Cleaning House

Now I've been cleaning house since I was about 7 or 8 years old. I didn't have any sisters - only two younger brothers. So when Saturday came around. . .well, let's just say my parents were under the impression that mom didn't dirty up the house on her own. And the rule was, no TV/cartoons until the house was clean. That means we were up at 7:00 changing sheets, dusting, sweeping, cleaning bathrooms, doing laundry, mopping, and the like. Sometimes mom thought we ought to clean a little more. That entailed wiping down baseboards, stripping and waxing floors, and other things that still cause me nightmares to this day (the therapist says I'm making progress).

Mom taught me about cleaning house. I like a clean house. Do I keep it as clean as mom? Probably not, then again, not many people do. One lesson she taught me was that it's much easier if you do it a little at a time. But when spring came around, we opened the windows and went through the house top to bottom.

Reading Jeremiah 47-49, you'll find God cleaning house. And when God cleans house, He really cleans house. He is about to clean house, not just with Judah, but the surrounding nations as well.

I don't know why He's taking out His anger on these other nations. Maybe it's their influence on His people, the Israelites. I guess that's one way to get rid of negative influences in their lives. Then again, this would not be the first time He's wiped out nations. In Genesis He destroyed the entire population of the world because of man's corruption. Again, I can only speculate that God is tired of the influences and distractions these nations have become to His precious children.

I do know that God is sovereign. And He is both merciful and just. There is no one who escapes His eye. He also desires us to worship Him and Him alone. He rewards the faithful - like the Recabites. But He punishes the disobedient - just ask Zedekiah. You see, God wants their obedience, their faithfulness, their worship, too.

I remember mom would tell me to clean up my room. After several warnings, she finally had enough and all hell would break loose. Believe me, it wasn't pretty. Guess what? My room got cleaned up, but it would have been so much eaiser if I would have just kept it clean or cleaned it when she told me to the first time. A lot less crying and gnashing of teeth - if you know what I mean. Does your "room" need to be cleaned up?

God wants us clean. . .He wants our obedience. . .He desires our heart. . .He loves our worship.

So, how's your room. . .your life? How many times does He have to tell you to clean it up? What do you need to do to clean up your room? What's laying around that needs to be picked up? What dirt needs to be identified and scrubbed away?

Sometimes we become so accustomed to the grime in our lives that we don't even recognize it for what it is. If you don't realize you've got some stuff that needs God's scrubbing bubbles, ask Him to show you what needs to be cleaned away. He wants you clean, so He will definitely help.



Now where's that Windex (I thought I didn't do windows. Oh well),
Mike

Idolatry

If you read the entire 44th chapter of Jeremiah you soon come to realize it speaks of idolatry and how the love for anything or anyone above your love for God, well. . .pretty much makes Him mad - I wanted to say "Pisses God off," but thought that may piss some of you off, so I used "mad." I'm not talking about mad like "I'll get over it," but mad like, "I'm ready to destroy you!" That's pretty mad, wouldn't you say?

If I think about it, or think through it, why wouldn't it make Him mad? Here are the Israelites whom God has protected, provided for, and rescued time and time again. And all He asks of them is their worship of Him; that they make Him first in their lives, in their marriages, in their work place. As much as He had done for them you would think they would run from worshipping idols. But . . .no.

And there's me . . . there's us. Here God has rescued me from an eternity in hell by giving me His most precious relative, His Son, as payment for the penalty of my sin. When I accepted Jesus Christ as my Savior, as my payment, why shouldn't He expect that I have no other thing or person greater than He in my life? If that weren't enough, He provides protection, He provides for my needs, He encourages me. And still I turn my attention and affections toward other things - my desires and my will (that makes me lord of my life, not God), my abilities (that makes me arrogant), my stuff, my activities, my computer (that makes me slave to stuff).

Hope you're gettin' the picture here.

