Last week, I had the pleasure of having lunch with a friend. She had recently returned from a year-long mission trip to Australia and Papua New Guinea. She loved the trip and God blessed her tremendously. However, things were tough.
This became apparent when we sat down, and she said, "Ice" enthusiastically.
I asked her, "You didn't have ice in New Guinea?"
"No." As a matter of fact, they had to filter their water daily--sometimes twice.
Talking about Conviction City! Major Call to Self: Shut you hon on the complaining!!
So, I have decided--and for sure, have asked God to help me--live in a State of Appreciation.
You may ask, "How's it Going?"
Well, I have a quick trigger to speak negatively when faced with adversity. After the initial reaction, I am doing better. But man, do I have a ways to go!
Thinking, praying, and living in a State of Appreciation for me would be comparable to a second grader.
I love that God gives us second chances! OK...4000 chances...and more!
I love that God challenges us!
I love that God is pulling for us to overcome!
I love that God is our biggest fan!
Monday, July 30, 2018
Monday, July 23, 2018
God, Trees, and Me
Have you ever heard the old saying, “I can’t see the forest for the trees”?
Which basically means you can’t see the entire situation because you’re are looking too closely at the details.
I want to flip the saying, “I can’t see the trees for the forest!”
Which basically means that the vast number of trees is so overwhelming, that all I can see is the entire situation.
Here is a story about a man named Joe. Follow along for his search for a tree.
Joe was seeking the Lord’s guidance for his life. God led Joe to a forest.
Joe closed his eyes and prayed, “Lord, all I see is a forest. Please open my spiritual eyes.”
When Joe opened his eyes, he shouted, “Hey! Trees! Thank you, Lord!”
As Joe continued to seek God’s plan, he was led to a tree.
It was a twenty-footer. It had a word written on it, but Joe had to back up to read it.
Joe mouthed the word FEAR.
God prompted Joe to cut down the tree.
Joe looked around for an axe. Instead, he found a sword. With one swing, he fell the tree. Immediately, Joe’s fear was gone!!
However, the Lord said, “Look at the stump. This means you will need to chop it again, if it grows.”
Joe said two VERY important words, “Yes, Lord.”
Then, God told Joe to go to the next to the last tree on the right side of the third row.
He began to look around as he found his way to the tree. Joe saw some weird scenes.
First, he saw a man hugging a tree.
“God, why is this man hugging that tree?”
God replied, “This man loves Me, but he refuses to leave the safety of this tree.”
Joe was amazed. “What will happened to him, Lord?”
God replied, “He will never grow spiritually until he trusts Me enough to let go of his comfortable place. His name is Complacent.”
Then, Joe saw another amazing scene. A lady was trying to chop down a tree with a toy hatchet.
“Lord, what is she doing?”
God replied, “This dear child of mine prays over and over, ‘Help me, Lord.’ But, she continues to try to chop down this tree on her own….with a toy. I could allow her to use my sword! Her name is In-My-Own-Strength.”
Suddenly, Joe was confused on which way to go. Then he remembered the verse everyone learned in his wonderful Sunday school class. Psalm 37:23; The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives.
So Joe prayed, “Lord, order my steps.”
Just then, it felt like someone was guiding him by the hand. Joe went around the trees, instead of through them. He quickly arrived at the next to the last tree on the right, in the third row.
When Joe looked at the tree, he shouted, “It’s me!!”
“It certainly is you.”
Joe saw what appeared to be an angel.
“Sir, are you an angel?”
The angelic creature said, “Yes, I am your guardian angel.”
Joe asked, “For how long?”
“30 years.”
Joe asked, “Why 30?”
The angel said, “That is when you were 7 years old. You asked Jesus into your heart on the last day of Vacation Bible School.”
“How did you know…. Hey, what’s your name?”
The angel said, “You can call me Bob.”
“Hmmm…OK. Why haven’t I seen you before?”
Bob explained, “When you were younger, you saw me. Your spiritual eyes were wide-open. I was right with you when you were a boy. Since you have gotten older, I still watch over you. Especially when you are about to get into trouble. Now you are spiritually near-sighted.”
Joe simply said, “Oh.”
Bob asked Joe, “What do you make of the tree?”
“Well, it’s a BIG me.”
“In your eyes.”
