Need to Know

Have you ever watched one of those movies with all the top secret government agents, doing top secret--better that the public sector doesn't know--kind of stuff?

Inevitably, one of the agents is furious when he finds out that he was left out of the information loop about some aspect of the operation.

When he indignantly asks the question,

"Why wasn't I informed about this?"

he is simply told,

"That information is shared on a need-to-know basis only."

From the uninformed agent's viewpoint, he probably figures he should know everything about what is going on in order to better do his job.

But from the perspective of those in charge, he only really needs to know that portion that applies to his part, and he needs to trust the masterminds of the operation to be able to bring it all together nicely (before the movie ends, of course--unless they are setting things up for a sequel!)

I think that it is human nature to want to know things that in reality we would probably be better off not knowing. It's that curiosity thing that most of us have.

The National Enquirer tabloid used to use a slogan that went something like, "Enquiring minds want to know!"

But does being slammed on every side with accounts of the misdeeds of celebrities really help us in life and the challenges we face? Or does it have a numbing effect on our sensibilities?

Is that the kind of information that, at the very least, does not benefit us and, at the very worst, subtly draws us into paths of self-destruction?

And isn't that true of much of the information that we might seek to know?

That also might be something to think about the next time that you are pleading with God to show you things concerning your future. Would you maybe be better off not knowing those things just yet?

Anyway, I think that God often operates like the "government masterminds" of my fictitious movie. I think that He only lets us know what we need to know, and wants us to trust Him to take charge of the overall picture of our lives.

I have no doubt that many a Christian who has accomplished great things for the Kingdom of Heaven would not have done so had they known, from the beginning, everything that they would face along the way.

And just one more thought: Unlike a government mastermind, isn't it nice to be able to actually trust the Mastermind of our destiny to be working at all times for our good.

"For we walk by faith, not by sight."
- II Corinthians 5:7 (NKJ)

Trusting in a Great God

Have you ever known someone who seems to have a lot of faith in God, until something happens to them, or to a loved one? Then suddenly, they find themselves questioning how God could have let this happen?

The next thing you know they are mad at God. They are ready to “throw in the towel“--give up on God--just because things didn’t turn out the way that they thought that they should.

They begin to say things like, “If God really loved and cared about me, then He would never have ever let this happen!”

Maybe they go as far as cursing and screaming at God.

Disappointment, frustration, anger, and just plain not understanding overwhelm them.

I think that in part, we bring it on ourselves, because we are somehow geared to think that we need to be able to figure everything out. We think that we have to understand the whys of everything that happens.

We are all guilty at some time or another of trying to give God advice on how He should handle a particular situation. We figure out in our own minds the best resolution to our problems and then present it to God like a Christmas wish list, rather than just trusting that He knows what is best for us.

But if we could truly understand how great our God is, I think just maybe we would take a different approach in our relationship with God.

We need to begin to try to understand the greatness of God as demonstrated in all that He has created and surrounded us with.

“The heavens declare the glory of God; And the firmament shows His handiwork.” --Psalm 19:1 (NKJ)

We cannot possibly begin to grasp the greatness of His creation, the vastness of space, and the wonders of the Universe. Nor can we ever truly understand the intricate workings of our own bodies. So how can we hope to fully know the One that created it all, and fully understand His love for us?

In Ephesians 3, Paul prays that we “may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height--to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge.” Interestingly, he prays for us to comprehend something that passes knowledge.


Yes, we need to seek to understand. We should seek to have an intimate relationship with God. But above all, we must learn to trust Him no matter what comes our way. We must trust Him like Job did when he declared,

“Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him.” --Job 15:13a (NKJ)

It is what we are instructed to do in Proverbs, and it comes with a wonderful promise.

"Trust in the LORD with all your heart,
And lean not on your own understanding;
In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He shall direct your paths." --Proverbs 3:5-6 (NKJ)

In the very midst of all the hurt and confusion and pain, put your trust in Him, and even though what you are having to walk through may not change, He will give you the strength to go on. He will supply your every need!

