As we approach the end of 2008 and look into 2009, this is a time that many will reflect on what has happened in 2008 and wonder where it has gone. Some will think they should have done more, or worked on some issue or relationship.
Those are all well and good, but as you approach 2009, make this the year that you are going to build that relationship with our Lord. Don't let another year go by and not have this close friend at your side. Take time to know Him and to pray to him.
My prayer for each of you in 2009 is that you become richer, in Him and at the end of 2009, you can say that it was a good year with our Lord by my side.
Happy New Year to all!
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Commended by God
For not he who commends himself is approved, but whom the Lord commends. 2 Cor. 10:18
It is common for all of us to seek approval for our actions. As children, we longed for the affirmation of our parents. As we grew older, we also valued the opinions of our friends, collegues, and employers. At times, the esteem of others can claim such importance that it becomes our way to measure our worth as a person. I can relate, can you? But Paul said that he was not striving to obtain the approval of people. Some of his critics thought their criticisms could determine what he did. Yet these same people were praising themselves for their own opinions and behavior. They were seeking approval of others, and they were receiving it.
Jesus said that those who seek to gain approval of other people "have their own reward" (Matt. 6:2-5). Paul, too, realized that achieving the praise of others is not difficult, but earning God's approval is a far greater accomplishment. The affirmation "Well done!" that Jesus received from the Father became Paul's goal as well (2 Tim. 2:3-5). Paul knew that self-approval is not hard to attain, Paul himself had once been pleased with his own life, until he came to realize that the righteousness he was so proud of was mere trash in the kingdom of God (Phil. 3:8). After his conversion, Paul understood that God's evaluation of his actions was what mattered, not his own opinion of himself.
Whose opinion matters most to you? Is it your spouse, your kids, your employer? Which one comes to mind right now? Now think further, the commendation that matters most is the one that comes from God. The pleasure that your life gives to God should by your motivation to live.
So the takeaway here is are you living for God's commendation or someone else's? Are the they in conflict?
It is common for all of us to seek approval for our actions. As children, we longed for the affirmation of our parents. As we grew older, we also valued the opinions of our friends, collegues, and employers. At times, the esteem of others can claim such importance that it becomes our way to measure our worth as a person. I can relate, can you? But Paul said that he was not striving to obtain the approval of people. Some of his critics thought their criticisms could determine what he did. Yet these same people were praising themselves for their own opinions and behavior. They were seeking approval of others, and they were receiving it.
Jesus said that those who seek to gain approval of other people "have their own reward" (Matt. 6:2-5). Paul, too, realized that achieving the praise of others is not difficult, but earning God's approval is a far greater accomplishment. The affirmation "Well done!" that Jesus received from the Father became Paul's goal as well (2 Tim. 2:3-5). Paul knew that self-approval is not hard to attain, Paul himself had once been pleased with his own life, until he came to realize that the righteousness he was so proud of was mere trash in the kingdom of God (Phil. 3:8). After his conversion, Paul understood that God's evaluation of his actions was what mattered, not his own opinion of himself.
Whose opinion matters most to you? Is it your spouse, your kids, your employer? Which one comes to mind right now? Now think further, the commendation that matters most is the one that comes from God. The pleasure that your life gives to God should by your motivation to live.
So the takeaway here is are you living for God's commendation or someone else's? Are the they in conflict?
Monday, December 22, 2008
Hannakah
No we are not Jewish, but my son, Tyler, has brought to our attention that that this holiday is also part of this season. So tonight for the first time in the Lubinus household we lite candles on a menorah. For those of you not familiar with thi s tradition here is a little background.
Hannakah - Hannakah history began over 2,000 years ago when the Syrian-Greek leader, Antiochus IV, attempted to force the Jews in Israel to assimilate completely and to renounce their religion and culture. Judah Maccabee led the revolt against the Syrian-Greek army and was victorious, despite the fact that the Jewish army was greatly outnumbered.
