Well, it’s that day on the calendar that always brings back fresh memories. I still think about the meeting with a software vendor that I was scheduled to call into at 9:30 that morning. I didn’t make the call, and then I never heard back from the vendor.
What a day.
10 So do not fear, for I am with you;
do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10 New International Version (NIV)
One last thought on that triathlon. I know you are sick of hearing about it, but this is what I do after these sorts of events, I analyze it over and over in my mind. Yes, way to obsessive.
Anyway, I was thinking last night, about where I lost time, and how I lost a lot of time in the run. Immediately after the event, I thought it was because of tired legs. But after running those 2 miles in my head again, I realized it was actually due to a lack of focus, and a bit of fear. I started focus on the pain, and those around me, instead of focusing of my effort, attitude and the race in front of me. And then the fear of the all too familiar pain that comes with pushing yourself extra hard.
So, what does that mean to you? Well, for one thing when you do a triathlon, don’t make the same mistake I made! But more importantly, when you are doing your daily life, like today, focus on your effort, your attitude and the race in front of you. And ignore all the rest of that stuff – God will take care of that!
28 Do you not know?
Have you not heard?
The Lord is the everlasting God,
the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He will not grow tired or weary,
and his understanding no one can fathom.
29 He gives strength to the weary
and increases the power of the weak.
30 Even youths grow tired and weary,
and young men stumble and fall;
31 but those who hope in the Lord
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:28-33 New International Version (NIV)
Today wherever you go and whatever you do, remember, that as a follower of the Christ you are called to be a light to those around you!
Now he told me,
“You are an important servant to me to bring back the tribes of Jacob, to bring back the people of Israel who are left alive.
But, more importantly, I will make you a light for all nations to show people all over the world the way to be saved.” (Isaiah 49:6 NCV)
Light it up!
I keep finding these absolutely ridiculous days, and I keep finding this desire to share them – and I am not even sure why.
For instance, this week is Celebrate Your Name Week, which evidently goes by the acronym CYNW. And today is Fun Facts about Names Day. Odd. You can check out the web site and see all sorts of fun facts that will make this day terrific for those you share them with!
So since it is CYNW week, I just thought maybe a quick reminder about the many names of that guy we claim to follow might be a refreshing start to Monday morning. So I searched the Interwebs and found this wordle. There all the go now it seems.
That’s a pretty good list, and it reminds me of this verse from Isaiah that describes some of those names
6 For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6 New International Version (NIV)
Those seem like a description of a dude that might be a good one to hang around and learn from!
Here we are on Valentine’s Eve anticipating the most famous holiday in February, when it seems today bring us two outstanding observances.
Today is Get a Different Name Day. Which is funny, because yesterday, I was showing Amy the author’s name of a book I am reading. The book “Erasing Hell” is written by Francis Chan and Preston Sprinkle. That’s right, Sprinkle. I was telling Amy that she should have a classroom name like artists have stage names. Could you imagine if your first grade teacher was Mrs. Sprinkle? That’s an incredible first grade teacher name.
I think I might consider Vladimir VonHoffingburger, or maybe I would choose a last name I didn’t have to spell all the time. I am going to spend a little time today thinking about something else that might make more sense. What about you, what name would you choose, if you could choose your name?
Ultimately, I am pretty happy with what good ol’ Mom and Dad choose, but I am glad I was able to get a different name but placing my faith in the Christ
9But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. 1 Peter 2:9 New International Version (NIV)
and as it says in Isaiah
And you will be called priests of the LORD, you will be named ministers of our God
That’s a pretty good name to take on, don’t you think!
Oh, today is also Clean Out your Computer Day! So while you are considering your different name, delete some of those old documents, and clear out that browser history, but don’t delete you bookmark to the Daily Buffet!