What we empty nesters do in our free time

Thanks to some good friends Julie and I spent some quality time with TSO (Trans-Siberian Orchestra) on 11-7-08

Drive Time Video

I have been working on a new ministry outlet since July and have finally got everything up and running. It is a twice per week video podcast called Drive Time Video, if you watch any of these videos you will get the name. You can visit www.drivetimevideo.com to see more. You can subscibe via iTunes or get on my e-mail list at the website. I would appreciate any feedback you may wish to offer. For a sample I have embedded the player below.

Advice for Husbands

Tim Hawkins offers this musical advice to all of us husbands...

If the Cross Never Happened

During my years of ministry I have preached many times on the death of Christ. Having covered the same territory so many times, I am always on the lookout for a fresh way of looking at the same events. Recently, I ran across a book edited by J.C. Squire and published in 1931 titled "If It Had Happened Otherwise." This genera of writing is known as counterfactual history, and this work is a series of essays by various authors (including Winston Churchill) imaging what the world would be like if a particular event had not occurred. Such questions are considered as: What if Booth had missed Lincoln? Or what if the Confederacy won the Civil War? Interesting mental exercises to be sure, but none of the authors of this book dared to ask "What if Christ's crucifixion had never happened?"

The list of potential disasters would grow long without the crucifixion and resurrection of the Lord. The church would not exist, much of western civilization would be drastically altered, and we would remain in our sins forever. Not pretty options, but stark reminders of the manifold blessings of Jesus Christ’s work on our behalf.

However we approach it, we must remain enthralled with the centrality and eternal necessity of the cross. Don't allow your gaze to veer too far from Calvary's hill.

Jesse Waggoner

The Blessing in the Thorn

Here are the lyrics to the song that ended the service on 9-21-08, May you find the blessing in your "thorn in the flesh" (2 Cor. 12:7-9)

The Blessing in the Thorn
by DAVE CLARK, RON KOCH and RANDY PHILLIPS


I read about a man of God
Who gloried in his weakness
And I wish that I could be
More like Him and less like me
Am I to blame for what I'm not
Or is pain the way God teaches me to grow
I need to know

When does the thorn become a blessing
When does the pain become a friend
When does the weakness make me stronger
When does my faith make me whole again
I want to feel His arms around me
In the middle of my raging storm
So that I can see the blessing in the thorn

I've heard it said the strength of Christ
Is perfect in my weakness
And the more that I go through
The more I prove the promise true
His love will go to any length
And reaches even now to where I am
But tell me once again

Lord, I have to ask You
On the cross You suffered through
Was there a time You ever doubted
What You already knew

Don't Stop Praying

“Pastor, I have been praying for this for 45 years.” These were the words of an elderly Christian lady as she talked to me about her desire to see her husband come to Christ. Now he lay in a hospital bed after radical surgery for cancer and he was left unable to speak. During this conversation I was struck by two things. The first was the love and persistence of this long-suffering wife. The second was how after years of praying and years of no response she did not give up her trust in the Lord.

There are times when it seems like God is saying “no” to our requests, or at least a positive answer has not yet come. Do we view this as a rejection or do we look for what God is really saying? Often times, when it looks like God is saying “no”, He is really saying something else - things like…”trust my timing,” or “I can accomplish more by not intervening than coming to a dramatic rescue.” As Paul learned in 2 Corinthians 12:7-10, sometimes a “no” is really a “yes” to what He wants to do in and through us, in spite of difficulties. Perhaps we should never take “no” as the final answer.

And what of the wife who didn’t give up? Shortly before her husband’s body could no longer fight off the cancer, through nods and hand signals we both were convinced that he had put his faith in Jesus. To God be the glory!

Go Directly to Jail

If you have ever played the game Monopoly, you will remember that there was a space called “Chance” and if the roll of the dice left you parked there you would have to pick up a card and do whatever it said. Sometimes the news was good. One card I particularly remember said, “Go directly to jail, do not pass go, do not collect $200.” This was usually not a good moment in the game. To this point in life, I have avoided jail except to be there for ministry, and I consider that a good thing. But God has allowed and used his people in some special ways behind bars.

Joseph received vision while in prison in Egypt (Gen. 39-40), and Daniel shared a “cell-space” with lions (Dan. 6). In the New Testament Barabbas (Luke 23:18-24) was set free from prison as Jesus was condemned. Peter was sprung from prison by an angel (Acts 12:5-11) Paul’s jail break was accomplished by an earthquake, (Acts 16:24-34) John was in on the prison-island of Patmos when he received the revelation (Rev. 1:9-11). Each of these jail-time experience was used of God in a special way. This reminds me that whatever we may view as a limitation, God views as an opportunity -an occasion to show that He is God and in control. What is limiting you? Turn to God in trust. That is even better than a “Get out of Jail Free Card.”

Tom Terrific

If you look up the name Tom Seaver in Wikipedia it will tell you that Tom was a professional baseball pitcher for the New York Mets and later the Cincinnati Reds. It will tell you he is a member of the baseball hall of fame, and that he was known as “Tom Terrific” and “The franchise” Tom however did not submit to the definition of a “pitcher.” He once stated to an interviewer that he considered pitching to be a performing art! He so studied, practiced and refined his craft to the point that he saw it as elevated above a mere athletic endeavor.

What would an encyclopedia consider your occupation? I would submit that we should consider whatever we do a performing art. You may be a painter or philosopher, a factory worker or shop worker, a teacher or preacher. But as a follower of Christ your life is really a command performance for an audience of One. We are “to do all to the glory of God” (1 Cor. 10:31).

So, when you next walk into the office, the garage, the sales floor, the baseball diamond or the loading dock let me remind you, that you and I should seek to so study, practice and refine our craft so as to offer God our best. As we do we will bring glory to our God and bring some light to those who dwell in darkness.

Traditional Service

Here is a sample of a traditional service at Bible Center Church

Bible Center - Video

Here is a video produced by Ward Hiney showing some of our Praise Team at Bible Center Church.

AIM Air

Here is a video produced by AIM Air, the ministry Brandon is working with in Africa this summer. You can also visit his blog at www.blog.brandonwaggoner.com or view his Photo Album at: www.photos.brandonwaggoner.com/africa-08/

Hog Pens

This month I want to share with you an experience from our family's summer vacation. I could share with you our stay in a mile-high mountain range. I could tell you about our hike to a rushing mountain waterfall. I could mention many other delightful experiences, but the one I have chosen to write about is our visit to a hog pen! While exploring the Mountain Farm Museum in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park we enjoyed the log structures, the cellar, the water-house and the barn, but in the back corner of the farm was an animal pen of some kind. One of our children asked what it was? I could identify it with my nose even before we could see inside. The hog-pen display was not primarily a visual or auditory experience; it was most strongly an olfactory one. The smell was horrendous!