What about you? In light of all God has done for you, where does He reside in your life? Are there things or people or relationships that He takes a back seat to? What about your spouse? Your children? Your job? Your attitudes? Your hobbies? Your schedule?

Now, put yourself in God's place - just for a moment - and try to imagine how He must feel right now.

If you're in the valley - your valley shouldn't be the most important thing in your life. It's part of your life, but if you're focusing on it more than you love God, your valley has become your idol. If you're focusing on how you feel more than loving God, your emotions have become your idol.

Take some time right now and ask God to help you see what idols you have in your life. When God reveals them to you confess them, repent (turn from them), and ask for God's help in making Him the focus of your life.

I assure you, you will see a difference. That and, well. . . God won't be pissed off at you. :)

Mike

Discipline

When I was growing up my parents believed in discipline. I received so many spankings, I think there were days my mom spanked me not because she caught me doing something wrong or bad, but because she suspected it. Now. . .mom didn't abuse me. I willingly admit that that I deserved most, if not all them.

Now when she disciplined me, whether I liked it or not (ok I don't remember ever liking any of the times I was disciplined) it was for my good.

When God disciplines us it's for our own good as well. His word tells us that He disciplines those He loves. The question is, will I accept His discipline. . .or not?

In Jeremiah 38:17-18, Zedikiah, King of Judah, could either accept the Lord's discipline and live in Babylon healthy, prosperous, and safe or he could resist His disicpline and die right there in Jerusalem.

The sad thing is that many of us - including myself - try to "survive" on our own. It only makes things worse. Zedikiah thought he knew better when he tried to escape, but he was caught and before his eyes all of his officials were put to death, then his own eyes were gouged out.

I think, sometimes, we don't want to hear of God's discipline. We think we know better and we snub our nose at God or we run away.

When I was younger I would have never snubbed my nose at my mother or father while they were about to discipline me(I wouldn't do it now, either). Doing so would have only made it worse. I would have never run from my mom or dad (mom is 5'11" - she was the living version of Stretch Armstrong and would snatch me back before I could get away - and you just didn't run from dad - bad move). Same thing with God. Running or disrespecting God only makes it worse.

I don't know all the ways God disciplines, but I know He does. I also know His discipline makes us better and it requires faith in believing God wants what's best for you and me. So. . .we grow in our relationship with God and our faith grows as well.

As I wrap this up remember, as hard as it may be - accept God's discipline. Ask Him what He wants you to learn. And praise Him for loving you enough to discipline you.

Oh, the extra padding in the seat? Doesn't work with God.

Mike

To Be Found Faithful

I have written many times, in several different forms, that we are to be obedient, be found faithful, and trust God for the details.

Recently, He has confirmed that this concept.

I was reading Jeremiah 35 when I came across the Racabites. Not much is said about them throughout the Old or New Testaments. As a matter of fact this may be the only mention of them (I haven't confirmed this, so don't call me on it yet).

As it turns out the Racabites are a remnant of faithful people among those in Judah. In the midst of all the sinning, turning from God, debuachery, hedonism, and idol worship going on among the leaders and people of Judah, there remains a group of people who are faithful - the Racabites.

God tells Jeremiah to bring them into one of the inner rooms of the temple and offer them some wine. Jeremiah, being the obedient prophet, does as the Lord commands. When the wine is set before the Racabites they respond . . .

"We do not drink wine, because our forefather Jonadab son of Recab gave us this command: 'Neither you nor your descendants must ever drink wine. Also you must never build houses, sow seed or plant vineyards; you must never have any of these things, but must always live in tents. Then you will live a long time in the land where you are nomads.' We have obeyed everything our forefather Jonadab son of Recab commanded us. Neither we nor our wives nor our sons and daughters have ever drunk wine or built houses to live in or had vineyards, fields or crops. We have lived in tents and have fully obeyed everything our forefather Jonadab commanded us." - vv. 6-10

Then see what the Lord says,

Then Jeremiah said to the family of the Recabites, "This is what the LORD Almighty, the God of Israel, says: 'You have obeyed the command of your forefather Jonadab and have followed all his instructions and have done everything he ordered.' Therefore, this is what the LORD Almighty, the God of Israel, says: 'Jonadab son of Recab will never fail to have a man to serve me.' " - vv. 18-19

Oh to be found faithful - faithful in all thinkgs. Oh to be equated wtihthe Racabites - to do what you know is right, when all those around think and do differently. We may not realize it at the time - don't think the Racabites thought much about how God would belss - they just did it. They were found faithful.

