Month: August 2010

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Do Good

I have several thoughts working around in my brain today, but they are all baby thoughts.  Thoughts that are not ready to be released into the mighty blogosphere. So I will keep incubating those for a few more days.  And since my mind is preoccupied, today’s thought is quite simple, yet quite astute.

It’s a simple message and a reminder to do good.

9-10So let’s not allow ourselves to get fatigued doing good. At the right time we will harvest a good crop if we don’t give up, or quit. Right now, therefore, every time we get the chance, let us work for the benefit of all, starting with the people closest to us in the community of faith. (Galatians 6:10, The Message)

Be salty today, don’t back down, and impact people!

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Bring it Monday

Well, Its Monday,  and I with the way this one started, I definitely can relate to Garfield.  Last night, we came home to the realization that what was left of the homework was just a tad bit ( try 4 hours tab bit) more then what we were led to believe was left.  Add on top of that a production issue at the ol’ office, the guy that might be able to fix it sleeping in bed 5 time zones ahead and a body that just wanted to go to sleep and what you have is a Monday morning that no one wanted to see arrive!  So at 2am I was still awake,  trying to figure out how to make a HP Laser Jet print duplex with Windows 7.  (Which I did figure out  – finally!)

So it was only natural that this morning I climbed back into the comfy bed 3 different times before finally deciding that that would not do, and I had to take on the day.

Actually, it was during these “snooze” periods that I pondered my options.  I could use the excuse that I am tired, that I was up late, to make the day miserable on those around me.  I could choose to hate the day, to be grouchy and to take my temporary discomfort out on the world.  OR, I could choose to look at my blessings.  I have Windows7, a Color Laser Printer, and the brain to be able to fix it.  I had friends to help me with the production problem at work, and I knew that my Irish friend would tackle this issue with gusto when he arose.  And I am blessed with a smart child, that, despite his procrastination (which he genetically acquired from me I think), has numerous talents and incredible creativity.    So I sprang from my bed, make breakfast for the boys, and hit the road for a little 3 mile run,  realizing the gift that contentment really is.

6But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. 8But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. 1 Timothy 6:6-8 (New International Version)

So with that I say Bring It Monday.

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Friday the 13th

Oh yes, with a name like Jason, you know I have to like Friday the 13th.  In the past when I was helping with the Inner City children, they would all invariably pull back and yell every time I would tell them my name was Jason.  And these were small children – 6, 7 8 year olds.

So Friday the 13th seems like a perfect day for a person with my name to get out and have some fun. But actually, I am not superstitious at all.  The fact is, to me Friday the 13th really has no special value.  Its another great day that we have been blessed with to serve and to love.  I walk under ladders, I used to own a black cat, I never knock on wood, nor toss salt over my shoulder.

You may be asking “How can you survive?”  Its all because of  trust.

6 Now I know that the LORD saves his anointed;
he answers him from his holy heaven
with the saving power of his right hand.

7 Some trust in chariots and some in horses,
but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.

8 They are brought to their knees and fall,
but we rise up and stand firm. Psalm 20:6-8 (New International Version)

So even if today the mirror breaks while a black cat screeches in front of me and I see a dude in a hockey mask with a chain saw, I’ll still not fear. When your trust is in the Lord and Savior these other things – plus the normal “stresses” of life – tend to fade into the back ground and not be as big of fears as maybe they once where.

So get out there and enjoy Friday the 13th.  I may even open my umbrella inside!

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Battle with the Worms

Sorry this is so late today.  Busy morning after the great radio show last night.

Those big nasty horn-worms have invaded my tomato plants.  Yes, the eat everything in sight.  I have already purged 7 or 8 and found the evidence of another one this morning.  So I will be spending the next few days tracking this guy down.

This is so much like our spiritual lives. Sometimes we get those bad habits, or continual sins eat away at our ability to produce fruit.  We need to continually use the power of the spirit to remove those sins from our lives – to remove those big nasty worms that disguise themselves as an important part of our lives, but led to destruction if we leave them alone.

So take a look today at your lives and see if you you need to cut off and destroy some worms.

 13Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong. 14Do everything in love. 1 Corinthians 16:13-14 (New International Version)

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On The Radio

Over the last few weeks I have been writing a lot about taking risks.  Mostly about other people taking risks, and stepping out of their comfort zone.  It’s so much more comfortable to talk about others who are not.  That’s all changing today.  Tonight, I am taking this writing party to the air waves.  I am been asked to be a guest on a radio show about parenting.  Now, I know that I have been giving my jaw muscles quite a lot of training over the last few years as I spend almost all day talking into the phone on conference calls, but for some reason these seems so different.  Plus the subject is parenting – a subject I don’t claim to be an expert in, more like a fly by the seat of your pants learner.   I really hope that the poor grammar that shows up in my writing does not make it to the airwaves!

I find myself a little excited about the challenge.  It’s a chance for personal growth and an opportunity to reach out and impact other people – hopefully in a positive way! However, I am really anxious about leaving my comfort zone.  So here is a little encouragement from Paul, that should help us all make it through the day.

1If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, 2then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. 3Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Philippians 2:1-3 (New International Version)

13I can do everything through him who gives me strength. Philippians 4:13 (New International Version)

And I hope that you are all encouraged and motivated to step out in some way today as well!

Be Salty

If you want to listen, which I don’t really don’t know why I am telling you, nor why you would want to, the show is Jed’s Chewin’ the Chat on 102.3FM from 7-8pm.  Also, you may be able to stream it at wgow.com