Day 38: Changing Neighborhoods

Today I spent the time between and after evening church services transferring about 100GB of "stuff" from my old computer to an external hard drive. This is so that when I get the new computer set up I can then put all my files on to it. I knew that I would be like a little kid and probably never transfer the files if I first hooked the new computer up, before transferring the files. It has been very uncharacteristic of me to not rip open the box and dive right in to seeing what the new computer can do. This is the "changing neighborhoods" the title refers to.

We purchased the computer in Clarksville yesterday, taking advantage of the tax-free holiday Tennessee so graciously bestows at back to school time. This saved a chunk of change for us, plus will be interest free for 18 months. Not too shabby a deal and it was just enough to push me over the edge into getting a new computer.

I've been praying for a new computer for a while. One that will be adequate to use from time to time with Real Truth Matters, as I am able and as the Lord leads. Joseph and JT, the two full time guys with RTM, have their hands full and although I do not know a lot I am a quick study. I do have a desire to produce kinetic typography, which means animated words, basically. Below is an example of what I am referring to. I really like how this medium looks and can add to what is being spoken. The typography, itself, can tell a story, which I think is really neat.

Of course, the new computer will be used for other things as well. It is a powerhouse from Gateway and even the "Mac guy" at Best Buy said he was jealous and that it was better than any Mac they carried. "That they carried" being the key part of that thought. I wouldn't want any of my Mac loving friends think I am trying to say a PC is superior, in any way except affordability. Also, after being a PC guy for nearing 20 years, it might be hard for me to make the switch to a Mac, not that I wouldn't if I had one affordably at my disposal. And at least for one more day, the new PC will remain in its box.

I just want this new computer to be used with a focus on glorifying the Lord. Whether it is designing a cool new graphic effect in After Effects or posting to my Facebook wall, to writing a blog post, I want to keep God as the focus. This will also be my last post written from the keyboard of my trusty ol' HP. It's not goodbye though, it is just off to another room in the house, probably to play video games on, do homework with and surf the web.

All in all, God gave a way to glorify Himself. He has given us the means to purchase the new computer, He has supplied.

Here is an example of "Kinetic Typography". Many other examples available on youtube

Day 37: Down With Taxes!

Down with taxes! That was our motto today as we set out for a day of shopping for school supplies, shoes and a spiffy new computer for me. Three of the states in our area have a back to school "tax free holiday" for back to school items. Illinois, Missouri and Tennessee all have their own version of this, but all basically the same - whatever you're going to need for back to school, you will not pay sales tax on. I think that is very kind of them and would like it very much if my home state of Kentucky would join in too.


I've decided to add a few extra pictures through here and tell about our day. The first here is not of Allan, take a look over his right shoulder. The man in the background looked just like a grown up version of Pedro from Napoleon Dynamite. We had lunch at the always yummy Golden Corral in Clarksville. I should add that they are getting a little bit expensive for their buffets, so we may not partake of their delicacies much longer when visiting other places.

The next picture here is of a car that was parked in front of us when we were leaving Target. Doesn't it look like it is smiling at you? Kind of weird and creepy at the same time. Made me think of a horror movie I watched back in the 80s. But it is nice to have a vehicle smile at you from time to time.

Next is the "almost gotcha" $.98 price drop. We were shoe shopping and Forrest and Allan had a laugh that they would mark a pair of shoes down less than a dollar and then draw attention to it with a bright little sign. Granted, I will not throw away a dollar, but it's not going to be a deciding factor in purchasing a pair of shoes either. Nice Try Shoe Rack (or whatever the name of the store was).

Then it was a quick stop in Old Navy. Not one of my favorite stores, but Chandra seems to like to go in and look around. I did find a 2010 4th of July shirt marked down to $2.00, which will make a good work shirt. This one will join the ranks of the others that I have from 2008, 2009 and the St. Patrick's Day shirt from 2007 I wear to work too. The line was semi-long, but the wait did not last any time at all. They had it down to a science with one worker directing traffic to the available cashiers. The cashiers were pumping out the customers faster than you can say "Hey tax man, give me a break."

The final picture is the one at the top of the story. It is of a very beautiful sunset that the Lord allowed us to cap the day off with. The colors burst through the sky and I had to say "nanner, nanner, nanner" to all of the eye doctors and mothers that have ever said "Do not look directly at the sun or you'll go blind". I looked at the falling sun the whole drive back, until it came to rest behind the tree line.

What a wonderful day God gave us. We praised Him through the whole day for His provisions and for allowing us to be fortunate enough to be able to purchase the things we did. That's what it's all about while here on Earth, acknowledging God for all He does for us, all He has ever done for us and all He will ever do. Just as 1 Cor. 10:31 says that in everything give glory to God, we get selfish sometimes and like to pat ourselves on the back. But it is days like today, and an amazing God like we have that brings the meaning of life to a perspective I would like to always maintain. I am not perfect in my praise to God, but I praise Him that He has shown me I lack, for it is another reason to seek Him and His righteousness.

Day 36: Blast From My Past

These three boxes, along with 3 CD cases, hold about 400 CDs from my years gone by. When the Lord truly saved me these CDs were the first thing that He pruned from me. They have been used as a table next to my desk ever since. Right now holding up various USB cables for my phone, ipod and camera's card reader.

The CDs were purchased beginning in the late 80s, when CDs first began being produced. Within one of these boxes or cases is the very first CD I ever purchased, The Fine Young Cannibals: The Raw and the Cooked. Yeah, that's right, I liked "She Drives Me Crazy" back in the day. But the rest of this eclectic mix of CDs reads like a who's who of musicians across every genre of musical styles. There is Brooks and Dunn and Vince Gill from the country phase way to NWA and Emenem from my rap choices. There is also everything in between, but mostly on the "hard rock" or "heavy metal" end of the gamut. Probably some of the most God hating music you could have ever heard. There's 3 or 4 from Marilyn Manson, the "musician" that defiles God's Word on stage and is a priest in the Satanic Church, Metallica, Motley Crue, AC/DC, Black Sabbath and Danzig - all of which have a very vocal hatred for anything pertaining to the God of the Bible.

Music has always been a part of my life, even though I have never learned to play an instrument or sing, I have always loved music. Well, I did play the saxophone in school band 6th-8th grade, but that doesn't really count. But, the soundtrack of my life is very diverse, at least before God saved me, from hell and from the sinfulness that loved ungodly music.

See, I was introduced to the heavier side of music at church camp, of all places. A new found friend was listening to someone named Ozzy Osborne, that really caught my ear. I had been used to, up to that point, just the pop stuff on the radio and fluffy country that my parents listened to. But this Ozzy fellow had something the other guys didn't. What exactly? I wasn't sure, but I was about to find out.

