Last night Rachel and I went down to Rocky Ford, CO to celebrate my sister-in-law's birthday. On the way back home, we stopped to find a geocache which can only be found in the dark. We weren't quite sure what we were getting ourselves into as we stepped from the vehicle and started following our gps, but we were excited. That excitement lasted until we realized the GPS was leading us to an outhouse...
Once we got there, we shone the flashlight around the area, and saw a reflector on a tree down the trail a ways. Knowing that was our clue we set off in that direction. As we got to that tree, we shone the flashlight around again and saw another reflector. We walked to that tree, then saw yet another reflector. Slowly we were led through the park by tree after tree reflecting light back at us to where the cache was actually stored.
On the way back to our car, we turned the flashlight off because the stars overhead were so bright. It was incredible seeing that many stars, and our only disappointment was that half the sky was covered by clouds. But we kept getting distracted by that glory by rustling sounds in the fields around us. Critters were on the move! I kept telling Rachel that it was only field mice, but she didn't care! Every time we heard something, she only grabbed my arm tighter.
Needless to say, we made it safely back to our car, and on the rest of the way home, I pondered through what we had experienced. In doing so, I noticed an analogy to life. Sometimes as we go through life, we really don't have a clue where we're going. We have an idea of where we'd like to end up, but the actual path there isn't clear at all. So we're left with a couple of options. One is that we could just stop moving forward, another is to go back, and yet a third is to move forward, following the light and trusting the One who created the path.
Without that flashlight, we couldn't have seen the path we needed to take. And without those markers on the trees, we wouldn't have known what direction to walk. As we were led further and further into the park, we had to trust that the cache owner was leading us in the right direction and that we would end up at the final location. There was one time where we couldn't see the next marker ahead of us, so we had to step out in faith trusting that we would see one, and sure enough, right around the next bend it was plainly visible!
Trust God - our heavenly pathmaker
Use your flashlight - the Word of God is a 'light to your feet'
When in doubt, take a step of faith in the direction you think you should go
Monday, January 16, 2012
Sunday, January 15, 2012
The Patriot/Bronco Game
So last night one of the most watched NFL games of the 2011 season was played. It was between the New England Patriots and the Denver Broncos. While the game was between two teams, it was also a face-off between Tom Brady (QB for the Patriots) and Tim Tebow (QB for the Broncos)....two very different men.
It was interesting listening to the commentators leading up to the game. The main focus of their conversation was Tim Tebow. They did a spiel on his interaction and impact on others' lives. They talked about his football career, and they talked about what he stood for. And they mentioned the fact that Brady was annoyed that all he had heard about in the week prior to this game was Tebow, Tebow, Tebow.
As a Broncos fan, it was a very hard game to watch. Brady was on fire, and Tebow had been doused. The final score was 45-10. The game reminded me of high-school games I have watched where the two teams are incredibly outmatched. The Patriots stomped all over the Broncos, and there wasn't much they could do about it. After the four quarters were over, the Patriots moved one step closer to the Superbowl, and the Broncos were done for the season.
It was very interesting to watch what took place after the game. Tom Brady walked off the field alone, with only one camera guy chasing after him. Tim Tebow could hardly move because he was surrounded several layers deep by people with cameras, microphones, and notepads. This was so backwards from what I had expected. You would think that the winner would be more popular than the loser, but it was the exact opposite!
I have been pondering why this is, and I think it comes down to this. Tebow has taken a stand and has been outspoken about two things:
1) Football is just a game
2) There is something far more important than football, and that is Jesus
It is easy to speak these things when one has won, but it can be very difficult to also speak these when one has lost. I think the media (and the rest of America) are looking to Tim Tebow for inspiration. I think a lot of people want to believe that the general suppositions about Christianity are wrong. So when Tebow steps forward and is open, honest, humble, and firm in his beliefs, people want to rally toward him. I am sure some are watching him, waiting for him to fall. But others are watching him, hoping he doesn't!
Tebow is known for his integrity. Brady is known for the opposite. I was talking to some of the other people who had watched the game with us, and one of them spoke about how Brady had gotten a girl pregnant, then left her to be with some model. While I really don't know the accuracy of that, the point was made that Brady is NOT known for his integrity, but instead, he's known for the opposite. Everyone I've talked to acknowledges he's a great quarterback, but no one has really liked Brady.
