It's amazing where your brain can go on a nice day as you guide your mower over a lawn crying out for a little time and attention. ( No MP3 players or even a radio!)
I finally got to the yard after work last night and found myself thinking about a variety of things- from the mundane (I wonder if we have anything in the house for dinner) to the legacy I'll leave after I die and make my home in Heaven.
Let's focus on the legacy part shall we? Back in November of 2007, I made some handwritten notes about things I wanted to have included as part of my memorial / celebration service. I reasoned since I wouldn't be here, now would actually be the ideal time to share some things I feel strongly about. Things I want to emphasize.
From time to time in the past four years I'd run across this note--- see the words "My funeral" at the top...and just keep on working.
About a year and a half ago, a friend (under 60) died of cancer. I had talked very directly with Kent about how his life perspective had been radically altered with his diagnosis. Susie and I attended his funeral.
There's something about losing someone who is close to your age to get your attention. Still, it took me another 18 months to actually carve out the time and type up the notes on my funeral service.
So what did I address? Things like Bible verses, a note to my wife and kids. Who I'd like to have speak. Some song suggestions. Stuff like that. And I have to tell you, when I finished, I found myself feeling a fresh wave of gratitude- for my wife, kids, work, experiences, life and health.
I am a blessed man.
Ok, so, how does this apply to you? I hope in a couple of specific ways. First- PLEASE be sure you know Jesus--- That way everything before us is better than we can possibly imagine. Second- Be sure you have a WILL. Help the folks who will be left behind you know what you want done with your earthly resources. Thirdly- I hope you will find yourself grateful- like I did- for God's daily and abundant blessings.
I enjoyed getting the yard cut- it always looks so much better! There is still trimming to do- I look forward to another chance to think- and count my blessings.
Friday, October 21, 2011
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
I'm Diving In...
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways submit to Him, and he will make your paths straight. (Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV)
Remember a couple of weeks ago, when I blogged about seasons and change in your life? I talked about how I was going through a season of change and not knowing where God is calling me to be. Now comes the next step...
I am going to be starting a new chapter in my life. Uncharted territory, thanks to God! Now, I'm going all the way in, trust that it's His will and not mine.
After 21 years of doing traffic, I will be joining the J93.3 staff on a full time basis as the station's church specialist (along with being on the air! That's not changing!). An exciting time for me, yet also nerve-wracking. I'm breaking out of my comfort zone. Twenty one years of talking about accidents, stalls, construction, or delays, whether they were on the Downtown Connector or the Long Island Expressway.
Now, I'm taking that leap of faith. There were many times where my human condition would take over, and questions would arise.
- Can I really do this?
- I'm "comfortable" doing what I have been doing for so many years. Why change?
- You never take chances.
I have been known to settle. Not anymore. That's because I'm growing in my walk with Christ everyday. And trusting Him more and more. I've seen proof that He does act, He does provide, He does keep you safe from harm.
God has His way of making sure you get the message. The day after I was officially offered and accepted the position, I was to lead music worship at Peachtree City SDA Church. The speaker for the day was talking about the passage above. How the Israelites were told to trust God, and they were protected. I chose this song to emphasize his message. It's a Steven Curtis Chapman classic, but the message means so much more now.
(Note: this is Steven's new version off his latest CD- Re-creation. I love this one!)
Are you hesitant to make a change in your life? Is God calling you to do something? Let's close our eyes and count to three, and take the leap of faith.
Come on let's go!
Remember a couple of weeks ago, when I blogged about seasons and change in your life? I talked about how I was going through a season of change and not knowing where God is calling me to be. Now comes the next step...
I am going to be starting a new chapter in my life. Uncharted territory, thanks to God! Now, I'm going all the way in, trust that it's His will and not mine.
After 21 years of doing traffic, I will be joining the J93.3 staff on a full time basis as the station's church specialist (along with being on the air! That's not changing!). An exciting time for me, yet also nerve-wracking. I'm breaking out of my comfort zone. Twenty one years of talking about accidents, stalls, construction, or delays, whether they were on the Downtown Connector or the Long Island Expressway.
Now, I'm taking that leap of faith. There were many times where my human condition would take over, and questions would arise.
- Can I really do this?
- I'm "comfortable" doing what I have been doing for so many years. Why change?
- You never take chances.
I have been known to settle. Not anymore. That's because I'm growing in my walk with Christ everyday. And trusting Him more and more. I've seen proof that He does act, He does provide, He does keep you safe from harm.
God has His way of making sure you get the message. The day after I was officially offered and accepted the position, I was to lead music worship at Peachtree City SDA Church. The speaker for the day was talking about the passage above. How the Israelites were told to trust God, and they were protected. I chose this song to emphasize his message. It's a Steven Curtis Chapman classic, but the message means so much more now.
(Note: this is Steven's new version off his latest CD- Re-creation. I love this one!)
Are you hesitant to make a change in your life? Is God calling you to do something? Let's close our eyes and count to three, and take the leap of faith.
Come on let's go!
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