20/20 Perspective

I hesitated to grab the low-hanging fruit blog topic for today.  Surely blogs, vlogs, and the like will fill social media with comments - some poetic and some prose - about how tomorrow marks the day that the new year's number matches the numbers that represent "perfect" vision.  My hesitation, however, lost out as the theme continues to grab my attention.  Allow me to grab yours for a couple of minutes.  

As a refresher course, I will explain the meaning of the measurement of vision.

• 20/20 vision means that a person sees objects with clarity at 20 feet.  It is thus "perfect" vision.
• 20/80 vision means that a person sees objects with clarity at 80 feet only by moving forward 60 feet.
• 20/10 vision means that a person sees objects with clarity at 20 feet that a person with "perfect" vision must be 10 feet away from.  Thus better than "perfect" vision.

Dr. Seuss' wonderful book My Many Colored Days provides a creative way to explain the many different feelings one experiences.  Some bright days are such because we feel as happy as a circus seal.  Other days are dull because we feel sour and gray.

In the year to come, you and I will have many days of many colors - happy orange, dull gray, and the like.  Jesus declared, with great honesty, "In this world you will have trouble."  He also spoke of people as blessed and bearers of light.  Our days will vary.

Will our vision vary, also?  Not our eyesight.  Our perspective.  We need to keep our eyes (our perspective) focused on what truly matters.  What truly matters?  God matters.  Since God matters, we need to focus on Him.  Daniel did.

8 Give praise to the Lord, proclaim his name;
    make known among the nations what he has done.
9 Sing to him, sing praise to him;
    tell of all his wonderful acts.
10 Glory in his holy name;
    let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice.
11 Look to the Lord and his strength;
    seek his face always.
12 Remember the wonders he has done,
1 Chronicles 16:8-12a (NIV)

23 Sing to the Lord, all the earth;
    proclaim his salvation day after day.
24 Declare his glory among the nations,
    his marvelous deeds among all peoples.
25 For great is the Lord and most worthy of praise;
    he is to be feared above all gods.
26 For all the gods of the nations are idols,
    but the Lord made the heavens.
27 Splendor and majesty are before him;
    strength and joy are in his dwelling place.
28 Ascribe to the Lord, all you families of nations,
    ascribe to the Lord glory and strength.
29 Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name;
    bring an offering and come before him.
    Worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness.
30  Tremble before him, all the earth!
    The world is firmly established; it cannot be moved.
31 Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad;
    let them say among the nations, “The Lord reigns!”
32 Let the sea resound, and all that is in it;
    let the fields be jubilant, and everything in them!
33 Let the trees of the forest sing,
    let them sing for joy before the Lord,
    for he comes to judge the earth.
34 Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;
    his love endures forever.
35 Cry out, “Save us, God our Savior;
    gather us and deliver us from the nations,
    that we may give thanks to your holy name,
    and glory in your praise.”
36 Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel,
    from everlasting to everlasting.
Then all the people said “Amen” and “Praise the Lord.”
1 Chronicles 16:23-36 (NIV)

In 2020, no matter the quality of your eyesight, focus on God.  He will help you see.

Happy New Year!

#ordinarylives

"Shades Drawn Tight"

A few years ago I composed a poem within which I reflected on the amazing gift of God's grace.  I share that with you now.

"Shades Drawn Tight”

With the shades drawn tight
I hide myself from the light
For I see me not as free
But as bound to a powerful three
Fear, anger, and doubt
Grip so tightly and keep me out
Of life and joy
Like a man’s duty placed on a boy

I pull and release the strings
And the newly-lifted shades
Reveal a presence so real
It teaches me, once more,
What it means to feel

Then like water forging a trail
Determined to prevail
Flowing down its newly formed path
The light, undeterred, fills a bath
And pulls me into love and hope
Removing my need to grope

With the shades open for sight
I bathe myself in the light
For I see me as truly free
As one joyfully bound to the Holy Three
Father, Son, and Holy Ghost
Grasp so tightly as I hear the Heavenly hosts
Sing of life and joy
Creating a child of God out of a mere hobbledehoy 

Mark T. Goodman
A child of God by His Grace

#ordinarylives

Photo credit:  Ben Schulman - "Lights on the River" - 2013 - Anchorage, AK.

