Book musings

I've started to read God is Closer Than You Think by John Ortberg. Ortberg is one of my favorite pastor/authors and I always enjoy reading his stuff and hearing him speak.

This book is about finding/hearing/seeing God. One of the ideas he presents is that of Divine Appointments. The idea that God brings everybody into our life for a reason. And that he often uses these people to communicate to us. Maybe in big ways, but maybe in just small details. Is it possible that God brought two guys together in friendship so that one of them could be a catalyst in getting the other into missions work outside of the country? It's mind-boggling, but I believe it. It's certainly possible to believe that you're a part of someone's life for reasons you may not yet know. Or possibly ever know. I know of people who have come into my life and have left as quickly as they came. And they'll never know what I learned from them.

Did ya ever stop to think why God has you working at the place you're currently employed? I don't know myself, but let me share something. I was complaining a while back to some people about how one of my co-workers comes in and is always sharing what's wrong in their life and the latest disaster to occur. And it has occurred to me that I shouldn't be complaining. But that I should be rejoicing in the opportunity that I have to show them love. So now I'm not trying to hurry them out of my office so that I can back to work. I'm giving them the time to vent.

At lunch yesterday, I was served by a woman named Sherry. She may have been the best waitress I've had this year. She was very kind and provided excellent service. At the end of my meal, I told her exactly that. And she shook my hand. To my knowledge, I've never had any waitstaff offer to shake my hand. But she did. I don't know why I was sat at her table, but I made the most of that opportunity.

So what do you think? The people in your life, are they there for a reason? Have you ever thought about why they're there?

I gained an hour.

On a suprising note, my Redskins did not lose this weekend. Hip hip hooray!

Last night I worked a gig with artist/author Jim Benton. The name might not be familiar, but I guarantee you that at least one of my readers will recognize one of his characters. Click here for the link.

Todd Phillips (pastor of Frontline) is currently in Israel on an MBC trip. He (and his wife) have been posting some really interesting stuff on his myspace page. Check that out here. It makes me want to visit there.

Like Rachmaninoff? Tomorrow night, the Grantham Church is hosting the Kiev Symphony Orchestra and Chorus. It's FREE!

I would like to publicly announce that I am in love with the Cinnamon Crunch bagel at Panera. I've started this habit of buying one at night and toasting it for breakfast the next day. Add a little butter and I'm good to go!

Later this week, I'm hoping to share some thoughts I've had from a new book that I've been reading. Until then, be a blessing!

Derek Webb Show

Free show on Sunday, November 12th at CLA. More info here.

Public Service Announcement

Friday Picks

Before I go through my picks, did anybody see the sunrise this morning? Before it clouded up? B-E-A-Utiful!

Pack over the Cards
Falcons over the Bengals
Saints over the Ravens
Titans over the Texans
Eagles over the Jags
Chiefs over the Hawks
Bears over the Niners
Giants over the Bucs
Chargers over the Rams
Broncos over the Colts
Jets over the Browns
Steelers over the Raiderettes
Panthers over the Cowboys
Pats over the Vikes

Fun at work

No, not at my place of business. But check out this article. That would work for me.

Glorious

That's what this morning was. For me anyways. I suppose others of you might have thought that this morning was less than glorious, but I'm sure you had your reasons. This morning I had a chance to read some of my book AND eat breakfast before I got to work. Sometimes I eat breakfast before work, but rarely do I read before work. But it's not uncommon for me to read during breakfast, although usually it's the newspaper and not a book.

So that's been my morning so far. How's things where you are?

All dressed up and no one to meet (Revised) (Again)

That's me. Had plans to meet a friend for lunch today. Just found out that she has to bail on me. Nothing that was her fault, but I'm disappointed nonetheless.

And I don't have anything for lunch. And we were going to the Pizza Grille too...

poop.

This is a friend from a previous employer who I've made it a point to stay in touch with. We try to get together once a month or so. And I'm never suprised when she cancels on me because she's done it a lot. She has things come up which rate higher on the priority scale than me. Which I understand. But I'm still disappointed.

I'm tempted to make some sort of smart-alecky remark about how frequently this occurs. And I think that's a problem for me in general. I often feel like I need to get a gentle barb in because I want people to know how I'm feeling. When I get an email from someone who hasn't written me in a month, I'm tempted to say "Hey Stranger! Where have you been?" I know perfectly well where they've been, but I feel like I need to express my feelings. If I'm feeling slighted, I want them to know that I've been frustrated/anxious/disappointed/insert other feeling here: _________ by their actions.

