I have been thinking about freedom lately. Maybe I'm being prompted by the fact that the 4th of July has come and gone. The celebration marks our country's independence (freedom) doesn't it?
Are you feeling free right now? Am I feeling free? I'm not talking about freedom in the patriotic/politcal sense. I'm talking about a "life sense". Are you experiencing freedom? Am I? Or do you feel bound by someone or something, a general feeling of heaviness in your heart?
The apostle Paul talks about freedom in Christ in his letter to the followers in Galatia.
Galatians 5:1 Christ has set us free to live a free life. So take your stand! Never again let anyone put a harness of slavery on you. The Message
He refers to slavery. Most of us when we think about slavery would agree that all men should be free from that oppression. Do many of us, when we think of the slavery, connect it to the bondage that comes from negative memories of life experiences?
Where can we find freedom from our past? How can we gain understanding, seek forgiveness and release our pain so that it doesn't create bitterness and resentment?
I submit to you that we can only do that with a person who will walk this road with us. Someone who knows us intimately and has gone before us, experiencing all of our pain and hurt for himself. That person is Jesus Christ. He lives in people and can minister His love through people. These people are trusted friends, who are living in His grace and forgiveness.
They are all around you. Seek them out. Risk and be vulnerable. Ask; they will be found. Healing is right around the corner, and with healing comes freedom.
Friday, June 30, 2006
Sunday, June 04, 2006
Saturday, June 03, 2006
Blackberry vines and the True Vine
Right now in the Pacific Northwest it is prime time for plant growth. The periodic showers coupled with the warmer longer days make for a "green explosion" all over the place. It is really amazing! The different shades of green are intense. What an amazing niche our great and glorious Creator has given us with the northwest.
My personal obeservations of this green growth is centering on the blackberry vines in my backyard. They are currently encroaching on our house. Whoa! Interspersed amongst the blackberry vines are nettles, nasty tall weeds which make berry picking later in the summer hazardous.
I want to talk about the blackberries for now. As I've watched the new shoots take off; I've noticed that they are attached to a main vine. From that vine they get nourishment to expand their territory and boy that is happening rapidly right now.
The story God is playing out in my life and the life of some of my dear friends reminds me of this new growth blackberry vine. Jesus uses this vine analogy in talking about true growth, John 15:5-12 Jesus talks of himself being our vine.
“I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you. This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.
“As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father’s commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.
For me I know that I must remain in the true vine that is Jesus. I suggest you try abiding in Him if you haven't done so up to this point in your life. He will lift you up and carry you.
My personal obeservations of this green growth is centering on the blackberry vines in my backyard. They are currently encroaching on our house. Whoa! Interspersed amongst the blackberry vines are nettles, nasty tall weeds which make berry picking later in the summer hazardous.
I want to talk about the blackberries for now. As I've watched the new shoots take off; I've noticed that they are attached to a main vine. From that vine they get nourishment to expand their territory and boy that is happening rapidly right now.
The story God is playing out in my life and the life of some of my dear friends reminds me of this new growth blackberry vine. Jesus uses this vine analogy in talking about true growth, John 15:5-12 Jesus talks of himself being our vine.
“I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you. This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.
“As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father’s commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.
For me I know that I must remain in the true vine that is Jesus. I suggest you try abiding in Him if you haven't done so up to this point in your life. He will lift you up and carry you.
Monday, March 20, 2006
Graceful Girls
Last month I had the blessing of attending a Valentines Dance with my girls, Ellie and Carly. Wow! We had a blast! I ended up dancing almost every dance taking turns with my daughters. Whew! The music took me down memory lane, old tunes from the 60's and 70's. The evening went by so fast, I couldn't believe it. The girls were both surprised too when the call for last dance came at the end of the evening.
Truth be known, I was a little reluctant to go to the dance. I figured that I would be one of the few dads in attendance. I decided to step out of my comfort zone and go for it. What a blessing! The dance was sold out and everyone had a great time. I have found that when I take a risk, step out of my comfort zone, even in little ways like Valentine Dances, the Lord blesses me and teaches me to trust, listen to His heart for people and be more willing to GO............
Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will direct your paths.
Truth be known, I was a little reluctant to go to the dance. I figured that I would be one of the few dads in attendance. I decided to step out of my comfort zone and go for it. What a blessing! The dance was sold out and everyone had a great time. I have found that when I take a risk, step out of my comfort zone, even in little ways like Valentine Dances, the Lord blesses me and teaches me to trust, listen to His heart for people and be more willing to GO............
Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will direct your paths.
I'm finding that Jesus' heart is for people, building relationships with people and this begins with my wife and children. Thank you Lord for this opportunity to grow closer to my girls.
Tuesday, February 07, 2006
Thoughts Prompted by My Mother
Thoughts Prompted by My Mother…
Although I have shared some of this with my mother, she has not heard it in its entirety. So, here ya go Mom. You will be reading most of this for the first time. I dedicate this to you! I want to thank you for being such a special part of my life.
A couple of months ago, my mother made a comment to me that I believe God used to lead me down a path of reflection and self-examination. She said, “That’s what I love about you, you’ve always felt so comfortable in your own skin.” If you are in question as to what she meant, let me translate. “You’ve always felt comfortable just being yourself.” Hmmm….I thought to myself, is that what she sees in me? She gave me that, “I’m-so-proud-of- my-daughter-look” and hugged me. Silently, I questioned myself. Am I? And the dialogue in my head went something like this, “Well, I guess I feel comfortable being myself quite a bit of the time,” but in all honesty, I knew there were many times I did not. Why? I began to wrestle with this question almost daily. It was a nagging to my soul. God had my attention, but it was not quite time to “go there.” Christmas was approaching and following the holidays we would be celebrating Damon and Lindsey’s wedding with family and friends.
On our arrival home, it was as if God opened a door and said, “come and sit with me”…and that is what I did. Well, it wasn’t always sitting per se. Sometimes, my solitude with Jesus came while I was painting the new bright colors on Ellie and Carly’s bedroom walls…or while Vic and I sat on the couch having “heart to hearts”…or while I was reading my Bible and praying…or while I was unpacking and cleaning. In all these moments I experienced God. I experienced solitude. Little did I know that the Author of my faith was writing a paragraph in my story that would change my life. The best way to describe this healing is like this: it has been like sitting under the warm afternoon sun on a beautiful and colorful spring day. In fact, that is what I did this todayJ. It is well with my soul. Even as I write, I take a deep breath, a sigh of relief, and I am filled with gratitude to the One who created me.
In these times of solitude, God revealed to me that all too often I have entrusted my heart to people before entrusting it to God. This is something He brought to my attention 3 ½ years ago when we first come on staff with Campus Crusade for Christ. Prior to that I thought I “had been there done that” and that I had let go of “people pleasing” and, that the fears relating to this had all dissipated. God in His infinite wisdom, created an opportunity for Vic and I to grow in ways only He knew we needed.
The last few years have been filled with the beauty of new and deepened relationships, new adventures, new schedules, new challenges and constant reminders of God’s faithfulness. You, as readers, might think that in all this, I would respond with a hearty “Amen”, telling you all how much I have grown in my trust of our heavenly Father, or how much I have trusted Him through and through. The truth is, I have not. I have experienced more fear since coming on staff with Campus Crusade for Christ than almost any other time in my life (with the exception of those junior high years). I wonder, asking myself this question, “How often have my choices/decisions and countenance been motivated by people pleasing, obligation, shoulds, fear , God pleasing and the like, as opposed to being motivated by a reckless abandon to be in love with Jesus in all I say or do? There is a difference between the two. If I live my life in such a way as the first part of the previous sentence, I can make a lot of “good choices” and “do good things”, but in the end, I have experienced quite a bit of fruitlessness and emptiness in such living. It is not that all my life with Christ has been this way, but if I’m truly honest with myself quite a bit. Furthermore, following this path robs me, and others around me, of the joy of truly experiencing God. It is like living in “quality control” rather than just letting God be the Controller.
All my life I have wanted to do things well and I was raised with a good work ethic. There is obviously nothing wrong with that. It is God’s desire we give our all to the responsibilities given us and to live with integrity. However, in having a bent towards people pleasing etc, when I became a follower of Christ in college, I wanted to “do it all right” and live the “good Christian life”, and reach the Christian benchmarks of maturity (whatever that means) so-to-speak.. In my skewed views of God, and even the Christian faith, this left little room for failure or a spirit of adventure, just like every other time in my life, and I figured that I must maintain my good standing with God “or else”. So even in this walk with Jesus, one I came into by faith, I began “working my way into good standing” or “desired to stay in good standing” with God on a regular basis.