Could it be that we don't think that God sees us and knows us completely?

“Have you not known?
Have you not heard?
The everlasting God, the LORD,
The Creator of the ends of the earth,
Neither faints nor is weary.
His understanding is unsearchable.
He gives power to the weak,
And to those who have no might He increases strength.
Even the youths shall faint and be weary,
And the young men shall utterly fall,
But those who wait on the LORD
Shall renew their strength;
They shall mount up with wings like eagles,
They shall run and not be weary,
They shall walk and not faint.” --Isaiah 40:28-31 (NKJ)

This day I invite you to experience for yourself the incredible peace that comes from trusting in a loving God.

Little Miracles, High Places and Amazing Achievements

When I sat down today to write, I was surprised to see how much time had past since my last posting. Time does have a way of moving right along, especially when you are busy.

For me, the last month and a half has been packed with so many events and activities that it wouldn't be possible to share them all with you. So I've narrowed it down to three things, as indicated by the title of this post.

LITTLE MIRACLES

On August 11th, my son Chris, and his wife Charity, welcomed Aribella Grace into the world. After years of trying to have a successful pregnancy, Chris and Charity had all but given up on the dream of having their own child. But our timing isn't always God's timing. God had a plan and answered their prayers with a beautiful baby girl.

HIGH PLACES

This picture is one of the views from the top of Mt. Evans in Colorado. The top of Mt. Evans sits 14,264 feet above sea level. My sister and I hiked to the summit on August 17th. (Now you know why they are called the Rocky Mountains!)



Fortunately, the highest road in North America takes you most of the way there, since in places that high, there seems to be an extreme shortage of oxygen! (Much different than the less than 200 ft. altitudes that I am accustom to in Florida!)


AMAZING ACHIEVEMENTS

On August 26th, my parents celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary! I was in Colorado, along with many other family members and friends, to help them celebrate this amazing achievement.

Their lives have been an a true testimony of the power of faith, hope and love.


So maybe, just maybe, you can understand why I'm feeling mighty blessed right now!

Still in the Palm of His Hand

As an update to the previous post on my granddaughter, I thought you should know that after observing her in the hospital for a couple of days, it was decided that the symptoms that she was exhibiting were not of enough concern to make it necessary to do any kind of emergency surgery. As a result she was released from the hospital and allowed to return home where she will await the originally scheduled surgery on June 25th -- still in the palm of His hand.

In the Palm of His Hand

Our grand-daughter, Elania, is in a fight for her very life.

She was first diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor when she was only two years old. After surgery, chemo-therapy, radiation, and a second surgery, she remained cancer free up until she was seven, at which time they found another tumor had developed.

Once again she had to have surgery, but this time it was even more invasive than before, as they had to go through her cerebellum in order to remove the main tumor. The decision was made to treat a couple of other areas of concern with chemotherapy. The surgery left her with some challenges in her efforts to recover and unfortunately, despite more than a year of chemotherapy (some of it very aggressive), test results showed that one of the areas of concern had grown.

The decision was made to do surgery again and a date was set. Unfortunately, before the surgery could take place Elania started displaying symptoms which led her dad to take her to the emergency room at a hospital in Savannah, Georgia, last night. From there they felt the need to airlift her to the hospital in Atlanta where the surgery was originally scheduled.

At the time that I am writing this, I don’t know any other information as to how she is doing, and that fact is very frustrating, but at the same time I have a deep inner peace that can only come from God.

I believe it comes from the personal relationship that I have with my Heavenly Father and the trust that I put in Him. I know that He knows the end from the beginning and while things happen that I don’t understand, it just isn’t always necessary for me to figure it all out. I just need to hang onto the knowledge that no matter what happens, God will bring good out of it as I trust in Him. And in that trust is the peace that passes understanding.

I choose to believe that God is good, all the time, and that He is for me rather than against me. That is why I can come to Him like a child comes to his father, and give him any concerns that I have, knowing He is well able to take care of them all.