From that church camp my musical tastes, as well as most lifestyle tastes, changed. began to smoke cigarettes, drink alcohol, smoke pot, cuss, stay out late, steal cigarettes and many other sins I care not to mention right now. Oh, one small fact that I forgot to mention, I had "said the prayer" when I was 8, was told I was "in" and felt like I was free to do as I pleased as long as I asked God to forgive me. And that I did, every night - except the ones I passed out drunk on. I can honestly remember praying some very twisted prayers to be empowered to sin in various ways. I also remember once, while listening to Jimi Hendrix ask God to send Jimi's spirit into me so I could be a great guitar player. Now, that is twisted, and not something any truly converted person would be asking for.

So, the years go by, 24 to be exact, and God really starts dealing with me. In the past 24 years I had fathered 2 children out of wedlock, smoked a pack a day, did various drugs, drank a lot of alcohol and once again, committed many other sins that I care not to mention right now. God used some key people to reach me around that time, Ray Comfort, John MacArthur and a fellow that was from across the river to my hometown at one time, Paul Washer. This is the time that God saved me, converted me and began to sanctify me. First thing to go? Smoking. Second thing to go? The ungodly music I was listening to. Since then? Many things along the path, but not everything yet. But, praise His Name, He is still working on me to conform me to the image of Christ.

So now I have a very healthy Christian CD collection going. But, once again, God has been pruning even some of those artists from my playlist. I am working on a blog that will be informative and eye opening to a lot of people that are deceived about some of those that profess to be Christians, but have music that is the same as anything you would hear on the radio today. So stay tuned to this same blog channel, at this same blog time (not really same time, but Batman references will never get old)for the upcoming post.

Day 35: Fanatical Towards What? Or Who?

Walking through Wal Mart this evening this rack of shoes caught my eye. If you can’t quite make it out, these are University of Kentucky shoes. A couple of different kinds, slip on and high-tops/ Chuck Taylor type shows. They are actually fairly neat looking, but not my style.

But, being from Kentucky, where the basketball fans bleed blue, these will probably not last long. The basketball fans can get really wacky sometimes and these shoes will definitely fit the bill for their wackiness.

The term “fan” is short for fanatic, which according to the World English Dictionary, fanatic is defined as: “a person whose enthusiasm or zeal for something is extreme or beyond normal limits” – So then that leads to a question, “What are normal limits?” I can guarantee a normal basketball fan in Kentucky is different than a basketball fan anywhere else.

I just wonder how people get so caught up in a sport, a celebrity, author, team or anything else. I have often heard that it is humanities way to try and fill the “God shaped hole in their heart”. I guess that is kind of correct, to a point. We all know we don’t have “God shaped holes in our hearts”, but we do have a built in need for God, to worship God in truth and righteousness. When we, as humans, get so caught up in the gifts of the Giver, we then become fanatics for the wrong thing. Instead of God being glorified, His creation is.

Now, back to the “normal” limits definition. What exactly would be normal to a believer in God? I don’t think we really know in our culture these days. Normal Christianity as defined by scripture is not very common today and just the striving to have that normal Christianity we are labeled as fanatics. So, I guess in one sense being called a “fanatical Christian” is actually not a put down but a praise that God has brought us to a state that people will actually see a difference in a true believer than they do the other 90% of professing Christians.

I would just caution you to watch your level of devotion to earthly things, like UK Basketball. There is nothing wrong with liking the created things of God, just do not elevate them above the Creator. Remember 1 Cor. 10:31 and do all things to the glory of God. How excited do you get about the things of God compared to your choice sport? How about going to church vs. watching your favorite TV program? Does one bore you to tears and the other make your heart race thinking about the next episode? Do you make plans around the next ball game, but yet not even wake up in time to get to Sunday morning service on time? Can you name every NFL, NBA, MLB or NASCAR team and not remember the 10 Commandments? Can you sing along to every song on the radio, but the only scriptures you have memorized John 3:16 and John 11:35? Then I suggest that you do some God centered, soul searching, self-examination into where your fanaticism is focused. 2 Cor. 13:5

The good news in this? That you can take it to the cross and leave whatever idols you may have. That God has already forgiven you, if you are His child. But, take it to Him, so that He may be glorified in your life and your devotions.

Day 34: Our Children

These little guys were under my care tonight during church service. We are on a rotating schedule to watch the kids while the adults/ parents meet for service. Usually we meet in the fellowship hall instead of the sanctuary, so that left it open tonight for us to watch a movie. We did this instead of playing outside, since the temperatures have been so brutal lately. I didn't want to have to administer first aid or CPR to a kid that had fallen out from heat exhaustion or anything.

Watching the kids is an honor and a privilege. These children are the future and we must bring them up in the admonition of the Lord. Too often I have failed at this with my on kids, but that doesn't make me want to throw in the towel and quit. It gives me new hope that I will look to my Father to guide me, to show the same kind of love He shows me. Albeit not attainable, it is a worthy goal and one that I must constantly seek guidance for, which let's me have a closer walk with God.

How thankful I am that God loves me, but not just a general love, but a personal love that He chose to love me for nothing I have done or could ever do. What a wonderful God that looked through time and chose me before the foundation of the Earth, when all I would ever deserve would be damnation for rejecting Him, the Creator of the universe.

Day 33: Is It Hot Enough For You?

So, the question of the day today: "Is it hot enough for you?" Of course it's hot enough, it's too hot, but that's O.K. Today matched the official record here in Paducah, 104 degrees, but my trusty ol' Nissan thermometer was showing 107. This culminates about 8 weeks+ of above average temperatures in our area. It started back at the end of May with temperatures then, already in the 90s. The "heat index", they say, was around 115 today.

That always confuses me, in the summer you have a "heat index", in the winter you have a "wind chill". Both of which are what the factors combined usually feel like, be it humidity mixed with heat or wind mixed with cold. Why not just call it what it is? If it feels like 115, then it's 115. If it's 104 and humid, then it's 104. Same in the winter, if it's 20 and the wind makes it feel like 15, then which is it? 15" Or 20? You can't really have both, can you?

Sounds a lot like some people I know personally these days. They say " I am saved, but I just don't live like it" or "I love God, but I don't like church, reading the bible or any of those hypocrites". Really? Really! A lot of double speak comes from professing Christians mouths. On one hand they want you to think they were saved when they were a kid, took care of it all, got their ticket, whatever other euphemism they want to use, but yet they live like the world, talk like the world, care nothing for the things of God, haven't stepped foot in a church in 10 years and yet they say they are saved?

What are they saved from? It is sure not hell and it is sure not a life of sin and it's definitely not saved from blasphemy as they invoke the Name of Christ and say they are Christians. Before you go all postal on me and tell me to stop judging, please read this post I wrote a little while back. I am simply using the senses that God gave me to discern that these people are deceived.

