Since it's Valentine's Day and the nation is all a flutter with romantic ideas and conceptions of love, I wanted to take just a moment and share through my personal convictions. I was raised in a home filled with love. From grandparents, to parents, to aunts and uncles, to siblings, to cousins, to neighbors, to school teachers, to community leaders, to friends, to class mates, to church members...we all loved one another. No it wasn't an idyllic community, it was a real community. Bumps and bruises along the way, but there was love. Even now I'm finding it hard to believe that I was raised in a special place and time that embraced love and loving others. What was so special about this magical childhood? I believe it was faith. Even those who did not embrace Christ, still revered those who did. There was a common understanding of boundaries defined by God through His teachings.
Often in today's culture, love is watered down to include all types of infatuations. "I love chocolate!" "I love clothes!" "I love cars!" "I love the beach!" Are equalled to our love and devotion to God for His Son Jesus Christ. This culture and moral relativism has crippled our nation and churches. There is one standard: God. He has given to us His Word, His Son, and His Holy Spirit to guide and direct us. There are many paths in life, but only one will lead us to God. No matter how hard you believe, you can be wrong. Right is not based on hard belief, it's based on following God. If God has told us something is wrong, then it's wrong. In all situations, in all climates, in all cultures, in all time...it's wrong. Wrong for you and wrong for me. We can easily be swayed by life experiences, but if it contradicts God and His teaching, then it's wrong.
Love from God is pure, holy, and available to all. Have you made the choice to trust God with your life? I hope you will take that leap of faith and trust Him with your whole being. Happy Valentine's Day!
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Lessons from the Court
"Woe is me!" Seriously, what was I thinking? Sure I remember well from childhood days (even the teen years) of running up and down a basketball court with friends, but now I'm 45 years old and well over 200 pounds (no need in getting too personal with weight, unless you're my doctor). Some church friends (loosely implied) get together twice a month to play some basketball, and I finally agreed to check it out and play some. Not sure as to who would be there, but I had to take part since I've invited a few men (younger than me too) to come out and join the festivity (once again loosely implied). After I walked into the Family Life Center, I knew my friend pain would be elated. I was the second oldest of the 16 men there. Not only that, but I'm also packing extra weight (hence, the need to exercise), and running up and down a court (why the need for full-court??? surely half-court is almost as exciting) for an hour is setting me up for a visit with Icy Hot products.
Yet, here I go. Mind you, I'm not that bright. I could have ignored the plea to join in some recreational fun, or I could have feigned a muscle pull early into the game, or I could have just walked the entire time (which would have alienated team mates), but NOOOOOOO, I just had to put forth an effort. Dig down deep. Go the extra mile. Hustle. All those good words that I usually offer up to someone else, has now come back to me ten fold. So I would run for 5 minutes and then rest for another 5 to 8 minutes (thankful for the free substitutions). At the end of the time, not too shabby for an old man who has not done that for 20+ years. Made one shot out of five attempts. Two assists and five turnovers. Fouled several times, but no one called it since their shot went in, and only fell down three times while retreating back for defense. Again, why the need for full court???
There were no medical personnel to offer oxygen, but if they were here, I would have gladly taken them up on that. My lungs were burning and screaming "Stop!"at my legs and brain. Still it was a good time that brought laughter, and I'll probably do it again next time. At this rate, it will only take me about two years to get in better physical conditioning, but just wait until then. Look out I have a goal in mind.
The lesson here is to get involved. No need to sit on the sidelines and watch. Get out there and take part. No different as a parent, you must be involved with your children. No matter the hobby, subject, sport, or leisure time, get in there. Get off the couch and be active. How about your spiritual life? Are you reading the Word of God? Are you praying? Are you sharing your faith? Are you taking part in the local church? You are needed. Get active. Get in the game. Sure I'm tired and sore, but it's a good tired and good ache. No more excuses, get in the game.
