Failing to live by my own Mission Statement

Shortly after posting my first blog! I came up with a Mission Statement to let people know what I stand for and to serve as a guide for my personal life. In the past year, I have been failing in several areas of my "mission" and I can see the results. Today I renew that same mission statement...Once again here it is (it is also listed underneath my photo at the top left of my blog)....

1. I will seek to continuously become a man after the heart of God.
2. I will serve my God and honor Him in all that I do; in failure as well as success.
3. I will continuously strive to grow as a husband and a father, so I can serve my family in the service of my God.
4. I will endeavor to serve others in love, using my Savior, Jesus, as an example.
5. I will listen to the words of truth as written in the Bible and to the Holy Spirit of God living in me, rather than the lies of Satan and the world. I will do this by spending intentional time in prayer, devotion, and memorization of scripture.
6. Realizing that I AM NOT IN CONTROL of the majority of circumstances that affect my life, I will look to God to learn from every situation, so that I may grow stronger in faith, and better serve God, my family and others.

Father God; Give me the strength of will, to fulfill the promises made above. Give me guidance to do what it right and just. Thank you for what blessings you have given me and help me not to forgot them. All that I have and ever will have is a gift from you! Bless my family and my future job! Your son, Mark

I really hate Oliver!

Oliver is the nickname that I have given my OCD, or recently I have expanded it to be the name I have given my personal demon. Just like the ravens who devoured the seeds planted by the sower in Jesus' parable, Oliver is trying to steal away the good words of comfort that God gave me yesterday.

I rebuke you Oliver, Satan and any other demons that try to steal God's word from me! God has a plan for me and this transitional time in my life and you will not distract me from His words of truth!

In the meantime, I am substituting for the last time this school year. I am watching a teacher's Biology class while kids take their final exams. YAWN! I am having a hard time staying awake. At least I'm earning $70 for my efforts.

Squirrels

I love watching the squirrels play in our yard. Something about them makes me feel peaceful. I like watching them chase each other up and down the trees. I like the sound they make when the run across our roof. I even break for the squirrels as they make their suicide runs across the streets.

Not, sure why I am blogging about squirrels. Maybe I just love the way God designed them.

This morning I watched some squirrels as they jumped from one tree to another. The "leap of faith" they take as they leap from one small swaying branch to another, takes "total faith" on their part, that the branches will hold their weight and keep them from falling. Maybe God reminds us all that sometimes we need to take a "leap of faith" and trust that He will provide a steady branch for us to land upon.

(Also check out my new gadget, added to the left. It is called Interesting Quote of the Week.)

It's the End of the World as We Know It?

I am sure by now you have heard of the religious group that claims that Judgment Day is coming on May 21, 2011. I am also fairly certain that you have also heard that the world as we know it will come to an end on December 21, 2012, according to ancient Mayan Prophecy. One thing I do know for certain is that the world as we know it will someday come to an end. When this will happen I do not know.

The Bible tells us that one day Jesus will return to claim those who believe and at that time the Earth as we know it will be destroyed and replaced with a New Earth. (Isaiah 65:17, Matthew 24:35, 2 Peter 3:13, Revelation 21:1). When will this happen? God has kept that a mystery. When Jesus was in human form on Earth, even he said, "No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father." (Matthew 24:36) If Jesus, who is God, was not allowed to know when God's Judgement Day will happen, what makes man think that they know when the end of the world will come?

Many people and religions have wrongly "predicted" when the end of the world would occur; Heaven's Gate, Jehovah's Witnesses, and many others have done do. Because of these predictions many people have reacted with fear and have done some very irrational things; including mass suicide. I believe that if you have a true relationship with the Lord God and his son Jesus, then you have nothing to fear from "Judgement Day." In fact you should celebrate it's coming.

As for me I have faith that God really will return one day to claim his own and he will destroy Earth and create a New Earth. God could come within the next 5 minutes for all I care, I am ready to meet God face to face. I wish many others could feel the same way.

The only thing about these groups and their "predictions" is that it just adds one more log onto the fire to be used by those who wish to persecute God's people, to prove that we are crazy and we have no clue what we are talking about. Christians have a hard enough time following the only two rules Jesus has ever asked us to follow; Love the Lord your God, and Love your Neighbors as Yourself. We don't need groups like Family Radio making things worse for those looking for the truth.

