December 31st - Hoping for the best next year - planning to do my part

The story...

Twenty four has been my favorite number for as long as I can remember.  The number feels even, comfortable, and strangely offered an optimistic spin for the year.  The Ford Motor Company built our new Ford Maverick pickup truck during the last week of January and I planned to Uber driving with it beginning this spring.  While Uber driving, I hoped to meet, and serve, many people by helping them reach their destinations.  Yes, I'm planned to do my part toward making 2024 a good-to-great year.

My new years resolution was to pray, followed by meditation, for at least ten minutes per day for 100 consecutive days.  Why?  A good friend did something similar, I had the power to make the change happen, and the life change seems to offer only upsides.

Did I track my progress?  Yes, I wish that I didn't need to but experience says that my tracking helps me meet practice and sustain good-living habits.  In reality, my prayer and meditation life drifted to the more normal state; yet, "righter."

The only church in town will share about God's promises for a relationship with Him that trusts in His provision.  Prayer and quietly listening is part of that relationship.

Happy new year friends!

Just for today...

"The new year which lies before me has no time for futile regrets. I will live one day at a time, making each one better than the last, as I grow in confidence and faith."  One Day at a Time (p. 366)

"Have I thanked that person for all they've given me? Have I recognized my growing ability to love and trust others?"   Courage to Change (p. 366)

December 30th - Might suffering force me to grow in new and important ways?

The story...

Physical limitations forced me to adapt to a new reality.  Emotional and mental processes took time to both grieve the losses and accept my new condition before moving on.  Later, I enjoyed my new environments, habits, activities, and relationships that're part of a new life.  It seems that I can both retain my memories of the past and enjoy new learnings and blessing too.  Is it possible that my physical limitations are forcing me to change and grow in new, good, and important ways?  

The only church in town will teach you how Abraham, Gideon, and David died at ripe old ages.  I assume that being ripe means having fully experienced what life had to offer - resources put to use.  Maybe we'll take our life experience, trusting God, on into eternity - seems right.

Just for today...

"The unpleasant things other people say or do have no power to destroy my peace of mind or ruin my day unless I permit it . . . I suspect I may have benefited from my pain. But those benefits are no longer worth the prices . . . There is a beautiful person within me who has no need to build an identity around suffering . . . I won't waste another moment feeling sorry for myself."  Courage to Change (p. 365)

"I don't have to do or fix everything."  Hope for Today (p. 365)

December 29th - Plant your foot solidly and securely

 The story...

My feet had bunions, tight tendons connecting my toes, and almost no arch.  To make matters more challenging, one of my legs was/is about 1/4" longer.  Some of these limitations, and those partially caused by them, were corrected by surgery.  These changes allowed me to move more stably.

It feels good and right to plant your foot - the rest of your body parts, including the lumbar region of my spine, rely on that firm footing.  My lower back is currently impinging my spinal cord which is sending nerve impulses to my brain which I interpret as negative and painful.  Those "pain" signals trigger unwanted reactions, thoughts, and changes in my behavior.  I wanna be better.

The following article is from the 12/26/23 edition of the Wall Street Journal.  It claims that I might change my perception of some of the nerve signals that originate from my pinched spinal cord.  "The cause is brain sensitization rather than physical injury . . . verbally reappraising the sensations as a false alarm and noting it so that it's not considered threatening or painful."  Yes, I can live a better life by more accurately sensing, perceiving, and acting on reality.  That makes sense to me and seems like right thinking - in response, I'm planning on reappraising my nerve signals. I'll give it a try in reality.

Within the only church in town you'll learn the value of placing your step solidly within God's will. That firmer foundation allows for sustainable growth centered and planted in reality - the seen and the unseen.  I'm not talking about an imaginary world where a group all agrees in a sort of blind hope - It's about real relationships and better lives worked out together in the Light of God's revealed Word.  It's the place to be - fruit bearing along the way.

Just for today...

"Did I demand to much? Am I being confronted with a natural reprisal for my rigid, uncompromising attitude? . . . If we hurt someone or demanded to much of them, swift retribution may dismay or infuriate us . . . I may feel ever so justified in "taking a stand," but let me consider whether it was something I did that led to the crisis."  One Day at a Time (p. 364)

December 28th - Be okay living in reality

The story...

Oh, if I could've been more  kind to both me and to others too - more content with what I had and appreciative of what I received.  Yet, none of those years were wasted.  They're all part of who I am.  I'm thankful for each and every one - they were a gift.

From Caroline Kennedy

The bible says that He became flesh and lived a life out on this earth within a human experience as the Son of Man.  His human experience is important to both God and to us too.  Might all of our human experiences have eternal value?  I expect so . . .  they're certainly important to me as I type.

How about being a part of the only church in your town already?  What a great place to meet whilst praising and worshiping our Creator together.  Relationships found there help complete us, contribute to the value of each day, and builds towards a worthy aim.

Just for today...

"We intend to be kind and tolerant, but some uncontrollable impulse changes our attitude into something we later find ourselves regretting. We intend to accomplish so much, but unless we start out with a realistic estimate of what we are capable of doing, we fall far short of our expectations."  One Day at a Time (p. 363)

December 27th - Shared stories

The story...

By taking the time to care and listen, I heard what it was like to be flogged as punishment for violating a middle-eastern law by carrying a 3.4 oz. bottle of alcohol.  Men have told me what it's like to worship the sun, Mohammad, Buddha, and their Messiah in many different ways.  People who worship God charismatically have been willing to discuss the reality when they less guarded and more trusting.  A man shared what it was like to only remember clearly what'd happened about 60 years ago or before.  A 30-year-old woman explained what it was like to be an illegal immigrant from Russia while we recreated on a boat in Texas - they're required to read classic literature in Russian high schools.  A landlord explained what it was like to be free from the obligations of the Lutheran church in Duluth, MN - she had a hard time believing that I chose to go church when no one would know the difference.  A woman shared how it felt to be excommunicated from her church in Tennessee for cutting her hair.  Many older people have described how their more honest assessment of their self and humble worship and trusting in God's provision have brought contentment and peace in situations that were unimaginable to me.  A Buddhist professor explained how he valued the contentment afforded by not perceiving situations as either good or bad.  All of these conversations are precious to me and are part of the width, length and height of my story too.

It's a privilege to seek to understand another person in conversation.  I will to listen to and understand a part of how their life worked out - especially those who are significantly different from me.  As I ponder those that I remember, I'm so thankful for each one - I can't imagine giving up what I've learned from other's lives.  People's shared experiences and hearts are such a joy to me - truly precious.  It saddens me to hear of people who remain isolated from others and seek to find contentment merely through a pet.

The only church in town will value the variety of lives that make up their congregation as they worship in a common faith.  I love my church family and appreciate all who came before me, traveled with me, and those who I'll interact with in the days I have left.  I wonder how many more breaths I'll be given traveling on this wonderful spinning orb?

Just for today...