The Consolation Prize Worth Winning

With perhaps a few exceptions, Anchorage School District students look forward to this Thursday's afternoon bell.  That sound will mark the end of a semester and the beginning of Winter Break.  

Calendars tell us that winter begins on Saturday; but according to kids, the final season of the year starts on Friday.  In my mind, as I write, I picture hundreds of Calvins running with glee.  What brings you glee?

 

For the writer of Psalm 94, it was the consolation of the Lord that brought glee.

18 When I said, “My foot is slipping,”
    your unfailing love, Lord, supported me.
19 When anxiety was great within me,
    your consolation brought me joy.
Psalm 94:18-19 (NIV)

You and I are no strangers to our feet slipping.

We slip for various reasons . . .

• Poor traction
• Steep inclines
• Steep descents
• Slippery paths

Those translate, in our faith walk, to . . .

• Poor preparation
• Intense temptations
• Careless pursuits
• Those infamous "slippery slopes"

Glee abounds when God steps in and prevents our fall or picks us up after we have already fallen. 

As we draw near to year's end, we will benefit from a time of reflection that leads to joy.

When God steps in, His actions mark the end of the slipping and the beginning of firm footing. 

1 I waited patiently for the LORD;
    he turned to me and heard my cry.
2 He lifted me out of the slimy pit,
    out of the mud and mire;
he set my feet on a rock
    and gave me a firm place to stand.
3 He put a new song in my mouth,
    a hymn of praise to our God.
Psalm 40:1-3a (NIV)

The slimy pit-dweller became the firm-place stander.  He experienced the consolation of the Lord and, therefore, experienced glee - such glee that his joy led to singing.

Reflect on the times in 2019 when God consoled you.  When did He keep your foot from slipping?  When did He lift you up?

Through the Scripture, the Author instructs us to do a very helpful thing.  He tells us to remember.  When we remember, we find it much easier to do two additional actions of faith.
     1) Trust God.
     2) Fight Fear.

We grow in maturity as we learn to do those essential actions of faith.  The more often we remember, the better we become at trusting and fighting.  Back in Psalm 94, we recognize what the psalmist fought and in whom he trusted.
    - He fought anxiety.
    - He trusted God.
As a result of both actions, he experienced the LORD'S unfailing love and consolation.

What a prize!

#ordinarylives

"God in the Arts"

My family and I enjoy the productions of TBA (a local theatre group).  As their name illustrates, they train better artists.  Memories of seeing their production of "Fiddler on the Roof" continue to form my mouth into a smile.  With anticipation, my family and I await their rendition of "It's a Wonderful Life," which we will see this coming Friday. 

With equal anticipation, I look forward to Saturday as well.  On that afternoon my wife, oldest son, and I will watch and listen as my youngest son graces the ivories during the Winter Recital.  What parent doesn't love seeing their child share a talent?

This weekend, at least for the Goodman family, will be one filled with theatre and music - filled with art, in other words.  Gratitude overwhelms my heart when I contemplate the thought that God, the greatest artist and artistic director, filled creation with color, sound, beauty, music, and awe.

Art connects me to my Creator.  As I listen to music, I hear the miracle of sound and the use of talent.  When I view paintings, I see the fruit of one's expression that found its voice on the canvas.  "Christian" and "secular" art alike arise from a motivation to create (even if the artist is not aware).  God grabs our attention, when we choose to notice, through the art of nature and the art of human creation. 

View Rembrandt's "The Return of the Prodigal Son."  What do you see? 



 










Attend to Van Gogh's "The Starry Night."  Do you see the glory of God in the sky?










Listen to Elijah Bossenbroek's "I Give Up" and you will hear a bit of the music of heaven. 

Tune into Journey's "Don't Stop Believing" and you will hear expression of loneliness and temporary solace.  The song reminds me that our world needs more hope. 

Watch Andrew Lloyd Webber's "Phantom of the Opera" and the music will move your innermost being. 