“You don’t see me?”
Bob explained, “Joe, no one sees you but you.”
Joe was getting irritated. “What do you see, Mr Smarty Angel?”
“I see a word….me.”
Joe asked, “You see Bob?”
“Joe, you are VERY selfish! That is the reason you see yourself.”
Joe managed, “This is not good.”
Bob asked, “Do you wanna know what you need to do?”
“Yes, Yes, Yes!!!!!!”
Bob said, “Pray.”
Joe began to pray, “Lord, help me see. While I’m thinking about it, Lord give me cool sunglasses to see this tree of me.”
Bob interrupted, “No, no, Joey Boy. If you want to erase you, and see God, you need to praise Him!!”
Joe thought for a moment. “Ok. God, I praise you for the rain. I praise you for my good health. I praise you for my kids, my church, my job, my golf clubs…”
Bob broke in, “Woe! Woe, kid!”
Joe was red faced (partly from frustration and partly from embarrassment). “What was wrong with that?”
Bob paused, “Joey Boy, there was nothing wrong with that, but who was the focus on?”
Joe thought for a moment, “Uhhh mostly me.” “Bingo! Slow down this time! In your heart, remember your God! Remember His Word! Remember summer camp and other times of closeness with your God! Pour out your love for Him. Can you do that Joe?”
Joe was a little unsure of himself. Then, he remembered the reason for being here. Joe was determined to put a stake in the ground for God! To say, YES GOD! He could do dis.
Joe told Bob, “I can do this!”
Joe prayed again, “God, You are God. I am man. I am a sinner, but you are holy. I am a taker, but you are a Giver! Praise you, Father for your creation. for your patience. for your love! Jesus, thank you for praying so hard in the Garden of Gethsemane that your sweat became like blood…but Jesus, you said YES! Praise you, Jesus for taking our sin upon yourself on the cross! Then, you rose to glory so that we could have life! Holy Spirit! Praise you that you are NOT a spirit of fear, but of love, power and a sound mind! Praise Father, Son, and Holy Spirit!!! “
Joe opened up his eyes. He look around. Joe only saw a few trees, the stump from the tree he cut, and a beautiful pond.
Joe went back to his home—praising God the entire way!
Which basically means you can’t see the entire situation because you’re are looking too closely at the details.
I want to flip the saying, “I can’t see the trees for the forest!”
Which basically means that the vast number of trees is so overwhelming, that all I can see is the entire situation.
Here is a story about a man named Joe. Follow along for his search for a tree.
Joe was seeking the Lord’s guidance for his life. God led Joe to a forest.
Joe closed his eyes and prayed, “Lord, all I see is a forest. Please open my spiritual eyes.”
When Joe opened his eyes, he shouted, “Hey! Trees! Thank you, Lord!”
As Joe continued to seek God’s plan, he was led to a tree.
It was a twenty-footer. It had a word written on it, but Joe had to back up to read it.
Joe mouthed the word FEAR.
God prompted Joe to cut down the tree.
Joe looked around for an axe. Instead, he found a sword. With one swing, he fell the tree. Immediately, Joe’s fear was gone!!
However, the Lord said, “Look at the stump. This means you will need to chop it again, if it grows.”
Joe said two VERY important words, “Yes, Lord.”
Then, God told Joe to go to the next to the last tree on the right side of the third row.
He began to look around as he found his way to the tree. Joe saw some weird scenes.
First, he saw a man hugging a tree.
“God, why is this man hugging that tree?”
God replied, “This man loves Me, but he refuses to leave the safety of this tree.”
Joe was amazed. “What will happened to him, Lord?”
God replied, “He will never grow spiritually until he trusts Me enough to let go of his comfortable place. His name is Complacent.”
Then, Joe saw another amazing scene. A lady was trying to chop down a tree with a toy hatchet.
“Lord, what is she doing?”
God replied, “This dear child of mine prays over and over, ‘Help me, Lord.’ But, she continues to try to chop down this tree on her own….with a toy. I could allow her to use my sword! Her name is In-My-Own-Strength.”
Suddenly, Joe was confused on which way to go. Then he remembered the verse everyone learned in his wonderful Sunday school class. Psalm 37:23; The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives.
So Joe prayed, “Lord, order my steps.”
