Night at the Tulsa Fair 2012

You know that moment when you are howling into the night while your body is being hurled along the windy coaster track? It’s the same moment you are clutching your camera with one hand and holding on tight to your daughter with the other. Avery was not feeling up to the big roller coaster just yet, even though she mastered all of the Disney coasters, this one just did not feel right for her. We went on the smaller coaster which was just fine for daddy as it allowed me the picture taking opportunity anyway. That along with the carousel made the night perfect. She also won a small bear shooting darts at a balloon.

Kenneth and Erin spent most of the evening being pushed around in their double stroller, enjoying the sights as well as they could, mostly people watching. After a while daddy bribed them with some popcorn to make their tummy’s happy. I am sure they would have ran all over the place if we let them. Mommy and daddy enjoyed having all of the kids at the fair this year, but it might be easier when they are all a bit older as well. All three of them are going to get into plenty of trouble together as they get older. Holly took the little ones back to the car while I rode along with Avery on the rides. They were screaming about leaving daddy and Avery behind, so it was good that by the time we got to the car they were much relieved.

Earlier in the day Avery and her cousin Madison went to see Disney on Ice at the Fair with Granny. She wanted to take them and spend time quality time enjoying something they both enjoyed a great deal. This also came with gate admission into the fair so tickets for our trip this evening were free. Sweet deal right there, free parking, free gate admission, we just paid for food and some face painting along with tickets for the ride. On the way back from the line for the big coaster the attendant handed me 8 tickets, I assumed he took some from Avery without me noticing but turns out we ended up with 8+8. We spent four on the carousel, and 8 on the smaller coaster, than sold the other four to someone in line. So that worked out well, what a blessing! It is the small things God gives us at the most unusual times that remind us of what blessings we have.

September has been a long month for all of us, we have had to put in a lot of hours and sweat a lot of blood and tears to accomplish the necessity. But it’s the Lord who grants us strength to attain the prize. It is the power and peace only the Lord can provide which help us get up in the mornings and go after what we need to get done for the day. As we approach October, I know it means birthday plans for Avery, and getting everyone ready for Halloween festivities. We know the Lord is with us and thank Him for this family He has given.

Psalm 119:145-152

Qoph

¹⁴⁵ I pray with all my heart; answer me, Lord!
I will obey your decrees.
¹⁴⁶ I cry out to you; rescue me,
that I may obey your laws.
¹⁴⁷ I rise early, before the sun is up;
I cry out for help and put my hope in your words.
¹⁴⁸ I stay awake through the night,
thinking about your promise.
¹⁴⁹ In your faithful love, O Lord, hear my cry;
let me be revived by following your regulations.
¹⁵⁰ Lawless people are coming to attack me;
they live far from your instructions.
¹⁵¹ But you are near, O Lord,
and all your commands are true.
¹⁵² I have known from my earliest days
that your laws will last forever.
Psalm 119:145-152

We cannot do this without the Lord. Sure we can read the words of the Scripture; study them, memorize them even, but without the Spirit there is nothing. Thankfully we know the Word of God is alive and active and even when we not knowing what is being read, our hearts will still devour the message. Maybe the truth will not make itself known right this moment, but be aware its presence will be made known to you.

Just sit and listen to the heart felt prayer of the Psalmist as he expresses his deepest and dearest devotion to the Lord. His passion for the Word and commands of God is made evident throughout the Psalm, and even here we can feel his heart. God knows our hearts too, and it does not matter how short or long our prayers are as long as they come from a sincere heart.

God is going to be faithful to you in this life, He promised to never leave you or forsake you. But we will be plunged into dark times and difficult circumstances. All great things come through crisis points. The Bible is full of God working through difficulties. We live in a flawed world, surrounded by flawed people, but our God is perfect and His ways are perfect. We want to bring glory to him, but who are we to tell him how our lives should bring Him glory? Give up the desires and passions you have had, and allow Him to give you a new desire and passion to serve Him in extraordinary ways every day.

