Been a bit

Sorry, I've not posted in a while. I got violently sick for a few days this week. I am still getting over the cold and trying to catch up on the work I did not do when I was sick.
There is one thing I am learning from this week's experience. That is that I need to rely of God's strength and not my own. I have always known this simple concept but I am finding it to be even more true as I work more with people in a ministry setting. It is indeed God who works in us both to will and do of His good pleasure. God loves us and wants the best for us. Sometimes, His best involves permitting Him to do His work while I simply stay out of the way. That can mean simply listening to God or to other people or Just taking time to rest and re-charge my physical form. God is honored in our humble obedience to Him; not in our rushing through life to one more thing trying to fit it all in. So, I learn to cultivate the quiet of my own heart and listen to the still small voice of the Lord that says "I love you, take some time to rest and I'll help you get it all done."

Sam

Show Tunes

I wrote this a few nights back and finally got around to reading it to my wife. She insisted I put it on the blog... So here it is:

Most of us have seen the old movies. The male lead can sing, dance and play a variety of instruments. He is a man's man that dances his way into the heart of the leading lady. She, incidentally, is graceful and stunningly beautiful. That's the way it is in the movies. Life, not so much. I've never been a dancer and though I have a moderate musical background as a vocalist I never learned to play an instrument or dance. I never made time to learn to dance because I never really saw the value or purpose in it. My wife and I talked about taking some ballroom dance lessons together, but haven't done it, yet. As I write about dancing I am also thinking about what it takes to be truly free to dance; Free to dance in the park with your spouse, free to break out in show tunes with your mate in the mall or free to practice arias while swinging on the playground equipment.

We spend a great deal of our time worrying about what people think about us. The truth is that few people spend very much time thinking of the "outrageous" things others do. The reality is that they are too busy with their own lives to worry about it.

What changes would we make in our lives if we were free from the self-imposed opinions we think people have of us?

First Blog

Well folks, this is my first ever "blog".

I have been resistant to publish my thoughts up till now. Maybe it's the fear of not being able to keep one more plate spinning or whatever. In any case, here I sit at the laptop typing my thoughts for you to read. We'll have to see where it goes and if I am able to develop the discipline required to keep up with it.

Today ended up being a good but exceptionally busy day. I went to the church to study but ended up helping with a wedding that was taking place there. I really didn't mind that at all. I am good freinds with the bride's parents and I was very grateful to be able to help them in whatever way I could.

My son also had some things going on I needed to help him with. Well, one thing led to another and before I knew it, it was after 7:00 PM and I still have not begun my homework. By this time I was having problems breathing so I decided to see if I could get an extension from my instructor. I don't know when he will respond but he has been super to work with and understands my health issues and the fact that I don't yet have the sense to know when to slow down. I'll learn eventually, though.

I want to say too, there is an amazing crew at our church. I am continually amazed at their ingenuity and devotion. I truly thank God for them. Well that's about it for this one. I think I will sign off for tonight. Blessings all,

Sam