Abundant Life

There is no doubt the Lord gave us Lily to infuse abundant life into our lives: can you tell?

My Favorite Day

I think the Monday of Thanksgiving week is my favorite day of the year. For me it is the beginning of the holiday season as life's hurried pace eases immensely: all the various practices of the kids abate; oversight ministry responsibilities relax as churches focus on the holidays; and our local church slows and allows everyone extra time to be at home and with family.

Pristine Monday, that is how I think of it. The first day of some 35 that beats to a new rhythm. A rhythm of hope in the season meshed with the aspiration of accomplishment rooted in finally "having the time"...and I so love it. Whether it is tackling the honey-do list, playing Monopoly with the kids, or reading a book for enjoyment and not preparation, it just doesn't matter because there is time.

What did I do yesterday? Whim! For me, the season began with Whim's Day, and that is just what I did. The phone was shut off and I carried out various whims: ran to the candy store and picked up little boxes of everyone's favorite chocolates; had a 3:30 pm appetizer at Cielito Lindo's with Diane; walked around Best Buy for an hour just browsing; put some new reference software (The Complete Works of Watchman Nee) on my laptop; and played FreeCell (my record is 62 straight wins).

It was a great day, the first of many this holiday season.

Diane's Time of Year

Diane loves this time of year: the colder weather, family holiday celebrations, and buying Christmas presents. She is the ultimate bargain hunter; yet, gets everyone just what they want. This year she has simply outdone herself. Here it is November 20 and she has just three gifts left to get...yes, just three gifts out of an inclusive family of 11. By God's grace this is going to be the most enjoyable and relaxing Christmas ever. Thank you Lord for giving me such a wonderful wife.

Prayer Change

The Scripture is plane: "First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth" (1 Timothy 2:1-4). My how I had failed in practicing Paul's admonition.

Under the pretense of spirituality I had focused intently on expanding the Kingdom of God without a necessary regard for my nation and world. But being spiritual is more than separating myself from the world; rather, it is impacting it in and through the Spirit. After all, where would I be if Jesus, God incarnate, had remained separated in heaven and not entered into His creation to impact it? For me to do so, I must become so much more aware of the issues, situations, and leadership desires and then "enter in" by effectively praying as directed by the Apostle.

From this day forward my prayers will become much more inclusive.

"Today is Your [my] Birthday"

I am 52 today. I plan on turning off the phone and simply following my heart on what to do. Play, work, sleep...it just doesn't matter on this day. Oh it sounds good but more than likely practicality will set in around noon and seeing the benefit of getting ahead on some work I will cave in to it.

That is one of my greatest weaknesses, always trying to get ahead and not just enjoying the journey (thank you Pastor McCaleb for that message some 10+ years ago--I am still trying to really put it into practice). I have ministered in some 35 countries and rarely stopped to enjoy their unique and historic sites, always citing the need to get a little more work done. And here at home there is so very much to enjoy: a beautiful wife, seven wonderful kids, a Christian lifestyle of personal peace, and the Lord's provision for all my needs.

Maybe...today...I won't cave in.