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Pi Day

Alright, its Pi Day! What is that?  Well its March 14, or 3/14 or 3.14 — the ratio of the circumference of a circle to its diameter.  I am so certain that all of you remember Pi times R squared -right?

Well what to do?  How should we celebrate this glorious day of mathematics?  Check out this page for some interesting facts.

On this day that we celebrate Pi and things mathematical, I think that is only correct to have a verse or two that  express simple formulas and demonstrate arithmetic operations.

For instance addition:

33″But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Matthew 6:33 (New American Standard Bible)

subtraction:

29 The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! John 1:29 (New International Version, ©2011)

And finally multiplication:

2May mercy and peace and love be multiplied to you. Jude 1:2 (New American Standard Bible)

I think that last one will make a great formula for a successful and fun way to celebrate Pi day.

Let M = Mercy, P = Peace, L = Love and U = you. Therefore:

GreatPiDay = ((M+P+L)*U)^Spirit

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Happy V-Day

Its Valentines Day, and so I think its appropriate for a little romantic poem:

Rose are Red
Violets are blue
I like to blog
but I stink at Haiku!

Many moons ago on this very day, Amy and I enjoyed our first date together – Dinner at Dalt’s and movie. Yeah, I know – pretty cheesy right – first date on Valentines, but let me tell that night quickly pushed my previous best Valentines memory to the background – the memory of being in the fourth grade and it finally being my turn to have one of my drawings copied of the old mimeograph machine. I still remember drawing old Snoopy and Woodstock on that blue paper, with the words Happy V-Day in the talking bubble. Anyway, the very best part of that first date with Amy, besides being lucky enough to be allowed to spend the evening with her, was that there was another one the very next day, and they haven’t stopped since!

So, it’s the day we remember and recognize our love for others. I hope you take a moment to confirm that to those around you whether it be with flowers, chocolate or a simple note or word. It’s important for us to hear and to tell those around us how we feel.

Also take a moment to remember where love comes from. Enjoy the Day!

7 Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. 8 Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. 9 This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. 10 This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. 11 Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. 1 John 4:7-11 (New International Version, ©2010)

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End of the Eggnog

Well, what a wonderful weekend. We wrapped up a great week of celebration by unwrapping fantastic gifts for each others, by spending time with family, by enjoying 6 inches of snow and by remembering the birth of the Christ.  But now the eggnog ( non-alcoholic, of course) is gone, and bottom of the tree is empty and seems life goes back to the drudgery of it all

But it doesn’t have to be the way.  The joy around Christmas sprouts from the joy that is found in living a life full of love for others.  No, not the mamby bamby hug ever one sort of love, but a love that comes out of true concern and adoration.

So, as you enjoy the last of the eggnog, remember the carry the spirit along with you, as we see here in these words from Romans about real love in action:

9 Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. 10 Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. 11 Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. 12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. 13 Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.

14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. 16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.

17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19 Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. 20 On the contrary:

“If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.
In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”

21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.  Romans 12:9-21

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Truly He Taught Us

The other day at work I was listening to some Christmas music whilst I banged out a power point presentation.  After a few rounds of Veggie Tales singing “I can’t believe it’s Christmas, I think I might be getting something”, the shuffle of my iPod took me over to Chris Tomlin’s version of O Holy Night.  One verse in particular stuck out to me, and that was this:

“Truly he taught us to love one another”

and then that is followed by this

“In his name all oppression shall cease”

So here we are, one week from the celebration of the Christos, the Christ, the Messiah, the Savior’s birth.  We will be gathering around Christmas trees with our families, passing the Eggnog and opening presents.  But let’s not forget the lessons that babe taught us as he grew in wisdom and stature. For he did indeed did tell us,

34 “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. 35 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:34-35 (New International Version, ©2010)

Lets heed James’ call and follow the law of love:

22 Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says – James 1:22 NIV

and then we can truly sing along:

Truly He taught us to love one another,
His law is love and His gospel is peace.
Chains he shall break, for the slave is our brother.
And in his name all oppression shall cease.
Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we,
With all our hearts we praise His holy name.
Christ is the Lord! Then ever, ever praise we,
His power and glory ever more proclaim!
His power and glory ever more proclaim!

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Keep Pounding

Last night the pounding continued for me.  It was bad enough that I wrote about my experience with homeless dude and my general lack of concern for my neighbor.  But then last night, the men’s group I have been hanging out with decides that the topic should be about love, and kindness and how we treat the poor.  (geesh, is someone trying to tell me something!!)

But seriously, it is important, even this week Barry O. said that is why he was attracted to Christ:

“It was because the precepts of Jesus Christ spoke to me in terms of the kind of life that I would want to lead. Being my brother’s and sister’s keeper. Treating others as they would treat me.” – Barack Obama

This whole idea of loving your neighbor is extremely important  One that is probably worth another post.  This morning I stumbled upon this quote

Do not think that love in order to be genuine has to be extraordinary. What we need is to love without getting tired. Be faithful in small things because it is in them that your strength lies. – Mother Teresa

She’s correct, it doesn’t have to be huge, or big, but it needs to be consistent and faithful – which ironically would be extraordinary!!!

Let’s do it up!

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 6:9, The Message)