The Hannakah celebration of lighting the menorah traces its origin to a miracle that occurred after the victory of the Maccabees. The Temple in Jerusalem had been defiled by the invading Syrian-Greek army. It was traditional to light a special lamp in the Temple, called a menorah, with olive oil, but all of the vials of oil were made impure, with the exception of one. According to Hannakah history, the one vial of oil burned for eight days until pure oil could be obtained for the holy Temple. In gratitude, the Jews began lighting small menorahs in their homes to commemorate this miracle.
The Hannakah celebration began in the years following the victory, and was observed by lighting a menorah with eight branches (to symbolize the miracle of the oil lasting for eight days) and a ninth holder for a shamash, or "servant" candle that is meant to light the others. The Hannakah celebration is focused on the home, although nowadays there are many large menorahs lit in public areas. The reason for these public Hannakah celebrations is to publicize the miracle.
While the candles are burning, the family traditionally sings Hannakah songs such as Mao Tzur, Haneiros Hololu or "I Have a LittleDreidel.
The Hannakah celebration of lighting the menorah traces its origin to a miracle that occurred after the victory of the Maccabees. The Temple in Jerusalem had been defiled by the invading Syrian-Greek army. It was traditional to light a special lamp in the Temple, called a menorah, with olive oil, but all of the vials of oil were made impure, with the exception of one. According to Hannakah history, the one vial of oil burned for eight days until pure oil could be obtained for the holy Temple. In gratitude, the Jews began lighting small menorahs in their homes to commemorate this miracle.
The Hannakah celebration began in the years following the victory, and was observed by lighting a menorah with eight branches (to symbolize the miracle of the oil lasting for eight days) and a ninth holder for a shamash, or "servant" candle that is meant to light the others. The Hannakah celebration is focused on the home, although nowadays there are many large menorahs lit in public areas. The reason for these public Hannakah celebrations is to publicize the miracle.
While the candles are burning, the family traditionally sings Hannakah songs such as Mao Tzur, Haneiros Hololu or "I Have a LittleDreidel.
For more information consider reading 1 and 2 Maccabees.
We did not sing songs, but did say this as a family - "Blessed are you, LORD, our God, King of the universe, who performed miracles for our ancestors in those days at this time."
We left them burning for 30 minutes and got into a very interesting salvation discussion that will continue tomorrow night, with 3 candles. Its not too often that you can engage your son in a 30 minute discussion on salvation and religion, I will not miss out on these opportunities.
Prayer book 2
Today I am going to post the "Happiness" prayer from my Puritan Prayers and Devotions book.
Enjoy
O Lord, Help me never to expect any happiness from the world, but only in thee. Let me not think that I shall be more happy by living to myself, for I can only be happy if employed for thee, and if I desire to live in this world only to do and suffer what thou dost allot me.
Teach me that if I do not live a life that satisfies thee, I shall not live a life that will satisfy myself. Help me to desire the spirit and temper of angels who willingly come down to this lower world to perform thy will, though their desires are heavenly, and not set in the least upon earthly things; then I shall be of that temper I ought to have.
Help me not to think of living to thee in my own strength, but always to look to and rely on thee for assistance. Teach me that there is no greater truth than this, that I can do nothing of myself. Lord, this is the life that no uncoverted man can live, yet it is an end that every godly soul presses after; Let it be then my concern to devote myself and all to thee.
Make me more fruitful and more spiritual for barrenness is my daily affliction and load. How precious is time, and how painful to see it fly with little done to good purpose!
I need thy help: O my soul sensibly depend upon thee for all sanctification, and every accomplishment of thy purposes for me, for the world, and for thy kingdom.
This prayer is probably not the easiest to read and it does take some practice. I saw so many similiarities to our society all of these years later. Did you catch the line about precious time and seeing it painfully flying away not in his good purpose? You have to remember this was a society with no entertainment like we have. The time they were wasting we may consider something different today.
I guess in all of this, I just hope that I have encouraged you to consider reading and perhaps creating your own prayer book.
Enjoy
O Lord, Help me never to expect any happiness from the world, but only in thee. Let me not think that I shall be more happy by living to myself, for I can only be happy if employed for thee, and if I desire to live in this world only to do and suffer what thou dost allot me.