Update: 5-24-11, The Family Radio preacher, Harold Camping, has since changed his prediction to October 11, of 2001 as the day of Judgement. Obviously his second prediction of May 21, came and went with no Rapture in sight. He originally predicted the Rapture in 1994. Maybe the third time is a charm?

Lectio Divina

As part of my efforts to better read, understand and live God's will, I have started to read a book called Read, Think, Pray, Live by Tony Jones. In this book Jones teaches how to use a technique called lecto divina. Lectio divina takes scripture and uses four steps to bring the Word of God to life.

Step 1 is called Lectio; in which you select and read a passage.

Step 2 is Meditatio; in which you meditate or think over.

Step 3 is Oratio; in which you speak or pray.

Step 4 is Contemplatio; in which you contemplate.

I have just started reading the book, so I can't give you details (yet) over how each step works. I have heard good things about this technique and I can't wait to try it. Anything that improves my relationship with God and helps me hear His Words more clearly is a good thing. I will let you know more as I read on.

Apologies to God

Most Awesome GOD, Creator of all things and LORD of my life;

I come to you begging for your forgiveness. I have been a selfish and evil man. I have been praying for my will to be done and not Yours. I have lied to myself and to you about what I want for myself. I have stolen from You, by taking the time and income You have provided for me, and using them for personal gain or selfish desires. I have put other things before You and that is idolatry. For these things I offer no excuse except my apologies.

I want to be in love with YOU, O' MY LORD. I want to obsessed with YOU. I want to do YOUR will not mine. I want YOU to be first always. I want to give YOU my best, not what is left over at the end of the day. I want to trust in YOU more than I do my income or my own personal security. Help me to be the person YOU want me to be, not what I want myself to be.

Thank you Father for the blessings you have provided for me and my family. Thank you for my bride Jamie and my two wonderful kids, Caleb and Rachel. Thank you for the job you provided for me at Mardel. Thank you for Jamie's jobs at Presbyterian Children's Homes and Services, Children's Connections and now for the teaching opportunity at Stephen F. Austin. Thank you for the opportunity to help marriages grow stronger by allowing Jamie and I to lead a Dynamic Marriage class. Thank you for my home. You have blessed my family abundantly and I Love You.

Your adopted son,

Mark

Wondering What God has in Store for Me!

Yesterday, I found out that I will be looking for a new job at the end of this month. It appears the budget cuts for Twogether in Texas, by the State Legislature, has affected my job faster that we planned. 

I can still work part-time, teaching marriage classes until August (if I wish), at a rate of $100.00 per couple; however, they want to me to work in counties that require much travel time, which I will now no longer be reimbursed for. I am giving myself until Thursday to decide if I will accept that offer or not. 

So now I go back to the beginning. When I started this blog, I was starting the process of looking for a new job, after leaving teaching in the public schools for eleven years. Who knows maybe God wanted me to learn a few things from my last two jobs and get back into the public schools where I belong. 

I refuse to be sad, because I know my God is bigger than anything the world may throw at me. I will do my part to apply for new jobs and be open to any changes; I just can't wait to see what God has planned for me next. 

Kings and Chronicles & Newsboys

In my daily Bible reading I am plodding along through Kings and Chronicles. I just finished 2nd Kings and I am about to start 1st Chronicles, which is basically a recap of Kings.

I really shouldn't say plodding, it makes it sound like these books are boring. They are not boring at all. In fact several of my favorite Bible stories come from these books.

The story of Naaman the leaper general of Syria.; the chariots of fire taking Elisha to Heaven; the 2 bears killing the 42 kids because they called the Prophet of God a "bald head"; The Angel of Lord killing thousands of Sennacharib's soldiers during the night; Josiah finding the Word of the Lord while restoring the temple and rededicating his life to the God of Israel.

All these stories are great stories; however, I get very sad when I read about the kings of Israel and Judah turn, time and again, away from the Lord their God.

It is much like going to "church" every Sunday. We celebrate the victories God works in people's lives and we mourn or get angry when we hear of those who have turned away from our Lord, Jesus. Imagine that!





Tonight, my family and I are going to watch The Newsboys in concert! I can't wait!

I Am Iron Man!

To read this blog go to http://penguinsandladybugs-allrolledintoone.blogspot.com/2009/03/i-am-iron-man.html

Thinking I was posting on my blog, I accidentally posted on Jamie's blog. So go there to read my latest blog.

