A Delayed Reaction...

Well it was bound to have happened... I burned myself on the stove! It was just a couple of knuckles while getting biscuits out of the oven, but it was enough to make me even more cautious when working with 350 degrees. I was in such a rush to get the breakfast made that I did not even tend to my wounds until later.
As soon as this happened my mind went back to high school french class (kind of odd isn't it).  There I was sitting toward the front, three rows over from the window, in Mrs. Renfro's french class. Mr. Brown, our school maintenance man (this was just before his retirement) knocked on the door and entered. Mr. Brown was an older gentleman, large belly, balding with a wavy come-over that wasn't well combed, glasses, dressed in dark green coveralls, wearing work boots, and carrying his bag of tools. It's funny... I can recall Mr. Brown and what he was wearing, but I can't recall what season it was. It was either very hot or cold because that was why he was in the room.
Mr. Brown came to work on either the heating or cooling system in the room. As he made his way to the control panel of the system next to the window side of the room he spoke french with Mrs. Renfro, which impressed me. He sat on the floor and began his work, Mrs. Renfro continued to teach the class like he wasn't even there. I had almost forgotten that he was there too, when it happened...
ZAP! It was the sound of a rather large insect caught in a bug zapper. Everyone stopped what they were doing; silence filled the room. The stench of something burnt began to develop in the air. Mrs. Renfro turned and looked in the direction of the sound. All us students did the same. Mr. Brown did not offer a word and continued on with his work. It was only after Mrs. Renfro called the students back to task and was writing on the board did Mr. Brown offer any type reaction to go along with the noise and smell by saying, "OUCH!" It was this delayed reaction that caused the class (and Mrs. Renfro) to burst out in laughter. About that time the bell rang and class was dismissed.
Interestingly enough my devotional this morning dealt with allowing what's on the inside to show forth on the outside. And what is happening on the "inside"? We typically (at least for me) have no problem revealing frustration, irritation, agitation, aggravation... and all kind of other "tion's." What may not be so evident is the love. So often I have a delayed reaction in showing the love I should have shown earlier in a situation. Let it not be today!

Memories of the Chain Gang...

This last Saturday I volunteered at my son's Jr. football game... I was part of the chain gang. What this consisted of was moving the markers along the sideline of the field to indicate placement of the ball. This job also lets the teams know how much further they have to go to get another first down (or fresh start).
The last time I was part of a chain gang was after high school. During that game I made a mistake that really got a coach and fans upset. The teams were from two middle schools in the area, and the score was close. During one of the plays the ball carrier was being driven out of bounds, straight toward me. I wasn't sure what to do with the pole I was holding to mark where the ball was so I stayed planted in my spot. The player ran right into the metal pole marker I was holding, causing him to bounce and spin as he tumbled out of bounds.
The coach started yelling at the referee because of me because I could have (as he screamed in my direction) "broken the kid's neck." I really don't think that by hitting the pole I could have caused that much damage... In fact the player was just fine. I think the coach was really upset because the play didn't go as well as he had hoped. The referee pulled me aside and explained that if the play starts coming toward the sideline that I was to drop the pole and move aside. I still recall the sickening feeling of being yelled at by the coach in front of all the fans... it was quite a scene.
This past Saturday that memory was in the forefront of my mind, so when a player near the goal line came close to the sideline where I was I immediately dropped the pole and stepped aside. Isn't it amazing how events from the past can affect our behavior today!
This is true for so many events from our past. Often the pain in our hearts is never truly dealt with and we merely mask it with the "things" of life. But their effects are still very evident in the way we live our lives. A statement from my morning devotional was this: "As we confide in our [Heavenly] Father, we can experience peace and the beginning of healing for our wounded hearts."
God desires to bring healing to our lives... Maybe it's time to "have a little talk with Jesus" as the old hymn says.

French Toast, An Experiment...