This encounter (or, I should say odor) jogged my memory back to the Story of the prodigal son in Luke 15:11-32. In this parable, Jesus tells the story of a young man who was restless to be out from under the restrictions of his father's house. He asked for his share of his inheritance, left home and lived in the fast lane. After he had run out of money and the friends it could buy, he could only find a meager existence tending hogs. His circumstance was so bad that he even envied the food the hogs were getting. It was then that he saw the benefits of his father's house and said to himself: "I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee, and am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants" (Luke 15:18-19). It was only when he sniffed the stench of the hog pen that he looked back at what he used to be and do.

The story of the prodigal son teaches much about the forgiveness of God, but it also serves as a dual warning. First it warns those who are in the hog pen, or on the way, that they must turn around and come back to the Father's house. Maybe you should look back at what you used to be and do. If there was time in your life where your service for God was more consistent, your love for God was deeper and your fellowship with a local church was more frequent, perhaps you have left the Father's house; you are on the road to the hog pen. You have willingly stepped outside the protection and blessings of the Heavenly Father's house. You can turn around at any point; you can reverse your course and head home. Admit your straying ways to Him and seek His forgiveness and restoration.

The second warning is for those still in the Father's house. It is better to stay put than to stray away no matter how appealing the freedom of the outside looks. The world, the flesh and the devil make what is out there seem so appealing, but remember the end of road will lead to the bondage in some sort of "hog pen." Guard you heart.

I like pork as much as the next guy but I must tell you I was glad to leave the hog-pen display and stroll along the tree-lined banks of the Oconaluftee River as it continued its desent toward Cherokee, NC. It was definitely more pleasant to take in the shade, the sound of the rushing water and fresh air of the river bank than the foul atmosphere of the hog pen. Yes, it is better to stay in, or return to, the Father's house.

(from April 2002)

A Sense of Direction

I have always thought I had a good sense of direction. I can usually tell where I am and which direction I am heading. I am sure such knowledge comes from a semi-conscious awareness of the location of the sun (it comes up in the east and goes down in the west) or of a general knowledge of geography (If one leaves Charleston and goes to Atlanta they are generally going south). Perhaps it is some internal navigational sense similar to a biological clock. (Is there such a thing as a biological compass?) I have tended to trust my senses and have never seen the need to lay down $400 for a GPS system. However a recent experience has reminded me of the limitations of my own senses and the need to have an external reference point to keep one on track.

I was on my way in late August to Hong Kong to spend twelve days visiting with a missionary team. After brief flights from Charleston to Pittsburgh (heading North) and from Pittsburgh to Newark, New Jersey (heading East), I began a sixteen hour flight from Newark to Hong Kong. There were already a number of unique aspects of this trip for me: this being the longest non-stop commercial route flown in the world meant this trip was going to be more than twice as long than any I have ever endured on an airplane. Further, Hong Kong is twelve hours ahead of our time, so (if it is noon here, it is midnight there) I knew a number of adjustments lay ahead. The biggest adjustment, however, was dictated by our flight plan. We traveled North, nearly over the North Pole. The views out the window were unique to me. We flew over vast undeveloped land in Northern Canada, over the brilliant blue water of the Hudson bay and over seemingly endless expanses of ice flows in the Arctic Ocean. The Boeing 777 I was on had a video screen which constantly displayed flight information including a map showing our present location over the globe. I was traveling North, my video map confirmed what my internal compass was telling me. But at some point the little plane on the video screen suddenly stopped pointing toward the top of the screen and began pointing to the bottom. The plane had not made a 180 degree turn, the direction of sunlight had not suddenly shifted. In fact the inside of me was telling me we were going North when in fact we had topped the globe and we were heading South. I had packed a small magnetic compass in my carry on bag and it too confirmed our new direction. But for at least an hour there was an internal argument going on in my brain. One part seemed to cling to the data that had seldom failed me and said that if you are going North and you continue in a straight line you are still heading North. The other a part argued just as forcefully that I was in a place that I had not been before and I had to readjust. I do want you to know that I understood the logic of where I was, but there was a real sense of inner confusion or discomfort that is hard to explain. Perhaps if you have ever been lost and without any sense of direction you can relate, except in this case there was no fear --just a faint feeling of perception and reality not matching up.

Well, no great harm done as I was not responsible for getting the aircraft from point A to point B. I should have been sleeping rather than considering such things at 41,000 feet, but it did remind of this: I have spent far too much of my life following my own "sense of direction" rather than following an absolute compass. God knows that we are easily fooled, easily misled and often choose our own way which is often the wrong way. He has given us the Word of God which is an absolute standard of direction for behavior and life. He has likewise given Christians the Holy Spirit to indwell us and guide us through the murkiness of living. Such gifts are only of value if used. How easy it is to default to trusting one's instincts, to follow the crowd, to follow the path of least resistence. Perhaps it is time to get back to church, to get back to the Word of God, to get back to listening to the still, small voice of the Spirit.

As I tucked my compass back into my bag and tried to get as comfortable as one can get in a coach seat on a 283 passenger plane, I whispered a prayer that God would give me the good sense not to trust my "sense of direction" but to seek His leading each day.

(From Septeber 2001)

Moonwalk

I grew up in the space age. Men going into space and going to the moon was big stuff back in the day. Above is one of my favorite pictures, it shows Jim Irwin standing on the moon in August of 1971. Even though He was a long way from home he was in some ways more connected to the his fellow earthmen than most of us will ever be. I tell this to illustrate a particular truth…

A couple of the first verses I learned as a junior higher was Proverbs 3:5-6, the reason I learned them was Mr. Lester Arnold my Sunday School teacher would often (like every Sunday) do Sword Drills and these two verse were always going to show up. Looking back he was teaching us more than we and perhaps even he thought. These verses warn against self-reliance (“lean not to your own understanding”). If I would have followed that part faithful since the age of 13 I would be better off. It seems as if the default setting on most of is trust in our own ingenuity, our plans, or own schemes. This has led to many a disaster! The verses also recommend trust in the Lord with ones whole heart. This is always good advice. Verse six promises that if we are obedience if we live up to our responsibilities God will direct our paths – I like that – no more head scratching, hand wringing, squirming about what to next in life. There is one last element in this text that for the last 30 something years that has remained elusive. What exactly does it mean when it says “In all your ways acknowledge Him.” Whatever it means it is the key ingredient to gaining God’s direction in our lives. Here are few stray thoughts I have had on the subject of acknowledging God in life.