Allow me to encourage you. It doesn't, or shouldn't, matter what the Lord will do, we should be found faithful. It shouldn't matter our valley - be found faithful. It doesn't matter how deep, how long, or how hard the valley is. It doesn't matter what all your friends say. It doesn't matter what think or how you feel - be found faithful.

What has God asked you to do? What is God expecting you to do? Be found faithful. I don't have the slightest idea what God will do for you - it shouldn't really matter. Just be found faithful.

So. . .today, while it is still called today remember. . .be obedient, be found faithful, trust God for the details.

Mike

Taking a Break

I'll be taking a break for the rest of the week - unless I can get connected to the internet somehow.

Our staff will be on it's annual staff retreat. Please pray for us - unity, fellowship, focus, and productivity.

Until then, remember "Baby steps. Baby steps. Baby steps." (think What About Bob?)

Mike

What is He talking about?

Have you ever wonder if God has lost His ever lovin' mind? Oh, don't act so pious and righteous, you know what I'm talking about - God asks you to do something and you're thinking, "What in the world? God, have you lost your ever lovin'?"

I guarantee you I have. On more than one occasion.

I think this is what Jeremiah must have been thinking when God told him to buy a field from his cousin, have the purchased witnessed, sealed, and the documents placed in a protective clay jar. [click here to read the entire story]

I get the feeling as I read the story that Jeremiah didn't quite get it when God told him to pruchase the field form his cousin. I'm not too sure I blame him. Think about what God has been telling him to proclaim to the people of Judah and its leaders - "Get ready to surrender or die." Then God tells Jeremiah to purchase some land. Don't know about you, but I would probably be mumbling something about throwing good money after bad.

You know what I've discovered - Sometimes God doesn't make sense and that's OK. It's called faith. It's believing God has our best interest at heart. It's also realizing and accpeting the fact that God's ways are not our ways.

I can attest to the fact that God doesn't always make sense. Like watching the life slip from the love of my life after more than 20 years of marriage. Or, that not even two months later He has me in Mobile, Alabama. Don't get it. But one thing I do get is that He's still God and He's still right.

You know. . .I'm so glad I serve a God that I can't figure out, especially with the few brain cells I have left. I serve a God who is still mysterious. One who allows me to get to know Him and is deeper than I could ever go with Him.

Listen. . .if you're in the valley of life and God asks you to do something - just do it. If you don't understand it, don't worry about it - just do it. If you can't figure it out, it's OK - just do it. Remember it's called faith.

Jeremiah didn't understand either. Not until God came to him and explained His plans to restore both Judah and Israel in the future. You see, Jeremiah's purchase of that field was a sign that God was going to bring His people home one day and there would be a day of restoration - a day of hope.

There is a day of restoration. There is a day of hope. There is an "other side".

Ours is a journey of obedience.

Remain obedient. Be found faithful. Trust God for the details.
Mike

What a Promise!

I'm pretty pumped this morning. Let me tell you why.

Yesterday, I read Jeremiah 29. In it is verse 11 - you say, "Why of course. It's always been there." I say, "But have you read it in context of the entire chapter?" You say,. . .

In case you're wondering why I'm carrying on this conversation with you - and by the way, thank you for playing along, it really helps - I, too, have read this verse over and over and over. I have had it emailed to me, I have seen it as signatures on emails, and I have read it in devotionals. But until this morning when, while I was crunching on some cereal and bananas, it hit me that this verse must be read in its context. So, I re-read chapter 29.

