This morning I am reminded of the importance of always running every thought through God's filter. Integrity is a process that requires every thought (thus every action) to be brought before God's throne for His approval. Anything unworthy for His children will be discarded at once.
To be discarded does not mean to put that thought 'back on the shelf' as it were to be brought out later. As 'far as the east is from the west' is how far God has removed my sins. I too, should separate from my mind 'as far as the east is from the west' any thought that may hinder me in any way.
God expects no less and He gives us the strength to do just that with the empowerment of the Holy Spirit within us.
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Monday, October 10, 2011
Marriage Should Exhibit Mutual Support and Encouragement
This weekend, I was reminded of the beauty of God's gift of marriage to us.
It rained on the farm... No, you don't understand. When I say rain I REALLY MEAN RAIN! We received just over 12 inches of rain over the past weekend. Last week our little farm looked like paradise on earth. Sheep lazily grazing, chickens chasing bugs and laying copious eggs, vegetables growing all over the place ... beautiful!
Then it rained, and rained, and rained, and rained. The winds gusted to 50 miles per hour and a leak developed in my office. Vegetables were tattered and torn and now are disease-prone. Our barn floor looks like a lake. Animals had to be moved to higher ground.
I was discouraged, downtrodden and depressed. Yet, in the midst of it all, Kay takes my hand and says "Let's pray". She prays for our farm but also fills me with encouragement and hope by reminding me that God is ultimately in control. We've been through the valley before and we can make it yet once again if we set our sights on the mountaintop.
Later in the day, I had the opportunity to give her some support as she was looking over the deluge of water. I was reminded of God's strength because she reminded me earlier. I was able to wrap my arms around her and tell her that it will be OK.
Isn't that what marriage is all about? Having a life-long friend and companion to walk hand-in-hand through the trials and the successes of life. When was the last time you took time to really bless your best friend... your spouse? Do it today!
It rained on the farm... No, you don't understand. When I say rain I REALLY MEAN RAIN! We received just over 12 inches of rain over the past weekend. Last week our little farm looked like paradise on earth. Sheep lazily grazing, chickens chasing bugs and laying copious eggs, vegetables growing all over the place ... beautiful!
Then it rained, and rained, and rained, and rained. The winds gusted to 50 miles per hour and a leak developed in my office. Vegetables were tattered and torn and now are disease-prone. Our barn floor looks like a lake. Animals had to be moved to higher ground.
I was discouraged, downtrodden and depressed. Yet, in the midst of it all, Kay takes my hand and says "Let's pray". She prays for our farm but also fills me with encouragement and hope by reminding me that God is ultimately in control. We've been through the valley before and we can make it yet once again if we set our sights on the mountaintop.
Later in the day, I had the opportunity to give her some support as she was looking over the deluge of water. I was reminded of God's strength because she reminded me earlier. I was able to wrap my arms around her and tell her that it will be OK.
Isn't that what marriage is all about? Having a life-long friend and companion to walk hand-in-hand through the trials and the successes of life. When was the last time you took time to really bless your best friend... your spouse? Do it today!
Saturday, October 1, 2011
Dads of Courage
Kay and I saw the movie 'Courageous' last night. It is a must see for EVERY Dad no matter what age. I am encouraged, inspired and challenged to step up my ability to be a Dad to a whole new level after watching the movie.
It easy being a Father, its a different story being a Dad. Any wimp can become a Father. We need to only look around our society at all of the homes without a man in the house to see how easy it is to wimp out at being a Dad.
Stand up for what is right, men. Ignore and walk against this stupid society that promotes selfishness and be a man! Give ALL of yourself to your wife and you children and don't ever, ever, ever stop!
Stand up and be a man! Be the ROCK that holds your family together against ANY storm that attempts to break your family apart!
It easy being a Father, its a different story being a Dad. Any wimp can become a Father. We need to only look around our society at all of the homes without a man in the house to see how easy it is to wimp out at being a Dad.
Stand up for what is right, men. Ignore and walk against this stupid society that promotes selfishness and be a man! Give ALL of yourself to your wife and you children and don't ever, ever, ever stop!
Stand up and be a man! Be the ROCK that holds your family together against ANY storm that attempts to break your family apart!
Monday, September 26, 2011
Timing... Our's or God's!
Have you ever noticed how our timing is rarely the same as God's? Kay and I are slowly creating a farm environment that will have produce available in the fall, winter, and spring. Kay will also be offering farm tours and lesson plans that comply with the Sunshine State Standards. What an awesome way to show children about where their food comes from and the importance of viable and sustainable agriculture.
We want to 'go.. go.. go..' to get things up and going and yet God has us going along at a deliberate slow pace, paying for things in cash instead of going into debt. I certainly see His reasoning with the economy in the tank and so many monetary systems on the brink of collapse, still it's hard to move so slow sometimes.
We have these hopes and dreams for this farm and I wonder what God has in store for our farm that we haven't even considered yet. It is up to us to either stay under the protection of our Lord, moving onward when He says or going out there and winging it on our own. As hard as it is, I choose to go God's speed and pray that those around me will hold me accountable in this regard.
We want to 'go.. go.. go..' to get things up and going and yet God has us going along at a deliberate slow pace, paying for things in cash instead of going into debt. I certainly see His reasoning with the economy in the tank and so many monetary systems on the brink of collapse, still it's hard to move so slow sometimes.