Anyway, it's an interesting comparison between two men. If I had to look at the two of them and choose who to model my life after, it would definitely be Tebow. My prayer is that he goes into the 2012 season just as vocal and just as firm in his beliefs as he left this season. Go Tebow!
It was interesting listening to the commentators leading up to the game. The main focus of their conversation was Tim Tebow. They did a spiel on his interaction and impact on others' lives. They talked about his football career, and they talked about what he stood for. And they mentioned the fact that Brady was annoyed that all he had heard about in the week prior to this game was Tebow, Tebow, Tebow.
As a Broncos fan, it was a very hard game to watch. Brady was on fire, and Tebow had been doused. The final score was 45-10. The game reminded me of high-school games I have watched where the two teams are incredibly outmatched. The Patriots stomped all over the Broncos, and there wasn't much they could do about it. After the four quarters were over, the Patriots moved one step closer to the Superbowl, and the Broncos were done for the season.
It was very interesting to watch what took place after the game. Tom Brady walked off the field alone, with only one camera guy chasing after him. Tim Tebow could hardly move because he was surrounded several layers deep by people with cameras, microphones, and notepads. This was so backwards from what I had expected. You would think that the winner would be more popular than the loser, but it was the exact opposite!
I have been pondering why this is, and I think it comes down to this. Tebow has taken a stand and has been outspoken about two things:
1) Football is just a game
2) There is something far more important than football, and that is Jesus
It is easy to speak these things when one has won, but it can be very difficult to also speak these when one has lost. I think the media (and the rest of America) are looking to Tim Tebow for inspiration. I think a lot of people want to believe that the general suppositions about Christianity are wrong. So when Tebow steps forward and is open, honest, humble, and firm in his beliefs, people want to rally toward him. I am sure some are watching him, waiting for him to fall. But others are watching him, hoping he doesn't!
Tebow is known for his integrity. Brady is known for the opposite. I was talking to some of the other people who had watched the game with us, and one of them spoke about how Brady had gotten a girl pregnant, then left her to be with some model. While I really don't know the accuracy of that, the point was made that Brady is NOT known for his integrity, but instead, he's known for the opposite. Everyone I've talked to acknowledges he's a great quarterback, but no one has really liked Brady.
Anyway, it's an interesting comparison between two men. If I had to look at the two of them and choose who to model my life after, it would definitely be Tebow. My prayer is that he goes into the 2012 season just as vocal and just as firm in his beliefs as he left this season. Go Tebow!
Saturday, January 14, 2012
Manufacturer recommendation
So I took my car in today for an oil change with a coupon, but after gathering my vehicle information, they told me that the type of oil that came with the coupon deal didn't match what the manufacturer recommended for my vehicle, so it was going to be a little bit more. (The info they gave me matched what I knew of my vehicle from reading the owner's manual)
Anyway, that got me thinking about the benefit of sticking to what is recommended by the manufacturer versus using a cheaper alternative. In the long run, it would be better for the vehicle to abide what it was designed to handle. It might be cheaper (aka easier) to use an alternative, and the strain on the vehicle wouldn't be seen right away, but it would damage the vehicle from the inside out.
There are a lot of similarities when it comes to us! The 'owner's manual' (the Bible) has important information in it that tells us what is best for us. It may not be the easiest thing to do in the moment, but the long term benefits are worth the extra cost! For instance, saving one's self sexually until marriage may seem very costly at the moment of temptation, but the long term benefits are real! Giving yourself to service to Jesus does carry a very high cost, especially when compared to the cheaper, easier thrills the world offers. But in the long run, that extra cost will give you life eternal.
Anyway, those are some thoughts I've had while sitting in the waiting room at Meineke. :)
Friday, January 13, 2012
Years wasted?