Breakfast menu for today... french toast. This was an experiment really, as I have never attempted to make french toast before. I accessed the archives of my childhood memory banks and recalled my Mom making this for me and my brothers long ago. In my mind I pressed play on the recorded video and watched as she moved about the kitchen, from the refrigerator to the counter. I could see her as she reached for her electric griddle (the plug of which was always in a different kitchen drawer). The bread box was rather large due to having four active and growing boys... bread was a good filler for what must have seemed like four always hungry sons. From this video in my brain I put together the makings of french toast.
Once finished with the experiment (I mean... breakfast) I called to my oldest (and the only one besides myself that was awake) to take part in the inaugural serving. I watched as he ate... waiting anxiously for his verdict of what I had so proudly placed before him. I watched as he took big bites (I'm always telling him to take small bites, rather than simulating a squirrel trying to fit in one more nut).  But I didn't make the complaint this morning. Instead I made the assumption that my creation must have been pretty good as he shovel it in. Feeling confidently successful I shared my observation with him, "Must be pretty good, huh?... I mean the way you're eating it up with such big bites!" He responded, "Yeah..." with a brief pause as he chewed. "Or it could be that I just want to get it over with." Smartaleck kid!
My devotional this morning had nothing to do with french toast. But rather it dealt with the certainty that this life will end, yet an eternity awaits us. With this fact comes the sobering thought of having to stand before God to give an account for my life. Although I have messed up plenty in my life, this is not a fearful thought as I stand justified by the blood of Jesus Christ. My devotional ended with this statement, "Only those who have placed their faith in Christ are prepared to meet their Maker." Focusing on this stark reality makes me realize though, just how much my life matters. Not for my selfish desires... but rather how I am to make my life a benefit for others by loving and serving.

Choosing A Better Effect...

So much of life is a result of simple cause and effect. Take for instance how I've been dragging out of bed the past two mornings... a direct effect caused by my staying up later at night. Oh, and did you know that if you allow pancake batter to sit, it will become really thick? This was my discovery for this morning. The pancakes I made toward the end are a lot thicker (and not so light) than the ones I made at the very beginning.
Now why is it that so many times I can anticipate the effects that my actions will have, but even with that knowledge of the 'cause' something within me believes the effect won't be that bad; or, "I can handle it." (the famous last words of a fool)
There is this battle that rages with in me at times, not so much the battle of right or wrong, but the battle between what is good and what is best. Don't get me wrong... the struggle of sinful temptation continually rears it's head within me. Yet no matter the struggle I believe ultimately the battle ground lies within the wills... our will or God's will. With issues of sin it is an obvious departure from God's will in favor of my own, and the two are in direct conflict with each other. But even with issues between what is good (or okay) for my life verses what is best, the lines of battle are still drawn within the will. I believe God wants not only what is right for my life, but also what is best.
It should not be surprising to me to see how cause and effect works this way in my life. When I continually choose what's "okay/good" in life over what is "best" the effects can be a gradual deterioration until I find myself struggling between what is "right" or "wrong."
My devotional this morning was timely and a couple statements have really made me think. In regards to the renewing of our minds (that aligns our thinking, emotions, and behavior to that of God's Spirit) we need the help of the Holy Spirit. But yet there is a work for us do by "speaking the truth in our thoughts... to submit to the Spirit’s work within." The more I allow the Word of God to dwell in my heart and mind, the more I choose not only what is right, but also what is best for my life. This too is a matter of cause and effect.

The Calm in the Storm...