Yet, here I go. Mind you, I'm not that bright. I could have ignored the plea to join in some recreational fun, or I could have feigned a muscle pull early into the game, or I could have just walked the entire time (which would have alienated team mates), but NOOOOOOO, I just had to put forth an effort. Dig down deep. Go the extra mile. Hustle. All those good words that I usually offer up to someone else, has now come back to me ten fold. So I would run for 5 minutes and then rest for another 5 to 8 minutes (thankful for the free substitutions). At the end of the time, not too shabby for an old man who has not done that for 20+ years. Made one shot out of five attempts. Two assists and five turnovers. Fouled several times, but no one called it since their shot went in, and only fell down three times while retreating back for defense. Again, why the need for full court???
There were no medical personnel to offer oxygen, but if they were here, I would have gladly taken them up on that. My lungs were burning and screaming "Stop!"at my legs and brain. Still it was a good time that brought laughter, and I'll probably do it again next time. At this rate, it will only take me about two years to get in better physical conditioning, but just wait until then. Look out I have a goal in mind.
The lesson here is to get involved. No need to sit on the sidelines and watch. Get out there and take part. No different as a parent, you must be involved with your children. No matter the hobby, subject, sport, or leisure time, get in there. Get off the couch and be active. How about your spiritual life? Are you reading the Word of God? Are you praying? Are you sharing your faith? Are you taking part in the local church? You are needed. Get active. Get in the game. Sure I'm tired and sore, but it's a good tired and good ache. No more excuses, get in the game.
Thursday, February 2, 2012
Flight of the Tiger Balloon
Last night at church, the children's music ministry kicked off the celebration for the "Jungle Safari" musical. It was a great night with jungle decorations, themed wall decor, and tiger-print balloons. Oh yeah, zebra too. Sounds of laughter filled the Family Life Center as children talked, sang, and a few listened to what's in store for this year's musical. It was also good to see the adults dressed as safari leaders, and a few with painted faces to help set the right tone. Each child left with a balloon to help reinforce the lesson and theme.
After Mary and I made our way home WITH an animal print balloon, we were both walking up the stairs to the front door...when I noticed the balloon drifting off into the air (minus the weighty-object-thingy). "Mary!" I exclaimed, "what are you doing?" She smiled at me. "I wanted to give it to Nana" she calmly said. Then we both watched the balloon drift over the neighbor's house (shout out to Don and Tracy) and into the darkened skies ever so lovely. With a tear in my eye, I watched my little girl smile widely as she whispered, "I love you Nana, and I miss you. Bunches and bunches."
So last night at our Bible story time and prayer time, we talked about Nana receiving her gift from "princess Mary" and how excited she must have been to see the balloon and then showing it off to anyone willing to listen. My, how I love the innocent imagination of children and how they are eager to express their thoughts. Any thoughts. Like when you walk down the aisle of the grocery story and she comments, "He has a funny look on his face. Doesn't he daddy?" Loud enough so those two aisles over are able to hear her. (She gets that from her mother. Hey, I'm writing this. If she wants to challenge this, then she can write her own blog.) Or when she is in big church and whispers (her whispers are heard all over the congregation) "Your breath smells like coffee." Which it does, but no need to tell others. Besides, coffee is good!
Yet, in my mind (and humble opinion) Mary has helped me with the process of grief. I certainly do miss those conversations (even when I listened most of the time), her laugh, her sermons, her smile, and her encouragement. My, how silent life has become, but we do have hope. I'm reminded of that hope each time I touch a Bible. Hear a Scripture verse read aloud. See a picture of a family. Taste a sweet dessert (especially red velvet cake...yum!). Memories serve a great reminder: live life. Don't wait for it to happen...live.
My encouragement this week: go buy a balloon and let it soar into the sky. Perhaps your imagination will take you to a place filled with pleasant and wonderful memories. It sure did for me, Mary too!
After Mary and I made our way home WITH an animal print balloon, we were both walking up the stairs to the front door...when I noticed the balloon drifting off into the air (minus the weighty-object-thingy). "Mary!" I exclaimed, "what are you doing?" She smiled at me. "I wanted to give it to Nana" she calmly said. Then we both watched the balloon drift over the neighbor's house (shout out to Don and Tracy) and into the darkened skies ever so lovely. With a tear in my eye, I watched my little girl smile widely as she whispered, "I love you Nana, and I miss you. Bunches and bunches."
