tongue

Reading the Word this morning, my devotion was focused on Ephesians 5 and devotion to your spouse. Do you remember the vows you spoke to your wife? Have you reviewed them lately and determined through introspection whether you are keeping those vows? Just a quick thought and I knew I have failed in at least one area. Put the emphasis on at least. That area is my words. How do I speak to my wife? Am I pleasant at all times? Do I speak well of her to others? Do I stand by her? Wow...tough questions for a Saturday. :)

But, thinking in this area about how I talk to her and how I speak of her brought me to James 3. James talks about taming the tongue and how we can tame so many things, but not the tongue. How we can praise the Lord and yet curse men who are created in God's image with the same mouth. Ouch. Read that passage here.

I also want to share a couple of things that are in the Bibles I use. Typically I use my Men's Study Bible when I am studying the Word...it is a Promise Keepers Bible that I purchased years ago and really enjoy it. But here is an excerpt from a commentary on that part of scripture:

In this short passage, James bluntly addresses the issue of our
speech. Have you ever realized what a potentially wicked thing that little
muscle in your mouth is?
Make no mistake about it - the words you speak are powerful beyond
imagination. They expand or limit your friendships. They can make or
break your career opportunities. If you're married, they'll determine
the quality of your marriage. If you're a father, they'll shape your
children. (Emphasis mine.)
A godly man recognizes the tongue's power to build up or to tear
down. But the tongue only shapes the words that originate in our hearts
and minds. Hearts that are controlled by the Spirit's power will produce
speech that builds others up instead of tearing them down. In other words,
if we want to control our tongues, we must ask God to help us control our
hearts.

Good stuff there. In another commentary on this portion of scripture it talks about how an uncontrolled tongue can cause serious damage. It can divide people and pit them against each other...I have seen this recently. It has even affected how I see others because of what I have heard about them or heard that they have said something to others. The thing is...once something is said or heard, it cannot be taken back. Nicole at one point as a teacher has mentioned this to her students in an exercise where they squeeze out tooth paste out of a tube and then tell them to put it back in. You can't. Once words are spoken, they cannot be taken back. You can ask forgiveness, but the damage already happened and scars could remain even though there may be forgiveness.

Something to think about there. I need to control my mouth...watch how I talk to my wife and kids...and I can only do that with God's help...with my tongue and my heart. Hopefully this encourages someone else as well. Let's fight to get our hearts and tongues in the proper place.

-R

painted deserts

Nice, snowy spring weather we are having right now!  Thunder snow storms!  Gotta love Oklahoma.

I just wanted to share a few quotes from the book I just finished, 'Through Painted Deserts', by Donald Miller.  Good book, easy read, funny and thought provoking.  These are a couple of things that caught me during the read:

"Many cities, these days, seem to have people living on the surface of life but hardly in its soil, diluting the deeper questions of life in television monologues and reality shows, amusing ourselves to death, as Neil Postman would say." [If you don't know who Neil Postman is, check out this link.]

"I start thinking again about what Paul was saying, about how we have to submit to whatever God has us on this journey for, about how we just have to agree that it is all His.  And I know God made stars and friends and love and poetry to dazzle us, but there really is a part of me that wants some freedom, that doesn't want to have to do everything right or be religious anymore.  It's not a serious struggle, but it's like I said about how and why questions, when you know the why, you are just kind of trapped, and when you only ask how and never ask why, you can be happy and ignorant.  Even if God is taking the cosmos somewhere good, I begin to wonder what He does with folks who just want out."

""Yeah,", Paul confesses.  "I guess I am.  Nothing deep, really, just that, you know, I know you have been thinking about things and I just feel like God has put us here to enjoy Him, and He gave us free will so it is tough sometimes, because people use their free will selfishly, but I think also He created us to enjoy Him, that He is love, you know, and I would just hate to see you walk away from that.  I mean, if He were love and all.""

[Standing in the mountains of Oregon watching the sun rise.]

"And if these mountains had eyes, they would wake to find two strangers in their fences, standing in admiration as a breathing red pours its tinge upon earth's shores.  These mountains, which have seen untold sunrises, long to thunder praise but stand reverent, silent so that man's weak praise should be given God's attention.

It is a wonder that those exposed to such beauty forfeit the great questions in the face of this miraculous evidence.  I think again about this small period of grace, and thank God for it, that if only for a season, I could feel the why of life, see it in the metaphor of light, in the endlessness of the cosmos, in the miracle of friendship.  And had these mountains the ability to reason, perhaps they would contemplate the beauty of humanity, and praise God for the miracle that each of us is, pondering the majesty of God and the wonder of man in one bewildering context."