In the last couple of years, God has been showing me much in His word. One is this…my behavior good or bad, will never satisfy God. It is the blood of Christ and that alone that satisfies God. His love for me is not based on what I “do”. If that were the case, then it would infer that He loved me less when I first became a Christian, because of course I had not yet “done” anything in the name of Jesus…and that now He loves me more because I’ve had 16 years on my Christian resume.
In His word, God has been refreshing my heart with the following truths….that God delights in me and I am precious and holy in His sight Ephesians 1:4. I am a friend of Jesus, John 15:15. I have been accepted by Christ Romans 15:7. I have been called a saint 1Cor 1:2, Eph 1”1, Phil 1:1, Col 1:2. I have been set free in Christ Gal 5:1. I am a new Creature in Christ 2 Cor 5:17. I have become the righteousness of God in Christ 2 Corinth. 5:21. I am fearfully and wonderfully made Psalm 139. I am His workmanship Eph 2:10 and I am being conformed to His image Romans 8:29. I have future and a hope Jer 29:11 I have been given a spirit of power, of love and self-discipline not a spirit of timidity 2Tim1:7….and on and on I could go in the scriptures He is illuminating in my heart. As I have come to know God more intimately and believe what He says about me, freedom in my heart swells up like a river and it seems as though trusting my Creator has taken on a new meaning than what it did two or three years ago. Out of love for God, not fear, people pleasing, obligation, or trying to maintain good standing with God, I long to serve, encourage, comfort, build up, forgive, and love all others unconditionally in a whole new way.
I have decided to take a “break” from Christian talk radio and reading any books that advocate “this” or “that” way of parenting, how to educate ones child and yes, even on the subject of marriage. This is not because I do not believe God uses people through radio and books. He does. He has used them in my life and will again in the future I am sure. It is a decision based upon what God has revealed to me in my own life…a weakness and propensity to many times think other people are more godly or spiritual…to entrust my heart more to people than to first trust God…rather than really believing God loves me as much as He says He does, and trust that He will actually speak to me… having a reckless abandon…passion and trust, knowing Him more personally, listening to His voice and the voice of my husband. Wow, that was a run-on sentence, please bear with meJ!
What is happening is that God is bringing me to a place of freedom I have not yet fully known. Isn’t that why Christ came? Gal 5:1. For the first time, in a very, very, very long time, I think I am comfortable in “my own skin” as my mom would say. The new skin God has given me…the way God has created me…and I like how God has made me. I guess if He says all those things in the Word about me, and all His children, then it really is true…and not to believe it would be rejecting His truth and believing my own…which is what I have done all too often in my life. Rather, my passion is to be recklessly abandoned to Him and the truth of His Word…and to be in love with Him…He who redeemed my life.
Lately, I’ve been praying the prayer the apostle Paul prayed for the Philippians 1:9-11: “And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.” I pray this for Vic as he leads two Bible studies each week, meets with several men one-on-one going through God’s word, for our times of study with other couples and when he counsels people in crisis. I also pray this for myself as I too meet with a few women each week. In praying this, I am trusting a good God in heaven to lead me/us into a deeper relationship with Him, One whose love is unparalleled and permeates the entire fabric of our lives.
Love,
Monique
Although I have shared some of this with my mother, she has not heard it in its entirety. So, here ya go Mom. You will be reading most of this for the first time. I dedicate this to you! I want to thank you for being such a special part of my life.
A couple of months ago, my mother made a comment to me that I believe God used to lead me down a path of reflection and self-examination. She said, “That’s what I love about you, you’ve always felt so comfortable in your own skin.” If you are in question as to what she meant, let me translate. “You’ve always felt comfortable just being yourself.” Hmmm….I thought to myself, is that what she sees in me? She gave me that, “I’m-so-proud-of- my-daughter-look” and hugged me. Silently, I questioned myself. Am I? And the dialogue in my head went something like this, “Well, I guess I feel comfortable being myself quite a bit of the time,” but in all honesty, I knew there were many times I did not. Why? I began to wrestle with this question almost daily. It was a nagging to my soul. God had my attention, but it was not quite time to “go there.” Christmas was approaching and following the holidays we would be celebrating Damon and Lindsey’s wedding with family and friends.
