Wednesday, November 29, 2006
Monday, November 27, 2006
Crossing the Rubicon
"The year was 49 B.C. The order came down to Julius Caesar to disband his army and give up the struggle. He stood on the banks of the Rubicon River and pondered his dilemma. If he continued his march by crossing the river there could be no turning back. He turned to his troops, tore up his orders, and led his dedicated legion across the Rubicon to march against Rome. This act of commitment to his cause brought about a declaration of war against the Senate and, for Caesar, it paved the way for his becoming ruler of the Roman world. Since that day the phrase, 'crossing the Rubicon', has been used to signify total commitment to a cause from which there can be no turning back."*
I never thought I would compare myself to Julius Caesar, but I've decided to cross the Rubicon in my own life. This past Saturday morning, I got engaged to Miss Amy Hunt. I'm engaged!!! Needless to say, I'm very excited. However, I don't take this decision lightly. This is my act of commitment to Amy. As far as I'm concerned, there is no turning back. You can bet your last dollar on this. I'm not just some smooth-talking windbag!
This is how I proposed. Saturday the 25th was our anniversary. When Amy went to bed Friday night, I went back to my dorm room at Fort Worth Hall. I took a shower, dressed in my finest suit, and headed back over to Amy's house. When I arrived there, I reminded myself that all in the house were asleep (Amy, her parents, and Obi), so I would have to set everything up quietly. Thankfully, Obi didn't notice that anyone had come into the house, so I didn't have to deal with him wanting to play or bark or any of that sort of hubbub.
Once I moved into the living room, I quickly set everything up. Using both tact and reason, I lit some candles and placed the ring (which was in a gift box) under the Christmas tree. When I was ready, I turned out the lights and crept down the hall to Amy's room.
I woke her up by turning on the light. She was confused about why I was there again, and on top of that, why I was wearing a suit. When she questioned me, I simply replied with, "You're dreaming. Come with me." After I made sure she really was awake, I led her by the hand down the hall into the living room. I made sure I shut the door behind me so her parents wouldn't hear us.
I think she was excited that I would come see her in the middle of the night, but little did she know what was about to take place. I told her that Santa Clause came a little bit early this year, and that he had left her a gift under the tree. We walked over to the tree. I picked up the box and opened it for her. I quickly got down on one knee, read her a poem, and asked her to marry me. Her response: "Yes! Of course!" I had to stifle a whole lot of whoopla. She said I was trembling with nervousness. I was in a tizzy.
It was such a joyful and romantic time that I didn't want it to end. It was beautiful! However, it was after 4:00 in the morning at this point, and I badly needed sleep after day full of anticipation and fulfillment (not to mention that I had gone shopping earlier that day as well). We celebrated our engagement and anniversary properly on Saturday evening.
What about Obi? He never woke up while I was there. Even after going into Amy's room where he was, he didn't budge. I guess he too was worn out from the day's events.
Amy and I are happily engaged now! Our joy is unbridled! Wedding plans must be arranged now. We will update when we have more to tell. We ask that you pray for us as we plot a course for spending the rest of our lives together.
*O. S. Hawkins, The Art of Connecting. (Dallas: Guidestone, 2004), 139.
I never thought I would compare myself to Julius Caesar, but I've decided to cross the Rubicon in my own life. This past Saturday morning, I got engaged to Miss Amy Hunt. I'm engaged!!! Needless to say, I'm very excited. However, I don't take this decision lightly. This is my act of commitment to Amy. As far as I'm concerned, there is no turning back. You can bet your last dollar on this. I'm not just some smooth-talking windbag!
This is how I proposed. Saturday the 25th was our anniversary. When Amy went to bed Friday night, I went back to my dorm room at Fort Worth Hall. I took a shower, dressed in my finest suit, and headed back over to Amy's house. When I arrived there, I reminded myself that all in the house were asleep (Amy, her parents, and Obi), so I would have to set everything up quietly. Thankfully, Obi didn't notice that anyone had come into the house, so I didn't have to deal with him wanting to play or bark or any of that sort of hubbub.
Once I moved into the living room, I quickly set everything up. Using both tact and reason, I lit some candles and placed the ring (which was in a gift box) under the Christmas tree. When I was ready, I turned out the lights and crept down the hall to Amy's room.
I woke her up by turning on the light. She was confused about why I was there again, and on top of that, why I was wearing a suit. When she questioned me, I simply replied with, "You're dreaming. Come with me." After I made sure she really was awake, I led her by the hand down the hall into the living room. I made sure I shut the door behind me so her parents wouldn't hear us.