1. First of all the basic meaning of acknowledge is to recognize, to give recognition of something or someone. If see someone I know, I acknowledge them with eye contact, a nod, a wave, a word or a touch. I am letting them know that I know that they are there. I need to need to maintain the discipline of recognizing God’s presence with me and within me.
2. Second acknowledge is a two way street. It speaks of relationship. There needs to be an ongoing dialog between us.
3. I need to do this “in all my ways.” This means God is not to be a super 911 service to call when I am in trouble. His is not to be only on my mind when I am in a setting that reminds me of Him, I am to include Him in my thinking and life at all times.

… back to Jim Irwin on the Moon. While he was walking around on the moon he could speak via radio with mission control in Houston, Texas. His every move was followed on TV by rooms full of experts, and multitudes. If he made a comment about a particular kind of rock a whole team of geologist were listening to offer advice and guidance. If some piece of equipment broke the engineers that designed it were available, and the technicians that built is were on hand. He could easily acknowledge the "presence" of other to help in any situation. I think acknowledging God in everything is similar, I need to remain aware of the presence of God in everything I do, I need to keep the communication lines open and the conversation in motion, I need to evaluate my actions against the grid of my Bible knowledge. I trust I can make progress in my earthwalk.

from 11-20-2005

Hanging out with the famous

I am not above name dropping as witnessed by some of my preceding entries. But this week I met a very famous person. I guess we should define "met" I was in his presence, I saw him with my own eyes, I spoke to him and he to me, I shook his white-gloved hand. We didn’t have a deep conversation and I didn’t get his autograph but I did meet him. He even gave me a Christmas ornament for my tree, with some coupons on the back so I could save money the next time I was in one of his places of business. I met a person that has appeared on Television countless times, is a house-hold name around the world, I have seen pictures of this man on display in my travels to Europe and Asia as well as all over North America. He is a spokesperson for a gigantic international corporation and here he was coming to address the students at Bible Center School. Oh, and you know him too, he is easily recognizable – yellow one-piece jump suit, large red shoes, bright red curly hair, flour-white face, red nose – you know your typical celebrity type. And just so you won’t jump to this line and figure it out without reading all the gifted prose above I will give you his name spelled backward: dlanoDcM dlanoR

Yes it was he of hamburger fame, he of Saturday morning cartoon commercial break fame. It was he and I met him. OK, OK, lest you think I am crazier than I really am, I do know that RM is a fictional character and there are likely several RMs running around the country on a company expense account. I did find it somewhat humorous that RM was giving the third-graders a little talk about a healthy life-style, this was from the same character that has pumped more cholesterol into American’s arteries than all the other fast-food joints combined! Yes, this was just a pseudo-celebrity.

But, what is a real celebrity. What is so special about someone who can sing well, or write a book, or act in a drama or tell a joke, or throw a football or who has won an election, or made a lot of money, or done some heroic deed. When it comes right down to it a celebrity is just an ordinary part of the human race that is known by more than an average amount of other humans.

I assume that if you are reading this you are a non-celebrity. And all of us need to remember that God is not impressed with fame. The Bible states that He is not a respecter of persons. He treats us all fairly. And for those of us who are His children. He delights in us, He writes us fan mail, He is our biggest cheer-leader. To most we are not famous, influential or important. To God we are. Thank Him for it.

Oh and by the way, Julie and I were at the mall last night and saw Santa Claus, in person, with my own eyes...

(From Dec. 16, 2005)

Blasts from the Past

My writing time has been quite limited of late, so over the summer I am taking the opportunity to republish some of my musings from the past. I hope you enjoy

Graduation

A news story about Brandon's graduation

We believe

Steve Green was in concert at Bible Center last evening and
sang one of my favorites, "We Believe" the words say it all ...enjoy and be blessed

Up Up and Away

Short video of flying somewhere over Virginia

The Center of the Bible

"Bless the LORD, O my soul; And all that is within me, bless His holy name! Bless the LORD, O my soul, And forget not all His benefits " (Psalm 103:1-2).

These two verses are the middle two verses of the English Bible (some lists erroneously cite portions of Psalm 118). Since there are an equal number of verses (31,102) there can be no single “middle verse.” It may be of interest that the chapter and verse divisions that we are all familiar with were not in the original manuscripts but their addition greatly aids our navigation through the Bible, and today leads us to this focus on these two verses that point us to our God and enable us to express our heart to Him.

I note a couple of observations about these “middle verses” first they are words of worship directed to God. They are not primarily about the human condition, man’s destiny or the quality of our lives. The center of the message of the Bible is and our lives should be centered on Him. Truly it is all about Him. Lesson: Worship is that which brings us back to having our God truly at the center of our thoughts, intents and heart. Secondly not how these verses end. We are not to forget the benefits that God heaps upon us. All “benefits” start and end with Him, and He has a great benefit package.

Maybe this would be a good time to ask how you are doing in the worship department. If it has been awhile since you really met with God in worship make time to do so.

All Out Blitz

Ephesians 1:3-14

One of the most exciting and risky plays in football is the all-out blitz. This is when the defense rushes everyone toward the quarterback and pass-receivers are left undefended. Everyone on the defense is moving toward one goal, to tackle the passer, before he can throw the ball. In today’s reading, note that God the Father (vs. 3-5) God the Son (vs. 6-12) and God the Holy Spirit are moving in harmony with one goal: the salvation of His own. All that God is, is involved in bringing us to Himself.

As you meditate on this truth, rejoice in the fact that God has thrown Himself into saving you. He has held back nothing of Himself. As an act of reciprocal love, we should throw ourselves full-force into worshipping Him and serving Him.

Five Words from Psalm 23

Contentment

It is common that buildings, monuments and landmarks be named for notable people. Most of us do not have our name in high-profile places. Note the fourth word of verse one. Substitute your name for the pronoun. “The Lord is (insert name) Shepherd.” God wants us to make such a personal connection to His Word. We need to see ourselves on the pages of scripture. Such a view will help us gain the perspective that God is totally involved in our lives.

One result of seeing God as our ever-present Shepherd is that we can find true contentment. Freedom from want is not having as much stuff as we may like it comes from having all of God that we need.