Experience "Fiddler on the Roof" and feel the honesty of Tevye's musical protest to God that poverty, while not a shame, is "no great honor, either."

On Friday, as I watch the artists of TBA and Saturday as I listen to the talent of my son, I will smile and thank God for the gift of the arts.  Watch and listen; you will see and hear the creativity of God.

#ordinarylives

Kindness

An angel walks into a bar . . .
No, it isn't a joke; it's a story. 

Just over a month ago, a couple dined at a family-owned restaurant in Euclid, Ohio.  After enjoying a nice meal and purchasing a fine wine to go, the waitress, to her stun-worthy surprise, received a $1070 tip. 

Samantha "Sam" Meyer could not believe her eyes and, therefore, asked if there was a mistake.  (I once left a $50 tip with the intent of leaving $5 - wow that now sounds cheap!)  The generous gratuity giver assured Sam that he wrote the number he intended. 

Using the "average generous" tipping percentage of 20%, Sam would have received $24.45.  One thousand forty-five dollars and fifty-five cents richer, Sam declared, "God works in mysterious ways."  She knew that the bills she struggled to pay in October were covered, even after she shared her gift with her fellow servers.  The family owners considered the patron to be an angel. 

Acts of kindness warm our hearts - even when we receive nothing other than the joy of hearing about them.  When have the acts of others blessed you?

I recall . . .

• the check that arrived in the mail when we needed to replace our boiler.
• the financial help from my parents and in-laws over the years.
• the words of encouragement from a friend during a difficult time.
• the tow out of the sand when our dip-netting trip took a turn.
• and so many more times when others blessed me and my family.

Now for another question.  When have your acts of kindness blessed others?  I hope several occasions enter your mind.  That time you . . .

• helped a neighbor.
• gave that gift with no strings attached.
• said that encouraging word.
• forgave the debt.
• carried the load.

If it has been a while since you were that mysterious way through which God blessed another, change that today.  Look for an opportunity to practice an act of kindness.  See it, do it, and then look for another.

25 Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. 26 Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, 27 and whoever wants to be first must be your slave— 28 just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Matthew 20:25-28 (NIV)

#ordinarylives

Fire

I like fire.
 
While pyromaniac would be a severe overstatement, pyroenthusiast is fair.  As a Boy Scout, I learned the required knots (square knot, clove hitch, etc.); but I loved burning things.  Actually, fire was one of my favorite activities of Scouting - that and playing with (I mean to say safely handling) knives.  I have a wonderful reminder in the form of a scar.  I loved the camping, canoeing, hiking, archery, and knives; but, again, I really enjoyed the fires.

Interestingly the Bible is full of stories of fire.  Some tell of expansive destruction; yet others deal with less destructive events.  Think . . .

• Moses and the burning bush.
• The fire of protection by the Red Sea.
• Elijah vs. the prophets of Baal.
• The fires of burnt sacrifices.
• Fire representing the mighty power and presence of the Holy Spirit.

The Bible mentions fire over 500 times.  Twenty-six times occur in Revelation.  Revelation tells, in summary, of the great victory of Jesus over the evils of Satan and the resulting unification of God's people with Him.  

The Bible promises (which means it will happen) that Jesus will return to earth to set things right.  Jesus' return is the central focus of the season of Advent which begins this week.  Many churches use fire (candles) to help the worshipers progress through the season.  Then, during Christmas Eve, children and adults hold lighted candles while singing something along the lines of "Silent Night." 

As you see candles, lights, and fire this season, remember the promise of Jesus.

12 “Look, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to each person according to what they have done.
13 I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End."
Revelation 22:12-13 (NIV)

#ordinarylives

We Are Thankful

In the Goodman house we engage in a birthday tradition of vocalized appreciation.  Five times a year, since that is the number of people in our family, four of us take turns telling the one celebrating another year of life the things that we appreciate about her or him.  Year after year we speak to each other these encouraging words.  Sometimes our kids do the same thing an additional time on Mother's Day and Father's Day. 

Once a year people all over our country practice a similar tradition on the fourth Thursday of November.  We dedicate a day to eating turkey, ham, and pumpkin pie; greeting and hugging extended family members; and, for some, watching the ever-on-Thanksgiving Dallas Cowboys game.  Most importantly, however, we devote time to expressing in words all that for which we are thankful to God. 

