I heard this funny years ago.
A man prayed every Saturday night to God that he would win the lottery. Week after week he lost and never won a dime. One Saturday night as he was praying to God to win a voice came out of heaven and said, "Buy a ticket!"
If you don't buy a ticket then you don't win. Or do you?
Millions upon millions bought Powerball Lottery tickets for the chance of winning over $587.5 million. Now that is a lot of dough. Over $1 BILLION was spent to buy tickets.
But I wonder:
How many spent money they really did have to buy tickets?
How many children had needs unmet because of money wasted on lottery tickets?
How many people were encouraged by this huge lottery to trust more in the lottery than God?
How does the lottery impacts the moral fiber of our Nation in more flesh feelings than Spirit feelings?
They say that there is only 1 in 175,000,000 chance of winning the lottery anyhow. So why put your eggs in that basket? Some may argue that they only spent a dollar or so. That's not much they think. What can that hurt?
A friend recently commented this about the lottery: "The lottery is a voluntary tax on ignorance. You can't pay it without qualifying first."
Ha!
Well, here is my two cents worth. I don't think that buying a lottery ticket will send anyone to hell, but I just don't like the idea of taking advantage of others to maybe get a little or lot out of it.
If you bought a ticket, I have no beef with you, but I think there is a higher way to live. Trusting or playing the lottery isn't one of them.
Friday, November 30, 2012
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
HAVE YOUR LAUGHED TODAY?
Life is serious and should be taken seriously. However, life lived too seriously leads to fear, anxiety, depression, and misery. That is not God’s will. There is a time for all things, and there is a time to laugh too.
I believe it helps to laugh daily and often. Take a lesson from children. They can laugh easily, quickly, and over the smallest things. Look at how happy they are and how much energy they have. If you need cheering up, go find a group of children and let them tickle your funny bone. You will be the better for it. They will help take away the blues, and lift your spirits.
Did you hear about the new drive through prayer ministry at the Catholic church? It is called “toot and tell”. Now come on, laugh a little.
What does laughter do?
- Releases tension.
- Lightens the moment.
- Renews your mind.
- Strengthens your body.
- Straightens your perspective.
- Heals.
- Makes you look better.
God made us with with the ability to laugh. He gives eternal joy that makes for peace and rest. The Bible is filled with humor and your life needs laughter. So don’t take yourself, your situation, or your future too serious. Lighten up and laugh. Your faith will grow.
Monday, November 26, 2012
CLOUD NINE
While eating one of our meals this past Thanksgiving weekend with the girls and kiddies, one of them mentioned that Claudia had said that papa was going to be on "Cloud Nine". She had said that to all of them in the car riding up to see us. When asked why I was going to be on cloud nine, she said because we are coming. I think she knew that having the grandkids around puts me on "Cloud Nine". She is right.
I love their smiles and giggles and wiggles and action packed living. They have such good hearts. They're all still small and soak in everything around them. They are incredible.
Years ago I laughed at grandparents who doted over their grandkids. I thought that was so silly. Boy, did I ever have something to learn. They are your legacy. They are special beyond special for they are from you.
We were out at the zoo again this past Friday. Everyone who didn't go to "Black Friday" was out at the zoo. It was packed.
While walking down the way, Claudia pulled me close and said, "I've got your kisses" and she kissed and kissed on me. Now that is why she knew I was going to be on "Cloud Nine". They were home and we were having a ball.
Another reason I was on "Cloud Nine" was because they all make me feel special. Nic brought a bird feeder that he had made for Wanda and me. It was hand made from a heart of love. Wow, aren't they something.
I'm walking on Cloud Nine.
I love their smiles and giggles and wiggles and action packed living. They have such good hearts. They're all still small and soak in everything around them. They are incredible.
Years ago I laughed at grandparents who doted over their grandkids. I thought that was so silly. Boy, did I ever have something to learn. They are your legacy. They are special beyond special for they are from you.
We were out at the zoo again this past Friday. Everyone who didn't go to "Black Friday" was out at the zoo. It was packed.
While walking down the way, Claudia pulled me close and said, "I've got your kisses" and she kissed and kissed on me. Now that is why she knew I was going to be on "Cloud Nine". They were home and we were having a ball.
