Wow, I have heard a lot of comments lately on being down, depressed, tired, and other such words. Yes it could be one of many things. One thing I did not know until the other day was that vitamin D is important to our well being. Obviously we need vitamins, but do we know how to get specific ones? I did not, but I am learning. Vitamin D is manufactured by our bodies from the sun. No sun, no vitamin D. So if you are feeling blue, a simple solution might be adding a vitamin D supplement to your diet.
Now let us pause and see if their is any other significance to this time of discouragement.
Personally I have been fighting the 'blues' for the past few weeks. I am overcoming, by praying, by choosing to smile, and by trying to offload some of my stress through fitness and family. I don't know why, but this time of year is very tough. I love the fall seaon and the holidays, but once we turn the calendar it gets tough. I/We start to get a little cabin fever and want to get outside. We ache for summer, swimming, golf, and late sunsets.
Here is the good news, Spring Break is just four weeks away. The weather as crazy as it is, has been warmer over the last few weeks and it looks like an early spring (writing this we have a forecast for snow and ice in the next 24 hours). In the meantime, choose happiness, smile, spend some time with family, and remember as a follower of Christ we have the one who sticks closer than a brother. Let's go to Him to receive a fresh blessing.
How about some new music- I am really loving a new song called "Moving Forward". You will hear it soon at Horizons. Let's keep moving and believing for God to use us to change the world.
Shalom
Jay
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Thursday, February 7, 2008
Oops
I guess you could say that I stuck my foot in my mouth this past Sunday. In the 11am service, while talking about the tongue, I made mention that my beautiful wife was holding up well for her age. Yes, I know, it just came out. I had several people comment to me afterward. You know that I did my best to explain it away, but only dug deeper. I am paying for it this week. I make this promise to make it up to her as we go into Valentines day.
The funny thing is that I just had made a point to tell the truth with tact. The quote I used was that "everything that is said must be true, but not everything true must be said." I guess you could say I should listen to my own advice. It really is tough to be caught in your own words. The scripture is very true that the tongue is full of life and death, so be careful out there.
Speaking of Christa though, my wife looks great. She is doing much better than I am. I look at pictures of Christa and I from just a few years ago, and think what happened to me. The hair thing is what it is. Everything else I do have control over. I have renew my commitment to health. I want to get better. I know how to, now the hard part, doing it. The doing is hard for all of us, but the payoff it great.
I am learning and growing. Keep on keeping on.
J
The funny thing is that I just had made a point to tell the truth with tact. The quote I used was that "everything that is said must be true, but not everything true must be said." I guess you could say I should listen to my own advice. It really is tough to be caught in your own words. The scripture is very true that the tongue is full of life and death, so be careful out there.
Speaking of Christa though, my wife looks great. She is doing much better than I am. I look at pictures of Christa and I from just a few years ago, and think what happened to me. The hair thing is what it is. Everything else I do have control over. I have renew my commitment to health. I want to get better. I know how to, now the hard part, doing it. The doing is hard for all of us, but the payoff it great.
I am learning and growing. Keep on keeping on.
J
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Kids do say strange things
Christa and I have been having a lot of fun lately - watching our 4 yr old. Maybe we should say hearing our 4 yr old. She can make my day - with just a few words. I just love that kind of innocence.
We are spending some time at Great Wolf Lodge a few weeks ago. As we sat pool side Chloe walked up to a lady as her family was interacting with Landon. They were from Pennsylvania and were followers of Christ, as Landon had discovered. Chloe seeing the conversation, went over to her and said "You are so pretty". The lady nearly fell into the pool. She beamed ear to ear. The next day as we were loading our car the father commented that this was a trip to celebrate a benchmark birthday (I can only speculate age). Chloe's remark had made the trip for them. Boom - a simple random kind comment and it made a huge impact on someone.
Chloe is awesome and says some great stuff, that I just wish I could bottle. Of course all my children have, and I would suppose yours to. It just once again reminds me the power of kind words. When is the last time we said with sincerity something kind to a co-worker, much less a stranger. Let me just say, that I am going to be alert to my world, and to its need for kindness that should be characteristic of Christians.