Why of course, I will set it up for you.

This one verse is part of an incredible letter from God, written by Jeremiah to those Israelites exiled to Babylon. You see, God had been telling the Israelites they were headed to Babylon. Because of their sin and turning away from God, He was sending Nebuchanezer, King of Babylon, to take them back to Babylon as exiles.

Then He gives Jeremiah this letter to give to those who are in exile. It's a letter of promise. It's a letter of encouragement. It's a letter of hope. It's a letter to those Israelites who are in the valley.

It's also letter to us. It's a letter of promise to us, you and me - those who God has allowed to journey into the midst of the valley of life. If you're experiencing a valley time in your life right now, take God at His word. And here it is.

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

What a wonderful promise. To know that my God has plans for me. That my God's plans don't include harming me or hurting me, but blessing me. That in God's own words, there is an "other side!"

Now, these blessing may not come in the valley. And I can't tell you what your blessing will be, that's up to God. But I can tell you this promise is for every Christ-follower who is experiencing life in the valley right now. I want to assure you. . . there is an "other side". There will be a time of restoration. There will be a time of blessing. There will be a time when you and I will stand on top of the next mountain with our arms raised in sa-weet victory (this is where the theme to Rocky starts playing in the background) and do the Rocky dance - OK, so I don't dance, but I can jump up and down.

So. . .if you feel like you're stumbling around in the valley, be encouraged.

If you're a single mom struggling to make ends meet and be both mom & dad, be encouraged.

If you're a student struggling with relational issues. . .school. . .peer pressure, be encouraged.

If you're a dad wondering how you will provide for you're family, be encouraged.

If you're wrestling with a divorce or the loss of a loved one, be encouraged.

If you're haggling with God over His plans for you, be encouraged.

If you're wondering how long you will be in this valley, be encouraged.

If you're a pastor wondering why you are where you are, be encouraged.

Remain obedient, be found faithful, and trust God for the details. Follow your Shepherd and allow the flock to love on and minister to you. Because, there is a "one day" coming. There is a promise to you and me that God will restore you. There is a promise that He will bless you.

There is a promise of hope for you.

Hey, anybody seen my old grey sweats and bandana?
Mike

Rest

Are you one of those people who come home and think you just HAVE to do something? You know what I mean. You can't sit and relax. You feel as though you must stay busy? Karen was one of THOSE people. She would literally work herself to sleep at night. I used to kid her that she would look at her to-do list for the week and get that done on Monday night. On Tuesday night she would do the next week's stuff. Anyway. . .I think you get the picture.

And yes, by the use of the term "THOSE people" I mean I am NOT that kind of person. I'm one of those who like to shut down for a short period when I come home. Then, if I feel the need, and usually I don't unless it's something I have been putting off to the last minute and now's the last minute, I might do something.

In spite of my unique personality quirks, I have been in a form of transition - I guess you could call it that. Now I'm not blaming Karen, but part of me doesn't do stuff because Karen did enough for me, her, and several other families - so if you've noticed some changes in your wife, husband, and/or children it could be that Karen's not doing their stuff anymore. Now I have to do the stuff - pay bills, take care of the yard - including watering, making sure the animals are well and fed, cleaning house, fixing things, yadda . . .yadda . . .yadda.

And . . .oh yeah . . . I'm learning to become a morning person!!

Alrighty then . . . with all that said I am also learning to rest. I don't mean shut down and veg in front of the TV. I mean I'm learning to get in my bed, close my eyes, and nap. That's right, I'm learning to nap. I've never been much of a napper before, but I'm also learning that I only have so much energy - I mean with my age and all. And if I give all that energy to the Lord at the church planning, studying, investing in relationships, then I'm zapped when I come home.

I understand that I don't have the family responsibilities I know some of you have - children, spouse. But, if you knew me, you would also know I would trade you for either in a heartbeat.

