Leading with a Limp…

So today we were talking about this book and so far I like the book.  I do tend to like the way Allendar writes.  Here is one thing that he says is a hard truth: if you’re a leader, you’re in the battle of your life.  Nothing comes easily, enemies outnumber allies, and the terrain keeps shifting under your feet.  Isn’t that the truth.  Brian and I don’t like calling ourselves leaders, we are learning right along with everyone else.  Here is another thing that he says that I was reflecting on.  A good leader will, in time, disappoint everyone.  Leadership requires a willingness to not be liked, in fact, a willingness to be hated.  But it is impossible to lead people who doubt you and hate you.  Here is my opinion of that.  I am willing to take the risk of having people not like me.  I know I will disappoint people and I know it’s OK.  The thing is, I know that I can still show the love of Christ in me to those who don’t like me, or that I have disappointed.  But I am going to keep loving them no matter what.

Have a blessed day and keep pressing into Jesus!!!

Today’s Verse from the New Living Translation

She is clothed with strength and dignity,     and she laughs without fear of the future. When she speaks, her words are wise,     and she gives instructions with kindness. She carefully watches everything in her household     and suffers nothing from laziness. Her children stand and bless her.     Her husband praises her: “There are many virtuous and capable women in the world,     but you surpass them all!” Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last;     but a woman who fears the LORD will be greatly praised. Reward her for all she has done.     Let her deeds publicly declare her praise Proverbs 31:25–31

Encouragement for Today

The “virtuous woman” depicted here isn’t at all anxious or fearful of the future. Why? Because she lives a life of integrity (“clothed with strength and dignity”), and she’s careful in her speech. She’s proactive with her family and household. She focuses on what lasts. And as a result, the Bible says she’s to be praised and recognized publicly! The faithful woman of God will be recognized and rewarded by him and by others.

Yesterday was fantastic…

Me & my mom

My step dad Charlie

 

My mom and step-dad came in on Wednesday evening.  We spent the whole day together yesterday.  I took them to the new office that we moved into.  They couldn’t get over how expensive everything was in there.  It’s crazy.  I said “Yep, when they built this building, I don’t think the developers spared any expense.”  It’s just nuts.  So after that, we just hung out at my house and just enjoyed each others company.  They got to see the kids for a little while.  Then last night, we all had to watch CSI.  OMG, it was so sad and good.

The only bad part of my day was arguing with a neighbor who is harassing my son.  B was on his way home and was driving down the street.  He gets out of his car and the neighbor is screaming at him to slow down.  I was watching B and he wasn’t going any faster than the speed limit.  Mind you his car is very loud.  The loudness does make you think he is speeding, but he isn’t, it’s a 5 speed.  So anyway, B went to pick up one of the neighbor girls for class, kicks it in neutral, and revs the engine in front of their house.  So here he came out is door making a bee line to my son, until I stopped him.  He was screaming at me and said that he would call the cops.  I said, great, go right ahead and I’ll wait here.  I’ll make sure to let them know that you keep harassing my son.  He just stood there and stared at me.  I think he knew I wasn’t kidding.  I’m not proud of my actions and that I let myself get out of control, but one thing you need to know about me is that, I don’t care how old my children are, I am like a mama bear that pounces on anyone who threatens her cubs.  Well, yesterday the beast rose out of me and I let that neighbor have it.  I don’t think we are going to have any more issues with him and if we do, I think Brian will go talk to him.

Anyway, I just wasn’t very Christian like at all until I was back visiting with my folks.  It was a great time and Brian even sat down with Charlie and the talked about Charlies walk with Christ and what he has been doing with mom.  I did talk to her about a few things, but I couldn’t really tell if she was truly listening or not.  Oh well, I know that seeds were planted and I’m anxious to see what grows from it.

Have a great weekend and keep pressing into Jesus.

Today’s Verse from the New Living Translation

When Hezekiah heard this, he turned his face to the wall and prayed to the LORD, “Remember, O LORD, how I have always been faithful to you and have served you single-mindedly, always doing what pleases you.” Then he broke down and wept bitterly.But before Isaiah had left the middle courtyard, this message came to him from the LORD: “Go back to Hezekiah, the leader of my people. Tell him, ‘This is what the LORD, the God of your ancestor David, says: I have heard your prayer and seen your tears. I will heal you, and three days from now you will get out of bed and go to the Temple of the LORD.’”2 Kings 20: 2–5

Encouragement for Today

God hears and responds to sincere prayer from a surrendered heart. Hezekiah didn’t pray specifically for healing; he asked for Gods mercy, focusing on how he had always tried to be faithful. God relented, even though it meant allowing Hezekiah to make the grave mistake of showing the Babylonian envoys all his treasures (v. 13). Could it be that the reason God originally planned to let Hezekiah die was to prevent this foolish act? Nevertheless, his mercy prevailed for Hezekiah in particular, in answer to his wrenching prayer and appeal to his faithfulness.

I don’t know what to think…

I know that God is working in us big time.  It has just been one thing after another.  On Sunday, Roy came up to me and gave me the name and number of another couple that is in need.  He is an addict and she is a victim of his abuse.  There are mental illnesses, several addictions, rehabilitation, etc.  I don’t think we would have been given this if God didn’t allow it.  We talked to her last night and she is coming over for dinner tomorrow, Tuesday (10/7/08).  All I can do is just say wow, thanks God for allowing us to help out in this way.  It does, for the moment, feel a little over whelming but I know it will be just fine.  As long as Brian and I keep in constant prayer and spend time together, we will be doing great, along with God’s hand in the middle of everything.

Anyway, this weekend was awesome.  The Eyes on Aids 5K & 10K walk/run went wonderfully.  Last year was our 1st annual race and we raised $5000.00 for the Orphan mission, this year being our second year, we raised $12000.00, almost triple what we did last year.  Amazing!!!  To check out what Eyes on Aids is all about, go to www.eyesonaids.com. 

Anyway, I’m going to get off of here, I have a ton to do at work.  Take care and keep pressing into Jesus.

Today’s Verse from the New Living Translation

“I have never coveted anyone’s silver or gold or fine clothes. You know that these hands of mine have worked to supply my own needs and even the needs of those who were with me. And I have been a constant example of how you can help those in need by working hard. You should remember the words of the Lord Jesus: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” Acts 20:33–35

Encouragement for Today

Paul lived an exemplary life of working hard to support himself and others. He wanted to be in a position of strength—giving aid, rather than receiving it. He worked so he wouldn’t be dependent or beholden to anyone, and so that he could be free to minister from pure motives. He wasn’t too proud to work with his hands to earn an income. Note, too, that though he worked as a tentmaker, that wasn’t his identity. First and foremost, he was a minister of the gospel. Everything else was only a means to that end.