Teach me that if I do not live a life that satisfies thee, I shall not live a life that will satisfy myself. Help me to desire the spirit and temper of angels who willingly come down to this lower world to perform thy will, though their desires are heavenly, and not set in the least upon earthly things; then I shall be of that temper I ought to have.
Help me not to think of living to thee in my own strength, but always to look to and rely on thee for assistance. Teach me that there is no greater truth than this, that I can do nothing of myself. Lord, this is the life that no uncoverted man can live, yet it is an end that every godly soul presses after; Let it be then my concern to devote myself and all to thee.
Make me more fruitful and more spiritual for barrenness is my daily affliction and load. How precious is time, and how painful to see it fly with little done to good purpose!
I need thy help: O my soul sensibly depend upon thee for all sanctification, and every accomplishment of thy purposes for me, for the world, and for thy kingdom.
This prayer is probably not the easiest to read and it does take some practice. I saw so many similiarities to our society all of these years later. Did you catch the line about precious time and seeing it painfully flying away not in his good purpose? You have to remember this was a society with no entertainment like we have. The time they were wasting we may consider something different today.
I guess in all of this, I just hope that I have encouraged you to consider reading and perhaps creating your own prayer book.
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Prayer Books
I have two Prayer books that I like to reference and read from regularly. I know what you are going to say. If I read it vs. just saying it does it really make it my prayer. The answer in my mind is yes. You can mean every word that you read, and saying the prayer out loud aids in that association. Having prayer books also helps you in your prayer life. If gives you a chance to read and ponder a prayer vs. just hearing one from someone else. It will help you in your prayers as well, as you start to put some logic behind your prayers and hopefully aid in your relationship with our Lord which is the full meaning of prayer.
Here are two examples from my books (yes they may seem a bit old fashion, but I love the way we used to say prayers in older language and it helps me feel closer to God with this language for some reason)
The first one is from a book called simply "My Prayer Book" it was printed in 1957 from Concordia press. The prayer is for expecting mothers as said by the expecting mother (my daughter, Bethany, is in the camp)
Lord, "I praise Thee, for Thou art fearful and wonderful. Wonderful are Thy works! Thou knowest me right well. "I am filled with astonishment when I think of Your creation and when I think that You are also using me to take part in the creation of a child. I humbly thank You for that privelage, and I pray you, make of me the kind of mother You want for every child. Keep me strong and healthy during my pregnancy. Help me to live moderately and wisely, avoiding sin and everything that might be harmful to my unborn child. Give me a cheerful outlook and help both my husband and me to regard the present period as a joyous one. O God, help us even now to prepare for the responsibilities of parenthood, and grant that we may never do anything to harm our child bodily or spiritually. When the time comes make our present joy complete through the birth of a healthy child, and grant us the grace that we may receive the child as a precious gift from You. Help us always to regard and treat that child as Your blessing. When the baby is born, give us wisdom to train our child right. May we and our child always be a joy to You and the holy angels, and may we together praise You in all eternity; through Jesus Christ. Amen
My second prayer book is older still - "The Valley of Vision" - a collection of Puritan Prayers and Devotions. Most of the prayers were written in the 16 and 17th centuries. Although the jobs may have changed the feelings have not. The book deals with more personal issues. I will have that on my blog tomorrow from Happiness
I recommend you consider getting a prayer book and if time take the time to right one yourself and pass it down generation to generation.