On our arrival home, it was as if God opened a door and said, “come and sit with me”…and that is what I did. Well, it wasn’t always sitting per se. Sometimes, my solitude with Jesus came while I was painting the new bright colors on Ellie and Carly’s bedroom walls…or while Vic and I sat on the couch having “heart to hearts”…or while I was reading my Bible and praying…or while I was unpacking and cleaning. In all these moments I experienced God. I experienced solitude. Little did I know that the Author of my faith was writing a paragraph in my story that would change my life. The best way to describe this healing is like this: it has been like sitting under the warm afternoon sun on a beautiful and colorful spring day. In fact, that is what I did this todayJ. It is well with my soul. Even as I write, I take a deep breath, a sigh of relief, and I am filled with gratitude to the One who created me.
In these times of solitude, God revealed to me that all too often I have entrusted my heart to people before entrusting it to God. This is something He brought to my attention 3 ½ years ago when we first come on staff with Campus Crusade for Christ. Prior to that I thought I “had been there done that” and that I had let go of “people pleasing” and, that the fears relating to this had all dissipated. God in His infinite wisdom, created an opportunity for Vic and I to grow in ways only He knew we needed.
The last few years have been filled with the beauty of new and deepened relationships, new adventures, new schedules, new challenges and constant reminders of God’s faithfulness. You, as readers, might think that in all this, I would respond with a hearty “Amen”, telling you all how much I have grown in my trust of our heavenly Father, or how much I have trusted Him through and through. The truth is, I have not. I have experienced more fear since coming on staff with Campus Crusade for Christ than almost any other time in my life (with the exception of those junior high years). I wonder, asking myself this question, “How often have my choices/decisions and countenance been motivated by people pleasing, obligation, shoulds, fear , God pleasing and the like, as opposed to being motivated by a reckless abandon to be in love with Jesus in all I say or do? There is a difference between the two. If I live my life in such a way as the first part of the previous sentence, I can make a lot of “good choices” and “do good things”, but in the end, I have experienced quite a bit of fruitlessness and emptiness in such living. It is not that all my life with Christ has been this way, but if I’m truly honest with myself quite a bit. Furthermore, following this path robs me, and others around me, of the joy of truly experiencing God. It is like living in “quality control” rather than just letting God be the Controller.
All my life I have wanted to do things well and I was raised with a good work ethic. There is obviously nothing wrong with that. It is God’s desire we give our all to the responsibilities given us and to live with integrity. However, in having a bent towards people pleasing etc, when I became a follower of Christ in college, I wanted to “do it all right” and live the “good Christian life”, and reach the Christian benchmarks of maturity (whatever that means) so-to-speak.. In my skewed views of God, and even the Christian faith, this left little room for failure or a spirit of adventure, just like every other time in my life, and I figured that I must maintain my good standing with God “or else”. So even in this walk with Jesus, one I came into by faith, I began “working my way into good standing” or “desired to stay in good standing” with God on a regular basis.
In the last couple of years, God has been showing me much in His word. One is this…my behavior good or bad, will never satisfy God. It is the blood of Christ and that alone that satisfies God. His love for me is not based on what I “do”. If that were the case, then it would infer that He loved me less when I first became a Christian, because of course I had not yet “done” anything in the name of Jesus…and that now He loves me more because I’ve had 16 years on my Christian resume.
In His word, God has been refreshing my heart with the following truths….that God delights in me and I am precious and holy in His sight Ephesians 1:4. I am a friend of Jesus, John 15:15. I have been accepted by Christ Romans 15:7. I have been called a saint 1Cor 1:2, Eph 1”1, Phil 1:1, Col 1:2. I have been set free in Christ Gal 5:1. I am a new Creature in Christ 2 Cor 5:17. I have become the righteousness of God in Christ 2 Corinth. 5:21. I am fearfully and wonderfully made Psalm 139. I am His workmanship Eph 2:10 and I am being conformed to His image Romans 8:29. I have future and a hope Jer 29:11 I have been given a spirit of power, of love and self-discipline not a spirit of timidity 2Tim1:7….and on and on I could go in the scriptures He is illuminating in my heart. As I have come to know God more intimately and believe what He says about me, freedom in my heart swells up like a river and it seems as though trusting my Creator has taken on a new meaning than what it did two or three years ago. Out of love for God, not fear, people pleasing, obligation, or trying to maintain good standing with God, I long to serve, encourage, comfort, build up, forgive, and love all others unconditionally in a whole new way.