While that activity should occur on every one of a calendar's 365 days, it is good to do so on Thanksgiving.  We, literally, give thanks to our Creator, Lord, and Savior for all that He has done.

Thank you, Father, for sending your Son.
Thank you, Jesus, for saving us from our sin.
Thank you, Spirit, for leading us.

We are thankful!

#ordinarylives

In This Together

Three days ago men filled our worship center for our fourth annual Beast Feast.  Wild game and the less important sides covered the tables.  Food brought us together; yet something more meaningful and enduring occurred.  Namely, the gathering of brothers.  In addition to moose meat and venison, we shared time and stories.  With just our presence, we reminded one another that we are not alone.  As one Christ-following man shares a meal with another, Christ's church grows stronger.  As a fully grown child of God shakes hands with his brother, a perhaps unstated message is communicated - "We are in this together." 

Together.  The word comes from the Proto-Germanic word "gaduri" which means "in a body."  The body was one of the Apostle Paul's favorite metaphors for the church.  He wrote in great detail about the importance of the body of Christ (the Church) working in unity and rhythm.  He called for a ban on elitism as well as self-deprecation.  No grandstanding or cowering allowed. 

Together.  King David bought into that concept.  He loved Jonathan.  He fought with his soldiers (except when he didn't; and we all know how that turned out - don't we?).  He stuck with his Mighty Men who, together, strengthened Jerusalem.  In light of his experiences, David wrote Psalm 133.  The first verse well articulates the power of staying together. 

Behold, how good and pleasant it is
    when brothers dwell in unity!
Psalm 133:1 (ESV)

When we do life together, we do what is good and pleasant.

#ordinarylives

Pay Up

Many Americans go to the polls today.  As the numbers are tallied, results will be made known.  Joy awaits some poll-goers and frustration awaits others.  

On election days, the words of Paul to the Christians in Rome regarding the God-given authority of civic leaders enter my mind.  Questions abound when one reads Romans 13.  Especially Romans 13:5. 

Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience.
Romans 13:5 (NIV)

Did Paul mean all authorities?
Should Christians disobey authorities?
When should Christians disobey authorities?
What about truly "evil" authorities?  (Hitler, Pol Pot, etc.)

I contemplate those questions.  I think I have some good answers - at least, partially.  I will, however, refrain from addressing those specifics today.  Rather, I will focus on some very straightforward instructions from Paul. 

6 This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing. 7 Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.
Romans 13:6-7 (NIV)

In essence, Paul instructs believers to pay up.  As you review the "invoices" the apostle mentions, think about which of those you find most difficult to pay.  

• Do you struggle to pay respect?
• Do you fight the mandate to pay the IRS?
• Does honoring a certain authority in your life cause you heartburn?

Not many Bible passages get more Ordinary than Romans 13.  Recall the words from the previous chapter.

So here’s what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering.
Romans 12:1 (MSG)

Living the Ordinary Life certainly includes the loftier actions of life (worship, mission, serving your neighbor, and the like); however, those actions do not hold exclusive rights.  Living the Ordinary Life includes so much more.  Given the actions many people will take today, we do well to remember that living the Ordinary includes:

• praying for your authorities
• voting (if you choose to do so) in light of your Christian faith
• respecting your leaders
• paying your taxes

Give special attention to God's instructions as worded by Paul . . . "Give to everyone what you owe them."

#ordinarylives

Little Monsters

Little monsters will knock on your door on Thursday.  Do not misunderstand - with my use of "little monsters," I am not referring to ill-behaved children (although those might ring your doorbell, as well).  Rather, I am referring to those children who will don masks of various kinds while politely asking for candy.  

Some of those masks will be the face of Frankenstein's monster.  Notice, please, the important detail that the masks - those of a block-headed, stud-necked, and stitch-faced green guy - are of Frankenstein's monster.  Not Frankenstein.  