Another reason I was on "Cloud Nine" was because they all make me feel special. Nic brought a bird feeder that he had made for Wanda and me. It was hand made from a heart of love. Wow, aren't they something.
I'm walking on Cloud Nine.
Friday, November 23, 2012
MOMMY'S HELPER
We've had Julie and Jennifer and their kiddies here for Thanksgiving. What fun!
Wanda is getting better, but I am still not letting her do anything. She is frustrated about it as she isn't one to sit around. She is a doer, but that is the way it is.
I did all the Thanksgiving dinner shopping which is by far the most grocery shopping I have done in my life. I went to Publix on Tuesday afternoon after work with a million other people, or at least it seemed that way.
The only salvation for me was the Wanda downloaded a Publix app on her IPad and made a grocery list that I could get on a Publix app on my IPhone. The whole list was there in order according to the aisles of the Publix store we shop. All I had to do was go down the aisles one by one picking up the items on my list and then checking them off. That was huge.
I prepared the turkey per Wanda's instructions and the girls cooked the sides. Claudia helped too. She is a cute little thing. She loves to help. And she loves her papa!
Everything turned out great. We all gave thanks for different things and then I prayed and we enjoyed a delicious turkey and sides. I'm still full.
God is so good. I give Him thanks for every blessing of life.
Wanda is getting better, but I am still not letting her do anything. She is frustrated about it as she isn't one to sit around. She is a doer, but that is the way it is.
I did all the Thanksgiving dinner shopping which is by far the most grocery shopping I have done in my life. I went to Publix on Tuesday afternoon after work with a million other people, or at least it seemed that way.
The only salvation for me was the Wanda downloaded a Publix app on her IPad and made a grocery list that I could get on a Publix app on my IPhone. The whole list was there in order according to the aisles of the Publix store we shop. All I had to do was go down the aisles one by one picking up the items on my list and then checking them off. That was huge.
Everything turned out great. We all gave thanks for different things and then I prayed and we enjoyed a delicious turkey and sides. I'm still full.
God is so good. I give Him thanks for every blessing of life.
Wednesday, November 21, 2012
A PRAYER OF THANKS
I will admit it. Though I have prayed over my food before I eat all my life, I will be honest and say that far too often I have prayed more out of habit than sincere thankfulness. My parents taught me that we always pray over our food before we eat, and I have done that. But sometimes, it was too perfunctory than truly spiritual.
Monday, November 19, 2012
DOES IT END?
Men come home from work at the end of the day. Life is good. Payday is Friday. The weekend is off time. Football games last all weekend. Riding Big Red is ahead. Life is good.
But what about the end of the day for the Lady of the House? When does their work week end. When is pay day?
Well, I am learning again the work of the Lady of the House doesn't end.
Wanda is mending and I'm in charge of all the chores. It is me. She can't do anything. She is off until she heals and that is down the road.
I have had dear friends who have brought in some meals. That helps, but I've cooked all the other meals. Loaded and unloaded the dish washer. Washed the clothes. Made sure everything is straight. The list goes on but I won't say much because it will sound like I'm complaining.
Wanda is a great Lady of the House. She is a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, and preacher's wife. I am blessed.
So, I have happily taken over until she is back on duty. I do help daily around here even when she isn't ill. I make bed every morning and help in other ways that I won't go into lest I sound like I'm bragging. It really is only fair to help some because why should my workday and workweek end and the Lady of the House never get off?
I told Wanda that the dishwasher gets full over and over and over again. It just doesn't end. That's life. It is daily. Load and unload. Load and unload. Over and over again. I will rejoice and be glad and rejoice more when Wanda is well again.
She is the best. I am blessed.
But what about the end of the day for the Lady of the House? When does their work week end. When is pay day?
Well, I am learning again the work of the Lady of the House doesn't end.
Wanda is mending and I'm in charge of all the chores. It is me. She can't do anything. She is off until she heals and that is down the road.
I have had dear friends who have brought in some meals. That helps, but I've cooked all the other meals. Loaded and unloaded the dish washer. Washed the clothes. Made sure everything is straight. The list goes on but I won't say much because it will sound like I'm complaining.
Wanda is a great Lady of the House. She is a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, and preacher's wife. I am blessed.