Restoration

Focus on verses two and three. As we follow our great Shepherd, notice the three places He will lead His sheep. Green pastures, a place of nourishment and rest; still waters, a place of quiet and refreshment; and the path of righteousness, a place of growth and purity. We often seek out places to go for restoration: a favorite vacation spot, or recreational activity. The context of God’s restoration is not a place but a Person. It is the good Shepherd who leads and provides. He wants us to regularly spend time fellowshipping with Him.

Are you in need of some restoration work on your soul? If so set aside some extra time to spend in God’s Word, prayer and meditation. You will find the experience transforming.

Fearlessness

What scares you? The list can be seemingly endless: spiders, water, flying, heights, speaking in front of others, etc. Somewhere on everyone’s list of fears is the fear of facing death. It is the last battle, the great unknown. It inevitable and irreversible. In verse four we find David expressing that he will not fear even when walking through the valley of the shadow of death. The reason is simple; he doesn’t have to face the valley alone. He has the presence and power of God at his disposal. The great news is so do you!

Even if the fear you face is not death, you can still rely on God being with you. Recall His love, ability and care. You, too, can “fear no evil.”

Blessings

Most floods are not positive experiences whether the flood was a river or a basement. There is one overflow that is a welcome experience. When the blessing of God surpasses our ability to account for them then our cup of blessing truly runs over. Verse five lists a trio of blessings the Good Shepherd allows to flow into our lives. These are His provision in spite of opposition (table), healing for the wounds of life (oil) and an overflow of joy.

What does one need do in order to get in line for such blessings, simply this: follow the Shepherd. The hearts attitude of a follower include: humility, obedience and devotion and these will keep us in the place of blessing.

Eternity

Someone has said there only are two things you really need to worry about: This life and the afterlife. The final verse of Psalm 23 gives us rock-solid promises that cover both. David was sure that as he followed the Lord, his Shepherd, his life would be marked by both the goodness and mercy of God. He does not expect a life of ease or one free from hardship but through whatever life would bring, he would find the benevolent character of God. In the life to come, he would live in God’s house. What blessing, what comfort.

Take a moment and release your anxieties for the present and the future as you fall back on the promises of God for both.

Wilderness Again

“For this our heart is faint; for these things our eyes are dim. Because of the mountain of Zion, which is desolate, the foxes walk upon it.” (Lamentations 5:17-18)

For two and half hours, earlier this month, Julie and hiked along the North Fork of the Blackwater River in Tucker County, WV. We were strolling along an abandoned railroad grade in search of Douglass Falls, a seldom seen, scenic spot on this river. The picture of above should be proof of our success. We enjoyed the solitude, the sound of the water, and the spectacular scenery of this part of the eastern highlands of West Virginia. (If you want see some more from our trip you can see our entire photo album.)

One unexpected discovery was the land we were walking over was once a thriving community. More than 3000 people live along this stretch of river and mined coal and refined it into coke to ship it downstream to power the engines of progress in the first third of the twentieth century. Once the coal was mined out, the jobs left and the people left and the wildness began to march back into this valley after a period of rapid retreat. We did see a few signs of former habitation, dozens of “coke ovens” still peaked from the hillsides and few foundations of the former time. We passed by Barbershop Falls, so name because a barbershop once overlooked the falls. The falls remain, no barbershop in sight. Douglas, West Virginia is now wilderness again.

Julie spotted a red fox scouting the trail ahead of us. (picture below) This visitor sent my mind scurrying to the Bible passage above. In these verses the prophet Jeremiah used the imagery of foxes walking in the city of God as a proof of desolation, a place of habitation that has now been pruned of people and has been left for the beasts of the field.

It is a sobering thought that some day my home, my city may become a habitat of foxes and begin the reversal to nature. The things I own, the things I build will soon be swept into the dustbin of history and be gone. Does that sound depressing? I hope not, I hope it brings perspective and a little relief. Perspective that only what is done for His glory will last, and only people who are made to last forever are really of value. And relief – why worry so much about stuff, why strive so hard for material success, it really is not that crucial. It will soon be going. Listen you may hear a fox approaching…

Another Trip Around the Sun

To day completes my 47th complete trip around the sun. I have never been a big fan of my birthdays, I do appreciate the people in my life who try to make the day special, but I don’t like being the center of attention. But birthdays do have a way of getting me thinking. As I think, certain realizations come: Some days it seems unbelievable that I am this firmly in the grips of middle-age. Other days it feels like I am getting close to what ever the next stage is (older middle age, or just old age? Yikes!). I can clearly remember my father at the age I am now (wow!). My children are all adults, no more permission slips or naming a guardian in case of my untimely demise. (ohh!). I can see lines in my face and gray in my beard (ouch!). Others my age look really old (no!). In dog years I would be 329 (glad I am not a dog!). My heart has beat 1.8 billion times (I wonder how many it has left?). And last but most profound – life is really short. I know this because I got to this point fast. I also know it because the Apostle James reached this conclusion by divine inspiration a couple of thousand years ago.

“For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away?” (James 4:14)

I am not quite ready to be known as a wise old sage. Or even a wise sage. But a few bits of wisdom considering life is short would include the following: 1. Make every day count. 2. I don’t have time to waste feeling sorry for myself. 3. Every experience is an opportunity to learn. 4. People are more important than anything else, they last forever. 5. Laugh more, complain less. 6. Life is not about me. 7. Life is about bringing glory to God.

If you want to add your own bits of sage advice – please feel free to leave a comment.

Blessings…

Life Below the Surface

I have been a keeper of fish for more than 30 years. Currently there is 55 gallons of water in my office housing a few swimming friends. At home are three more. One is Brandon’s tank, which those of us at home have adopted since he is away at college. This is the one that housed Curly – a “prize at the fair” goldfish that he had for nearly 10 years. Brian has one that brightens up the hallway in our basement. Aquariums are good for you, psychological studies a have shown that observing a peaceful aquarium can lower your blood pressure. In my mind they are living, moving work of art, a cross-section into the world below the surface.

I have learned this over the years. That fish outside there natural habitat require significant, maintenance, supervision and care. Some of the required items include:

• Water constantly filtered
• Water oxygenated via an air pump
• Water warmed to a proper temperature by means of an electric heater
• Lighted by a florescent light fixture
• water maintained a proper PH by chemicals
• Water chemically declorinated

A few years ago in South America I remember looking into a drainage ditch and was surprised to see fish that I could swear I had seen in a pet shop back in the states. In their natural habitat a ditch will do, out of there natural habitat it takes hundreds of dollars of equipment and a not so small investment in time to keep the scaly ones healthy and happy.