Sometime early this morning I awoke to the sound of rain drops pelting the bedroom window... It was like tiny rocks being thrown against the window pane. Although at first I was startled, once I realized what it was I lay there in the comfort of my bed just listening. The low roll of thunder could be heard in the distance as well. I had no problem returning to my slumber as the steady hit of rain drops played what seemed to be a lullaby.
I recall the song from my childhood by Eddie Rabbit, "I love a rainy night. I love a rainy night. I love to hear the thunder; watch the lighting as it lights-up-the-sky. You know it makes me feel good." Wow... I meant to only put the title, but I got lost in the moment! At least you didn't have to hear me singing, snapping my fingers and bobbing my head. Inevitably the DJ would play that song anytime it rained.
I have a lot of wonderful childhood memories involving storms... thunder storms, snow storms, rain showers. Even the ones that seemed scary at the time are now looked upon with a certain nostalgia.
I realize that other storms of life are not looked upon with fond memories. Very often emotional storms carry right over into adulthood... storms that never seem to cease, brought about by experiences one could only hope had never happened. Some have experienced horrendous crimes against them as children. But for most the storms they may continue to weather started much more subtle and came in the form of angry words, lack of affection, and other emotional whirlwinds.
My devotional this morning dealt with giving children a firm foundation of God's love and the salvation of Christ. Modeling this before them is essential. By doing so the memories of storms will be more of how to weather them by God's mighty hand. After all, Jesus is the one who "rebuked the winds and the waves" (Matthew 8:26) and He brings calmness into people's lives. Jesus is the calm in the midst of the storm.

Oh, For The Love of Coffee...

Coffee did not appeal to me at all until I was in the Air Force. After basic training at Lackland AFB I moved to Shepherd AFB in Texas to do my job training. It was while I was there that I began to drink coffee. As one of the squadron leaders while in training... I made sure everyone under my responsibility were in their rooms at night and made sure they were up the next morning. This also meant that I was usually one of the last ones to bed and one of the first ones up. Doing that, and then being in class for a full day, made for some really heavy eyelids, and dozing during class was not an option.
So to help stay awake I began to take those No-Doze caffeine pills... that was, until one day while sitting in class my hands and arms just began shaking and I couldn't make them stop. Reading the packaging I discovered developing the shakes was one of the side effects. It read to discontinue use immediately, and so I did. But what was I to do now? And that's when I began to drink coffee.
It's funny what will come to your mind, a flash from the past, when you're faced with a disappointment in the present. This morning I started the coffee maker first thing, and was really looking forward to a cup fresh, hot coffee as I fixed breakfast for my oldest. Today I had two skillets going with hash browns sizzling in one and eggs over medium in the other... And that's when I heard it
The coffee pot sounded as though it was about finished... I turned in happy expectation only to realize I had not put the pot back in it's place! The dark water, along with coffee grounds, was spilling out from under the lid of the coffee maker. I quickly placed the pot in it's place only to make for more of a flowing stream of coffee and grounds to spill all over the counter top. It's things like this that could make a preacher curse!
My hash browns were getting really brown... my eggs were becoming over-hard. And all I could think about was "Why in the world did I start drinking coffee in the first place!"
Oh, Lord, guide my heart and my actions this day. Be glorified through my life. I will praise you in the good and the bad, for you are always with me... Your Spirit confirms your presence within me. May I reveal Christ's love to this world today... with or without coffee!

Zacchaeus in the Tune of Grunge...

Yesterday I began leading chapel again for a local Christian school (kindergarten through the 5th grade). This has always been a great time for me because I love sharing with kids this age. We looked at the account recorded in Luke chapter 19 of Zacchaeus, the tax collector.
To begin our time together I asked for three volunteers to come down front to give their rendition of the song "Zacchaeus was a wee little man, and a wee little man was he." I explained that I was looking for three different styles of music: opera, country, and grunge. As I was scanning the crowd among all the raised hands and small voices saying "Ooh, me, me!" seeking to find someone who could do the grunge, I saw this little girl with her hand raised high. I asked her "You think you can sing this in grunge?" She enthusiastically said yes.
So I had my singers down front. I started with this little girl to sing grunge. She was cute in her frilly dress and two long pigtails. I gave her some unsolicited advice to sing like Cookie Monster. She began and it was great! All the kids in the bleachers roared in laughter, claps, and cheers.  This little girl really got into it. I told her she defied all stereotypes of what a grunge singer should look like.
The other two kids did great as well, but I was just totally surprised by how this little girl did with her grunge rendition of the Zacchaeus song.  This was actually an illustration to go along with my devotional this morning of challenging the status quo.
We all carry assumptions about people, groups, cultures that need to be challenged. If we merely accept and live out of these assumptions we will miss out on so much more that God would have for us. It seemed that Jesus was constantly challenging people about what I call ignorant belief (not knowing why they believe what they believe). I think I will end with the same quote as my devotional: “The unexamined life is not worth living.” —Socrates

Zoned Out...