Just then, it felt like someone was guiding him by the hand. Joe went around the trees, instead of through them. He quickly arrived at the next to the last tree on the right, in the third row.
When Joe looked at the tree, he shouted, “It’s me!!”
“It certainly is you.”
Joe saw what appeared to be an angel.
“Sir, are you an angel?”
The angelic creature said, “Yes, I am your guardian angel.”
Joe asked, “For how long?”
“30 years.”
Joe asked, “Why 30?”
The angel said, “That is when you were 7 years old. You asked Jesus into your heart on the last day of Vacation Bible School.”
“How did you know…. Hey, what’s your name?”
The angel said, “You can call me Bob.”
“Hmmm…OK. Why haven’t I seen you before?”
Bob explained, “When you were younger, you saw me. Your spiritual eyes were wide-open. I was right with you when you were a boy. Since you have gotten older, I still watch over you. Especially when you are about to get into trouble. Now you are spiritually near-sighted.”
Joe simply said, “Oh.”
Bob asked Joe, “What do you make of the tree?”
“Well, it’s a BIG me.”
“In your eyes.”
“You don’t see me?”
Bob explained, “Joe, no one sees you but you.”
Joe was getting irritated. “What do you see, Mr Smarty Angel?”
“I see a word….me.”
Joe asked, “You see Bob?”
“Joe, you are VERY selfish! That is the reason you see yourself.”
Joe managed, “This is not good.”
Bob asked, “Do you wanna know what you need to do?”
“Yes, Yes, Yes!!!!!!”
Bob said, “Pray.”
Joe began to pray, “Lord, help me see. While I’m thinking about it, Lord give me cool sunglasses to see this tree of me.”
Bob interrupted, “No, no, Joey Boy. If you want to erase you, and see God, you need to praise Him!!”
Joe thought for a moment. “Ok. God, I praise you for the rain. I praise you for my good health. I praise you for my kids, my church, my job, my golf clubs…”
Bob broke in, “Woe! Woe, kid!”
Joe was red faced (partly from frustration and partly from embarrassment). “What was wrong with that?”
Bob paused, “Joey Boy, there was nothing wrong with that, but who was the focus on?”
Joe thought for a moment, “Uhhh mostly me.” “Bingo! Slow down this time! In your heart, remember your God! Remember His Word! Remember summer camp and other times of closeness with your God! Pour out your love for Him. Can you do that Joe?”
Joe was a little unsure of himself. Then, he remembered the reason for being here. Joe was determined to put a stake in the ground for God! To say, YES GOD! He could do dis.
Joe told Bob, “I can do this!”
Joe prayed again, “God, You are God. I am man. I am a sinner, but you are holy. I am a taker, but you are a Giver! Praise you, Father for your creation. for your patience. for your love! Jesus, thank you for praying so hard in the Garden of Gethsemane that your sweat became like blood…but Jesus, you said YES! Praise you, Jesus for taking our sin upon yourself on the cross! Then, you rose to glory so that we could have life! Holy Spirit! Praise you that you are NOT a spirit of fear, but of love, power and a sound mind! Praise Father, Son, and Holy Spirit!!! “
Joe opened up his eyes. He look around. Joe only saw a few trees, the stump from the tree he cut, and a beautiful pond.
Joe went back to his home—praising God the entire way!
SCRIPTURES FOR TODAY’S LESSON
Some people suffer from FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out). A few weeks back, after I listened to Zach Williams sing Fear is a Liar, God revealed to me that I was suffering from FOWMH (Fear Of What Might Happen). Since that discovery, I have been more aware of the situation and God is helping me work through it.
I Timothy 1:7 (NLT) For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.
Matthew 6:33 (NLT) Seek the kingdom of God above all else and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.
Proverbs 3:6 (NLT) Seek His will in all you do, and He will show you which path to take.
Romans 8:28 (NLT) And we know God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.
Ephesians 6:14-17(NLT) Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God's righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take up the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God.
Wednesday, July 4, 2018
Thankful to be an American!
Praise God for the United States of America!
So cool that the country was founded on the principle of freedom of religion.
God has blessed us with a surplus of food so that we can specialize in a job of our choice!
Thankful for American music!
Thankful for American movies!
Thankful for American sports!
Red, white, and blue for me and you!!
