got bad perspective.

But with the correct amount of
food and sleep, my perspective becomes
focused better. I see things for what
they are, mere annoyances that should
never topple me over the edge or break
down relationships in my life.

Perspective.

Monday, October 4, 2010

"Someth_ing M_ss_ ng"

Really, _t's not m_ss_ng.
_ just want less of _t _n my l_fe.

Thursday, September 30, 2010

"A-a-a-l-l-l-v-v-v-i-i-i-n-n-n!!!"

He may look cute, be he's a home-invader...
a little bit of trouble that mirrors poison ivy...
irritating.


Yet, for me, the he is really a she, and she has
a little family of Chip and Dales. She and her
lot call home the blocks with which my burning
barrell sits upon.


And for days now, Ms. Grinny has taunted
and teased me.


Lukensteins and my attempt at mouse trap
was to no avail yesterday. We set the trap right
outside Ms. Grinny's front door, and then watched
as she and Chip and Dale went in and out past it
with no interest. Don't chipmuncks like peanut butter?


So, last night went to get the solution:
The almighty .177 caliber pellet gun,
with scope, 1300 ft. per second...
It resembles more of a .22 than it does
a pellet gun. The solution would be mine.
And our home would be rid of all
chipmunck scum.


But when I got to my dad's to retrieve the
beast of Alvin-elimination, my hopes were
dashed... no scope, not sighted in, and no
way to shoot without major practice.

And hence, I come home with this:



Open sights, 350 ft. per second. It's like putting a needle in a straw and calling a blow dart.

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

"Where's the Hose?"

SO, yes, we here at the Trimble abode
watch, probably, way too much Disney
Channel everyday. It's starting to get
to all of us I think.

Some of Disney's shows have characters
that ask questions to their young audience.

Mickey might say, "Can you clap with
us so that Goofy can make his airplane
fly higher in the sky?" There will be a
few second pause, where I guess the
kids at home reply to Mickey. And
then Mickey will say after pause,
"well, all right, thanks."

There is a show on Disney called
"Special Agent Oso". He's a stuffed
teddy bear who helps kids in
crisis. Well, toddler crisis.

But Oso (whom I've called Oso Stupid
from time to time) is very good for
asking the viewing toddler audience
to help him.

"Can you find the dog?"
"Can you see the oven?"
"Can you tell me where the shovel is?"

Usually it is met with silence or a whisper
in our home. But not today.

Oso is standing with a hose hanging
on the wall behind him. He's suppose
to use the hose to water the flower
seeds he and his toddler friend
had just planted.

SO, as usual, Oso asks his toddler
viewing audience this, "Can you help
us find the hose?"

TO which the reply of my Lukenstein
was, in his loud, perturbed voice,
"IT'S BEHIND YOU... STUPID!"

Friday, September 24, 2010

"Erased"

No joke, I just deleted the greatest blog
that every came streaming out of my
brain, down to my fingertips and onto
this screen.

I saved it.

It vanished.

And now I'm sitting here trying to figure
what God intended for my life by this
unfortunate event happening. What's
significant thing should I be learning
from this horrible mistake?

And as fleeting as my brain resets to
the pause position, I think: it really
is just something that happened.
Nothing more, nothing less.

Do I do this way to much in my life...
try to paint God into my circumstance
as if there is something so more greater
going on than just me.

Now, I'm not saying God is not in it all.
But some times, when you have a flat
tire, it's just a flat tire... and just
because you had a flat tire right out
in front of Burger King doesn't mean
you were divined to go to Burger King...
and just because some fellow in
BK sees you and comes out to offer
assistance doesn't mean your flat
tire was about you.

It could have easily been for the fellow in BK.

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

"The Lovely 2 Year Old"

One might think that by now, I would have
formulated some sort of plan to deal with
what lies ahead: the 2 to 3.5 years of a
childs life.

I mean, really, this isn't actually rocket
science to me any more. I've been through
it 3 times before.