So last night at our Bible story time and prayer time, we talked about Nana receiving her gift from "princess Mary" and how excited she must have been to see the balloon and then showing it off to anyone willing to listen. My, how I love the innocent imagination of children and how they are eager to express their thoughts. Any thoughts. Like when you walk down the aisle of the grocery story and she comments, "He has a funny look on his face. Doesn't he daddy?" Loud enough so those two aisles over are able to hear her. (She gets that from her mother. Hey, I'm writing this. If she wants to challenge this, then she can write her own blog.) Or when she is in big church and whispers (her whispers are heard all over the congregation) "Your breath smells like coffee." Which it does, but no need to tell others. Besides, coffee is good!
Yet, in my mind (and humble opinion) Mary has helped me with the process of grief. I certainly do miss those conversations (even when I listened most of the time), her laugh, her sermons, her smile, and her encouragement. My, how silent life has become, but we do have hope. I'm reminded of that hope each time I touch a Bible. Hear a Scripture verse read aloud. See a picture of a family. Taste a sweet dessert (especially red velvet cake...yum!). Memories serve a great reminder: live life. Don't wait for it to happen...live.
My encouragement this week: go buy a balloon and let it soar into the sky. Perhaps your imagination will take you to a place filled with pleasant and wonderful memories. It sure did for me, Mary too!
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Birthday
Last Saturday we celebrated my beautiful wife's birthday (I'm not telling her age, even though she is 6 weeks older than me), and per Lee household custom, the celebration will last at least one week. When I announced to Mary that we were going shopping for mommy's birthday, she was totally excited. In her mind, she started the details of how this was going to go down. She wanted a birthday cake, actually she wanted to bake it at home, but we really did not have time for all that, so she settled for a Dairy Queen ice cream cake. She announced to the DQ staff the occasion for the cake, and started to peer through the cases for the right one. In my mind, I was looking for a small cake since there were only 3 of us going to eat this, but I was overruled by the midget. She just HAD to have the 3 princesses on the cake, and they would only fit on the large cake. See where this is going???? So after carefully negotiating, I chose to listen to Mary with her choice of this cake. And Mary was right, Lisa LOVED having the cake decorated with Belle, Aurora, and Cinderella. (Yes, I know my princesses, you would too after watching those movies a zillion times, but I loved every moment of it!)
It does look very nice, and Mary selected all the color scheme's. Plus, we have ALL enjoyed eating this treasure throughout the week. Wait, I believe there is still a little left in the freezer. Note to self: check freezer after tonight's supper.
Mary also enjoyed shopping for presents. We visited a jewelry story where Mary selected several pieces (within our budget) to brighten mommy's day. Then we made our way to Hallmark to obtain a card (musical of course) to express love. Mary chose a card with themed music from "Sleeping Beauty" that was a hit with mommy. We were also to score two movies that Lisa loves: "Enchanted" and "Secretariat." They are excellent flicks that are worthy of owning to view many times.
All in all, it was a great celebration. Speaking of that, we will continue that tonight with more food, laughter, and movies. This was a "post" celebration pic since we failed to light candles the first time. As you can tell...the smiles were plenty.
Mary also enjoyed shopping for presents. We visited a jewelry story where Mary selected several pieces (within our budget) to brighten mommy's day. Then we made our way to Hallmark to obtain a card (musical of course) to express love. Mary chose a card with themed music from "Sleeping Beauty" that was a hit with mommy. We were also to score two movies that Lisa loves: "Enchanted" and "Secretariat." They are excellent flicks that are worthy of owning to view many times.
All in all, it was a great celebration. Speaking of that, we will continue that tonight with more food, laughter, and movies. This was a "post" celebration pic since we failed to light candles the first time. As you can tell...the smiles were plenty.
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
More Laughs...
UNANSWERED PRAYER
The preacher's 5 year-old daughter noticed that her father always paused and bowed his head for a moment before starting his sermon. One day, she asked him why. "Well, Honey," he began, proud that his daughter was so observant of his messages. "I'm asking the Lord to help me preach a good sermon." She asked, "How come He doesn't answer it?"