So, I have happily taken over until she is back on duty. I do help daily around here even when she isn't ill. I make bed every morning and help in other ways that I won't go into lest I sound like I'm bragging. It really is only fair to help some because why should my workday and workweek end and the Lady of the House never get off?
I told Wanda that the dishwasher gets full over and over and over again. It just doesn't end. That's life. It is daily. Load and unload. Load and unload. Over and over again. I will rejoice and be glad and rejoice more when Wanda is well again.
She is the best. I am blessed.
Friday, November 16, 2012
GOOD FRIENDS
Friendship makes life meaningful. It adds fulness and blessing. It is comfort and joy. It limits boredom and aids when there is need.
How do you make great friendship? It begins with friendliness. To have a friend starts with being friendly. It is developed by investment. It is bonded by unqualified acceptance.
Friends come in when others go out. They stand when others fall. They support when others critique. They speak truth in love and then help smooth out the rough places.
Wanda and I are blessed with wonderful friends who are so kind and thoughtful. I could call names but someone would be left out. That wouldn't be fair.
Lord, help me to be a good friend. Help me to see other's needs. Help me to be like you.
How do you make great friendship? It begins with friendliness. To have a friend starts with being friendly. It is developed by investment. It is bonded by unqualified acceptance.
Friends come in when others go out. They stand when others fall. They support when others critique. They speak truth in love and then help smooth out the rough places.
Wanda and I are blessed with wonderful friends who are so kind and thoughtful. I could call names but someone would be left out. That wouldn't be fair.
Lord, help me to be a good friend. Help me to see other's needs. Help me to be like you.
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
TAKING CARE OF WANDA
On Tuesday Wanda had surgery to repair a hernia. It was an hour long surgery and thankfully all went well. The doctor says that she will be good and new in a few weeks, but she can't pick up anything over 5 pounds for several weeks and then no more than 10 pounds after that for another few weeks. It is painful and slow recovery.
That is where I come in. I get to baby and pamper her until she is good and new. That will be easy. Why? Because she works so hard to take good care of me. It will be a pleasure to help her through recovery.
We began our marriage with several agreements.
First, we agreed that whatever was important to one was important to the other.
Second, we agreed to working daily to have a great marriage.
Both of us have followed through on this commitment and it is working. Yes, we have to work at it, but by working at it we're the beneficiaries of a blessed and happy marriage.
So what will I do to take care of her?
1. Let her rest and heal.
2. Take care of the house chores that require daily attention--some cooking, cleaning, straightening, etc.
3. Lift her spirits by encouragement and kindness.
4. Most of all, to pay attention to what she needs.
This is a great lady and I want her to heal totally and quickly.
Oh, back to the marriage agreement thing. We have prayed daily for each other and with each other. That is huge. God is our helper and gives joy and peace. That makes marriage fantastic.
That is where I come in. I get to baby and pamper her until she is good and new. That will be easy. Why? Because she works so hard to take good care of me. It will be a pleasure to help her through recovery.
We began our marriage with several agreements.
First, we agreed that whatever was important to one was important to the other.
Second, we agreed to working daily to have a great marriage.
Both of us have followed through on this commitment and it is working. Yes, we have to work at it, but by working at it we're the beneficiaries of a blessed and happy marriage.
So what will I do to take care of her?
1. Let her rest and heal.
2. Take care of the house chores that require daily attention--some cooking, cleaning, straightening, etc.
3. Lift her spirits by encouragement and kindness.
4. Most of all, to pay attention to what she needs.
This is a great lady and I want her to heal totally and quickly.
Oh, back to the marriage agreement thing. We have prayed daily for each other and with each other. That is huge. God is our helper and gives joy and peace. That makes marriage fantastic.
Monday, November 12, 2012
SO PROUD OF DAD AND MAX
Saturday, Wanda and I drove down to Fruitland Park to celebrate with Dad as he received a special honor as the oldest veteran living in their community. They honored him by giving him an American Flag which had flown over the U.S. Capital in Washington D.C. It had also flown on their community flag pole since Memorial Day.
Max and his wife, Darlene, were there too to join the special day. Dad also serves as their community chaplain and offered prayer as the brief ceremony began. That made me proud too.
