Tech Free for a month?

Thus the Lord used to speak to Moses face to face, just as a man speaks to his friend. When Moses returned to the camp, his servant Joshua, the son of Nun, a young man, would not depart from the tent. (Exodus 33:11 NASB)

I've been thinking a lot about vacation. Stephanie and I will be leaving for nearly 4 weeks out west. I have treasured our motorcycle adventures. They are a great time to focus just on each other and God. But, I am thinking about going a step further and going without my technology. That's really scary to me. Technology can be such a distraction. I should be able to discipline myself, but many times I can't. That comment is enough to prompt my "tech free" vacation. I still have a week to decide. 

Technology can be a distraction for me and my relationship with God. God wants to meet me face to face. He wants to hear my prayers. He wants ME as a friend. Just like Moses, he wants us to desire to be with him like a friend. The time I spend on Facebook or twitter could be spent with him. How can I say I don't have time, when I find time to surf the web. My priorities need to change. Can I do it for a month? Can I devote that time to him and talking with him? Should I give it up for a month? I would need to dig my old fashioned bible off the shelf. I would need to actually write my journals like I used to. 

It says a lot that I am struggling to make this commitment. 

Simply: Learn it and live it!

“Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. (Joshua 1:7, 8 NIV)

I was reading in my devotion about how we live in an age of information overload. I might be the poster child for that. Don't get me wrong, I love blogging, Facebook, tweeting, pinning, and countless other social media/information age tools. But, it can get overwhelming to the point of paralysis. Really, life was meant to be simple. My devotion pointed to this verse as providing the simple solution. First, never stop reading the Bible and day/night think about what it says. I think that's pretty simple, sound advice. 

God has provided this wonderful tool for our everyday lives. We need to learn it and live it if we are to be prosperous and successful. There is no other way! Read, study, pray, meditate, and practice the Bible every day from sun up to sun down!

Green and growing or Ripe and Rotting?

They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. (Acts 2:42 NIV)

Green and growing or Ripe and Rotting?

I can't remember where I heard this saying. I know it was in relation to spiritual growth, but it applies to many areas of our lives. As a teacher, I find it is important to always look at what and how I'm teaching. I need to always ask, is there a better way. How can I do a better job of teaching? When I think I am as good as I can get, I'll begin the process of rotting. I need to realize i dont know everything. i need to be real with my students. They need to know i am forever learning. not only do i not know everything, i never give up the pursuit of knowledge.

As Christians we need to be cautious of the same thoughts. We are sinners and when we think we have arrived at perfection, we are completely wrong. We always need to strain toward perfection realizing we can never get there on our own. We need to devote ourselves to the process of growing, Prayer, Fellowship, Study, Service, and Evangelism. Once we stop doing these things, we will no longer be growing, we will be dying. We need to make sure Non-Christians don't see us as perfect. But, they see us as constantly seeking Gods truth and to always build our relationship with him. We aren't spiritual super heroes, we are weak in faith but mighty in the power of Jesus who saved us. 

We need to be growing, not rotting! 

Many people come and go in your life

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. (John 15:1 NIV)

My life has been filled with so many wonderful people. Tonight I got to spend an evening chatting with a couple people I consider dear friends. We worked together very closely over the past 10 years and now have moved on. Oh how fun it was talking and sharing  old times with them. I will cherish our friendship forever even though we rarely will see each other. I have had others in my life that have also come and gone. We were close, but don't get to see each other anymore, for one reason or another. Our lives just headed in a different direction.

It brings some sadness, but mostly joy when I think about my close friends of the  past.  I really believe it is all in Gods plan. He brings people in and out of our lives on purpose. They significantly impact who we are. They define us. He also sent his son to change us. He sent him ,not to be a flash. He sent Jesus for us permanently. He  sacrificed him on the cross that we may be forever linked, and changed.  The vine of his garden has entwined us with him and each other. We are blessed by knowing him.

Let me lead!

Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’ ” (Matthew 4:4 NIV)

I'm starting a short 7day devotional about leadership, so I thought I would share it with you.

I read a lot. I enjoy the newspaper, social media, fiction, and educational journals.  I also love studying the word of God. Which do I incorporate in my daily life? Sadly, I read the Bible , mostly out of obligation. I'm supposed to read it. The Bible is so critical to our spiritual health. We need to focus on reading, studying, and applying every word. To lead at school, I have to be armed with the best knowledge I can. Some may come from textbooks or other reading. But real knowledge is through the power and truth of God. Jesus set the example for humble leadership. 

God help me lead my family, students, coworkers, and friends to a relationship with you. May I be an example of thoughtful leadership that is centered around your love and grace. Help me to set the example, lead as you would have me lead and love as you want me to love. amen. 

Mom, Mom, Mom, Mom, Mom,Mom,Mom,............... WHAT!?

I wait for the Lord more than watchmen wait for the morning, more than watchmen wait for the morning. (Psalm 130:6 NIV)

Mothers Day is just one week away. I'm sure there is not a mother in this country that hasn't had a child, annoyingly, repeat Mom, over and over again to get her attention. As a child of God, I act the same way! I think if I just repeat the requests, it will emphasize what I WANT! Maybe I can push God to answer, or maybe even change his mind with my persistence. God still listens. Even though we can be annoying at times, he still listens and acts on our behalf. Praise God for his love! More important is to keep praying! You can't annoy God, he loves you too much, is filled with infinite grace and patience. Gods blessings are amazing.

Clean the path before me!

Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure, because you will not abandon me to the realm of the dead, nor will you let your faithful one see decay. You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand. (Psalm 16:9-11 NIV)

Tomorrow I am taking part of a personal day to get ready for the Run for the Son. We go out and prepare the roads on the route by clearing them of rocks, sand, and debris. We want the path to be as safe as possible. This ride is so important for our chapter because its not just for our chapter members. Many bikers from all over the area will be there.

Please Lord lead us on your paths. Clean the way for us so that we may serve you. Lord, please watch over us this weekend. Provide safety, great weather, and give us the opportunity to she his love. Thank you Lord for your many blessings!