Scripture is clear that a true follower of Christ will, well, follow Christ. They will leave it all and pick up their cross and place total trust in God. These folks are on their way to hell and someone agreeing that they are a Christian or not telling them the truth of their spiritual state has a part in their damnation. The most loving thing someone can do is tell them the truth, not allow them to continue to live like they do, act like they do, deny God in word and deed, but yet claim to be a Christian. It would be sin for a true believer to not tell them the truth. Most importantly because their false profession and use of the term Christian is blasphemous.

Know someone in this state of being? Confront them, in a loving manner and tell them the truth. It is the most loving thing you can do. Will they get mad? Possibly. Will they believe you? Possibly. Will you have been faithful to what a Christian is called to do? Yes. And that is what you should be most concerned with. Then possibly they will truly repent and turn to Christ, or the 104 degree (115 heat index) will be like the Antarctica compared to what their eternity holds.

Day 32: I Don't Like Cats

Here is a picture of our other cat, Tux. Well, it's not really "our" cat, as I do not like cats, it is my wife's and oldest son. It mysteriously showed up one evening and hasn't been able to escape yet. I keep encouraging it to make a run for it, but alas, it is a feeble little critter that is afraid of its own shadow. It will look at the door, but it will not get much closer than that.

I'm not really a cat person, or pet person for that matter. I grew up with my mom always having dogs, so I was determined to NOT have any pets for myself. She had the same bloodline of dogs from the time I was about 5 until just around 3 years ago when the 2 sister dogs that she deemed "Winston and Salem" passed away at the ripe age of about 20, 140 to you and me.

So now I have a dog and two cats sponging off of me. Over the past 8 years we have had a grand total of 3 lizards, 1 dog, 2 cats and 3 or 4 parakeets living under our roof. All of which I could have done without. The dog took a fancy to me right off and won't leave my side now, so I guess he's alright to stay, but the cats can leave my presence without a complaint at all from me. I have a touch of an allergy to cats, so I can't touch them, play with them or toss them across the room (just kidding). I would never harm an animal on purpose, so don't call PETA on me or anything.

I have compassion for all animals, even the stinking skunks that inhabit this part of the world. I would probably defend a defenseless animal if I saw it being mistreated, but that does not mean I want it in my home. I have a fairly compassionate side, no matter what my wife says. I am currently praying to be more compassionate about others. I think I have the discernment gift down pretty good, but need to seek the Lord for more love for others. And not that I need to bring down the discernment, but I need to have my love for others boosted to the same level. I will not compromise the truth of God's Word for anyone, but I need God to add the love to equal my passion for truth. It is unhealthy for me to hold one area above the other or one area below another. It is an easy trap to get so focused on one thing and in turn neglect something else that is needed just as much.

This is just one area that I thank God for, as I seek Him to guide me to understand what love truly is.

(As you can tell, on this, the beginning of my 2nd month of the "Year In My Life Through Pictures" series, I have shortened the title, so I can give a header to what the post is about. I have not written but a couple of actual posts outside of this series and feel I need to start doing so again. I am currently in the process of getting together another music post. I am researching and getting material together for this post and if God allows me to write it in the fashion I am picturing, it will be very beneficial to others that may come across it. Thank you to all those that visit my blog on any regular basis. I really appreciate the interest you may have in what I have to say.)

A Year In My Life Through Pictures Day 31

If you've ever been behind me in traffic you have seen this view. I purchased this vinyl decal long before I got the car, knowing that I had to put it on the back window. I think it is a good question for those on the road, especially those impatient ones that try to bump draft you down the road to get you to move faster. Oh, the joys of cruise control and maintaining the speed limit. One thing to remember, if you have a decal like this, a ICTHUS, cross or anything else that references Christianity then PLEASE drive like you follow the rules of the road.

Many people do not think they need to follow the rules of the road. They think speed limits are suggestions, stop signs mean to slow down and yellow light mean to push the gas pedal a little harder. But addressing professing Christians - have you ever read Romans 13:1-7 if not here ya go:

1 Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. 2 Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves. 3 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil. Do you want to be unafraid of the authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same. 4 For he is God’s minister to you for good. But if you do evil, be afraid; for he does not bear the sword in vain; for he is God’s minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil. 5 Therefore you must be subject, not only because of wrath but also for conscience’ sake. 6 For because of this you also pay taxes, for they are God’s ministers attending continually to this very thing. 7 Render therefore to all their due: taxes to whom taxes are due, customs to whom customs, fear to whom fear, honor to whom honor.

Now, what I gather from this is that we are supposed to submit to the authority that God has placed us under. It's fairly simple to do, if you feel the need for speed try leaving 5 minutes earlier so you will not have that need to break the laws of man and thus breaking the laws of God. This is not one of those "gray areas" that the Bible is silent on. Although it doesn't say "Keep the speed limits of man" it does say "whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God". Sorry, but it doesn't get any plainer than that.

I hear a lot of "well, God hasn't convicted me of that personally", which I answer with "but He did ordain the government in power and requires you to keep their laws unless they are in opposition to His Word". Believe me, you will get a lot of dirty looks and hand gestures for actually conforming to the laws of the road, get used to it and gently smile and wave. Get yourself a big ol' sticker and put it on your back windshield and let them know that Christians follow the rules of the road to be in accordance with God's Word. Who knows, someone might rear end you and open the door for a witnessing encounter with them, the police and whoever else shows up.

A Year In My Life Through Pictures Day 30

Chandra, Forrest and Allan walking in the Mississippi "River Walk" on Mud Island in Memphis. The real deal Mississippi River is in the background and none of them wanted to put a foot into it.

The River Walk is the central focus on Mud Island, well actually it is the only focus on Mud Island that I could see. It is really need seeing a scaled replica of the rivers twists and turns. They even have different depths along the way. I imagined the engineering and planning that went on to make the River Walk a reality.

Looking across the Mighty Mississippi in its vastness was pretty awe inspiring. We have the Ohio River flowing in our downtown area here in Paducah, but it is probably only about 1/2 - 1/3 the width of the Mississippi. So, to see this much water in one place does make you think of the creative powers of God. In Genesis 1:9 we see God's creative force in shaping the Earth. Reading back a few verses you see that when He created the Earth it was totally covered with water and then in verse 9 He raises the dry parts up creating the seas and the tributary rivers that flow into the seas.

How awesome is that? God speaks and everything listens. Well, almost everything. Men have a tendency and disposition to not listen and to not acknowledge the Lord as we should. We are the only part of His creation that says "NO" to Him. We impose our own will, which is sin and we must answer for that sin. The penalty, death. After the physical death is the spiritual death if you have not trusted in the Lord and fully devoted yourself to Him. Not the halfway, "I said a prayer and took care of it when I was 8" thing. Not getting your "ticket" to heaven or walking an aisle will save you. Not even having a preacher or evangelist proclaim you as saved will do the trick. Only total denial of self and total reliance in Christ will give you life eternal.

