When you think about taking care of yourself what do you generally think of? Working out, being in shape, eating right, getting enough sleep and so on!? What about your heart, your marriage, your relationship with your children?
I have come to see the importance of taking care of myself in all those ways but even more important is taking care of myself by giving love and attention to my wife and kids. There is something deeply moving and intimate about spending real time with them that have become moments I will charrish forever. I am blessed to have a busy wife that is beautiful, a great mommy, and cares for others, who will slow down even for a TV show to sit with me and cuddle on the couch.
Most of us who have been married for more than five years don't give a second thought to what it felt like to be single and alone with no one to truly love and spend time with. Now, I think of how that felt often. I remember how much I wanted to be able to share my heart and time with someone that I was "In Love With."
God has blessed us with marriage and children. He has given us the gift of love and intimacy. Im not talking about sex, while that even has it's place in intimacy. I'm talking about the intimacy of two hearts joined as one in God's eyes and supporting each other in their hopes and dreams. Two hearts that join in hands walking on the beach, hiking in the Tundra (or the park for those who have no tundra). Sitting on a swing together, watching the waves crash on the shore, walking and talking, hugging, cuddling under a blanket, putting up Christmas lights, eating as a family at the table. The last one we started doing back in April of this past year (2010). Think about it, if you haven't eaten as a family at the table other than Thanks Giving or Christmas dinners, you most likely do what we have done for so many years even as children. You sit in front of the TV with no conversation because your attention is on shoveling mouthfulls of food into your body while you watch a show. There is no communication and just consuming. I never realized how good it feels to sit at the table and eat together. We connect more. Our girls love it that we sit as a family.
So, taking care of myself is implimenting things that have been done throughout history as a family that were good family practices and running with them. So now I run! I take hold of the moments and run adding them to my memories photo album. My heart is hers. The more I take care of myself, I take care of us. The more I hold on the moments of embrace, or the kisses, or looking into her eyes, I am taking care of us. Every time I hold my girls on my lap or bathe them in kisses and say "Daddy loves you" I am taking care of us.
Are you Taking Care?
Blessings,
Mike III AKA BIG DADDY
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
The Beauty of Gracefullness
Many things inspire me. But there is nothing more inspiring that watching the gracefullness of my wife at most everything she touches. I never really thought about it until this past winter when I took our girls to sit in a warm car while she skated out the outdoor rink in Nome Alaska. Gabby said "mommy's pretty." Daddys reply after a short pause and looking through the windshield to see mommy efortlessly gliding across the ice with speed and making her spins and jumps look like an infant can do it: "Babby girl, Mommy is Beautiful." At that moment I was amazed at her gracefullness. I never had a desire to skate before. In fact, I felt more at home in cleats on the ice than on a thin small blade that was placed in the middle of my foot. The only other two times in my life I had put those things on my feet turned out to be a painful experience. One was as a child for a youth trip with my parents in Omaha Nebraska. The other was a trip I put on myself as a Youth Pastor.
But what is more important is that I am inspired by her grace as she glides across a surface that is cold and unforgiving if a fall takes place.
Do you have something that inspires you to be graceful?
I DO!!
Blessings,
Mike III AKA Big Daddy
But what is more important is that I am inspired by her grace as she glides across a surface that is cold and unforgiving if a fall takes place.
Do you have something that inspires you to be graceful?
I DO!!
Blessings,
Mike III AKA Big Daddy
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
A Joseph Dream
I have been thinking a lot lately about Joseph. He was a dreamer, hense the title of my blog today!
A Joseph dream is something that God can honor. God honored Joseph because he dared to dream. Joseph was open to dreaming God's dream. Through all the noise he still chose to dream God's dream.
Many people live empty and unsatifying lives. Because of this they turn to behaviors that are not honoring to themselves, their families or God. They engage in things to fill the emptiness, sexual immorality of all kinds (no need to go into details, you get the point), drugs and alcohol, even the internet and all that it has to offer good and bad. Even the good things can be consuming and become a binding and controling thing in a life.
Dreaming big can be restricted by these binding things we allow to come into life. We are forced to give into the pain and our families and all those connected to us get hurt. Dreaming big fulfills and brings satisfaction. It's easey to get caught up in life and the busyness of it all... Our challenge is to continue to dream and do active things to fuel the dream and bring it to reality. What are we doing to bring these things to reality?