But is that really necessary? Do they already have a clue about how I'm feeling? I think in a lot of cases yes. Today's friend has acknowleged in the past her cancellation habits. So I know she has some understanding of what she does. Does it make it any less frustrating? No. Because it still happens. But if I need people to know how I'm feeling, I have to tell them in a loving manner. And in a way that doesn't make light of their quirks (which they're most likely already aware of).

Because "A friend loves at all times." (Prov. 17.17). Not just when it's convenient or when my friend is in my good graces, but ALL the time.

Two years ago today

I came up with this superb piece of poetry. I post this partly because I'm working on another poem which I hope to post. And it also allows me to get a dig in on the Yankees.

Week 7

Just for the record, I've stopped looking at statistics...

Bengals over the Panthers
Jets over the Lions
Pack over the Fish
Jags over Texans
Pats over da Bills
Eagles over the Bucs
Steelers over the Falcons
Chargers over the Chiefs
Broncos over the Browns
Cards over the Raiders
Seahawks over the Vikes
Colts over my Skins
Giants over the Cowgirls

As I was driving

into work this morning, I was praying through my normal list of prayer requests. And it occurred to me that I was very thankful for the way that God has been working in the lives of the folks that I've been praying for. It wasn't any sort of gratification, but it made me joyful to see the way that God was working.

Sorry to all the Mets fans out there. Thought you might pull it out there.

Week picks coming later this morning.

More thinking

More from Jerry Bridges:

We allow in our minds what we would not allow in our actions, because other people cannot see our thoughts.

This quote was from the chapter on Self-Control. Bridges talks about three key areas where self-control is muy importante, one of which is our thoughts. And I was thinking how very true this was. How often do we get angry at someone and wish that something bad would happen to them? Like "getting what they deserve." Or the times when we judge folks.

The lack of self-control in my life can be considered discouraging. And it's not just thoughts. But it's also an excellent opportunity to ask for God's help.

So how's your self-control?

Coming May 18th

Fighting Princesses

My mission, should I choose to accept it..

I'm going to attempt to discover what my boss' love language is. Pray for me.

(for those unfamiliar, Dr. Gary Chapman has written a book titled "The Five Love Languages" and it talks about how different people give and receive love)

Wilderness Wanderings

This weekend, inspired by my friend Ocean, I took a walk. I hit up the Appalachian Trail just outside of Carlisle and headed down to Boiling Springs. Then I walked back. Here are some pictures I took.




And if you'd like to see these scenes in person, you can. I've decided to go take the same walk on Saturday, 11/04/06. And I'm inviting you along. My plan is to hike down to Boiling Springs, eat some lunch, and hike back. Shouldn't take more than four hours. It's a fairly easy hike through fields and forest. No steep inclines or boulders to negotiate.

If you're interested, drop me a line.

Thought to consider..

From Jerry Bridges, in "The Practice of Godliness."

"Self-control is the exercise of inner strength under the direction of sound judgement that enables us to do, think, and say the things that are pleasing to God"

Friday's Picks

Well here we are in week six. After bombing the week prior, this past week I was 10 for 13 (77%). So without further ado, week six's picks:

Bills over the Lions
Panthers over the Ravens
Bengals over the Bucs
Cowboys over the Texans
Falcons over the Gians
Eagles over the Saints
Rams over the Seahawks
Redskins over the Titans (but it won't be pretty)
Chiefs over the Steelers
Jets over the Dolphins
Chargers over the Niners
Broncos over the Raiders
Bears over the Cards

A Nurturing Environment

Over the past day or so, I've been thinking about my work-life. I've been actively pursuing another full-time job, but haven't found anything yet. I've also been mulling the possibility of looking for work outside of the booming tri-county area. And I've been thinking about looking for work with organizations that may offer a more nurturing work environment. Specifically, I've been thinking about Christian organizations and non-profits (like education).

So let me talk about this "nuturing environment" concept I'm floating. I'm looking for a place where management works side-by-side with lower-level employees. I'm looking for a place that's interested in me as a person, and not as a number. A place that's willing to invest something in me. A place where I'm encouraged. I think I thrive in that kind of environment. And that's why I'm considering it.