Last night I was on my way home from a board meeting in the community. As I traveled along the familiar roads of downtown Howell I must admit that I kinda zoned... lost in thought, taking in the yellow lines. There was not much traffic out, the roads were wet with the light mist falling, and the street lights made a rather picturesque scene as they gleaned off the wet streets. When all of a sudden my left hand hit the turn signal and instinctively I began to move to the left into the center lane to turn! I was caught off guard because I genuinely had no conscious thought of turning... it was almost like an automatic reflex. I guess I really did have the auto pilot on! I think it must be an enhanced cruise control feature on the car.
This makes me think how we can sometimes just cruise through daily activities without much thought of what we're doing or how we're doing. How are you doing this morning? What are you doing? These are a couple of questions I must stop to ask myself in hopes of snapping back to reality at times. This can be where our spiritual enemy prepares a sneak attack; when we're zoned out from the reality of our thoughts and actions. If we're not careful we can slip into an automatic mode of our sinful nature (to include unhealthy habits). Only later to snap back and wonder how we could have done that!
My devotional this morning concerned the return of Christ and how as Christians we "ought to live 'soberly, right­eously, and godly' in the light of Christ’s certain return (Titus 2:12)." May we keep our focused on the reality of God's presence in our lives.

That's How I Roll...

It seems that the older I get the more I like things certain ways, where as before it didn't seem to matter. One of those is the toilet paper roll... Used to be that I didn't care which way the paper rolled off the roll, just as long as I had it there when needed. But now I really like to have it roll from the top. Don't get me wrong, I'll still take it any way it rolls as long as it's there when needed.
With age comes the wisdom to know that this is not a battle I wish to take on with the members of my household; who just hap hazardly places the roll on the holder. It is simply easier for me to flip the roll than to try to convert the family.
Things as small and insignificant as which way the toilet paper comes off the roll can serve as triggers igniting the fuse to deeper pinned up frustration. In my own life I have learned that what sets me off is usually not what I'm really angry at. But rather it's just enough to begin a chain reaction of emotion resulting from unresolved issues. The less I tend to deal with issues that bother me, the more I tend to lose my cool and misdirect my anger. This is when I usually say things I regret later, or may go overboard in reacting to a small infraction the kids may commit.
Proverbs 29:22 states, "An angry person stirs up conflict, and a hot-tempered person commits many sins" Oh, how true this is! My devotional this morning made the following statements, "We do a disservice to ourselves and others when we portray Christian life as peaceful and happy all the time. Instead, the Bible portrays the believer's life as consisting of seasons of ups and downs."
Life happens and it's not always good and fair. But we must remember to invite God's Spirit in on the front end to deal appropriately with life events. Rather than seeking, so often, God's Spirit after the fact for forgiveness.

An Expert In My Own Mind...