Working with youth, children, young ladies, the homeless, and so much more can be just the tip of a dream. Doing things that fuel that dream can bring meaning to life and even instill "dreaming" into the lives of our children.
Let's allow God to foster a dream that we work actively to making reality. Open your life and do relevant things that you can accomplish for fulfillment to come into our lives.
Blessings,
Mike III AKA: Big Daddy
A Joseph dream is something that God can honor. God honored Joseph because he dared to dream. Joseph was open to dreaming God's dream. Through all the noise he still chose to dream God's dream.
Many people live empty and unsatifying lives. Because of this they turn to behaviors that are not honoring to themselves, their families or God. They engage in things to fill the emptiness, sexual immorality of all kinds (no need to go into details, you get the point), drugs and alcohol, even the internet and all that it has to offer good and bad. Even the good things can be consuming and become a binding and controling thing in a life.
Dreaming big can be restricted by these binding things we allow to come into life. We are forced to give into the pain and our families and all those connected to us get hurt. Dreaming big fulfills and brings satisfaction. It's easey to get caught up in life and the busyness of it all... Our challenge is to continue to dream and do active things to fuel the dream and bring it to reality. What are we doing to bring these things to reality?
Working with youth, children, young ladies, the homeless, and so much more can be just the tip of a dream. Doing things that fuel that dream can bring meaning to life and even instill "dreaming" into the lives of our children.
Let's allow God to foster a dream that we work actively to making reality. Open your life and do relevant things that you can accomplish for fulfillment to come into our lives.
Blessings,
Mike III AKA: Big Daddy
Friday, September 17, 2010
Pop Rocks
POP ROCKS
Do you remember those little birghtly colored candy that came in a sealed pouch? As kids we would open them up, licking our finger and dipping it into the pouch pulling out a rocky cylinder to put in our mouths. What came next always brought laughter and a smile to our faces. And explosion of poping in our mouths you feel and hear. Some of us would put a handful of pop rocks in our mouths followed by a swig of various sodas.
Why am I writing about pop rocks? Well because it brings a smile to my face to think about it. DUH! :)
And, i was thinking about how it was a simple pleasure in life. Going out on the back portch into the hot sun to sit down with friends and eat our pop rocks, laughing together at the sound and sensation it brought. It was fun. Why not enjoy the simple pleasures in life more often. Even a nap as we are aging can be a simple pleasure. For some this is a grea time of pleasure.
I have two beautiful little girls. Gabby is 4 turning 5 on December 22nd. Gracie is 2 turning 3 on March 13th. One of the pleasures i have recently had is finding things I enjoyed doing, watching, eating, and playing with as a child and exposing them to the same things. I ordered the 80s show "Small Wonder" as part of their Christmas and recently gave them their first taste of POP ROCKS. They weren't the only ones laughing. My parents and wife were laughing at the expression that flew over their faces at the sensation they recieved as the hard brightly colored candy lay in their mouths. At our laughter combined with the sensation they began to giggle and laugh. So, I was thinking. Isn't this what Christ wants for us? I may be juvenile and considered a dreamer, but I believe that Jesus can't wait to play with us in Heaven. To walk with us and talk with us. I belive when I pray over my children at night that they have dreams of playing with the Angels in Heaven and Jesus that is what happens. Recently I prayed this prayer over both my girls as they slept. I glanced down at their faces as I pushed off the edge of the couch and was amazed. What was a sleeping face turned into a bright smile that would bring a tear of joy to any parent. Believe what you want. I know Jesus anshwered my prayer and while they were sleeping Jesus himself was playing with my girls as they slept!
Have a Pop Rock Day today!
Blessings,
Mike III AKA Big Daddy
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Do you wonder?
Do you ever wonder why you have to feel pain? Not physical pain. Physical pain is only temporary. I'm talking about pain of the heart. For any number of reasons we can experience a broken heart. Heart pain is not temporary, and often never leaves. Pain of betrayal, catastrophic death, being let down, and so on never fully heals. Well, I guess there is healing, but only the healing that God brings.
My heart breaks for the students I work with who are lost and searching in the darkness for hope and peace. So many young girls cutting themselves to cope with other pain in their lives. Young men turning to drugs, gangs, and alcohol to cope with insecurities and the lack of love and acceptance in their lives. The wife that suffers through years of a loveless marriage only filled when convienient for the husband. The children caught in the middle. The single male with a long history of being cheated on. The young who lose their parents to death.