Psalm 119:137-144

Tsadhe

¹³⁷ O Lord, you are righteous,
and your regulations are fair.
¹³⁸ Your laws are perfect
and completely trustworthy.
¹³⁹ I am overwhelmed with indignation,
for my enemies have disregarded your words.
¹⁴⁰ Your promises have been thoroughly tested;
that is why I love them so much.
¹⁴¹ I am insignificant and despised,
but I don’t forget your commandments.
¹⁴² Your justice is eternal,
and your instructions are perfectly true.
¹⁴³ As pressure and stress bear down on me,
I find joy in your commands.
¹⁴⁴ Your laws are always right;
help me to understand them so I may live.

Psalm 119:137-144

Do you have hope in the righteousness of the Lord? Maybe that is not one of the characteristics of God we really consider important to trust. Wouldn’t His mercy, His grace, His faithfulness being more important? Of course they are, but during trials and troubles, we cannot always feel his mercy, see his grace, or remember his faithfulness. Hoping in His righteousness is a lot like realizing that no matter what, we have a God who is good. And because He is good, we can hope in Him.

Our passage says the Lord’s promises have been thoroughly tested. So they work, God is true to His Word and will do as He says just as He has planned all along. Is that not an amazing Word for us? God is great and awesome, overflowing with divine power and wonder. He is able to promise and keep His promises because He is good. His righteousness means is in focus when the Apostle Paul tells us all things work together for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose.

Whatever the trail you are going through, whatever the stressful pressure, you can find joy in his commands. He is not going to stir you into an iceberg! He is not going to leave you abandoned in the middle of the world with no guidance or help. You do not have to understand the why, when you know the Who, and He is someone who has proven Himself. He delights in proving Himself to us continually. So in the simplest of all prayers ever spoken remember, God is great, God is good, let us thank Him as we should.

Path of writing

I find life almost too interesting not to write it down. Unfortunately all too often by the time I have an opportunity to sit down quietly, my memory refuses to give up such interesting details. I wonder if this is the case for everyone who ever faces writers block or if it is just me. Stories, ideas, thoughts, all come to our minds throughout the day and if we do not log or store such things correctly they disappear into our brain.

My history with story writing goes back to the days of elementary school when I would spend time over at my friend’s house working on stories about action hero’s and fantasy worlds. In junior high I created my own super hero squad and called it Dino Force. Instead of writing though I turned the whole thing into a radio program. By the end I had created over a hundred monsters and twenty-four cassette albums full of my crime fighting hero adventures. Sadly both the tapes and the monsters have since been tossed. But I can remember just fine, even though it was almost twenty years ago.

As an adult now the devotion to writing has taken a back seat to other responsibilities. Even so its good to sit down and develop characters, write stories, find new ways to tell ancient tales. Most of my writing now is centered more so around devotional scriptures. What I call the Word of Truth devotional began back in high school and has matured me as much as it has matured itself.

Constantly I am running into new things to learn, new books to study, people who get to know. My whole life has just been one life lesson after another, as I am sure all of us can say the same. It is the wise ones who see life has a pathway of knowledge and understanding. All of this is why I feel I will make an excellent teacher someday. I love the course of learning and showing others new exciting things. I look forward to what the story that God is writing on my life will look like.  

Psalm 119:129-136

Pe

¹²⁹ Your laws are wonderful.
No wonder I obey them!
¹³⁰ The teaching of your word gives light,
so even the simple can understand.
¹³¹ I pant with expectation,
longing for your commands.
¹³² Come and show me your mercy,
as you do for all who love your name.
¹³³ Guide my steps by your word,
so I will not be overcome by evil.
¹³⁴ Ransom me from the oppression of evil people;
then I can obey your commandments.
¹³⁵ Look upon me with love;
teach me your decrees.
¹³⁶ Rivers of tears gush from my eyes
because people disobey your instructions.

Psalm 119:129-136

Grieving over the wickedness of the nation, and the desolation of mankind is a familiar topic in the Old Testament. Most of the prophets spent their days not only proclaiming God’s Word, but also his judgment if the people did not follow and obey. Jesus also wept over the city of Jerusalem knowing the coming destruction by the Romans. It is important for believers to desire for wickedness to cease so the coming judgment doesn’t also affect us all.

God is not an evil dictator or tyrant up in the heavens waiting to smite people. Take some time to study and read His Word and you will see what it is actually commanding people to do. It is all about loving people and loving God when you boil down all the other regulations and rules. The Law is about living a healthy lifestyle, eating good healthy food, and having good loving relationships with other people. When you really think about it, why wouldn’t people want to follow God’s law, just as the Psalmist has been saying in all of chapter 119?

