Monday 31 January 2011

My apologies

This is a new friend! Last night at church she asked me if I was Jim. I said I was, and she said, " you are a funny man". She had been following me on facebook. She is a friend on my facebook as I know her fiance'. But, until last night we had never really spoke to each other. We attend the same church here in Florida. We have attended together at the same church for at least 2 months - we spoke to each other for the first time last night. We have even sat in the same pew on occasion - but never spoke.

I want to use this blog post to apologize to her for not speaking sooner. You see, she is fairly new to the church here as far as I know and I had never spoke to her. I am embarrassed by that. I think I have missed getting to know a lady who has a desire to serve Christ and would like to be welcomed into our church family. The next opportunity I get I want to apologize to her.

I wonder how many people we walk by in our lives that we have multiple contacts with that we could take the time to introduce ourselves? At church I have my "close" friends, we all do. But, of all places we should reach out and say hi, the church is that location. Some just would like to be part of the family, others may really need a friend.

Lord, forgive me for ignoring this wonderful lady you created. Help me to do better to see those around me. Help me to speak and help me to see those that need a friend. Thank you for this new friend. Amen

Tuesday 25 January 2011

The BIG "C"

This is a picture of mama and her brother. Both have dealt with cancer. Mama has been given a clear bill of health but her brother is in the fight of his life.

Mama's cancer hit us in the Spring of 2010 when the phone call came that the biopsy was positive for cancer. Prayers began immediately, treatment plans were put together. By the end of August 2010, 33 radiation treatments later, she was fine.

January 3rd, this year her brother received the diagnosis brain tumors, very serious, and a major battle against this disease has begun. The fight is on.

The Big C - Well, the Big C is not cancer. The Big C is Christ. He knows all about these issues, has a plan of action for each of us and is in charge. Cancer will not win out over Christ. Christ may let cancer run its course but Christ decides that, not the cancer. Mama and her brother have both put their lives in the hand of God and are willing to follow his plan. What a peace come over your soul when you know the "big C" is in charge. God bless and why not make sure all of your plans are in Christs hands? If you are in the fight of your life, make sure the "Big C" is with you - He wants to be.

Tuesday 18 January 2011

Purpose?

This year has been a challenge so far. Mama and I are doing fine but Have been watching family after family seeing their lives change instantly - within seconds. Several by the news of a medical report, some because of bad choices by themselves or those they love. Our lives can change in an instant. I think we all admit that. The first thing we do is try to determine what course of action do I take now? How will this impact those around me?

Purpose - what is your purpose? What is mine? Is our purpose in concrete? Or, can it change? I think we have two basic purposes.
1) We were created by God for God. What we do with that is critical. He wants a personal relationship with each of us. He wants fellowship with us - there was not to be sin, we screwed that up. The picture above is interesting. The lake behind is approximately 7,700 years Old - Crater Lake in Oregon. It has not changed much in 7,700 years. It is still there as I type this. Will not move to another State. I think it will always be there - God placed it there. His purpose for man is still the same - to love Him.
2) We were created to love and serve each other. How are we doing. I am sitting next to mama in that picture, taken in 2008. We still sit next to each other - but probably not at Crater Lake again. Tomorrow, one of us could be gone. Tomorrow we could have to make changes because the other is gone. I don't expect that to happen, but it is changing almost that fast for some of you I know. But it does not change purpose 1 or 2. But it may go another direction.

Praying That as you read this you renew your purpose to God and to those around you. Be always ready to serve - but be aware, how you do that may sometimes require change. So lets grab tomorrow and serve.

Wednesday 12 January 2011

Friends

I have been blogging now since the summer of 2006. I look back now and I am over whelmed at the friendships mama and I have made on-line. What a blessing! We have met people from around the world on-line. We have been to your homes, met for lunch, dinner dates and attended worship services with you. Wow!

You have trusted us with your homes, around your children and treated us like family - thank you. I remember one very special family we met on line that we drove several hundred miles to meet. We called on our cell phone for final directions, we were about an hour early. They were not home but told us to go on in the house, they would be there shortly! We got there, a note on the door telling us what bedroom was ours for the over night visit and to go right in. We had never met, yet they trusted us.

Many of you have asked mama and I for "advice" and/or "counsel". We are humbled by that. You are like family to us. Thanks for letting us as "strangers" to be a part of your lives. We love you and covet your prayers. May God bless you as you begin 2011. Remember to keep Christ focused - and if HE is not your best friend, remember that is why He created you!

Thursday 6 January 2011

What are you doing with today?

This is mama with her brother at Thanksgiving time. We had a great time with family. We talked about his bid for State Rep where he lives - didn't quite make it but sure tried hard! Family chatted had fun - and no fights, but did argue some politics! lol

Her brother flew with his wife to see their grand kids in Texas over the Christmas holidays. Had a blast and got home late New Years day. Life was sweet!

Monday was told he has three brain tumors, get things in order, has a difficult road ahead.

What are you doing today?

Saturday 1 January 2011

Have a great New Year!

Today mama and I start a new year together. 2010 had some moments when we were not as confident about what 2011 would hold for us.

Today, January 1st, the year starts out with a great start. Our health is good and our relationship is strong as well. We love each other with a stronger commitment to each other than 2010. What I share next, to me is important - especially for husbands and fathers.

I think as men we take the important relationships for granted. We love our wives and we love our children - but we need to be aggressive and show that. Here are some suggestion guys for 2011.

1) Smile at your wife and say I love you when you walk by her.
2) Come behind her and hug her. Kiss her neck.
3) Slip your hand in hers when she is not expecting it - like in a parking lot.
4) We "snuggle" in church (sorry if that distracts those of you behind us).
5) Put a love note under her pillow occasionally.

What about your kids? No matter the age, let them know in 2011 you love them and show it.

Have a blessed 2011!