Here are two examples from my books (yes they may seem a bit old fashion, but I love the way we used to say prayers in older language and it helps me feel closer to God with this language for some reason)
The first one is from a book called simply "My Prayer Book" it was printed in 1957 from Concordia press. The prayer is for expecting mothers as said by the expecting mother (my daughter, Bethany, is in the camp)
Lord, "I praise Thee, for Thou art fearful and wonderful. Wonderful are Thy works! Thou knowest me right well. "I am filled with astonishment when I think of Your creation and when I think that You are also using me to take part in the creation of a child. I humbly thank You for that privelage, and I pray you, make of me the kind of mother You want for every child. Keep me strong and healthy during my pregnancy. Help me to live moderately and wisely, avoiding sin and everything that might be harmful to my unborn child. Give me a cheerful outlook and help both my husband and me to regard the present period as a joyous one. O God, help us even now to prepare for the responsibilities of parenthood, and grant that we may never do anything to harm our child bodily or spiritually. When the time comes make our present joy complete through the birth of a healthy child, and grant us the grace that we may receive the child as a precious gift from You. Help us always to regard and treat that child as Your blessing. When the baby is born, give us wisdom to train our child right. May we and our child always be a joy to You and the holy angels, and may we together praise You in all eternity; through Jesus Christ. Amen
My second prayer book is older still - "The Valley of Vision" - a collection of Puritan Prayers and Devotions. Most of the prayers were written in the 16 and 17th centuries. Although the jobs may have changed the feelings have not. The book deals with more personal issues. I will have that on my blog tomorrow from Happiness
I recommend you consider getting a prayer book and if time take the time to right one yourself and pass it down generation to generation.
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Book recommendation
This morning, I just finished, "Touch - Pressing Against the Wounds of a Broken World", by Pastor Rudy Rasmus. This book is a life story of a pastor that started his life not in a very pastoral way, but has set our Lord in the center of his life and created a ministry alongside our Lord that is amazing in the intercity of Houston. I fully recommend it and if anyone reads its and wants to chat about it give me a call. The coffee is on me for this one!
Friday, December 19, 2008
Music
Today, I was reading in one of my devotions about how tens of thousands of Japanese are coming to Christ through the music of Johann Sebastian Bach. This is primarily thanks to organist and conductor Masaaki Suzuki. When he performs the "St. Matthew Passion", the concerts are sold out, and afterwards the stage is crowded with people asking about the messages in Bach's music. The messages are thoroughly biblical, so much as that Bach's work was once called "the fifth Gospel."
I have added this piece to my playlist - enjoy, I was unable to find this exact artist, but I still believe that it is a beautiful work of art.
I have added this piece to my playlist - enjoy, I was unable to find this exact artist, but I still believe that it is a beautiful work of art.
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Grimes United Methodist Holiday Talent Show
Christmas Bells has never and probably never will be performed in such a magical fashion. It was fun showing off not only our group's ability to sing, which has been documented a number of times (mostly "Happy Birthday" - Junior High style) but now you can see our hidden ability of creativity in sock puppet creations. Yes we are available for those unusual events, 50 year class reunions, cat funerals, or the occassional green purse celebrations (you know what I mean so don't ask). We are leaving no forwarding number, but those of you that know us know how to contact us! Yes as you can imagine I am the mouthy one 3rd from the left.
The second video from the GUMC talent night showcases some very local and very good talent. This is a brother sister duo that sings and yes, plays the flute with his nose. This one will probably be played at weddings around North America now that it is out. So ladies out there be sure to reserve this romantic interlude for your special event!
This last clip, is one that every church or group should do. Take a bunch of boys, add some fathers or in one case the older sister, and tell them to get them ready for Winter play. All of the clothes are thrown in the middle and well let the fun begin. Handicaping one with an extra boy and a baby girl is just part of the fun. Yes this is what folks do in areas that are too cold for normal people!
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Built on a Rock
Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock." - Matthew 7:24
The Christian life is hard work. Christianity involves systematically striving to implement the truths of God's Word into your life. Spiritual depth and maturity do not come without consistent effort.
Jesus had just concluded the Sermon on the Mount, which are some of the most profound truths ever spoken. The Son of God had clearly explained the kind of life that is pleasing to the Father. Yet Jesus knew, even as He was concluding His sermon, that some of His listeners would leave and never apply a word they had heard. Sound familiar, so all of you pastors out there keep this in mind, that even Jesus knew some of them were not going to listen!