So cool that the country was founded on the principle of freedom of religion.
God has blessed us with a surplus of food so that we can specialize in a job of our choice!
Thankful for American music!
Thankful for American movies!
Thankful for American sports!
Red, white, and blue for me and you!!
Friday, June 22, 2018
Do prayers have the ability to influence God?
Do prayers have the ability to influence God?
ABSOLUTLEY!!
During Jesus time on Earth, people had requests for Him, thus these were prayers. Every time he performed a miracle, whether it was a healing, death-raising, turning water-to-wine, calming the raging sea, deliverance, forgiving of sins, or any other requests that Jesus answered, indeed influenced God. After all, Jesus was the Son of God!
There are also many times in scripture when people make requests for God to perform a certain action and he does it. Let's look at three.
1. A prayer influences God to change the weather.
James 5:16-18 (NLT) 16. Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results. 17. Elijah was as human as we are, and yet when he prayed earnestly that no rain would fall, none fell for three and a half years. 18. Then, when he prayed again, the sky sent down rain and the earth began to yield its crops.
2. A prayer influences God to send an angel.
Daniel 10:-12 (NLT) 10. Just then a hand touched me and lifted me, still trembling, to my hands and knees. 11. And the man said to me, "Daniel, you are very precious to God, so listen carefully to what I have to say to you. Stand up, for I have been sent to you." When he said this to me, I stood up, still trembling. 12. Then he said, "Don't be afraid Daniel. Since the first day you began to pray for understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your request has been heard in heaven. I have come in answer to your prayer."
NOTE: The "man" is identified as the angel Gabriel in Daniel 8:16-27.
3. A prayer influences God's decision to destroy a city.
* Note: All verses are from the NLT.
Genesis 18:20-21; 20. So the Lord told Abraham, "I have heard a great outcry from Sodom and Gomorrah, because their sin is so flagrant. 21. I am going down to see if their actions are as wicked as I have heard. If not, I want to know.
Genesis 18: 23-24; 23. Abraham approached him and said, "Will you sweep away both the righteous and the wicked? 24. Suppose you find fifty righteous people living there in the city--will you spare it for their sakes?"
Genesis 18:28 And the Lord replied, "If I find fifty righteous people in Sodom, I will spare the entire city for their sake."
This conversation continues between Abraham and the Lord. Abraham lowers the numbers each time. He asked...If I find forty-five righteous people, will you destroy the whole city? The Lord says He would not destroy the city.
This continues with: forty, thirty, twenty, finally ten. Each time, the Lord heard the prayer and was influenced to not destroy the city due to Abraham's humble request.
Sadly, Abraham could not find ten righteous people. So, the Lord destroyed the city. Only Lot, his wife, and two daughters made it safely out of the city.
BUT, the Lord listened to Abraham and would have changed His decision to destroy the city--if ten righteous were found.
Finally, a personal witness. In the Spring of 1989, my uvula became swollen. It gave me some pain, especially when I tried to yell at the softball players I was coaching, Of course, I went to the doctor and they did not solve the problem. Later in the summer of 1989 (about four months of swelling), I went to a Carman Concert. (Carman was a popular Christian singer in the 80s and 90s.) Toward the end of the concert, Carman asked if anyone needed a healing to raise their hand. I immediately raised my hand. Something touched my throat and the swelling went down to 30% above normal. (I don't know if God gave me that number or I decided.) I claimed it as a healing. Within 3 weeks, my uvula was normal size with no pain. It has never given me that trouble again! Praise the Lord!
You----I am confident many people have influenced God by prayer. Praise God, he is not a genie or Santa Claus, but He is the Lord of Heaven's armies, yet He cares about each of us.
Psalm 37:23 (NLT) The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives.
ABSOLUTLEY!!
During Jesus time on Earth, people had requests for Him, thus these were prayers. Every time he performed a miracle, whether it was a healing, death-raising, turning water-to-wine, calming the raging sea, deliverance, forgiving of sins, or any other requests that Jesus answered, indeed influenced God. After all, Jesus was the Son of God!
There are also many times in scripture when people make requests for God to perform a certain action and he does it. Let's look at three.