The fourth and final chapter of this
portion of my parenting work probably
seems to be the coming of the worst; but
is more likely I'm living the now and
the faded memories of how rotten the
other three were have faded with
time.

Levi Jacob Trimble.

You are either going to end up in a
2T sized straight jacket, or I'm going
to end up trying to swim across the
Ohio River.

I haven't quite come up with a good
nickname yet for the youngster.
Hurricane Noah.
PE Abby
Lukenstein.

Levi. Levi. Levi.
Still pending.

And with any luck, maybe I'll
survive the next 1.5 years to
write a book about it.

Tuesday, September 14, 2010

"Wicked Cool"


SO, I've blogged about the cross orb.
I most welcome spider who rids our
porch and yard of the most vile
of flying insects. She, the cross orb,
has moved on (only guess this because
I've haven't seen her web around in
a few days).

Also, however, therefore...
bad english there I think.

We also had a vistor a couple
weeks back that hung out on our
porch for a 36 or so hour period.
The ever-loving, husband eating
(much the same as the cross orb)
fly and pest insect killing queen
of green.
The praying mantis. A most
beautiful sight when one can no
longer stand carrying a fly swatter
around OUTSIDE.

The praying mantis.
Her hand held so closely together.
The cross orb spider.
Marked on her back with a most
discernable cross.

Wicked Cool.

Yes, they are expert killers...
if you're an insect.

But to me, they both are most
excellent friends... removing the
most unwanted in my yard.

The cross... Prayer.

Both remove the most unwanted
in my life. One for all time.
One for daily strength to die to
self and live for a more excellent
way.

The cross.
Prayer.

Is any one of you in trouble?
He should pray.
Is anyone happy?
Let him sing songs of praise.
Is any one of yous sick?
He should call the eldersw of the
church to pray over him and annoint
him with oil in the name of the Lord.
And the prayer offered in faith will
make the sick person well;
the Lord will raise him up.
If he has sinned, he will be forgiven.
Therefore confess your sins to
each other and pray for each
other so that you may be healed.
The prayer of a righteous man is
powerful and effective.
James 5:13-16 NIV

Monday, September 13, 2010

"15 Seconds"

Tell me what happens in 15 seconds.

Really, how does so little time
change so much?

I'm not sure how much I breath
or blink in 15 seconds.

I'm not sure how much trouble
a 4 year old can get in 15 seconds.

How far around Daytona Speedway
will a Sprint Cup car go in 15 seconds?

How many people die in 15 seconds
worldwide; or how many are born
worldwide in 15 seconds?

15 seconds.

15 seconds.

15 seconds.

I spend the better part of yesterday
from 1 to 4 waching the Steelers/Falcons
field goal fest.

And in a matter of 15 seconds of
overtime, the game was decided.
It was certainly the most exciting
15 seconds of the game... but
really. REALLY?

15 seconds. 1/4th of a minute.

Thursday, September 9, 2010

"Something Beautiful"

I feel the waves crashing on my feet
It's like I know where I need to be
I can't figure out
No, I can't figure out
Just how much air I will need to breathe
When your wave crashes over me
There's only one way to figure out
Will you let me drown Will you let me drown

Hey now, this is my desire
Consume me like a fire
Cause I just want
Something beautiful to touch me
I know that I'm in reach
I am down on my knees
And waiting for
Something beautiful

And the water is rising quick
And for years I was scared of it
We can't be sure when it will subside
So I won't leave your side
No I can't leave your side

Hey now, this is my desire
Consume me like a fire
Cause I just want
Something beautiful to touch me
I know that I'm in reach
I am down on my knees
And waiting for
Something beautiful

Monday, August 30, 2010

"The End"

Tomorrow is the first day of school.

To me, and I may have written before,
this is a bitter sweet thing.

For one thing, I have to reintroduce
myself to the alarm clock. I've been
using Levi as my alarm clock for the
summer. He rises, I rise.

