Sunday, August 21, 2011
Christlikeness or Clone?
Saturday, August 20, 2011
Solitude
"With the people I love the most, I can sit in silence indefinitely. We need both for our full development; the joy of the sense of sound; and the equally great joy of its absence."
I read this quote from Madeleine L'Engle this morning and it resonated with my experience-James and I sitting at opposite ends of our couch, sharing a blanket and coffee, separately immersed in the Word (Him) and alternating between books in my stack (Me). Like my mom, I cherish the sacredness of solitude and thankfully, James is like-hearted with me. After spending time in solitude and introspection, we share, we listen, we laugh, we accept. Our ability to share this sacred space together is something that I cherish about our marriage and even more, I take special delight in that James is also my best friend in whom I can play with the enthusiasm and whole-heartedness of a child. Both are important and gifts in our marriage.
Friday, August 19, 2011
On Love and Faithfulness
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Why my wife is a better looser than I am.
One of the ways that Katie has been challenging me and God has been humbling me has been in our tennis game. Katie has been playing tennis for a number of years and is a real Serena Williams... kind of. It has been truly fun to learn from Katie and to grow in my self control. Tennis has raised every kind of temperamental skeleton that has yet to be residing in my closet. Friends and family of mine will sometimes refer to my younger days when I use to lose my cool over video games and golf. I even deemed the nickname "Golfer James" by my brother Shawn.
Recently while playing tennis with my friend Aaron, I found myself beginning to blow off some steam. Aaron too was getting frustrated with himself. I was realizing that our competitive and stubborn natures were only playing off of each other and robbing us of the joy we should be having. As I found myself praying for the spiritual fruit of Self Control, I had the idea that every time I wanted to cuss or throw a racquet, I was going to immediately thank God for something or sing his praises. So, it started out painfully difficult. I had to force the words out of my mouth. Soon though, I found it becoming easier and easier to do. As I took my mind off of myself and my frustration with my lack of performance, and turned my eyes to the many blessings that I have received, I found myself to be free and full of joy!
Aaron and I had a great number of laughs as we were literally shouting out loud, "Thank you Jesus for trees!". The more frustrated I felt, the louder I would shout, "Hallelujah" at the top of my lungs. There were even some women near by in the park who, I am sure, were overhearing us. How good it felt to know that my testimony would be one of "crazy man praising Jesus" rather than "out of control soar-loser with a vulgar tongue". Soon, our whole tennis game turned around and we were having fun, encouraging one another and laughing at how ridiculous my a' cappella versions of worship songs sounded.
I couldn't wait to bring back this revelation to the courts with Tennis. Although I had yet to win a whole set with Katie, I was determined to loose with Joy this time! Ironically, yesterday was the first set with Katie that I won. (I would say it was because she had run earlier that day and was tired from a long week.) Katie, in light of the results immediately congratulated me, encouraged me and celebrated my victory, WOW!
Thank you Jesus for Katie!... and trees.
Saturday, August 13, 2011
Ever Present Shepherd
Friday, August 5, 2011
My Role in Ministry
because the LORD has anointed me
to proclaim good news to the poor.
He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
to proclaim freedom for the captives
and release from darkness for the prisoners,
2 to proclaim the year of the LORD’s favor.