All of these are heart pain that never fully heals. I remember a scene in a movie. Lord of the Rings. Froto gets stabbed by a blade from the ghost kings. He is taken into the care of the Elves who treat his wound and keep him from transforming into one of the Nazgool. The elvish king says that he was saved but the wound will never fully heal.
This is what our heart pain is. A never fully healing wound. I believe in reconciliation. I believe by the Power of God our lives can be mended and healed. But the scars still exist. But, what are scars. My body is full of scars. Every scar has a story that when seen is either a reminder of a painful experience or a reminder of a good one. So our scars remind us. They are there forever. The cool thing about God is that He allows us to remember for a reason.
The thing is though, if you are reminded from a scar of a betrayal or catastrophe you have a choice. You can let the scar make you untrusting and bitter, or you can look at the miricle that God gave you and brought about because of that heart hurt.
Speaking as someone who has been hurt and who has been the cause of the hurt, I can say I am thankful that God is merciful and loves me. He has changed me for the better. Although, I struggle and am learning how to act and react to my new self, He is always there saying: "Be patient my son, I love you and will complete the work I began in you."
Today let no one drag you down. Let no one tell you that you are not what God has made you. I with you am a shadow of my former self. We are all changing, so let's change for the better. And, when we look at the scars that remind us of such hurt and pain, let's choose to live, love, and move ahead thanking God for what He has done in our lives...
Blessings,
Mike III
My heart breaks for the students I work with who are lost and searching in the darkness for hope and peace. So many young girls cutting themselves to cope with other pain in their lives. Young men turning to drugs, gangs, and alcohol to cope with insecurities and the lack of love and acceptance in their lives. The wife that suffers through years of a loveless marriage only filled when convienient for the husband. The children caught in the middle. The single male with a long history of being cheated on. The young who lose their parents to death.
All of these are heart pain that never fully heals. I remember a scene in a movie. Lord of the Rings. Froto gets stabbed by a blade from the ghost kings. He is taken into the care of the Elves who treat his wound and keep him from transforming into one of the Nazgool. The elvish king says that he was saved but the wound will never fully heal.
This is what our heart pain is. A never fully healing wound. I believe in reconciliation. I believe by the Power of God our lives can be mended and healed. But the scars still exist. But, what are scars. My body is full of scars. Every scar has a story that when seen is either a reminder of a painful experience or a reminder of a good one. So our scars remind us. They are there forever. The cool thing about God is that He allows us to remember for a reason.
The thing is though, if you are reminded from a scar of a betrayal or catastrophe you have a choice. You can let the scar make you untrusting and bitter, or you can look at the miricle that God gave you and brought about because of that heart hurt.
Speaking as someone who has been hurt and who has been the cause of the hurt, I can say I am thankful that God is merciful and loves me. He has changed me for the better. Although, I struggle and am learning how to act and react to my new self, He is always there saying: "Be patient my son, I love you and will complete the work I began in you."
Today let no one drag you down. Let no one tell you that you are not what God has made you. I with you am a shadow of my former self. We are all changing, so let's change for the better. And, when we look at the scars that remind us of such hurt and pain, let's choose to live, love, and move ahead thanking God for what He has done in our lives...
Blessings,
Mike III
Friday, September 10, 2010
Bedtime Prayer
Every nigth while my children are sleeping I stand at their door, over their bed, or over them asleep on the couch and say a simple prayer. But, in my opinion no prayer is a simple prayer. Have you ever listened to a child pray?
Recently when I was sick with a migrane headache sprawled out on the couch like an injured walruss my beauiful four year old came over and asked me if I was sick. "Yes baby, daddy has a bad headache." Gabby replied, "I will pray for you daddy." I thought she was just saying what she had heard mommy and daddy say a million times in the past to various people. Then she did something I didn't expect. She put her hand on my head and said what to her was a simple prayer of faith. "Jesus, daddy's sick. Heal his sick head. AMEN!"
Now I'm not a small guy so the common misconception people have about me is that I am this tough, bear of a guy who doen't like to show emotion. But, get to know me and talk to those who do (my wife) and you'll find I may be big but to them I am a teddy bear.