"...no one person's view is totally complete . . . I can be grateful for the chance to see that there are countless ways to looking at life . . . I use to take disagreements personally. One of us had to be wrong, and my position had to be accepted! . . . I don't have to invalidate anyone else's views in order to validate my own . . . Today I will respect someone's right to think differently."  Courage to Change (p. 362)

"Shared heart; Opens mine - Love felt; Truly divine."    Am I a Poet?

December 26th - Relationship Dance

The story...

I went to college during the disco-dance era.  Guys often met girls at parties where young men were faced with the opportunity to ask women to dance.  Like many other guys, I was a reluctant to display my lack of dancing skills amongst my peers - especially the girls who I admired from a distance.  John Travolta showed us how it was done on Saturday Night Fever - dancing experience could be a whole lotta fun.  

After college, I moved to Tennessee where they country-western danced.  They danced the 2-step and round danced to the Cotton-Eyed Joe.  I was new to Knoxville, so I went to two different churches on Sunday mornings followed by dance lessons at noon.  I wanted to be involved in community and meet my life partner - not knowing how to dance well was a barrier.  I met my life partner there in 1981 - praise God.  She was a practiced dancer who made dancing easy - she made me look and feel good.  She made it look like I was leading.  I often didn't know the next step but I was safe with her.

Relationships are much like a ballroom dance where you can hold your partner in various ways.  For me, it was great when I learned to hold her loosely with subtle, yet clear, signals as to where we were moving next.  She silently let me know what she wanted to do and where to go.  When it worked well, we flowed across the floor as a unit - continuous movements that didn't feel anything like work.  The close intimate relationship on the dance floor seemed kind of like a relationship well done.

Unlike the dance floor, I had a difficult time maintaining close relationships throughout life.  I've learned relationship building and sustaining skills along the way and now greatly value the close relationships I have.  There are similarities between a good relationships and the relationship on the dance floor - a metaphor.  Why not learn how to dance, go to places where people dance, and get out there on the dance floor of life?

Strangely, some churches don't allow dancing amongst boys and girls at all.  They're worried about unwanted close relationship building - a clear theat.  I hope that the only church in town will encourage relationship building.  God with me, me with Him, me with them, them with me, me with him/her, and her/him with me.  It seems wise to hold them loosely and work out the most important relationship with God first - be okay.  Learn about Him, learn the dance, dance life with Him, dance with friends while holding them loosely, and enjoy the community at the dance party too.   A dance party isn't a solemn place - you'll find happiness and joy there - a good metaphor for the only church in town? 

Just for today...

"I was a willing participant in a dance that required two partners. I felt like a victim, but in many ways I was a volunteer . . . When I get the old feelings that tells me I am a victim, I can regard it as a red flag, a warning that I may be participating in something that is not in my best interest. I can resist the temptation to blame others and look to my own involvement instead."  Courage to Change (p. 361)

"... it dawned on me how much of my life had been spent wanting for others to change so I could be happy."  Hope for Today (p. 361)

"I'm me; She's she - In dance; We're we."
"Subtle cue; Flow apart - Hold near; Ne'er depart."    Am I a Poet?

December 25th - Be quiet - replace what-ifs with even-ifs

 The story...

I'm lifting weights in my basement while listening to an inspiring message from one of my mentors on YouTube.  I complete my stretching and turn off the TV.  I kneel down, on my weight bench, in prayer and meditation.  Then, I'm quiet and peaceful for a time, maybe the best part of life, then it's quickly over.  Why?

Being quite in prayer, meditating, is a great place to be - peacefulness.  Why's it illusive?  I will to be quiet and peaceful following prayer with my heart open to the Spirit of God.  Yet, my mind, often filled with the cares of the world, seems crouched on the sideline, ready to pounce back in and continue running the show.  These are the those thoughts of: having to, wanting to, planning to, worrying about, interested in, and even whimsically entertaining myself - an endless stream of possibilities just waiting to be juggled around and explored.  Might my "what-ifs" be replaced with "even-ifs?"  If our focus shifted from trying to control and worry about what might happen to trusting God "even if;" then, might we live in a more peaceful place and make better decisions too?

The only church in town will introduce those assembled to the Word of God and the opportunity to experience fellowship with their Creator too - wow.  Faith in God means trusting Him to keep His Word - He's faithful.  Yes, His Word lived out in me is the very best both for the few years I've left and for all eternity too.  Yes, it's reasonable and right to replace our "what-ifs" with "even-ifs" when we're right with God in Christ.  That's an infinitely better place to be than merely trying my best, on my own, to control the uncontrollable.  

Merry Christmas - we have a wonderful Savior in Christ!  Praise God!  We're far more than okay in Christ.

Just for today...

"Serenity is: . . .  accepting my many characteristics and not judging what's 'bad' or 'good' but what's useful to keep and what to release . . . honoring my feelings without aiming them at someone else or letting them run my life."  Hope for Today (p. 360)

"What message does my silence communicate? Today I will try to align the stillness of my tongue with a stillness of spirit."  Courage to Change (p. 360)

"What if; We'd suffer - Be His; Even if."
"Courageous power; Humbly born - Abiding Christ; Forever more."   Am I a Poet?

December 24th - Reality Acknowledged

 The story...

My desk's a mess.  True, I don't currently have a designated place to put everything and I've more stuff than I need.  Yet, I know that I can organize my desk - I've done it in the past and I've the resources to make it happen.  Being organized is better and I've got the time to do it.  In fact, I expect that I'll actually enjoy the process once I get started.  So, why don't I get started?  I understand that this introspective quality is uniquely human.  It's so freeing to be grounded closer to reality than our imaginary "world" that we create and wish to be true.  Might our best introspective efforts be an illusion?

The only church in town will receive the reality that's written in the Apostle Paul's book of Ephesians and Philippians.  There you will find wonderful revelations from our Creator that you won't discover through self reflection.  Why?  He reveals them to love His creatures - us.

Just for today...

"Focusing on ourselves simply means that when we acknowledge the situation as it actually is, we look at our options instead of looking at the options available to other people. We consider what is within our power to change instead of expecting others to do the changing."  Courage to Change (p. 359)

"Desk amess; Reflecting self - Cleaned mirror; Reflects Light."
"Wanna see; Mess's true - First step; Honest you."    Am I a Poet?

December 23rd - Purpose to act or react?

The story...

Habits, routines, honest personal reflection, relationship building, kindness, prayer, quiet meditation, showing respect, and a propensity for doing versus waiting have all worked well for me. This incomplete list helped me grow up.  We'd probably agree that we've erected mental models to make sense of our lives and environments.  We may not agree on just how much our models are incomplete, flawed, biased, or bent to justify what we do or believe.  Upon reflection, we'd likely agree that our efforts are flawed attempts to reflect what we want to be true.  Being more honest, maybe we'd walk toward our life's aim more honestly, humbly, thoughtfully, and peacefully than most ?