The powers of God that created the universe "ex nehilo", out of nothing can create a new heart in you. It is actually a new creative process, a re-creation if you will. Ezekiel described it in Ezekiel 36:26 as God taking out a stony heart that is hard, cold and unmalliable and replacing it with a heart of flesh that is soft, pliable and warm. It is God that takes the heart and changes it, it is God that makes you a new creation 2 Corinthians 5:17 through His grace and His restorative powers and only possible by the sacrifice of His Son, Jesus Christ.

A Year In My Life Through Pictures Day 29

I had a plan for today's year in my life post, I was going to feature a picture of the 3rd animal in our home, Tux the cat. Things seem to have gotten changed up as Chandra and I were shopping at the local Hobby Lobby this evening.

Take a good look at the picture. I just have one thing to say - If you are going to purchase accents like these for your baby boy, then you have issues. I think it was just a sign mix-up, but it is quite humorous seeing an end-cap full of pink, girly items with a sign promoting them for a boy. And here I thought Hobby Lobby was a Christian business (just joking).

Hobby Lobby is indeed one of the few true Christian ran businesses left in the United States. In a day when it is not politically correct to profess beliefs in Christ but Hobby Lobby, Chic-Fil-A and a few other national businesses are not ashamed of their foundation built on Jesus Christ. I would say that we should all support these places as often as possible. They hearken back to a time when life was much better, as far as principles and morals go. In my youth you would have been hard pressed to find any store open on a Sunday, and if you did it would only be from 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM so the employees could still attend morning and evening church services. These days every business is open, except for the ones that hold fast and true to their Christian heritage.

Next time you're shopping go to an openly Christian store, buy something and thank them for standing by their beliefs. Send them an email and let them know you appreciate their business practices and standards. Let them know you support them with buying from them and with your prayers. They need to know that Christians stand by them and with them on their convictions.

Just don't buy anything pink for your baby boy.

A Year In My Life Through Pictures Day 28

Yesterday I featured a picture of our dog, Rex. Today I snapped a picture of the cat (not our cat, because I am not a cat person), Roger AKA Kick. This little fella made his way from Arkansas, from my in-laws a while back on the return trip of Chandra, Forrest and Allan. It was a surprise to me, and not in a good way. He tends to like to sleep on the treadmill, but will not stay there when it is turned on for some reason.

Don't get me wrong, I don't want anything to happen to the cat (or cats in general) I just don't want them living in my house. I have a slight allergy to cats, the are self centered, do what they want - when they want and don't listen to a thing you say. Come to think of it, they are a lot like humans, especially the lost in sin ones.

Believe me, I have had my times of being self-centered like a cat. But God changed me. I had a newly found desire to socialize with other believers when the Lord stepped in and made me a new creation. I started to get a resonance with other believers and actually wanted to get to know them, spend time with them. Very different from the old Jeff, but still a far cry from what I would like to be like. I would like to be very talkative, which I am not. I would like to be able to lead our Sunday School class, which I fell unworthy to do, incapable as well. I mostly would like to be able to witness to people more openly. I am not a very good at conversation, so thinking about it I guess it is a good thing as I must lean on the Lord for the strength to share instead of trying to say everything from a script or just talking nonsense. I must lean on God for strength and He has been good to allow me to speak to those He wanted me to. I am perfectly content just sowing the seed of His Word, not looking to push "decisions" or "lead someone to the Lord". If anyone "decides" or "finds Jesus" it is because He decided to pursue them and He found them, they just reacted to His love and grace. What an awesome God we serve and to think He loves me is the most awesome thing I know.

A Year In My Life Through Pictures Day 27

Man's best friend? This is Rex, our dog. Or should I say, we are his people? Ever since the day my wife brought him home he has been my shadow. He's a crazy kinds dog, but all in all he's a good pet and faithful. He might actually listen better than anyone in the house too.

But, are dogs actually mans best friend? They don't complain, extremely loyal, will die for their humans, like to get their heads scratched, etc. But does that really make them mans best friend? As far as the earthly realm goes, possibly. Unless, of course, you are married or have a girl friend, which makes your wife your best friend. And definitely not by default either, but in a true sense.

But mans real best friend is the Lord. He will never leave you, never forsake you, will take your burdens, give you living water, cleanse you of all unrighteousness, direct your path, lead you by still waters and the biggest - He died for you. He didn't say He would, He did. But the story doesn't end there, He arose on the third day, conquered the grave and awaits His triumphant return to take us away to the home He has prepared for us. Now that is a friend, but most of all He is our Savior, if we will only believe and trust in His Word. It is that simple, not as difficult as some make it out to be. He will give you a new life if you truly seek after Him. He will take care of the rest, which is called sanctification. That is a gloriouse truth, He loves you and accepts you as you are, but too much to leave you in the sinful state that you are in.

A Year In My Life Through Pictures Day 26

Had a great time this evening at the Aaron Shust, 33 Miles, Among The Thirsty, New Fire concert here in Paducah. A couple of good things to note about the concert - 1) It was only about 5 miles from my house 2) It only cost $5 to get in 3) I won a text contest by just texting a phrase to a number and got a cool T Shirt, CD and signed poster.

What could get any better than that? Well, the fact that Aaron Shust led a worship service instead of just putting on a concert ended the night perfectly. What a great musician this man is. The other groups also were very talented and very acknowledging of the Lord in their words and in their music.

The award for most talented guitar player of the night goes to 33 Miles guitar player, Chris Lockwood. This guy can burn the strings up, quite possibly better than 99% of other guitar players I have ever heard, bar none. It is great to see his talents going to glorify God and not on worldly things.

If any of the groups I saw tonight were to come around again I would definitely be there. It did bother me somewhat that the house wasn't packed out, which I have also noticed at other Christian concerts here in Paducah. I would say "I wonder why that is?" but I know why. There aren't that many Christians in Paducah. A lot of professions, but not many true bible believing, Christ exalting, brotherly love sharing, Christian concert going Christians. It is sad on many levels and I need to focus more prayer on these deceived people. I think we all do.

A Year In My Life Through Pictures Day 25

What would a blog series about a year in my life be without Diet Coke? It is my beverage of choice and has been since I was 14 years old, 28 years ago. Ask anyone that knows me and they will tell you that Diet Coke and Jeff go hand in hand.