Anyway...good stuff from a good book.  Check it out...check out the links...enjoy.

-r

thoughts

Just a quick post as I am watching a workstation update...

Yesterday was a hard day for me. I blame it on work, but not sure that is it. Yes, I am upset that I have to work on Friday...out of town even, but it is a good thing I have a job, no? What is it then? Something underneath the surface is nagging at me...haven't figured out what yet though.

A cool part of the day yesterday morning was before I left for work, I heard Evan tell Nicole that he and Ethan would do their best to listen and obey today. It was one of those moments you just think is cool...maybe we aren't doing a bad job, maybe things are soaking in. I hope so...I know I have a lot of work to do in my life...my attitude, my responses to situations, etc., which brings me to the next thing I wanted to post...

I read another blog entry today from Andrew Schwab about forgiveness. He had some great things to say. Some of the people who posted some comments afterwards had some good things to say...if you look past the ones that seem to be agreeing with him because of who he is. It is a good article and has some good points, but it always seems to come down to the same thing in life: PRIDE. We have too much of it and it is usually our downfall. Even Christ was tempted with pride from Lucifer in the desert. Problem is pride is very strong in our lives and Christ was able to humble himself past the pride...and He had everything to be prideful about. Another reason we are to become like Christ. Will we ever get past pride totally in our lives? Doubtful...but we are supposed to try. Read the article and see what you think:
Andrew Schwab Blog

Hoping to get out of work soon...it is after all, Christmas Eve. Happy Incarnation to all!

Powell endorsement

I love this excerpt from the blog from Stu with the Glenn Beck show...you can click on the link to go to his full blog:

Glenn Beck - Stu's Blog

Glenn went over some of the reasons why Colin Powell said he endorsed Barack Obama on Meet the Press: 

"I think he is a transformational figure" 
"He is a new generation coming" 
"Because of his ability to inspire" 
"Because of the inclusive nature of his campaign" 
"Because he is reaching out all across America" 
"Because of who he is" 
"His rhetorical abilities" 
"He has both style and substance" 

Apparently to Powell, this is "the standard of being a successful president, being an exceptional president." 

Huh? 

I’m not one to care about who endorses who, and I don’t think endorsements generally matter that much. This probably is about as big as they get, and I still don’t know if it will change too many people’s minds at this point. 

More importantly though-- shouldn't democrats shun Powell's endorsement? I mean, reject it out of hand. This is THE guy who "lied" to you about WMDs. Remember that? 

habitat show

Good evening.

Went to the Music Builds Tour last night in OKC.  Red, Jars of Clay, Robert Randolph and The Family Band, switchfoot and Third Day.

All had great sets...at the end they were all on stage (except Red) and sang, 'When Love Comes to Town'..the old U2 song.  All in all...great show!

More later.

-r 

things

Four things I liked about today...

1) Driving in the sunny weather thinking about my boys playing on the playground

2) Talking to the boys and Nicole while eating dinner and listening about their day at school

3) Video taping the boys acting very silly

4) Going to a client at 9pm and not having to stay very long!  :)

blahg

Been awhile...thought I would share something of my day.

Started out with watching it rain through the office window after the wife and kids left for school, I like to watch it rain.

Went to a client and even though I had to reload a workstation because of a nasty bug, I had fun because the people that work there are fun.

Was asked 7 questions in a group setting at church tonight and mine was, "What is something God has been showing you lately?"  I said He has been showing me that I am selfish and talked to my group about it.  But then, Rob walked around to the groups and had someone pick out a number and whomever had that question had to tell the entire congregation what they had answered...and it was me.  So then I told everyone there that God had been showing me I am selfish and that I need to change.  That was fun.  :-|

My day in a nutshell.

-R

jon foreman

Just a quick note (it's been awhile)...

If you have not heard the Jon Foreman solo stuff (singer for Switchfoot)...check it out. He has released four EP's called 'Spring', 'Summer', 'Fall' and 'Winter'. You can download them or have them shipped to you.

Go here!

-r

travel/study

Man...what a couple of weeks. I think my brain has almost passed out. I have one more day of studying and exams and then I will board the plane back home with four more initials after my name. Is it worth it? Me not being with Nicole when her brother died and missing the funeral even? She seems to think so...she says I am taking care of the family by doing it.

I wanted to do this, but I was torn as well. Get it all done in a short amount of time and then focus on the roll outs and the details of the system when I return back to town.

It is going to be good. CUCM is a cool product and will be fun to work with...so I glad I am getting this opportunity. It never hurts to have a Cisco Professional level certification either!