With that said, I was shaken to tears which in turn caused my head to throb and eyes to close. Before long I was fast asleep for what seemed to be hours. In reality only about twenty minutes had gone by. When I opened my eyes the migrane was gone. No headache, only the effects of being warn out from the long day of pain draining my strength and energy.
I am a firm believer in the power of prayer. I have seen prayer change lives and am a changed man because of the prayers of my wife. I have seen prayer heal the broken bones, broken hearts, and so many other miricles. But, there is no prayer more powerful than the prayer of a child.
I have realized that our children have been taught to pray before meals, before bed, and when someone is sick or hurt. When I was a kid in little league baseball during the hot summers in Nebraska I prayed a lot. One day I went outside about 2 hours before our game. Waiting on momma to come home and take me to the field I looked up and saw the sky begin to grow dark. I was already out of eagerness dressed to play and had glove in hand.
I wanted to play so bad. So I prayed, "Please God, take away the clouds and don't let it rain. I want to play." I went back inside and sat in the living room watching TV. I played in a sunny game that evening.
God answers the prayers of children. I guess what I am trying to say is this: Teach your kids how to pray but more importantly let them see and hear you praying. As I put our youngest Gracie to sleep every night before I sing to her, I hold her close and pray over her and Gabby.
My desire is the be a great husband and daddy. Through prayer I am on my way... Are you?
Blessings,
Mike III AKA: Big Daddy
Recently when I was sick with a migrane headache sprawled out on the couch like an injured walruss my beauiful four year old came over and asked me if I was sick. "Yes baby, daddy has a bad headache." Gabby replied, "I will pray for you daddy." I thought she was just saying what she had heard mommy and daddy say a million times in the past to various people. Then she did something I didn't expect. She put her hand on my head and said what to her was a simple prayer of faith. "Jesus, daddy's sick. Heal his sick head. AMEN!"
Now I'm not a small guy so the common misconception people have about me is that I am this tough, bear of a guy who doen't like to show emotion. But, get to know me and talk to those who do (my wife) and you'll find I may be big but to them I am a teddy bear.
With that said, I was shaken to tears which in turn caused my head to throb and eyes to close. Before long I was fast asleep for what seemed to be hours. In reality only about twenty minutes had gone by. When I opened my eyes the migrane was gone. No headache, only the effects of being warn out from the long day of pain draining my strength and energy.
I am a firm believer in the power of prayer. I have seen prayer change lives and am a changed man because of the prayers of my wife. I have seen prayer heal the broken bones, broken hearts, and so many other miricles. But, there is no prayer more powerful than the prayer of a child.
I have realized that our children have been taught to pray before meals, before bed, and when someone is sick or hurt. When I was a kid in little league baseball during the hot summers in Nebraska I prayed a lot. One day I went outside about 2 hours before our game. Waiting on momma to come home and take me to the field I looked up and saw the sky begin to grow dark. I was already out of eagerness dressed to play and had glove in hand.
I wanted to play so bad. So I prayed, "Please God, take away the clouds and don't let it rain. I want to play." I went back inside and sat in the living room watching TV. I played in a sunny game that evening.
God answers the prayers of children. I guess what I am trying to say is this: Teach your kids how to pray but more importantly let them see and hear you praying. As I put our youngest Gracie to sleep every night before I sing to her, I hold her close and pray over her and Gabby.
My desire is the be a great husband and daddy. Through prayer I am on my way... Are you?
Blessings,
Mike III AKA: Big Daddy
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
A Peaceful Heart
Today I have been thinking a lot about Peace of Heart and Mind. While I was checking my e-mail and taking a break from a very busy day, I ran across this quote above. My life is full of blessings. My life is full of stress and circumstances that want to steal any rest or peace of heart and mind. I find more often than not that I have to physically stop and say: "Mike you are outside the building your day of work is over. Stop, do not take it home. When you get to the house walk in give your wife and kids a hug and kiss and make the best of the evening."
This doesn't always work but I am so much better than I used to be about not bringin the stresses of life outside the house into the house. When I think of peace of heart and mind I encorporate it with peace of my soul.
See, I have made more mistakes than I can count. I have messed up my marriage in the past and countless other relationships (not romantic). I have a lot of regrets. I regret who I was back then. I regret being blinded by pride and circumstances that I let distract me from what really mattered. I didn't take the moments and hold on to them. I didn't embrace longer, play more, and work always came with me.