When we read His wonderful Word our lives are changed and transformed. All of the old is done away and there is newness of life. Jesus empowers us with the gift of the Holy Spirit to do away with the sinful habits we once had. You cannot pick and choose which habits you would rather have. He desires to slowly, throughout our lifetime, change us more and more like Him. To be holy, to be pure, to be wonderful just as He is, should be our hearts desire. Weep over the wickedness of your country and your homeland, and pray the Lord will bring restoration and redemption to us all.

Olympics

Following is a post from my best friend Jon Surmi.
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Hey Family,

I know some of you think I've gone down the black hole of conspiracy theories, but there comes a time when I have to share a warning even at the expense of being dismissed as being "out there". Satan's movement towards his global order is happening at a frightening pace and his followers are now broadcasting the message to the entire world. The things being done are no longer being done in secret; they are being done in broad daylight as a means of announcement - a heralding of their very soon arrival.

It is important to remember that when God confused human language at the tower of Babel, fallen men reverted to using symbols as a means of communicating; and these symbols have been used by Satan's followers all throughout the centuries even into our "modern" time. Remember, there is "nothing new under the sun." These "symbols" and "rituals" were clearly displayed during the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2012 Olympics in London. They were not simply "artistic expression". Scholars that study the occult know exactly what these things mean and the message behind the symbols and rituals are clear.

Are these things important for the Christian to understand? Let me give some scriptures:

James 4:7 says very clearly "Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." And then Revelation 12:10-12 says: "And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night. ¹¹ And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death. ¹² Therefore rejoice, ye heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time."

Many American Christians have absolutely no idea what it means to resist or overcome the devil, and they are often willfully ignorant of his devices, contrary to Paul's admonition in 2 Cor 2 to be "not ignorant". We are not to worry and fret ourselves over evil (Psalm 37:7). However, Jesus clearly tells his disciples to be "wise as serpents..." (Matthew 10:16). Isn't that a strange statement? There isn't anything about a serpent that should appeal to beleivers. Satan is always typified by a serpent (Rev 12:9), so why would Jesus use that analogy in relation to his disciples? Back in Genesis 3 we are told that "the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field..." What this means is that the serpent has, above all other creatures, the ability to hide his true intentions in broad daylight; he can mask his agenda within the trappings of popular culture; and it suits his purpose well that many Christians simply dismiss these things as "conspiracy theories". But Jesus tells us that a wise disciple will learn to recognize Satan's subtleties and will resist and overcome their pervading influence.

We are told in Nehimiah 4:17-18 that as the remnant of Judah rebuilt the wall surrounding Jerusalem, "every one" of them used one hand for building, and the other hand for holding their weapon. We come from a Christian tradition here in America that emphasizes the "building" of the church, and largely ignores the need to stand guard against the enemy's advance. Unfortunately, this means that many churches across this land will be pillaged and destroyed as the darkness descends. It is my prayer that we will be those saints of the Lord that carry both the hammer and the sword with equal attention.

I share the following two videos not because I agree with every statement made by the author, but because he does a good job summarizing the main messages behind the symbols and rituals that saturated the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2012 Olympics. The author also had the wisdom to use mostly still photos so that our minds don't become filled with the complete orchestration of pagan rituals. I will warn you: there is no way to censor everything. Pagan and occult rituals, by nature, glorify the flesh.

Opening Ceremony (14mins): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PY63wF4K2fk

Closing Ceremony (23mins): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ry6jLq6UkUk&NR

Finally, one last encouragement: don’t meditate on these things (Phil 4:8). Yes, we must be wise to the enemy’s devices. However, this knowledge is only useful if it leads us to our knees before the Lord. Now is the time to find the secret place where we will learn to recognize the Lord’s voice. Now is the time to get our house in order. Remember the five wise virgins? They were called wise because they had stored extra oil before midnight came (Matthew 25).

Will our lamp be shining when midnight comes? Will we be able to find our way to the bridegroom when his herald sounds during the darkest part of the night? Only those saints who are willing to prepare their hearts and get their lives in order NOW will be ready when darkness comes.

I love you, family, and I pray that we would encourage and fight for one another as the days grow dark. Jesus said that in the last days the “love of many would wax cold” (Matthew 24:12). In other words, many candles that once burned bright with the flame of love would burn out. May this never be said of us. Amen.