How do I react to those whose ways, manners, physical characteristics, age, actions, beliefs, experiences, education, or aims are significantly different from mine?  In the future, I hope to seek to understand them more before I attempt to "help" them understand me - Steven Covey principle.  This one focus seems to enable a whole lotta other good-life stuff.

The only church in town will be a great place to meet up with co-sojourners for your life journey.  You can find friends with a common aim, who're on a similar path, that you can relate to, and are in a similar stage along the path.  It's important to work out your reality with others - there're many opportunities to love, and be loved by, most of the everybody.  Relationships and love seem to be the good stuff in life.  Good stuff is available within the only church in town - God's presence within the Body of Christ  - yes, it's mysterious and awesome too.

Just for today...

"I would not want this person as a friend, but I do need to work with him as a professional. I don't like him... However, . . . I treat him with the same courtesy and respect I would like him to give me, regardless of whether or not he gives it.  I let it begin with me and act rather than react."  Hope for Today (p. 358)

"Pretend thus; Want this - Selfishly smug; Treacherous kiss."
"Blow love; Ember glows - Guard lowered; Love shows."    Am I a Poet?

December 22nd - Aware an Engaged Now

The story...

I wonder how much of our "thinking life" is actually spent in the past (maybe 20%), engaging in the present reality (maybe 50%), or about future possibilities (maybe 30%)?  Given enough time, I expect that we'd agree that it's best to live in the present where life actually occurs.  If we do so, I expect our memories would be richer, and our future better lived.

A group of friends, and a book, introduced me to the benefits of living more fully in the present where life actually occurs.  They introduced me to the acronym S.T.E.A.M.: Senses, Thoughts, Emotions, Actions, and Mindfulness.  I practiced mindfulness by going through each of the letters when I found myself excessively reliving the past or worrying about future possibilities - I often did this on hiking trails.  First, I checked my five senses.  Second, I examined my current thoughts.  Third, I identified my emotions.  Fourth, I was honest with what I was doing.  Lastly, I enjoyed the peacefulness of rightly living in the present - being mindful.

Yes, I painted this...

The only church in town will introduce you to the spiritual realities that may have previously escaped your detection.  Yes, God communicates and works out life, with His creation, in the present.  So... I added an "S" to the acronym, S.T.E.A.M.S., to stand for my spirit and God's Spirit relating within the unseen spiritual reality.  Yes, there is a spirit/Spirit connection.  Why not more fully live by praying now, one-on-one with God, and together within the only church in town?

Just for today...

The Contemplative Life:  "...prayer is available any time, any place. It is undetectable to outside eyes, but it bears a seed of transformation that can bring the most unmanageable situation into perspective."  Courage to Change (p. 357)

"I wondered how I could pray without feeling false . . . my rigidity was a wall that hid my fear . . . Now I am gentler with myself and others.  Acceptance of my self-doubts enabled me to start turning away from the "musts" and "shoulds."  Hope for Today (p. 357)

"Living today; Planning tomorrow - Thinking eternity; Joy from sorrow."   Am I a Poet?

December 21st - Being kind and honest with you

The story...

Some dreams are nonsensical, others seem full of possible interpretations, while a few seem to call attention to a deeper meaning.  In my waking hours, my attention has been focused on the lumbar region of my lower spine - pain and physical limitations.  Whatever course my spinal changes lead me, I hope that I remain peacefully grounded in the reality of my situation and accept the care of others.  I don't need to look to my subconscious mind to discover what's going on.  Yes, I will to accept my condition honestly and humbly. 

Am I being kind to me when I'm honest and accepting?  Being grounded in reality seems to be the best place to live.  So, how do I deal with the mystical unknowns that go along with a journey towards the Celestial City while trusting God?  Yes, that was a reference to John Bunyan's Christian-life allegory - Pilgrim's Progress.

Some really good books... I've more time and life-space to read.

The only church in town will be an honest, kind, and loving sort of place.  Congregant's most important needs will be met as relationships are worked out - with God and others too.  Friends may be found to walk through live with. The destination and path were revealed by our Creator.

 

Just for today...

"Somewhere in my past I got the message that to think of myself first was wrong, that it was my duty to care for everyone else. As a consequence, I was never ready to take care of myself and so became a burden to those around me . . . In fact, improving myself is the only real action available to me . . . Why should others bother to follow my example if I can't take care of my own affairs? . . . To give advice to others is to intrude; to give advice to myself is to grow."   Courage to Change (p. 356)

"First step; Dubious try - Expanding world; Joyful cry."   Am I a Poet?

December 20th - Love meets each other's needs...

The story...

I imagined a world that was envisioned for me to sell toothpaste, Chevrolets, and scrubbing agents by "Ad Men" in Manhattan.  There was no escaping the overwhelming number of ad messages - they worked.  Life's better when you're drinking a Coca-Cola.

It was a world of love and acceptance - freedom to be me with other like-minded people.  Nobody would tell me what to do.  I'd live out the good stuff and toss the mundane, boring, and self-deprecating parts into the trash.  People would be as you imagined them to be.  I'd find a life partner, who agreed with me, and we'd live out an unburdened good life. 

Good Morning Sunshine - I thought this might be my reality?  Really???

My personality and intellect tended, and tends, to move me towards the rebellious end of the the spectrum.  What was my North Star that kept me going?  Maybe it was my fundamental desire to be accepted, respected, and loved.  Initially, I believed that the marriage relationship would fulfill those needs.  Marriage can do the wonderful - it can teach us how to give and receive love.  Yet, another person can't fill all the missing parts of a good and honest life.

The only church in town will communicate and work out relationships with God, and each other, through His provision in Christ.  I want to be found with Him now and for evermore - work life out alongside friends too.

Just for today...

"What role do my expectations as a child play in my difficulties as an adult?"  Hope for Today (p. 355)

"The more light we generate for others, the better we can see ourselves."  One Day at a Time (p. 355)

"Love is patient, love is kind, it is not jealous; love does not brag, it is not arrogant. It does not act disgracefully, it does not seek its own benefit; it is not provoked, does not keep an account of a wrong suffered, it does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; it keeps every confidence, it believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things."  I Corinthians 13:4-6 (NASB)

"Self hurt; God restore - Love heal; Open door."   Am I a Poet?

December 19th - Is being thankful the best way to live?

The story...

In 2000, I chose the long-hard path of education and research toward an engineering PhD.  Thankfully, I found ways to integrate the work and travel within an already busy schedule and family life.  The studies were related to my job; so, the course work and applications came relatively easy.  The travel, missed activities, job changes, and dissertation didn't come easy.  Never having been known as a quitter, I persevered to be awarded the degree of PhD in Industrial Engineering in 2010.  The journey took faith, passion, and discipline.  My eyes remained on the prize as I took each step.  I don't remember many people offering encouragement along the way - there were a lot of doubters and naysayers who advised caution and retreat.