Frankenstein is Mary Shelley's protagonist in the classic book bearing his name.  He is a young, curious (even idealistic) scientist who discovered, after much trial and error, how to create life.  In doing so, Frankenstein created a monster.  He intended, mind you, to create a gentlemanly being who would add joy to the world.  In reality (fictional reality, to be sure), the young scientist created a being who caused much destruction and heartache.  Near the end of the piece of classic literature, Shelley gives voice to Frankenstein as he mourns his act of creating.  He looks upon the body of Clerval, his dear friend whom his monster killed and says . . .

"The completion of my demoniacal design became an insatiable passion.  And now it is ended; there is my last victim!"  (192)

Notice the second occurrence of the personal pronoun "my."  The young scientist refers to his friend as "my" victim.  The monster took life; yet the scientist took blame.  He recognized the destruction which his "insatiable passion" caused.

Neither I or you have created block-headed, stud-necked, and stitch-faced monsters.  Yet both you and I have created our own share of messes.  To the horror of Shelley's protagonist, the possibility for him to undo his mess passed.  

Our story, praise Jesus (I mean that) is different.  God remains in the business of cleaning up messes.  For that I am eternally thankful.

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
1 John 1:9 (NIV)

All - that's right - all unrighteousness.

On Thursday when a little green monster asks for candy, hand over the loot and then praise God for the way He has cleaned up after the monsters you created.

#ordinarylives


Shelley, Mary. Frankenstein. San Diego: Baker & Taylor, 2013.

I Don't Need a Gruffalo

In spite of the fact that the ages of all three of my children end with "teen," I still enjoy reading children's books.  Perhaps vividly colored pictures and brief sentence structure provide a welcome respite from small black letters numbering in the hundreds on white pages with no pictures.  

I enjoy a good story; children's literature authors know how to craft such stories.  Julia Donaldson (author) and Axel Scheffler (illustrator) joined forces over twenty years ago to craft what is one of my favorite stories. 

The Gruffalo takes the reader on a journey with a mouse.  Along the way, the mouse (not given a name) encounters other animals that, from a mouse's perspective, instill a healthy yet troublesome sense of fear.  Natural predators make their way into the story - fox, owl, and snake.  In order to protect himself in the presence of his foes, mouse describes to each of the three the physical attributes of a made-up-on-the-spot creature - "a gruffalo."  The gruffalo, according to mouse's imagination, possesses such things as "terrible tusks," "terrible claws," "turned-out toes," and "a poisonous wart on the end of his nose."  You get the horrifying picture!  Mouse "created" a creature to protect him from foes and fears.  

Perhaps Donaldson, as she crafted The Gruffalo thought of how people act a lot like her mouse.  If not, I sure did as I read it.  I thought about how we "create" things to protect ourselves.  Don't we?

Personas
Embellished resumes
"Safe" places (isolation, addiction, dependence, distraction)

Yet we need not create anything.  Our Creator already stays with us when we trust Jesus as we encounter the foxes, owls, and snakes in our lives. 

Jesus, rather than terrible claws, has nail-scarred hands.
Jesus, rather than a poisonous wart, has a welcoming smile.

We, along with David, can say . . .

"Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil for [God] you are with me."

#ordinarylives

Donaldson, Julia. The Gruffalo. Great Britain: Macmillan Children's Books, 1999.

Supper Time

Two days ago our church family gathered for supper.  If you are from the southern portion of the Lower 48, you may think that means we ate the day's last meal together.  The supper we shared was much less substantial in quantity when compared to an average evening meal; but it was exceedingly more substantial in meaning.  And, strange as it sounds, our supper was dedicated to a remembrance of death.  Quoting the Lord Jesus, Paul wrote . . .

"This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me."
and
"This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me."

When Christians take / receive / observe the Lord's Supper (Communion), they do so with past events in mind and the present realities those events ensure.

Past Events We Remember:

1. Jesus invited His disciples to eat and drink with Him.
2. Jesus shared a meal that symbolized the suffering He knew He would soon endure.
3. Jesus suffered and died for sinners.