1. A prayer influences God to change the weather.
James 5:16-18 (NLT) 16. Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results. 17. Elijah was as human as we are, and yet when he prayed earnestly that no rain would fall, none fell for three and a half years. 18. Then, when he prayed again, the sky sent down rain and the earth began to yield its crops.
2. A prayer influences God to send an angel.
Daniel 10:-12 (NLT) 10. Just then a hand touched me and lifted me, still trembling, to my hands and knees. 11. And the man said to me, "Daniel, you are very precious to God, so listen carefully to what I have to say to you. Stand up, for I have been sent to you." When he said this to me, I stood up, still trembling. 12. Then he said, "Don't be afraid Daniel. Since the first day you began to pray for understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your request has been heard in heaven. I have come in answer to your prayer."
NOTE: The "man" is identified as the angel Gabriel in Daniel 8:16-27.
3. A prayer influences God's decision to destroy a city.
* Note: All verses are from the NLT.
Genesis 18:20-21; 20. So the Lord told Abraham, "I have heard a great outcry from Sodom and Gomorrah, because their sin is so flagrant. 21. I am going down to see if their actions are as wicked as I have heard. If not, I want to know.
Genesis 18: 23-24; 23. Abraham approached him and said, "Will you sweep away both the righteous and the wicked? 24. Suppose you find fifty righteous people living there in the city--will you spare it for their sakes?"
Genesis 18:28 And the Lord replied, "If I find fifty righteous people in Sodom, I will spare the entire city for their sake."
This conversation continues between Abraham and the Lord. Abraham lowers the numbers each time. He asked...If I find forty-five righteous people, will you destroy the whole city? The Lord says He would not destroy the city.
This continues with: forty, thirty, twenty, finally ten. Each time, the Lord heard the prayer and was influenced to not destroy the city due to Abraham's humble request.
Sadly, Abraham could not find ten righteous people. So, the Lord destroyed the city. Only Lot, his wife, and two daughters made it safely out of the city.
BUT, the Lord listened to Abraham and would have changed His decision to destroy the city--if ten righteous were found.
Finally, a personal witness. In the Spring of 1989, my uvula became swollen. It gave me some pain, especially when I tried to yell at the softball players I was coaching, Of course, I went to the doctor and they did not solve the problem. Later in the summer of 1989 (about four months of swelling), I went to a Carman Concert. (Carman was a popular Christian singer in the 80s and 90s.) Toward the end of the concert, Carman asked if anyone needed a healing to raise their hand. I immediately raised my hand. Something touched my throat and the swelling went down to 30% above normal. (I don't know if God gave me that number or I decided.) I claimed it as a healing. Within 3 weeks, my uvula was normal size with no pain. It has never given me that trouble again! Praise the Lord!
You----I am confident many people have influenced God by prayer. Praise God, he is not a genie or Santa Claus, but He is the Lord of Heaven's armies, yet He cares about each of us.
Psalm 37:23 (NLT) The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives.
Monday, June 11, 2018
Don't be Scared!
Have you ever felt God was speaking to you through the volume of a topic with which you were being doused? Well, I believe God is speaking to me about not being afraid through the dousing of songs and His Word!
As I did a self-reflection, there were certainly some fear issues. Much of it was just a hesitancy to do something because of possible consequences. I had to confront that fear equals lack of faith in God!
God, help me. I know I am a worry wart, but I want to be a warrior by allowing your Spirit to live through me.
Here is the message from God.
1. I fell in love with the song, Fear is a Liar by Zach Williams. It really confronted my, while encouraging, and comforting me. Lately, I have been trying to hit fear head on. Knowing it is a LIAR!
2. I have been listing to Fearless by Jasmine Murray for about a year. However, it has come back alive for me. Isn't that our goal to be fearless? As with all tough things, we must ask God to help us.
3. I just finished reading Daniel this morning. In the latter part of the book, Daniel saw visions. These visions frightened him. But, I heard these encouraging words:
Daneil 10:9-12 (NLT); Then I heard the voice of the man speak, and when I heard the sound of his voice, I fainted and lay there with my face to the ground. Just then a hand touched me and lifted me, still trembling to my hands and knees. And the man said to me, "Daniel, you are very precious to God, so listen carefully to what I have to say to you. Stand up, for I have been sent to you." When he said this to me, I stood up, still trembling. Then he said, "Don't be afraid, Daniel. Since the first day you began to pray for understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your request has been heard in heaven. I have come in answer to your prayer."