Another thing, 2 sets of hands will
be away for the most part of the day.
As much as they act like kids and
steer clear of all things work, they
actually do so much. It's easier to
trust an 8 year old or even 6 year
old to entertain the soon to be 2 year
old while you take a potty break.

Now, it will just be me, the Lukenstein,
and Mr. MumbLevi.

Also, it back to routine. Fall brings that
to me, routine. Sure, we have it during
the summer, but it's much easier to
buck routine then and do something
different.

Bitter Sweet. Good-bye Summer.
Welcome back, old friend Autumn.

Good-bye horrible Buccos.
Welcome back, Steelers and Penguins.

Good-bye 90s.
Hello... well, maybe not yet on that one.

Know also that wisdom is sweet to your soul;
if you find it, there is a future hope for you,
and your hope will not be cut off.
Proverbs 24:14 NIV

Tuesday, August 17, 2010

"They Are Coming"

Pretty soon, the big yellow monsters will be
out in force. In some parts of the country,
they are roaming already. They seek out
children to devour... and then regurgitate
at institutions of public fund wasting.

That time of year is upon us. And this
to me is a bitter sweet affair. YES,
bitter sweet.

It marks an end; but also a new beginning.

"See, I am doing a new thing!
Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?
I am making a way in the desert
and streams in the wasteland. "
Isaiah 43:19 NIV



Tuesday, August 10, 2010

"Summer Bug"

Well, I spent from about 9pm Saturday night,
until about 9am Monday morning, fighting a
fever of bubonic proportions. 105 at one reading.

It was an experience. Fighting the summer bug.

Also this summer, we had on several different
occasions, battling ticks. I believe all of us at
one point, except me, had one removed from
their persons this year.

And if that's not enough, the mosquitoes and
the flies have gotten to a rather annoying point
in recent days. Not that they aren't always
a nuisance, but the level of their annoyance
has been rising quite quickly.

Enter: The cross orb.
Last summer, I was very adamant that a
beast of this nature must be destroyed.
They are down right scary looking and
as I found out later, rather harmless to
humans (especially my babies.)

Add to my info this:
Diet: flying insects, such as, flies and mosquitoes.
Oh how the ugly duckling turned into the swan
with that little bit of information in my brain.

SO, goodbye Mr. fly and Mrs. mosquito.
You are now on the entree list of my new
friend. I guess you could say as far as
the flying pests are concerned... my family
is now protected and covered by the cross.

For the message of the cross
is foolishness to those who are
perishing, but to us who are
being saved it is the power of God.
1 Corinthians 1:18 NIV

Monday, August 2, 2010

"3+1=6?

3 boys +
1 girl +
2 parents +
1 bathroom +
3 bedrooms =

well, it's beginning to not add up very well.

And what's really beginning to add up
quite well is the headaches that I've been
getting thinking through all of this...
trying to pray through all of this.

What's for sure... well, I'm not sure.

I believe we are on the verge of outgrowing
our home, and leaving ourselves with some
tough decisions.

How do we put another bedroom in our
home... or is it even possible?

Do we sell our home... then try to find
one that at least gives us another bedroom?

Do we really want to move...
to another town, school district,
higher tax area?

Motrin is now my second best friend...
right next to Tums.

Decisions, decisions.
Prayers and more prayers.

Sunday, July 25, 2010

"Lukenstein"


This picture is a few months old.

July 26th, 2006... a son was born.

Luke Boswell Trimble.

I have in the past written some things
concerning the one I once called
"Lukenstein." Thanks be to God that
he came through those terrible twos
and early threes.

He is much sweeter these days, and
probably the hardest worker of our
four children.

He usually tries to play up... be much
older than he is. And often times I forget
he's only... well, he's only 4 now.

It seems just like yesterday. But it
has been four years. Time surely
does fly by.

Happy Birthday, Luke!
I am proud to be your father.