My birthday is August 6th 1979. But the birth of the new me started this past April. I am no longer the man I was. I have fought hard to continue to be that man. Yes, I still mess up. I still have to stop and tell myself the same thing every day.
Now, I see clearly the peace of heart and mind that God has placed in my life. There is safety in peace. I have peace when I watch my girls playing with their toys or sitting on my lap blessing me with hugs and kisses. I have and overwhelming sense of joy when either one of my girls falls asleep in my arms or says: " Daddy I love you."
Even better is the gratification, hope, and overwhelming peace I get when I sit on the couch with my wife. Cuddling and watching a show or talking about random things that are on our heart. Laughing together while we walk on the beach. These are the moments that will remind me every day that I am blessed with that "peace of heart and mind." This kind of peace removes fear and heals wounds.
I am still working on honoring God and my wife everyday. The more I fall in love with Him and his mercy and grace, the more I fall in love with my wife and am inspired to create the example of what a loving father and husband is to my two daughters. I don't deserve what I have but I do know "the best known seceret in life..." is the peace i get from those I love the most. I have no shame, nothing to hide. I am exposed for who I am at the core. Love does bring peace of the heart and mind but better than that, it brings joy and hope.
I am challenged every day to show my love and experience the heart of God. I know without a doubt He wants us to know the kind of love He has for us. He wants us to experience that love in our marriages and relationships and those we share our lives with. He is faithful to love us no matter where we are in our journey.
Blessings,
Mike III AKA: Big Daddy
Friday, September 3, 2010
Vision to Reality
When you think of those who have accomplished great things, you don't think of someone who opens a small meat or pastry shop. Most times you think of someone who against all odds created a reality that was beyond them. Case in point, Alexander The Great. Alexander conquered most all of the known world before his 21st birthday. If he would have lived in the future he would have most likely been considered that equal to Hitler.
Or maybe on a smaller note the founder of McDonalds or maybe a movie star that came from nothing, even an athlete from the streets that becomes a best selling book and movie (The Blind Side).
What is clear is that dreaming isn't enough. Those who do great things work hard and often fail many times before experiencing success and making their dream a reality.
For years I have had a growing dream and vision for a Youth Center. In high school and College I would doodle on my notes in classes buildings with Youth Center stamped in bold lettered pensil across them. I have countless ideas noted for programs and layouts of various types of building designs. The vision continues to grow to this day, but has never become a reality or anything of substance. Why?
There could be many answers to that question. One could be lack of time, lack of knowledge, a defenate lack of money, or even to little people with influence. Seems when I would take a step forward in the direction to taking dream to reality I would learn of something that would throw me ten yards back. So, of course I felt like the Linebacker who intercepted a pass and in the course of running linemen over and dashing fifty yards for a touchdown realized that it was called back due to a holding or clipping penalty. (something I have experienced)
Another another answer could be that the timing and place was all wrong. For years I had pictured the Youth Center in an inner city. Now, once again my passion burns and vision grows for a Youth Center that is multi facited with many programs and outreaches. In Nome AK, the price tage of such a building is not merely in the high thousands but more like Millions. The vision is defenately bigger than myself. It requires and act of God to bring it to the "reality" point.
When you start to add the cost of the land, foundation, plumbing, electricity, structure, and all the bells and wistles that make it code worthy, you come up with a huge number that is staggaring. That doesn't include the computers, carpet, paint, security cameras, equipment, water fountains, office decor, and lights that are needed for anyone to want to come at all.
So what should I do? Give up because it's too big? I have been told by almost every senior pastor that learns of my dream that it's too big and would take to many years. Every time I have come back with the reply, "Nothing is to big for God." Do I believe this? Yes most definately. I believe if God wants it then well, it will happen in His timing. Maybe now is the time when the odds seem to be stacked against me more than ever. I push because it's needed. I see a need and want to meet it.
Also, i have learned more. I am beginning to research Governement Grants labeled as Non Profit Youth Programs. I am contacting friends that could become investors. I figure if I work hard and make the effort to get it going in the physical form, God will show up along the way and complete what I can't.
What's the point in all this information?
It's more than a Never Give Up speach. It's about the desire to meet needs in a relavant way but a way that far to big for self. I challenge myself and you to do more than you are capable of financially or physically. Poor yourself into a passion that reaches people where they are exhausting everything you are for the cause of meeting a need and being the change you talk about wanting in the world..