I have decided to take a “break” from Christian talk radio and reading any books that advocate “this” or “that” way of parenting, how to educate ones child and yes, even on the subject of marriage. This is not because I do not believe God uses people through radio and books. He does. He has used them in my life and will again in the future I am sure. It is a decision based upon what God has revealed to me in my own life…a weakness and propensity to many times think other people are more godly or spiritual…to entrust my heart more to people than to first trust God…rather than really believing God loves me as much as He says He does, and trust that He will actually speak to me… having a reckless abandon…passion and trust, knowing Him more personally, listening to His voice and the voice of my husband. Wow, that was a run-on sentence, please bear with meJ!
What is happening is that God is bringing me to a place of freedom I have not yet fully known. Isn’t that why Christ came? Gal 5:1. For the first time, in a very, very, very long time, I think I am comfortable in “my own skin” as my mom would say. The new skin God has given me…the way God has created me…and I like how God has made me. I guess if He says all those things in the Word about me, and all His children, then it really is true…and not to believe it would be rejecting His truth and believing my own…which is what I have done all too often in my life. Rather, my passion is to be recklessly abandoned to Him and the truth of His Word…and to be in love with Him…He who redeemed my life.
Lately, I’ve been praying the prayer the apostle Paul prayed for the Philippians 1:9-11: “And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.” I pray this for Vic as he leads two Bible studies each week, meets with several men one-on-one going through God’s word, for our times of study with other couples and when he counsels people in crisis. I also pray this for myself as I too meet with a few women each week. In praying this, I am trusting a good God in heaven to lead me/us into a deeper relationship with Him, One whose love is unparalleled and permeates the entire fabric of our lives.
Love,
Monique
Friday, February 03, 2006
Experiencing Grace
This commentary is a work in progress so you will have to check back periodically to hear what the Lord is showing us about His grace. My awesome wife Monique will be sharing from time to time too, as God is doing some profound healing in her heart as she is discovering His grace. I know this is a realm He wants all people to experience. My fear is that many folks are living in something other than the grace of Jesus Christ, and thus are experiencing bondage in some form or another. This fact leads me to prayer.
What is grace? Webster's dictionary provides several definitions, here a couple; 1. disposition to or an act or instance of kindness, courtesy, or clemency 2. a special favor
I've also heard the words, unmerited favor given to us by God through the substitutionary death of Jesus Christ on the cross at Calvary for my sins.
By faith I can choose to receive the gift of grace and experience love, forgiveness and acceptance.
Ephesians 2: 8-9 -> God saved you by his special favor when you believed. And you can't take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it.
Our blog entries in the coming weeks will express how we are experiencing God's grace and living in a realm that is available to everyone. Please feel free to post your comments.
Wedding Wows!
On January 7th, 2006 the Woodward family received a great blessing. We experienced a joyous celebration of love, commitment and unity. The event was the marriage of Damon Woodward to Lindsey Monnahan, our new daughter-in-law. Here it is one month later and we are all still bathing in the beauty of that day.
Join us in giving thanks to our great God and pray for this new couple.
Thursday, October 27, 2005
World Series cross - cut
Yesterday I made the last mow of the lawn for the fall season. I cross-cut it just for fun, copying the grounds keepers at professional baseball parks. I had baseball on the brain with the World Series, fall classic, happening this week. Winter will set in soon here in the northwest and the grass growing will slow down in response to the grey skies. Some people just can't handle the drizzly weather and it sends them packing to sunny climates for the season.
For me, the blustery winds, blowing rain, and crisp mornings lend themselves to times with God on the couch with a good cup of coffee. This is good, slowing down and reflecting on what is important, namely a relationship with the living God, my wife, children, extended family and friends all across this country.
As I stare out at my "World Series Cross-cut" lawn, I am thankful which brings this Scripture to mind, "No matter what happens, always be thankful, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus." Do you have a thankful heart today?
Wednesday, September 21, 2005
Expanding Woody Family
Last month we all joined together on the couch; Vic, Monique, Erin, Damon, fiance Lindsey, Ellie, Carly and puppy Stitch, for a family photo. Our family is growing by leaps and bounds in a blessed way. Stitch is growing faster than all of us. Blessings to you and yours!
Tuesday, June 28, 2005
New Life
Psalm 36:6-7 Tells us how our Lord's love and care is spread over all creation.
Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains,
your justice like the ocean depths.
You care for people and animals alike, O Lord.
How precious is your unfailing love, O God!
All humanity finds shelter
in the shadow of your wings.
This little Golden Retriever puppy was born just a few days ago. Our neighbors dog just had ten little ones and Ellie and Carly have been giving care to the mom and the pups. Could it be that one of them will find a home at our house? Check back with us throughout the summer to find out.