Thankfully, I received a first-year teaching job at the University of Minnesota - Duluth (UMD).  It was a wonderful experience for which I'm extremely grateful.  The graduate-teaching job seemed to be a good person-job fit.  After my first year at UMD, I was offered a job as "Professor" at my alma mater - Iowa State University (ISU).  The job offer felt good yet it was too far from home.  After 10pm one April night, I talked to my son about his job search; described my own career dilemma; and relayed how I was trusting in God's provisions and not my own.  After our conversation, I left my apartment and walked to my campus office - I found the one job that might work at Eastern Michigan University (EMU).  I applied that night, interviewed the next week, and accepted the job the following week.  The professor and teaching career worked out - the journey required much faith.  I'm so... thankful for every step along the way.

What word would you choose to describe you?  I've settled in on the word "thankful."  I'm thankful for each: breath; day's weather; hot cup of coffee; expression of love; faithful friend; act of kindness; suffering; person I meet; memory of how life worked out; faith realized; and the wonderful surprises of life.  

The only church in town can help each of us to be more thankful.  How?  First, we'll learn what our Creator revealed about who we are, where we came from, how to best live, and where we'll spend eternity - "real" good stuff.  Second, we'll learn how to be rid of the shame and guilt that may weigh heavy upon our backs.  Third, we can learn to live more honestly within relationships characterized by love.  Fourth, we'll witness other lives worked out within the reality of their faith in God's Word.

Just for today...

"Is any of the attention I once gave to negative thinking now focused on gratitude?"  Courage to Change (p. 354)

"I was told what to believe and how to believe. If I deviated even slightly from the chosen path, I was reproached and corrected . . .  They wanted to show the world a perfect family. Needless to say, I didn't develop any individuality . . . I had no idea what were my likes, dislikes, needs or desires."  Hope for Today (p. 354)

"Told me so; Who I was - Clunky fit; Dimmed lights."
"Acting parts; Lost unloved - Pretending stank, Broke out."
"Free to be; Who I am - Lovin freely; In Christ."    Am I a Poet?

December 18th - W.A.I.T.: Why Am I Still Talking?

The story...

When I was young, I was more awkward and felt a tad outside the groups that I longed to be accepted by.  I learned to find acceptance by being interesting, funny, and engaging in group situations - the "story teller."  The persona I worked out seemed to help me be accepted - to feel okayer.  My "style" of being might've been less problematic if I'd learned to listen to and respect others too - wanting the same for others as I wanted for myself. 

George Costanza leaves on a high note.

I was often talking when I should've been listening, understanding, and growing.  Where did I miss the lesson that it's better to first understand than to be understood (Steven Covey)?  Did I talk to much in an effort to be respected and accepted?  The acronym W.A.I.T. would've been helpful for me in conversation: Why Am I Talking?

When the word of God is read in the only church in town, might we listen rather than seek to find ways to invalidate "The Message" or to bend it to fit our imagined reality?  The message will likely conflict with our self concepts of how the world works best for us.  Many of us construct, an operate within, an elaborate "house of cards," virtually erected, through our imagination and mental gyrations - reality is a better place to actually live.

Just for today...

"I will not yield to my compulsion to go on talking after I have made my point - and what I say will have a direct relevance to the subject of the meeting."  One Day at a Time (p. 353)

"Walls are disappearing, and love and community are growing and expanding."  Hope for Today (p. 353)

"What's next; Too silent - Had ta say; Tension eased."
"Me focused; What's the cost? - Felt better; Learnings lost."   Am I a Poet?

December 17th - Being honest - our truer selves

The story...

I was one of the youngest kids in my first-grade class and I grew, in stature, a little slower than most kids.  I hoped to be tall, like both of my parent's younger brothers; yet, it seemed like tall wasn't going to happen for me.  Unexpectedly, I grew to over six-foot during high school and throughout my freshman year of college too.  My physical height seemed to effect my identity.  Shorter people let me know that I was lucky to be respected "merely" for my exceptional height.

Everybody loves Raymond - Robby

My physical height shrunk along with my flattening spinal discs.  I might grow in height if my surgeon fuses more discs together by fusing my spine with metal rods like they did L4/L5 on December 3rd, 2009.  If they do, I'll be a bit taller; yet, I'm not so naive to think that my identity will change.  I've better learned who I am and I'm okayer with me and my defects too.

Our true selves are likely the ones that we'll work out throughout all eternity as opposed to the changing self who adapts to current needs, capabilities, situations, environments, rule sets, groups, and the opinions of others.  I'm so thankful that the Word of God reveals that I'm "far" better off aligned and positioned with "That Than Which There Is No Greater." 

The only church in town will share news of our true identity for this life and for all eternity too.  Yes, our true identity can be found in the Son of God, our Lord and Savior, Jesus the Christ. They'll read the scriptures and trust in the unseen realities that can be worked out in both this life and the eternal one to come - the "real" good life.

Just for today...

"I can risk being my true self with family members and allow family members to risk being themselves with me."  Hope for Today (p. 352)

"Resentments mark the place where I see myself as a victim . . . I will love myself enough to release myself from the closet in which resentments keep me locked."  Courage to Change (p. 352)

"Ain't the same; Me and you - Each adds; Livin true."   Am I a Poet?

December 16th - Understanding together from Him

The story...

Advanced mathematics was available to me throughout my education.  However, much of my time "doing math" was spent attempting to receive good grades rather than working to understand mathematical proofs based on fundamental axioms.  The better way was to: follow my teacher's guidance towards understanding the why(s); working more examples than I wanted to; and applying this structured way of thinking to real-life applications.  This mathematical structured thinking became an integral part of my mind.

As a graduate teacher, I encountered varying degrees of understanding regarding the application of mathematical equations, principles and practices.  Some of my students were from other countries where they learned to solve math problems using different methods - I had a difficult time verifying their work.  So, I required them to show their work according to methods that I, the teacher, understood.  I directed them to Kahn- Academy for examples that we could mutually understand. 

In or about 2012, I committed to completing all of the math courses on Kahn Academy from addition through differential equations.  I scheduled one-to-two hours per day over the course of three or four months.  I was surprised at how I more easily understood and integrated the various subjects that took me 16 years to initially learn.

The only church in town will be a place of instruction, understanding, practice, and the application of good-to-great life principles and truth.  There will be math guys, like me, and non-math folks, like most of us, who'll enjoy growing together.  Community is much more capable than any one member.

Just for today...

"I don't have to understand everything . . . feel threatened by the future . . . feel guilty about the past . . . feel alone . . . take responsibility for other people's choices . . . give up my hope and dreams."  Courage to Change (p. 351)

"What coping behaviors do I use to soothe my pain? Are they really helping me?"  Hope for Today (p. 351)

"They need you; We've got power - Loved and loving; We're in Christ."   Am I a Poet?

December 15th - Growing together

The story...

