Thirteen years ago today I married Elaine. Thirteen Years!
Elaine had actually proposed to me the previous February of that leap year 1992, though we did not set a date. She had been divorced for what I consider biblical reasons, and her little boy Tony was 18 months old when we met.
I was 28 years old, and while I had always hoped to be married I had become accustomed to living alone in many respects. Not that I liked living alone, but it was what I knew. The Lord was with me, but I had not much human company and God knew my heart.
April 29, 1992 I went to work and stopped at the time clock. I turned around and left to find a pay phone. I called Elaine and asked her to meet me for lunch late that morning at Ryan's.
I have always had a habit of acting impulsively. It's not a habit that I am proud of, and often times causes me a great deal of second guessing and regret. That morning in Ryan's I told Elaine if she wanted to marry me we should do it that night at church after our regular service. It was spontaneous, and I did not think of some of the thoughts it would cause in peoples minds ( NO NO NO -she was not pregnant!!!).
We loved each other and if we were going to do marry I wanted it done! I didn't want to just think about getting married anymore. We got our rings, got our license, called our Pastor, and were married that very night after church.
Thirteen years later we still love each other, that little boy is a 6'2" sophomore in high school , and our beautiful daughter will be 10 years old next month. Money is tight, and we are constantly too busy. Life is flying by, and I feel ill prepared for much of it, knowing only that God sees us and knows my steps and what we have need of.
And I know at least one impulsive act 13 years ago that I do not second guess, nor would I change it. I am no longer alone, and I go to sleep every night in a home with people I love more than I can express.
I am a blessed man.
Friday, April 29, 2005
Thursday, April 28, 2005
Welcome Harpazo!
A hearty Grace Harbor welcome to our new resident Harpazo! The Sonshine is warm today and we are glad you have joined us! I expect others will be moving into our inviting shores soon. The conversation is good, and the mercy abundant! Our neighbors are kind, and as my <harumph> waistline might betray I enjoy the harbor fish shop down by the wharf a little too much, but I love speaking about the good things of God, the issues of the day, or really just whatever, here in the harbor! And because I (we) have committed this to be a place of honesty about our thinking, and as a result of a recent conversation with a fellow believer, allow me to propose the -
Question of the Day!
Can/Should Christian couples with children remain unmarried?
And again - I am talking about those who are Christians - not those who are not. No that one group is better, but isn't one group expected to walk in the tenets of faith if professes? Not really even a question for most of us I admit, but not quite the straw man that it appears at first, although you think it would be with the scripture's clear teaching on fornication and adultery. Some believe "true" marriage to be beyond the state -which it is - and hence not in need of a marriage license.
While the culture at large has had an ever growing lax attitude towards marriage for sometime I fear that same attitude has made it's way even some within the Church. Believe me -I'm not trying to judge anyone as lost, or of less worth than anyone else. I know that God's grace is eternal and forever. I don't decide, nor do I want to, who gets in or out; still I can't help but believe that we who are in Christ have a standard based on, and defined by, God's love. Doesn't a relationship with God mold us to His character? He is committed to us. Marriage without a full commitment is not marriage, but rather playing at it.
Not that I know a lot of Christian folks in these circumstances, but they are not unknown to me either.. If a man and woman aren't willing to commit themselves legally and completely before God then should they consider themselves married, or in obedience to God? Surely their children are deserving of the loving protection and stability that marriage is intended to impart to them. The love of God is selfless, but holding back this kind of natural commitment from those that are professed to be loved the most is nothing but selfishness. How wonderful is God's plan!
Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled; for God will judge the immoral and adulterous. Hebrews 13:4
The judgment is evident in the broken homes of so many of the fatherless, or motherless, children who long for what they have never known -loving stability.
Thank God that no matter where we are, or what we've been, He cleanses us by His Blood, by His Love! Those who call upon Him can find freedom from sin to walk in the true love He has for us! I am not talking about being "holier-than-thou" I am speaking of truly living the life in humility, and in deed. I am not speaking as though we are without fault, but rather admitting them to our selves and to God with the intent of being REAL. it is a sword that cuts both ways I think. If I seek my will in His name and as His child excuse my blatant disobedience I have misunderstood the Grace that has saved me. At the same time if at any point what we call "being real" leads to some sort of sanctimonious self righteousness we have also missed what being REAL is. Let he who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.