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

Sunday, July 18, 2010

"Psalm 24"

1The earth is the LORD'S, and all it contains,
The world, and those who dwell in it.
2For He has founded it upon the seas
And established it upon the rivers.
3Who may ascend into the hill of the LORD?
And who may stand in His holy place?
4He who has clean hands and a pure heart,
Who has not lifted up his soul to falsehood
And has not sworn deceitfully.
5He shall receive a blessing from the LORD
And righteousness from the God of his salvation.
6This is the generation of those who seek Him,
Who seek Your face--even Jacob.
7Lift up your heads, O gates,
And be lifted up, O ancient doors,
That the King of glory may come in!
8Who is the King of glory?
The LORD strong and mighty,
The LORD mighty in battle.
9Lift up your heads, O gates,
And lift them up, O ancient doors,
That the King of glory may come in!
10Who is this King of glory?
The LORD of hosts,
He is the King of glory.


NASB VERSION

Monday, July 12, 2010

"Darkness"

I spent a little over an hour with
my family some where between
entrance and 175 below the entrance
of the Laurel Caverns this past Friday
during our first camping trip of
the summer.

It was cool.

Literally.

It was about 90 degrees outside where
you could see the sun. But in the caverns
it's a constant 50 degrees... all year round.
(See, I did learn something on our trip.)

We took the lighted guided tour.
It was a great activity. My daughter
even asked the guide about
stalactites and stalagmites... which apparently
are not conducive to the Laurel Caverns
due to the makeup of the ground it's in.
(See, I don't remember much.)

But the coolest part of the trip through
the cavern was the room they shut us in
and turned all the lights off.

Darkness.

Complete Darkness.

Can't even see your hand in front of your face.

That's Darkness that is never penetrated by
natural light... DARK!

But you are a chosen people,
a royal priesthood, a holy nation,
a people belonging to God, that you
may declare the praises of him who
called you out of darkness into his
wonderful light. 1 Peter 2:9 NIV

"called you out of darkness"
from the depths of the caverns...

You can't find your way out of
this darkness alone.

If you don't take light with you,
or someone doesn't bring a light
to you, you are lost...

in the dark... pitch-black dark.

The darkness of the Laurel Caverns
is broken by man-made light.

The darkness of my heart is broken
only by my savior, my God.

Saturday, July 3, 2010

"He's Probably A Minister"

Bank.
Wally World.
Get-Go for gas.

Fun, fun, fun on a Saturday morning,
the day before Independence Day.

SO, I pump my gas and go inside to pay.
Yep, cash only guy here.
It's great.

There's one fellow working inside the
rectangle. I call it the rectangle.
The cashier area.

Anyway, a guy is standing there counting
out pennies for his egg-sandwich or
something, so I get in LINE (key to
the story) behind him.

Another fellow, is standing around the bend
of the rectangle. (He's the red circle below)

So I started messing around getting my
money ready and organized as penny
guy was finishing up. While I was doing
that, another couple stepped in to the
store to pay for something. Kind of
stopping right beside me.

The lady kind of looked at me, and
since I wasn't in too much a hurry
I told her that they could go before
me.

Fourth of July fireworks started
here this weekend.

As penny guy was leaving,
angry white haired, white beard
man (guy in red in diagram)
says something about his chance
of paying being next... but not so
nicely.

Cashier says, "I was just getting
to you."

Not good.

Angry white hair says something
not so nice again and proceeds to
verbally smack cashier around.

Well, man who came in with lady
who I allowed to go ahead of me,
says, "why don't you get in line
like the rest of us?"

Angry white hairs says, "I was
here before you."

Man w/ lady says, "not really,
he was here before us."
He points at me.

Angry white hairs says, "I was
here before him too!!!" Continues
to mumble. Storms out mumbling.

Man w/ lady says, "Some people."

And Cashiers says, "Sad thing is...
he's probably a minister."

HUH?

Now, I'm not saying ministers don't
have their moments... impatience,
anger, acting like spoiled brats...
you know, SINFUL moments.
Those moments they need forgiveness for.

I mean, really, aren't ministers imperfect
finite beings like the rest of us.

A minister?