If you have young kids, treasure their words. It can change your day, and maybe somebody's world.
I saw Cloverfield, thumbs up. American Idol, nothing new. For those of you that have HD TV, I am now an addict to Sunrise Earth. Yes I am that sappy.
Blessing to all -
Jay
We are spending some time at Great Wolf Lodge a few weeks ago. As we sat pool side Chloe walked up to a lady as her family was interacting with Landon. They were from Pennsylvania and were followers of Christ, as Landon had discovered. Chloe seeing the conversation, went over to her and said "You are so pretty". The lady nearly fell into the pool. She beamed ear to ear. The next day as we were loading our car the father commented that this was a trip to celebrate a benchmark birthday (I can only speculate age). Chloe's remark had made the trip for them. Boom - a simple random kind comment and it made a huge impact on someone.
Chloe is awesome and says some great stuff, that I just wish I could bottle. Of course all my children have, and I would suppose yours to. It just once again reminds me the power of kind words. When is the last time we said with sincerity something kind to a co-worker, much less a stranger. Let me just say, that I am going to be alert to my world, and to its need for kindness that should be characteristic of Christians.
If you have young kids, treasure their words. It can change your day, and maybe somebody's world.
I saw Cloverfield, thumbs up. American Idol, nothing new. For those of you that have HD TV, I am now an addict to Sunrise Earth. Yes I am that sappy.
Blessing to all -
Jay
Friday, January 11, 2008
The Rain came
I just finished reading an article that says water restrictions in the area are being lifted and that our own county reservoirs are increasing. That is great news. It happened by watching and conserving our usage, and of course rain.
I am smacked in the face with this metaphor - We have to do something, but it is God that will bring it to be. This is so applicable for the believer. Dig in, study the bible, fellowship, learn, seek God, do the spiritual disciplines - but God will bring the increase.
In my own life - I am recognizing my duty, my responsibility to be a good steward of all that I have - but it is the Lord who will bless, guide, keep, sustain, anoint, provide, and protect me. Here we are looking at what our church is about to embrace - two services. It is daunting, it is intimidating, it is exciting. I have planned, and prepared, and I have found out that I need the Lord to help me through this weekend, and every other one for that matter. God will get the glory; because He loves to use the foolish things of the world to confound the wise.
Well friends - do all that you can in life, grow. Then trust the Lord with all your heart and see that there is even more than you could ever imagine.
Happy New Year to all - only 355 days left in this one.
Jay
I am smacked in the face with this metaphor - We have to do something, but it is God that will bring it to be. This is so applicable for the believer. Dig in, study the bible, fellowship, learn, seek God, do the spiritual disciplines - but God will bring the increase.
In my own life - I am recognizing my duty, my responsibility to be a good steward of all that I have - but it is the Lord who will bless, guide, keep, sustain, anoint, provide, and protect me. Here we are looking at what our church is about to embrace - two services. It is daunting, it is intimidating, it is exciting. I have planned, and prepared, and I have found out that I need the Lord to help me through this weekend, and every other one for that matter. God will get the glory; because He loves to use the foolish things of the world to confound the wise.
Well friends - do all that you can in life, grow. Then trust the Lord with all your heart and see that there is even more than you could ever imagine.
Happy New Year to all - only 355 days left in this one.
Jay
Monday, December 31, 2007
Okay resolutions
Today is the last day of 2007. We reflect. We then decide to resolve. We then think about how to make 2008 better, even make it great. It always starts with self, and how we can improve so that our quality of life improves. I mentioned in my last blog that I am reading You staying Young. Great book, great practical stuff that we can all use to better ourselves, better our health. I will be applying some new stress relieving techniques into my life - like breathing better, simple yet effective.
So in 2008 I resolve to do some benchmark things. I will finally break the 200 barrier. My weight has fluctuated for years between a low of 202 and a high of 217. Guess where I am right now.? This year, probably in the spring I resolve to get under the 200, and stay there for a week. I then plan on being at just over 200 and staying there for the rest of year.