Jesus said that a man who takes the words of God and builds them into his life is like a wise man who builds his house on a rock. Rocks are hard to build on. It takes far more effort to attach a foundation to a rock. It takes planning and preparation, it takes careful and slow work to make sure there are no gaps in the connection. To be solid it must be completely connected as if it was one. But, a house built on sand provides instant comfort, lay on a beach sometime and tell me that isn't comfortable, but building on a rock is tedious. Building on sand leaves the builder in a vulnerable position, while the one building on rock is secure.
How can you tell what kind of foundation your life has been built on? I ask you to watch to see what happens when a storm comes in. A life built on the Word of God will survive and thrive during a storm, but a life not built on the Word of God will fall and be sweep away into the tide of life.
What is your foundation resting on? Think about a time in your life, when the storms of life were great. Where did you go for help? Was it God's Word or was it something else?
So to build that foundation on rock here are some other questions for you. Have you been in God's Word and built that foundation? Are you reading his word daily? Are you taking the time to memorize his Words to us? Are you speaking his Word to others in his name? Read it, memorize it, and speak it, do all three.
Take sometime to evaluate the ground that you have built your spiritual home, and tell someone your answer.
The Christian life is hard work. Christianity involves systematically striving to implement the truths of God's Word into your life. Spiritual depth and maturity do not come without consistent effort.
Jesus had just concluded the Sermon on the Mount, which are some of the most profound truths ever spoken. The Son of God had clearly explained the kind of life that is pleasing to the Father. Yet Jesus knew, even as He was concluding His sermon, that some of His listeners would leave and never apply a word they had heard. Sound familiar, so all of you pastors out there keep this in mind, that even Jesus knew some of them were not going to listen!
Jesus said that a man who takes the words of God and builds them into his life is like a wise man who builds his house on a rock. Rocks are hard to build on. It takes far more effort to attach a foundation to a rock. It takes planning and preparation, it takes careful and slow work to make sure there are no gaps in the connection. To be solid it must be completely connected as if it was one. But, a house built on sand provides instant comfort, lay on a beach sometime and tell me that isn't comfortable, but building on a rock is tedious. Building on sand leaves the builder in a vulnerable position, while the one building on rock is secure.
How can you tell what kind of foundation your life has been built on? I ask you to watch to see what happens when a storm comes in. A life built on the Word of God will survive and thrive during a storm, but a life not built on the Word of God will fall and be sweep away into the tide of life.
What is your foundation resting on? Think about a time in your life, when the storms of life were great. Where did you go for help? Was it God's Word or was it something else?
So to build that foundation on rock here are some other questions for you. Have you been in God's Word and built that foundation? Are you reading his word daily? Are you taking the time to memorize his Words to us? Are you speaking his Word to others in his name? Read it, memorize it, and speak it, do all three.
Take sometime to evaluate the ground that you have built your spiritual home, and tell someone your answer.
Saturday, December 13, 2008
God's Revelation in His Invitation
Surely the Lord God does nothing, unless He reveals His secret to His servants the prophets. Amos 3:7
Christians spend to much time talking about "seeking God's will," as though it was hidden and difficult to find. God does not hide His will. His will is not difficult to discover. We do not have to plead with God to reveal His will to us. He is more eager to reveal His will than we are willing to receive it. We sometimes ask God to do things He has already done!
The people of Amos's day became disorientated to God and to His desires. God had revealed His will; the problem was that they had not recognized it or obeyed it. Amos declared that God does nothing in the affairs of humanity without seeking one of His servants to whom He will reveal His activity. Tragically, there are times when no one is walking closely enough with Him to be receptive to His word (Isa. 59:16; 63:5; Ezek. 22:30-31).
Jesus walked so intimately with His Father that He was always aware of what the Father was doing around Him (John 5:19-20). Jesus said that if our eyes are pure, they will see God and recognize His activity (Matt. 6:22). If we are not seeing God's activity, the problem is not lack of revelation. The problem is that our sin prevents us from noticing it.
When God is working in your child's life or when He is convicting your coworker or spouse, He may reveal His activity to you. His revelation is His invitiation for you to join Him in His redemptive work. Be alert to God's activity around you. He will reveal His activity to His servants. If your spiritual eyes are pure, you will be overwhelmed by all that you see God doing around you!