Making a hot breakfast for the kids before school has continued to be a fun experience for me. There have been times of trial and error, but the kids haven't responded by poking their food with their fork and asking 'What is it?'... at least not yet! I am glad to report that homemade hash browns can now be added to my repertoire of breakfast foods to make. I've still got a thing or two to learn about the importance of meal presentation. I grated the potatoes early this morning before I needed to. This resulted in the potatoes turning a dark color that became even darker when I heated them. They tasted fine, but it took some coaxing before my daughter would finally try them. Her initial response upon being served this delicious potato delight was, "It's moldy!" "It's not mold" I said, "It's... just... Oh, just try it... you'll like it." I don't think she ever got over the appearance.
Angela (although she loves it that I'm cooking breakfast) thinks I've turned into a kitchen commando who all of a sudden believes himself to be a cooking expert. Take for instance this morning when she decided to do a little cooking for herself, I kept trying to give her some cooking advice... it wasn't well received. Her response was to turn in my direction with the spatula in one hand, the other hand on her hip and said, "One week of mornings in the kitchen made you an expert has it?" Of all the times in our relationship that we may have miss-communicated to each other, this was not one of them. Without saying a word I slowly turned (not for sure what might happen with that spatula) and walked away.
My devotion this morning included Christ's invitation for the weary and burdened to come to Him for rest and peace. Interestingly enough Jesus says that the rest and peace offered through Him is hidden from the wise and learned of this world. I think it's because we sometimes think we know it all... we're the experts at knowing what we need. Sadly, we don't. We must be as "little children" trusting and relying upon our heavenly Father. It is through the Spirit of Christ that "you will find rest for your souls" (Matthew 11:29).

From Pride to Gratitude...

Yesterday and today have both started off rushed leaving very little time to blog. I have had the opportunity to share in two important community events (yesterday morning and again this morning). Today's involves participating in a strategic planning group for our county.
As I think about my involvement in a group like this I have noticed a shift in attitude within me from one of pride to one of gratitude. I admit that earlier on in my ministry I looked for opportunities like this in order to build myself up... "Hey, look at me" kinda thing. But over the years as I have drawn closer to God my heart's perspective has changed to one of gratitude.
I am grateful that our community recognizes and invites pastoral perspective from the faith community to the table. I am grateful to God for opening the doors for inclusion of His presence in the planning process. When I stop to really think about what God has allowed I am humbled.
My devotional this morning dealt with this very issue of selfish ambition. At the end of the devotion is this statement: "Ambition is short-sighted if our focus is not on God." Lord, may I be your instrument this day. Use me however you will for your glory. Amen.

The Brain Vs. Reality...

I can recall the time when I was a kid my Mom called me in for dinner one hot summer day. I can't recall exactly what I had been doing, but I do remember being hot and very thirsty. I was the last of my brothers to make it inside and found that the table was almost set. In my spot was a very familiar looking dark brown Tupperware cup filled about three quarters of the way full... I was glad to see it. I asked one of my brothers what was in the cup to drink (you really can't tell inside those dark cups like that, other than milk). He told me it was water, and at that point my brain sent messages to my mouth to prepare for a cool refreshing coming. Without questioning I quickly picked up the cup and began to quench my thirst. Boy, was I in for a rude awakening... it was not water! Inside my Tupperware tumbler was very tart lemonade! There was no way my brain was prepared for such a reality. 
This morning I'm doing a lot of remembering. As I sit and contemplate my heart I am drawn to the memories of 10 years ago. My devotion this morning had to do with the confidence of being with the Lord even upon death (2 Cor. 5:8). This weekend was busy, but good. And I don't think I've really allowed for myself, personally the time to pause and reflect on the events of 9-11.
I had gone to the church office as usual... the church I served at the time had a daycare. My routine was to spend a little bit of time with the kids as they ate breakfast... just silly stuff and high fives. I remember being in my office when the secretary came in saying that Angela, my wife, was on the phone and that a plane had crashed into a building in New York. Even before speaking to my wife immediately my mind tried to picture what I had just heard.  But I soon found out that the picture I had in my mind did not even begin to capture the reality of what was happening.
Rushing to find a TV to watch the coverage I saw the second plane hit the other tower... even witnessing it myself seemed like something from a movie and not for real. Then the news of the Pentagon and Pennsylvania came in. Questions began to enter my head of 'what's next?' and 'is my family safe?'.
As I look back on those brief moments in my office when I first received the news, I realize that there was no way my brain was prepared for the reality of what was really happening.

Listen and Execute...