Christians are also not in their native environment. Spiritually we are citizens of heaven (Phil. 3:20). Positionally we are in the heavenly realms (Eph. 2:6). Practically we are camped out on planet earth. It takes a great deal of care on God’s part to keep us healthy and flourishing in this non-natural world. He must limit the amount of temptation we receive (1 Cor. 10:13 ). He must provide us with proper nutrition (1 Pet. 2:2 ). And He must constantly monitor our condition (Matt. 28:20).

As God pears into my little cross-section of a world I hope he finds a grateful, growing part of His creation.

“For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ” (Philippians 3:20)

The View From the Other Side

There is a side of me and you that we present to the public. It is a carefully crafted image, one that is constantly refined, reviewed, tweaked and tended. We want to appear better than we really are. I was reminded of this by the following…

Brian and I recently attended the WV State High School Basketball Tournament at the Charleston Civic Center. The game was carried statewide on television. While I was snapping a few pictures before the game – I got one of Tony Caridi (The Voice of the Mountaineers) and Fred Persinger getting ready to do the play-by-play (the top pic is from the TV broadcast). I couldn’t help but notice that a wire was held to the back of Tony’s suit coat by a large and rather ugly strip of duct tape. I really don’t think Mr. Caridi normally uses duct tape as fashion accessory. I am sure it was intended to keep the wire under control, after all what TV personality wants an out of control wire to contend with while you are talking to the sports-craving masses? I also noted that the duct tape was wisely placed out of the view of the TV cameras.

Don’t we also hide the ugly strips of stuff hanging on us? We are trying to protect our image for the masses who, for the most part, really don’t care. It might be better strategy to work on who we really are. The part that God sees clearly. The part that no makeup, clever phase or insincere smile can cover. I want to seek God’s help to strive to be authentic with others and particularly with Him. By the way could see if there is any duct tape on my back?

“Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.” (Heb 4:13)

The Superman Seat Grab

Brian recently had a birthday and for his birthday, his dear ol' Dad gave him two tickets to the Monster Jam - Monster Truck Show at the Charleston Civic Center. We arrived in the arena ready with our hearing protection (a must if you go) to enjoy the show, yes there were monster trucks crushing cars, there was Grave Digger (the greatest monster truck of all time) spinning donuts in the imported dirt of the civic center floor, there was even Dragonator - the fire breathing, car eating dragon! There was much noise, much hype, much dirt, much fumes and at for one father-son combination-- much fun. As an added attraction there was demonstration by four professional moto-cross riders who did wheelies and tricks and jumps on their bikes. The picture above is of one rider demonstrating one of the most impressive manuvers - the superman seat grab. The rider zooms up a short, steep ramp and while he flies through the air he slips off the bike until he is only holding onto the seat and fully extends his body and flys - superman style. If you want to see for your self take a look at this Video Clip (real media). I have never met a real professional moto-cross rider but when I do and we get to talking about the superman seat grab, I really only want to ask one question: Why?

I can only venture a guess at the answer - some possibilities include: The thrill, the money, the adrenaline rush, the fact of doing something that is beyond the ordinary. Motorcycles were not originally designed to jump through the air. Back in the day, Evel Knievel invented the "sport" of motorcyle jumping and went beyond the normal and look at where we are now, and I don't think even the "King of the Daredevils" ever did what these kids did. Maybe extreme sports just brings out an aspect of human nature that causes some to push beyond the bounds of normal experience or at least brings out those who gaze at Evel riding the Skycycle over and ultimately into the Snake River Canyon or those who plunk down $17.00 to watch young men fly and cars get eaten.

For the most part, life is lived within fixed boundaries, between narrow margins. It is not ordinary to become Superman and fly. Except for fleeting moments we are almost exclusively grounded. Yet we long for escape from such limitations. We are limited by the laws of gravity, physics, and time. We may push against the limits and seemingly bend the rules but in the end we come back to earth and back inside the sidelines of life. Since this is the case I have come to this conclusion - the secret to joy and happiness is not in stretching the boundaries, it is in finding contentment within them. This is a learned behavioral response, but it can be learned. Paul said it best: "I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content." (Phil 4:10). With God's help I want to keep on learning to be content too.

My 24 Addiction

I feel like I should introduce myself to a support group and say …”Hi am Jess and I am a 24 addict.” In case you are not aware “24” is series on the Fox Network that features the adventures, trials and exploits of Jack Bauer. Jack is an agent for the fictional Counter Terrorist Unit (CTU). One of the unique aspects of the drama is the fact that each season consists of 24 hourly episodes all of which take place over the course of one 24 hour period. There are twists and turns and cliff-hangers and multiple overlapping plots that add up to an onslaught of intense, gripping drama. I am hooked. Thanks Brandon for being the dealer who gave me my first hit.

There are times that one must suspend belief to enjoy any work of fiction especially one that has such grandiose themes as 24 but there is one area that takes a major amount of suspension. It seems as if every terrorist (at least in the days I have seen so far) resides in Los Angeles and every terrorist plot is hatched, carried out and countered in Southern California. The reason for this is simple. The writers of 24 can’t have Jack going all over the world in the style of James Bond there are literally not enough hours in a day. Even Jack Bauer is constrained by the laws of time and space.

We certainly understand this limitation for ourselves and our fictional heroes. Only our God is beyond the bounds of the time, space, matter continuum which we inhabit. Theologians call this God’s transcendence. He is above, beyond and apart from His own creation. He can be everywhere at the same time, He equally occupies the past and future as He does the present. I can’t say I understand all of what I have just said but how can a man who is so limited understand One who has no limits.

I am certain that neither your or my worst days are to the extremes of Jack Bauer’s worst days. I can, however, rest assured that wherever I am, whatever events are pushing me along into the future. God is there. He is all around, involved, and in control. My response is simple but profound. Worship Him. Trust Him, 24/7.

It's All About Change

"Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new." (2Co 5:17)

There is frog that lives in a room downstairs. It is a room that our preschool uses here at Bible Center Church. That is a picture of him above (I assume it is a him). He is an African Clawed frog (Xenopus Laevis). He came to be with us as part of teaching series with the kids and came in the form of a cleverly designed and marketed product called – “Grow a Frog Kit.” The kit consists of a small plastic box, food, decorations and a grow-a-frog tadpole. The kids got to watch as the tadpole changed into a "froglet" and on into the final African clawed frog form. This was a hit with the kids and now, a couple of years later, the frog has moved to successively bigger homes and now swims and entertains a new class of preschoolers. All of this got me thinking (a good thing to do) that if I were to measure my spiritual change - would I still be in the tadpole stage, or maybe even a "froglet?"