But I also know that I'm learning to rest in the Lord. Sometimes I just lay there and pray. I lift up requests I get via email from some of you. I pray for our church. I pray for our leadership. I pray for needs of people I know. I pray for lost people I know. I pray for families who need to be changed through God's transformational power. I . . . pray and I rest.

I was thinking about this today. And God reminded me of Psalm 23:2

He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,

Yeah, I get to nap. Never been much of a napper before. I'm also a pray-er. Not been much of a pray-er before, either. In either case I feel like I'm learning the meaing of this verse. God provides the green pastures and quiet, still waters for me to rest - to recuperate. It's what works for me.

How does your valley suck you dry? Honestly, you don't have to be in a valley for life to drain you of every ounce of energy. So how does life drain you? Fincances? Kids? Job? People - this can be huge if you're not careful? A situation you're having to deal with? Spouse? Expectations - of others and of yourself? So, what drains you?

Now. . . how do you recoup? What do you need to do to get the energy back? What works for you? I would suggest -

1. A gaurded, consistant time with God - His word & prayer (no matter what else you do, you must have this one)
   
2. Journaling - writing helps me organize my thoughts so they aren't overwhelming me - remember I'm A.D.D.
3. Solitude - get alone somehow - take a warm bubble bath, find some time early time in the morning, how about uncluttering the calendar(I did this Saturday and rode my Harley - did wonders for me), take a walk, get out in nature
   
4. Get some rest - you're body can only handle some much, at some point it will shut down - I can attest to that, it also affects you emotional, mental, and spiritual states as well
5. Hang with a friend - find someone who you trust and respects you, but is not impressed by you - I have a couple of those and they are incredible blessings to me
   

You may be able to think of some other ways, but you do need some "green pastures and still waters" time in you life.

Flock - if you know someone who needs this time, you can help -

1. Watch kids - (a couple of hours or even for a night) it will go a long way
2. Take them out for coffee - Starbucks is always a good choice, but any local coffee shop will do
   
3. Take them out to a movie - make sure it's not sappy and will make them cry, find something funny and uplifting - ok chick-flicks works for the ladies, but guys . . . c'mon
   
4. Encourage them to find some time to get alone and get some rest - they may not even know they need it
   
5. Love 'em - most of all, just love 'em

Hope this helps. God laid this on my heart this afternoon, so I'm thinking there are somenone out there who need this. GO FOR IT!!! And get some rest.

Mike

A Bush or a Tree?

Growing up, literally, around the world I have had the opportunity to see so many different kinds of plants. I remember living in the Philippines - we had this really big banana tree in our yard and real coconut trees around . I do remember eating fresh coconut right off of the tree. That was cool.

Living in Italy gave me the chance to see beautiful olive and grape orchards spread out over the countryside. Living in San Diego, California I was blessed to see so many gorgeous plants - some of which my Grandfather grew - roses, birds of paradise, and so many others.

Living in Texas - well living in Texas allows one to see the spectrum. In west Texas nothing really grows above 3 feet because of the wind and lack of rain. That's why you get tumble weeds. Their roots aren't very strong so they are easily uprooted and blown across the landscape by the strong winds. Yet you go to east Texas and you'll find grand oaks, magnolias, and sky-high pines. It's the only place on earth where I think you can hear the wind, but never feel it!

In Jeremiah 17 these verses came to me to remind me that I'm to be like a tree with deep roots, like one planted near the water that continues to drink from an everlating source. I'm not supposed to be like a bush with shallow roots that is easily uprooted by the blowing of the wind.

5 This is what the LORD says:
"Cursed is the one who trusts in man,
who depends on flesh for his strength
and whose heart turns away from the LORD.

6 He will be like a bush in the wastelands;
he will not see prosperity when it comes.
He will dwell in the parched places of the desert,
in a salt land where no one lives.

7 "But blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD,
whose confidence is in him.

8 He will be like a tree planted by the water
that sends out its roots by the stream.
It does not fear when heat comes;
its leaves are always green.
It has no worries in a year of drought
and never fails to bear fruit."