The only way to stand is in humility.
And on the lighter side of things, and because of my interest in things musical, how did Constantine get voted off American Idol last night?!?! Just wrong!
Question of the Day!
Can/Should Christian couples with children remain unmarried?
And again - I am talking about those who are Christians - not those who are not. No that one group is better, but isn't one group expected to walk in the tenets of faith if professes? Not really even a question for most of us I admit, but not quite the straw man that it appears at first, although you think it would be with the scripture's clear teaching on fornication and adultery. Some believe "true" marriage to be beyond the state -which it is - and hence not in need of a marriage license.
While the culture at large has had an ever growing lax attitude towards marriage for sometime I fear that same attitude has made it's way even some within the Church. Believe me -I'm not trying to judge anyone as lost, or of less worth than anyone else. I know that God's grace is eternal and forever. I don't decide, nor do I want to, who gets in or out; still I can't help but believe that we who are in Christ have a standard based on, and defined by, God's love. Doesn't a relationship with God mold us to His character? He is committed to us. Marriage without a full commitment is not marriage, but rather playing at it.
Not that I know a lot of Christian folks in these circumstances, but they are not unknown to me either.. If a man and woman aren't willing to commit themselves legally and completely before God then should they consider themselves married, or in obedience to God? Surely their children are deserving of the loving protection and stability that marriage is intended to impart to them. The love of God is selfless, but holding back this kind of natural commitment from those that are professed to be loved the most is nothing but selfishness. How wonderful is God's plan!
Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled; for God will judge the immoral and adulterous. Hebrews 13:4
The judgment is evident in the broken homes of so many of the fatherless, or motherless, children who long for what they have never known -loving stability.
Thank God that no matter where we are, or what we've been, He cleanses us by His Blood, by His Love! Those who call upon Him can find freedom from sin to walk in the true love He has for us! I am not talking about being "holier-than-thou" I am speaking of truly living the life in humility, and in deed. I am not speaking as though we are without fault, but rather admitting them to our selves and to God with the intent of being REAL. it is a sword that cuts both ways I think. If I seek my will in His name and as His child excuse my blatant disobedience I have misunderstood the Grace that has saved me. At the same time if at any point what we call "being real" leads to some sort of sanctimonious self righteousness we have also missed what being REAL is. Let he who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.
The only way to stand is in humility.
And on the lighter side of things, and because of my interest in things musical, how did Constantine get voted off American Idol last night?!?! Just wrong!
We must protect our spirits
Something odd is happening with blogspots posting - it is stamped as though posted by Gabriel, but this post is actually by "Harpazo".
The enemy uses subtle ways to keep us from reaching our potential in Christ.Often life may seem to become too busy to serve and worship our Lord Jesus.We need to put on our armor daily.We also need daily scripture reading,prayer,worship,fellowship,and christian service.If we do this,than God will be our Mighty fortress!!!!! If you listen closely,you can hear the footsteps of Jesus coming to call His Bride home!!!!!! Time is short and we need to win souls.
The enemy uses subtle ways to keep us from reaching our potential in Christ.Often life may seem to become too busy to serve and worship our Lord Jesus.We need to put on our armor daily.We also need daily scripture reading,prayer,worship,fellowship,and christian service.If we do this,than God will be our Mighty fortress!!!!! If you listen closely,you can hear the footsteps of Jesus coming to call His Bride home!!!!!! Time is short and we need to win souls.
Tuesday, April 26, 2005
Allowed to die?
The parents of 18-month-old Charlotte Wyatt have lost their legal battle to overturn a court order allowing doctors not to resuscitate her.
First Terri Schiavo's parents and now this in England. There is something very wrong in the world that prefers not to give life a chance. I know little about English rights, but why aren't the parents granted their God given rights in this one? God help this family.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/hampshire/4466855.stm
Well said Lyn!