"When you're late you run!" These were the famous words uttered, and never forgotten, by my high school football coach, Coach Cullivan. That statement has served me as both a warning and faithful instruction for life. That was many years ago and I can still hear his scruffy voice echoing through my memory banks. Coach Cullivan was a very memorable character... In between spits of tobacco he had a lot to say about football and life.  He had been our high school football coach for many years and he was respected, it seemed to me, by everyone around our small town. As a player on his team you listened and executed his instructions... you did not talk, you listened and executed.
My younger brother, Jeff, and I played together on the high school football team. We are separated by 19 months in age, and especially in the whole football uniform ensemble we looked very much alike. I was a fullback and Jeff was a quarterback. During a scrimmage game, before our season opener (and wearing our white practice jerseys with no numbers) Coach Cullivan yelled out from on the sideline "HARRIS." With helmet on, chin strap buckled, and mouth piece in place I ran up beside Coach Cullivan. He placed his arm around my shoulder pads and gave me the next play for the offense to run. As the referee placed the ball on the line of scrimmage, blew his whistle, and gave the signaling motion with his arm to start I was already in the huddle giving the play.
But there was confusion in the huddle... where was the quarterback? It was then I realized coach had sent in the wrong Harris!  Coach, seeing the confusion out on the field, spitting his tobacco in disgust, scream out onto the field, "Harris, what's the problem?" It was then my brother made his amazing appearance beside the coach from on the sideline. Coach looked at him and then turned toward me with his head tilted to one side and a furrowed brow... there was a momentary pause in the space time continuum and everything seemed to go still and quiet. Then coach exclaimed toward the heavens in a very loud voice, with his head shaking back and forth "Harris, get off the field!" Coach didn't have to say it twice... I booked it toward the sideline, meeting my brother half way as he hurried onto the field. We gave a passing glance and I shrugged my shoulders and shook my head to communicate "It's not my fault!" That mistake never happened again.
My devotional this morning dealt with God producing the harvest from the sowing of His word in people's hearts. We don't have to understand fully how God operates in people's lives, but we must be faithful to listen to His plan and execute His commands. And somehow God will cause the necessary growth. But we must be willing to get off the sidelines and enter the game...

Was Lost, But Now Is Found...

When it comes to sleeping habits, I'm more of an early bird and my wife is a night owl... That's why I take on most of the responsibility of getting the kids up and off to school. Part of my morning routine since school has started is to fix the kids a hot breakfast. So far, this first week of school has included hot ham & cheese bagels, gravy & biscuits, and this morning my family famous omelets.
This morning I searched and searched for my favorite omelet making skillet, but I could not find it. My oldest, which was the only child up so far, had no idea where it could have been (even though he had had the responsibility of putting the dishes away the day before). I continued searching and searching... through cabinets it had no business being in, and in drawers that it was too small to fit in anyway... but I was desperate.
My son suggested I go wake up Mom and ask her where the skillet was, but there was a certain amount of pride at stake here that I was not willing to give in to. As my son finished his morning routine I continued my frantic search. I knew it had to be in the kitchen, BUT WHERE?!
I knew if I went and asked my wife for assistance that, more than likely, she would march right to it... and it would be in a place I had already searched. We had a friend cleverly refer to a woman's innate ability to locate lost items as "uterian radar."
Causing my wife to have wake form her slumber would have earned me the "look"... and I would have been left standing there uttering incomplete sentences like "But I..., How did you... Oh, never mind!"
Picturing this whole scenerio in my head, with arms crossed, and one hand on my chin... I began my search again. And after several minutes, and a few clanging pots and pan... SUCCESS! I found it hidden in plain site right where it was suppose to be. I'm so glad my wife will never know....
I'm not sure if there is a spiritual meaning to this whole story... I guess it would be how we view God sometimes. At times we seem to frantically search for Him when He's been right there all along. Or at other times we refuse to seek Him because of our own stubborn pride. Or, it could mean that God's given us everything we need, but will not always place it in our hands without some effort on our part.
Whatever it means... I'm really cooking now!

Justice in an Unfair World...