Last night I watched a very fascinating PBS documentary on Netflix called "NOVA: Battle of the X-Planes." It chronicled the competition between Boeing and Lockheed-Martin over the government contract to supply the military with the next generation fighter jet. There were many other contenders initially, but these were the final contestants. Whatever plane they build had to satisfy the requirements of the Navy (primarily take off and land with only 500ft of runway), the Air Force (mainly be able to fly at supersonic speeds and have stealth capabilities), and the Marines (mainly being able to take off and land vertically). AND it had to be relatively cheap - about 1/3 of the cost of the current fighters. Tall orders by anyone's point of view!
Both companies spent about 5 years researching, designing, programming, manufacturing, and testing their planes. Both companies were using very innovative designs. Both companies had unexpected delays. Both companies' futures were closely tied to this contract (in fact, if Lockheed-Martin lost, they would likely close up shop!). But only one company was going to walk away with the prize.
Lockheed-Martin was said to be the 'favorite horse,' since they have had lots more experience building fighter jets than Boeing did, but when it came down to the final decision, nobody knew which way it was going to go. Both companies had been able to meet all the requirements, and it was a very close race. I won't spoil it by telling you who the winner was, but once they announced the winner and showed the loser's reactions, it really got my mind rolling.
The losing company had invested just as much time, energy, resources, and investments into this project as the winning company, but they didn't have anything to show for it. The guy in charge of the project for the losing team heard the news over the phone with the VP standing next to him. He replied through the phone, "So this is an all-or-nothing deal, right? Ok - I understand. Thank you." Then he turned to the VP and said, "I'm sorry." It looked like he was on the verge of tears, but the VP shook his hand, gave him a hug, and told him he had done an excellent job.
I know that one day, I'm going to stand before Jesus, and He's going to evaluate everything I've done. How I've spent my time, resources, energy, and passion. There is a fear deep down inside me that He's going to look at it, and say that it wasn't good enough. On a balance sheet, because they lost the contract, that company essentially wasted the past five years. Am I wasting the years I have? The truth is, I cannot judge myself about this. Only Jesus is the One who can, and I really won't know what His answer is until I stand before Him. I know my identity in Christ is solid, and I know where I will be for eternity, but is He really going to tell me, "Well done, good and faithful servant?"
I really don't know where to go from this, other than being diligent to do what I believe He wants me to do, and hope that in the end, it's going to meet His approval.
Both companies spent about 5 years researching, designing, programming, manufacturing, and testing their planes. Both companies were using very innovative designs. Both companies had unexpected delays. Both companies' futures were closely tied to this contract (in fact, if Lockheed-Martin lost, they would likely close up shop!). But only one company was going to walk away with the prize.
Lockheed-Martin was said to be the 'favorite horse,' since they have had lots more experience building fighter jets than Boeing did, but when it came down to the final decision, nobody knew which way it was going to go. Both companies had been able to meet all the requirements, and it was a very close race. I won't spoil it by telling you who the winner was, but once they announced the winner and showed the loser's reactions, it really got my mind rolling.
The losing company had invested just as much time, energy, resources, and investments into this project as the winning company, but they didn't have anything to show for it. The guy in charge of the project for the losing team heard the news over the phone with the VP standing next to him. He replied through the phone, "So this is an all-or-nothing deal, right? Ok - I understand. Thank you." Then he turned to the VP and said, "I'm sorry." It looked like he was on the verge of tears, but the VP shook his hand, gave him a hug, and told him he had done an excellent job.
I know that one day, I'm going to stand before Jesus, and He's going to evaluate everything I've done. How I've spent my time, resources, energy, and passion. There is a fear deep down inside me that He's going to look at it, and say that it wasn't good enough. On a balance sheet, because they lost the contract, that company essentially wasted the past five years. Am I wasting the years I have? The truth is, I cannot judge myself about this. Only Jesus is the One who can, and I really won't know what His answer is until I stand before Him. I know my identity in Christ is solid, and I know where I will be for eternity, but is He really going to tell me, "Well done, good and faithful servant?"
I really don't know where to go from this, other than being diligent to do what I believe He wants me to do, and hope that in the end, it's going to meet His approval.
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
You never marry the right person?
I read an article this past week by Timothy Keller entitled, "You Never Marry the Right Person." In it he proposes that our culture has focused so much on spousal compatibility and the assumption that if you hit a rough patch in your marriage, you must be not compatible, so forget about your current spouse and instead go search for the 'Right' one.