Present Realities We Celebrate:

1. Jesus invites Christians to "take and eat."
2. Jesus' suffering spared us from the deserved consequences of our sin.

   He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world. 1 John 2:2 (NIV)

3.  Jesus suffered and died for us.

   But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.  Romans 5:8 (NIV)

In the second chapter of Acts, Luke details the acts of the first disciples.  In addition to teaching and supporting one another in community, they broke bread. 

They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. . . . Acts 2:46 b - 47a (NIV)

It may seem strange that we, like they, break bread together in remembrance of Jesus' suffering and death.  Even still, we continue to do so because of those amazing present realities.  We remember and we celebrate.

#ordinarylives

Face-to-Face

Tomorrow evening, Alaska Airlines will transport my wife and me to Phoenix.  The occasion?  Grand Canyon University's Family Weekend - AKA the first weekend we get to enjoy visiting our daughter who is now well into her first semester of college.  I'm sure it will be a great time.  For one reason, we will be doing much less shopping than we did in August.  Who knew a person could go to Target so many times?  (Not to mention all the other stores we frequented.)  For another reason, we will eat some delicious "street" tacos and a not-found-in-Alaska Chick-fil-a #1 meal with extra pickles.  For another reason, it will not be 114 degrees like it was the day we moved her into her dorm.  I really do look forward to the less shopping, good eating, and cooler temperatures.

Yet, I most look forward to just spending face-to-face time with our daughter.  That is true even if it does include more shopping.  Why?  Because she is our daughter and we love her.  We are traveling to see her because she is our daughter and we love her.

In John's account of God's good news, we read about a Father who did something very similar yet far more profound.  Borrowing the well-crafted words of Max Lucado, "God came near."  God came near, by sending His Son, because He loves you.  You are His daughter (or son) and He loves you.  Jesus came not for "street" lamb tacos or extra pickles; He came for you.  He traveled to the world because you are His child and He loves you.  Don't ever forget that!

#ordinarylives 

An Ordinary Anniversary

It all began near 2015's end.  And it continues today.  This is blog number 200 for The Ordinary Life.  Last week I invited you to make a "to do" list.  (How are you doing with that?)  I added to my list this week by investing some time in evaluating my faithfulness to the (self-assigned) task of celebrating the ordinary things of life.  In light of that evaluation, I will dedicate the rest of today's blog to re-posting my original post.

Hello.  My name is Mark Goodman and I am a fan of ordinary.  As you join me on this blog journey, we will delight in the ordinary things of life that often receive less than their share of attention.

Sunrises - yes Hawaiian, but also the less-often photographed as well. 

Museum-ready works of art - yes; but without overlooking the crayon creations of children.

I live in Anchorage, Alaska where my wife and I raise our three children.  We love Alaska, our home for over 14 years.  You will find one or more of us skiing down a mountain, or down a trail, dancing ballet (not me!), playing racquetball, eating at Moose’s Tooth Pizza, hiking, reading, doing magic tricks, playing the electric guitar, piano, or violin, or just hanging out together.  I serve as Senior Pastor of Rabbit Creek Church, our community of faith.  We love Jesus, reach out to people, and teach them to grow in relationship with the Lord. 

As I launch this blog, I must confess that I delayed for some time.  I prefer sharing my thoughts verbally or through the medium of an ordinary 0.5mm Pentel P205.  Three cheers for pencils!  That said, I realize that not all who read this blog will visit Alaska and my pencil marks fade.  

Others blogs can focus on the “extraordinary” and “great.”  I commit this blog to the celebration of the ordinary and the good.  I trust that together you, the reader, and I will enjoy this journey through observing life.

Long live the ordinary!
Mark

#ordinarylives

Less Than 100 Days

The sun will set this evening marking the completion of the 267th day of 2019.  In less than 100 days, the sun will rise on 2020.  What will I do in and with my next 97 Ordinary days of this year?  I'll start by making a list.  (Not a "bucket list;" Lord willing, I plan on sticking around for a bit longer.)