Sometimes I think I have an over-active sense of justice. When things appear as unfair I have a need to mention it. This really plays itself out with my kids... Why is it siblings tend to pick at each other, and try to get 'one over' on the other more than with perfect strangers?! Oh well... as I look back on my own childhood with my three brothers it was much the same.
My devotional this morning dealt with this very issue - Justice. At the end of the devotional there was a line that read, "Life is not fair, but God is always faithful." I believe this statement 100%... but then how do I curve this over-active sense of justice within me, and keep from losing my mind when watching the 6 o'clock news about the unfairness that has happened all over the world?
First, I must not fret over things I have absolutely no control over. Secondly, when dealing with issues that do directly involve me I must look to the Bible for guidance and seek the Holy Spirit to go before me in dealing with the issue. And third, I must learn to LET GO and move on concerning life's fairness sometimes.
If I held on to the unfairness that I've experienced in my life I would be more of a wreck than I already am! And, if I tried to exact justice (or my version of justice) upon those who have been unfair to me I'm convinced I would be a miserable soul.
I must focus my attention to be fair rather than being so concerned about unfairness. This will help me to live out the words expressed in Colossians 3:15 to "Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts..."

Measuring Success in Life...

Measuring up was a theme in my devotional reading this morning... How do we measure success in our lives? It would seem that for many (if not most) the criteria for successful living would fall back to what has been implanted within them by life experiences. Some have had very positive experiences... but those positive experiences do not seem to be the instruments used by many folks to measure their lives. In fact, I believe, the negative experiences of life tend to be the tool used by individuals to judge how successful their life has been... and the tool used to set much of life's goals.
Many of life's negative experiences tend to be the minimum factors that we strive to overcome in our lifetime. The negative becomes the catalyst in our lives to do better... and I suppose that is very natural (and good). But I'm feeling some uneasiness within me as I consider all this based upon some of the lives I've had the privilege to interact with over the years.
It seems to me we spend a lot of time striving NOT to become someone (or something) we've experienced in the past. By doing this do we have an accurate picture of what we're striving TO BE? I also wonder if by default we tend to judge others by those same negative experiences in our own lives... and is that fair to them?
Jesus teaches us not to judge or condemn, but to forgive (Luke 6:37). I'm guessing this is necessary because we are not very accurate judges of our own lives, much less the lives of others. And in my limited experience it is through the forgiveness of the past that sets us on a new course of success in life.

Internal Climate Control...

Last day of summer (at least summer vacation) and it fells like fall... A cold front moved through dropping the temperature from the 90's two days ago to barely 60 this morning. Add in the wind and the temperature is in the 50's. A big change almost overnight! Fall is my favorite time of year though, so I really don't mind the coolness.
It's made me think about how quickly my internal temperature can change from being cool to hot sometimes... and it can happen in a matter of minutes. If I'm not mistaken the weather man calls it a "ridge of high pressure" that moves in and with it usually comes warmer temps.  Yep, it's much the same with me... high pressure pushes in causing the internal temp to increase as well.
Oh, how I need the Holy Spirit to work in my life to bring about climate control... an internal thermostat that works to maintain an even flow of love. This his how God's Holy Spirit will work in any of our lives if we will yield our will to His. This is my prayer...

Tears Expose the Heart...

Today I will perform a wedding for a young couple. Yesterday at the rehearsal certain family members expressed many tears... tears of joy I'm sure. It's a bitter, sweet time in their lives as one chapter ends and another begins. My devotional today recounted the tears of Jesus as he wept over Jerusalem (Luke 19:41). His were tears of sorrow and grief because of the destruction brought on by sin.
Tears expose what is going on in the heart most every time... I say most every time because I have known folks who could manufacture tears at the drop of a hat. But for most of us it is important that we examine our hearts when the tears appear. Very often when tears begin we reach for a tissue (or one is provided to us from someone close by). Have you ever noticed how tissues work real well at stopping tears. I guess because our immediate response to tears is uncomfortableness, and we want to make them stop.
I suggest we allow the tears to run... usually they are caused from the overflow emotion of the heart. Examine your heart and invite the Lord to help bring peace.  For he knows your heart and He knows what you need.