WOW! What encouraging words! I claim them for my life! We do not always see the answer to our prayer or it may be delayed. However, this does NOT mean it is not heard in heaven!
4. 2 Timothy 1:7 (NLT); For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.
5. Since the spirit of fear is evil, I like to lean on James 4:7 (NLT); So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
In conclusion, I know I am a work in progress, but I want to seek God for the victory! In this case the victory over fear in my life.
Thank you God for pointing out this sin in my life. Now, I ask you to help me in this battle. If you need to....battle for me! In Jesus name. Amen
As I did a self-reflection, there were certainly some fear issues. Much of it was just a hesitancy to do something because of possible consequences. I had to confront that fear equals lack of faith in God!
God, help me. I know I am a worry wart, but I want to be a warrior by allowing your Spirit to live through me.
Here is the message from God.
1. I fell in love with the song, Fear is a Liar by Zach Williams. It really confronted my, while encouraging, and comforting me. Lately, I have been trying to hit fear head on. Knowing it is a LIAR!
2. I have been listing to Fearless by Jasmine Murray for about a year. However, it has come back alive for me. Isn't that our goal to be fearless? As with all tough things, we must ask God to help us.
3. I just finished reading Daniel this morning. In the latter part of the book, Daniel saw visions. These visions frightened him. But, I heard these encouraging words:
Daneil 10:9-12 (NLT); Then I heard the voice of the man speak, and when I heard the sound of his voice, I fainted and lay there with my face to the ground. Just then a hand touched me and lifted me, still trembling to my hands and knees. And the man said to me, "Daniel, you are very precious to God, so listen carefully to what I have to say to you. Stand up, for I have been sent to you." When he said this to me, I stood up, still trembling. Then he said, "Don't be afraid, Daniel. Since the first day you began to pray for understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your request has been heard in heaven. I have come in answer to your prayer."
WOW! What encouraging words! I claim them for my life! We do not always see the answer to our prayer or it may be delayed. However, this does NOT mean it is not heard in heaven!
4. 2 Timothy 1:7 (NLT); For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.
5. Since the spirit of fear is evil, I like to lean on James 4:7 (NLT); So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
In conclusion, I know I am a work in progress, but I want to seek God for the victory! In this case the victory over fear in my life.
Thank you God for pointing out this sin in my life. Now, I ask you to help me in this battle. If you need to....battle for me! In Jesus name. Amen
Thursday, June 7, 2018
2018 PAYH Bike Ride
The Paul Anderson Bike Ride commemorates Paul's ride from Vidalia to Nebraska on a one-speed bike! Actually, several of them since they broke along the way. His destination was Father Flanning's Boys Town. The ride served two purposes: Paul wanted to learn why Father Flanning's program was so successful in changing troubled boys lives. It was also, a fund raiser for PAYH.
The 2018 Bike Ride serves two purposes.
The first purpose is AWARENESS of PAYH.
The Core Priorities are:
1. Planting God's Word
2. Therapeutic Counseling
3. Quality Education
4. Transition Program
The second purpose is FUND RAISING.
Please prayerfully consider, sponsoring a boy.
No donation is too small. (We know Jesus fed 5000 men, plus the women and children with 5 loaves and 2 fish.)
You may sponsor any of the 5 boys, but (hint, hint) Matt is a great choice. Ok, I am on Team Matt.
Honestly, my prayer would be you honor the Lord's guidance in giving to support PAYH, since that makes a difference in ALL the boys lives.
How do I give?
1. You can text: BIKERIDE15 to 71777.
2. You may send a check to PAYH.
P.O. Box 525
Vidalia, GA 30475
3. Call to find out if there is another way to give if you don't like option 1 or 2.
Even if you do not feel led to give financially, PLEASE PRAY FOR THE BOYS AND ADULTS THAT ARE PART OF THIS 500-MILE JOURNEY!
Thank you,
James
The 2018 Bike Ride serves two purposes.
The first purpose is AWARENESS of PAYH.
The Core Priorities are:
1. Planting God's Word
2. Therapeutic Counseling
3. Quality Education
4. Transition Program
The second purpose is FUND RAISING.