The devil, on the other hand is a liar and will do everything that he can to deceive us so that we won’t trust God.

So this morning, with the alarming reports of last night still fresh in my mind, the Lord prepared me for this time of not knowing.

He spoke to me.

It wasn’t like an audible voice. No flashes of lightning or claps of thunder. It was just a quiet reminder of something that I already knew in my heart.

These words came gently up from the inside of me.

“The devil may blow and he may bluster, but the LORD says, 'I’ve got this one in the palm of My hand.'”

(Interestingly, “bluster” is not a word that I would typically use, so I decided to look up the definition in Merriam-Webster’s Online Dictionary where I found that it carries these meanings: to talk or act with noisy swaggering threats, or to blow in stormy noisy gusts, or to be windy and boisterous. Sounds to me like he is just a bunch of hot air!)

Our prayer is and always will be that Elania be made healed and whole, however God chooses to do that, and our comfort is in knowing he holds her in the palm of His hand.

Still On Fire

"Love is friendship set on fire." --Jeremy Taylor


Today marks the 15th anniversary of my marriage to my beautiful wife, Nan. What God began as a friendship, He developed into a deep and abiding love between a husband and wife.

It has been an amazing journey of trials and triumphs. Through it all, though, God has poured out His endless mercies and has graced us for what we have faced.

He has demonstrated His great love for us and has shown us how we must love--by making a deep, committed, steadfast, unfailing, unwavering choice, to love beyond what we feel. For love is not about a feeling, though it certainly can be felt! Rather, true love is an act of faith.

It is an act of faith on a truth that we know in our hearts. And that truth is this:

"Love never fails."
--I Corinthians 8a (NKJ)

Nan and I act out our love for each other on a daily basis and in giving to each other we find such blessing in return. It is this commitment to love that keeps our friendship on fire!

Today, I would like to challenge you to make a decision to "love" someone and find some way, if only a small way, to demonstrate that love. Take that step of faith, and know this: "Love never fails."

Jacob's Great Adventure

Last night my wife and I watched our grandsons, Jake, who is four, and Jack, who is almost seven months. As with most kids those ages, they can be quite a handful, especially Jake, whose energy level is pretty much without limits. We live in a two bedroom apartment, so it is pretty tight quarters for an active four year old. Since Nan needed to give Jack a bath, I decided to take Jake on a walk around the grounds of our apartment complex to see if I could help burn off some of that energy and make the rest of the evening a little less hectic.

The walk turned into quite an adventure as Jake immediately took the self-proclaimed role of "leader." It turned out that this was for the best, since I didn’t have an “imaginary, invisible map” like he did. Throughout the adventure he would take out the map, unfold it, and tell me what the map said about which way we should go.

“The map says we have to follow the sidewalk this way!“

The map took us on a journey that included the discovery of gold! It was right where the map said that it was, under the “X” on the ground. All we had to do was dig it up with our imaginary shovels. What a wonderful discovery in these hard economic times!

We also spotted a stray cat that “needed to be rescued,” but was to skittish to allow us to get too close, a giant inflatable snowman, a manager scene missing the baby Jesus, and Christmas lights. After passing by some Christmas lights, Jake spotted more up ahead and said,

“How convenient, more Christmas light up there!”

After a very extensive exploration of the entire complex, traveling most of it more than once, Jake announced,

“The map says we’re lost!”

He then turned to me and with all to melodrama he could muster cried out,

“Just look at the mess you’ve gotten me into!”

All I could do was laugh.

So reflecting on the adventure of last night, got me to thinking about how we, "only being human," often want to blame others for the bad decisions that we make. And how sometimes we even want to blame God, when He was there all along trying to warn us about the trouble ahead, if we had only taken the time to listen.

It is that feeling down on the inside of you that says, “If you do that it isn’t going to turn out good.” But too often we just push right past it and do what we want to do at the time. Or sometimes we just aren’t listening for it at all. And we inevitably find ourselves stuck with the consequences.