I think she was excited that I would come see her in the middle of the night, but little did she know what was about to take place. I told her that Santa Clause came a little bit early this year, and that he had left her a gift under the tree. We walked over to the tree. I picked up the box and opened it for her. I quickly got down on one knee, read her a poem, and asked her to marry me. Her response: "Yes! Of course!" I had to stifle a whole lot of whoopla. She said I was trembling with nervousness. I was in a tizzy.
It was such a joyful and romantic time that I didn't want it to end. It was beautiful! However, it was after 4:00 in the morning at this point, and I badly needed sleep after day full of anticipation and fulfillment (not to mention that I had gone shopping earlier that day as well). We celebrated our engagement and anniversary properly on Saturday evening.
What about Obi? He never woke up while I was there. Even after going into Amy's room where he was, he didn't budge. I guess he too was worn out from the day's events.
Amy and I are happily engaged now! Our joy is unbridled! Wedding plans must be arranged now. We will update when we have more to tell. We ask that you pray for us as we plot a course for spending the rest of our lives together.
*O. S. Hawkins, The Art of Connecting. (Dallas: Guidestone, 2004), 139.
Tuesday, November 21, 2006
Imaginary Letter
Dear Children,
It has come to my attention that many of you are upset that folks are taking My name out of the season. Maybe you've forgotten that I wasn't actually born during this time of the year and that it was some of your predecessors who decided to celebrate My birthday on what was actually a time of pagan festival. Although, I do appreciate being remembered anytime.
How I personally feel about this celebration can probably be most easily understood by those of you who have been blessed with children of your own. I don't care what you call the day. If you want to celebrate My birth just, GET ALONG AND LOVE ONE ANOTHER.
Now, having said that let Me go on. If it bothers you that the town in which you live doesn't allow a scene depicting My birth, then just get rid of a couple of Santas and snowmen and put in a small Nativity scene on your own front lawn. If all My followers did that there wouldn't be any need for such a scene on the town square because there would be many of them all around town.
Stop worrying about the fact that people are calling the tree a holiday tree, instead of a Christmas tree. It was I who made all trees. You can remember Me anytime you see any tree. Decorate a grape vine if you wish: I actually spoke of that one in a teaching, explaining who I am in relation to you and what each of our tasks were. If you have forgotten that one, look up John 15: 1 - 8.
If you want to give Me a present in remembrance of My birth here is my wish list. Choose something from it:
1. Instead of writing protest letters objecting to the way My birthday is being celebrated, write letters of love and hope to soldiers away from home. They are terribly afraid and lonely this time of year. I know, they tell Me all the time.
2. Visit someone in a nursing home. You don't have to know them personally. They just need to know that someone cares about them.
3. Instead of writing George complaining about the wording on the cards his staff sent out this year, why don't you write and tell him that you'll be praying for him and his family this year. Then follow up. It will be nice hearing from you again.
4. Instead of giving your children a lot of gifts you can't afford and they don't need, spend time with them. Tell them the story of My birth, and why I came to live with you down here. Hold them in your arms and remind them that I love them.
5. Pick someone that has hurt you in the past and forgive him or her.
6. Did you know that someone in your town will attempt to take their own life this season because they feel so alone and hopeless? Since you don't know who that person is, try giving everyone you meet a warm smile it could make the difference.
7. Instead of nit picking about what the retailer in your town calls the holiday, be patient with the people who work there. Give them a warm smile and a kind word. Even if they aren't allowed to wish you a "Merry Christmas" that doesn't keep you from wishing them one. Then stop shopping there on Sunday. If the store didn't make so much money on that day they'd close and let their employees spend the day at home with their families.
8. If you really want to make a difference, support a missionary,especially one who takes My love and Good News to those who have never heard My name.
9. Here's a good one. There are individuals and whole families in your town who not only will have no "Christmas" tree, but neither will they have any presents to give or receive. If you don't know them, buy some food and a few gifts and give them to the Salvation Army or some other charity which believes in Me and they will make the delivery for you.
10. Finally, if you want to make a statement about your belief in and loyalty to Me, then behave like a Christian. Don't do things in secret that you wouldn't do in My presence. Let people know by your actions that you are one of mine.
Don't forget; I am God and can take care of Myself. Just love Me and do what I have told you to do. I'll take care of all the rest. Check out the list above and get to work; time is short. I'll help you, but the ball is now in your court. And do have a most blessed Christmas with all those whom you love and remember -
I LOVE YOU,
JESUS
It has come to my attention that many of you are upset that folks are taking My name out of the season. Maybe you've forgotten that I wasn't actually born during this time of the year and that it was some of your predecessors who decided to celebrate My birthday on what was actually a time of pagan festival. Although, I do appreciate being remembered anytime.
