SonRise!

These are some pictures I took with Jake Gwinn (check him out at www.jakegwinnphotoblog,blogspot.com )last summer. We got up early and found a nice little spot next to a nasty, stinky hospital bedding cleaning place... but it had a fantastic view of the Easten sky and the Kansas City skyline. I am thankful for the blessings in my life and am mindful, particularly this year of those who struggle so much with the holidays for one reason or another. I am thankful for the birth of Christ. Had it not been for his birth, he would not have walked the earth and been crucified for my sin. Had it not been for the birth of Christ, we would not have had an opportunity to see the Son rise from the dead. I hope that amid all the hustle and bustle of the Christmas season, we may be mindful of the ultimate Christmas gift - the one that matters more than toys, clothes, jewelry or tools - the gift of a Son, an advocate, One who would go before the Father on our behalf

Merry Christmas!

On Track

SO, this last semester has been an unbelievably difficult challenge for me. There is so much I have learned and at the same time so much left to learn. I have been blessed to study under doctrinally sound, Godly, and challenging professors. I have been stretched beyond limits I didn't imagine possible. I have questioned my beliefs, my foundations and my faith and often came out with answers that are uncomfortable and life changing. I am encouraged and my faith is strengthened by the fact that many of my thoughts, processes, and understanding may change drastically, but a few things remain. The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. He gave himself up to be crucified on a cross and sacrificed himself for my forgiveness. On Sunday morning, the tomb where he was laid was empty. He is coming back to take me home.


There have been many times when things get tight that I wonder if we are doing the right thing. The future seems foggy and uncertain. The present is often times even less clear. Late nights, long days, crossed eyes and headaches - and I have never been more sure. God is working on me like a potter and clay. Even though it hurts and is difficult, I see what he is doing in my life.


I have never been closer to my kids or more involved with every aspect of their lives. Even under the circumstances, there is a peace about our house and in my relationship with my wife that I haven't known for years. God has promised to provide for those who are faithful to him, but being faithful to him means selling out, going all in, or putting it all on the line. Lukewarm doesn't cut it.


I pray that I may remain on track, and keep the derailments away (however minor they may be). I pray that my focus may remain solely on Jesus Christ, the author and perfecter of my faith and that every decision in my life is made with his purpose and his will in mind. I pray that I may constantly make my way toward living a life that is free from sin and the bondage it bring.


We are all called to live our lives in this way in whatever we are doing. it doesn't make a difference who we work for or with, we are called to be the incarnation of the love of Christ to all people. Stay on track. Avoid the pride, materialism and greed that our affluent culture drives us toward. Live for him each day, each hour, each moment.

Homeless

As They were walking along the road a man said to him, "I will follow you wherever you go." Jesus replied, "foxes have dens and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head."As they were walking along the road, a man said to him, “I will follow you wherever you go.” Jesus replied, “Foxes have dens and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head.”

Luke 9:57-58

This world is not my home, I'm just a passin' through. My treasures are laid up somewhere beyond the blue. The angels beckon me to Heaven's open door and I can't feel at home in this world anymore.

All too often, we do feel quite comfortable and at home in this world. We talk of Heaven and speak of readiness for the Day of the Lord to come but, truth be told, we would just as soon he hold off for a little while. We feel we are owed a little more in this life. We have more to accomplish, more to experience. May we live in this place as visitors who are here for a while only to be called home to bow in worship at the feet of the Almighty God. And may we live each day, each moment, each breath in purposeful service to the Kingdom

Finishing off Chicago

Here are the last of the pics from Chicago. Hopefully time for more reflective thoughts will be coming soon. I need it.

Chicago Skyline

It has been way too long. Life has been crazy. but here are a few more pictures from Chicago.

Millenium Park

We took a trip to Chicago this summer thanks to the USAG (I think). We were able to tag along with Heather while she was there for a gymnastics judges symposium. After landing at Midway we went downtown and hung out in Millenium Park. There is a reflecting stream below as well as the "Cloud Gate" also known as the Bean. It is a large chrome "kidney bean" looking structure. Very pretty!

There was also a garden with very unique views of a portion of the skyline. Bottom left is a fountain and sprayground. The fountains were video boards with faces on them. Also a very cool place. I wish we would have been able to see it at night...
This was day one of Chicago. There was so much to photograph, I felt overwhelmed.

Water

I was reminded recently of the severe amounts of water that we waste in this country. There are many in countries around the world who will walk for miles for a jar full of clean water. There are many who will drink from pools of water that I would not consider walking in for fear of getting my shoes dirty. I am grateful to live in a country where water is plentiful, but I pray for the wisdom and clarity to live with even the simplest of things, like clean water, at the forefront of my thankfulness. May I not take for granted the luxuries of life that I have. Even more importantly, may I resist the tendency to grow dependent on these things and procure an attitude of ownership for them as if they were owed to me. May my reliance be on my God for providence and my trust be in Him alone.

Living Water; a difficult thought to comprehend. Let us drink from His water and we will thirst no more. Give me water from the well, that never runs dry. Give me water from the well that gives me hope when I die.

Peace.