Yeah, I know it causes memory loss and a wheelbarrow full of other things, but so does everything else these days (as far as I can remember LOL). I have stopped drinking it before too, only to start back after seeing that my memory did not return anyway. But, I may be on the road to my own 2 step plan to kick the habit - Step 1) Stop drinking them. Step 2) Don't drink one again. Fairly simple program.

Some things are easier said than done though. Just like sin, as believers we do not want to sin, we try not to sin, but we always seem to mess up and sin. Then we feel guilty, try harder and the cycle starts again as soon as we sin again. Why are we like this? I think it is because we forget easy that God is always with us, we seem to forget that the same God that spoke everything into existence can also see everything that we do, even our thoughts are known.

We rationalize our sins, make excuses, reason out that we had to or that we were tricked into it. But in each case a sin is committed we have a way out that we ignore. We would do well to keep 1 Corinthians 10:13 in mind when we are tempted to sin "No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it" So, all we have to do is turn to God and ask for that way of escape to be made known, then seize it and stop rationalizing the reasons why you should sin.

As a Christian we are washed in the blood. That means all of our sins - past, present and future have been forgiven. God has removed the spot on our garments never to be brought to our charge. If they were it would mean the cross was of no affect. Jesus paid it ALL! But, many take that too many steps beyond the true meaning and see it as a ticket to sin. If that is ones mentality then something is deathly wrong. A true child of God will never, never feel that they have free reign to trample the cross of Calvary. They will flee sins and seek holiness, more Christlikeness, fall at the foot of the cross as a needy child.

Praise God for the sacrifice He gave for us.

A Year In My Life Through Pictures Day 24

This is the McDonald's Drive-Thru sign that is closest to my house. I stopped by on the way home from church this evening, #6 of course.

What restaurant signs always remind me of is this is how most people see Christianity. They believe they can just pull up, order up their favorite off of the menu and totally ignore the rest.
"I'd like a large order of love, a side of grace and an extra large grace. Oh and add a large peace with that too please".
"Would you like some repentance or holiness to go with that? We also have judgment if you feel you need some of that."
"No thank you, just give me the easy to swallow stuff."
"Thank you, please pull around."

That's how it usually goes with those that are casual attenders of church, those that are deceived/ false converts and those that have a lopsided view of God. People want to fixate on the "good" things of God and Christianity, but when it comes to the harder to swallow things, they start having issues and usually just ignore them.

Things like repentance, depravity, original sin, hell, judgment and personal holiness seem to go by the wayside. Things like love, acceptance, forgiveness and grace are always the topics while the others I mentioned are ignored. This gives a very distorted and incorrect view of God, His attributes and Christianity. God is indeed love, forgives, accepts and pours out grace every second of the day, but He also is Judge, demands holiness, expects discernment from His children and demands repentance.

The opposite is also an issue, too much focus on the harsher things of God instead of focusing on the "good" things is just as harmful. There must be balanced because God is all those things mentioned and more. I struggle with balance, but by God's grace He is directing my path to know Him better. He is giving me the whole menu and not just the parts I picked out that I want to fixate on.

Praise Him that He doesn't give up on us, that He continually sanctifies us along the path.

A Year In My Life Through Pictures Day 23a

The family, my mother in law, Adam from Tom's Bar B Q and me
Yep, 2 posts today. Why? Because we took a trip to Memphis to meet my mother in law and drop the 2 youngest boys off to spend the week with her and my father in law in Arkansas. Before I left the house I had already written the blog post titled "A Year In My Life Through Pictures Day 23b", but at the time it was not a "b", it was just the post awaiting a picture to add to it. I knew it would be late when we got back, so I wanted to have the post prepared, since I had been to Graceland before and knew what to expect, plus I'm old enough to remember when Elvis was till alive.

So, this post is the main one for the day, the real reason I am doing this. To show and tell my story by pictures with a little write up for each picture. We met Dottie, my mother in law, in Memphis at Tom's Bar B Q and Deli, for lunch before proceeding to Graceland.

"Why Tom's", you may ask. I watch a program on The Food Network called "Diners, Drive Ins and Dives" with host Guy Fieri (pronounced Fietie for some reason?) in which he travels around to favorite local spots. Tom's was featured in his Memphis BBQ show once and I filed it away in my brain for future reference in case I ever made it down to Memphis and needing to partake of some food. This trip comes up, so I searched for Diners, Drive Ins and Dives Memphis restaurants and low and behold, there's Tom's on the list again, along with 2 other places. I thought I would be nice and let my beautiful wife make the choice and she chose Toms (which I had chosen too, but did not tell her). So, the plans were made.

When we got there, it did not really resemble what I remembered about the place in "DDD", but it all started coming back to me when we stepped inside and I saw the pictures of Guy and owner Adam hanging around. The phrase "All aboard the flavor train, the rib tips are off the track" emblazoned made the episode rush back. I recommend watching the episode online to see just how they prepare the food.

The food was the draw and it definitely did not disappoint. It was very, very good BBQ. But what really made the place, for me, was how we were treated as customers. Adam greeted us himself, the others working there as well met us with smiles and chit chat about where we were from and how we heard of the place. All Chandra had to do is mention Diners, Drive Ins and Dives and it was on. Because of that, and possibly the 3 hour drive there, Adam hooked us up with a sampler plate of Guy's favorite rib tips and BBQ bologna. I'm not talking just a couple of small morsels either, this was a well packed plate and it was "off the track".

When we finished eating what we had ordered, BBQ pork and fries for me, we received yet another surprise. One of the ladies there brought out all 5 of us a bowl of strawberry shortcake. Instead of whip cream, these had icing on them which really made it for me. Excellent! The BBQ is indeed "off the track", top notch and some of (if not THE) best BBQ I have ever had. Chandra said it indeed IS the best for her, and we eat some BBQ.

But I can't say enough about how we were treated during the whole visit there. We actually went back before hitting the road home and bought some bring home BBQ pork and BBQ bologna. This is probably the best dining experience I have ever had, bar none. The extra mile everyone went to ensure we felt appreciated was genuine and taken to heart by us all. The excellent BBQ would have been enough, but knowing that each customer is appreciated and made to feel it goes further than anyone could imagine.

Not that Adam or any of the others at Tom's Bar B Q and Deli will ever read this blog post, but a big ol' THANK YOU to everyone there for making this day memorable for us. If you are ever withing driving distance of Memphis you should, for sure, stop in for lunch or dinner are Tom's. You will not be disappointed.