They pulled the flag down and folded it and then gave it to Dad. He had served in the U.S. Navy during World War II along with thousands of other service personnel. Some say this was the greatest generation. I would agree.
After Dad received his flag, he called Max up to the front with him and then gave Max his flag. Max had also served in the Navy on a nuclear submarine. I can't imagine how he was able to make 3 month tours submerged. That takes more than I have.
It was a tender moment for both Dad and Max. I also touched me too. I saw numerous people wiping tears as Dad honored his son.
Thank God for all of our veterans. I am thankful to Dad and Max for their service. They make me proud.
Friday, November 9, 2012
HAVE YOUR LAUGHED TODAY?
Life is serious and should be taken seriously. However, life lived too seriously leads to fear, anxiety, depression, and misery. That is not God’s will. There is a time for all things, and there is a time to laugh too.
I believe it helps to laugh daily and often. Take a lesson from children. They can laugh easily, quickly, and over the smallest things. Look at how happy they are and how much energy they have. If you need cheering up, go find a group of children and let them tickle your funny bone. You will be the better for it. They will help take away the blues, and lift your spirits.
Did you hear about the new drive through prayer ministry at the Catholic church? It is called “toot and tell”. Now come on, laugh a little.
What does laughter do?
- Releases tension.
- Lightens the moment.
- Renews your mind.
- Strengthens your body.
- Straightens your perspective.
- Heals.
- Makes you look better.
God made us with with the ability to laugh. He gives eternal joy that makes for peace and rest. The Bible is filled with humor and your life needs laughter. So don’t take yourself, your situation, or your future too serious. Lighten up and laugh. Your faith will grow.
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
IN GOD WE TRUST
I am writing this post before the election results are tabulated. I do not know who will be our next President as I write. God knows, but at this point He is the only one who knows. The election appears to be a toss up. It could go either way. To me that is very telling about our Nation and our values.
It seems impossible to believe that we would elect someone who supports and pushes partial birth abortions. It seem impossible that we would chose a President who does not value marriage as being solely between a man and a woman. It seems impossible that we would elect a President who promotes a socialist agenda and a godless society.
Could we elect such a person?
We already have done that in the last election, and by the time your read this we may have elected him again. I pray not, but it could happen.
Regardless of who wins this Presidential election, our Nation must return to God. Sin is a reproach, but righteousness exalts a Nation. How do we get rid of sin? We repent. We turn from our wicked ways. We put God first and follow in all of His ways.
My commitment is to do all I can no matter who wins this election to proclaim the truth and righteousness of God. Jesus is the way, the truth, the life. When we go His ways and walk in His truth the results is abundant life. That is what He has promised. God has promised abundant life through Jesus Christ Our Lord.
I have prayed diligently for months over this election. However, I believe our turn around as a people is not dependent upon who is in the White House, but rather it is dependent upon who is Lord in our house. If Jesus is Lord of the hearts, homes, and lives of God's people then all will be well.
I am praying that God will help me as a preacher to proclaim the righteousness of God. I am praying that God will send a revival into my heart and the hearts of pastors and church across America. I am praying the we will return to the Lord and walk in His ways. Then God will heal our Land.
A new President will help America, but revival is the only true answer to the needs of our Land.
It seems impossible to believe that we would elect someone who supports and pushes partial birth abortions. It seem impossible that we would chose a President who does not value marriage as being solely between a man and a woman. It seems impossible that we would elect a President who promotes a socialist agenda and a godless society.
Could we elect such a person?
We already have done that in the last election, and by the time your read this we may have elected him again. I pray not, but it could happen.
Regardless of who wins this Presidential election, our Nation must return to God. Sin is a reproach, but righteousness exalts a Nation. How do we get rid of sin? We repent. We turn from our wicked ways. We put God first and follow in all of His ways.
My commitment is to do all I can no matter who wins this election to proclaim the truth and righteousness of God. Jesus is the way, the truth, the life. When we go His ways and walk in His truth the results is abundant life. That is what He has promised. God has promised abundant life through Jesus Christ Our Lord.
I have prayed diligently for months over this election. However, I believe our turn around as a people is not dependent upon who is in the White House, but rather it is dependent upon who is Lord in our house. If Jesus is Lord of the hearts, homes, and lives of God's people then all will be well.