Wherever I may be, I can make a couple of observations: One - Change is the norm of Christian living and experience. I have been made new positionally in Christ and practically I need to continue to change. Two - just like the former tadpole needs the correct environment and nutrition to complete the change so do I and so do you. As I remind myself may I also challenge you to keep a watch on your environment by ensuring you are sharing life with other believers and you are avoiding harmful influences in your environment. Secondly may I challenge all of you tadpoles, froglets, frogs and friends with this question: how is your spiritual diet? Maybe it is time to truly feast on God's Word. It is a must for change and change we must.

Time

“With desire I have desired to eat this passover with you before I suffer” Luke 22:15

Often others do not have time for us and often we do not have time for others. Even worse sometimes it is not a matter of time but of desire. We really don’t want to be with others when they really need us. On the night before His crucifixion, at this last Passover, Jesus desired to be with the followers. He expressed this in words and then demonstrated His heart for them by using the Passover elements to show His coming sacrifice. The broken body, symbolized by the bread was for them. The shed blood symbolized by the cup was for them. Even in a moment where it might be expected he would be self-absorbed, Jesus heart took Him beyond His own suffering to reach out to His needy followers.

Jesus is not a remote Savior but One who desires to fellowship with us. It would be prudent of us to so order our lives that we have adequate time to spend with Him. There is not substitute for unhurried time to meditate and commune with the Savior.

My Acting Debut

"To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some." (1Corinthian 9:22)

Over Thanksgiving weekend I had my acting debut, I was asked to guest-star in Brandon's newest video production. It was a project for a video course he is taking in college. He choose to spoof "The Da Vinci Code" with one called "The Baptist Code." I get to play the pastor of a church that is not exactly open to change. The video also features, Brian, Jessica and Brandon's friend Matt. There is lots of silliness and it is all played for laughs but is kind of like the old Joke: How many Baptists does it take to change a light bulb? Answer: Change who said anything about change?" Anyway this inflexibility is not just a condition of those who go to churches that have a particular denominational label on them.

We who are followers of Christ face a seeming dilemma. In some areas we are to be completely inflexible. That which is clearly revealed in the Word of God is to be defended. However we can defend our areas of preference at the same level and in essence make non-absolutes, absolutes. Our opinions or prejudices can become dogma or on the other hand the truth can be compromised for pragmatic ends. So where is the balance? I am impressed with the Apostle Paul. He would allow himself to be stoned or run out of town rather than back down on the truth, while at the same time was more than willing to give up the eating of meat or shave his head in order to complete his ministry. So how does one come to understand where to draw the lines, where to be unmoveable and where to bend? While this answer and its biblical basis is beyond the scope of this essay, I would offer one bit of advice: Take a look at your motivation. The Pharisees the most over inflexible people in world history were wrongly motivated. They did what they did or what they did not do to make themselves look better. They were motivated by human pride rather than glorifying God. When I can set aside my selfish desire to be king of the mountain and focus exclusively on making a big deal out of God, I usually can find the way. Try it, it no doubt will work for you too.

Use this link if you would like to view "The Baptist Code" video.

What is Man?

“When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, The moon and the stars, which You have ordained, What is man that You are mindful of him, And the son of man that You visit him?” (Psalm 8:3-4)

I love Google Earth, if you haven’t tried it you are missing some real fun and it is free. (http://earth.google.com/). It has satellite and aerial pictures stitched together to make 3-D model of the earth and you can zoom in on any place you like. You can search using names; zip codes etc. and you can overlay road maps and other info. You can also tilt the maps to give you a 3-D look at the terrain below. The series of images above is of the Waggoner Home as seen via Google Earth. Actually from this vantage point all that own is really very unimpressive. Just another non-descript house on a little hill top among so may others. I am quite sure I am the only person who has every hunted for it. It is kind of the reverse of David’s thoughts above. Different perspective (looking down rather than up) but the emotion is still the same. How is it that man being so insignificant in light of all that is, what is the significance of man that God even notices? Why does He bother, why does He care? Why does He extend His care? The real answer is that our significance does not come from us, but from Him. We are His design, His creation, His plan, His purpose, His project, His objects of Love, His bearers of His glory. It really is all about Him.

I have been working on plans for a writing project for 2007, and one of my section titles is: “God is God, God is Great, and You Ain’t Him.” There are times when I need to reconnect with the Google Earth point of view. When I get judgmental of others, I need to remember, He is quite capable of that without my help. When I get bothered that things don’t go my way, I need to remember that His will and ways are perfect. When I get to hogging the glory, I need to remember that all glory belongs to Him. These are just a few of the ways that I tend to act like I am in charge. But I am just a tiny little creature that without Him, would be all but lost in the cosmos. It really is all about Him.

Christmas Newsletter

I know you get lots of Christmas newsletters detailing family comings and goings from your friends. Here is ours. At least we are delivering this one without killing any trees. If you are inclined to read about the Waggoners then use this link to get a PDF version of the 2006 Family Newsletter.

By the way... have a blessed Christmas.

"And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins." (Matthew 1:21)

Three of my favorite people

"Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward." (Ps 127:3)

Take a young man and young woman deeply in love, and embarking on the journey of marriage, add 25+ years of commitment and learning, three pregnancies, three labor and deliveries, countless meals, lessons, play times, work times, conflict management, times of worship, bedtime stories and prayer, thousands of other things and an overwhelming dose of the grace of God and what do you get - three terrific children.

I have arrived at the time when my (former) little ones are now in young adulthood. Maybe this makes me a little reflective and sentimental but I know as only the three in the picture above that I have not been a perfect father. If I knew then what I know now, I would do countless things differently, but who Jessica, Brandon and Brian have become brings so much joy and (sanctified) pride to my heart. They each are unique, which in itself is a miracle, to see how the same pool of genes can produce such different and special people. They each have been blessed with great gifts and talents. They are of all things in my life, along with their mother, the most precious gifts of God that walk this earth. Thanks guys for being my kids. Thank you Lord for your blessing in this man's life.

