…thought-provoking, insightful, and challenging on many levels.
Read the transcript at Sivers’ blog.
Archives For November 30, 1999
I always like it when God whacks me on the head during my devotional:
Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances,
for this [all three, dennis!] is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
thank you GOD, my I have another!
So, what did God “whack” you with recently?
Among the Tweeps I interact with on Twitter, Friday (January 15) was proclaimed 50 Picture day by Joshua White (@joshuawhite).
The images below were taken throughout my day – at home, work, wherever. In most cases, the caption below the image tells the story. I had fun taking them – hope they give you some semblance of what my January 15, 2009 was like.
If you click this link, you can see the Twitter hashtag traffic for #50pic Friday. Some of the newer entries have links for compiled, #50pic posts from those who participated. Check’em out!
BTW, next time this comes around…consider joining. It’s fun!
Dennis
A few days ago, Leonard Sweet posted something to Twitter and Facebook that got me thinking.
He posted:
“Starting in ministry, I fretted we had the meaning but missed the experience. Now I fret that we have the experience but miss the meaning.”
Those two sentences certainly could fill at least a couple of posts in and of themselves, and are are actually two fears that not only people in ministry experience, but those who work in non-ministry jobs.
Quite honestly, when I first read his post, my mind read “fettered” instead of “fretted.” Immediately, my mind went to the song, Come Thou Fount:
Let Thy goodness, like a fetter,
Bind my wandering heart to Thee.
So I’m starting the New Thru 30 reading program today – reading through the New Testament in 30 days. If you’d like to join the reading fun – which is really life-changing too – the reading plan can be found here.
In the theme of Matthew 1:1-16, the following is offered…on your mark. Get set. GO!
I appreciate this Andrew Peterson song on so many levels…
I’ve Got News
So you think I’m something special, like I know a thing or two
Like my eyes don’t ever wander, like my aim is always true
So you think I’m not a dirty rotten scoundrel through and through?
Lady, I’ve got news for you.
So you think that you’re the only one to cry yourself to sleep?
That you’re the only one who’s scared they all forget you when you leave?
So you think that you’re the only one whose heart is black and blue?
Listen, I’ve got news for you, for you.
I might as well just tell you that it’s true, so true: listen, I’ve got news for you.
So I considered not writing one of these posts…but alas, here it goes:
Highs*
- Celebrated 22 years of being married to my best friend! Each year it gets better and better, and I thank God for blessing me with such a special woman.
- Of all the books that I read last year (besides the Bible), Francis Chan’s Crazy Love was a highlight [I think I actually ended up reading it 3 times]. It really refined my heart – not that I’m perfect now… The cool thing was that I had the opportunity to teach through the book during the spring quarter of Sunday School at church. I pray that my understanding of God’s amazing, extravagant, and crazy love continues to grow and that I respond in a way that brings glory to Him.
- I started blogging! It’s been a great experience. In April, I started posting the Sunday service setlist from church and, as a result, I’ve actually connected with some great worship leaders – great for ideas and encouragement.
One day last week, I was deciding what music to listen to on the way home from work and realized that it had been a while since I listened to Charlie Hall. A few touches on the old iPhone and voila, On the Road to Beautiful was playing!
Track one – I Will Overcome – always gets me; and that day I hit the repeat button a few times…
The lyrics so reflect my heart lately. No I’m not a basket case – I’m just someone who realizes that there is absolutely no way I can make it on my own. I love and so appreciate the support and encouragement of my wife, family, and friends; but that really pales in comparison to the comfort and true strength I enjoy, cherish, and rely on from my amazing Savior and friend: Jesus. (BTW, that last sentence is not a slight on my wife, family, and friends – they know my heart and the truth of that statement.)
Crutch.
It’s an interesting word. Like many words, when you say it, it sounds kinda funny. Look in the dictionary and it’s even phonetically spelled funny: “kruhch” – I mean, why bother with the”h” in the middle! (OK, it would be “crooch” if you left it out.)
When we see or hear “crutch”, we generally think of someone who is hurt or needs something to assist them or support them as they walk. One definition of crutch is: A staff or support used by the physically injured or disabled as an aid in walking.
Anyway, “CRUTCH” popped in my mind this morning as I was getting ready for work.
You see, there’s some “stuff” going on in my family’s life – the specifics are not germane to this post – and our response to that “stuff” may seem like we are relying on a “crutch.” (BTW, isn’t “germane” another interesting word also?)
Resting on this truth today:
“We put our hope in the LORD. He is our help and our shield. In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name. Let your unfailing love surround us, LORD, for our hope is in you alone.”
Psalm 33:20-22
Amazing Hope Giver,
You are all knowing, all powerful, all sufficient,…You are perfect.
I know it.
I trust it.
Blessed be Your amazing name!
d
DENNARR(dot)COM 