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Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Books I am currently reading... Each of us have different reading habits. I am perhaps a bit unusual in that I am usually in the process
of reading several books. If a book is really good (depending on the subject matter) I really dislike for it to end.
I will read a chapter or so and then reflect on what I just read leaving the next chapter for another day. :)
This is just a "short" list... of course, I read the Bible and various devotionals regularly.
Currently I am reading or have recently finished:
A Million Miles in a Thousand Years: What I Learned While Editing My Life
by Donald Miller (living a better story)... thanks to my son Chris for letting me read this over the Christmas holiday.
:)
Why Israel? by Willem J.J. Glashouwer (Understanding Israel, the Church, and the
Nations in the Last Days)
Desiring God by John Piper (a book discussing Christian Hedonism...
being happy in God)
Devotions for a Deeper Life by Oswald Chambers (A collection of some of his
lesser known writings)
By Willoway Brook by Cindy Crosby (Exploring the Landscape of Prayer)... a favorite
gem of a book to me because it combines the glory of God's creation with prayerful insights... I love it... thanks to my wife
Faye for finding this (and many others) at Ollie's Bargain Outlet ("good stuff cheap") as well as in other bargain book
outlets.
The Stillmeadow Road by Gladys Taber (A charming book about her life at Stillmeadow...
my wife turned me on to this series of "Stillmeadow" books and I am happy she did... a book to read (just a chapter of so
at a time :) before bed... very relaxing and filled, for me, with the stuff of dreams.
And a new magazine subscription... a gift from my daughter, Erin... Biblical Archaeology Review
(a secular magazine but has some interesting articles).
Here is a quote from Cindy Crosby's book... By Willoway Brook... that I can personally
relate to.
"Our soul longs to speak. Isn't this offering-up of our creativity a prayer in itself? Our soul
speaking in paint, in words, in landscape [and for me in photography]? An attempt to open a window between us and something
greater than ourselves that we dimly perceive, try to express?" - Cindy Crosby
Continue to read... continue to learn... continue to grow... ask our Father for wisdom and understanding...
grow closer to Him.
February snowstorms of 2010A couple of years ago I bought a new snowblower. It is perhaps a bit larger than I really need.
You all understand, I'm sure... it was one of those good deals that you just can't pass up. :)
Rarely needed, it didn't get much use. I mean you feel rather ridiculous using a large snowblower
on 2-3 inches of snow.
This year, finally, there was snowfall (twice already) that warranted its use and it did a great job.
After half a dozen more snowstorms like these, it will have paid for itself. ;)
Making good decisions requires forethought, discernment, and a look at possible consequences followed by
faith and trust. And if divine guidance is not evident... perhaps a bit of luck.
Monday, February 1, 2010
Spiritual training programYesterday, at church, we had a guest speaker... Mike Zigarelli.
As part of Mike's sermon... a continuation (the 4th step) in Pastor Kevin's series on "Pathway to Happiness" Mike
discussed the necessity of a "spiritual training program".
As much I hope and pray that SonRays provides spiritual blessings,
inspiration, and footsteps to a more intimate relationship with God through Jesus Christ... for others, it is I that recieve
the greatest blessing of all. As a former high school teacher I realize that if you really want to learn something,
try teaching it to someone else. And in "writing down" your thoughts and reflections it enables greater clarity than
merely "just" thinking those same thoughts.
SonRays has become, for me, a part of my "spiritual training
program".
I encourage all of you to keep some sort of daily journal.
It can be hand-written in a notebook, typed, or published in a blog online, but the practice of reflection, gathering
your thoughts, and writing them down (as well as sharing with others) can become an important and rewarding part of your own
"spiritual training program".
The importance of a "spiritual" training program is the same as
any physical program used to excel in any sport.
Of course, continue to read and study your Bible as well
as other good Christian literature (using a discerning heart)... afterall, the more you learn, the more you can reflect and
grow. Don't forget prayer... the Lord generously gives wisdom and understanding to those who seek...
do not rely on your own wisdom or that of the world.
Sunday, January 24, 2010
A new committee...Last week I was asked by our church to serve on a new forming missions
committee. Now over the years I have learned that I am not a committee-type person. Meetings in general, I have
found, are not something to look forward to. Rarely enjoying any "group" gatherings I prefer to fellowship with one
or two over coffee, breakfast, lunch, or dinner... :)
I work better when it is just the Lord and I. While still
teaching in the public school system, I was at my best during the time span when we were allowed to teach electives (mini-courses)
designing our own "approved" curriculum. It made teaching and learning both rewarding and fun.