BEING THANKFUL
A Rabbi said to a precocious six-year-old boy, "So your mother says your prayers for you each night? That's very commendable. What does she say?" The little boy replied, "Thank God he's in bed!"
These were some funnies passed along to me by a close friend, and I thought they were too good not to share. It seems that in the Lee household laughter is heard most often...a close second is Lisa saying, "That is not funny!" Aimed at Mary and me for our jokes on mommy. BUT we do think they ARE funny.
I do hope that you will be able to exercise your smiling and laughter and giggles during the week. Numerous studies have been done on the wondrous effects on those who laugh often, but it does bear repeating: laugh. Laugh often and much.
Here is video for your enjoyment...take care!
Monday, January 9, 2012
Un-Decorating
Yep, it's that time of year...taking down all the Christmas decorations. I love to get out the decorations for Christmas: the tree (artificial), lights, ornaments, nick knacks, but no tinsel. (Tinsel has a way to "cling" onto other things in and around the house that seem to appear year round. Therefore, no tinsel!) We were able to take down most of our stuff last weekend, but we finally completed the task Saturday. Everything was placed back into the attic where it will wait until the next adventure. Granted, it's not near as much fun as getting it all out while listening to your favorite Christmas music selections, but it's necessary.
I hope that you celebrated a wonderful Christmas time with family and friends, and are eager to achieving some goals for 2012. One goal I would like to offer for you: read through Bible. There are three plans to choose from that will help you. Check out our church website or you can surf the web to find one just for you. Remember the main goal: reading through the Bible to give clarity of God's message to you.
God desires to communicate with us, and the main message He has given is the Bible. Carve out some time and read His Word. I've never heard anyone say that it never helped, or it hurt them. Rather, I've heard from several folk who learned from God an important lesson in life in how to live. So it was a positive experience that is worth passing along to others to enjoy.
So take my encouragement and read the Bible. Get in touch with God so He can communicate with you about important issues. You will be a better person for it, and that is always a good thing no matter what year it is.
I hope that you celebrated a wonderful Christmas time with family and friends, and are eager to achieving some goals for 2012. One goal I would like to offer for you: read through Bible. There are three plans to choose from that will help you. Check out our church website or you can surf the web to find one just for you. Remember the main goal: reading through the Bible to give clarity of God's message to you.
God desires to communicate with us, and the main message He has given is the Bible. Carve out some time and read His Word. I've never heard anyone say that it never helped, or it hurt them. Rather, I've heard from several folk who learned from God an important lesson in life in how to live. So it was a positive experience that is worth passing along to others to enjoy.
So take my encouragement and read the Bible. Get in touch with God so He can communicate with you about important issues. You will be a better person for it, and that is always a good thing no matter what year it is.
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Working and NOT Watching
This year I'm coaching young girls in Upward Basketball. First time with 7 little princesses, but it has been a joy even though I was a little nervous at first. The main obstacle, at least for me, is getting them to hustle to the ball and not just WATCH the ball. Most are perfectly content to observe the action, but this is not necessarily a good thing in playing basketball.
A spiritual connection is that we often watch from the sidelines rather than becoming an active participant. For some, attendance once a week is all they want, but God demands greater: participation. We should be committed to a life of: prayer, worship, sharing faith, discipleship, and stewardship. These are mandated in Scripture, and hence are not optional.
I was cruising some Christian news sites and came across this info about Salvation Army. Check out this site about Joe the Turk. It's a great read and very interesting character. Hope you enjoy!
http://www.salvationarmyusa.org/usn/www_usn_2.nsf/vw-dynamic-index/FD47275D57159E43852574420041FAB0?Opendocument
A spiritual connection is that we often watch from the sidelines rather than becoming an active participant. For some, attendance once a week is all they want, but God demands greater: participation. We should be committed to a life of: prayer, worship, sharing faith, discipleship, and stewardship. These are mandated in Scripture, and hence are not optional.
I was cruising some Christian news sites and came across this info about Salvation Army. Check out this site about Joe the Turk. It's a great read and very interesting character. Hope you enjoy!
http://www.salvationarmyusa.org/usn/www_usn_2.nsf/vw-dynamic-index/FD47275D57159E43852574420041FAB0?Opendocument
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