Blessings,
Mike III AKA Big Daddy
Or maybe on a smaller note the founder of McDonalds or maybe a movie star that came from nothing, even an athlete from the streets that becomes a best selling book and movie (The Blind Side).
What is clear is that dreaming isn't enough. Those who do great things work hard and often fail many times before experiencing success and making their dream a reality.
For years I have had a growing dream and vision for a Youth Center. In high school and College I would doodle on my notes in classes buildings with Youth Center stamped in bold lettered pensil across them. I have countless ideas noted for programs and layouts of various types of building designs. The vision continues to grow to this day, but has never become a reality or anything of substance. Why?
There could be many answers to that question. One could be lack of time, lack of knowledge, a defenate lack of money, or even to little people with influence. Seems when I would take a step forward in the direction to taking dream to reality I would learn of something that would throw me ten yards back. So, of course I felt like the Linebacker who intercepted a pass and in the course of running linemen over and dashing fifty yards for a touchdown realized that it was called back due to a holding or clipping penalty. (something I have experienced)
Another another answer could be that the timing and place was all wrong. For years I had pictured the Youth Center in an inner city. Now, once again my passion burns and vision grows for a Youth Center that is multi facited with many programs and outreaches. In Nome AK, the price tage of such a building is not merely in the high thousands but more like Millions. The vision is defenately bigger than myself. It requires and act of God to bring it to the "reality" point.
When you start to add the cost of the land, foundation, plumbing, electricity, structure, and all the bells and wistles that make it code worthy, you come up with a huge number that is staggaring. That doesn't include the computers, carpet, paint, security cameras, equipment, water fountains, office decor, and lights that are needed for anyone to want to come at all.
So what should I do? Give up because it's too big? I have been told by almost every senior pastor that learns of my dream that it's too big and would take to many years. Every time I have come back with the reply, "Nothing is to big for God." Do I believe this? Yes most definately. I believe if God wants it then well, it will happen in His timing. Maybe now is the time when the odds seem to be stacked against me more than ever. I push because it's needed. I see a need and want to meet it.
Also, i have learned more. I am beginning to research Governement Grants labeled as Non Profit Youth Programs. I am contacting friends that could become investors. I figure if I work hard and make the effort to get it going in the physical form, God will show up along the way and complete what I can't.
What's the point in all this information?
It's more than a Never Give Up speach. It's about the desire to meet needs in a relavant way but a way that far to big for self. I challenge myself and you to do more than you are capable of financially or physically. Poor yourself into a passion that reaches people where they are exhausting everything you are for the cause of meeting a need and being the change you talk about wanting in the world..
Blessings,
Mike III AKA Big Daddy
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Click
Click, click, click, click... The sound rings out. As I look to my left to pin point the sound, I notice the red thin bar of the second hand clicking away turning clockwise. Click, click, click.... Starting to eat on my nerves. When all esle is silent but that sound it begins to grind on me like nails on a chalkboard.
I wonder if that's how Christ feels waiting for the moment to come when He is given the ok to storm the Earth's atmosphere and take us home so he can wage the final war. I'm an athlete and know how it feels first hand at the starting line anticipating the starting gun's shot ringing through the air, or for the whistle to blow so I can rund own the field and reik havock with violent clashes of bodies trying to send the ball carrier into another existance. This must be how Christ Jesus feels. Why wouldn't he anticipate the moment when He can take His kids home to be with him for eternity?
Another problem though exists.. He won't come yet! There is more to be done, but one things is true! Time is running out. The sand in the hour glass is begining to mound up at the bottom. The second hand is ticking away and getting louder every moment. So, what are we doing? Working, paying bills, fighting with our spouses and children, collecting accolaids and honors, gaining more stuff? What is it all worth?
Whats the point in gaining the world if souls are lost, or if we lose our own souls? The rest of the world has the concept that this is it. Life is to be enjoyed and taken advantage of. Gain as much stuff and money as well as power as possilbe "that's happiness." Bull Hockey!! I am reminded of, yes, another Smallville episode where lex has been shot. While he is in surgery for his life he is in another life created by choices. He has a child and Lana as his wife with another child on the way. Nearing the end of his "dream" he loses Lana during child birth. His mother fades in from the back ground and tells him he could have this. Lex of course in deep remourse and pain has no thoughts of a life good without her in it. He gives no thought to his son or new born baby girl. But instead is angry and defiant. When he wakes he stands at the window with decisions to make that will define the path of his future. Money and Power is what he wants now... His mother fades from behind once again with sadness on her face.