"As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth. Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them: (Psalm 127:4-5)

Harvest Time

“He who gathers in summer is a wise son; He who sleeps in harvest is a son who causes shame.” (Proverbs 10:5)

Just outside the conference room at Bible Center Church is beautiful oak tree on a grassy knoll. I have a strategy to help me through the frequent and long meetings that I am part of in that room. I usually try to sit in a location where I can see out the floor to ceiling windows that look out beneath the canopy of the Oak Tree. When the conversation gets tedious or -- dare I say it …boring – I can find some relief in the acrobatic entertainment that is just beyond the glass. Often in fall the tree is alive with several squirrels. The picture above is of one of this gang. They chase each other through the branches, sometimes they stretch out and snooze on a limb. They at times will groom their furry coats but the main object of their attention is the acorn harvest that the tree produces. One day they are making repeated quick trips to the ground to grab a fallen nut and then make a quick ascent to a safe spot and devour the delicacy. When they are quite full of acorns they invest their energies in burying all the acorns that can. I can only guess how many acorns lay under the surface of the particular slice of real-estate. I also wonder how many of these will ever be dug up for a winter snack. One thing that is sure these little guys make the most of the opportunities to prepare for the future.

The verse above proves that this is a wise approach to life for those who are more earth-bound. First, industriousness is a virtue. It is a wise, practical, profitable, honorable, and smart thing to do. Hard and persistent work is highly commended and highly recommended. This is an important reminder when the norm of our culture is to work at play and to play at work. The second lesson from this verse is that one should take advantage of opportunities. Just as a harvest only comes once a year and only lasts for a brief period. We must ever be on the alert to take advantage of the sometimes fleeting opportunities in life. The opportunity for parental influence is shockingly short. The chance to bear a witness to a co-work is short-lived. The chance to choose to do right only occurs once per situation.

I want to gather in summer and don’t want to be asleep during the harvest.

Conspiracy Theory

“ And the chief priests and the scribes sought how they might kill Him, for they feared the people. Then Satan entered Judas, surnamed Iscariot, who was numbered among the twelve. So he went his way and conferred with the chief priests and captains, how he might betray Him to them.” (Luke 22:2-4)

“The Da Vinci Code” – The Kennedy assassination – UFOs -- It seems as if there is a conspiracy theory for every major event, or non-event in history. Such theories are espoused, promoted and debated. In the passage above we have a glimpse of a true conspiracy on three levels. On a personal level, Judas had been a follower of Jesus for several years but behind the scenes he was motivated by personal greed. There are many aspects of his life and heart that defy easy analysis. But this is knowable, he thought he was doing something for himself but he really became entangled in plot of cosmic proportions. The second level of this conspiracy plays out as Judas became part of the scheme of ruling elite who desired to kill Jesus, but even more damning, he also unwittingly become part Satan’s plan to thwart the ministry of Jesus.

This is a good time to remember that one’s personal disobedience can have wider consequences than we intend. An impulsive act can damage relationships. A careless word can smite a heart. A proud look can crush a spirit. We must ever be on guard concerning our private motivation. I doubt that Judas ever intended the results that followed his picking up the money-bag containing 30 coins, but sin has a way of flowing into the wider steam of damage that has flowed through our race since the garden of Eden.

For Today: Ask God to help you take a good look at what motivates you in life.

Friend of God

Who am I that you are mindful of me

That you hear me when I call
Is it true that you are thinking of me
How you love me
It's amazing

(Chorus):
I am a friend of God
I am a friend of God
I am a friend of God
he calls me friend

Phillips, Craig and Dean recorded this song on their 2004 CD entitled "Let the Worshippers Arise" and has become a favorite of mine. (If you want to see them sing this song, go here -Friend of God Video) Perhaps because as the song says - it is amazing that the God of the universe would call me friend or perhaps because it is so personal, so first person, that I am gripped every time I hear it. The song is based on John 15:15 but I have been led to it again from another passage. I have spent the last couple of weeks preparing a message for this Sunday morning at Bible Center from Luke 22. As Christ prepared for the Passover that would become the Last supper, He makes this statement in Luke 22:15, "With fervent desire I have desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer." Passover was a sacred time a time to be together with family or those closest to you. In this case Jesus desired to be with His followers. In the culminating hour of His earthly journey He wanted a time of close and personal fellowship with His followers. Flash forward 1973 years and Jesus still desires close and personal fellowship with His followers. My message Sunday will emphasize that the Lord wants not just our time, our attention or even our loyalty. All of these can be just window dressing on stale routine or empty ritual. What He really wants is our heart. It is His desire. That my motivation, my goals, and ambitions and all that I am or claim to be to be unalterably cemented to Him. He wants it real not rehearsed. He wants to be the epicenter of my life not just the epidermis. He wants my heart. He wants your heart. I want to give Him mine, do you want to give Him yours?

High Falls of Cheat

I admit it, I am a waterfall lover. Last week I got to visit a wonderful location. The picture above is of the High Falls of Cheat in a remote section of the Monongahela National Forest in West Virginia. (take a look at this video clip [Real Media] of the same falls). There is something majestic, mesmerizing and peaceful about them. I also like the roar of the water, I like how the water moves from a tranquil flow to a raging torrent at the lip of the falls. I have stood close to Niagra Falls on the deck of the Maid of the Mist, I have stood at the base of Staubbachfalle in Switzerland with a drop of more than 900 feet, and I have enjoyed many lesser ones. In a word, waterfalls are cool.

I don’t know that there will be any waterfalls in heaven, but there at least will be flowing water. Revelation 22:1-2 indicates that a river of the water of life will flow from God’s throne through the main thoroughfare of the celestial city. The river though real, seems to symbolize the continual flow of blessings, provision and joy from God Himself for the benefit of the redeemed. Let your mind meditate on that a while and you may blow a few circuit breakers in your brain. What a great and wonderful God we serve. To Him be all the praise.

So let my few thoughts on waterfalls – or better yet – go enjoy one yourself—cause you to reflect on God’s goodness.

“There is a river whose streams shall make glad the city of God.” (Psalm 46:4)

Banjos and Blessings

Forty-three adventurous souls have just completed the BCC Senior Saints Fall Foliage Tour. It was great time in the mountains and touring by bus and train. One stop was at the American Mountain Theater (www.americanmountaintheater.com) for an evening of fun and music. The picture is of Joe Gainer on the banjo; Joe is an accomplished banjo player as well as a comedian. While listening to Joe and the rest of the bluegrass group, “Hardly Ever.” I recalled a quote I heard sometime ago. Someone said that they could not imagine someone being sad and playing the banjo. I agree it is just generally seems like a happy instrument. As I reflected a little deeper I wonder what people think of me (or if you are brave…insert your name) do they see someone they just can’t imagine being sad, or is there some less positive emotion on display?

