Time for the individual pic...
Saturday, April 29, 2006
Little Stud Man
Aidan just chillin' by the creek down by the soccer fields. He likes the park because he can "walk through the fields" imagining he is out in the country. If he only knew...
The Buffs
Picture day for the Buffs. They played well today and had fun. This group is a neat bunch of kiddos and it is so much fun watching them play. Top from left: Jackson, Dillon, A.J., Lena. Bottom: Lucy, Jonatha, Braden and Coach John.
Tuesday, April 25, 2006
Prayer
I keep sensing God telling me to pray for others every time I pray for myself. I think, "Sure, I'll do that today and only pray for others". You know what happens? 15 minutes later I'm praying, Lord, provide for me...
So, today I read in Colossians 1 and again God says pray for others. Not only that, he reminds me how to pray for others in Paul & Timothy's example.
Check it out..."For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding. And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light. For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins."
Wow! Imagine how powerful this prayer can be. Imagine God's response as we take time to pray this for our brothers and sisters in the Lord. Not only this, but imagine how we just might start changing how we prayer for ourselves. Maybe, just maybe, we'll stop praying for our physical/material needs and spend all our time praying for our spiritual needs. After all, we can't be very healthy physically if we're not healthy spiritually. So, take time today to pray this for your brothers and sisters in Christ, then, and only then, pray it for yourself and see if God doesn't move in your life.
So, today I read in Colossians 1 and again God says pray for others. Not only that, he reminds me how to pray for others in Paul & Timothy's example.
Check it out..."For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding. And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light. For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins."
Wow! Imagine how powerful this prayer can be. Imagine God's response as we take time to pray this for our brothers and sisters in the Lord. Not only this, but imagine how we just might start changing how we prayer for ourselves. Maybe, just maybe, we'll stop praying for our physical/material needs and spend all our time praying for our spiritual needs. After all, we can't be very healthy physically if we're not healthy spiritually. So, take time today to pray this for your brothers and sisters in Christ, then, and only then, pray it for yourself and see if God doesn't move in your life.
Thursday, April 20, 2006
Happy Birthday!
Jonatha Shay turned 5 years old on the 17th. She is very excited to be 5. I can't stop thinking "tomorrow it will be 15"...not cool! My little girl is growing up, and fast. We celebrated by having cake and ice cream of course and Jonatha got to go with mommy to the mall and pick out a gift. Jonatha, being all girl, chose a doll head that can be braided and all that other girl stuff.
Wednesday, April 19, 2006
Update
Still riding the CO train and still enjoying the new scenery. God continues to open doors for relationship building. We met several of our new neighbors Easter weekend and had a good time visiting and getting to know them. There are tons of people in our age range living close, just not too many kids.
We have been attending Flat Irons Community Church weekly for now. Emmaus is still in development and the Tighe's need to have a routine of worship corporately with other believers. Flat Irons is definitely a seeker friendly environment with lots of production in the service. The teaching is outstanding and I have been blessed tremendously by it. The services are a little performance driven for my flavor, but done with excellence nonetheless. I enjoy the services and believe God is being honored very much. Kids classes are a little overwhelming for Jonatha and Aidan, but what can you do when you attend a church of 5,000 people? Aidan is starting to get over the fear factor, while Jonatha just shows up, makes a couple of new friends, and emerges with stories.
We are beginning to have pretty amazing spring weather and are trying to spend lots of time outdoors. Mon-Thurs I am at the office from 9am-9pm, so not much outdoor activity on those days. Jan stays busy finding new activities with the kiddos and we try to get out and get busy on weekends. Pray with us will you? We are seeking God's wisdom on the house in North Platte and desire to have that all behind us. We are also starting to get close enough with some friendships where we need to progress to the next level in sharing the Gospel and inviting people over to our house. Pray this will produce spiritual conversations. Thanks!
We have been attending Flat Irons Community Church weekly for now. Emmaus is still in development and the Tighe's need to have a routine of worship corporately with other believers. Flat Irons is definitely a seeker friendly environment with lots of production in the service. The teaching is outstanding and I have been blessed tremendously by it. The services are a little performance driven for my flavor, but done with excellence nonetheless. I enjoy the services and believe God is being honored very much. Kids classes are a little overwhelming for Jonatha and Aidan, but what can you do when you attend a church of 5,000 people? Aidan is starting to get over the fear factor, while Jonatha just shows up, makes a couple of new friends, and emerges with stories.
We are beginning to have pretty amazing spring weather and are trying to spend lots of time outdoors. Mon-Thurs I am at the office from 9am-9pm, so not much outdoor activity on those days. Jan stays busy finding new activities with the kiddos and we try to get out and get busy on weekends. Pray with us will you? We are seeking God's wisdom on the house in North Platte and desire to have that all behind us. We are also starting to get close enough with some friendships where we need to progress to the next level in sharing the Gospel and inviting people over to our house. Pray this will produce spiritual conversations. Thanks!