I couldn't cut and paste it so I'm leaving it there!

Learning the Voice of God

When God first called the great Prophet Samuel, Samuel did not immediately recognize the voice of God! Samuel had to get advice from his mentor, the priest Eli, on what do when he heard God's voice calling to him. Only after the third calling from God did Samuel answer. Why didn't Samuel recognize God's voice? Maybe it was because he was not actively searching for God and listening for His voice? Once Samuel did learn the voice of God, Samuel followed God the rest of his life.

Even the best of us Christians who are seeking God probably could not recognize the voice of God if He did speak to us. Why? It it because the noise of the world drowns out the quite still voice of God? It is because we don't have a relationship with God and therefore treat His voice as if it were the voice of a stranger?

Sheep have to learn the voice of their specific shepherd over all the other voices in the fields. Once they do, they will only respond to THEIR Shepherd, and them alone. Maybe as Christians we should do a better job of learning the voice of our Shepherd, Jesus the Christ? There are many voices in our world who claim to be shepherds or just voices who want to distract us from hearing the voice of God. We need to learn the voice of God, because His is the only voice that will lead us to safety, among a world full of wolves!

Playing Racquetball With God!

This afternoon, after work, I decided to go get a work out at my local gym; after all I am paying for a membership. Despite being the middle of the day, the treadmills and bicycle machines were full. Being prepared, I had my racquetball equipment with me. I found an empty court to play in and decided to just to hit the ball around some. Alas, it is not much fun playing by yourself! So, I challenged God to play with me.

We would play like a normal game, except you could choose to take a 2nd bounce on the initial serve. God agreed. I served first and the game was on. I served, then God returned, and then I hit and so on. It did make my boring practice a lot more fun. In the end HE beat me 21-14! At least I scored. God could have cheated and used His powers to crush me, but I guess He wanted to make it fair. It wasn't like wrestling with Jacob though. At least Jacob wrestled God to a draw (sort of!), and got a name change. I still have my name and God still reigns supreme.

At least no one could hear me talking to myself, "17 serving 15, God's Serve!" I may just have to invite God to do more activities with me. I think He would like that!

Two Good Books to Read

Recently I have read two books that have had a profound impact on my thoughts about "religion" and my relationship with the God of Universe!

The first books is called The Shack by William Young. This book challenges the traditional roles Christians seek to have in relation to God, as well as who God really is and what He expects from His children.

The second book is called Room of Marvels by James Bryan Smith. This book also challenges what you believe about Heaven and a person's personal relationship with God.

Both books deal with the healing of the main character's broken relationship with God. Both books are fairly short in length and easy to read, yet powerful in their messages. I encourage you to read them. They could alter your way of thinking.

Romans 13: 1-7 (Submission to the Authorities)

In a highly charged election year, many of us are wondering who the best choice for President of the United States really is. Many of us have wondered, how can we get away without paying our taxes to a government that is not wisely spending our tax dollars. Many of us wonder are we really heading down a "Socialist" path of government. Obama or McCain?

I have an idea...Give God Control! You vote your conscience and then let God take control and work his will in our lives. Despite who wins the upcoming election, God gives us very clear instructions on how to live, in regards to our government situation. It is found in Romans 13: 1-7

"Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgement on themselves. For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and he will commend you. For he is God's servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God's servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment to the wrongdoer. Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience.

This is why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God's servants, who give their full time to governing. Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor." -- NIV

It doesn't matter who gets elected...If Obama or McCain turns out to be a great president and America prospers, then God is rewarding us for doing what is right. If we suffer as a nation, then God is just using the winner of the election to carry out his "wrath" on us for not being obedient to His will. God will put the person HE wants into the White House, and if we are obedient to God's will, then we will have nothing to fear. So go vote and trust that God has His best interest for us at heart.

Waiting and More Waiting

Waiting seems to be my occupation at the present time.

As of today I am waiting to hear back from my latest job interview. It went very well, so well in fact that I was called back for a second interview and they have started to check my work references. That's good right? I should know by the end of the day or at the latest , Tuesday of next week. So, that leaves me waiting. (I will continue to scour the want-ads in the meantime though, just in case.)

I am also waiting for 3:30p.m. to arrive. This is the time I get off work today. After work my wife and I will be heading back to Howe, TX to pick up our children. They have been spending a week with their cousins (my wife's sister's kids). Before we head home; however, we will be going to watch the Texas Rangers play baseball on Saturday. I am really anxious to go to this game. So, once again I am waiting. Dang clock!