Sunday, May 29, 2005
Racing and Endurance
In 2 Timothy we read:
Paul's Charge to Timothy You, however, know all about my teaching, my way of life, my purpose, faith, patience, love, endurance, persecutions, sufferings—what kinds of things happened to me in Antioch, Iconium and Lystra, the persecutions I endured. Yet the Lord rescued me from all of them. 2 Timothy 3: 9-11
I always think about endurance on Memorial Day weekend. My memories take me to fun weekend camping trips my mom and dad planned, usually to the High Sierras in California. The recollections of endurance come when I think of the long drive home. We usually listened to the Indianapolis 500 on the radio. What a test of endurance that race is for both the driver and the machine!
Our Lord calls us to this type of endurance for a lifetime. As we read in the apostle Paul's encouragement to Timothy, there will be hardships, yet the Lord will rescue us from all of them. We must rest in this Truth, for in Him is where our hope is found.
Praise the Lord for the men and women who serve and have served our country so valiantly in the armed forces. They are examples of endurance for all of us. Have a blessed Memorial Day Weekend!
Paul's Charge to Timothy You, however, know all about my teaching, my way of life, my purpose, faith, patience, love, endurance, persecutions, sufferings—what kinds of things happened to me in Antioch, Iconium and Lystra, the persecutions I endured. Yet the Lord rescued me from all of them. 2 Timothy 3: 9-11
I always think about endurance on Memorial Day weekend. My memories take me to fun weekend camping trips my mom and dad planned, usually to the High Sierras in California. The recollections of endurance come when I think of the long drive home. We usually listened to the Indianapolis 500 on the radio. What a test of endurance that race is for both the driver and the machine!
Our Lord calls us to this type of endurance for a lifetime. As we read in the apostle Paul's encouragement to Timothy, there will be hardships, yet the Lord will rescue us from all of them. We must rest in this Truth, for in Him is where our hope is found.
Praise the Lord for the men and women who serve and have served our country so valiantly in the armed forces. They are examples of endurance for all of us. Have a blessed Memorial Day Weekend!
Sunday, March 20, 2005
He Reigns
With Easter approaching, God placed a song in my heart that is resonating all around me. The song title is "He Reigns". The "He" refers to Jesus Christ, His Supremacy here on earth. The lyrics are awesome and they say it all. The song was written by one of the guys from a popular Christian group, The Newsboys. Here is how it goes:
It's the song of the redeemed, Rising from the African plain
It's the song of the forgiven, Drowning out the Amazon rain
The song of Asian believers, Filled with God's holy fire
It's every tribe, every tongue, every nation, A love song born of a grateful choir
It's all God's children singing Glory, glory, hallelujah He reigns, He reigns
It's all God's children singing Glory, glory, hallelujah He reigns, He reigns
Let it rise about the four winds, Caught up in the heavenly sound
Let praises echo from the towers of cathedrals, To the faithful gathered underground
Of all the songs sung from the dawn of creation, Some were meant to persist
Of all the bells rung from a thousand steeples, None rings truer than this
And all the powers of darkness, Tremble at what they've just heard
‘Cause all the powers of darkness, Can't drown out a single word
When all God's children sing out Glory, glory, hallelujah He reigns, He reigns
All God's people singing Glory, glory, hallelujah He reigns, He reigns
So...lets look to Jesus and His Resurrection, for the power to overcome our trials are in Him and His love for us.
Blessings.
Vic
It's the song of the redeemed, Rising from the African plain
It's the song of the forgiven, Drowning out the Amazon rain
The song of Asian believers, Filled with God's holy fire
It's every tribe, every tongue, every nation, A love song born of a grateful choir
It's all God's children singing Glory, glory, hallelujah He reigns, He reigns
It's all God's children singing Glory, glory, hallelujah He reigns, He reigns
Let it rise about the four winds, Caught up in the heavenly sound
Let praises echo from the towers of cathedrals, To the faithful gathered underground
Of all the songs sung from the dawn of creation, Some were meant to persist
Of all the bells rung from a thousand steeples, None rings truer than this
And all the powers of darkness, Tremble at what they've just heard
‘Cause all the powers of darkness, Can't drown out a single word
When all God's children sing out Glory, glory, hallelujah He reigns, He reigns
All God's people singing Glory, glory, hallelujah He reigns, He reigns
So...lets look to Jesus and His Resurrection, for the power to overcome our trials are in Him and His love for us.
Blessings.