We have these hopes and dreams for this farm and I wonder what God has in store for our farm that we haven't even considered yet. It is up to us to either stay under the protection of our Lord, moving onward when He says or going out there and winging it on our own. As hard as it is, I choose to go God's speed and pray that those around me will hold me accountable in this regard.
Saturday, September 10, 2011
Seeds
I came home from work last night to a box a seeds that were just delivered for our farm (Google 'Abundant Blessings Farm, LLC' for more farm info). The seeds are all packaged by variety and stacked neatly for our use.
Have you put much thought into a seed? Inside each of every seed in that box is the genetic code of the parent from which they were derived. These days the wonder of this has been removed by the scientific minds of our day and we toss around terms like 'DNA' without giving it much further thought. But really, have you ever considered the miracle that awaits in each and every seed?
As a farmer, my wife will lovingly place each seed in the soil (or growing media because we grow hydroponics as well). She will make sure that each gets the correct amount of water and nutrients (i.e. food) do develop into a mature plant. She will carefully train the branches (pruning where necessary) so that they will be fruitful and multiply. She will protect the plants from pests and diseases that seek to harm and destroy.
What an incredible miracle... each and every seed!
In the same manner, we are God's seed. He places us here and wants to tend, nurture, prune when necessary so that will be fruitful by telling others about Him and leading them to Christ. That is how we multiply.
We get caught up in labels of who we are by what we do (Mom, Dad, Fireman, Farmer, Banker, Lobbyist, etc.) yet that is just what we do part of our life. We came from a seed that was planted by God. Our purpose... our true purpose in life is to do just as those seeds in the box in our kitchen. Our true purpose is to grow in Christ and bring others to the understanding of His redeeming and saving grace that is available to all who choose to believe.
I can't wait to plant those seeds!
Have you put much thought into a seed? Inside each of every seed in that box is the genetic code of the parent from which they were derived. These days the wonder of this has been removed by the scientific minds of our day and we toss around terms like 'DNA' without giving it much further thought. But really, have you ever considered the miracle that awaits in each and every seed?
As a farmer, my wife will lovingly place each seed in the soil (or growing media because we grow hydroponics as well). She will make sure that each gets the correct amount of water and nutrients (i.e. food) do develop into a mature plant. She will carefully train the branches (pruning where necessary) so that they will be fruitful and multiply. She will protect the plants from pests and diseases that seek to harm and destroy.
What an incredible miracle... each and every seed!
In the same manner, we are God's seed. He places us here and wants to tend, nurture, prune when necessary so that will be fruitful by telling others about Him and leading them to Christ. That is how we multiply.
We get caught up in labels of who we are by what we do (Mom, Dad, Fireman, Farmer, Banker, Lobbyist, etc.) yet that is just what we do part of our life. We came from a seed that was planted by God. Our purpose... our true purpose in life is to do just as those seeds in the box in our kitchen. Our true purpose is to grow in Christ and bring others to the understanding of His redeeming and saving grace that is available to all who choose to believe.
I can't wait to plant those seeds!
Monday, September 5, 2011
Simplicity is What We Make It
Six episodes of The Andy Griffith Show, that is how I spent a good part of my Sabboth day of rest. What draws us to that show?
For me it has to do with a simpler lifestyle. Family and town folk caring and looking out for each other. A church bizaar or picnic being the focus. Simply sitting on the porch and watching the sun set.
Why is this so hard for us? Why do we allow the world and society around us to push us into their mold of rush, rush, rush and always being active for ... well, active's sake?
We have a farm so time is of the essence for us with all the chores to get done each day. Many lives of both two-legged and four-legged animals depend on us to care for them. That said, it is up to ME to carve out that 'simpler lifestyle' in my day.
How do you do it? How do you make sure that you don't get caught up in the whirlwind of life?
For me it has to do with a simpler lifestyle. Family and town folk caring and looking out for each other. A church bizaar or picnic being the focus. Simply sitting on the porch and watching the sun set.
Why is this so hard for us? Why do we allow the world and society around us to push us into their mold of rush, rush, rush and always being active for ... well, active's sake?
We have a farm so time is of the essence for us with all the chores to get done each day. Many lives of both two-legged and four-legged animals depend on us to care for them. That said, it is up to ME to carve out that 'simpler lifestyle' in my day.
How do you do it? How do you make sure that you don't get caught up in the whirlwind of life?
Monday, August 29, 2011
Gods Purpose for Me is Right Under My Nose
I get hyped up (often it seems) to seek out God's purpose for me. I think of grandiose things like serving in the Sudan or working with Samaritan's Purse Disaster Relief full-time. I've considered ministry and have longed to leadership in whatever church I'm attending.
I can't tell you if it is wisdom that comes with age(ing) or if God is finally just able to connect with e through my thick skull after all these years, but I'm starting to understand my purpose better.
It doesn't come with some great plan of things to come but instead comes in the everyday. God wants to use me right here, right now. It may be only speaking to one person today and portraying the love of Christ but it is today.
I'm a planner in general so this is hard for me. Yet I hear God telling me not to forget His purpose for me today while I'm busily planning out tomorrow.
Pray for God to use you TODAY and be open to His leading. If tomorrow comes... repeat!
Matthew 6:34 tells us "Don't worry about tomorrow...". I'm going to set that in my heart today.
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