I agree with what he has to say, but I disagree with how he said it. I would propose that when you marry someone, you DID marry the Right person. I think that in our Western Culture, we have become so accustomed to things being easy, that when we face something hard, we conclude that SOMETHING must not be right! And in a marriage situation, it is so very easy to conclude it is the OTHER person that must be wrong, and not me! Marriage was never meant to be easy, so why expect it to be? Accept the reality that you are going to face hard times in your life. Wouldn't it be better to go through those hard times knowing that the one you committed yourself to isn't going to abandon you?
One of the other issues I think that has led to our Culture's problem with abandonment of our spouses is our oversaturation with media input. Every commercial you see, every tv show you watch, every movie you sit through is trying to sell an idea to you. The more you watch, the more you naturally accept as truth, or at the very least, the more you stop seeing the lies. Our media outlets have created the paradigm that there is a 'perfect' person out there. If the laws of probability have created us from slime, surely they can also find us that person that I can love without having to give any effort. We find ourselves looking at our spouse or our situation and comparing it to what we see portrayed in the media. That very act of comparison starts driving a wedge in a relationship that is perfectly healthy. And the more we allow that wedge to be driven in, the further we grow from our spouse, and the more we find things 'wrong' with them, and the further that wedge goes. It's a horrible downward spiral. (On a side note, I propose that every commercial causes a comparison between what you have and what the commercial is about.)
It would be much easier to be content without commercials.
The solution to this wedge of Comparison is the glue of Contentment. If you stop comparing your spouse to someone else's, or to what you see on TV, but are content with whom God blessed you with, you will come to the realization that you are already married to the Right person. That realization will lead to further contentment, which will strengthen that realization. It's a wonderful upward spiral!
One last thought, and I'll let you go. Every action has consequences, so think very carefully how you act toward your spouse.
I agree with what he has to say, but I disagree with how he said it. I would propose that when you marry someone, you DID marry the Right person. I think that in our Western Culture, we have become so accustomed to things being easy, that when we face something hard, we conclude that SOMETHING must not be right! And in a marriage situation, it is so very easy to conclude it is the OTHER person that must be wrong, and not me! Marriage was never meant to be easy, so why expect it to be? Accept the reality that you are going to face hard times in your life. Wouldn't it be better to go through those hard times knowing that the one you committed yourself to isn't going to abandon you?
One of the other issues I think that has led to our Culture's problem with abandonment of our spouses is our oversaturation with media input. Every commercial you see, every tv show you watch, every movie you sit through is trying to sell an idea to you. The more you watch, the more you naturally accept as truth, or at the very least, the more you stop seeing the lies. Our media outlets have created the paradigm that there is a 'perfect' person out there. If the laws of probability have created us from slime, surely they can also find us that person that I can love without having to give any effort. We find ourselves looking at our spouse or our situation and comparing it to what we see portrayed in the media. That very act of comparison starts driving a wedge in a relationship that is perfectly healthy. And the more we allow that wedge to be driven in, the further we grow from our spouse, and the more we find things 'wrong' with them, and the further that wedge goes. It's a horrible downward spiral. (On a side note, I propose that every commercial causes a comparison between what you have and what the commercial is about.)
It would be much easier to be content without commercials.
The solution to this wedge of Comparison is the glue of Contentment. If you stop comparing your spouse to someone else's, or to what you see on TV, but are content with whom God blessed you with, you will come to the realization that you are already married to the Right person. That realization will lead to further contentment, which will strengthen that realization. It's a wonderful upward spiral!
One last thought, and I'll let you go. Every action has consequences, so think very carefully how you act toward your spouse.
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Changes to this Blog
As with every new year, there's an evaluation that takes place of what we're doing and how that compares with what we'd like to be doing. As I evaluate this blog, I realize that I haven't done with it what I had intended to do with it. As such, I'm going to be making some changes, to better align it with what I want to do with it.
I'm going to expand the scope of this blog to include everything that's going on, and not just ministry stuff. I'm also planning on posting stuff more regularly. As is indicated by the new blog address, it's going to be more about the stuff that we all experience - the stuff we can all relate to, including the stuff we all struggle with.