So...tomorrow around noon Pacific time, I will be taking the last test to get my Cisco Certified Voice Professional certification and flying back into town! Woo hoo!

Wish me luck!

-r

adultery

Reading through Proverbs this morning, I ran across this...a sidebar in my Bible (the Strive edition for Men). It talks about the dangers of adultery...something every man has struggled with, struggling with or will struggle with at some time in their marriage. It was an issue back then, it is an issue now...check out the warnings below (first the scripture, then the sidebar):

Wisdom will save you from the adulterous woman, from the wayward woman with her seductive words, who has left the partner of her youth and ignored the covenant she made before God. Surely her house leads down to death and her paths to the spirits of the dead. None who go to her return or attain the paths of life.
Proverbs 2:16-19

If you've ever toyed with the idea of having an affair, you know how strong the allure of a new sexual conquest can be. That thrill of erotic pursuit can have a hypnotizing effect on guys - to the point that we block out all else, including common sense.
If you're under such a spell, this passage in Proverbs should act as a slap in the face. Something to wake you from your fantasy world.
Regardless of how smooth or calculating you think you are, you can't pursue an affair without destroying what you have with your wife. That's a given. Experts may tell you that relationships can be pieced back together after an affair. But things can never be the same as they were before. There are no 'do-overs' where faithfulness is involved.

-r

nomads

Having no house of your own is weird. Although, I drove by the house today and it is coming along...I will think about posting a picture of it sometime.

Three things about today that were cool...

1) The coffee tasted extra good this morning! :)

2) More coffee at the office...whenever Craig and I are at the office at the same time, there is usually coffee involved

3) Getting the B-ACD script working correctly on the phone system

Until next time...

-r

things

OK...going to talk about three things a little later, but an update on things first.
Sold the house last week and moved into a friend's house that is on the market, but empty since they are living in their new house already. Been there for about a week and a half...now it is sold and we have to be out of it by the 18th! What fun. Of course, we are going to be house hopping with friends until the new house is finished, which is about the end of May, first of June.
No worries though...God is in control.

Man...the storms the other night! Holy cow! Thought the windows were going to blow out from the wind and the hail...have to love that Oklahoma weather!

Here are my three things for today...or yesterday I should say!

1) Having time to go through some scripture with the Lord before work...misc scripture that talks about being just and merciful; but also Old Testament scripture that points to grace; God wanting us and our hearts, not the empty sacrifices that we offer in lieu of a right heart

2) Getting to have lunch with a good friend and talking about misc things and getting his input on issues

3) Getting a shampoo and haircut...gotta love the feeling of someone else washing your hair

Have to get to work...and watch the radar for that incoming weather! Sweet!

vacation

Sitting in Dizzy Beans coffee shop in Gulf Shores, Alabama...coffee is fair, definitely not Doubleshot.

I don't know if you have read lately about people wanting to be happy...no kidding? One of the ways they say to help with that is to journal everyday about things that are positive. Cool...I get that...focus on the positive. There are other things though...maybe filling that empty hole in your heart with the only thing that can fill it...God. Hmmm....novel concept. This Easter Sunday may just be the time to go to your local church to find out more about the Risen Lord. He fills me up every day...no matter how many times I mess up and what not. That's the beauty of grace. :)

Anyway...I still like the idea of thinking about the positive things in life. Journaling about them. There is a website/blog that does just that, Three Beautiful Things. Check it out.

Here are my three things for today:

1) Being awakened by the rising sun in Alabama after a good night's sleep

2) Having both of my boys curl up with me on the couch to watch Curious George while I drink my coffee

3) Seeing God's strength and glory in the waves of the ocean this week

Quick and to the point...I could list more, but I have to run to get the wife and kids after seeing a movie!

-r

thanksgiving

Well, another Thanksgiving is here. I am thankful I am not cooking the turkey this year, I really didn't want to mess with it this year. As a matter of fact, I do not think I am going to eat any turkey this year either. Imagine that...no turkey. Now ham on the other hand...I will eat that. :)

Couple of things I just wanted to drop...

My son just not obeying today...just basically snubbing his nose at me. Frustrating. Then it hit me. I wish it hadn't really, but it did. The words in John 14:15...

"If you love me, you will obey what I command."

So this is how God feels when I am disobedient...sort of. Much more enhanced I am sure. How can I get so bent out of shape when my sons are disobedient when I do the same thing to my Father? If that isn't a slap in the face.