Please prayerfully consider, sponsoring a boy.
No donation is too small. (We know Jesus fed 5000 men, plus the women and children with 5 loaves and 2 fish.)
You may sponsor any of the 5 boys, but (hint, hint) Matt is a great choice. Ok, I am on Team Matt.
Honestly, my prayer would be you honor the Lord's guidance in giving to support PAYH, since that makes a difference in ALL the boys lives.
How do I give?
1. You can text: BIKERIDE15 to 71777.
2. You may send a check to PAYH.
P.O. Box 525
Vidalia, GA 30475
3. Call to find out if there is another way to give if you don't like option 1 or 2.
Even if you do not feel led to give financially, PLEASE PRAY FOR THE BOYS AND ADULTS THAT ARE PART OF THIS 500-MILE JOURNEY!
Thank you,
James
Tuesday, June 5, 2018
My Daddy (AKA Ronald); Part Six; "Conclusion"
Special Note: This has been therapeutic and fun to write this series about my daddy. I want to praise God for all fathers and especially our Heavenly Father. If you did not have (or continuing to not have) a good relationship with your father, my heart goes out to you! Even more, my prayers go out to you! This Part of the Ronald Series is a little difficult to frame. I pray it turns out well.
I was born to parents who were in their forties. Therefore, my high school years were their mid-late fifties. The age factor, plus my daddy was not nearly as strong post heart-attack one year prior to my high school career, created an often laissez faire life for me. They did not challenge me academically, and I sure wasn't going to ruin that! It's funny how those things catch up with you...like college. Many core classes were hard to me, and other students were breezing by. But, that's another story.
In ninth grade (since I had a late birthday), Ronald got to watch his son play football with the VRD Midget Varsity. We won the District and lost to Coffee County in the South Georgia Championship. My parents were always supportive in my athletic endeavors. I know they were at many games. They were probably at most games, but here's the age where my relationship with my parents was weird. Sometimes I wanted at my games, and sometimes I was glad if they didn't show up.
Those games of catch with daddy at 6:10 ceased at some point...not sure when. I was playing basketball with the guys in the neighborhood--seems like year round. But, we also played baseball, football, frisbee-golf, and all kinds-of-out-door-games. Fortunately, we did not have the great video games that are available now.As I try to remember back 40-years ago, I do not remember spending much time with daddy. My tenth-grade year major was having fun: during school, after school, and at night. My last official sports team was Pony League as a 15 year-old. Since the Babe Ruth League didn't make, the VRD allowed 15 year-olds to play with restrictions, such as maybe not being able to play the infield.
In the winter of my Junior year, my life changed. I got a job. I worked as a custodian/go-for at Sea Island Cotton Gin from that winter until right before I went to college. My boss was Mr. Cliff Davis. He was a great boss! Cliff let me increase my hours in the summer. He also, took time to show me proper selling techniques, such as keeping a display full and clean, Oh, did I say clean? Cliff kept everything neat and clean. He added much needed structure to my life. I appreciate all he did for me, and he certainly served as a strong-male role model for me.
In the last quarter of my senior year, I was one of the sorriest (as in non-productive) human beings alive! One trait I picked up was telling people I would do something, then not following through. Somehow that news got back to my daddy. He lectured me for an hour. Only those who knew him could imagine listening for an hour. It would be like the Negative of a Mike Brady talk! Yes, I was crying. At the time, I didn't like it at all. But, it was the most important hour Ronald spent with me! I NEEDED it! I never forgot the lesson: If you tell somebody you are going to do something, do it! As I look back at my life, I am grateful Ronald lived long enough to make it through my Senior year. He also hired me to deliver items to his customers. But, this had to happen on Saturday mornings, because I worked for Cliff on weekdays. This did not last long. Our relationship did not allow it. Don't get me wrong. I still loved my daddy, but we went through High School Senior/Daddy pains. To put a blanket over my behavior; I acted whacky sometimes. On more than one occasion, Daddy got mad at me. I was too big to whip, so he hauled off and hit me in the arm! HARD! It hurt. But, it got my attention (for a little while).
One demand that got under my skin was the 11:00 Curfew for the weekends. All I wanted was 11:30. "Nothing good ever happens after 11:00." REALLY?!
