We had a friend over tonight to watch the movie, Sherlock Holmes, featuring Robert Downey, Jr. and Jude Law. We had a great time visiting and watching the film! I wasn’t sure what to expect beforehand, but I really enjoyed Sherlock. The ending left the door wide open for a sequel!
Latest
Nowhere to Run!
“Can anyone hide in secret places so that I cannot see him?” declares the Lord. “Do not I fill heaven and earth?” declares the Lord.”
Jeremiah 23:24 reminds me of one of my favorite Watermark songs, “Where to Find Me”…”And where could I wander that You wouldn’t be, Whom have I but You who really knows me…”
There are times I want to “run” and “hide”, but I am glad my God sees me wherever I am…literally, figuratively… There’s nothing better than knowing I have someone to turn to, someone who really, truly knows me.
What about you? Are you on the run, desperate to hide from the things you done, words you’ve said? Maybe you’re afraid God is calling you to do something… Whatever it is, slow down! Think it through. Pray about it. There’s nowhere you can go that God isn’t already there. It’s time to turn things over to someone who can help you, who loves you and who cares about every detail.
Hope Floats, umm…Soars
Today I’m reminded of a verse in Isaiah, one that I’m sure you’ve heard before. Inspiration for the day.
“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 40:31)
Got Questions? It’s Okay…
I noticed this video at the bottom of Matthew Paul Turner’s website bio. I really like it, something about it reached out to me. Check it out: Matthew Paul Turner-On Questions.
Today
It’s been nearly a month since my last post! So, just checking in around here. I’m enjoying life this week. I still have the usual concerns, hardships and all that, but I’m relishing the gifts and blessings that God has granted me. I count everything as joy and I praise him!
How about you? How is your week so far?
Jesus, Your Name
I woke up this morning with a song in my head. Does that ever happen to you? I love it! The song this morning is “Jesus, Your Name”. It was a refreshing reminder of the power and might of simply Jesus’ name! What a great way to start the day, in praise of the name of my savior!
I’m posting the song here for you to enjoy as well. 
LOVE
I was thinking about chapter 13 of 1 Corinthians this afternoon. So, I looked it up for a good refresher. Even now, I am mulling over the words and treasuring their implications. I’m including it here for you…enjoy.
1 Corinthians 13
1If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. 2If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 3If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames,[b] but have not love, I gain nothing.
4Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
8Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. 9For we know in part and we prophesy in part, 10but when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears. 11When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me. 12Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.
13And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.
Helper
Natalie was my helper today as I finished up mowing, weedeating, etc. over at grandma and grandpa's house. Here, I just finished up with everything and was giving her a ride on the mower before putting it away. She had a blast!
Mmmm
Chicken. It's what's for dinner. At least it was last night. So good!
It’s Been a While
Hello, my name is John. I run the place…on occasion. I haven’t been around for some time. It’s mostly intentional.
Have you ever felt overwhelmed? Not just “I have too much to do today” overwhelmed, but “everything is closing in on me and I can’t keep up with anything anymore…I don’t know who I am” overwhelmed. That’s where I found myself earlier this year, shortly after I began my “365″ project.
Proverbs 18:10 reminds us that “the name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe”. I took heed to that verse and ran to the Lord for safety, sanity, clarity…you name it. I somewhat abandoned a lot of things: my blog, sometimes twitter, facebook, email – all those things that had me feeling weighed down. I felt constantly connected. It was as if all these wonderful ways of keeping in touch with others became constant voices.
I guess you can liken it to information overload, but it felt like much more than that. I was taking in so much of other people’s lives, bits of knowledge, advice, criticisms (not of me, but general criticisms). I was taking all these things in and losing my own voice in the midst of the crowd. I felt like I was lost in a sea of people. I lean towards the introvert end of the social spectrum, so feeling like I am trapped in any kind of ocean is too much to handle.
Over the past few months I’ve been more selective of social activities, areas of service at church and elsewhere, and what forms of communication I choose to make use of. I have even sold my iPhone, the king of all devices that kept me “connected”. I now have just a cell phone with texting capabilities…and I’m happy with it! I do not miss my iPhone at all. In fact, it was a huge relief to get rid of it! One less burden to carry with me wherever I go.
Even though I’ve made progress in some areas of my feeling overwhelmed, I still have miles to go. I am finding myself at a place of figuring out who I am; of finding my own voice. I am enjoying the development of new friendships and the renewal of old ones.
For the first time in my life I am coming to terms with what my life really is and doing my best to live in the moment. I’m trying not to worry about tomorrow, for the Lord provides. I’m seeking His will and relying on Him to lead me down the path – at least I’m working on it. I have control issues.
I’m doing my best to love others, just like Jesus did. I’m betting if I just keep it simple, take in the moment for what it is and love others without condition, I’ll find my voice…and who I am in Christ.
I wish the same for you, friend.
About John
