Monday, January 30, 2012

You've Got Mail!


You’ve Got Mail

“You’ve Got Mail” is a famous line from the old movie “Sleepless In Seattle”.  The line actually comes from the voice from AOL that alerts a person that they have a new email message. 

This phrase came out of my mouth a few weeks ago when I told Mitchell and Ashlyn they had received a letter in the mail in our mailbox which is also known as “snail-mail”.  The reason why the letters and mail you get in your mailbox is called “snail-mail” is because it’s not as quick as an email.  But I would like to add that it might not be as personable either. 

Now before I am labeled as one who is against progress and technology, you need to know that I text, email, instant message, Skype, and use other means to communicate.  I am not against things that help with productivity.  They just don’t seem as personal (except for Skype) as a hand written letter or postcard.

I remember the thought I had when I said, “You’ve got Mail” to Mitchell not too long ago.  He came running into the kitchen to see who had sent him a letter.  Ashlyn does the same thing when told she has gotten mail.  The thought was, “We all have mail”.  We all have a letter sent to us from God.  It is His Word.  It is written with careful love and instruction so we can have the best life.  Just as that thought came to my mind, I had another question.  “Why don’t we get as excited about God’s mail (the Bible) as our children do about getting a letter in the mailbox? 

God’s Word has been written to us as a “letter of love”.  It guides us and instructs us how to run our business, families, marriages and so much more.  It’s more than just a set of rules and regulations. 

The Psalmist said, “Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”  In other words, God’s Word is there to help me make decisions on a daily basis.
I hope that we can become more excited about God’s mail to us.  Many people spend a lot of time today checking people’s status on Facebook & Twitter, but I sometimes wonder if we spend just as much time in the greatest book we have available.  Remember, I’m not against technology.  I have a Facebook account and also a Twitter account.  I just want to make sure that I spend more time reading God’s love letter to me.

“You’ve Got Mail”…take time to read it and you’ll be amazed at how it will help guide your life. 

Tuesday, January 10, 2012

New Year Thoughts....


A New Year Is Here....

I can't believe that I am writing the year "2012" on my checks and other documents.  Does anyone remember the "Y2K" scare?  It seems like it was just yesterday. 

This New Year brings several things to my mind:

1.  EXCITEMT - Excited for the new opportunities that are ahead.  I am continuing to take classes this spring at SAGU (Southwestern Assemblies of God University).  In fact, this is something that I had started several years ago but paused the process.  I took a couple of classes at NWACC this past fall and enjoyed most of it.  I am also excited because Krystal is starting her Graduate work at Harding University as well.  I am very proud of her.

2.  ANXIOUS - I know the Bible tells us not to be "anxious" about anything, but this anxious feeling isn't worrying but probably more of an anticipation of the unknown.  At least that sounds better.  Because of the two parents going to school, Ashlyn's basketball schedule and Mitchell's schedule, our schedules will need to be somewhat guarded.  This is not an easy task when your "work" involves being around and loving people. 

3.  REFLECTION - I am reflecting on how life is precious and we are not promised tomorrow.  This is something that I never want to forget.  We are not promised tomorrow.  The Bible clearly reminds us that our life is a "vapor".  While it is here, we must make the most of every opportunity and tell those close to us that we love them each and every day.

4.  DESIRE - I have a desire to grow.  I desire to grow in my Christian walk with Jesus.  I also want to grow as a husband and father.  Leadership growth isn't an option either as I desire to lead and pastor the great people God has entrusted me with.  Growth doesn't automatically happen.  Three things I have learned about growth.  First, growth is a process and takes times.  Second, when you stop learning is when you stop growing.  Third, growing takes work.

I don't know if I would categorize these thoughts as resolutions, but just some things that come to mind as this New Year begins.  New opportunities that will bring excitement, reflection and accomplishments. 

Monday, January 30, 2012

You've Got Mail!


You’ve Got Mail

“You’ve Got Mail” is a famous line from the old movie “Sleepless In Seattle”.  The line actually comes from the voice from AOL that alerts a person that they have a new email message. 

This phrase came out of my mouth a few weeks ago when I told Mitchell and Ashlyn they had received a letter in the mail in our mailbox which is also known as “snail-mail”.  The reason why the letters and mail you get in your mailbox is called “snail-mail” is because it’s not as quick as an email.  But I would like to add that it might not be as personable either. 

Now before I am labeled as one who is against progress and technology, you need to know that I text, email, instant message, Skype, and use other means to communicate.  I am not against things that help with productivity.  They just don’t seem as personal (except for Skype) as a hand written letter or postcard.

I remember the thought I had when I said, “You’ve got Mail” to Mitchell not too long ago.  He came running into the kitchen to see who had sent him a letter.  Ashlyn does the same thing when told she has gotten mail.  The thought was, “We all have mail”.  We all have a letter sent to us from God.  It is His Word.  It is written with careful love and instruction so we can have the best life.  Just as that thought came to my mind, I had another question.  “Why don’t we get as excited about God’s mail (the Bible) as our children do about getting a letter in the mailbox? 

God’s Word has been written to us as a “letter of love”.  It guides us and instructs us how to run our business, families, marriages and so much more.  It’s more than just a set of rules and regulations. 

The Psalmist said, “Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”  In other words, God’s Word is there to help me make decisions on a daily basis.
I hope that we can become more excited about God’s mail to us.  Many people spend a lot of time today checking people’s status on Facebook & Twitter, but I sometimes wonder if we spend just as much time in the greatest book we have available.  Remember, I’m not against technology.  I have a Facebook account and also a Twitter account.  I just want to make sure that I spend more time reading God’s love letter to me.

“You’ve Got Mail”…take time to read it and you’ll be amazed at how it will help guide your life. 

Tuesday, January 10, 2012

New Year Thoughts....


A New Year Is Here....

I can't believe that I am writing the year "2012" on my checks and other documents.  Does anyone remember the "Y2K" scare?  It seems like it was just yesterday. 

This New Year brings several things to my mind:

1.  EXCITEMT - Excited for the new opportunities that are ahead.  I am continuing to take classes this spring at SAGU (Southwestern Assemblies of God University).  In fact, this is something that I had started several years ago but paused the process.  I took a couple of classes at NWACC this past fall and enjoyed most of it.  I am also excited because Krystal is starting her Graduate work at Harding University as well.  I am very proud of her.

2.  ANXIOUS - I know the Bible tells us not to be "anxious" about anything, but this anxious feeling isn't worrying but probably more of an anticipation of the unknown.  At least that sounds better.  Because of the two parents going to school, Ashlyn's basketball schedule and Mitchell's schedule, our schedules will need to be somewhat guarded.  This is not an easy task when your "work" involves being around and loving people. 

3.  REFLECTION - I am reflecting on how life is precious and we are not promised tomorrow.  This is something that I never want to forget.  We are not promised tomorrow.  The Bible clearly reminds us that our life is a "vapor".  While it is here, we must make the most of every opportunity and tell those close to us that we love them each and every day.

4.  DESIRE - I have a desire to grow.  I desire to grow in my Christian walk with Jesus.  I also want to grow as a husband and father.  Leadership growth isn't an option either as I desire to lead and pastor the great people God has entrusted me with.  Growth doesn't automatically happen.  Three things I have learned about growth.  First, growth is a process and takes times.  Second, when you stop learning is when you stop growing.  Third, growing takes work.

I don't know if I would categorize these thoughts as resolutions, but just some things that come to mind as this New Year begins.  New opportunities that will bring excitement, reflection and accomplishments.