One other thing about today. My role as leader of my family has lacked greatly in the Spiritual leadership area. I don't know why either, it should come natural, but I fail miserably at guiding my family properly in the ways of the Lord. Today could have very well have been another failure in that department too. I wanted to start the car ride out with a prayer for protection and asking that the Lord guide us through the day and let us marvel at the beauty He created just for us to behold. Well.... I didn't pray with the family before we departed. I did one on one with God, even while I was driving and really started to get bothered that I did not include Chandra and the boys in this. So when we stopped for gas in Mayfield, 20 minutes from our driveway I led the family in just the prayer I mentioned above. And instantly I knew that God was in control. I don't know if the thoughts in my head were my thoughts or God speaking directly to me, but either way I know that praying with my family was and is the right thing to do before undertaking anything - a trip, dinner, playing a game, having a conversation, anything and everything as 1 Cor. 10:31 says Whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. Asking God's blessing on everything we do is a step in the right direction for the spiritual guidance of my family. Even the desire for me to be a more godly father and husband is from Him. I praise Him for loving me and allowing me to be His son, co-heir with Jesus. WOW! That's some good stuff right there.

A Year In My Life Through Pictures Day 23b

Please be sure to read my second blog from today as well - this post is referenced in it.

Today we took a little day trip to Memphis. We met my mother in law, who drove in to meet us from their home in Arkansas. We exchanged the 2 younger boys for a little quietness for a week.

While there we made the required Memphis stop at Graceland. Now, that is a step into the past. The jungle room is worth the price of admission . It is a step back into the 70s as the furnishings and decorations have been preserved as a shrine to the life of Elvis Presley.

Now, here is a man that had all this world could offer. Money, jewelry, cars, nice houses and anything else he ever had want for…. in this life. Also, if you ask almost anyone if Elvis was a Christian you will get an overwhelming YES! as an answer. But why? Why does everyone think that Elvis Presley was a follower of Jesus Christ? The main answer is probably that he sang gospel songs, had a very public love for the songs of his youth that his mama sang with him. Then there will be the philanthropic answer, he gave so much to his friends and family. The Cadillacs and jewelry that Elvis loved so much was given as gifts to those that he loved.

But, do those things make this man a Christian? Are these things fruit of a man that truly knew the Lord personally? That could be a yes, if he showed the other fruits of being a child of God. But it could also be a man lost in the world, trying to do the best he could, to work his way to Gods good graces. Sadly I think that is the case. Elvis knew a whole lot about God, but did he actually know Him? There are many other things in the history of Elvis that point to a lost man, many sinful fruits that many seem to overlook. Women, drugs, cursing, worldliness and so on, were the norm for Elvis. He got what he wanted, when he wanted it.

Did Elvis truly know God? I can’t say for any certainty he did, but I also can’t say with any certainty that he did not. I can only judge by his fruits. I know that through all of the videos I’ve seen of him, all the TV interviews I saw as a child, all the “unseen” footage released in recent years has not produced a single clip that Elvis tells his testimony, how he was converted. This is one thing that someone with the world’s ear would be spewing at every chance if he truly loved the Lord as much as everyone thinks he did. Maybe I have just not seen thatparticular clip of Presley telling his testimony. If you have seen it, please send me a link.

But, Graceland is just one more reminder of the mortality we all have. We can have all the worlds offerings, but if we do not have Christ we are nothing. No possessions will fill the void that a person has without the Lord there. No matter how many people we surround ourselves with, we can still go to hell if we trust in ourselves to keep us out. There is but One Way to glory and that is to believe and trust in the gospel, Jesus Christ.

A Year In My Life Through Pictures Day 22

Yeah, that's the top of my head. Yeah, that's gray hair. Yeah, it doesn't really bother me. My mantra has been "it can turn gray, as long as it doesn't turn loose". Not that there's anything wrong with that.

Gray hair is not the worst thing that can happen to a person, after all. My brother, for example, started getting gray hair when he was about 14 or so. It started as a small gray patch on the back of his head. Now? He is mostly gray (or white actually) headed, with a little dark thrown in for good measure. So, my "grayness" waited a few years longer, until I was in my mid to late 30's. Now in my early forties the grays are quickly catching up with the browns. Normally I just put a little gel in my hair and you can't really tell anyway.

I like what Proverbs 16:31 says "Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is gained in a righteous life. But, I don't think it pertains to me, as I have led a very unrighteous life on my own. That is the wonderful part of God's love, He has found me righteous, not of anything that I have done or will do, but because of His Son. The Father imputed Jesus Christs righteousness onto me. That is the gospel in a nutshell. At that moment, I was seen as spotless, because I was then in Christ. God , the Father, sees me through the Son as perfect. There is nothing I did to gain this, there is nothing I can do to lose this. That is what is so amazing, I do not deserve His love, I do not deserve to be called a child of God, but I am. He paid it all so I could be free of my sins and no matter what I will always be His, gray hair and all.

A Year In My Life Through Pictures Day 21

This could quite possibly be the most disturbing thing I have seen for sale in a flea market atmosphere. Well, actually in any atmosphere. It is a child's casket. I didn't touch it or play in it ( I was afraid the people that worked there might kick me out if I did), but the handwritten tag on it stated that it was from 1935 and that it was an "original", whatever that means.

The first question that popped into my head was, "Where's the body that was in it?" Quickly followed by the answer in my head, "You big dummy, the casket was never used." Which brought another question up, "Why did someone buy a casket, have a nameplate put on it, then not use it and the why did they keep it?" That was the thought process the whole time I stood there with a wrinkled forehead trying to figure it out. Then the final question of, "Jeff, why are you taking a picture of this anyway?"

As I meandered through the rest of the flea market, known simply as "The Shed", I started thinking about everyone's mortality. We are all going to die, that is the ultimate statistic that we are all a part of. The only way you're not going to be a part is if you're still alive when the Lord returns for us. I then started wondering about children and what becomes of them when they die. I have heard several sides of the arguments, age of accountability, all kids will go to heaven, etc. But, what is the biblical standing on the death of a child that would fit into this casket?

I will need to study up on the subject, but the nagging thought is Romans 3:23 all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. I am assuming, but not taking too much of a leap, that all means ALL, in any context. We are all born into sin and do not have to be taught or shown how to sin, it is in our nature and it comes quite natural to ALL of us. The second nagging thought, since the children do not even know what sin means, are they held accountable for it? 1 John 5:17 says that all unrighteousness is sin, so that means the unrighteousness of a child is sin unto God as an adults is.

But as compassionate people, mothers and fathers, we don't want to think about our children in danger of hellfire and damnation. But does it really matter what we do and don't want to do? What matters is what God has said to us in His Word. I am very open to hearing arguments in any facet of this topic. I do not have a firm stance on anything, except God is sovereign in all things and He works all things for our good and to His glory. We are His workmanship created to do good works that He prepared beforehand.