One of the best things that happened in my childhood was the fear I had for what my daddy might do to me if I did something wrong. I got plenty of whippings, but as I got older, I had no idea what he might do. That was a GREAT Thing! However...as a Senior, there were several times I pushed him on that 11:00 Curfew time. I don't remember anything happening---maybe a few words.
During my first quarter of college, cancer began to eat at my daddy---larynx and lungs. He was well enough that I drove him around the golf course during Thanksgiving Holidays. A few days before Christmas, he died. I was proud of his life. I missed him immediately. But, so many family members, church members, and friends poured out love.
In conclusion, daddies are really important. I am thankful for the exact one God gave me...Ronald!
I was born to parents who were in their forties. Therefore, my high school years were their mid-late fifties. The age factor, plus my daddy was not nearly as strong post heart-attack one year prior to my high school career, created an often laissez faire life for me. They did not challenge me academically, and I sure wasn't going to ruin that! It's funny how those things catch up with you...like college. Many core classes were hard to me, and other students were breezing by. But, that's another story.
In ninth grade (since I had a late birthday), Ronald got to watch his son play football with the VRD Midget Varsity. We won the District and lost to Coffee County in the South Georgia Championship. My parents were always supportive in my athletic endeavors. I know they were at many games. They were probably at most games, but here's the age where my relationship with my parents was weird. Sometimes I wanted at my games, and sometimes I was glad if they didn't show up.
Those games of catch with daddy at 6:10 ceased at some point...not sure when. I was playing basketball with the guys in the neighborhood--seems like year round. But, we also played baseball, football, frisbee-golf, and all kinds-of-out-door-games. Fortunately, we did not have the great video games that are available now.As I try to remember back 40-years ago, I do not remember spending much time with daddy. My tenth-grade year major was having fun: during school, after school, and at night. My last official sports team was Pony League as a 15 year-old. Since the Babe Ruth League didn't make, the VRD allowed 15 year-olds to play with restrictions, such as maybe not being able to play the infield.
In the winter of my Junior year, my life changed. I got a job. I worked as a custodian/go-for at Sea Island Cotton Gin from that winter until right before I went to college. My boss was Mr. Cliff Davis. He was a great boss! Cliff let me increase my hours in the summer. He also, took time to show me proper selling techniques, such as keeping a display full and clean, Oh, did I say clean? Cliff kept everything neat and clean. He added much needed structure to my life. I appreciate all he did for me, and he certainly served as a strong-male role model for me.
In the last quarter of my senior year, I was one of the sorriest (as in non-productive) human beings alive! One trait I picked up was telling people I would do something, then not following through. Somehow that news got back to my daddy. He lectured me for an hour. Only those who knew him could imagine listening for an hour. It would be like the Negative of a Mike Brady talk! Yes, I was crying. At the time, I didn't like it at all. But, it was the most important hour Ronald spent with me! I NEEDED it! I never forgot the lesson: If you tell somebody you are going to do something, do it! As I look back at my life, I am grateful Ronald lived long enough to make it through my Senior year. He also hired me to deliver items to his customers. But, this had to happen on Saturday mornings, because I worked for Cliff on weekdays. This did not last long. Our relationship did not allow it. Don't get me wrong. I still loved my daddy, but we went through High School Senior/Daddy pains. To put a blanket over my behavior; I acted whacky sometimes. On more than one occasion, Daddy got mad at me. I was too big to whip, so he hauled off and hit me in the arm! HARD! It hurt. But, it got my attention (for a little while).
One demand that got under my skin was the 11:00 Curfew for the weekends. All I wanted was 11:30. "Nothing good ever happens after 11:00." REALLY?!
One of the best things that happened in my childhood was the fear I had for what my daddy might do to me if I did something wrong. I got plenty of whippings, but as I got older, I had no idea what he might do. That was a GREAT Thing! However...as a Senior, there were several times I pushed him on that 11:00 Curfew time. I don't remember anything happening---maybe a few words.
During my first quarter of college, cancer began to eat at my daddy---larynx and lungs. He was well enough that I drove him around the golf course during Thanksgiving Holidays. A few days before Christmas, he died. I was proud of his life. I missed him immediately. But, so many family members, church members, and friends poured out love.
In conclusion, daddies are really important. I am thankful for the exact one God gave me...Ronald!
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