If I were to choose what is often time referred to as a life verse for me it would be Romans 8:38-39! How I love the mercy that is embedded within these words! NOTHING CAN SEPARATE US FROM HIS LOVE!
How I dread hearing these words taught with the dreaded but added at the end. It changes the plain meaning of Paul's words. To add something to the effect of "we can leave Him". Such a statement does not reside in the lexicon of eternal grace! Such thinking seeks to change the substance of eternal life, but Jesus did not come that we might have temporary life - He came that we might have eternal life! Thanks be to God in Christ Jesus our Lord!
In my mind the but in this instance belies an underlying doubt, a belief that we must add to the cross, yet there is nothing that can be added! The cross reconciles us to God! He saves us, and He will keep us!
An interesting thing that I have experienced personally is the accusation that because I believe so strongly in God's grace (and I do!) I am willing to let any manner of sin go. I am just the opposite of that accusation, even more so I sometimes think than those who would suggest it!
I believe that God saves eternally and to the uttermost! That what He does cannot be undone! He loves us , He saves us, He regenerates us! He causes us be more and more like Him. The transformation is not all at once perhaps, but over time even as a mustard seed becomes a great tree so does the faith implanted within us grow to fill our lives. God's righteousness molds us because He loves. We are not saved in sin, but from sin. In the same way that I cringe when someone inserts a but into God's ETERNAL plan of salvation I cringe when someone will say that "God loves everybody" as a blanket for that that He abhors. Jesus makes people free from sin and the symptoms that include -
adultery
homosexuality
thievery
drunkeness
idolatry
etc.
God loves the world, but He does not love everything. I am not talking about temptation, but rather the willful "I know it is wrong, and specifically spoken against in the scripture, but I'm going to do it anyway" attitude that some who confess belief in the bible take upon themselves. Sometimes I believe folks think they are being merciful if they try to cover what they know to be wrong for themselves and their loved ones with a generic "God loves everybody", when the real mercy is in the godly sorrow that leads to repentance. This leads not to covering up, but a washing clean of the conscience allowing the one who has sinned to stand confidently before God, and maintains the integrity of the standard - God's true grace that saves from sin! As much as we want everyone to "feel" good about themselves, we do no one any favors by seeming to approve of things of which God does not approve. That is not to say that I believe anyone should be treated unkindly, or with rudeness. It is to say that I believe that we can treat others with kindness and still hold to the right.
I have thought about this over the past few days, and am thinking that those who would substitute a conditional "but" into God's grace, and those who would try to use God's grace as an excuse for sinfulness are but different sides of the same doubtful and untrusting coin. One doesn't trust Him completely for salvation, and the other doesn't trust Him completely to change lives. If we trust Him we can trust Him to shape our lives into His image, and desire to bear the characteristics of our Father. If we believe that He is our Father then as a loving Father we can believe that He will never let us go. I can't walk away from who I am. I am His!
Just a few of the things on my mind lately here in Grace Harbor. Thanks to my Grace Harbor neighbor Lyn for her good thoughts! And thank you so much Lyn for the book recommendation, and for quoting my favorite verse! I never get tired of reading it!
More neighbors will be moving in soon! I am so thankful for the thoughts already expressed, and those that will be!
So Lyn.....the book you've recommended - is that a library book, or one you own and lend out freely? ( hint, hint!) :)
If I were to choose what is often time referred to as a life verse for me it would be Romans 8:38-39! How I love the mercy that is embedded within these words! NOTHING CAN SEPARATE US FROM HIS LOVE!
How I dread hearing these words taught with the dreaded but added at the end. It changes the plain meaning of Paul's words. To add something to the effect of "we can leave Him". Such a statement does not reside in the lexicon of eternal grace! Such thinking seeks to change the substance of eternal life, but Jesus did not come that we might have temporary life - He came that we might have eternal life! Thanks be to God in Christ Jesus our Lord!
In my mind the but in this instance belies an underlying doubt, a belief that we must add to the cross, yet there is nothing that can be added! The cross reconciles us to God! He saves us, and He will keep us!
An interesting thing that I have experienced personally is the accusation that because I believe so strongly in God's grace (and I do!) I am willing to let any manner of sin go. I am just the opposite of that accusation, even more so I sometimes think than those who would suggest it!