One thing to think about is if we start to excuse childrens sins, do we not have to start excusing the sins of the adults that may have never heard of Jesus? Do we then must say because they did not know they were sinning against the Holy God of the Bible that their sins will be overlooked too? Would someone that lives in solitude then be able to live a life pleasing to themselves, full of selfishness and not give thanks to God, give glory to God and live like a heathen and still be able to spend eternity with the Lord? We must always remember that God's ways are definitely not our ways, praise the Lord for that. If we knew why God did things the way He does, we would then be like God, which we are not. I am, for one, thankful that God has it all under control, that He is directing my path and that He loved me enough to give His Son for me, to take my punishment upon Him as the spotless Lamb, to take away my sins. Oh, what a Savior He is.

Please join the conversation here. I very much welcome your views, your scripture choices that prove your views and any other information you care to give. I hope to be enlightened and to learn from this and I pray that everyone that happens across this posting will as well.

A Year In My Life Through Pictures Day 20

Okay, this is not news, but it seems like my local NBC affiliate thought it was cute enough to feature before their first weather segment tonight.

This "church" is notorious for bad use of their marquee. I guess we can count our blessing that they did not put "You think it's hot here? Wait until you get to hell". But, this is a real issue to me as many "churches" misuse their signage with cutesy little one liners or just plainly awful heresy.

My question, why not use your signs to actually proclaim the Word of God? It is, after all, quick and powerful, sharper than a two edged sword (Hebrews 4:12), it is truth (John 17:17), it will help a Christian not to sin (Psalm 119:11) and it is how faith comes to be (Romans 10:17).

So come on "church" leaders. Stop with the simplistic, cute one liners. Proclaim the Word of God on your marquees. Sow the seeds of the Word of God on the passers by of your "church" and let God take those seed and bring forth fruit. Stop trying to relate to a damned world and start doing as scripture says.

A Year In My Life Through Pictures Day 19

Pictured above is my sister in law Ashley, Brian and their newborn Julia Adele. This is their first and my wife's first neice on her side of the family. She has been very excited ever since finding out Ashley was pregnant. Ashley lives in batons Rouge, so Chandra is going to take a week in a few weeks to go down and stay with them, when Brian goes back to work.

Julia came in at 7 lb. 6 oz and 20 1/4" yesterday afternoon.

I think babies are a true gift from God. They are truly miracles. God has entrusted us with these gifts and He gives us reign over them. We can never be as good to them as our Father can, but we need to try. We need to teach our children everything we can about the Lord. We have the promise of Proverbs 22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it. This, of course is teaching them the Word and sharing with them the love of God.

A Year In My Life Through Pictures Day 18

This picture, although simple, is enough to write a post on each day for the next several years. This is my view each morning as I prepare for the day ahead of me. I do not see enough of this view and sadly I do not make time for more of this view, like I should.

God gave us His Word for guidance in all areas of our life. I believe that 2 Timothy 3:16-17 says it quite nicely, and completely: All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

So, if I have an issue I go to the Word and see what the Lord has already given to us. Although I will not put God into a box and say that He doesn't speak to His children any longer (like some staunchlings do), I will say that God uses His Word primarily to speak and to guide us. Also if anything does not align with what His Word says then it is false. So just a word of caution, if you're getting a "new revelation" from somewhere and it is giving you visions of "money angels" or telling you to give $100 in order to receive back 10 fold, then you are not getting a Word from God. But I will not say anything more in this post about heretical practices.

I pray that I will burn with a passion to want to be in His Word more. Pleas join me in that prayer for yourself as well as for me. Leave a comment and we can all join in to prayer together as brothers and sisters in Christ to call out for Him to pour out His Spirit on us. We need to be awakened to what true, biblical Christianity is. We need to live with God on our mind 24 hours a day. We need to seek Him daily, hourly, every minute to be with us and to guide us. I fail miserably at this right now, but I also know that a burden to desire to not remain in my current state shows that God is already working in me. Do you have the burden to be closer to the Creator of all things?

A Year In My Life Through Pictures Day 17

Not quite sure what the connection between Burger King and Twilight is, but there's got to be one. Maybe the new movie has a scene that takes place in one of the restaurants or something. Oh, wait I have it now, greed is the reason.

What other reason would a successful restaurant chain have to promote such a ungodly movie/ book franchise? Oh wait, they do it all the time and most of the time they push the questionable movies on small children through their kids meals. Just another way society is being desensitized to the evilness of the world.

American really needs prayer in this area. That some morality will return and our children will stop being brainwashed into thinking all things are acceptable. It is somewhat our fault as parents to not shelter our children more than we do. We should not allow the filth of movies and video games o permeate our upcoming generations.

The enemy described as a lion in 1 Peter 5:8 is seeking who he will devour. Look at nature, what does the predator target first? The young and the weak. This is also very true with the spiritual predators. Why aren't we vigilant in protecting our young? Why do we throw them into the lions den ourselves sometime? We pay for their clothing, we buy their video games, we pay for the cable TV they sit and watch, we pay for the internet that holds so many dangers. The lion is the same as it ha always been, his hunting methods have just changed.

Join me in prayer of protection for our kids. That we, as parents, will lead a holy life for our children to emulate instead of them emulating movies and TV. Pray that we stay vigilant in our upbringing of our kids and that we are always aware of what they are consuming. We must be broken for our children, one thing I am not enough of. Are you?

A Year In My Life Through Pictures Day 16

It was off again this evening to the Downtown After Dinner happenings here in Paducah. Last week it was just Allan and me, this week was Chandra, Forrest, Allan and me. It was a really good night. The weather was a little on the hot side, but hey, it is the middle of July.

This picture is looking up from the Ohio River towards and past the floodwall. The colors of the sky were awesome this evening. Blues and pinks just popped. One of those nights where you should just pause and gaze at the canvas that God has laid out in front of you.

Psalm 19: The heavens declare the glory of God; And the firmament shows His handiwork.

I am sure this verse will be used a few times, at least, through my year in pictures. But God often shows me His beauty through His creation. One can only marvel at what His creation is and pronounces. I know many, if not most, people just go through life, see a sunset and say, "hmm, that's pretty." But they do not think about God making that sunset to show His majesty. They just go through life never really thinking about God, even though they may proclaim to know Him, they do not live like they do or speak like they do.

I pray that God sends a great awakening across the world, so many will come to truly know Him. That people will stand in awe of Him. That they will look at the heavens and proclaim that God painted the sky just because He loves us and wants to show us in His creation.

A Year In My Life Through Pictures Day 15

While looking around the bible section at Lifeway this evening, I came across the bible pictured above. It is a Mandarin translation and my local Lifeway also had Korean and a couple of other foreign languages available.

This brings up a question. To the ones that ascribe to "King James Only" doctrines, are these bibles heretical? I was raised on the KJV, but also believe that God has allowed other translations to further His Word. Saying that, though, I do not believe every translation is true to the original manuscripts. I cannot read Greek and Hebrew, so it is by research in different translations that I have gathered that some of the ones that are not really translations add to and take away from the original texts.