Eventually Lex goes down the path of darkness and loses his life in the midst of evil. Is this the life we are choosing? What if you and got a glimps of what we could have good and bad? Would it bare weight on our decisions? Sure it would! There is a reason why we don't know our future. Our choices create the path we go down.
So tick, tick, tick, tick goes the second hand on our lives and what we could be doing! Getting lost in the circumstances of life should not be an option but those circumstances clearly define who we are. So, why not take the moments God has given us and use them to reach out to make a difference. You and I can be world changers and it's all on us! "....be busy about the work of the kingdom."
Blessings,
Mike III AKA: Big Daddy
I wonder if that's how Christ feels waiting for the moment to come when He is given the ok to storm the Earth's atmosphere and take us home so he can wage the final war. I'm an athlete and know how it feels first hand at the starting line anticipating the starting gun's shot ringing through the air, or for the whistle to blow so I can rund own the field and reik havock with violent clashes of bodies trying to send the ball carrier into another existance. This must be how Christ Jesus feels. Why wouldn't he anticipate the moment when He can take His kids home to be with him for eternity?
Another problem though exists.. He won't come yet! There is more to be done, but one things is true! Time is running out. The sand in the hour glass is begining to mound up at the bottom. The second hand is ticking away and getting louder every moment. So, what are we doing? Working, paying bills, fighting with our spouses and children, collecting accolaids and honors, gaining more stuff? What is it all worth?
Whats the point in gaining the world if souls are lost, or if we lose our own souls? The rest of the world has the concept that this is it. Life is to be enjoyed and taken advantage of. Gain as much stuff and money as well as power as possilbe "that's happiness." Bull Hockey!! I am reminded of, yes, another Smallville episode where lex has been shot. While he is in surgery for his life he is in another life created by choices. He has a child and Lana as his wife with another child on the way. Nearing the end of his "dream" he loses Lana during child birth. His mother fades in from the back ground and tells him he could have this. Lex of course in deep remourse and pain has no thoughts of a life good without her in it. He gives no thought to his son or new born baby girl. But instead is angry and defiant. When he wakes he stands at the window with decisions to make that will define the path of his future. Money and Power is what he wants now... His mother fades from behind once again with sadness on her face.
Eventually Lex goes down the path of darkness and loses his life in the midst of evil. Is this the life we are choosing? What if you and got a glimps of what we could have good and bad? Would it bare weight on our decisions? Sure it would! There is a reason why we don't know our future. Our choices create the path we go down.
So tick, tick, tick, tick goes the second hand on our lives and what we could be doing! Getting lost in the circumstances of life should not be an option but those circumstances clearly define who we are. So, why not take the moments God has given us and use them to reach out to make a difference. You and I can be world changers and it's all on us! "....be busy about the work of the kingdom."
Blessings,
Mike III AKA: Big Daddy
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Super Powers
"You're not just a hero...you're a superhero." - Chloe Suillvan
Being a superhero doesn't always mean having the super powers that we read about in the comics or watch on Smallville. Being a superhero can be as easy as giving to those in need. Last night a man came to our door who was drunk. Brinkley (my parents dog) was barking like he was ready to take a head of. I ran down the stairs and I had to take a step back at the intense smell of alcohol.
Through the intense smell I saw a man that wanted to be talked to. He asked for a hot bowl of food and a drink. I asked him to wait on the portch and ran up the stairs and warmed him up some food and got him a roll and glass of coolaid.
I went out and he asked if he could sit on the portch and eat. I said "sure." As I turned to walk back in I hesitated and turned as I did he asked me if I could pray with him. I told him I was about to ask if he would like me to do that very thing.
So I walked over and knelt down beside him. I asked him if there was anything he would like for me to pray about. He mentioned he had found out he is dying of cancer and doesn't know what to do. He said he believes in Jesus and does't fear death, but it was visible that he does. So as the tears welled up in his eyes, I told him that if he believes he does know what to do. He smiled at me and said "yes." So I prayed for him and a peace and God's will over his life.
