When I get into a rut where I don’t read, sometimes, it’s hard for me to write.  That’s been this week, and that;s when I stumble into insane stuff like this.

Today is ‘I Want You To Be Happy Day’, which seems pretty fitting for the general theme that has been coming out of these posts this year.  And since it is also National Anthem Day, maybe we can make our anthem making others happy!   yeah, see what I did there!

Really.  Keep your eyes out for someone else who you can uplift today!

As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: 1 Peter 4:10 (ESV) 

Sometimes when you wake up and look at the news you have to remind yourself of how all of this ends. I quick look in the last chapter can provide a little bit of refreshment and hope.

“He who testifies to these things says, “Yes, I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus. The grace of the Lord Jesus be with God’s people. Amen.”

‭‭Revelation‬ ‭22:20-21‬ ‭NIV‬‬

In this part of the country, today is the primary election.  I have never in all of my years of voting been as anxious, confused and nervous as I am as I head to the polls today.  There have always been candidates I liked and disliked. Every time in the past there has been a candidate that I, at least, felt like I could sort of support.

This time, for me, I can’t find one.  That’s on either side of the party lines.   Maybe that’s just me, but it seems like that is where a lot of my peers and friends are as well.  It’s pretty amazing that our great country has such a hard time lifting up citizens with character and integrity that have ideas and can express them.

Well, there are two things that bring me some peace as I head off to cast my ballot today.  One is found in the letter to the Romans

Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Romans 13:1 (ESV)

and the other are from the words of the Christ himself.

Jesus answered him, “You would have no authority over me at all unless it had been given you from above. Therefore, he who delivered me over to you has the greater sin.” John 19:11 (ESV)

At least, I can have the confidence of who is really in control and who’s hand is on this, regardless of the outcome.

Go Vote!

Yeah, it’s leap day!  Here are some great facts about today

1. Leap Day only happens once every 4 years.
2. It keeps our calendar in alignment with the Earth’s rotation around the sun.
3. Those born on February 29 finally get to have birthday cake.  (I almost had one of those.  Just think he would have been 4 today instead of 16 tomorrow.  If only!)

It’s the last one until 2020. That’s pretty sobering.  Just think what could be going on that next time we have today.  And think about what could be different if you start today!

Redeeming the time… Ephesians 5:16 (KJV)

In the world of craziness, today happens to be ‘For Pete’s Sake Day’, which I think is really funny. However, since it is a minced oath and euphemism, it does remind me that we should always be watching and thinking about the way we use the language we have around us.

There is tons of stuff in the Word that covers how we use words, but this seems like a good summary to remember of this particular day.

²⁹ Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.

Ephesians 4:29 (ESV)

Let’s use our words for the benefit of those that hear us!