Yesterday, I must confess, I became somewhat upset regarding a ministry... Let's say more of a turf issue. Then I had to have an attitude check... a heart check. What was I upset about... What was at stake for me? When I began to delve a little deeper into my feelings I realized my thinking was not at its best. My head issue quickly became a heart issue which caused my spirit to become quickened by God's Spirit, that dwells with me. Because of this I had to 'Stop, Drop & Pray.' Who was receiving honor and glory? The ministry is not "mine"; it is for the glory of the Lord and for the sake of others. How easily the focus of 'doing God's work' can switch if we refuse to keep it in check.
My scripture reading this morning came from Isaiah, chapter 40. Verse 4 states, "Every valley shall be raised up, every mountain and hill made low; the rough ground shall become level, the rugged places a plain." This particular verse spoke to me in a special way this morning in light of my experience yesterday... What came to mind was a level playing field. Undoubtedly there will be obstacles that come in life, but the Lord will cause whatever it is to no longer be a stumbling block if His Spirit is allowed to do it's work.
In my lifetime I've done considerable hiking. When the trail is level and free from obstacle I could continue on my journey with ease. The very last part of Isaiah, chapter 40 states, "...they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." Sounds like a level field to me!
God, may I allow your Spirit to accomplish its transforming work in my life... that I may be even more reflective of Your image of grace, mercy and love... to be made a Christ follower.

Everyone slept much better last night... Yea for sleep! Yesterday in the office was a day of catch up on responding to emails, returning phone calls, updating calendars, etc... One of the blessings from yesterday was with my youngest son (age 6). Over the past few weeks members of our Crossroads congregation have been praying for kids as they prepare to enter back into school. Folks were asked to write down a child's name on a small rock we had on the altar and these kids were remembered in prayer. Last Sunday we got to give the rocks to the kids with their names on them so they will know someone has been remembering them in prayer. We found our youngest son's rock in the bottom of his backpack... and he understands what that rock with his name on it represents.
My reading took me to Psalm 104 and gives praise to God for how He sustains the earth; His creation. I read how His creation looks to Him for what is needed. It is not a far stretch for me to see that I must have the same dependence on God for the well being of my children. I look to God for the help that they need... and I hope to foster that same dependence on God within each of my kids.
My devotional reading today dealt with choosing to do what is right according to God's Word verses going along with what is legal according to man. Doing so will test our commitment to the Lord. The devotional ends with a quote, "We must choose daily the way of the cross over the way of the crowd." Oh, how I pray this courage and commitment for the lives of my children. And I realize that I must first demonstrate this in my own life before I can share effectively with others. Example is leaned best by what we do rather than by what we don't do.

The school year routine begins! This year the bus arrives oh so very early in the morning, which means the day begins earlier for most in the household. Last night was a sleepless night for the kids due to anxiousness... who am I kidding, it was a rough night for myself and Angela too. We were both up most of the night (funny thing though, my most sound sleep came the half hour before the clock went off... I finally got to sleep and it's time to get up). I guess it's just the start of something new that causes the excitement.
My devotional reading this morning dealt with the everyday blessings of life and was based from 1 Thessalonians 5:18, "in everything give thanks." One of the statements made was "It's hard for most of us to be consistently thankful for the commonplace blessings that make life pleasant and comfortable...". This has been a true statement for me in my lifetime. How easy it is at times for the excitement to wear off and the thankfulness to grow dull for those things that surround me which are from God.
My Bible reading took me to Psalm 98 and speaks of the praise that is to be given to God for no other reason than His worthiness... "Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth, burst into jubilant song with music." I have so much to be thankful for this day... clothes on my back, shelter over my head, food on my table, love of my family, and friends that care. All of this comes from my Lord. His mercies are new today... may I show my thankfulness for His blessings with my praise. The very end of my devotional says this, "Praise to God comes naturally when you count your blessings." Let it be so...

Back from vacation! We visited 8 states in only 2,610 miles... what was I thinking! Anyway, the Harris family vacation was good and we enjoyed almost all of it (we did do a lot of time in the mini-van... maybe just a little too much).
Today was Labor Day and what a day of labor it was... a lot of yard work to catch up on. This evening has been busy getting the kids ready for the start of school tomorrow. Angela and I are praying for the kids as they enter into this year... And for a smooth transition for our oldest entering into middle school. I pray that good choices will be made by my children as they face new challenges in life.
Speaking of choices... one of my devotional readings today had a profound statement "Today's poor choices are a down payment on tomorrow's problems." Let me tell you... I've made plenty of poor choices, some I've paid for in full, others I'm not certain have caught up to me yet. But I know that my God forgives and will see me through any situation that may come my way. I can trust in my Savior to pick me up and set my feet on solid ground. But sometimes I wonder why!
My scripture reading today took me to the book of Psalms, chapter 8. In this chapter I read, "When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him?" Who am I that GOD would care so much about me... I am His creation, I am His child, bought back from the debt of sin (caused by my choices) through the sacrifice of the One and Only Savior of the world; Jesus the Christ.