I believe that God saves eternally and to the uttermost! That what He does cannot be undone! He loves us , He saves us, He regenerates us! He causes us be more and more like Him. The transformation is not all at once perhaps, but over time even as a mustard seed becomes a great tree so does the faith implanted within us grow to fill our lives. God's righteousness molds us because He loves. We are not saved in sin, but from sin. In the same way that I cringe when someone inserts a but into God's ETERNAL plan of salvation I cringe when someone will say that "God loves everybody" as a blanket for that that He abhors. Jesus makes people free from sin and the symptoms that include -
adultery
homosexuality
thievery
drunkeness
idolatry
etc.
God loves the world, but He does not love everything. I am not talking about temptation, but rather the willful "I know it is wrong, and specifically spoken against in the scripture, but I'm going to do it anyway" attitude that some who confess belief in the bible take upon themselves. Sometimes I believe folks think they are being merciful if they try to cover what they know to be wrong for themselves and their loved ones with a generic "God loves everybody", when the real mercy is in the godly sorrow that leads to repentance. This leads not to covering up, but a washing clean of the conscience allowing the one who has sinned to stand confidently before God, and maintains the integrity of the standard - God's true grace that saves from sin! As much as we want everyone to "feel" good about themselves, we do no one any favors by seeming to approve of things of which God does not approve. That is not to say that I believe anyone should be treated unkindly, or with rudeness. It is to say that I believe that we can treat others with kindness and still hold to the right.
I have thought about this over the past few days, and am thinking that those who would substitute a conditional "but" into God's grace, and those who would try to use God's grace as an excuse for sinfulness are but different sides of the same doubtful and untrusting coin. One doesn't trust Him completely for salvation, and the other doesn't trust Him completely to change lives. If we trust Him we can trust Him to shape our lives into His image, and desire to bear the characteristics of our Father. If we believe that He is our Father then as a loving Father we can believe that He will never let us go. I can't walk away from who I am. I am His!
Just a few of the things on my mind lately here in Grace Harbor. Thanks to my Grace Harbor neighbor Lyn for her good thoughts! And thank you so much Lyn for the book recommendation, and for quoting my favorite verse! I never get tired of reading it!
More neighbors will be moving in soon! I am so thankful for the thoughts already expressed, and those that will be!
So Lyn.....the book you've recommended - is that a library book, or one you own and lend out freely? ( hint, hint!) :)
Saturday, April 23, 2005
The Gift for all People
Something odd is happening with blogspots posting - it is stamped as though posted by Gabriel, but this post is actually by "Lyn".
I just recently finished reading a book called "The Gift for all people - Thoughts on God's Great Grace". What a wonderful book.
I realize everyday that but not for the grace of God, I could go where I would not want to. His grace keeps me from harm's way, safely in His arms. His grace shows me how much He loves me even when I am unlovable - and I am! I love living under the grace of my Jesus.
I've recently had a discussion on the scripture in Romans that says "for I am persuaded that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 8:38 -39. People say that they agree with this scripture, BUT we can separate ourselves from God's grace. However, we are under the title of creature, as we were created. Paul so plainly says that Nothing can separate us. I really believe that. I'll stand on that. And when I stumble and fall, He keeps me. His love keeps me. On that I can trust.
Well, the forementioned book, just reminds you how much He loves us and He will never leave us, never. It's a good read!
I just recently finished reading a book called "The Gift for all people - Thoughts on God's Great Grace". What a wonderful book.
I realize everyday that but not for the grace of God, I could go where I would not want to. His grace keeps me from harm's way, safely in His arms. His grace shows me how much He loves me even when I am unlovable - and I am! I love living under the grace of my Jesus.
I've recently had a discussion on the scripture in Romans that says "for I am persuaded that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 8:38 -39. People say that they agree with this scripture, BUT we can separate ourselves from God's grace. However, we are under the title of creature, as we were created. Paul so plainly says that Nothing can separate us. I really believe that. I'll stand on that. And when I stumble and fall, He keeps me. His love keeps me. On that I can trust.