Crazy old guy maybe.
Sinful human dirty rag like me maybe.
A minister maybe.
maybe not.

Pray for you minister today. He needs your prayers.
The eyes of not only his church are on him.
The eyes of everyone are on him...
watching him...
waiting...
maybe even hoping...
to see him fall.

Wednesday, June 30, 2010

"Clean The Shed"

Spent 2 hours this morning taking almost
everything out of my shed, cleaning it,
having the kids help clean it, and putting
almost all of it back in in a more organized
way.

Not quite spring cleaning, let's call it:
The Last Day of June Cleaning.

I found things in there I could not remember
why I was hanging on to them.
I found things that I hadn't been able to find
in some time.
I found things, well, let's just say stuff that I
have no idea where it even came
from (including dead things, nothing mammal :)

It was a good exercise, and was good to get the
heart beating a little more than it does while
I sit a the computer most of the time.

But it's clean. Spotless? NO.
Eat off the floor? NO. Workbench? NO.
But it's as clean as I can ever make it.

Much the same is my life.
The Master has made me clean, once for all time.
Yet, when left to my own self, my
life becomes my shed... it starts to lose it cleanliness.
I make a mess of it.

I do things, I never even remember them.
I do things that I never thought I would do again.
I do things that I had no idea that I was able to do.
Things.
Not nice things.
Selfish things.
Things.

And yet, I have this...

"How much more, then, will the blood of Christ,
who through the eternal Spirit offered himself
unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences
from acts that lead to death, so that we may
serve the living God!"
Hebrews 9:14 NIV

I can clean my shed. But I have not the ability
to cleanse my life. Thanks be to God.

Friday, June 25, 2010

"SiMPLe"

Still can't see the bottom of the lake.
Still can't smell roses on the cake.

Still can't hear the truth in class.
Still can't feel the smoothness of the glass.

Can't seem to find the guy who knows.
Can't seem to know the river that overflows.

Some day, will I really ask?
Some day, will I truly seek?
Some day, will I dare to knock?

SiMPLe as it seems, I'm alive.
SiMPLe as it goes, I'm free.
SiMPLe as it goes, I'm free.
SiMPLe as it goes, I'm free.

Well, son, simply put, YES.
Don't focus on the way it's become a mess.

Well, son, I can truly say:
I have walked the road some day you may.

There is one who understands it all.
Just make sure you don't miss the call.

One day, You will ask.
One day, You will seek.
One day, You must knock.

SiMPLe as it seems, Be alive.
SiMPLe as it goes, Be free.
SiMPLe as it goes, Be free.
SiMPLe as it goes, Be free.

SiMPLe as it seems, Be alive.
SiMPLe as it goes, Be free.
SiMPLe as it goes, Be free.
SiMPLe as it goes, Be free

Today, You need to ask.
Today, You need to seek.
Today, You need to knock.

SiMPLe as it seems, You will be alive.
SiMPLe as it goes, You will be free.
SiMPLe as it goes, You will be free.
SiMPLe as it goes, You will be free.

SiMPLe as it seems, You will be alive.
SiMPLe as it goes, You will be free.
SiMPLe as it goes, You will be free.
SiMPLe as it goes, You will be free.

SiMPLe as it seems, You will be alive.
SiMPLe as it goes, You will be free.
SiMPLe as it goes, You will be free.
SiMPLe as it goes, You will be free.

Tuesday, June 22, 2010

"This Is Levi"


He might be the funniest of the four.

There is a comedian in our home.
Well, he thinks he is funny anyway.

He does seem to have a sense of humor
quite unlike the other 3 children roaming
the hardwoods of
Trimbleland.

And if the
platypus doesn't convince you that
God has a sense a humor, I invite you to come
to our house and spend a few hour with Levi...
the 3rd son of Jacob... the big funny ha ha...
THE BABY of the family.

But there is a seriousness to this character...
well, serious to everyone else and maybe not
him. See, Levi has a milk and dairy allergy.
And All of us at home are well aware of it
and are very cautious with what we eat and
how we handle our food... and Levi.