How I personally feel about this celebration can probably be most easily understood by those of you who have been blessed with children of your own. I don't care what you call the day. If you want to celebrate My birth just, GET ALONG AND LOVE ONE ANOTHER.
Now, having said that let Me go on. If it bothers you that the town in which you live doesn't allow a scene depicting My birth, then just get rid of a couple of Santas and snowmen and put in a small Nativity scene on your own front lawn. If all My followers did that there wouldn't be any need for such a scene on the town square because there would be many of them all around town.
Stop worrying about the fact that people are calling the tree a holiday tree, instead of a Christmas tree. It was I who made all trees. You can remember Me anytime you see any tree. Decorate a grape vine if you wish: I actually spoke of that one in a teaching, explaining who I am in relation to you and what each of our tasks were. If you have forgotten that one, look up John 15: 1 - 8.
If you want to give Me a present in remembrance of My birth here is my wish list. Choose something from it:
1. Instead of writing protest letters objecting to the way My birthday is being celebrated, write letters of love and hope to soldiers away from home. They are terribly afraid and lonely this time of year. I know, they tell Me all the time.
2. Visit someone in a nursing home. You don't have to know them personally. They just need to know that someone cares about them.
3. Instead of writing George complaining about the wording on the cards his staff sent out this year, why don't you write and tell him that you'll be praying for him and his family this year. Then follow up. It will be nice hearing from you again.
4. Instead of giving your children a lot of gifts you can't afford and they don't need, spend time with them. Tell them the story of My birth, and why I came to live with you down here. Hold them in your arms and remind them that I love them.
5. Pick someone that has hurt you in the past and forgive him or her.
6. Did you know that someone in your town will attempt to take their own life this season because they feel so alone and hopeless? Since you don't know who that person is, try giving everyone you meet a warm smile it could make the difference.
7. Instead of nit picking about what the retailer in your town calls the holiday, be patient with the people who work there. Give them a warm smile and a kind word. Even if they aren't allowed to wish you a "Merry Christmas" that doesn't keep you from wishing them one. Then stop shopping there on Sunday. If the store didn't make so much money on that day they'd close and let their employees spend the day at home with their families.
8. If you really want to make a difference, support a missionary,especially one who takes My love and Good News to those who have never heard My name.
9. Here's a good one. There are individuals and whole families in your town who not only will have no "Christmas" tree, but neither will they have any presents to give or receive. If you don't know them, buy some food and a few gifts and give them to the Salvation Army or some other charity which believes in Me and they will make the delivery for you.
10. Finally, if you want to make a statement about your belief in and loyalty to Me, then behave like a Christian. Don't do things in secret that you wouldn't do in My presence. Let people know by your actions that you are one of mine.
Don't forget; I am God and can take care of Myself. Just love Me and do what I have told you to do. I'll take care of all the rest. Check out the list above and get to work; time is short. I'll help you, but the ball is now in your court. And do have a most blessed Christmas with all those whom you love and remember -
I LOVE YOU,
JESUS
Wednesday, November 01, 2006
Top 25 Most Influential Books (Updated)
Here's the list for 2006. You can check the November archives for the 2004 and 2005 lists. Keep in mind that no book has influenced my life on the same level as the Bible. I recommend you read it first.
- To Follow Him - Mark Bailey
- Marriable - Hayley & Michael DiMarco
- The Mind of Christ - T. W. Hunt
- The Power of Love - David Jeremiah
- Knowing God - J. I. Packer
- Dangerous Wonder - Michael Yaconelli
- Orthodoxy - G. K. Chesterton
- The Case for Christ - Lee Strobel
- The Case for Faith - Lee Strobel
- Can Man Live Without God - Ravi Zacharias
- Jesus Among Other Gods - Ravi Zacharias
- Mere Christianity - C. S. Lewis
- The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of The Dawn Treader - C. S. Lewis
- Why I Am a Christian - Norman Geisler & Paul Hoffman
- Why I Believe - D. James Kennedy
- The Ten Things You Can't Say In America - Larry Elder
- Love Your God With All Your Mind - J. P. Moreland
- Worship: Rediscovering the Missing Jewel - Ronald Allen & Gordon Borror
- Blue Like Jazz - Donald Miller
- Give Me a Break - John Stossel
- Loving God - Charles Colson
- Foxe's Book of Martyrs
- Pilgrim's Progress - John Bunyan
- A Guide to Spiritual Success - Tony Evans
- The Cost of Discipleship - Dietrich Bonhoeffer
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