So. . .how do we become the tumbleweed instead of the tree? Great question (some will get this and laugh)! The Lord told Jeremiah that the tumbleweed guy is the one who trusts in his own abilities, his own way of thinking, his own standards. He or she is the one whose heart turns away from God. OK - to be honest I thought the verse spoke for itself. The question is will we admit that we're the tumbleweed. Does it matter? I think so. If you are a bush easily blown around because you have no spiritual root system and you don't come to a point of acknowledging it then you'll never become a tree. It's that simple. And if you're a bush, let me just say that it only makes the valley experience that much harder and that much longer.

So how do you become a tree with deep root system? Another great question! Allow me to share with you a verse that may be familiar to you and many others, but I think has great spiritual impact.

. . .if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land. - 2 Chronicles 7:14

Here are some simple steps this passage outlines for you and me to become spiritual oaks.

1. Humble yourself - realize that you are NOT God (this is a big one for a lot of people, including me sometimes)
   
2. Pray - spend some time with God, confess the fact that you've been trying to get through this valley on your own
3. Seek God - desire to know the heart of God - pursue the heart of God, listen to Him
4. Turn from your wicked ways - simply put, this is repentence, turn from the way you are doing things now and turn toward God's ways

The Fathe tells us that if we will honestly and sincerely do these things, THEN He will hear us, will forgive us, and will heal us. If you and I will do this, then we will drink from the everlasting waters that nurture and grow our spiritual roots.

Have you been struggling in your valley expereince? It's hard, I know. I remember coming to a place where I had to let go of so many things. I had to stop working so hard at getting through my own personal valley and turn to God. My ways were just frustrating me and I wasn't getting anywhere. It was one of the most important lessons He has taught me while in the valley.

If you're struggling in the valley today check your spiritual roots. Praying and reading the Bible don't add up to a hill of beans if you don't have a humble heart that is focused on God. The wisest advice a friend can give ain't worth squat if it doesn't lead you to pursue the heart of God.

If you're struggling do one of two things today:

1. Post your struggle here - click on the comments, type them out, submit them anonymously if you wish
   
2. Click on "Email Mike" to the right - let me know privately

I want to pray for you, and will, if you let me. Let's become spiritual trees, rather than tumbleweeds.

Spreadin' my roots - Ooooo that water feels soooo good,
Mike

It's still hard

I was reading a blog of fellow blogger, Jeremy Sawatzky. He's Canadian. Other than that, he's a great writer. I love purusing his blog. Today, Jeremy suggested a prayer post. You post a prayer request in the comment section, pray for other prayer requests, and post a word of encouragement or two. I love the idea, but the idea is not the focus of this post.

shhhhh. . .I may "borrow" the idea later - when he's not looking.

What really caught my eye was his prayer request for a couple - Earl & Ramona Reimer. In July Ramona was been diagnosed with what her doctor says is a form of incurable cancer called sarcoma. As I read their blog and see what they are going through it evokes strong emotions within my own heart.

I just bowed my head and cried before God for them. I can, but don't want to imagine another young couple going through what Karen and I went through. I am broken for their journey. The funny thing is I don't even know the Reimers. They're as foreign to me as I am to some of you.

I prayed for them. I especially prayed for her healing. It hurts so much to think another godly husband may lose his godly gift of a wife.

Please pray for Earl & Ramona and their families as they embark on this journey. Pray for her healing. Pray for strength for Ramona as she receives chemo. Pray for Earl - I know the difficulties of his position. Pray for their finances - their insurance doesn't cover the cost of going to the May Clinic in Minnesota.

Thank you for praying,
Mike

The "Why?" Question

I have been told that I'm not supposed to ask the "Why?" question. I've never understood that line of thought. I think it has something to do with faith and trusting God - like if I ask I don't trust God or something. And to be honest, I usually hear it from people who have never been through very deep valleys - Bless their heart (people from Alabama will understand). Then I ran across Jeremiah 15:18.