I do know that my emotional disposition is connected to my focus. If I focus on what I don’t have, can’t do, etc. I end up playing in a minor key. If I choose to focus on the ever-present blessings of God and trust in His care and plan then I am a lot more like the ol five-string! Keep on picking!

Philippians 4:4 “Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice.”

Low expectations are the key to everything.

Often we are encouraged to raise our expectations or we are to have high expectations of ourselves, our team or others. It sounds so positive and forward leaning doesn't it. Ever heard some of these? "When you go on that field you need to expect the best from yourself and your team-mates." "This sales team is the best ever, but next year we have high expectations for you." and so it goes. In reading "The DNA of Relationships," by Gary Smalley, I ran into this definition. "The difference between what I expect and what I get is stress." Therefore all of you who are overstressed and over frustrated, you angry, ill-tempered over-expecters --listen up. The key to happiness is (drum roll please) LOWER YOUR EXPECTATIONS!

This is especially true when dealing with others, for all others are imperfect people who are riddled with flaws. When others don't provide the love and affirmation we crave - lower your expectations. They are coping with their own overwhelming issues. If others do not make decisions with which you agree, remember this they should not be expected to. Their logic and values are fouled up so we should not expect consistent wise choices. If we are living with the false hope that we will always receive what we want, when we want it and in the way we want it, we will be in a state of continual stress. Rather, expect less and when a little love and cooperation comes your way be thrilled with the surprise. A few concise statements from the Bible may help with in the expectation game.

Forbear one another Eph. 4:2

Forgive one another Col. 3:13

Love one another 1 Thess. 4:9

Build up one another 1 Thess 5:11

Don't judge one another Rom. 14:13

Have compassion for one another 1 Pet. 3:8

Listen as well as read

In addition to reading my random thoughts here, you can also listen to some of my random thoughts via my new podcast. Just click the link under JW's links on the right side of this page to try it out. I am currently doing a weekly episode from my teaching series entitled "How Life Works - Unlocking the Treasure of Proverbs." I am attempting an expository approach as opposed to a thematic approach, even though I have been told it can't be done, but I like a challenge. The ones being posted now were presented at Bible Center late 2005 and early 2006. New messages in this series will begin in November. I hope these episodes are a blessing. You can subscribe to my podcast via iTunes if you want new episodes brought to you as they are published. Any feedback would be appreciated!

Waggoner Men

The Saturday after labor day is Mound Festival, an open air arts and crafts festival centered around the most famous landmark here in South Charleston, which is an Indian Mound. Historians say it was build by the Adena Indians in the distant past. After a stop at the hotdog stand I followed my Mom and Julie through the maze of booths at the bottom of the mound while the other Waggoner Men, My Dad and sons, Brandon and Brian climbed to the top of said mound. Having my digital camera at the ready I captured the image above. (in the old days “taking a picture” was called making an exposure – now in the digital age it is “capturing an image”). Any way as I looked at this picture --I mean image-- I was struck that this was the generation before me and after me. I guess now that I am firmly in the clutches of middle age I think more of this kind of thing. I am reminded that so much of what I am has been shaped by my parents and so much of my children has been shaped by me. The former brings gratefulness for all that my folks have done for me. The latter thought is a rather sobering one. I am trusting that the Lord will make up for my deficiencies, as they are many. My prayer for my sons and my daughter is that they will walk with God. I have not always done so, but I have learned in the first half of life that waking with God is not only right it is also practical. In my line of work you encounter many who have been left as damaged goods due to the destructive path of disobeying our Heavenly Father. So to my kids and anyone’s kids –walk with the Lord!

“My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother: For they shall be an ornament of grace unto thy head, and chains about thy neck.” (Proverbs 1:8-9)

If you can't get enough...

In case you want to read some more of my musings over the years, there are a number of articles by me on the archive page, at the Bible Center Website, there you will find 34 articles from 1998-2006. Some are repeated here and on my previous journal, but if you can't get enough I wanted you to know that there is more! Blessings...

PS. The picture really has nothing to do with this blog posting but I thought it was cool, it was taken April 1, 2006 using my way-cool tabletop telescope and my Dimage Digital Camera, and in case you don't know - this is a picture of the moon, our earth's only natural satellite... If you would like a full-sized copy or like to know how you can get some wonderful computer desktops created by yours truly, drop an e-mail to desktops@waggonermedia.com

How to turn $31,000.00 into smoke!

Last Sunday night the city fathers of Charleston, West Virginia tuned a pile of money into a cloud of smoke over the waters of the Kanawha River. There is one important intermediate step, and that would be three flatbed tractor-trailer loads of fireworks. Julie, Brian, I and several dozen friends gathered at our regular fireworks-watching spot and waited for the gala fireworks at the conclusion of the Charleston Regatta. We managed to avoid all the other regatta attractions including Charlie Daniels and Randy Travis, but we went to see fireworks. We did enjoy the sights and sounds (If you want to watch a brief video of the grand finale use this link [Real Media] ) but as the clouds of gunpowder laced clouds floated across the capital city I began thinking about this…what do you have left after the last flash and last bang? Some memories, some good times with family and friends and few low-quality pictures, but is that really worth the money.

Before I get too judgmental – I must confess I have invested my time, talent and treasure in many endeavors that may have had some momentary attraction but no lasting return.
I don’t know much but I have learned this over the years of my journey. Only what is done for God’s glory has any lasting meaning or significance. My prayer, my goal is for my life to have less flash, less bang and more of His glory.

… whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.
1Corinthians 10:31

Sparrows

“Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows.” (Matthew 10:29-31)

I had a few minutes recently to try out some of features of my digital camera. Just outside of our dining room is a thistle seed feeder, suet feeder and a humming bird feeder. I enjoy watching the comings and goings at the bird feeders while I am at mine. This seemed a likely spot to do some photography. One picture (above) was just a quick shot without much thought. As was reviewing my pictures later my mind wandered to the verses above. Even though Brian informs me that this is female purple finch and not a sparrow it still reminded me of the verse above. For those of us who tend toward worry or feelings of being devalued, then this is a comforting reality. God knows about and cares for this little feathery one, and also us who not only carry the creative design of God (how much engineering would it take to design and build something that can flies that only weighs 6 ounces?) but also carry the image of God, and hence the greater value placed on us. These verses also indicate that the omniscience of God (the numbering of the hairs on our heads) is proof positive of His ability to carry out His favorable care for us. He knows and He cares. We should know this as well. To the lovely lady perched in my picture – thanks for the reminder.