It's a major ordeal. It trouble me, but doesn't
worry me. It concerns me, but doesn't stress me.

But as this free spirit is growing older, he's starting
to notice that he eats different from the others on
some evenings. Hey, it's hard to give up milk
and cheese just to keep him completely away from it.

Not sure if that's fair to him... allowing him to exist
arms length from a disaster, but it's how we roll.
Vigilantly roll.

Some day, we pray, Levi will outgrow his allergy.
That's all we really can do. Stand aware,
be prepared, pray... the rest is up to our
Sovereign God.


O Sovereign LORD, my strong deliverer,
who shields my head in the day of battle
PSALM 140:7 NIV


Friday, June 18, 2010

"Father"

Sometimes I wonder...
when did I become my father.

The things I use to hate to hear...
now I utter them to my kids.

Actions I swore I would never make...
those same actions now I take.

When did I morph into the man...
who I said I would never be like.

Not 100% the same...
yet, somehow, more than 0%.

I guess all those times he asked if I was listening...
well, dad, I guess I was.

'Cause those endless lectures...
well, I must have memorized them.

Those silly to me then phrases...
I guess I stored them somewhere in my brain.

So as to not go on and on, I merely state...
"Pull my finger."

Monday, June 14, 2010

"Red, White, Blue"

US FLAG HUNG IN GALVESTON, TX AFTER HURRICANE IKE IN 2008

What does that Red, White and Blue mean to you?
Here's what it represents to me:
The United States of America.

That's it.
I see it. I think, "USA!"
Nothing else.

But yet, is that because it's everywhere?

Shirts, socks, pants, hats...
over buildings, on houses,
on the pole outside the school or
the post office...
Bumper stickers...
Billboards...
helmets, hard hats, heavy machinery...

I know why it appears on all of those
and many many many other places.
It represents something to someone.
American Pride? American made?
American honor? American sacrifice?

It's just a flag. Canada has one.
Israel has one. Trinidad and Tobago's got one.
It's a flag. It's just a flag!

There are certainly many of you
who view it more than that.
"It stands for ______"...
fill in the blank.

It unites... it unties...
"Old Glory"... pathetic.

I'm as patriotic as any American,
but when the symbol replaces the
ideal, then something is wrong.

SO, go ahead... burn it, tear it,
wipe your nose with it... I don't
care. It's just a flag. It's not
who America is. America isn't
a flag. America isn't a symbol.
The United States of America
is more than stars and stripes.

It's people who matter... not the
flag that represents them.

Thursday, June 10, 2010

"Who's Battle"

Then David said to the Philistine,
“You come to me with a sword,
with a spear, and with a javelin.
But I come to you in the name of
the LORD of hosts, the God of the
armies of Israel, whom you have defied.
This day the LORD will deliver you
into my hand, and I will strike you
and take your head from you. And this
day I will give the carcasses of the camp
of the Philistines to the birds of the air
and the wild beasts of the earth, that all
the earth may know that there is a God in Israel.
Then all this assembly shall know that
the LORD does not save with sword and spear;
for the battle is the LORD’s,
and He will give you into our hands.”
1 Samuel 17:45-47 NIV

Suffering. Trials. Tribulations...
Some caused by poor choices,
Some caused by accident,
Some caused by someone else's actions...

You are in the battle of your life.

Against a foe so big you don't know
how to even comprehend the first
step to overcome.

Be Bold. See Bold. Read Bold.

You are not alone. And the battle
belongs to only One... the great I AM.

Finally, be strong in the Lord
and in his mighty power.
Ephesians 6:10 NIV

Tuesday, June 1, 2010

Friday, May 28, 2010

"Words"

If you have a second, please
read THIS.

My favorite line is the last 3 words:

"Here I am"

Is it a promise from her savior?
or a promise to her savior?