The Bible reminds us how to listen for God.

“Then He said, “Go out, and stand on the mountain before the LORD.” And behold, the LORD passed by, and a great and strong wind tore into the mountains and broke the rocks in pieces before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind; and after the wind an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake; and after the earthquake a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire; and after the fire a still small voice.”

I Kings 19: 11-12 (NKJ)

So when all else fails, as it is likely to do, LISTEN! He will speak to you in that "still small voice."

(Author’s note: after all was said and done, we did find our way back home!)

November Thanks

I think November must surely be my very favorite month of the year. I enjoy the cooler weather moving in after another of Florida’s long, hot, humid summers finally gives up. I like the fact that November means not breaking into a sweat first thing in the morning simply from walking out of my front door and to my car!

The change somehow energizes me, puts a bounce in my step, gives me a little get up and get ’em in my get-a-long! But even more than the change in the weather, I enjoy that Thanksgiving happens in November.

Thanksgiving is a wonderful time of the year for me. I guess that I like it so much because it is a little less commercialized than some of the other big holidays like Christmas, Easter, or even Halloween. It is as if the giant commercial machine didn’t have time to mess with Thanksgiving, because it had to get rolling on to Christmas if it was going to fully capitalize on the money making potential of December’s biggest holiday.

And, that’s just fine with me! Leave Thanksgiving alone!

I like that my memories of Thanksgivings past are filled with the warmth and love of family and good friends. Of days that overflowed with Mom’s good cooking, and laughter, and peace.

I like that Thanksgiving comes more towards the end of the month. It gives me plenty of time to think about what I am thankful for.

This year, like every year, I have much to be thankful for--even though it has been a very hard year. In fact, it has been one of the tougher years of my life. And the tough season hasn’t past yet. But it will pass. And I am so grateful, because through all that has happened, I have loved and I have been loved beyond measure!

So this month, my wish for all of you is that you might know the boundless love of you creator. And be forever thankful in every situation, trusting in Him, resting in His love for you.


"You have turned for me my mourning into dancing;
You have put off my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness,
To the end that my glory may sing praise to You and not be silent.
O LORD my God, I will give thanks to You forever."
--Psalm 30: 11-12 (NKJ)

Sometimes Just a Little More Noticeable

Have you ever thought about how everything around us is in a constant state of change? Of course, that’s obvious!

But have you noticed how there are certain defining moments in time that abruptly bring into focus just how much things have changed? Yes, there are certain points in time when how much has changed is just a little more noticeable!

Last night was such a moment. Last night our nation elected the first African-American to the Presidency of the United States. An amazing change by itself. But possibly even more noticeable, Americans elected a man who has promised to take our nation in a much different direction.

When the results of the election were announced, some were overwhelmed with excitement and anticipation for the promise of change. Others were gravely disheartened by the prospect of the change that this election decision would bring.

Some were uncertain about the change, some feared the change, and some really didn’t care what this new President-elect would bring. They were just glad that all the political advertising that was interrupting their television watching had come to an end!

Some knew it was going to be for the best. Others knew it was going to be for the worst. But regardless of where you stand on the issues, I think that you know that we are in for some changes--some “noticeable” changes. Still one thing hasn’t changed. And that is our deep need for true healing in our nation.

There is too much that divides us in our country. There is an abundance of dishonesty, and lack of integrity, and yes, wickedness. How sad that so many in our country have turned their back on God and failed to honor Him. How frightening to think that we have not held our Creator in reverential fear!

The Bible reminds us of God’s promise:

“. . . if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” 2 Chronicles 7:14 (NKJ)

It is time to stand up for what is right and against that which is wrong. We truly do live in the best country in the world, but we need to pray that it remains that! So, I’m asking you to pray for our nation. Please pray!