Where are you in seeing God's will? Are you being convicted by the activity of a child, a co-worker or even your spouse? Is God using them to reveal something to you? Are you receptive to His will through others? Take time today to quiet yourself and ponder these questions, in this most Holy of seasons.
Christians spend to much time talking about "seeking God's will," as though it was hidden and difficult to find. God does not hide His will. His will is not difficult to discover. We do not have to plead with God to reveal His will to us. He is more eager to reveal His will than we are willing to receive it. We sometimes ask God to do things He has already done!
The people of Amos's day became disorientated to God and to His desires. God had revealed His will; the problem was that they had not recognized it or obeyed it. Amos declared that God does nothing in the affairs of humanity without seeking one of His servants to whom He will reveal His activity. Tragically, there are times when no one is walking closely enough with Him to be receptive to His word (Isa. 59:16; 63:5; Ezek. 22:30-31).
Jesus walked so intimately with His Father that He was always aware of what the Father was doing around Him (John 5:19-20). Jesus said that if our eyes are pure, they will see God and recognize His activity (Matt. 6:22). If we are not seeing God's activity, the problem is not lack of revelation. The problem is that our sin prevents us from noticing it.
When God is working in your child's life or when He is convicting your coworker or spouse, He may reveal His activity to you. His revelation is His invitiation for you to join Him in His redemptive work. Be alert to God's activity around you. He will reveal His activity to His servants. If your spiritual eyes are pure, you will be overwhelmed by all that you see God doing around you!
Where are you in seeing God's will? Are you being convicted by the activity of a child, a co-worker or even your spouse? Is God using them to reveal something to you? Are you receptive to His will through others? Take time today to quiet yourself and ponder these questions, in this most Holy of seasons.
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
The Bistro in Valdosta, GA
Every Monday if we are in Valdosta, we go to this place in downtown Valdosta and get some great food and listen to some great piano music and singing. A fellow in our group, Phil Freehill, is an accomplished musician and plays the guitar, drums, piano and sax. Here is a sample of the great music from the Bistro.
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Raining Righteousness
Sow for yourself righteousness, reap in mercy; break up your fallow ground, for it is time to seek the Lord, tell he comes and rains righteousness on you. Hosea 10:12
The people of Hosea's day had become hardened to God's Word. They had heard it many times before and had grown apethetic to what God required of them. God's solution was for them to break up the fallow ground of their hearts. When the earth was dry and crusty, the farmer would plow to loosen the soil so it was receptive to the seeds and the rains that would give life to the crop. Lifewise, God's people were to break up the sinful barriers in their lives that prevented God's Word from penetrating their hearts. Then, said Hosea, God would give life and refresh them by raining down on them in righteousness.
As Christians, we must coninually cultivate out hearts and minds so that they are receptive to whatever God tells us. John the Baptist exhorted those around him to prepare for Jesus' coming. We, too, can remind others to prepare their lives so that God's righteousness will penetrate and fill their lives. We can urge them to repent when we see sin sinking into their lives. We can share the joy that God's word brings us and encourage our friends to seek God's will also. We can tell of the blessings that have come to us as as result of our obedience. We can help to break up the fallow ground in the hearts of those around us.
Hosea admonished God's people to seek the Lord until His righteousness rained down upon them. We should immediately cultivate our heart whenever it starts to become hardened toward God. If we keep our hearts prepared, we will be ready when God's Word comes to us.
Is there anything hardening your heart today? Ask the Lord to present it to you so that you may repent and come to him and he will rain his righteousness down upon you.
The people of Hosea's day had become hardened to God's Word. They had heard it many times before and had grown apethetic to what God required of them. God's solution was for them to break up the fallow ground of their hearts. When the earth was dry and crusty, the farmer would plow to loosen the soil so it was receptive to the seeds and the rains that would give life to the crop. Lifewise, God's people were to break up the sinful barriers in their lives that prevented God's Word from penetrating their hearts. Then, said Hosea, God would give life and refresh them by raining down on them in righteousness.