Monday, May 24, 2010

"The Obituaries"

This may seem a little morbid, even a
little off, but I was scrolling through
the obituaries this morning online
of the local rag... paper. I would say,
perusing. I did have purpose, but
not one pertinent to this rambling.

As I was scrolling down, and down,
and down... something hit me right
between the eyes, penetrated my heart.

There is a day coming where
a bad black and white photo of me
will be placed on this list, next to
my name, a clickable name sending
the clicker to some sort of summary
of my life.

Just as man is destined to die once...
Hebrews 9:27 NIV

A day is coming. Can't be denied.
Am I prepared to meet that day;
And meet the hope of that day?

Emphatically, YES!

I know that I am a stumbling, bumbling
ignorant fool... a filthy rag... with no
redeemable qualities; THANKS BE TO
GOD FOR HIS AMAZING GRACE!
Because without it, who I am is how I
would die.

Harsh? I don't think so. It's what
I deserve. I don't deserve a break.
I don't deserve a pardon. I don't
deserve mercy.

But that's exactly what I have received.
Grace, a pardon, mercy... all undeserved...
given as a free gift. Again, THANKS BE TO GOD.

Romans 6

Saturday, May 22, 2010

"Operation Dart Gun"

For 1 full hour, war erupted in our little home.
Bullets flying everywhere.
Shots to the head...
Shots to the heart...
Shots the the buttocks...
Shots here, shots there.
There were shots everywhere.
Ambushes.
Sneak Attacks.
Blitzes.
We had it all.

And I'm sure we'll find nerf darts everywhere
over the next few weeks... and that's fine by
me; 'cause there is nothing like shooting
one of your kids without actually hurting
them.

Of course, the shoot back.

Monday, May 10, 2010

Tuesday, May 4, 2010

"Marc-Andre Fleury"


The Last Save of the 2009 Stanley Cup Finals. PENS WIN!


To win a Stanley Cup, you have to have

a goaltender who will, at the most critical
time, make a save. But even more than
that, a goaltender who is steady all
game long. Even more than that, a
goaltender who has a short memory
after relinquishing a goal.

Now, I could have talked baseball closers,
but since baseball is dead to me (thank you
Buccos) I chose hockey.

Now, I could have talked soccer goalie,
but does anyone really like soccer, futbol,
anyway?

Now, I could have talked coupons.

Our God is a God who saves;
from the Sovereign LORD
comes escape from death.

Psalm 68:20 (NIV)

Thankfully for all of us,
God at the most perfect time
sent His son to take our
penalty upon himself...
and save us from destruction.

Thankfully for all of us,
God is steady... He is
the same yesterday, today and forever.

And Thankfully for all of us,
he doesn't relinquish anything.

You see, at just the right time,
when we were still powerless,
Christ died for the ungodly.
Very
rarely will anyone die for a righteous man,
though for a good man someone
might possibly dare to die.
But God demonstrates his own
love for us in this: While we were
still sinners, Christ died for us.

Romans 5:6-8 (NIV)

Saturday, May 1, 2010

"1 Corinthians 13"

"If I speak in the tongues of men
and of angels, but have not love,
I am only a resounding gong or a
clanging cymbal. If I have the gift
of prophecy and can fathom all
mysteries and all knowledge, and if
I have a faith that can move
mountains, but have not love,
I am nothing. If I give all I possess
to the poor and surrender my body
to the flames, but have not love,
I gain nothing.

Love is patient,
love is kind.
It does not envy,
it does not boast,
it is not proud.
It is not rude,
it is not self-seeking,
it is not easily angered,
it keeps no record of wrongs.
Love does not delight in evil
but rejoices with the truth.
It always protects,
always trusts,
always hopes,
always perseveres.

Love never fails.

But where there are prophecies,

they will cease;
where there are tongues,
they will be stilled;
where there is knowledge,
it will pass away.
For we know in part
and we prophesy in part,
but when perfection comes,
the imperfect disappears.

When I was a child,
I talked like a child,
I thought like a child,
I reasoned like a child.

When I became a man,
I put childish ways behind me.