Vic
Tuesday, January 18, 2005
Rich Family Time
As I reflect on the holiday season I find myself with a heart of gratitude toward our great and wonderful God. The Christmas season was filled with special quality time with our family. The tradition of finding a bushy Christmas tree was fullfilled along with all the fun of adorning it with family decorations. Erin, Damon, Ellie and Carly all reconnected by God's abounding grace and love. It was a sight to see everyone interacting and laughing together.
I heard a song by Michael W. Smith recently titled "Healing Rain". This made me think of God's amazing work in our family. Here are a few of the lyrics that spoke to me:
Healing rain is coming down
It's coming closer to the lost and found
Tears of joy, and tears of shame
Are washed forever in Jesus' name
Healing rain, it comes with fire
So let it fall and take us higher
Healing rain, I'm not afraid
To be washed in Heaven's rain
My prayer for all of you is that you keep the umbrellas folded up and let God's healing rain come down upon your soul this coming year. He works in relationships as we together seek to know Him.
I heard a song by Michael W. Smith recently titled "Healing Rain". This made me think of God's amazing work in our family. Here are a few of the lyrics that spoke to me:
Healing rain is coming down
It's coming closer to the lost and found
Tears of joy, and tears of shame
Are washed forever in Jesus' name
Healing rain, it comes with fire
So let it fall and take us higher
Healing rain, I'm not afraid
To be washed in Heaven's rain
My prayer for all of you is that you keep the umbrellas folded up and let God's healing rain come down upon your soul this coming year. He works in relationships as we together seek to know Him.
Friday, December 03, 2004
Communication Breakdown
The last weekend of November marked a big game in the world of Friday Harbor High School sports. Our high school football team was playing in a state semi-final championship game. I was unable to make the 6 hour drive to eastern Washington, so I relied on periodic phone calls and internet updates for my game report.
At one point in the 4th quarter I received a call from my son Damon in New York who was getting regular score updates from one of his friend who attended the game. Damon reported the score as "35-21 Wolverines ahead." We were both ecstatic and I was dancing around the kitchen shouting, "we going to the Tacoma Dome, we are in the state championship baby."
I quickly called my dear friend Roberto to give him the update. Another shout went out over the phone as we celebrated together. My phone rang again. It was Damon. I figured to hear the "game over" call from him but instead he said; "Dad, I got the score reversed, it is Royal 35, Friday Harbor 21." Whoosh! It was like the air was rushing out of a popped balloon for me. I called my friend Roberto and he was equally deflated too.
A lesson learned, "be slow to speak, quick to listen ..." James 1:19 This "communication breakdown" reminded of how damaging thoughtless words can be, especially to relationships. One thing can lead to another, and left unchecked, a spider web of ill feeling can be created. Proverbs 18:6-7 says this: "A fool's lips bring him strife, and his mouth invites a beating. A fool's mouth is his undoing, and his lips are a snare to his soul."
We must be careful in our communication with our spouses, children, family members and friends, and oh yeah, when we are reporting sports scores long distance. (-:
At one point in the 4th quarter I received a call from my son Damon in New York who was getting regular score updates from one of his friend who attended the game. Damon reported the score as "35-21 Wolverines ahead." We were both ecstatic and I was dancing around the kitchen shouting, "we going to the Tacoma Dome, we are in the state championship baby."
I quickly called my dear friend Roberto to give him the update. Another shout went out over the phone as we celebrated together. My phone rang again. It was Damon. I figured to hear the "game over" call from him but instead he said; "Dad, I got the score reversed, it is Royal 35, Friday Harbor 21." Whoosh! It was like the air was rushing out of a popped balloon for me. I called my friend Roberto and he was equally deflated too.
A lesson learned, "be slow to speak, quick to listen ..." James 1:19 This "communication breakdown" reminded of how damaging thoughtless words can be, especially to relationships. One thing can lead to another, and left unchecked, a spider web of ill feeling can be created. Proverbs 18:6-7 says this: "A fool's lips bring him strife, and his mouth invites a beating. A fool's mouth is his undoing, and his lips are a snare to his soul."
We must be careful in our communication with our spouses, children, family members and friends, and oh yeah, when we are reporting sports scores long distance. (-:
Monday, November 22, 2004
Red Bug Flashback
I would not have believed it, but it happened. Two weeks ago I found myself driving a red 1969 Volkswagen bug, one almost identical to the one I owned in high school. I even loaded Ellie, Carly, Erin and her friend Kristie in the red bug for a wild ride throughout the streets of Friday Harbor. They couldn't believe Dad actually fit in the bug, let alone was able to shift gears and drive it. By the way, it is harder to get into at age 52.