As Christians, we must coninually cultivate out hearts and minds so that they are receptive to whatever God tells us. John the Baptist exhorted those around him to prepare for Jesus' coming. We, too, can remind others to prepare their lives so that God's righteousness will penetrate and fill their lives. We can urge them to repent when we see sin sinking into their lives. We can share the joy that God's word brings us and encourage our friends to seek God's will also. We can tell of the blessings that have come to us as as result of our obedience. We can help to break up the fallow ground in the hearts of those around us.
Hosea admonished God's people to seek the Lord until His righteousness rained down upon them. We should immediately cultivate our heart whenever it starts to become hardened toward God. If we keep our hearts prepared, we will be ready when God's Word comes to us.
Is there anything hardening your heart today? Ask the Lord to present it to you so that you may repent and come to him and he will rain his righteousness down upon you.
Saturday, December 6, 2008
St. Augustine, FL.
Today, I took the short 2 1/2 hour drive to St. Augustine, FL. The oldest city in the U.S. I guess I didn't realize this fact. This is the orgin of the fountain of youth story and Ponce de Leon. From what I can tell when he arrived, the average Spainard lived for about 35 years, and was less than 5' tall. When he arrived he found 80 plus year old native Americans that were all over 6'6" tall and that included both sexes. He thought the water had to be the answer, due to it's great sulfur smell. So he tried it. Legend tells us that he lived longer than most, but obviously that was just blind luck and not the water.
The navigational tool below was really cool and was how they were able to tell direction by placement from the horizon.
The large oak tree is over 600 years old and is called the Old Senator.
The cross in the lower left, as legend states, was placed by Ponce de Leon, and has 15 stones from N. to S. and has 13 stones from W. to E., designating the year of arrival of 1513.
The last pic is the man himself and is a bronze statue in a park.
The city was well worth your time and I would recommend going back, but plan on a few days and not a few hours.
Okefenokee Swamp
Ok, I know not your normal vacation spot, but I just had to go and see the Okefenokee swamp. It was only a one hour drive from Valdosta, GA and it was worth it to me. This is a HUGE swamp and I have never seen a real one. I have added a few pics and a video clip. We were just going to walk around a little bit, but it was one of those God moments that got us on this boat tour. We just stepped out of the Rav and this guy was standing there and said you have to go on this boat tour, he was just a guy that had done it and was so excitied he had to tell someone, and well we were the only ones for miles. So we walked in and asked they said, the last one leaves in a few minutes so go figure. Phil Freehill (the other guy on this project here in Valdosta) is with me and we are the only ones on the boat tour. Sort of a private tour of a huge swamp. Really cool. The weirdest part was the absolute quiet. When we turned off the motor it was spooky how quiet it was. Nothing! I can only imagine this place in the dark! I guess you can do self-guided camping and canoe trips, anyone intersted. Yes, there are gators everywhere!
Just a little one!
Proof I was there!
Just a little one!
Phil Freehill at the sign - again proof we were there.
How are the islands formed?
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Grandparenting
I thought I would post these thoughts from a close friend of mine that he sent me overnight. He met with some old friends of his that seem to me to be very wise.
Grand parenting today seems like the real deal. Play with them, spoil them and leave them. That has been my function for over a year now. But these thoughts again from a friend of a friend sort of change all that.
From my friends message:
He said that the biggest command that God gives to kids is to honor their father and mother. So the grandparents job is to teach and enforce that first, to help parents win the hearts of their children second, and to "enjoy the rights of a grandparent" (the fun stuff) last.
So does that make you think as a Grandparent in a different way? It sure does me. Think about it and pray about it. How would the world be different for you and that next and next generation if we put this into practice?
Grand parenting today seems like the real deal. Play with them, spoil them and leave them. That has been my function for over a year now. But these thoughts again from a friend of a friend sort of change all that.
From my friends message:
He said that the biggest command that God gives to kids is to honor their father and mother. So the grandparents job is to teach and enforce that first, to help parents win the hearts of their children second, and to "enjoy the rights of a grandparent" (the fun stuff) last.