I would also encourage you to pray for our new President (and all of our leaders) that God Himself would touch his heart, and guide his decisions, trusting that what the Bible teaches us is true:

“The king’s heart is in the hand of the LORD,
Like the rivers of water;
He turns it wherever He wishes.” Proverbs 21:1 (NKJ)

May God bless you and God bless America!

Starting Out Strong . . . Once Again.

Here we are approaching the end of yet another month. October is nearly gone and I have done less writing on my blog, than in any other month since I started it. I am saddened by that fact and this is why.

When I first started my blog, I looked at many other blogs for ideas. What I found time after time was that many people started out strong, but didn’t last long. I vowed that it wouldn’t happen to me. I was determined to write every week, and maybe even two or three times a week. I started out strong.

What happened? Interference. Like doing anything that is worthwhile, there were opposing forces trying to make sure that I was not able to do what I set out to do. Sometimes it was just busyness, sometimes it was personal conflicts, sometimes it was challenges at work, sometimes it was impending national issues or even global problems that pulled at my attention. Mostly, I just didn’t know what to write because I hadn't taken the time to get quiet and listen. It is all too easy to just get a little overwhelmed at times.

“ ‘So, now what? Whatcha-gonna-do-now?’ ” --to borrow a quote from my second posting.

“Well, I’ll tell you what I am going to do. I am going to step out in FAITH. . . and write.”--once again.

And maybe I won’t have any earth shattering revelation to share with you this time and I may not even have something big for you the next time that I write. But I will continue to write because I know that this is what I’m supposed to do. I just have to get up and take another run at it.

I mean who says you can’t start out strong more than once?

You Are My Song

You are my hope, when hope is nearly gone.
You are my strength, when I’m no longer strong.
You are my joy and my peace.
Lord, You’re every little thing
That I might need
To make it through
Just one more day.

You are the love,
My heart is aching for.
You are my friend,
When friends are friends no more.
You know my every need,
Lord, You look after me
Like no one else,
Has ever done,
Will ever do.
Your love is true.

And just to know the love You have for me
Is deeper than the sea,
And that You hold me in the palm
Of Your own hand.
To think that You the God of all there is,
And all that there will be,
Would choose to die,
For such a wretched mess as me.

You are my hope, when hope is nearly gone.
You are my strength, when I’m no longer strong.
You are my joy and my peace.
Lord, You’re every little thing
That I might need
To make it through
Just one more day.
You are the way.

And now I know that it is You that lives
And moves inside of me.
And that Your Spirit’s here to guide me
On my way.
A symphony of sights and sounds surround
And fill my heart with love,
With songs of love
Sent from above
For each new day.

You are the Word, given unto me.
You are the Truth, You came to set me free.
You are my Lord and my King.
I need the grace that you bring
Into my life,
Into my heart,
Into my soul.
You are my all!

The melody
That lives in me
You are my Song!


(song lyrics by Robert A. McArthur)

More Than a Cheerleader

I’ve been thinking lately about what a wonderful thing it is to have someone believe in you--believe in your talents and abilities, your dreams, your potential. Many a mother and dad has said something like, “Son, you can be anything that you want to be.” But not all parents go much beyond cheering their child on with,

“You can do it, Yes you can, If you can’t do it, Nobody can!”

My mom was (and still is) an excellent cheerleader for her children, but she was much more than just that as we were growing up. My mom was a great believer in getting involved in what her kids wanted to do, so that they could more fully explore their potential and learn from their experiences.

It was the mid-1960’s. In our family of four siblings there were three groups: Ken (the oldest son), Jean (the only girl), and the little boys (myself and my younger brother, John). John and I were separated in age by two years, just like each of the siblings, but we were grouped together--shared the same room, played together, fought together and grew up together. In fact, when we fought with each other, one of the most effective punishments that my parents could give us was to separate us--we couldn’t stand being apart.

It was during this time that John and I made one of our first attempts to go into business for ourselves when we decided to start a Kool-aid stand. Mom agreed to not only let us, but agreed to be our wholesale supplier. She figured out what it would cost to make the Kool-aid and charged us for the materials (at her cost or below I’m sure, and she probably threw in the first half gallon for free to get us started).