Why then does my suffering continue? Why is my wound so incurable?

Here, Jeremiah asks the "Why?" questions. Oopps. Nobody told good ol' Jeremiah he wasn't supposed to ask the "Why?" questions. Uh-oh. Wait a minute, God didn't stike him down! As a matter of fact God continues to have a discussion with him - He answers Jeremiah!

Oh my, so what do we do now?

How about if we say it's ok to ask the "Why?" questions, without expecting God to answer? I think this would be more the case. In Jeremiah 15, Jeremiah asked and God answered. See I don't think God minds if we ask such questions, but I also don't believe God owes us an answer. It's His right, or privilege, as sovereign God to refuse.

I wonder why we think we have to know the "Why?". Why do we need the what, the how, there where and when? Why don't we simply accept things and live in obedience? I think part of it is our nature. We want to know. Not so much for curiosity sake, but for our own comfort.

I think the unknown scares us. It does me. That's why I beg and plead for God to give me signs and confirmations - I want to know. And it's not that I'm afraid so much as I'm uncomfortable with the unknown; it stretches and grows my faith - that's good; I don't always handle it so well - that's bad.

So, I'm probably going to continue to ask God questions, even the "Why?" question. I will also accept God's choice to answer or not.

Are you in the valley? Go ahead and ask away - Oh, even the "Why?" questions. Don't hold back. God is so much bigger than your desire to know. He's so much bigger than the questions you ask. He can handle it. He's been doing it for years. He's an ol' hand it taking questions. Now, don't be surprised if He doesn't answer right away. That's His choice. Simply be obedient, be found faithful, and trust God for the details.

Hey flock - give valley experiencers a break, at least until you're in our valley with us. We may need to ask questions. It's ok - it's in the Bible!! Just be there to listen, encourage and pray for us. Sometimes that's all we need and it goes way beyond what you can imagine.

Asking the Abba [no not the group ;) ]
Mike

What do I miss?

Trips are great! Coming home from trips SUCK!!

Yep, you read correctly.

I hate coming home from trips. My house is empty. There's no one to share the stories with. No one to hug. No one to welcome me home. No one to go out and laugh with. No one to listen.

That's what I miss about Karen's absence.

When she was alive, I loved coming home from trips. Whether I was in the corporate world or in ministry - she would always greet me - airport, home, church - give me a hug, flash me one of those patented smiles of hers and ask the inevitable, "How was your trip, honey?" I couldn't wait. We would then go home or go out to eat. She would let me tell her my stories - the good and the bad. \She would augh with me, console me, and encourage me.

I miss that soooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo freakin much.

I hate coming home to an empty home with no one to share my time away with. I didn't realize it until recently, then again tonight. I just returned from a great rafting trip with some of the singles from our church. I came home, unloaded (I'm one of those people who have to put everything away as soon as they come home - yeah, I'm wierd) sat down and realized how much I hate coming home.

It's not all it's cracked up to be. I will definitely enjoy sleeping in my bed tonight, but it's just not the same.

Right or wrong, I told God tonight that I didn't ask for this. I never wanted my wife to die. I never wanted to come home alone. So what am I supposed to with all this emotion? Huh, God?

Sorry, to be such a downer, but the feeling is so strong I had to do something with it.

Mike

What's in your wineskin?

When I was younger (3rd-5th grades) our family lived in Naples, Italy. Dad was in the US Navy and the US government thought we should spend some time there. Don't get me wrong, it was one of my favorite places to live growing up. We didn't live on a base, instead we lived in the community along with the Italians and other Americans. We actually lived in an apartment building on the side of a hill, with the Bay of Naples on one side of us and the soccer stadium in downtown Naples just below us. It was a great time to be a kid.

