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.