Is it a pipe dream? Is it silly for me to want my workplace to be "nurturing?" Do you work in a place like this? If so, are there any openings?

Good word

It's Monday.

Yesterday, Pastor Phil spoke on Romans 12:2 and being transformed. I really enjoyed it and I wanted to pass it on. So if you have 30 minutes or so, click here and give a listen.

Have a great week!

I'm a Tigers fan for the rest of the month!

The Evil Empire has fallen! Woo hoo! The Detroit Tigers beat the New York Yankees earlier today to advance to the American League Championship Series. Thanks to Jim Leyland and the rest of his team for making this possible.

I'm hoping for a Tigers/Cardinals world series. So Ocean and I can trade words.

This week's picks

Last week I went 50% for the week. Fortunately, I'm still tied for fifth in the pool. Here's this week's picks

Bears over the Bills
Panthers over the Browns
Lions over the Vikes
Pats over the Dolphins
Rams over the Pack
Saints over the Bucs
Colts over the Titans
Skins over the Giants
Chiefs over the Cards
Jags over the Jets
Raiders over the Niners for the first win of the season
Eagles over the Cowboys
Chargers over the Steelers
Ravens over the Broncos

The Amish are Making a Stand

Monday was a horrible day in Lancaster County. For those who haven't heard, here's the story.

It's been awesome over the past couple of days to see the reaction of the Amish community. They've shown a lot of love. Often times the families of victims will express outrage and demand justice. The Amish have not asked for either of these things. They and their representatives have talked about how this was a part of God's plan. And they have stated that they have forgiven the shooter and that they're concerned for the welfare of the family he left behind. They're even considering diverting some of the recent aid that has come in to the Amish community and giving it to the shooter's family.

Continue to pray for the community, but also give thanks for the tremendous opportunity they have had to show God's love to others.

Joy

I'm reading The Practice of Godliness and I just finished up the chapter on Joy. The author gave four practical aids to help cultivate joy. I thought I'd list them out for y'all to think about:

1. Confess and forsake sin - sin creates a spirit of oppression.
2. Trust in God - Romans 8.28 and Romans 15.13
3. Take the long-range view of life - approach life with a heavenly perspective
4. Give thanks in all circumstances - always.

Have a great day!!

Story time

Once upon a time, not too long ago, there was a boy. This boy made a goal. A goal to visit Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts. In 2005 the boy attempted to purchase tickets. He failed. In early 2006, the boy had an opportunity to purchase tickets. He waffled because of the assorted ticket charges that were being attached to the purchased. And he feared that he had lost his opportunity for the season. But something happened. The Sox started to slide. Started to lose some games. People started to unload their tickets and the glut of tickets led to a general secondary market decrease in price. The boy was able to secure standing-room only seats for the last game of the season. He called the accountant to see if he was free. He was, and we went.

Sunday morning arrived nice and sunny. It was the last time we would see the sun. We landed in Boston in a solid rain. We made our way over to the T and proceeded to the Kenmore station. From Kenmore, we headed out to the street and into the rain. We made it to historic Fenway around 1:30pm. It was still raining. But at that point, we didn't care. We had arrived at the oldest ballpark in the majors. All sorts of history had been made here and all of the greats had played here. Even my Redskins played there for four seasons! It's a beautiful old park. Very similar to Wrigley. But it's still raining.

So we decide to get some eats. The accountant goes for the italian sausage while I go for the Fenway Frank. We both topped off our pork consumption with some slightly-sweet kettle corn. And the rain kept on falling. So we go back up to our seats and watch the Cowboys-Titans game on the flat screen, which is attached to a brick wall in our section.

A quick look at the clock reveals that it's now 3:00pm. And it hasn't stopped raining. At this point, the accountant and I start to discuss an exit strategy. We decide to give it another forty-five minutes. Well, 3:45pm rolls around and it's still raining. So we begin to slowly make our way down to the exit, pausing to soak in the ambience and the plethora of Varitek jerseys. We stop off at fan services to find out what the refund policy in case of cancellation. And at about 4:15 or so, we exit Fenway through Gate E and head back to the airport.

So we didn't get to see a baseball game. But I get get to try out a neat self-cleaning pay toilet.

*Special thanks to the accountant for coming along for the ride and the accountant's wife for letting him come out and study the precipitation patterns of New England.