Just up the street from us lived a farmer and his family. He farmed all the land below us. He grew all kinds of fruits and vegetables, inlcuding grapes. Guess what he did with the grapes? Yep, stomped 'em for homemade wine. They don't view wine like we do - something to drink when you go out with friends, etc. (by the way - I know not everyone views wine this way and many have a healthy respect for wine). Wine is just a part of their culture. For the most part they enjoy wine, not abuse it.

Speaking of wine - you're probably wondering where this is going, eh? - I was reading Jeremiah 13 this morning and wondered across this verse

"Say to them: 'This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: Every wineskin should be filled with wine.' "


The note at the bottom of my Bible said the use of the term "wineskin" was reference to the Israelites who were to be filled with God's presence. Which, of course, as we read through the book of Jeremiah we find they were not, though they acted like it (or tried to).

The same goes for me - and God's people - today. I, too, am to be filled by with God's presence. The problem is that I often look like I'm filled with God's presence on the outside - I'm full. I'm filled. . .with something. The problem is I'm not filled with God.

I'm filled with my own desires, my own wants and wishes, my own kind of love, my own sense of grace, mercy, and justice. I'm often filled with frustration rather than joy; pain rather than healing.

I hate that I don't allow His presence to fill me. I hate that I fill my life with so many things. I hate the fact that I fill my life in the first place. (Hate may be a strong word, but you hopefully you know what I mean.)

My heart - my life - is supposed to belong to God. And as the rightful owner, He has every right to fill it with His desires. . .His wishes. . .His love. . .His grace & mercy. . .His joy. . .His healing.

The question is who will I allow to fill my wineskin - God or me?

What about you? What's in your wineskin? Have you allowed God to fill you today with His presence or is your wineskin full of your stuff? It's your choice, you know.

Struggling in the valley today? Check your wineskin. What's in there? Despair, pain, hurt, bitterness? Empty it out today. . .right now. . .by confessing to God whatever you have allowed to be in there. Then ask God to fill it with His presence. . .His love. . .His healing. . .or whatever you need right now. Oh, and by the way, even if you don't know what you need right now, God does. Just ask Him to fill it with the right kind of "wine", He knows.

Ciao bella,
Mike

God and Dog Food

I woke up this morning somewhat irritated by the fact that Sadie (female black lab) had been barking for the last hour. I knew before I finally got up that she was barking for one of three reasons:

1. She was gaurding her food and the one of the other dogs was looking at her
2. One of the other dogs was in her way and wouldn't let her pass by
   
3. They had found some stray food and she wanted it.

Just as I opened the door to their room to confirm the commotion she and Dakota (female German Shepherd) got into it. I'm not talking about "stop pushing me" getting into it. I'm talking "I'm gonna kick your butt" getting into it. They jumped on each other and it was on.

WELL!! That sent me straight over the edge. I started screaming and hollering and pushing them out the back door into the backyard, reminding them that I am the boss - not either of them!! I shut the door behind them and started picking up their food from last night.

Side Note: My male dog, Mix, wasn't all that innocent. He's the reason there were 4 or 5 pieces of dog food on the floor. He likes to push all the food out of the bowls and all over the floor while he's eating. Then he looks for another bowl of food to spread out Mix-style.

Oh, by the way, they had to spend the morning outside. . .well, at least until I was about to get ready for work.

I found out they were fighting over 4 or 5 pieces of dog food. That wouldn't be so bad, except for the fact that there was entire bowl of food at the other end of the room. Here Dakota and Sadie got into it over morsels when way more was waiting for either one of them. If only one of them would have taken the time to look around.

I think we're a lot like Sadie and Dakota sometimes. We argue and fight and cuss and discuss over morsels of God's blessings when He has som much more for us. All we have to do is look around. . .try something different. . .look into a new place.

Experiencing all God has for us isn't always where we think it is.

Are you struggling. . .look around, there are more blessings that you can ever imagine. God's blessing for you may not be where you're looking or where you want. His blessings may be somewhere else. Step back, ask God to point you in another direction and look for his blessings.

You know, dog food's not that bad,
Mike