In Him,

Jon Surmi

Psalm 119:105-112

I got a little mixed up on which verse we were on yesterday, you can blame it on my age, or just maybe the Lord wanted to speak to you with that specific passage. Tell me about it, if the Lord is speaking to you, i would love to hear what He has to say.

David

-----------------------Nun

¹⁰⁵ Your word is a lamp to guide my feet
and a light for my path.
¹⁰⁶ I’ve promised it once, and I’ll promise it again:
I will obey your righteous regulations.
¹⁰⁷ I have suffered much, O Lord;
restore my life again as you promised.
¹⁰⁸ Lord, accept my offering of praise,
and teach me your regulations.
¹⁰⁹ My life constantly hangs in the balance,
but I will not stop obeying your instructions.
¹¹⁰ The wicked have set their traps for me,
but I will not turn from your commandments.
¹¹¹ Your laws are my treasure;
they are my heart’s delight.
¹¹² I am determined to keep your decrees
to the very end.

Psalm 119:105-112

Imagine you are walking down a dark hallway, or even worse a mountain path. I can remember ages ago when I was at summer camp, enjoying the peaceful time with God and friends. The hour would get late and the lights of the campground were hardly helpful when trying to find your way back to your tents. All most of us had was a flashlight to use in the dark. Now no matter how well the campgrounds try to mark their trails, there is just no easy way to avoid every rock and every hold the oncoming ground has to offer. One step at a time with the light is the only way to make it home. So the Word is a light for our path in life.

Life is going to be full of rocky mountain terrains in its own way. You will have to focus one moment by moment and not attempt to take the whole path at running pace. I believe God’s desire is to allow us the chance to trip, so we keep remembering to focus on Him. It can be easy to get cocky and think we are moving along just fine, we don’t need help. Its right then when a trap has been set and we walk right into trouble. Remember then the path in this world is dark, and though you may be traveling with the light there is danger ahead at every turn. But by the guidance of God’s Word we will find our way home every time.

 

Psalm 119:121-128

Ayin

¹²¹ Don’t leave me to the mercy of my enemies,
for I have done what is just and right.
¹²² Please guarantee a blessing for me.
Don’t let the arrogant oppress me!
¹²³ My eyes strain to see your rescue,
to see the truth of your promise fulfilled.
¹²⁴ I am your servant; deal with me in unfailing love,
and teach me your decrees.
¹²⁵ Give discernment to me, your servant;
then I will understand your laws.
¹²⁶ Lord, it is time for you to act,
for these evil people have violated your instructions.
¹²⁷ Truly, I love your commands
more than gold, even the finest gold.
¹²⁸ Each of your commandments is right.
That is why I hate every false way.
Psalm 119:121-128

Would you like a lifetime guarantee on everything you buy? Most of us probably would appreciate any form of promise lying behind an appliance or household tool we purchase. Some stores offer such things at additional cost. As a believer in Christ we have our own personal eternal guarantee given to us from our Savior at no extra cost. You have a promised blessing for eternity.

Even with a promise of blessing and inheritance to look forward to, it can still be easy to forget Him. We grow tired looking for the promise, but that does not mean we have fallen into disbelief. Never confuse doubt and unbelief, they are different. Doubt is something our faith will go through, but its more about testing and trying who we are and helping us develop into better people. Unbelief is where you were before you came to Christ, you cannot fall back into unbelief. We can pray for the Lord to help us with the areas in our life where things are difficult and stressful. No doubt He will indeed help us with all of our doubts.

Be constantly praying for the Lord to take out His divine work of power on evil and wickedness in this world. Do not take part in the celebration or condoning of sinful habits and lifestyles which go against God’s commands. He makes sure we are aware of the many kinds of distasteful acts, but prepares ways for redemption from those unhealthy things. Love what is good and right in the Lord, seek the truth and find salvation.

Working on 32

Life is a journey or so they seem to remind us every chance they get. Every road you walk down is a new path of experience and insight, slowly molding you into the person you will become. Yesterday I celebrated the birth of myself 31 years ago, this means I am really on my 32^nd year of life! Has a different feeling when you put it in such a way. My life’s journey has been quite the adventure so far, maybe not as exciting as some worldwide travelers, but when God is in control everything is interesting.