Thursday, April 13, 2006
Thoughts From God
Take time to absorb these thoughts from God's Word today. When you get to verses 10-18, replace "they/their" with "your/our". Changes things a little...
Romans 3
God's Faithfulness 1What advantage, then, is there in being a Jew, or what value is there in circumcision? 2Much in every way! First of all, they have been entrusted with the very words of God.
3What if some did not have faith? Will their lack of faith nullify God's faithfulness? 4Not at all! Let God be true, and every man a liar. As it is written: "So that you may be proved right when you speak and prevail when you judge."[a]
5But if our unrighteousness brings out God's righteousness more clearly, what shall we say? That God is unjust in bringing his wrath on us? (I am using a human argument.) 6Certainly not! If that were so, how could God judge the world? 7Someone might argue, "If my falsehood enhances God's truthfulness and so increases his glory, why am I still condemned as a sinner?" 8Why not say—as we are being slanderously reported as saying and as some claim that we say—"Let us do evil that good may result"? Their condemnation is deserved.
No One is Righteous 9What shall we conclude then? Are we any better[b]? Not at all! We have already made the charge that Jews and Gentiles alike are all under sin. 10As it is written: "There is no one righteous, not even one; 11there is no one who understands, no one who seeks God. 12All have turned away, they have together become worthless; there is no one who does good, not even one."[c] 13"Their throats are open graves; their tongues practice deceit."[d] "The poison of vipers is on their lips."[e] 14"Their mouths are full of cursing and bitterness."[f] 15"Their feet are swift to shed blood; 16ruin and misery mark their ways, 17and the way of peace they do not know."[g] 18"There is no fear of God before their eyes."[h]
19Now we know that whatever the law says, it says to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be silenced and the whole world held accountable to God. 20Therefore no one will be declared righteous in his sight by observing the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of sin.
Righteousness Through Faith 21But now a righteousness from God, apart from law, has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. 22This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, 23for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. 25God presented him as a sacrifice of atonement,[i] through faith in his blood. He did this to demonstrate his justice, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished— 26he did it to demonstrate his justice at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus.
27Where, then, is boasting? It is excluded. On what principle? On that of observing the law? No, but on that of faith. 28For we maintain that a man is justified by faith apart from observing the law. 29Is God the God of Jews only? Is he not the God of Gentiles too? Yes, of Gentiles too, 30since there is only one God, who will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through that same faith. 31Do we, then, nullify the law by this faith? Not at all! Rather, we uphold the law.
It's common thought these days to believe that we are inherently good people. That we, by our very nature, will love, care for and help others. This couldn't be further from the truth from God's Word. Left to ourselves, we are selfish, arrogant, thoughtless. It is by God's grace we have any evidence of goodness or kindness in our lives. The next time you help someone, the next time you pray for someone, the next time you love someone, remember...it is God working in you to do those things. It is God gracing you with his presence to accomplish such things. It is God allowing you to see a glimpse of his character. That glimpse should motivate us all to continue in love.
Have you loved someone today? Pray and ask God to love someone through you. It doesn't have to be a tangible act either. No one, except God himself, may know you ever did it. But, rest assured it matters for eternity. Rest assured, your reward is in heaven.
Romans 3
God's Faithfulness 1What advantage, then, is there in being a Jew, or what value is there in circumcision? 2Much in every way! First of all, they have been entrusted with the very words of God.
3What if some did not have faith? Will their lack of faith nullify God's faithfulness? 4Not at all! Let God be true, and every man a liar. As it is written: "So that you may be proved right when you speak and prevail when you judge."[a]
5But if our unrighteousness brings out God's righteousness more clearly, what shall we say? That God is unjust in bringing his wrath on us? (I am using a human argument.) 6Certainly not! If that were so, how could God judge the world? 7Someone might argue, "If my falsehood enhances God's truthfulness and so increases his glory, why am I still condemned as a sinner?" 8Why not say—as we are being slanderously reported as saying and as some claim that we say—"Let us do evil that good may result"? Their condemnation is deserved.
No One is Righteous 9What shall we conclude then? Are we any better[b]? Not at all! We have already made the charge that Jews and Gentiles alike are all under sin. 10As it is written: "There is no one righteous, not even one; 11there is no one who understands, no one who seeks God. 12All have turned away, they have together become worthless; there is no one who does good, not even one."[c] 13"Their throats are open graves; their tongues practice deceit."[d] "The poison of vipers is on their lips."[e] 14"Their mouths are full of cursing and bitterness."[f] 15"Their feet are swift to shed blood; 16ruin and misery mark their ways, 17and the way of peace they do not know."[g] 18"There is no fear of God before their eyes."[h]
19Now we know that whatever the law says, it says to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be silenced and the whole world held accountable to God. 20Therefore no one will be declared righteous in his sight by observing the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of sin.