Wisdom is gained through life experiences, and the smart people will gain wisdom through others' experiences. I'm hoping to provide you with some of those experiences and the wisdom I have gained. I also won't shy away from the stuff that I struggle with, in the hopes of learning wisdom from you (hopefully I'll get some comments)
I hope you stay tuned, and if you like what you read, share it with others. Thanks!
I'm going to expand the scope of this blog to include everything that's going on, and not just ministry stuff. I'm also planning on posting stuff more regularly. As is indicated by the new blog address, it's going to be more about the stuff that we all experience - the stuff we can all relate to, including the stuff we all struggle with.
Wisdom is gained through life experiences, and the smart people will gain wisdom through others' experiences. I'm hoping to provide you with some of those experiences and the wisdom I have gained. I also won't shy away from the stuff that I struggle with, in the hopes of learning wisdom from you (hopefully I'll get some comments)
I hope you stay tuned, and if you like what you read, share it with others. Thanks!
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
First weeks at work
This is our second week at the office, and it has been quite the adjustment. I have taken for granted knowing the ins and outs of a workplace, and having to learn all over again who a person is, where they sit, what tasks to do, how to do them, etc is very daunting. But God has been giving us the strength to make it through whatever we've had to face so far, and I am fully confident He will continue to do so in the days, weeks, months, and years to come.
On another note, we've been thoroughly loving the clear blue skies, sunny days, and warm weather that is typical of Colorado Springs. Being able to go for walks without having to bundle up and trudge through snow has been wonderful! We're slowly adjusting to the altitude and have been able to increase the length and duration of our walks. It's just weird feeling so tired and out of breath after doing something little like walking up the stairs or down to the mailbox and back (about half a block). But it's getting better!
On another note, we've been thoroughly loving the clear blue skies, sunny days, and warm weather that is typical of Colorado Springs. Being able to go for walks without having to bundle up and trudge through snow has been wonderful! We're slowly adjusting to the altitude and have been able to increase the length and duration of our walks. It's just weird feeling so tired and out of breath after doing something little like walking up the stairs or down to the mailbox and back (about half a block). But it's getting better!
Saturday, February 12, 2011
We made it!
We made it to Colorado Springs last week, and still have quite a few boxes to unpack. It's been an adventure getting to know the area a little bit. One thing we like is the ease of access we have to whatever store we want - it's just a few minutes' drive to wherever. :)
The other thing we love is the view of the mountains we get to see every day. They remind me of Psalm 36:
5 Your love, LORD, reaches to the heavens,
your faithfulness to the skies.
6 Your righteousness is like the highest mountains,
your justice like the great deep.
You, LORD, preserve both people and animals.
7 How priceless is your unfailing love, O God!
We start work on Monday which will be an adventure in itself. 'Til next time....
Nick
The other thing we love is the view of the mountains we get to see every day. They remind me of Psalm 36:
5 Your love, LORD, reaches to the heavens,
your faithfulness to the skies.
6 Your righteousness is like the highest mountains,
your justice like the great deep.
You, LORD, preserve both people and animals.
7 How priceless is your unfailing love, O God!
We start work on Monday which will be an adventure in itself. 'Til next time....
Nick
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
The support cycle
We were approached in church a couple weeks ago by someone who told us she has been wanting to support us for quite some time, but was financially unable to. She had been praying about it, and God answered her prayer by supplying her with a part-time job! Now she is one of our financial partners, and we are doubly encouraged.
It is so excited to see that full cycle of support - God meets the needs of our supporters and by doing so, meets our needs.
It is so excited to see that full cycle of support - God meets the needs of our supporters and by doing so, meets our needs.
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Inspiration from Our Daily Bread
Praying, resting, waiting, trusting -
These are words that tell a story,
As we wait for God to lead us,
He responds, "Just seek my glory."
-Hess
Lord, we are seeking Your glory during this adventure.
These are words that tell a story,
As we wait for God to lead us,
He responds, "Just seek my glory."
-Hess
Lord, we are seeking Your glory during this adventure.
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