I resolve to pray more. Really does anyone pray enough?
I resolve to focus more on the moment, and less on the future. That does not mean that I am going to forget the future. But rather living in the moment, and maximizing the moment for the future. It is kind of like the work out. I know I want to be healthy, that is a good visual and all, but when I am working out, I need to focus on making the next step, lifting the next weight, taking the next breath.
I resolve to be a better husband. I don't think I'm bad, but I want to be great. I also resolve to be a better dad. That is not easy with two teenagers, but hey I will give it a shot.
I resolve to Trust God with all my heart and to not lean on my understanding. It seems that this is a true test almost daily to not lean on what I see, read, hear, and comprehend. Trusting God is something we all say we should do, but do we, really. Do we trust for the miraculous? I sure hope that 2008 holds some big things for all of us. It of course starts with faith in Christ.
I resolve to not just do a few things for a few days, but to continually improve who I am, so I can be a better individual for God's purposes.
I resolve - I choose with determination.
See you next year. Let's have a great 2008 (That is so corny, I know)
Jay
So in 2008 I resolve to do some benchmark things. I will finally break the 200 barrier. My weight has fluctuated for years between a low of 202 and a high of 217. Guess where I am right now.? This year, probably in the spring I resolve to get under the 200, and stay there for a week. I then plan on being at just over 200 and staying there for the rest of year.
I resolve to pray more. Really does anyone pray enough?
I resolve to focus more on the moment, and less on the future. That does not mean that I am going to forget the future. But rather living in the moment, and maximizing the moment for the future. It is kind of like the work out. I know I want to be healthy, that is a good visual and all, but when I am working out, I need to focus on making the next step, lifting the next weight, taking the next breath.
I resolve to be a better husband. I don't think I'm bad, but I want to be great. I also resolve to be a better dad. That is not easy with two teenagers, but hey I will give it a shot.
I resolve to Trust God with all my heart and to not lean on my understanding. It seems that this is a true test almost daily to not lean on what I see, read, hear, and comprehend. Trusting God is something we all say we should do, but do we, really. Do we trust for the miraculous? I sure hope that 2008 holds some big things for all of us. It of course starts with faith in Christ.
I resolve to not just do a few things for a few days, but to continually improve who I am, so I can be a better individual for God's purposes.
I resolve - I choose with determination.
See you next year. Let's have a great 2008 (That is so corny, I know)
Jay
Saturday, December 29, 2007
Closing the Year
Wow, this year has really flown by. I recently read in the book "You -Staying Young" that if life is moving fast then you are doing something right. Well I must really be doing a lot right to watch life pass by at this pace. Yes I am interested in staying young, as you may have noted with the book title. Young - What does that mean anyhow? I know many that in their fifties that seem to be young. I used to think that was old, but now I see it differently.
No doubt as we close the book on 2007 and begin 2008 we do so with great hope that this coming year will be the one. The one in which we lose weight, get rid of debt, save money, get fit, and all that other stuff. I would encourage us all to take 2008 as a time of reflection and planning for more. I know that God has wonderful plans for you and me. I know that He has a divine plan for Horizons church. Maybe we could all just ask of God, "Use Me to accomplish your plan here on earth". What might that mean for you. Would it mean giving something up that we feel is important to do something for God.
No one likes change, but sure enough it comes. How do we embrace it? How do we make the most out changing who we are and what we do? We do it for purposes that God created us for. That is to touch our world, and make disciples. Can we do more? Can I do more? Can I be more effective, smarter, wiser, more productive, for God's Kingdom. Yes - and so can you. Just think if we all put our efforts together to advance God's plan for mankind. It could be awesome.
So Happy New Year to you. Let us be good steward of the time and talents that God has given us. Please join us on the first Sunday in January - the 6th as we share the vision God placed upon our hearts. 2008 awaits, and people need to see and experience the Life changing power that we have in Jesus Christ.
Let Go for it with everything we've got - 2008 awaits, let's make it great.
