It's been forever since I've posted anything on this blog. I haven't had time. I really haven't had the desire. Seems like these things go in waves. There is frenzied activity for a while .... then it all slows down to a trickle.
In case anyone is wondering, our lives are going well:
Robbie is working in the WKU library. But not today ... the roads are covered in ice. No traveling for her.
Jake is enrolled at WKU as a philosophy major. He's doing well. Making good grades. He still works part time at Dunham's Sporting goods.
Bethany is still working at the doctor's office. This husband and wife team are so disorganized, it drives her crazy.
I'm still leading worship at Celebrate Recovery. As of today, I have right at 24 music students. Pays the bills :) My second book is just a few inches away from publication.
Toby got loose the other day. Thankfully, he didn't get very far. His over sensitive nose kept him occupied with local smells long enough for me to track him down.
I tried and tried to post a
picture of Max ... my daughter's Boston Terrier. But, the quality was
soooo good, it would have taken my antique computer over an hour to do
it. Something about too many pixies or fairies or trolls or some
magical creature.
Anyway ... you get to enjoy this lovely image today.
It's been a while since my
last post. I just kind of needed a break. Sorry for going mute on you
cats and kittens out there in blog land.
Let's see ... what's worth talking about?
My wife got a kick'en job as
assistant librarian at the WKU Curriculum Library. She mostly likes it
except for trying to find parking places. They love her. She won out
over many applicants for that job. Usually you have to be related to or
know somebody to get hired there.
Bethany is settled into her
apartment just a few blocks away. Max is growing. Bethany is slowly
getting used to being single ... as well as her new place of
employment. She also has become the lead singer in our Celebrate
Recovery band on Sunday nights.
Jake is a full time employee
at a local sporting goods store. He's trying to get accepted at WKU for
the winter term. They're giving us the run around since he was
home-schooled. I'm fix'en to jack some jaw if they don't straighten out.
(all in love, of course)
I'm making at least a little
money giving music lessons and leading worship at CR. I'm working
feverishly on my next (third) book on Matthew's gospel. My second book
"Trusting God in Unfamiliar Territory" is due out hopefully in
November. We'll see. Seems like this one is taking forever.
These days it's like our
family is moving out of the fog of hurt and disappointment and into the
light. We don't know what that light is. But we do know it feels better
than darkness.
Don't have much to say today. I just got back from disc golfing ... threw 2 under. Whoooo for me.
Been thinking lately about
Jesus and how he dealt with people. I've been working on my third book
... which will be on Jesus' teachings in the gospel of Matthew. I'm
noticing that what we've called "universal" truth, might actually be
more specific in nature. For instance, when Jesus talked with the
arrogant church leaders he used one tone and approach. When he talked
with sinners, he used another. Which means, what he told the pharisees
probably applies to arrogant self righteous people. And what he told to
sinners applies to sinners.
I've been encouraging folks
to read the gospels with this in mind. Find people you identify with
and observe how Jesus dealt with them. Feel his body language. Listen
between the lines. Get a sense of his level of affection and/or
disapproval in each situation.
The thing is, so many people
are ambiguous about God ... or even outright doubtful about his motives
toward them. But Jesus said "If you've seen me, you've seen the
Father." So, if Jesus treats sinners with love and respect, I'm
guessing the Father feels the same way. Maybe that's why he sent his
Son to die so we don't have to.
Oh ... and none of this has
anything to do with the pig at the top. I just know how much all you
cats and kittens love my crazy pictures.
This dude is ready. He was
cool even as a tadpole. Frog chicks dig him. I mean, what's not to
love? He just has that look that goes all over you. I'm thinking he
hangs with powerful people and eats imported bugs. His popularity
rating is off the chain. You know what I mean.
But he still ain't nothing
more than snake bait. One strike and he's toast ... a lump in a
slithering hose. Groovy doesn't count on a serpent's radar. I don't
know too many snakes who are impressed with fashion. They're just
hungry. And Mr. Cool is on the menu.
Wake up people. "Life is not
about what you wear ... It's not what goes into a man that defiles (defines) him.
But, what comes out ... If you do good before men to be seen, you
already have your reward." This frog is the amphibious equivalent of
the pharisees in the New Testament and I'm ashamed to say, the
equivalent of most American church people. We're all about putting off
the cool vibe. We dress the part. Spout the lingo. Eat at the hot spots. We're just plain
groovy ... from our fashion to our ride. And we're nothing more than
snake bait.
Get real. Be who you are ...
the person God had in mind when you were created. The serpent is rather
put off by authenticity. Now that's what I'm talking about.