Now we see but a poor reflection
as in a mirror; then we shall see
face to face.
Now I know in part;
then I shall know fully,
even as I am fully known.

And now these three remain:

faith, hope and love.

But the greatest of these is love."

1 Corinthians 13 (NIV)

Tuesday, April 27, 2010

"Hand, Foot, Mouth"

So, what started as an 18-month-old,
3 day fight against the HFM disease,
has now turned into a total kid-dom of
mine fighting HFM for almost a week.

Sore throat, fever, just plain tiredness.
It's not overly concerning, it's just not
what the normal body wishes to deal
with.

Slowly they have begun to recover.
All but the oldest have gotten better.

Why to write this? Well, here's
the thing. It's not some chronic
disease. It's not a part of life.
It comes and goes.

What do I have in my life that
keeps me from a healthy walk
with God? Things that come
and go? Things that seem so
major at a moment, but are really
just that... a moment?

Now, I'm not desiring on goings.
But I wonder, would I be better
with that than these things that
come and go?

Friday, April 23, 2010

"C-a-n Y-o-u S-p-e-l-l?"

Remember hooked on phonics?

And do you remember the t-shirt
that followed:

"Huked on fonix reely wurkz fur me."

Everything goes on a t-shirt.
Ads. Slogans. Quotes. ETC.

Maybe someday I can come up with
the next great must-have tee shirt.
Not that I want to be famous...
or be overflowing with money.
Just so I can say:
"Been there, done that, designed the tee shirt."






Tuesday, April 20, 2010

"Baseball"

I played baseball all my life from
5-years-old until I graduated high school.

NOW, I help coach t-ball and and
8 and under coaches pitch.

Baseball's boring. Really, it is.
You could spend a lot of time
in game as a kid, without ever
having a ball hit to you. That's
a fact.

I wish some major league team
would allow dandelions to grow
in their outfield. I bet there would
be a lot of millionaires pulling
dandelions... and popping off the
heads of their teammates.

For kids, I don't know how they
do it. Dirt. Grass. Flowers. Mud.
Whatever it is, it's got to be
more exciting than watching the first
baseman get his 1,990th chance to
field a grounder.

And let's face it, baseball has "situations."
"What's the situation?" Every baseball
coach has said it.

"If there's a man on first, and on third,
and there is 1 out, and the ball is hit
to the third baseman, where's the play?"

OR, "One out, man on second, the
sister of the catcher is cute and wearing
shorts, the mother of the batter is
smiling, the concession stand is selling
hot dogs on sale for $1, and the ball
is hit to the right fielder, where's the
play?"

HO-HUM.

No wonder kids so small rather dig
in the dirt than play baseball.
IT'S BORING!

And I blame the Pirates.

Maybe if you live in Boston or
New York or St. Louis, you want
to play baseball because you have
seen winning baseball.

Do you realize that if you are a
sophomore in high school or younger
in the Western Pennsylvania, you've
never seen the Pittsburgh Pirates
have a winning season?

Yeah, give me dandelions.

Sunday, April 18, 2010

"Thank You, Jesus"

Really, that's all I want to say.

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

"The Swing Set"

Our neighbor is moving.
They and their 2 children have to move.
It's a sad story why they are moving.
Bad landlord, black mold... it's just not good.

They asked us if we'd like their
swing set/jungle set/slide.

You bet!

Went to the neighbor today and he
helped me move my new swing set
to my yard OR I helped him move
his old swing set to my yard.
It really doesn't matter.
It's mine now.
In my yard.
And as of 9pm, staked and secured for use.

Why do I bring this up?

Well, until yesterday, when my
neighbor's wife came to ask if we
would like their
swing set/jungle set/slide,
I had never once (as I would later
find out in talking with them) in
6 years did more than wave or
say hi or hello as I would go take
a walk.

6 years. Lived in the apartment
building diagonally across the street
from my house.

Nothing.

How sad.
I'm sad... or should I say pathetic.
No State Farm here.