I went through a period of brokenness - the situation overwhelmed me.  I needed help.  I was withdrawing and isolating from the problem(s).  Thankfully, a caring friend suggested that I meet with a group of people who are dealing with similar life battles.  They'd helped both him and others he knew.  I went, I felt understood, the environment was comfortable, and I grew to become a better man alongside others.  I actually received love and gave love too.

Even though the people within the group come and go as their needs change - I truly love them and feel loved by them too.  I wish other groups were like that.  Strangely, as I grew towards being a more fully-functioning human, all of the groups that I'm a part of seemed to improve too.  Yes, we rub off on each other and perceive situations differently as WE grow.

The only church in town will have groups and friends who you can grow and walk through life with.  Yes, you can come closer to whom you were created to be.  Yet, most importantly, you can become right with your Creator and begin to walk rightly with Him - that's the relationship that lasts.

I hope that you enjoy todays "Just for today..."  readings.  They're but a sample of those that helped me both during my time of need and today too.  I'm thankful for each of these writers who've shared a chunk of their reality and victory.

Just for today...

"How could I turn my will and my life over to the care of God? . . . It felt so scary to think that I was out of control . . . I wondered what absolute surrender would feel like, and how I would know if I was doing it? . . . He said that turning our will over is like dancing with a partner. If both try to lead, there is much confusion and little forward movement. . . .  But when the partner is willing to relax and let the other partner do the steering, the couple flows easily across the dance floor."  Courage to Change (p. 350)

"Changing myself is such a big job that it keeps me fully occupied . . . I don't let myself get discouraged. Perfection never really has worried me because I know it's unattainable. Instead, I'm thrilled with the small, daily changes I can make in my attitudes and actions."  Hope for Today (p. 350)

"This one day I can easily cope with, if I have not frittered away my energies on destructive emotions, and if I do not provoke antagonism by criticisms, complaints and reproaches."  One Day at a Time (p. 350)

"Lonely solitude; Paths unknown - Preacher maps; Believers follow."
"God met; Narrow path - Truly secure; His way."   Am I a Poet?

December 14th - Quit hole digging - ask for help

 The story...

There was an older guy, who worked for me, that had a difficult time solving his problems with his computer models - he was modeling changes to parts that our company produced.  He'd spend hours trying to figure out his problems by himself with much wasted time and angst.  He was spending too much time per project - he needed to either improve or move on to another type of job. 

I remember meeting with him, in his office, to discuss the types of problems that he had.  Some were dealing with infrequent exceptions to the design process that had special causes.  Some were due to his methods that were different than the ones that he was trained to perform.  Some were due to misconceptions regarding the Computer-Aided-Design process.  Some were due to terminology that he didn't understand.  Some were due to actual design issues that he didn't have to consider when he was drawing with paper and pencil.  Some were due to a sort of uneasiness with his ability to perform his job with a computer that was forced upon him - he felt less capable and valued by the group.

We better understood each other after we met a few times in his office.  We came up with a solution that included retraining on a few modules.  We worked out arrangements, with three other designers, to ask for help when needed - he came to them with the problem clearly defined.  "Timing" rules minimized his propensity to spin his wheels while "hoping" for a solution.  The process included: 1st, take a few minutes to identify and clarify the problem; 2nd, review the training material; 3rd, seek help from one of the three available designers depending on their specialty;  4th, call the software company help desk; 5th, come to me, his manager, to both alert me and to ask for additional support. 

He followed the new process and his performance and attitude improved - problem solved.  Yet, I'm not sure what the main cause of his problem was.   Was help gained by being understood, valued, and being restored to a fully engaging group member - the Hawthorne effect?  We learned a lesson together - I became both a better person and manager in those few weeks.

Those attending the only church in town will learn that God listens to prayers and requests even though he knows about all situations in advance.  For those who are right with Him, He will either fulfill the request or give in accordance to His will.  His will is supremely better and right in His timing.  He cares for us, His creatures, and has plans for both this life and our eternity to follow - scripture says so.

Just for today...

". . . answers came not from books, but from mutual caring and thinking out loud with someone you felt comfortable with."  One Day at a Time (p. 349)

"If I'm not careful, I overwhelm myself with all the various things I could change and I become paralyzed by inaction. It helps to pray for knowledge of exactly what God wants me to change at any given moment."  Hope for Today (p. 349)

"Hopelessly caught; Sticky web - Cocoon forms; Help me God!"
"His appears; Love felt - Fantasies lost; Eternity unveiled!"    Am I a Poet?

December 13th - Being thankful

The story...

I grew up in a small USA town with two parents, four siblings, needs taken care of, regular involvement in a church, vacations away from home, a learning environment, and expectations of graduating from high school and moving on to college to become whoever I wanted to be.  Wow ... what was there to complain about?  Well, there was always somebody glorying themselves and making it hard for others to be heard or seen.  We were polishing, displaying and proclaiming the glory of our attributes that we imagined to be true. - ongoing attempts to glorify self.

As I ponder eternity past, eternity future, and an expectation of living but one life on this earth; each breath is an amazing reality.  I'm so thankful that God provided the solution to that self-absorbing darkness that seems to drift around and through people.  

The only church in town might share a video like "There's a Dragon in my Nativity."  They'll share the story of when our Lord and Savior Jesus the Christ came to His earth to redeem us from the darkness that's incompatible with Holy God.  Our Creator and Sustainer is obviously worthy of glory and praise.  The congregation will share a better more fruitful way to live out their life and eternity in Christ  - man... that's really good news!.

Just for today...

"At no point in my life will I achieve perfection; there will never be a time when I will not need the joy and satisfaction of helping others."  One Day at a Time (p. 348)

"What would happen if I started thanking God when problems occurred?  At first I had to force myself to say 'Thank you, God,' through clenched teeth. By and by, my teeth unlocked and I replaced self-pity with gratitude. I truly began to live."  Courage to Change (p. 348)

"Fog drifts in; Darkly murky - Veer offtrack; Lonely lost."
"Preacher's light; Shining truth - God saves; Christ's abode."   Am I a Poet?

December 12th - Love yourself to more fully love others

The story...

Did I need to perform to be loved?  I didn't seem to match the "ideal" person that "we" wanted to be.  And, it seemed my parents were pushing me toward something better than what I was capable of being or best suited for.  I wanted to be loved but close relationships remained elusive.

Growing up, I was smarter than the average kid.  My dad had a respectful job and my needs were met.  We had a bigger boat and newer car than most. They took us on vacations - four states away and to Canada too.  They volunteered and supported our boy scouts and girl scouts activities.  They taught us to be thrifty and capable. They made sure we went to church and were prepared for college.  They did their parenting job well.  My inner man wanted to love and be loved.  Not merely do and receive loving actions; but, to actually love and be loved.  Does love like that require the intervention of God?

The only church in town will be a place where people learn to love themselves gracefully as God loves us through Christ.  These loved people will be more capable and free to love others within graceful relationships.  People will learn the grace that's the undeserved favor of God.  The indwelling Spirit of God will testify of this wonderful loving truth.. 

Just for today...

