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Monday, July 31, 2006

No Technology Required

I know this; you realize how much you are dependent on technology when it isn't available! Our church's server and internet connection has been down for a day or so, and it really has put a monkey wrench in the the works. E-mail, internet, sharing files; what do we do without it? How did we function before it?

Oh well, I suppose it doesn't hurt to get out pen and paper and pick up the phone. It's a good thing we don't have an IP phone.

I had a thought: Do I depend on the Lord even as much as something like technology? If He were "not available" for a time, I think it would become quite obvious how much I need Him. In fact, I believe He does pull away a bit sometimes (at the same time, He never leaves us) just to remind us how much our lives truly depend on His love, grace, and guidance. It may be painful for a time, but it is a true act of love on His part.

I just thought of something else. It's a good thing I don't need e-mail, or even a phone, to contact Jesus. He's always there, and He will always listen. No technology required.

Sunday, July 30, 2006

Old is Relative

It's been an interesting month! I've led a mission trip to Costa Rica, vacation, pastor's retreat, and in the middle of all of that work and family. It hasn't lent itself to spending much time blogging. The weird thing is that I really do enjoy this.

My kids are amazed by the funniest things. As I was writing this entry, Hannah noticed me typing and said, "How are you doing that!". Now, keep in mind that I am not a particularly great typist, but it looks impressive (as long as no one notices me hitting the backspace key hundreds of times). I told her that I took lessons when I was in high school from a wonderful, and eternally patient, teacher Mrs. Terry. Get this: on an old IBM Selectric typewriter! Believe me, I don't feel old!! Is 37 really old? When I was 16 it seemed ancient. Now, I delude myself into thinking that it is still 'spring chicken' age. My friend George likes to say that "Denial is not just a river in Egypt." To which I respond, "What were we talking about?"

Well, knocking on the door of the big 4-0 is a strange place to be. I have learned by experience now that it creeps up on you. It makes me wonder if the next 40 years will go by as fast. It just reminds me that I MUST use every moment wisely.

Wednesday, July 05, 2006

Just Babbling

I ran the Peachtree Road Race for the third time yesterday. Just me and 55,000 of my closest friends. Man, it was HOT! That is definately not the race to get a personal best. I can tell you one thing; I slept well last night!

Today was my first day back to work after vacation. Do you ever have one of those days? Not that it was such a bad day, just crazy and somewhat overwhelming. I have lot's of those lately.

I have heard it said, "Attempt something so huge for God that it is doomed for failure unless He be in it." Now, I don't know if what I am attempting is that huge, but it certainly feels like it! God seems to be teaching me what it means to lean on Him at an all new level. It's interesting, but I look back at my life in Christ since I accepted Him in 1999 and I can see the relational ebb and flow. Not that He has ever abandoned me in any way, but there have been times when I was so close, and other times when I was so far away. The really cool thing is, I know He will never leave me. I have a friend that sticks closer than a brother. It helps me to remember that when I see that the relationship has reached one of those ebbs that seem so inevitable.

I'm babbling. The bottom line is, I'm so thankful that Christ's acceptance of me is not based on anything I do (or don't do). I am accepted. Period.

I'm also thankful that I didn't have heatstroke in Piedmont Park yesterday.

Monday, July 03, 2006

Don't We Always Need Another Week?

I just got back from vacation on the Redneck Riviera (Panama City Beach, for those who only know the more common name). We had a great, restful week. The kids really seemed to enjoy themselves, and Jamie and I ate mighty well. Our favorite place is called "Angelos" and has the best steak I have ever had.

If you know me, you are probably surprised since I normally don't eat beef at all. Well, I break that personal rule only a couple of times a year, once on vacation at Angelos and the other when I visit Moscow. Angelos because the food is AWESOME, but Moscow is a different story.

When we go to Moscow on mission trips, generally we visit the McDonalds on the way out and on the way back into the city. Unfortunately, the only thing that seems like a safe bet is a cheeseburger (they call it the "Royal Cheeseburger", aka "Big Mac"). I just can't bring myself to eat the unrecognizable cubes of processed mystery meat that is listed as "chicken" or "fish". I know better than that! Of course, come to think of it, what makes me think that the cheesburger is actually beef? I suppose it's like they say, what you don't know won't hurt you.

I think I just need another vacation.