What can I learn from all this waiting? God works on His own schedule, not mine. God has always provided for my family (despite some very stupid mistakes on our part) and he does it on His own good time. Several times when my wife and I have been looking for jobs, God has literally waited until the last day to provide us with our new job. He seems to be doing this again with my recent job search. I really need to learn to be still and patient; listen to what God is trying to tell me. I am trying God, I am trying. While I am waiting though, could you take away my OCD so I am not freaking out during all of this waiting? : )

IM SAVD

The State of South Carolina is planning to issue personalized license plates for Christians. Some people; however, are extremely upset about this. They are claiming this a clear violation of the "separation of church and state" laws.

I say "Nonsense!" This is the biggest bunch of hooey I have ever seen. Why can't I personalize my license plate. I can put on my plate what college I attended, what sports team I like, semi-vulgar messages in code (such as the title of my blog), but I cannot put my religious preference on my plates. If I pay to have the state print my plate, why can't I put my religious beliefs on my license plate. The state is not forcing me to put a particular religious belief or idea on my car, I am choosing to do so.

I think it is time for Christians to stand up to the government and claim "reverse discrimination". In the interest of not forcing a religious belief on others, the anti-religious folks are not allowing anyone to practice their religion at all.

Go, South Carolina...print those plates. Good for you!

On the Clock...

I am now counting down time until my current job comes to an end. Due to budget cuts I will be let go from my current position at the end of the month. 29 days and counting.

Last year at this time I was also job hunting; I had left my position as a teacher and was looking for another type of work closer to home. Last year, I was full of confidence that God was going to find me a good job. I had very little stress about the entire ordeal, and when God found me the job as an Adult Education Teacher, my faith in Him was proven to be true. I gave God the credit for the job and the benefits that came with it.

This year; however, my faith is not as strong. I truly believe that God will find me another job in time to keep my family from suffering financially, but I have not been acting as confident as I was last year. I am suffering anxiety related symptoms, I am agitated easily, I am on the verge of tears at night, and I am becoming very depressed. Where is that confidence in my God that I had last year? I believe in His promises; why can't I find my faith now?

Every job I have applied for, since finding out about this job, has either been filled or they have yet to call me for an interview. The home based travel business (See side panel: Four English Peas Travel), is doing OK, but not enough to replace my income (yet, I hope).

Most Heavenly Father, Help me to find confidence in you like I did last year. Help me to remember that You, O' Lord do not change in your ways. You are always faithful. Help me to overcome my depression and not to believe in the lies of Satan. Forgive me for my unbelief! Your Son, Mark

Keeping the Faith despite the Economy's efforts to ruin our Summer!

Why does everyone want my money? I realize other people have to make a living but do they have to take my money that I need to feed my family and transport myself to work? This economy thing has got to pick itself up soon or my family will be living our version of a great depression.

Here are a few changes that have taken place in our home as a result of our slumping economy:

Gas Budget summer 2007: $200 for two vehicles
Gas Budget summer 2008: almost $400 plus.

Food Budget for summer 2007: About $85 per week.
Food Budget for summer 2008: Almost $150 per week. (Part of that is my son is finally growing and he is hungry.)

Clothing Budget for summer 2007: about $50.00 per month
Clothing Budget for summer 2008: Zero

We may even have to cut back on the kid's allowance. We are even thinking about cancelling our subscription to Netflix. We have definitely cut back on eating out and buying any unnecessary items.

We have cut back on our traveling. We have put-off once again a possible trip to Disney World in Florida. Instead we are going to a Texas Rangers baseball game, if we can afford the gas to get there. Now that school is out for the summer, my wife and I have started to car-pool to work whenever possible.

Our church contributions have gone from putting the money in the collection plate to help paying for Youth Group activities for our kids. (it's still church related right?) Much needed home repairs, such as fixing the ceiling in our kitchen, replacing an old roof, yard work and some painting have been put on permanent hold. This of course devalues our home.

It is during times like this that our family must fully rely on God (as we should do all the time). At least we have a home to live in. At least we can still buy groceries to feed our family. We still have clothes to wear even if they are a bit to small or are going out of style.