"How great is the human need for a scapegoat, someone or something to blame for our disappointments . . . at least part of my unhappiness is due to the way I reacted . . . nothing can work damage to me except myself.'"  One Day at a Time (p. 347)

"I had to deal with my old resentments . . . It took discipline and courage to stop pushing every adult away . . . I can love them for who they are, instead of who I think they should be."  Courage to Change (p. 347)

"I wasn't really aware of myself . . .When I learned to love the person I found - myself - I started to perceive and love myriad qualities in the people around me."  Hope for Today (p. 347)

"She smiled; We laughed - The touch; Melding hearts."
"Must keep; Pretend lover - Fades away; Under cover."   Am I a Poet?

December 11th - Seasons for places and things

The story...

People invested much of their lives building, improving, and sustaining that manufacturing plant.  They learned their first job after practice and soon became an integral part of the team.  They learned how to do some maintenance and later were able to diagnose what was likely wrong.  They campaigned for, and helped install, that new machine that would help them produce more product with accuracy and precision.  They wore their plant logo on their hat and their association with that plant formed much of their identity.  "I've worked at the _____ plant at company A for X years."  It was s part of who they were.

Then the decision came to shut down the plant.  They'd heard the rumors before; but, the decision came as a shock.  Hadn't they done everything they were asked to do?  Wasn't their life investment valued?  What do they mean when they say that our plant was no longer competitive?  Whose responsible?

The manufacturing plant was a tool for producing products that customers wanted and needed.  It was a tool, purchased with borrowed capital $, to produce a return on their investment.  Leaders of the company were responsible for investing the limited capital funds to both pay their debts and to reward the owners and workers.  Capitalism does incent change and growth - change and growth can be hard for many of us humans.

The only church in town will have people who'll want to "do church" just as their parents did.  They'll want things to be as they remembered - something they can count on.  They'll be excited about new movements like "Promise Keepers" was in the 1990s - it was wonderful and right in it's time and place.  The Aim remains the same even though the places, processes, and ways of doing stuff must change. 

Just for today...

"Since there are difficulties with which I must live, the only real answer is to seek the serenity to accept the things I cannot change . . .  Money won't buy serenity; in fact, I'd probably have a whole new set of problems and decisions if a fortune ever did fall into my lap."  Courage to Change (p. 346)

"Change happened; Problems arose - Repaired anew; Fixed and Controlled."
"Weary soul; Peace offered - Doubtfully saw; Faith given."     Am I a Poet?

December 10th - Get it together - together

The story...

"I can't believe that you vote like that. I thought you were a better person. How could you do that? Aren't you a Christian?"  Yes, I was shunned by a group for presenting positions, from the "other" party, with their "best foot forward."  My position was that "they" were working toward good and just principles even if their means for funding and implementing the changes may be perceived as idealistic, unsustainable or suboptimal. The part that stung was the not so subtle reference that I must not be a Christian if I was on the side of the other party - they were shunning me for offering respect and understanding.  I ended up at the group's governing board challenging others to stand up and support their opinion that people from the other party were errant, naive, and wayward - needing correction.  No one stood up - a moment of reckoning.  I didn't hear anyone speak like that for a season; yet, the groupthink and judgement of "the other guys," crept back in.  I guess it's part of the human nature and another example of the undermining force of "groupthink."

It seems good that government would stay true to it's constitution, standardize what works, and be slow to change the things that work for so many.  Even so, they might run change experiments to test new ideas.  It's hard, if not impossible, to know all of the implications of a change to a system in advance.  They'd try change plans out before institutionalizing them.  They'd plan the change, do the change on a small scale, check for effectiveness, and standardized the parts that worked - make them an integral part of the new system.  Wouldn't it be good for both parties to honestly test how the other guy's most-promising ideas? 

The only church in town will have much leeway within the boundaries of God's revealed Word.  They'll keep "first things first" and work out their faith in honest and faithful ways.  They'll recognize all men as born sinners who fall short of the glory of God.  Faith in Christ's redeeming work transforms them into a new creature who's able to commune with God in the present - born again.  Surely, we continue to live in the world with bodies that tempt us to live self-satisfying lives; yet, our prayer and communing with God "can" restore us to that best working condition of being in Christ.

Just for today...

"Where in the past I have allowed unacceptable behavior . . . Today I have the courage and faith to be true to myself, whether or not others like or agree with me."  Courage to Change (p. 345)

"Let me observe, with new interest even the commonplace things that happen in each new day."  One Day at a Time (p. 345)

"We're better; Either's less - Try it on; May fit us."   Am I a Poet?

December 9th - Good when loved and loving

The story...

I've often discussed and pontificated on what both the good life is and how it might be obtained.  Why not "try" to work out our good-life code each day?  The list of reasons, why not to try, is long and not so distinguished: contrary feelings, secret hopes, distant relationships, jealousy, security needs, broken body, haunting memories, thoughts of grandeur, whimsical fantasies, failings of others, the next new thing, boredom, laziness, discouragement...  I've come to terms with the idea that I'm not naturally good - I need intervention in order to be the "good" man whom I've enjoyed being with on occasions. 

So, when do I find myself good?  I'm good when I'm loved and loving.  But, we don't seem lovable by nature.  Is love truly a gift from God?  The power to actually love indwells those who walk rightly and humbly with Him in Christ.  Scripture led me to know that I could lovingly abide in Him despite my inborn-selfish nature.

The only church in town will proclaim that we're lovable by God, ourselves, and others when we're positioned with, and related to, the Son of Man, our Lord and Savior, Jesus the Christ, the Messiah.  He alone can save us from the tyrannical rule of self.  Scripture says our sinful nature separates us from our most Holy God.  He actually paid the death penalty for sin on our behalf - I'm declared redeemed and righteous in Christ!

Just for today...

"Example is not the main thing in influencing others. It is the only thing."  Albert Schweitzer

"I'm selfish; Sadly blue - Wanna love; Be true."
"Failed trying; Heard Thee - Trusted Him; Live free."    Am I a Poet?

December 8th - "I thought you wanted to be an Uber driver?"

The story...

A friend of mine took on an Uber-driver job to earn some extra cash.  He earned cash and expanded his knowledge of people and possibilities.  The job seemed to develop a propensity toward more doing rather than pontificating and opinionating.  His personal growth from serving and respectfully communicating with a large variety of people seem to help in a transformation.  Based on his success, I asked the Uber drivers who served me if they experienced similar benefits - they all did.  So, I willed to do the same during my retirement years.

The job seemed to be a good fit for me - talking with, caring for, and learning from others.  The job seemed to support my values: humility, service, respect, kindness...  I'd the time available and enjoy being with people.  If a friend asked me to drive them somewhere, I think I'd be pleased to.  So, I decided to do it; but, my car wasn't a good fit.  So, I ordered a new Ford Maverick hybrid as a first step.  Strangely, the demand being far greater than supply resulted in my waiting about two years for my small pickup truck.  With the truck, my excuse for doing nothing was gone.