"The Message" is probably the most widely known "paraphrase" of the bible. This version is very questionable and should be avoided, for sure. I would say to stay clear from any paraphrase, since you will just be getting the paraphrasers rendition of what they think the Bible says.

Back to my original question. Is this Mandarin translation heresy since it is not a King James? No, and neither is the NASB, the NIV or the ESV. I will not say that people that use the King James exclusively are wrong either, but when it is taken to an extreme, like anything else, it is a dangerous thing. It is trying to impose a man made doctrine of "read this version only, all others will send you to hell". I never thought that through my KJV days, I just didn't know there was any other translations available.

I believe different translations bring out different facets of God's Word to us. The KJV may use one word, the ESV another and the NASB yet another. Read them all in conjunction as you allow the Holy Spirit to illuminate the Word in you. I think it is wonderful to have different wordings to achieve a higher understanding of Gods love letter to us.

A Year In My Life Through Pictures Day 14

We were invited to the Reeds this evening to help celebrate their youngest's 2nd Birthday. Martin is a fun little boy, maybe the most well behaved child I have ever been in contact with too.

What a great time it was just watching the kids play, playing a little ourselves and eating some of the best cake a person could ever have. Thanks Missy for being so talented in the cake making department. I always look forward to partaking of its sugary goodness whenever the opportunity arises.

I took a few other photos through the day and took several during the evening. The one I chose was my favorite. Why? Because of the look of joy on Justin's face. I believe Justin was happier to see the Tonka remote controlled car than Martin was. But we all had a blast playing with it.

Seeing Justin help Martin opening his presents, interacting with him and loving on his son makes me think of the joy our Father has for us. It was really a reminder of Matthew 7:11 "If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!"

We love our children and would do anything for them, even lay our lives down for their safety, give them as much as we can to give them joy. So, as the verse says, we are evil but still want to supply and give to our children. Now really think about the goodness of God, meditate on just how much He gives us. Do we really understand just how much God glories in us, as His children? I surely can't grasp that in all it's glory. That is something I am going to have to ruminate through the next several years, just how much the God of all, the Creator of everything, the King of Glory loves me, a worthless sinner that He loves for some unknown reason to me.

Thank you Justin and Missy for inviting us over to share in this very special day.


Martin giving us a little entertainment through song.

A Year In My Life Through Pictures Day 13

This was taken after our prayer meeting tonight at church, after most had left. Some of us hang out and chit chat afterward. Tonight I was talking to a few dear brothers looking out over the playground area and was taken by the beautiful sunset through the trees.

Today was especially hot in our area. So, the sunset was a much anticipated thing for a lot of people today as it brought a much needed relief from the high temperatures. It reminds me though of Ephesians 4:26-27 “Be angry, and do not sin”: do not let the sun go down on your wrath, nor give place to the devil. Oh, how I need to remember this passage. I get angry from time to time, and yes I even let the sun go down on my anger, which in turn gives place to the devil to run in and wreak havoc in my life.

I pray that the Lord gives me what the ending of this chapter says in verse 32 "And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you." I do have to admit that I do forget easily the exacts of why I get angry and upset, but am left with the residuals of that anger. I forget why I am angry or upset and instead I am just upset as a feeling instead of with reason. I do tend to wake up with the anger gone, but that doesn't excuse my defiance to this admonition.

This is just one more way that I need to seek God daily. To give my weaknesses over to Him to control for me, instead of my weaknesses controlling me. The Lord is merciful in these areas and gives the comfort needed, but we have to realize we need Him for this and that we can't do it on our own.

A Year In My Life Through Pictures Day 12

I had a little help with today's picture. My wife sent this to me after she got off work today. This is the McDonalds, err, uh, the rubble from the Mcdonalds restaurant that I featured a few days ago. Looks like they are on the ball with the destruction of the old.

It is a lot easier to tear down something. It also is a lot faster to tear something down than to build it up. People are a lot like that. You can spend years building and nurturing a relationship with someone and one wrong word or action can destroy it in an instance. That is the danger with putting trust in a person, because no matter how much you want to trust them, they will always let you down in some form or fashion.

There is only One that will not ever let you down, that will never leave you or forsake you. Jesus Christ. You can rest easy when you put your faith and trust in Him. But a side benefit to that is when others do let you down, that relationship is not destroyed. You may have a temporary lapse of bad feelings, but any true child of God will always see it as another opportunity to lean on Jesus. To let the love of the Father flow and offer as much forgiveness as it takes to mend that relationship. After all, look at what Christ gave even though He already knew that we would breach His love and sacrifice. He still offers us the undeserved forgiveness and we joyfully accept it, almost as if we expect it.

So the next time you have a rift with a friend, co-worker, spouse or anyone else - just remember that a relationship can and will be destroyed in an instant if you put your faith in a person and not on Jesus.

A Year In My Life Through Pictures Day 11

Stay focused... That's my mantra these days. The enemy is hurling some fiery darts my way and staying focused on the Lord and His Word are the only things that can be done.

Trials come and trials go and I have learned that I must rest in the Lord to see me through, stay focused on Him. Too many times I have (and still do) lash out of the flesh. Not that I mean to cause harm or damage, but to prove a point or to show that I am right and someone else is wrong. I would like to say that Jeff is dead and buried, but he isn't and I battle myself. I suppose it is the battle that Paul describes in Galatians 5:16-17 “I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish.”

But what it boils down to is my weakness and lack of belief that God has it all in control. I am slowly realizing that I can't fix things nor can I prove someone wrong and be walking in the Spirit. I must rely on God to do those things and if He chooses me to do those things, then He will choose different means than I do.

I praise God that He has revealed how I lose focus so easily.

A Year In My Life Through Pictures Day 10

Well, another screen capture instead of an actual picture. This is one of those "captcha" safety features used across the web to keep spamming down. I'm not sure that they actually work and I get really annoyed sometimes when I can't read what they say.

This one, however, really was easy to read and I really agree with how the words aligned. Normally these are just 2 random words that make no sense at all when placed together. As you can see, this one actually proclaims that "He created" and yes He did. He created everything, out of nothing, with His Word.

This brings me to asking, "How can everything in the universe come from nothing in an explosion?" You know, after all, explosions destroy and cause chaos not order. Take a look at creation and see the intricate work of the Master's hands. How can so many things just "happen" by mere coincidence? What came first, the human body's blood, the veins it runs through, the heart that pumps it, the organs or the body it sustains? You can't have one without the others, so they all came into existence at the same time - hence "God created".

He also still creates. He created a new heart in me. One that he conformed and continues to conform to His will. Have you experienced a new heart from Him? Has He created you anew?