This morning as I am lying in bed awake...just praying to the Lord. Thanking Him. Thinking about what if I am the one to pray at my brother's house over the Thanksgiving dinner...what would I pray? Then it turned into...if I am thinking about what I would pray in front of other people...why can't I pray that right now? It isn't about what I pray in front of other people...it is what is in my heart and what I talk to the Lord about myself. When no one else is around. It is just me and Him. A relationship. That is what a lot of people do not get about Christianity...and that is a fault of ours because we have not explained it well enough I guess. It is not about religion, it's about a relationship.

OK...the things I will leave with...the things I am thankful for...in no particular order.

My kids
My wife
My brother
My house
My job
My church
My friends
My life
My faith
And most of all, my savior, Jesus Christ.

Be thankful...be thoughtful...

-r

long time

Hey there...long time, no post. It seems that is what I write every time I update this blog. I stink at keeping it updated. I should see it as therapeutic , right? Whatever.

I am supposed to be getting a lesson ready for my small group this Sunday night and I haven't even started that. I am so pathetic. :)

Life has been going on...boys are getting bigger, I'm getting bigger! :) I am starting to get back into the exercise routine...it is hard though getting up at 5am to do some exercise before going to work. It will payoff in the end though, right? I should feel better too, right?

Nicole is running the half marathon this Sunday...here is a link: Tulsa Route 66 Marathon

Anyhoo...my life is pretty boring on the details. When I think of something better to write, I will. Until then...upward and onward.

-r

misc

Sitting here in the good ol' Days Inn in Nevada, MO...listening to my Pandora station called Project 86. If you haven't checked out Pandora...you have to...imperative. I also found about another site like it called last.fm, but I haven't done anything with it yet. Just caught the link on another guy's blog.

Nevada, MO...bet you are wondering why I am here in this booming metropolis. Home of Cotty College...an all girls college. That's not why I am here. :) I am here installing another Cisco Unified Communications Express system for a client that has a branch office here. Ate at a place tonight called Cherry Street Cafe. Pretty good food...I had some kind of Tortellini that had some basil sauce with walnuts and such. It was good. It was in a building that used to be part of a historical hotel. Nice. It seems that the town closes around 7-7:30 though...weird. There were a couple of places that were open, but not much. We drove around and checked out some cool old houses after dinner then came back to the hotel...by about 8:30pm! :)

I have been traveling around a lot lately...Memphis, Shreveport, Dallas...it's been fun. For the near future though, it seems that I will be staying in town. Still installing the systems, but not out of town like recently. I like to travel and see places, but I do miss the family when I am gone. It is weird going to bed at night not having kisses from the kids and wife...

Well...I have some reading to do. Going to close down and take care of that before I get some rest. I really am going to try and keep this updated on a more timely basis. Riiiiiggghhhht.

-r

blog-o-rama

Here I am sitting in my favorite coffee house...studying. :(

I just wanted everyone to know that it is a beautiful day outside...and I am studying. Bleh!

At least I had some good coffee!

-r

checking in

I thought earlier this evening...hmmm...maybe I will have time to blog tonight, the wife is away doing the bunco thing.

Then I catch up on a few issues from work. Then...let's blog. First, I haven't checked the blogs I used to read in a while...think I will do that.

Now, I am here...and I need to go to bed. I'm tired. So much for blogging. I will leave this tidbit though:

Check out this book. I am actually listening to it, but it is good stuff so far.

The Slumber of Christianity by Ted Dekker

Thanks for listening...reading. Whatever.

-r

life

Sorry no posting lately...life has been going on and not in the virtual world here. Just life.

This past week I have had two friends lose a parent to cancer. Of course, it brings up more memories of my mother dying of cancer in 2005. Cancer sucks.

You know everytime I think of blogging and what I am going to blog about, I really don't have the time to do so. It is aggravating at times, and then I also think...priorities. What are my priorities? Am I spending time on the things I need to? Case in point...I made sure I spent some time in the Word this morning before I logged onto my computer. If I don't do that first, I end up spending too much time on the computer and then I cannot open my Bible and opening my Bible and studying or just reading is more important in the scheme of things than getting on my computer to browse or post to the blog or whatever. OK, I am rambling. :)

Anyway, I read Romans 8:28-39 today and was doing a little study on it. Comforting passage of scripture. When things are just not going well...you are suffering through things, like a death of someone or sickness or whatever, this is a passage to check into. God has good things planned for us, sometimes it is just hard to remember that in the midst of things. Another good scripture is just before that one in Romans 8:18. It is all perspective.

Gotta run...

thankfulness

Thank you God for Your unfailing love...

I love you too!

-r