the good donut

"The best donut is a free donut. The next best donut is the next free donut"

Monday, June 13, 2005

38

Today is my birthday. It strikes me as a little ironic that I am now the same age my Dad was when I joined the Navy. Being the father of a 3-year-old son and soon a father of 1-year-old daughter I can’t even begin to imagine what it would be like to have teenagers. I remember that my Dad seeming so old too me back then.

My life is good. Not just a little bit but really, REALLY good. God continues to bless me in ways that, not that long ago, I would have thought impossible.

A couple of days ago my son, Noah, presented the gospel to me. His theology as a 3-year-old is hampered a bit by his grammatical skills however it was there and clear. In my somewhat limited experience as a parent it was the single most significant event to date. It will be eclipsed when he eventually gives his life to Christ but for now the reality that he is starting to get it makes me prouder than I can communicate.

Noah was a good man, a man of integrity in his community. Noah walked with God. Genesis 6:9 The Message

In a few short days I will go to China to get my daughter. Her Chinese name means, "summer duckweed". Duckweed is the small waterborne flower for which her hometown is named. The story of her short life is a little sad to me. That God would be in control to use events 7000 miles away to bring such a pretty little girl into our lives is overwhelming. It is a deep blessing to see God work

Wilderness and desert will sing joyously, the badlands will celebrate and flower- bursting into blossom, a symphony of song and color. Mountain glories of Lebanon - a gift. Awesome Carmel, stunning Sharon - gifts. God's resplendent glory, fully on display. God awesome, God majestic. Isaiah 35:1-2 The Message

It is humbling that God would give me the privilege to be a parent. One day my children will be adults and move away to have children of their own. I look to that day inevitable sadness but for now I am enjoying the adventure.

God said, "It's not good for the Man to be alone; I'll make him a helper, a companion." Genesis 2:18 The Message

One thing that I have learned (and continue to learn) since my Grandpa Best preached from Genesis 2 at my wedding nearly five years ago is this; God has allowed me to marry precisely the right woman. Kris is probably the smartest person I know. With out her skills, talents and gifting as an aid to me, I would not be able to be the husband and father that God would have me be. She is a constant encouragement to me. Besides all that she is quite attractive. If the last five years are any indication of the future I can’t wait to see what God has for us.

The next year is packed with the business of life. It is exciting to see God’s story unfolding around me. I am so grateful that He invites me into it. I look to the past 38 years, with all the incredible highs and the darkest moments, as God setting the stage. His story is of epic proportions but there are no bit parts. I can’t wait for the rest of my life to see what my part will become.

Tuesday, June 07, 2005

The Battle Around Us

“Open war is upon you whether you would risk it or not… …It is an army bred for a single purpose, to destroy the world of men.” The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (2002)


"Helpless with rage, the Dragon raged at the Woman, then went off to make war with the rest of her children, the children who keep God's commands and hold firm to the witness of Jesus."
Revelations 12:17 The Message


It has been becoming more and more clear to me that; not all is well with the world. Lives are being torn apart at the seams. The landscape is littered with people who are broken, bruised and wounded. Our society more closely resembles a battlefield than civilization. Not all is well with the world and it is getting worse. The simple fact is this; we are at war. The enemy wants us dead or, at the very least, wounded and out of the fight.


"Don't be afraid of them. Put your minds on the Master, great and awesome, and then fight for your brothers, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your homes."
Nehemiah 4:14 The Message


The time is now that we wake up to our situation. I would not suggest that "there is a demon in every bush" however, the attacks are far to coordinated to be mere coincidence. Though we are at war and the field of battle is all around us the Captain of the Guard is far greater than any that would oppose us.


"The Lord is a man of war; The Lord is His name." Exodus 15:3 NKJV


"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.’" Joshua 1:9 NKJV


We must start conducting ourselves as if our heart… our lives are at stake because they are.