J
No doubt as we close the book on 2007 and begin 2008 we do so with great hope that this coming year will be the one. The one in which we lose weight, get rid of debt, save money, get fit, and all that other stuff. I would encourage us all to take 2008 as a time of reflection and planning for more. I know that God has wonderful plans for you and me. I know that He has a divine plan for Horizons church. Maybe we could all just ask of God, "Use Me to accomplish your plan here on earth". What might that mean for you. Would it mean giving something up that we feel is important to do something for God.
No one likes change, but sure enough it comes. How do we embrace it? How do we make the most out changing who we are and what we do? We do it for purposes that God created us for. That is to touch our world, and make disciples. Can we do more? Can I do more? Can I be more effective, smarter, wiser, more productive, for God's Kingdom. Yes - and so can you. Just think if we all put our efforts together to advance God's plan for mankind. It could be awesome.
So Happy New Year to you. Let us be good steward of the time and talents that God has given us. Please join us on the first Sunday in January - the 6th as we share the vision God placed upon our hearts. 2008 awaits, and people need to see and experience the Life changing power that we have in Jesus Christ.
Let Go for it with everything we've got - 2008 awaits, let's make it great.
J
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
December already.
Can you believe it is December? Yes the holiday are upon us. I hope that you all had a great Thanksgiving. My parents were able to visit Christa the kids and I. We had a nice time of relaxation, football watching, and of course eating to much. I bet you had a similar kind of time. We did see the movie Enchanted - and it was great. Consider that I took my 4 year old girl, my 15 yr old son, and my 60 + parents. Everybody loved it, they all laughed a lot and we went home satisfied, so a movie home run for our fam.
It is really starting to get chilly, and their is the forecast for snow. I have to laugh when they mention snow here in VA. The grocery stores all get slammed and all the kids start praying for that beloved Snow Day. We shall see. This weather does make coffee taste better doesn't it?
For those of you that know I am an Oklahoma Sooners fan - I am satisfied with this past weekend. OU beat Mizzou handily and moved up to #3 in the AP poll and the Coaches poll. There was some talk of playing in the championship game. It did not happen as they werre 4th in the BCS final and missed the big game by that much. That is the way it goes. I am very happy to see them play West Virginia in the Fiesta Bowl. By the way OU only loses a couple of players. Their entire offense with the exception of two players returns. The defense virtually everyone. IN other words, I have great expectations for 2008.
Make sure to check the church website for postings concerning our building. You can also listen to past sermons from the church there. Pastor Rich has been speaking on the topic Life Swap. It has been a great teaching on personality types and how to relate to others. I highly recommend it. On the 16th of the month we will be celebrating all that God has done this past year. When we start to talk about it, and put it on paper, we really are blessed to see what God has done through the ministry.
Thanks to all of you that pray, support, and labor with your church family. I am so blessed to work with you and to see the joy of life change in our community.
Have a great week. Stay warm
J
It is really starting to get chilly, and their is the forecast for snow. I have to laugh when they mention snow here in VA. The grocery stores all get slammed and all the kids start praying for that beloved Snow Day. We shall see. This weather does make coffee taste better doesn't it?
For those of you that know I am an Oklahoma Sooners fan - I am satisfied with this past weekend. OU beat Mizzou handily and moved up to #3 in the AP poll and the Coaches poll. There was some talk of playing in the championship game. It did not happen as they werre 4th in the BCS final and missed the big game by that much. That is the way it goes. I am very happy to see them play West Virginia in the Fiesta Bowl. By the way OU only loses a couple of players. Their entire offense with the exception of two players returns. The defense virtually everyone. IN other words, I have great expectations for 2008.
Make sure to check the church website for postings concerning our building. You can also listen to past sermons from the church there. Pastor Rich has been speaking on the topic Life Swap. It has been a great teaching on personality types and how to relate to others. I highly recommend it. On the 16th of the month we will be celebrating all that God has done this past year. When we start to talk about it, and put it on paper, we really are blessed to see what God has done through the ministry.
Thanks to all of you that pray, support, and labor with your church family. I am so blessed to work with you and to see the joy of life change in our community.
Have a great week. Stay warm
J
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