Overall it was another excellent birthday. My wife thinks I am way to conceited when it comes to my own day, and maybe in a way I am. Though at this point even if I attempted to change that image, would it even be possible. Are we stuck portraying a role in which we have already been so well known? Maybe, but I am okay with my day. It was a great day of spending time with my kids, ending with Jurassic Park, a cookie cake, and some fun presents. I always enjoy spending time with my family, its an important thing to focus on while they are young more than anything.

As we approach the day anew I ask myself how I am going to be a better father, better husband, more devoted believer. I have had a great time being a stay at home dad for the past two years, and its been a growing experience running a daycare. Overall God has been working daily on every area of me that He sees change needed. He works from the inside out. I am thankful for my wonderful family and for a new year ahead for us all.

Psalm 119:97-104

Mem

⁹⁷ Oh, how I love your instructions!
I think about them all day long.
⁹⁸ Your commands make me wiser than my enemies,
for they are my constant guide.
⁹⁹ Yes, I have more insight than my teachers,
for I am always thinking of your laws.
¹⁰⁰ I am even wiser than my elders,
for I have kept your commandments.
¹⁰¹ I have refused to walk on any evil path,
so that I may remain obedient to your word.
¹⁰² I haven’t turned away from your regulations,
for you have taught me well.
¹⁰³ How sweet your words taste to me;
they are sweeter than honey.
¹⁰⁴ Your commandments give me understanding;
no wonder I hate every false way of life.
Psalm 119:97-104

Three groups of people are missing out on the Word of Truth according to our Psalmist. He speaks of his enemies, his teachers, and the elders or ancients. Each of these both spend all their time either gaining new knowledge, writing new policies, or relishing in how well they are doing opposed to who used to be in charge. Sounds like today’s political arena really, and even more disturbing is how much it sounds like today’s church.

Our heads can take a lot of knowledge and gain a great deal of understanding over the years. We are created to be creative and designed to be designers. Our Maker has amazing and talented people, you and I are among His marvels. But it is not how much a man knows that truly sets him apart, but how much he does with what he knows. This is true with the Scripture for no matter how much knowledge we have attained what is greater is the acts and good works we do with His Word.

Our hearts were designed to take what the head learns and through wisdom make use of His commands. We become wiser than those who spend all their time debating numbers and rations. God gives us the ability to plant seeds, water, and maybe even harvest His truth in other people through our acts of love, mercy, and compassion. See to it that you, like the Psalmist, hate every false way of life. You see it says hate the way of life, not the person who is living the life. You do not have to be happy with the way someone is doing something to still love them and show them the love of Christ. Truly understanding His Word will enable us to truly love His way.

Psalm 119:89-96- Keeping the Old

Lamedh 89 Your eternal word, O LORD, stands firm in heaven. 90 Your faithfulness extends to every generation, as enduring as the earth you created. 91 Your regulations remain true to this day, for everything serves your plans. 92 If your instructions hadn’t sustained me with joy, I would have died in my misery. 93 I will never forget your commandments, for by them you give me life. 94 I am yours; rescue me! For I have worked hard at obeying your commandments. 95 Though the wicked hide along the way to kill me, I will quietly keep my mind on your laws. 96 Even perfection has its limits, but your commands have no limit. Psalm 119:89-96 We forget way to often why the Old Testament Scriptures should not only be read, but studied. These are the books written and handed down by the generations from long ago who heard the voice of the Lord God and wrote His message for all mankind. His Word is eternal and speaks in the same way as it has for thousands of years. All of the New Testament authors used the Old in reference and for source material when preaching. Its importance has not ceased. So much of what we learn reading Genesis all the way through to the end of the prophets, is there for our instruction and guidance. Our Psalm explains that the Word not only brings commands but it brings hope and life. We may as ourselves how when it seems like there are ongoing lists of do’s and don’ts. Within each law is a message of salvation, or redemption and the need for a Messiah! We understand so much more about our Lord when we understand the curse of sin and His provision of life. Jesus our Savior and King of Israel desires for us to know Him. The Scriptures teach us about the ancestors of Israel, reveal promises made and kept throughout time, and give messages of joy and peace to those who obey and follow God with their whole heart. Keep the Word close to you at all times, build your life on its foundation, and you will not be shaken by the storms of this world.