Well, the forementioned book, just reminds you how much He loves us and He will never leave us, never. It's a good read!
Thursday, April 21, 2005
It supposed to rain and turn cold in Louisville over the next couple of days, but here in Grace Harbor the forecast through the weekend is sunny, a high of 74 degrees, and a nightly low of 62 degress with no humidity! Nothing in the sky today but the occasional seagull, and a white cloud here and there against a canvas of blue! There is a breeze off the morning ocean, and I expect there will be much sailing today!
And on the lite side of things I completely agree with Lyn about American Idol last night. Scott is the luckiest guy on the stage! I thought he would've left two weeks ago! My personal top three are, in order, are Constantine, Bo, and Carrie. A few weeks ago I thought Bo would win, but Constantine has been consistent, and his rendition of Queen's "Bohemian Rasphody" was a season highlight. The guy, frankly, just nailed it.
I've been thinking a bit about a quote I read lately that said, and I'm paraphrasing, religion teaches obey and you will be accepted, but true Christianity teaches only when we know that we are completely and without question accepted can we obey. I love that! That is what Jesus did for us -made us accepted in the beloved!
"To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved." Ephesians 1:6
Amen!
I feel mercy's mist in the wind again now! God is shaping up another good day here in the harbor!
And on the lite side of things I completely agree with Lyn about American Idol last night. Scott is the luckiest guy on the stage! I thought he would've left two weeks ago! My personal top three are, in order, are Constantine, Bo, and Carrie. A few weeks ago I thought Bo would win, but Constantine has been consistent, and his rendition of Queen's "Bohemian Rasphody" was a season highlight. The guy, frankly, just nailed it.
I've been thinking a bit about a quote I read lately that said, and I'm paraphrasing, religion teaches obey and you will be accepted, but true Christianity teaches only when we know that we are completely and without question accepted can we obey. I love that! That is what Jesus did for us -made us accepted in the beloved!
"To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved." Ephesians 1:6
Amen!
I feel mercy's mist in the wind again now! God is shaping up another good day here in the harbor!
Tuesday, April 19, 2005
The Harbor is open
Ah....a world of peace and honesty - isn't that what we want? A place for Christians to speak their minds and fellowship with other believers without fear of what you really think about a particular thing causing offence. A true place of honesty where friendships can grow in an atmosphere of trust. If we agree we are friends; if we disagree we are still friends. At the end of the day it will be as it was in the morning -we still belong to the Lord.
It is my hope that this harbor will become a true place of refreshing. That our population will grow as a friendly community of believers. Visitors are welcome, and for now the comments are on, and will stay on as long as the peace of Grace Harbor's residents is not disturbed by profanity, or yelling. Those who become permanent residents know but one rule - the Law of the Spirit of Life in Christ Jesus. We treat others with kindness.
We can speak of anything as the waves gently splash against the dock. Things deep and things not so deep. From our favorite scriptures, our most lingering spiritual questions, to our favorite movies or simply things that we like to do. We are friends here.
We will be new at this for a while - let us learn together! But right now it is a quiet night in Grace Harbor, and a cool breeze is blowing in from the shore. There is hint of fried fish from the harbor restaurant down the way, but I shall walk in the other direction now and feel the wind off the water lightly in my face.
It is a good night in the harbor.
It is my hope that this harbor will become a true place of refreshing. That our population will grow as a friendly community of believers. Visitors are welcome, and for now the comments are on, and will stay on as long as the peace of Grace Harbor's residents is not disturbed by profanity, or yelling. Those who become permanent residents know but one rule - the Law of the Spirit of Life in Christ Jesus. We treat others with kindness.
We can speak of anything as the waves gently splash against the dock. Things deep and things not so deep. From our favorite scriptures, our most lingering spiritual questions, to our favorite movies or simply things that we like to do. We are friends here.
We will be new at this for a while - let us learn together! But right now it is a quiet night in Grace Harbor, and a cool breeze is blowing in from the shore. There is hint of fried fish from the harbor restaurant down the way, but I shall walk in the other direction now and feel the wind off the water lightly in my face.
It is a good night in the harbor.
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