In 2023, I asked friends of mine if they thought that it would be a good idea for me to buy a "gaming" computer - I offered my justification.  All of them said that it seemed like a good idea, with caution, and only one challenged me: "This sounds like you might be isolating during that computer gaming time, I thought you were planning to serve and grow, in a humble way, as an Uber driver."  What a good friend - I'm thankful for good friends.  I planned to Uber drive beginning March 2024 - it didn't happen.  What might've been?

The only church in town will offer: "the" good reason to live, the Way to abide in Christ, friendship opportunities, and ways to work out our faith within community.  Why not engage in your church community now?  Or, do you want to remain, "as is," with that lingering thought: "What might've been?"

Just for today...

"Am I heaping up resentments, excuses, and regrets that have the potential to destroy me?  I don't have to be buried under them before I address my own problems. I can begin today."   Courage to Change (p. 343)

"Teflon man; Nothin sticks - Got excuses; Stay away."
"Felt love; Light ray - Word believed; In Him."    Am I a Poet?

December 7th - Are you seeking pleasure?

The story...

I've tried to feel better by eating more, imagining a better place in time, replacing the old with the new, or merely exercising towards an Apple-watch goal.  You likely have similar whims that you'd add to your list.

Watch this YouTube video at your own risk - ain't giving you the link

When I'm seeking pleasure to make me feel better, I know my relationship with God isn't right - "trouble" has crept into my life once again.  I sense those disquieting feeling as I kneel down to pray in quiet meditation.  These inordinate desires melt away and I begin again to experience love joy, peace patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness and self control anew - fruit of the Spirit of God.

The only church in town will preach, teach, and work out God's Way for living the good life.  They won't suggest self-actualization or pleasure seeking.  Walking honestly and humbly with your righteous God is the best way to live.  An inherently unrighteous man, like me, can't live a good life out on his own.  We must be positioned with Him in Christ by the power of God. 

Just for today...

"I used to think that being good to myself meant eating whatever I wanted, buying anything that caught my eye, sleeping only a few hours a night, and avoiding any activities that weren't fun or exciting. The trouble was that consequences were very uncomfortable, and when I let myself think about it, I felt I was wasting my life."  Courage to Change (p. 342)

"Speak your truth quietly and clearly; listen to others, even the dull and ignorant; they, too, have their story."  One Day at a Time (p. 342)

"Serenity is the sure knowledge of God's unconditional love for me. It is an acceptance of myself that flows from God's approving embrace."  Hope for Today (p. 342)

"Be happy; Why be sad? - Whose ta blame; If yer bad?"
"Eroding hearts; Soul's lost - Christ redeemed; Bore the cost."   Am I a Poet?

December 6th - Sense emotions without reacting

The story...

They made a rude and self-centered verbal attack on the character of a person who I deeply cared for.  Multiple emotions rushed into my mind.  I reacted quickly by cutting down the speaker with sharp and hurtful words - my message couldn't be ignored and our relationship was damaged.  The exchange may have been justified but the relationship damage was hurtful and painful for both of us.  An emotionally intelligent person may have used the conversation as a means to more subtly allow the other person to see their actions and perspective more clearly and deal with them in their own way - saving face.

I've heard it said that our emotions will last about 90 seconds if we don't feed them.  If that's true, then within 90 seconds we can choose to either: ignore the feeling, pretend it isn't real, evaluate it rationally, equate it with another feeling, choose to remember it for later reference, react positively or negatively to it, or begin the recurring process of obsessively thinking about it.  Oh... how many hours I've painfully wasted obsessively thinking about a relationships gone bad.

Might we put each emotions out in the light of day and examine them in the present?  We gotta manage them quickly if unfed emotions last less than 90 seconds.  Often, I'm surprised at an important reality they'll expose.  Like a hidden pearl, awareness of an underlying truth can be an unexpected gift.  A benefactor may've endeavored to teach me to be more emotionally intelligent - my need must've been obvious to some.  Maybe they thought I needed to be "broken" first - to grow up on my own.

The only church in town will contain wise and capable mentors who trust God.  They'll be able to meet us where we are and relate to our position and condition as it more truly is.  They'll care because of the grace bestowed upon them by "That Than Which There is No Greater" in Christ - gracefully.

Just for today...

"Anger can give me an illusion of power. For a little while I may feel I have control over my situation and over other people, but that kind of false security always lets me down."  Courage to Change (p. 341)

"He needs much help who thinks he can compel others to do what seems right to him."  One Day at a Time (p. 341)

"Righteous anger; Spews hate - Heard pause; Love sate."   Am I a Poet?

December 5th - Who understands my heart but God?

The story...

My parents brought me to Sunday school for about ten years.  Neighbors brought me to summer-bible camp, after I accepted Christ as my savior, when I was about eight.  I actively read the four gospels after a period of brokenness in 1980.   In 1981, I actively engaged in bible study with Bill Job's "ekklesia" in Oak Ridge, TN.  I'm so thankful for all of my teachers, mentors, co-sojourners, and friends along my faith-building journey.  One key learning was that God knows our hearts - the condition of our hearts makes all the difference.

"But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or at the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for God does not see as man sees, since man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”   1 Samuel 16:7 (NASB)

"And Jesus, perceiving their thoughts, said, 'Why are you thinking evil in your hearts?'"  Matthew 9:4 (NASB)

"For who among people knows the thoughts of a person except the spirit of the person that is in him? So also the thoughts of God no one knows, except the Spirit of God."  1 Corinthians 2:11 (NASB)

I am so thankful for my faith and the opportunities that I've been given to share the realities of my faith with others.  I especially appreciated the nine years where I served as both a 3rd-4th and 4th-5th grade Sunday-school teacher.  And, I currently appreciate my close friends in-Christ while leading a group of faithful men within Bible Study Fellowship (BSF).

Bible cover gift from my 3rd-5th grade class

The only church in town will lead people to accept God's gracefully given gift of redemption - the Way for our hearts to be reconciled with God.  They'll read that our hearts are seen by God as white as snow due to Christ's redeeming payment for our sin debt.  Yes, they'll share the good news that our righteous God cleanses us from our sin-death penalty through the sacrifice of His Son, my Lord and Savior Jesus the Christ.  He knows me with a cleansed heart - praise God!

Just for today...

"I was sure there had to be somebody in this world who would understand my every mood, always have time for me, and bring a smile to my face . . . my fantasy showed itself to be no more than a shadow. Reality presented a different picture entirely . . . What was I doing with their love? It seemed to me I was brushing it aside for that one imaginary person, or worse, not noticing it all."   Courage to Change (p. 340)

"If the only prayer you said in your whole life was, 'thank you,' that would suffice."  Meister Eckhart

"Were the challenges and losses in my life actually gifts God had chosen carefully for me so that I might grow spiritually? I knew it to be so, and I felt simultaneously humbled and overwhelmed with gratitude for the nature of God's love for me."  Hope for Today (p. 340)

"Preacher extols; Bent and broken - Thank you Lord; Light has woken."   Am I a Poet?