As part of our marketing effort, John and I came up with a catchy jingle we could sing as potential customers came into range. We even enlisted the assistance of a neighborhood girl. We convinced her to ride her bike around the block singing our jingle for free:

“Kool-aid, Kool-aid taste great,
Get it here at 208 . . . Meeker Street, that is!”

Undaunted by a less than enthusiastic response from the community--sales were slow--before long we were looking into expanding our menu. We negotiated with our supplier, M.O.M., and were able to add cupcakes to our menu, at a minimal expense to ourselves. As John reminded me in a recent conversation, Mom only charged us for the cost of materials and threw in the cost of production (her labor, equipment costs, cost for electricity) for free.

It was great working with such a supportive supplier who was so willing to help us meet the changing needs of our expanding market. For example, one day we had a gentleman come by the stand. We asked if he would like to purchase some Kool-aid. He said that he really didn’t want any Kool-aid, but he would take a hamburger if we had one. After a quick negotiation with Mom, we produced a hamburger for the man. Another sale saved by the quick response of our supplier!

As you can see, things did get a little out of hand, but Mom was tireless in her support, helping us to succeed, or at least, helping us to learn while trying. I don’t know how many days this enterprise went on, but it did make a lasting impression on both John and myself. Especially how Mom showed us that supporting someone’s dream often involves a little more than just cheering them on. It means getting involved to help make it happen. But that was the type of mother we had growing up and that’s the type of person she is to this day.

So, of course, I would relate that to how God is always there pulling for us to succeed. And not only that, but He supplies all of our needs. What a blessing to know a God who is for us and not against us!

What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? Romans 31:8 (NKJ)

A Little Bit Of Heaven

This is my newest grand-daughter, Heaven. I've yet to meet her in person, but my wife recently met her for the first time. When I asked Nan about her, she only gave me a two word description of her: "She's perfect."

I'm thankful for the pictures, because if I didn't have them I would have thought that she had exaggerated, just a little!

Heaven basically has her whole life ahead of her. Yet, before she was born there were things in place, and in the short time she has been alive there are things that have happened, that have forever determined certain parts of the course of her life. Still, in the end, it will be up to her to become who she really is, by how she deals with whatever life brings to her.

So as I contemplate what lies ahead for Heaven, I am comforted to know that God has already made provision for everything that she will ever need. All she has to do is trust Him.

And God has already seen to it that she has someone to show her how to do it, by her example of faith--her mother.

Seeing Clearly, Looking Back

My last post to my blog entitled, From My Heart To My Mouth, got me to thinking about the value of looking back and reflecting on memories of times now passed. Certainly, as a Christian, I am to live in the present with a hopeful eye towards the future. And I should not try to live in the past or allow the past to hinder me from being everything that I am called to be in the “right here, right now.” Still, within each of our own pasts there are so many valuable lessons to learn that, if remembered, would help us with our present and our future.

For me it is very comforting to look back at my life and see how God has been faithful to see me through every single thing that I have faced in my life. Seeing this, and knowing what the Bible tells me about God, empowers me for the things that lie ahead of me. So I can’t help but feel that memories are meant to help us deal with the “right here, right now.”

Apparently, God felt that it was important also. He so wanted the children of Israel to look back and remember how he moved on their behalf, that when they finally crossed over the Jordan River and entered the Promised Land, He told Joshua to have them build a memorial of twelve stones from the river. He did it so that when their children asked about the stones they could tell them of how God had moved for them, and remember it for themselves all over again (See Joshua, Chapters 3 and 4).

Sometimes, at the time that we are going through trials, we might lose sight of how God is moving on our behalf. We might even feel that He has abandoned us, though He has promised to never leave us (See Hebrews 13:5).

I have found, for me, that the steadfast hand of God at work on my behalf is much easier seen, when I look back at the path I have traveled to get to where I am today. It is then that I can truly see that He was with me all the way.