I am praying that God will help me as a preacher to proclaim the righteousness of God. I am praying that God will send a revival into my heart and the hearts of pastors and church across America. I am praying the we will return to the Lord and walk in His ways. Then God will heal our Land.
A new President will help America, but revival is the only true answer to the needs of our Land.
Monday, November 5, 2012
I'VE VOTED
It is time for a real change in the political, spiritual, and economic landscape of America. I don't know when I have ever had a greater burden for our Nation and our future. Voting has consequences just as any other action of our lives. This National election has serious consequences for our future. We must vote.
Early voting or absentee voting is one way to go, so I have chosen to vote early. The line wasn't long. In fact I didn't have a line or wait. I voted at the San Marco Library just minutes from our church last Wednesday.
Now across our Nation, we'll be counting the votes late Tuesday evening. I pray that America votes with values in mind. I pray America votes for economic freedom. I pray that wicked, godless leaders will be put out of office.
How can you vote for a President who believes it is okay to abort a new born coming out of its mother's womb? I cannot imagine taking a newborn's life. How wicked. Abortion is wrong, period!
So I've voted, and now I'll pray. Oh, I've been praying daily for this election long before now, but I'll pray even harder. The choice is clear. We can continue on the path to socialism and a godless society, or we can vote to put new leaders in with godly values.
That was an easy vote for me. I pray it will be an easy decision for others on Election Day.
Early voting or absentee voting is one way to go, so I have chosen to vote early. The line wasn't long. In fact I didn't have a line or wait. I voted at the San Marco Library just minutes from our church last Wednesday.
Now across our Nation, we'll be counting the votes late Tuesday evening. I pray that America votes with values in mind. I pray America votes for economic freedom. I pray that wicked, godless leaders will be put out of office.
How can you vote for a President who believes it is okay to abort a new born coming out of its mother's womb? I cannot imagine taking a newborn's life. How wicked. Abortion is wrong, period!
So I've voted, and now I'll pray. Oh, I've been praying daily for this election long before now, but I'll pray even harder. The choice is clear. We can continue on the path to socialism and a godless society, or we can vote to put new leaders in with godly values.
That was an easy vote for me. I pray it will be an easy decision for others on Election Day.
Friday, November 2, 2012
GONE CAMPING
I am headed this weekend to a camping outing with the Royal Rangers of our church. This is a ministry outreach to young boys similar to Boy Scouts but with a Christian emphasis. There are around 25 or so who are going including three of my grandsons. I wish all my grands could be there, but this will be a special time for me with Alex, Nic, and Lorenzo.
The weather outlook is great. There is no rain forecast, and the high each day is projected to be in the mid 70's. Sounds great.
Wanda and I have enjoying camping a number of times this past year. Some time it was cold, too cold. A couple times it was hot, but we still had fun.
What is so much fun about camping?
1. The wonderful outdoors.
2. Getting away from pressure.
3. Doing something different.
4. Enjoying a campfire.
5. Outdoor cooking.
6. Long walks.
7. Listening to outdoor sounds.
This weekend the sounds will be louder with all those boys, but it isn't about me this weekend. It is about bonding with my grandsons. It is about letting them know I love them. It is about helping them see God's creation. It is about making sure they know the most important thing in all the world is God and family. It is about laughing, loving, and learning.
We've gone camping. I pray all the above happens.
The weather outlook is great. There is no rain forecast, and the high each day is projected to be in the mid 70's. Sounds great.
Wanda and I have enjoying camping a number of times this past year. Some time it was cold, too cold. A couple times it was hot, but we still had fun.
What is so much fun about camping?
1. The wonderful outdoors.
2. Getting away from pressure.
3. Doing something different.
4. Enjoying a campfire.
5. Outdoor cooking.
6. Long walks.
7. Listening to outdoor sounds.
This weekend the sounds will be louder with all those boys, but it isn't about me this weekend. It is about bonding with my grandsons. It is about letting them know I love them. It is about helping them see God's creation. It is about making sure they know the most important thing in all the world is God and family. It is about laughing, loving, and learning.
We've gone camping. I pray all the above happens.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