Children a gift from the Lord

You feel the freshest after a long day the moment you step into a shower. At least that is how I felt after working a long day at Lowe’s Saturday. It is not that working as a cashier is particularly exhausting or even that difficult. I would say it might be the easiest job anyone could do as long as you can stand up for a long period of time and be fairly happy to see every new customer who comes across your line. Been a while since I have been able to make it to a Church meeting, not because of my own desire, it simply has worked better with my family time. On the weekends since I work 16 hours, the morning and evening are about the only quality time I get with my wife and kids all at once. This evening however I got home and decided I really needed to head to the worship service and see what the Lord had for me. “I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the Lord.” Psalm 122:1 Soon as I walked through the door a fresh shower of peace and joy fell upon me in that place. Same worship songs, same cookies on the welcome table, all of the same and yet so amazing too. During worship our littlest Miss Erin couldn’t be contained in the kids rooms any longer and just had to come out and join in the fun. So with my darling on my lap and my wife by my side we prepared ourselves for the sermon message, a intro to his new series on parenting. Without going into all the points and giving you a complete listing of what the Pastor spoke about, I will say it was just what I needed to hear in the moment. Children are indeed a gift from the Lord, a special blessing. We are called as parents to know the Word and parent by the Word to our children. As a husband who stays at home already with his kids, I feel the weight of this responsibility greatly. “Children are a gift from the LORD; they are a reward from him.” Psalm 127:3 Cedar Point is our church home and a great blessing to our lives. I am thankful for the ability we have been given to give our children a firm foundation of faith in which to withstand the crashing waves and furious storms of life. The more I build on their knowledge and the Word the stronger they will be as adults when they face trials and difficulties. Knowing God’s Word does not make us perfect, but it gives us principles we need to parent successfully. It’s a challenge this thing called parenting, a journey for life. Storms do not bring down a house that is built on a solid foundation. So pushing ahead with not only my own kids but also those who are in Doodle Bug daycare, I must pray for the Lord to give me wisdom and discernment as we push ahead into tomorrow.

Psalm 119:81-88

Kaph 81 I am worn out waiting for your rescue, but I have put my hope in your word. 82 My eyes are straining to see your promises come true. When will you comfort me? 83 I am shriveled like a wineskin in the smoke, but I have not forgotten to obey your decrees. 84 How long must I wait? When will you punish those who persecute me? 85 These arrogant people who hate your instructions have dug deep pits to trap me. 86 All your commands are trustworthy. Protect me from those who hunt me down without cause. 87 They almost finished me off, but I refused to abandon your commandments. 88 In your unfailing love, spare my life; then I can continue to obey your laws. Psalm 119:81-88 You are tired and worn down by the troubles of life, and in that moment you come to this passage with the same hunger as the Psalmist. When he writes you can feel the aching of his heart, for he calls out with the greatest of needs for the Lord to answer. His imagery of the wineskin is picturing one which has been left hanging over the fire and become cracked and blacked through the heat. In this way you come across the same kind of intensity from personal struggles. God’s treasured Word is always the answer to comfort us through times of struggle and trial. It also wants to be our friend and comrade during the days of joy and peace as well. Never set the Word of God on the bookshelf marked with a reminder to get down during depressing days. Think about how well eating healthy foods is going to do you after you have already become sick. It’s the daily practice of getting natural vitamins God has put in food which helps us be strong. So the Scripture must be a daily maintained as part of our life in the good and bad times. He wants His children to receive His unfailing love every day. The Lord is never going to be sitting on the throne of heaven whipping your tail for being undisciplined children. Yes He has to take us out of the game at times to train us and equip us with instruction and understanding, but it is for our benefit when He does. Hold onto the Word as your daily life giving flow of energy, peace, and strength. Then you can obey His laws and make it your goal to reveal His good work through you.

