The Awe of Christmas

The awe of Christmas! The kids had a great time and really enjoyed the gifts they got this year. The Wii was a hit.
The new cameras will no doubt keep me busy with uploading pictures from the kids. Why did I buy 4GB cards?It is great that the kids often say, "Let's remember the real meaning of Christmas." In those moments I also say, "What is that?" They respond that it is about Jesus and why he came to earth. It really is that simple.

AS people cram knowledge of science, philosophies, theologies, and begin to think they are smarter than the Creator of the Heavens and the Earth they lose site of the simple Truth of God. That He became flesh in the person of Jesus and lived a sinless life, was crushed by God for the penalty of sin in order that we might have the FREE GIFT of eternal life if we believe in Him, turn away from sin (REPENT) and obey His commands.

As John Piper often quotes; " Only one life, 'twill soon be past, Only what's done for Christ will last." I will end this blog with the full poem from the Author unknown.


Two little lines I heard one day, Traveling along life's busy way; Bringing conviction to my heart, And from my mind would not depart; Only one life, 'twill soon be past, Only what's done for Christ will last. Only one life, yes only one, Soon will its fleeting hours be done; Then, in 'that day' my Lord to meet, And stand before His Judgment seat; Only one life, 'twill soon be past, Only what's done for Christ will last. Only one life, the still small voice, Gently pleads for a better choice Bidding me selfish aims to leave, And to God's holy will to cleave; Only one life, 'twill soon be past, Only what's done for Christ will last. Only one life, a few brief years, Each with its burdens, hopes, and fears; Each with its clays I must fulfill, living for self or in His will; Only one life, 'twill soon be past, Only what's done for Christ will last. When this bright world would tempt me sore, When Satan would a victory score; When self would seek to have its way, Then help me Lord with joy to say; Only one life, 'twill soon be past, Only what's done for Christ will last. Give me Father, a purpose deep, In joy or sorrow Thy word to keep; Faithful and true what e'er the strife, Pleasing Thee in my daily life; Only one life, 'twill soon be past, Only what's done for Christ will last. Oh let my love with fervor burn, And from the world now let me turn; Living for Thee, and Thee alone, Bringing Thee pleasure on Thy throne; Only one life, "twill soon be past, Only what's done for Christ will last. Only one life, yes only one, Now let me say, "Thy will be done"; And when at last I'll hear the call, I know I'll say "twas worth it all"; Only one life, 'twill soon be past, Only what's done for Christ will last.

Nutcracker

Justin an I waiting for it to start.

Kaitlyn at Gymnastics

Piano Recital 2008

Justin and Kaitlyn playing at their recital. What a joy!

Oh CHRISTmas Tree

The family tradition at Indian Rock Tree Farm.

This is a cool place to get a tree. Maybe I am drawn to the fly fishing stream and seeing all the BIG trout.

Glorious Fall

I love fall.

A Thought on Trust

We are studying Proverbs and it has been great. I have been struggling with things at work and fear and anxiety have has taken root as I have come to "lean on my own understanding" in these matters. In my own study of Proverbs 3:5 I found the following commentary:


"Trust" and "lean" (v. 5) are very close in meaning. Trusting means to put oneself wholly
at the mercy of another (cf. Jer. 12:5b; Ps. 22:9b). Leaning is not just reclining against
something but relying on it totally for support.

"In the final analysis all government, all economics, all currency and
banking, all institutions and all marriages, all relationships between
people, are fundamentally governed by trust. Without trust, society
deteriorates into paranoia, the feeling that everybody is out to get you."
(Larsen, Paul E. Wise Up and Live. Bible Commentary for Laymen Series. Ventura,
Calif.: Gospel Light Publications, Regal Books, 1974.)

"There are two sides to the matter of trust. There is the decision of trust
and the habit of trust. The first is called 'commitment;' the second is called
'trust.' Trust follows commitment, not always right away, but it begins
there. In the middle of our fears we make a decision to trust. This does not
immediately bring the habit of trust, but if we will muster the courage to
commit our way to God we shall soon learn to trust."

"...deteriorates into paranoia, the feeling that everybody is out to get you." That is where I am. Trust has been lost and is it easily restored. "Once burned twice shy?"

So I am comforted from Proverbs 3:5-6 and Psalms 1. We need to put our trust in the Lord and in Him alone.

Vacation at Last!!

I have always had a "boat-load" of vacation hours on the books. Most of my vacation hours have been spent on summer projects like room additions on the house building a garage and the like. Sure I had taken week long vacations in the past, but I still had half my attention at work.
This year for our $th of July vacation we extended it from one week to two. I made a conscience effort to not let work intrude into our family vacation. A part from one issue it didn't and I had a great time.


As I reflected on the time, I realized my son half way to adulthood. I have a few important years before the hormones take over and he is faced with all kinds of life challenges. He has grown so much and I have enjoyed seeing how God is working in his life. I see so much of myself, my sinful tendencies and his desire to want to do all things well and the frustration when he struggles. Our time of playing whiffle ball or stream fishing are examples of this frustration. But I will continue praying for him and hope that as he enters the teen years that he will find refuge in the Lord.

Kaitlyn is a thrid of the way to adulthood. I an overwhelmed with her mature and sweet spirit. I have so many others comment on it, as well. Her Sunday school teacher told me that he was impressed with her very appropriate prayer request and that they are never "pray for my boo boo." I pray that her sweet and tender spirit will not be crushed by the weight of this world. I fear (in a good way) she is like her mother in that she tends to take on the worries of others. She really seemed to come out of her shell this vacation and her personality is very funny. She is learning a lot about how to fit in. Her good friend Hannah (on the right) has been a great influence. She continues her morning devotionals she has learned from being with the Anderson girls. That is awesome!

So I take away from this vacation to take the time to spend with family and friends. Life is a vapor, it is here today and gone tomorrow. My thoughts are starting to shift to what heaven will be like and what really counts here for that time. I am sure that training up your kids in the ways of the Lord and taking time for the important is some of those things.

I hope to use my vacation time more wisely in the future. It is a short time we have, so if i can encourage in any way it is to make the most of time with others. Work is work. It is necessary but it should be our life and occupy most of it.


That is it for now. Live life with passion, have fun and know that we will be judged for the choices we make.

Saving Gas at $4.50 gallon!!

this my efforts to save gas. it is my ktm mxc 450. scarey fast!