Time to play

I finally got around to watching the movie, "We Are Marshall", this past week. For those of you who may be unfamiliar with the film, it is a telling of a true event which happened in the early 70’s in West Virginia. In a tragic plane crash, virtually all of Marshall University’s Football Team was lost. The movie is about the rebuilding of the football team and the healing of the school and the town. It is a very moving film and has many thought provoking aspects.

I was particularly interested in a one theme in the film as the coach of the new team realizes that winning isn’t always everything, that it doesn’t even necessarily matter how you play the game, but rather just that you do play and that you do it with your whole heart.

We all face things in life that we don’t want to face and it is easy for us to come up with excuses for not facing up to those things. Part of trusting God is just to do the things that we know to do with our whole heart and leave the results up to Him.

So, maybe God is telling you to do something.

So, maybe you don’t succeed.

So, maybe you didn’t do everything just the way you should have.

What really matters is that you do it from your heart.

So, to borrow a line from the movie--


“It’s game day. Time to play till the whistle blows!”

Just Like a Child

The other day, my wife and I were talking about the fact that she has many childlike qualities. The question raised by Nan was whether that was a good thing or a not-so-good thing. So it got me thinking about the qualities that she has which are childlike and whether they serve her well. It didn‘t take long to decide that, without a doubt, they are a big part of what makes her a blessing to so many others.

After spending most of the day, yesterday, around my grandson, Jake, and thinking about my other grandkids and some of their qualities, I jotted down just a few of those qualities that I think all of us should have. So here they are for your consideration.

Enthusiasm: Ever notice how most children rarely just say, “Hello,” when a person they know enters the room. I can still remember how my granddaughter, Elania, used to greet me when I would come home from work with an excited, “Grandpa, Grandpa, Grandpa!” as she launched herself into my arms.

Wonder and Amazement: At three and a half, Jake is so aware of and interested in the world around him, like when he spotted an unusual looking bug on the edge of the swimming pool and paused for a closer look, a quick inventory of its parts, and a little poke to see if it was still alive.

Imagination and Creativity: Jake is into pirates big time right now, so as he was standing on the edge of the swimming pool he said, “Grandpa, you be the ship and I’ll be a cannon . . . wait . . . no, my head will be the cannon ball and my body will be the cannon.” With that he abruptly dove into the water towards me head . . . uh . . . I mean, cannonball first!

Energy and Life: I think most all of my grandkids have just one speed, GO! They have an amazing ability to go full speed through their day and then suddenly shutdown, unable to go another step. I know my grandsons Gydeon and Justin got a double dose of energy that their mom only wishes she could tap into!

Curiosity: It’s not enough for my grandsons to know that something works, they seem driven to know how. Lots of dismantled toys, whenever they are around.

Innocence and Faith: This is a fragile one. And it doesn’t take much to change this in a child, and that is a real shame. I remember this quality in my grandson Shane, and have seen it in my newest grandson, Jack, as well. I can only believe it must be there in my granddaughter, Heaven, the only grandkid that I’ve yet to meet.

Anyway, I think we miss out of a lot of joy from feeling like we have to be so adult all of the time. And while there is a big difference between just having some fun and being foolish, we shouldn’t ever miss the chance to embrace our lives with enthusiasm, wonder, amazement, imagination, creativity, energy, life, curiosity, innocence, and faith.

(What are your thoughts? Please share them, so others can be blessed.)

Life is Hard . . . But God is Good!

My father sometimes tells me that he is inspired by my great faith. Interesting comment, since I feel that the greatest gift my parents ever gave me was their example of faith.

I believe that one of the things that persons of faith hold in common, is that they have established certain things in their hearts. They are able to hold on to certain absolutes, and never let them be shaken out of their heart, regardless of what it looks like, sounds like or seems like. They walk by faith and not by sight.