My hands and heart are full

Every weekly trip to the super market comes with at least one to three people commenting on how I have my hands full. Oddly when I make these trips with my wife the same people only give me glares because we are in the way, or the children are being too loud. So it seems when you are a stay at home dad, daycare provider, and pushing a buggy with five or six kids, sympathy is immediately attached. My hands are full, but more importantly my heart is full. This is my response to people who make remarks such as this indicating the large white elephant of the obvious. Sure it’s a busy job, but someone has to do the work. I could simply allow my three kids to be shared between school and daycare, if it were not such an expensive ordeal that might be the case. But fortunately for myself the numbers after adding them up a few times, pointed to the sense of me staying at home outweighed working more jobs and seeing less of the family. My lovely bride and I have had the blessing of new life given to us three times. First with Avery six years ago, and then a double dip of fun with our twins two years ago. Kenneth and Erin came out after several months of extreme misery for my darling, but they are here and all of that seems like a distant memory now. Calling around shortly after they were born to see how much daycare costs would be for all of them, gave me a quick realization I might have a new task ahead of me. So November 2010 I threw away my work boots and grabbed some car seats, never looking back. I decided to start my home daycare to generate some extra income and give the kids some playmates during the day. So since January of this year I have been not only in charge of my own, but also blessed with the opportunity to daily minister to a few other kids. So my hands are full, my heart is even more so. With the holiday’s coming I am certain there will be much to be done, and a lot of fun to be had.

Psalm 119:65-72

You have done many good things for me, LORD, just as you promised. I believe in your commands; now teach me good judgment and knowledge. I used to wander off until you disciplined me; but now I closely follow your word. You are good and do only good; teach me your decrees. Arrogant people smear me with lies, but in truth I obey your commandments with all my heart. Their hearts are dull and stupid, but I delight in your instructions. My suffering was good for me, for it taught me to pay attention to your decrees. Your instructions are more valuable to me than millions in gold and silver. Psalm 119:65-72 Your mind is a valuable tool retaining knowledge and gaining insight, but it is the heart which knows how to apply all things. Our Psalmist understands the importance of following the Word of God not with the whole mind, but with the whole heart. It is the essence of the person which chooses to either follow God or wander. We are all prone to wandering, after all this world is just a passing land in which we are all travelers. Unwise people cast confusion upon the truth and smear lies around to create doubt and unbelief. Even the most intelligent of people can have hearts devoid of truth and knowledge of God. Our writer is well aware of the power of influence and the important of suffering. It is good for us when we wander to face various trials for in those things we learn endurance and learn our way back on the right road. So valuable are the commands of the Lord, His instructions are greater than any sum of wealth. The Bible is the greatest treasure ever to be held and studied. The diligent student writes His Word on the heart, because it is not through mindless memorization we truly learn the Word of God. It is through life’s trauma, when we cling to verses given to us by the Spirit, we engrave His promises into our hearts through suffering. You remember pain but you also remember the blessings God gave to you through those seasons.

Seasons change

Mid-September always reminds me of change, more so than the spring which has more to do with growth. When the seasons turn from summer to fall there is a definite difference in the air. You can see leaves turning from their normal greens to the shades of yellow, orange, and red. Children suddenly are everywhere as school is back in session and all those neighborhood kids you haven’t seen in months show up on every street. This past summer was extremely hot so we did not get time to do much outdoors. I rather enjoy being able to stretch my legs and go out walking, riding, or just sitting under a shaded tree while the kids play in the yard. They do not want to let go of summer fun though, so even if its getting cooler the hoses still end up on and clothes get pretty wet. But it will all change soon, fall gets colder and eventually winter will arrive. Doodlebug daycare added a third bug to its roster back in June. Little Blakeleigh came to us when she was 9 months old and she will be turning one in just a couple weeks. She is already walking around though, not quite as fast as the others but she certainly has it down. She’s not a big fan of nap time though, but I suppose unless you are just plain exhausted, the world is too fun to shut your eyes on at that age. Avery started Kindergarten in August, so far she seems to be making friends and getting along with her classwork just fine. Like any other kid she develops at her own learning rate. During computer time they use a program called Star Fall, we can use it at home too so she can work on that as well as her other websites, PBS Kids and Disney Junior. I am thankful for her desire to learn, and as she learns she can teach her brother and sister. Kenneth and Erin as now toddling two year olds who throw tantrums, while still somehow remaining adorable and sweet, they just keep growing every day. They had a great dinosaur birthday party. I hope one day they will look back and thank their parents for allowing them to be at home instead of a public daycare. It has been good for them the last two years to have daddy and mommy watching out for them. I know they are getting older and will soon be ready to go to preschool. I will be sad when that time comes and hopefully the Lord will open a door for me for the next ministry He wants me to do.