My family and I have been in bad shape before and God has always come through for us. When we thought we couldn't pay a bill, somehow an insurance check comes in the mail or a royalty check comes in because someone out there bought my book. Just this month, we we looking at falling short of our required budget to pay some bills. Yesterday, our first commission check from YTB Travel came in the mail. It wasn't much but it paid one of our bills. My wife's car insurance also was adjusted and we are paying $7.00 less now. Once again, it is not much, but it helps. God has always taken care of us when we needed it. So even though I may sin with a little worrying, I am not afraid. I just stand in amazement at my God.

We can blame the economy on rising gas prices or the outrageous debt Americans have placed themselves into, but the bottom line is...the economy may fail us but our God will not. He will always be there to protect His children. Have faith, that all will be well.

Missing God

During the past few days, I have been trying my best to prioritize a few things. I have made time to fill out job applications. I have made time to focus on my health/physical fitness. I have even made more time to spend with my family; however, I have failed to make time to spend with my Father. You would think I would make time to spend with my Creator, the God of all the Universe, but I have not.

Before I took my current job, I read my Bible, spent time in prayer, and in devotion with God. Now, I barely read what I need to help teach my daughter's Sunday School class. I miss my God. I miss spending time trying to stay in touch with the Holy Spirit and conversing with Jesus. I do pray every morning, but I have yet to make a specific time to read His Words. I am a little lost without my Guiding Light.

I know God is there, even if I don't see Him. I just want to spend about three days refocusing myself to do His will and seek His direction for me in my life. When is the next holiday break?

Calling All Prayer Warriors, We Need Some Prayers

The Devil seems very determined to keep my family from having a great summer.
It's time we do a little fighting back! So pray hard fellow saints, pray hard!

First prayer request...My wife, Jamie, had her first mammogram early last month. (Click here for more information about that.) It seemed the doctor found something so they scheduled her for a follow up visit, which happened today. After a second test, the doctor decided to perform a biopsy on the "abnormality". It is probably not anything to worry about, but of course we are concerned. Her mother and both her grand-mothers are survivors of breast cancer.

Second prayer request...I found out today that the Adult Education Program at Kilgore College is doing a little "reorganization" and as a result, I will no longer be employed as of July 31st. So, just like last summer, I will be job hunting. So far I have found out that 3 school districts near me, including my last employer, are looking for Social Studies or History teachers. I am even checking out a possible General Manager position at a local hotel chain. It's a start.

Third prayer request... My wife and I wish you to pray for the success of our new home-based business. We recently signed up to be on-line travel agents. If you wish to book a vacation, come check us out at Four English Peas Travel. We want more than anything to honor God with this new business. So pray that we do just that.

One thing to know about us is, that we fully believe that God will lead us through all of this! After all He is the God of "Miracles and Wonders" according to Psalms.

Why do we run from what we are so desperately longing for?

The past couple of days I have noticed a theme, that keeps popping up in books, movies and in everyday life.

The theme is that "God is relentlessly pursuing us in order to show us his love! Our response it to run away from what we are so desperately longing to have." God offers us mercy, grace, love and eternal life with Him. These are the very things most people on this little planet so desperately want in our lives. Instead of accepting this we tend to run from it. Why?

Maybe we are afraid of seeing the reflection of our ugly, deformed, sinful self. We must come face to face with the fact that we are sinners and have no chance to heal ourselves, no matter what we do.

The book Captured by Grace tells the life stories of several famous folks, including C.S. Lewis, John Newton, and Paul the Apostle, and how they compare their lives as running from themselves and a very loving God, only to find out that when they finally run into God and He captures their hearts, that they finally realize that they have been running from what they have been seeking all along.

I watched the movie Finding Nemo with my family on Sunday. I have seen this movie many times before, but I never caught this particular theme. Nemo is amazed that his father has overcome impossible odds to find him. His father tells Nemo, "Don't you realize I would do anything to find you! I love you!" Hasn't our Heavenly Father done the same thing for us. He went through "Death" to pursue an everlasting relationship with us.

We know that God is there. We know He calls out to us daily to join in fellowship with Him. Why do run? What are we scared of? Are we so afraid of facing up to our own sins? Are we afraid that we are so ugly and scarred that God cannot really want a relationship with someone so sinful? I guess we are. Why don't we just quit running and let God capture our heart? When He does he will transform us into such incredible people, we will start running again. This time running with God in pursuit of others who flee the grace of God, that they are so desperately looking for.