One thing that I hold forever established in my heart is that God is good all the time. That He is working for me and not against me. Now, just because I believe Him to be good, doesn't mean I get a free pass from troubles and problems. No, the Bible tells me, "Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the LORD delivers him out of them all. Psalm 34:19 (NKJ). I like the "delivers him out of them all" part of this verse!

My father has shared with me on more than one occasion, that one of his favorite Bible verses is: "And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28 (NKJ).

Through my past experience, I know when bad things happen, I can stay at rest, knowing in my heart that God will turn it toward good. When I look back over my life I can see time after time where God has sustained me through a tough situation and brought good out of it in the long run. I think all of us can look back at our lives and say, "You know, if this hadn't happened, then I never would have . . . ."

Last year, my wife and I found ourselves in a situation where we had to sell our home and move. At the time, it was very hard on us, and yet God has turned it to good for us, and we love the place we live now even more than our former home. That's the kind of thing He has always done for me, so I can't help but look forward to seeing what He does with the challenges that are before me now.



(I would like to invite you to share your experiences of witnessing God bringing good out of something that seemed bad at the time. Just click on comments and share your story!)

At Rest

This is a picture of my newest grandson, Jack.

Jack is a very peaceful baby.

Jack doesn’t worry about a lot of things. He doesn’t wonder where his next meal is coming from or how he is going to be able to afford to put gas in the car. He has already learned, in the short few weeks that he’s been here, that if he needs something, his mommy or his daddy, or someone who loves him, is going to make sure that he gets it.

He might not get it as quickly as he thinks he should, but he’s going to get it. All he has to do is ask . . . well, cry, and he’ll get what he needs, and be well satisfied, and taken care of, and loved.

I cried to the LORD with my voice, and He heard me from His holy hill. Selah
Psalms 3:4 (NKJ)

As you can see in this picture of my grandson, Jack is at rest. He's trusting in his mommy and daddy. How much more should we be at rest, trusting in our Heavenly Father?

Be anxious for nothing . . . let your requests be made known to God.

Phillipians 4:6 (NKJ)

So, now what?

"So, now what?

“Look what you’ve started, Robert. You were so excited to have begun your very own blog. You went out and invited people to read it, and they actually did. And they even acted like they might be willing to read more of what you write! They were gracious and encouraging . . . .

“So, now what?

“You've looked around on the Internet enough to know that there are all kinds of blogs out there. And just how many of those were you even a little interested in? That’s what I thought. So, why would yours be any different. Why would anyone look forward to your next posting?

“So, now what? Whatcha-gonna-do-now?”



Well, I’ll tell you what I am going to do. I am going to step out in FAITH. . . and write. You see, I know this as well as I know my own name: I have been given a gift by God Himself. It’s a gift--an ability to write. When it is in operation at it’s best, I stand back in amazement at what I have written. That’s how I know it is God that is forming the words in my heart; when I am blessed (sometimes even to tears) by reading something I just wrote.

I just start out, and trust Him to do the rest. I don’t have to worry about the result. That’s not my job. It’s His job to make what He will out of it. And He is ever faithful and true. He meets me here and carries me to places and shows me things beyond myself. How wonderful is that? Who wouldn’t want to see God in action--moving through the gifts that He Himself has placed on the inside of them?

This is what FAITH is all about. It’s about knowing that you know something will happen. You might not know all the how, why, or when of it . . . but you know . . . you are thoroughly convinced and have a deep inside peace . . . and nothing can change that which you hold in your heart. Sometimes, your mind might want you to doubt. It may look beyond impossible, but your heart is steadfast, unshakable, unwavering--trusting in Him--at rest, knowing He will do it.

“So, now what?”

So, now I write . . . The Song of My Heart, The Words That I Write.




Author’s Note: I’m quite sure there are blogs out there which would interest you. If my blog interests you, you might want to take a look at another one that is worthy of your time. It's by Gary S. Chapman, an amazing photographer, an even more amazing man of God. Enjoy!http://www.garyschapman.com/blog/