Memories of good old high school days came racing back through my mind. As I reviewed each one I found myself saying, "I can't believe you did that". By all rights, many of my crazed adventures in my little red bug should have ended in catastrophe. The Lord certainly had his hand upon me.
Looking back, I'm thankful the Lord spared me and is now renewing my mind as the Scripture says in Romans 12:2 "Do not conform any longer to the pattern of the "red bug" crazed world, (Woodward paraphrase) but be transformed by the renewing of your mind." He renews our minds as we read His Word, what a blessing!
Memories of good old high school days came racing back through my mind. As I reviewed each one I found myself saying, "I can't believe you did that". By all rights, many of my crazed adventures in my little red bug should have ended in catastrophe. The Lord certainly had his hand upon me.
Looking back, I'm thankful the Lord spared me and is now renewing my mind as the Scripture says in Romans 12:2 "Do not conform any longer to the pattern of the "red bug" crazed world, (Woodward paraphrase) but be transformed by the renewing of your mind." He renews our minds as we read His Word, what a blessing!
Monday, November 01, 2004
Life Building Story
These thoughts are from our dear friend Kim:
It’s hard to put into words all of the ways the one-on-one discipleship time with Vic and Mo has enriched and grown me in the Lord and continues to do so every day. God has knitted our hearts so wonderfully together with His in this fellowship time of exploring, learning, sharing and establishing the truth of His word in our lives. Sharing our personal lives with each other is such a blessing and inspires me to be more real and open with others. The basics of the lesson on ‘Security’ firmed up my foundation and has given me not only confidence but a desire to reach out to others in His love. The study we are going through is great for new seekers, new believers andmost certainly for those of us who have known the Lord for some time, but have not had this great of understanding of His word, His love and His grace for each one of us. If I don’t understand or receive it, how can I effectively share with others? It has certainly given a new meaning to ‘Standing on His word’. No more sitting for me!
Monique and I feel the same way as we receive so much from the people we are blessed to connect with through the discipleship process. To God be the glory!
It’s hard to put into words all of the ways the one-on-one discipleship time with Vic and Mo has enriched and grown me in the Lord and continues to do so every day. God has knitted our hearts so wonderfully together with His in this fellowship time of exploring, learning, sharing and establishing the truth of His word in our lives. Sharing our personal lives with each other is such a blessing and inspires me to be more real and open with others. The basics of the lesson on ‘Security’ firmed up my foundation and has given me not only confidence but a desire to reach out to others in His love. The study we are going through is great for new seekers, new believers andmost certainly for those of us who have known the Lord for some time, but have not had this great of understanding of His word, His love and His grace for each one of us. If I don’t understand or receive it, how can I effectively share with others? It has certainly given a new meaning to ‘Standing on His word’. No more sitting for me!
Monique and I feel the same way as we receive so much from the people we are blessed to connect with through the discipleship process. To God be the glory!
Tuesday, October 26, 2004
Goldfish Life Lesson
This week we all experienced a life lesson with Carly through our friends in the fish tank, the Goldfish family. Carly received a ten gallon tank and four goldfish for her birthday and we have all enjoyed watching them explore their new home. I think all have been named, so a personal attachment has begun with each fish. Hmm! Lesson time.
Well, as you have probably already figured out, Carly's first fish was found belly up on the surface of the water. We had a fish honoring burial, accompanied by many tears in the front yard. Then two days later, another fish said good-bye.
This gave us the opportunity to explain that all living things will eventually die, although I don't think this comforted Carly too much. Nevertheless, a valuable lesson learned through the mourning of our goldfish deaths. God can use many teachable moments to help our children learn valuable life lessons. The tank is full of fish again and we await the next lesson that is in store for all of us through our finny friends.
Well, as you have probably already figured out, Carly's first fish was found belly up on the surface of the water. We had a fish honoring burial, accompanied by many tears in the front yard. Then two days later, another fish said good-bye.
This gave us the opportunity to explain that all living things will eventually die, although I don't think this comforted Carly too much. Nevertheless, a valuable lesson learned through the mourning of our goldfish deaths. God can use many teachable moments to help our children learn valuable life lessons. The tank is full of fish again and we await the next lesson that is in store for all of us through our finny friends.
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