To do in 97 days:

1. Thank God for each day.
2. Say "I love you" to my wife at least once a day.
3. Say "I love you" to my kids at least once a day.
4. Preach three-plus months' worth of sermons.
5. Pray.
6. Play racquetball.
7. Hike.
8. Ski (downhill).
9. Ski (cross-country).
10. Eat Moose's Tooth pizza (more than once).
11. Drink Dr. Peppers.
12. Visit my family in Texas.
13. Celebrate the birth of Jesus.
14. Exchange gifts.
15. Read the Bible daily.
16. Read a few more books.
17. Get in a few more motorcycle rides (wishful thinking perhaps).

As you read those seventeen "to dos," you learned a bit more about me.  That's how it works.  When one reveals his or her interests, habits, etc., the other learns a bit more about one's priorities.  What makes a person happy?  You can find out by studying their list (written or lived).

I encourage you to make your own list of "to dos" you hope to accomplish over the next 97 days.  Then go back and read your list.  (I'll wait.)

Okay, now that you've done that, what did you learn about yourself?
See any pattern?
Have any "Oops, I forgot that" moments?
Time for a personal reset?

I learn new things about myself on a regular basis.  Plato said, "A good decision is based on knowledge and not on numbers."

So, in light of the philosopher's wisdom, don't concern yourself with the number of days 2019 still contains.  Focus rather on what you will do in and with them.

Continue to learn about yourself and live your life.

#ordinarylives

Mercy and Grace

This weekend many of the women of Rabbit Creek Church will be at Victory Bible Camp for our church's Annual Women's Retreat.  While there, they will enjoy times of fellowship, worship, and relaxation.  The theme for the weekend is "Receiving Mercy and Finding Grace."  In words not original to me . . .

Mercy is not receiving what you deserve
     (think "wages of sin") and
Grace is receiving what you do not deserve
     (think "eternal life").

We can all agree that God is the greatest extender of mercy and grace.  Make it a habit to regularly thank God for those gifts.  Do not stop there.  When we read the Bible, interesting and even challenging questions confront us.  Many of my biggest questions can be expressed with one word - How?

Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
Matthew 5:48 (NIV)

How?

In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus . . .
Philippians 2:5 (NIV)

How?

But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do . . .
1 Peter 1:15 (NIV)

How?

How are we to be perfect, think and act like Jesus, and be holy?  

Well, we must start somewhere, and a great place to start is in extending mercy and grace. 

Who in your life "deserves" to pay? 
     Will you extend mercy?
Who in your life really needs some support (listening ear, money, encouragement)? 
     Will you show them grace?

The pursuit of perfection is never-ending. Striving to think and act like Jesus is a life-long endeavor.  Holiness seems out of reach.  Yet we can be well along our way of reaching those heights by being champions of Mercy and Grace  God extends both.  So should we.

From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.
Luke 12:48b (NIV)

#ordinarylives

Make Your Dot

By appreciating her simple center-of-the-page dot, Vashti's teacher opened her student's eyes to see that even those who believe that talent eludes them can create art.  We learn alongside her as we read Peter Reynold's book, The Dot.  What began as a fictional tale in a book has grown into a worldwide movement.  In fact, inspired by the tale of Vashti and her dot, people around the globe will celebrate International Dot Day on September 15 or, according to the official website - "September 15th-ish."  The founders of Dot Day encourage participants to "celebrate creativity, courage and collaboration."

I encourage you to read a copy of The Dot and, therefore, I will avoid giving away too many details that Reynolds artfully includes.  I will, however, share a bit.

Vashti doubts herself.  "I can't draw," she protests more out of self-doubt than obstinance.  However, as stated before, Vashti learns to believe in herself due, in great part, to the efforts of her teacher. 

We relate to Vashti - don't we?

• Those who draw - don't think they draw as well as someone else.
• Those who sing - doubt that their voice is important enough to be heard.
• Those who are told they're beautiful - doubt their beauty when they compare themselves with another.

We underestimate the value of our dots.

In my passion for the Ordinary Life, I urge you to see your worth and the value of your dot.

• Take pride in your "B" for which you studied diligently.
• Draw for the sake of drawing - no matter how many (or how few) people see it.
• Love your kids when they succeed and when they fail.
• Strum your six-string even if you never stand on a stage.

After you finish reading this sentence, go make your dot and celebrate it on September 15th-ish and beyond.

#ordinarylives