So does that make you think as a Grandparent in a different way? It sure does me. Think about it and pray about it. How would the world be different for you and that next and next generation if we put this into practice?
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Wishing to be Healed
When Jesus saw him lying there, and knew that he already had been in the condition a long time, He said to him, "Do you want to be made well?" - John 5:6
Jesus asked a man a question that appears to have had an obvious answer! He came upon a man who had been lame for 38 years and who was sitting beside a pool of healing. Jesus asked him if he wanted to be healed. Why would Jesus ask such a silly question? Perhaps to answer was not so clear. Bartimaeus waas blind, yet when he cried out for Jesus to have mercy on him, Jesus asked what he wanted Him to do (Mark 10:51). It would have seemed apparent that the foremost concern of a blind person would be to receive sight. There were times, however, when Jesus considered it important for people to verbalize their need and specifically ask Him to heal them.
Just because we are spiritually sick, or just because we are near a place of healing, does not necessarily mean we want to be made well. We may attend church regularly, but choose to remain sinful. Our generation has taken many of the activities that the Bible identifies as sin and has labeled them as addictions or character flaws or the result of an abusive upbringing. We act as if having an addiction is sufficient excuse for disobeying God's commands. as Christians, we are no longer helpless victims of our sin. There is no sinful habit or past hurt that is beyond the healing touch of our Lord.
Have you gone year after year without receiving spiritual healing? Have you been holding on to a past hurt? God is capable of freeing you, but you may have become comfortable in your sin and sorrow. You may not want to be healed. You may want to remain where you are in your sin and sorrow, because that is all that you know. You may be afraid of the life that you will have or lead if your sin and sorrow are removed, because that is all of the life that you can remember and it feels comfortable. You may be asking yourself what will God have me do if I am free of all that I have kept inside?
If you really want to receive spiritual health and healing, God can give it today. He wants you to ask Him, will you? Will you accept his free gift of healing? Will you finally come home to him?
Jesus asked a man a question that appears to have had an obvious answer! He came upon a man who had been lame for 38 years and who was sitting beside a pool of healing. Jesus asked him if he wanted to be healed. Why would Jesus ask such a silly question? Perhaps to answer was not so clear. Bartimaeus waas blind, yet when he cried out for Jesus to have mercy on him, Jesus asked what he wanted Him to do (Mark 10:51). It would have seemed apparent that the foremost concern of a blind person would be to receive sight. There were times, however, when Jesus considered it important for people to verbalize their need and specifically ask Him to heal them.
Just because we are spiritually sick, or just because we are near a place of healing, does not necessarily mean we want to be made well. We may attend church regularly, but choose to remain sinful. Our generation has taken many of the activities that the Bible identifies as sin and has labeled them as addictions or character flaws or the result of an abusive upbringing. We act as if having an addiction is sufficient excuse for disobeying God's commands. as Christians, we are no longer helpless victims of our sin. There is no sinful habit or past hurt that is beyond the healing touch of our Lord.
Have you gone year after year without receiving spiritual healing? Have you been holding on to a past hurt? God is capable of freeing you, but you may have become comfortable in your sin and sorrow. You may not want to be healed. You may want to remain where you are in your sin and sorrow, because that is all that you know. You may be afraid of the life that you will have or lead if your sin and sorrow are removed, because that is all of the life that you can remember and it feels comfortable. You may be asking yourself what will God have me do if I am free of all that I have kept inside?
If you really want to receive spiritual health and healing, God can give it today. He wants you to ask Him, will you? Will you accept his free gift of healing? Will you finally come home to him?
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Snow
Ok this is my first non-devotional post in quite sometime. It snowed on Saturday and into Sunday in Iowa for the first real snowfall for the Winter of 08. I of course am not so pleased with snow as I was as a child. But here is the snow for your that live in a warm spot, sorry you are missing it. I know that this sort of thing gets everyone in the holiday spirit, but as I get older I am willing to let this part of the holiday tradition go.
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