I got up and walked back in the house. I stood at the door as I closed it for a moment and thought how good it felt to meet a relevant need.
See, that's all we need to do. Meet the need as it comes our way. Being super human is not the same as doing a super human act. We live in a world that bypasses those in need and most times we are blind to them. The busyness of our day's and our lack of being able to slow down has a cause and effect. The cuase: those in need fade into the mist and evaporate quickly leaving no memory of thier need for help or mere existance. The effect: they go on hungry and hurting, but always searching for someone to help.
I am reminded of the rich man and lazerous (not Jesus friend raised from the dead). This poor and homeless man asked the rick man for food and help every day. The rich man did nothing. The only comfort the hurting man had was the dogs licking his wounds. Then the day of judgement came for the both of them. The rich man went to Hell and Lazerous, well he was never hungry or hurting again. He spent eternity in Heaven.
The rich man had the means to meet a relevant need. He could have been Super Human. To Lazerous he would have been his hero for the moment. To Lazerous the rich man had super powers. The power to help sustain life.
You and I may not have a lot of money. but you and I do have super powers. We have the power to give what we have. "Gold or Silver I do not have, but what I do have I will give freely..." Doing this relevant thing would be considered Super Human today.
I believe in Super Powers as it pertains to the way we treat our fellow man. If we slow down and really look with open eyes, we will see needs that must be met. I pray every day that God would open my eyes to the needs of others and that He would show me relevant ways to meet those needs.
God has gifted me with Super Human Powers as He has you. The power to love and accept others. The Power to give them what has been given to us freely.
Blessings,
Mike III AKA Big Daddy
Being a superhero doesn't always mean having the super powers that we read about in the comics or watch on Smallville. Being a superhero can be as easy as giving to those in need. Last night a man came to our door who was drunk. Brinkley (my parents dog) was barking like he was ready to take a head of. I ran down the stairs and I had to take a step back at the intense smell of alcohol.
Through the intense smell I saw a man that wanted to be talked to. He asked for a hot bowl of food and a drink. I asked him to wait on the portch and ran up the stairs and warmed him up some food and got him a roll and glass of coolaid.
I went out and he asked if he could sit on the portch and eat. I said "sure." As I turned to walk back in I hesitated and turned as I did he asked me if I could pray with him. I told him I was about to ask if he would like me to do that very thing.
So I walked over and knelt down beside him. I asked him if there was anything he would like for me to pray about. He mentioned he had found out he is dying of cancer and doesn't know what to do. He said he believes in Jesus and does't fear death, but it was visible that he does. So as the tears welled up in his eyes, I told him that if he believes he does know what to do. He smiled at me and said "yes." So I prayed for him and a peace and God's will over his life.
I got up and walked back in the house. I stood at the door as I closed it for a moment and thought how good it felt to meet a relevant need.
See, that's all we need to do. Meet the need as it comes our way. Being super human is not the same as doing a super human act. We live in a world that bypasses those in need and most times we are blind to them. The busyness of our day's and our lack of being able to slow down has a cause and effect. The cuase: those in need fade into the mist and evaporate quickly leaving no memory of thier need for help or mere existance. The effect: they go on hungry and hurting, but always searching for someone to help.
I am reminded of the rich man and lazerous (not Jesus friend raised from the dead). This poor and homeless man asked the rick man for food and help every day. The rich man did nothing. The only comfort the hurting man had was the dogs licking his wounds. Then the day of judgement came for the both of them. The rich man went to Hell and Lazerous, well he was never hungry or hurting again. He spent eternity in Heaven.
The rich man had the means to meet a relevant need. He could have been Super Human. To Lazerous he would have been his hero for the moment. To Lazerous the rich man had super powers. The power to help sustain life.
You and I may not have a lot of money. but you and I do have super powers. We have the power to give what we have. "Gold or Silver I do not have, but what I do have I will give freely..." Doing this relevant thing would be considered Super Human today.
I believe in Super Powers as it pertains to the way we treat our fellow man. If we slow down and really look with open eyes, we will see needs that must be met. I pray every day that God would open my eyes to the needs of others and that He would show me relevant ways to meet those needs.
God has gifted me with Super Human Powers as He has you. The power to love and accept others. The Power to give them what has been given to us freely.
Blessings,
Mike III AKA Big Daddy
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