I understand the importance of working together with others in order
to achive a particular goal... it is just that I usually do not work well in such an environment. It is me. Perhaps
I have a "Johnny Appleseed" complex. :)
Saying that, I am, nonetheless looking forward to this opportunity
for a couple of reasons.
1. It is a "new" committee and I prefer to start anything,
new to me, on the ground floor so to speak... growing with it as it grows.
2. I need to become more involved, directly and personally,
helping others. I pray that my simple ministry of SonRays is a blessing to others but it lacks that direct contact and
participation. Hopefully this new committee will provide a direct and up-close service of encouragement and support
that will meet the needs of others for His glory.
For any reading this, I ask you for your prayers that we will follow
"HIS" will. If any of you can offer any helpful advice it is always much appreciated. You can contact me at photos4god@yahoo.com.
"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in
any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God" - 2 Corinthians 1:3-4, NIV
God bless...
Larry
Sunday, January 3, 2010
New Year Resolutions
I don't make it a habit each year to make New Year Resolutions.
I make statements instead, throughout the year, that I am going to try to accomplish this or that. Not much of a resolution
is it? To say that I am going to "try" is admitting, right from the start, that I may fail... and there is no resolve
in that.
So here goes the commitment...
1. I resolve to get my weight down to 185 pounds by July 1st,
2010 and not allow it to rise above that for the rest of the year... I now weigh close to 200 pounds.
2. I resolve to get up every day around 5:30 AM
and spend, at least an hour each morning, in devotions, prayer, and time with God. I now do this periodically... but
not with true commitment... sometimes it just feels so good to stay in bed even though my day goes better when I get up and
spend that time with Him.
3. I resolve to re-read the Christian Bible completely through (in
a different format) on a daily basis and to finish it by year's end. (I did that for the first time this past year
using "Grace for the Moment Daily Bible" (New Century Version) with devotional writings by Max Lucado.) I intend
to do this every year with a different Bible format each year. This year I am reading a Daily Chronological
version in NIV. I believe the Bible is meant to be read everyday knowing that each time one reads it, new understanding will
be brought to light as we grow in our faith.
4. I resolve to go to the gym 4 days each week for my Cardiac
exercise. As of now, I am lucky to get there 2-3 times a week and am continually talking myself out of going... my dad
(a physican) used to say that physical exercise is the best mental rest. :)
The list of resolutions will be kept to these four, however,
I intend to improve/change in other areas as well. I am not going to put these under the category of resolutions simply
because they cannot be measured so specifically. Let's just put all of those under the heading of increased Spiritual
growth and obedience to God's Will.
I will periodically report here in another post as to my progress.
Make plans to improve your "story" by submitting to the
Will of God... it will then become a success story of epic proportions.
2:40 pm est
Monday, November 16, 2009
Time is a gift from God... use it wisely.Up until recently I played an online simulation. Practically
every day, time was spent meeting deadlines in order to maintain my growing empire. I was rather obsessed with winning
so that even much of my "down" time from the simulation was spent thinking and re-thinking my strategy and future plans.
Now please don't get me wrong... this is a wonderful and well-done
simulation created by a fantastic and caring guy (I had the pleasure of personally meeting him and his great family).
The "community" he has created (hundreds to thousands of players from around the world) is perhaps, for me, the best
thing about the sim and the reason I was hesitant to leave. I am still maintaining contact with that community (even
though I no longer play) and, hopefully, providing inspiration to its members for His glory.
I encourage everyone to make use of your time wisely... commit yourselves
to the Lord and doing His will. Spend more time reading His Word and, in a quiet place, pray for wisdom and understanding. Concentrate
on Him and do not let other "worldly pursuits" disrupt that time with Him. Listen for any message He may put into your
heart... then follow and obey.
If anything continually robs you of quality time with your
Lord, take a real hard look at it, learn from it, and re-set your priorities back to what really "makes a difference"
in your life and others.
God bless...
Larry
Thursday, October 29, 2009
IntroductionThis blog will contain my thoughts and reflections in a journal
format. This will not be a daily journal or even a weekly journal but will contain posts as I feel led to do them.
photo by Erin Doyle
“No man has a right
to lead such a life of contemplation
as
to forget in his own ease
the service due to his neighbor;
nor has any man a right
to be so immersed in active life
as
to neglect the contemplation of God.”
- Saint Augustine
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