December 4th - Value feelings without control

The story...

In my college cafeteria, I picked up my banana split and threw it across the table at a "friend" - they wouldn't stop throwing peas at it.  I witnessed my best friend yell at a fast-food window because "they" were "making us" late.  I threw the phone across the room and it smashed into the fireplace.  I insisted that the group fish the way that I thought best even though the group didn't want to.  I picked up my toys and I went home.  A person who I cared about was acting irrationally and I didn't pause to think why.  I wonder if my life would've been less difficult and more fulfilling if I'd better understood and considered our emotions - to be more emotional intelligent. 

Colman A (2008) described Emotional intelligence (EI) as "the ability to perceive, use, understand, manage, and handle emotions. People with high emotional intelligence can recognize their own emotions and those of others, use emotional information to guide thinking and behavior, discern between different feelings and label them appropriately, and adjust emotions to adapt to environments."  Emotions sound like a power that a "Super Hero" might have.  To ignore them, pretend they don't exist, treat them as unwanted noise, or react to them without thinking, seems foolish and irrational.

I expect that Boy Scouts had to be emotionally intelligent in order to follow their oath.  "A Scout is trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean, and reverent."  Yeah, I was a Boy Scout and wanted to be like that then - I still do today.

The only church in town will be a group of people with the same "North Star" guiding them - faith in God and His provision for us His creatures - now and forever.  They'll have different resources, capabilities, backgrounds, personalities, emotional intelligence...   But, their sins will cause hurt and pain - the "grit" will erode and scar relationships.  Our emotions will confirm the presence of both sin and love.  Sin's presence might lead the group to receive God's grace, love, and mercy with great joy.

Just for today...

"I am a wealth of contradictions. I can value all of my feelings without allowing them to dictate my actions. Today I can feel anger toward someone and still love them. I can feel afraid of new experiences, yet move forward toward them. I can survive being hurt without giving up on love. And I can experience sadness and still be confident that I will be happy again."  Courage to Change (p. 339)

"Deep sadness; Hour or so - Saw it come; Let it go."
"Felt hurt; Taught me - Inner truth; Let me see."    Am I a Poet?

December 3rd - Who cares for those outside control or influence?

The story...

Life's taught me that I don't know what's best in many or most situations. The best is often applying something that seemed to work well in similar situations.  It's especially likely that I'll choose a suboptimal course of action if it: involves something that I'm comfortable with; allows me to apply a skill that I've developed; if it uses the tool(s) at hand; brings positive attention towards myself; pleasures me; or is consistent with my limited knowledge.  Actually, I think that I'm a good decision maker.  Yet, I'm prone to make biased-suboptimal decisions while hoping for a cloudy picture of what the best future might hold.

I once taught a graduate class on forecasting with mathematical models.  It involved identifying causal and non-causal data related to key outcomes, weighting historical data, measuring trends, discovering seasonality, and the testing of these time-series models with both historical and current reality.  There was always the underlying concern that these data were not recorded accurately or precise enough.  A good model's helpful for planning within varying: environments, materials, Geopolitics, competitors, and the actual behavior of the people involved.  Sometimes it seems difficult, if not impossible, to do "good" enough.  Our omniscient God knows - but I, his creature, do not - "A man's got to know his limitations."

Most of us believe that a virtuous life is better than a non-virtuous one; but, we might stray and vary between season and conditions.  I value honesty and integrity while others plan on lying as necessary in an effort to achieve a more favorable outcome.  Insecurity can cause us to live cautiously within ever-changing environments.  Situations and related decision making is rarely black-and-white - our situations are often cloudier and greyer with spots of sunshine peaking through.

God's trustworthy and He cares for each of those who trust in His big-loving hands.  This you'll hear within the only church in town.  We can trust Him for the stuff that's outside our control and influence.  When trusting God, we're more likely to live out a restful, peaceful, and hopeful life.   A life that appreciates the past, lives in the present, and trusts God for the future.  It's a wonderful thing to walk through this life, and eternity, within the favor of God - in Christ.  You can fellowship with your Creator and Father now.

Just for today...

"I found it relatively easy to make a decision to turn over my will and my life to God. However, I didn't have any idea how to actually do it."  Hope for Today (p. 338) 

"Speculating on other people's attitudes and motives is a waste of time and effort. To search out the reasons for my own is a voyage of discovery!"  One Day at a Time (p. 338)

"Meditation is higher spiritual awareness . . . a quiet place . . . beyond my thoughts . . . attention on the present day only, leaving the past and the future alone."   Courage to Change (p. 338)

"Will control; Not so much - Influential push; Fell down."
"Chaos pressed, Peace lost  - God held; Big hands."   Am I a Poet?

December 2nd - What I wanted from dad came from . . .

The story...

I'm told that my motives for much of what I've done, and thought, came from a desire to please, or even be like, my father.   I discovered that this was at least partially true after my dad passed away.  For example, I discovered I no longer had a desire to fish.   Fishing seemed purposeless without sharing the "best" experiences with my dad.  He seemed to like hearing those stories and freely express positive emotions directed toward me.  Yes, the fishing and story telling were part of my ongoing search for his love and approval.  In truth,  people weren't capable of fully meeting my needs.  I even bought this shirt mainly because it looked like one I remembered him wearing - I didn't wear it..

Like many, I've enjoyed much of Bruce Springsteen's music since my college years.  His songs resonated with some life experiences - deep down in my soul I felt his albums "Born to Run" and "Nebraska."  I was surprised to hear that much of what he did was an effort to be like his dad and to win his approval.  You can hear the music, drama, and story worked out in his Netflix NYC play "Springsteen on Broadway."  He tried to return to his roots but it wasn't the same.

My dad was my first idea of who God must be like.  Sadly, he was merely a good man with strengths and weaknesses.   I was discouraged when I discovered his flaws and didn't receive the love and acceptance that I longed for.  Did I deserve his love?  I was placing my hopes in the wrong place.  I am thankful for the other people who introduced me to my Lord and Savior - Jesus the Christ.  I am so... thankful that people in Christ worked out their love by sharing their faith and hope in our Father our Creator.

Come to the only church in town and learn about the Way.  If you know the Way, then might you share the reality of your Father in Christ with those who are lost?

Just for today...

"I was setting goals that others wanted me to achieve . . . My decisions were based on what others wanted so I could make them love and accept me . . . I thought if I said and did everything my parents wished, I would finally earn their love and attention."  Hope for Today (p. 337)

"Not one thing has ever improved as a result of my mental criticism. All it does is keep my mind on someone other than me . . . What would happen if I took my list of criticisms and applied it, gently, to myself?" Courage to Change (p. 337)

"Dad knew; He had - Acted like; Needed him."
"Disillusion fell; Looked out - God loved; Christ saved."   Am I a Poet?