Righteousness Through Faith 21But now a righteousness from God, apart from law, has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. 22This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, 23for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. 25God presented him as a sacrifice of atonement,[i] through faith in his blood. He did this to demonstrate his justice, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished— 26he did it to demonstrate his justice at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus.
27Where, then, is boasting? It is excluded. On what principle? On that of observing the law? No, but on that of faith. 28For we maintain that a man is justified by faith apart from observing the law. 29Is God the God of Jews only? Is he not the God of Gentiles too? Yes, of Gentiles too, 30since there is only one God, who will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through that same faith. 31Do we, then, nullify the law by this faith? Not at all! Rather, we uphold the law.
It's common thought these days to believe that we are inherently good people. That we, by our very nature, will love, care for and help others. This couldn't be further from the truth from God's Word. Left to ourselves, we are selfish, arrogant, thoughtless. It is by God's grace we have any evidence of goodness or kindness in our lives. The next time you help someone, the next time you pray for someone, the next time you love someone, remember...it is God working in you to do those things. It is God gracing you with his presence to accomplish such things. It is God allowing you to see a glimpse of his character. That glimpse should motivate us all to continue in love.
Have you loved someone today? Pray and ask God to love someone through you. It doesn't have to be a tangible act either. No one, except God himself, may know you ever did it. But, rest assured it matters for eternity. Rest assured, your reward is in heaven.
Sunday, April 09, 2006
Sunday Drive
Our Sunday drive today after church service this morning. We drove to Estes Park and took in some sights, went to the park, had a picnic and walked through downtown. This photo was taken on Hwy 36 on the southeast edge of Estes. Lovely drive...
Saturday, April 08, 2006
Baker's Dozen
Mom & Dad and their baker's dozen. From top left: Kris, Penni, Jerri, Julie, Ken, Robb, Bryan, Nikki, Luella, Bob, Lori, Linda, Kari, Debi, and the cutest of them all, Jan (I'm a little biased). This picture was taken at Dad's 70th surprise birthday party in North Platte. No, they're not catholic and no twins. Thanks for asking.
Boulder Sunset
Who says Nebraska has the best sunsets? View from Hwy 36 just a couple miles from our house. Picture does it no justice...
Soccer Has Begun
Jonatha had her first soccer game today. She plays for the Buffs and they have a pretty good little team for 4-5 yr olds. They won 9-0, and the only reason I know this is because Jonatha kept score...you think she is a little comptetitive? Jan and I were too busy laughing at how cute they all were to even be paying attention to the score. I think Jonatha and her coach might have been the only ones tracking.Either way, it was a joyful morning watching my daughter participate in something she has been looking forward to for a year ever since she attended soccer camp in 2005. Her little bro' Aidan did a great job cheering her on, at least for the first half. The Kautz's arrived and Aidan left to play with Mr. Jeff on the next field. Attention span - 5 minutes. Energy sustainability - 5 hours. He's all boy.
Wednesday, April 05, 2006
Testing of My Faith
I hate exams. In college, I faired quite well on my exams, but I hated them nontheless. Study, study, study and hope I can remember. Miserable! I am convinced my migraines I experience even today are a direct result of exams in college. HA!
That being said, exams are necessary. They build character, patience, knowledge. They remind us that the knowledge in our heads must be proven by action. Right now, I am in one of God's exams. And you now know how I feel about exams. The testing of my faith comes with great pain. I ache daily right now knowing my faith is being tested. I long for relief, even beg God for it. I pray for myself selfishly. I ask God to relieve me. Then...I am reminded of his truth in James 1..."2Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. 4Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. 5If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. 6But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. 7That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; 8he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does.
9The brother in humble circumstances ought to take pride in his high position. 10But the one who is rich should take pride in his low position, because he will pass away like a wild flower. 11For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed. In the same way, the rich man will fade away even while he goes about his business.
12Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him."
Okay...let's clear the air. The world tells us to take pride in ourselves, God says take pride in our low position. The world says avoid trials, God says to consider it pure joy when faced with trial. The world says work hard and play hard and enjoy material possessions, God says ask for wisdom (and believe) and you will receive it. The world says go to a psychiatrist when times are tough, God says perservere under trial and receive the crown of life. Are you facing a difficult time right now? Do you wonder how you are going to get out of it? Are you approaching the end of your faith? Praise God! Praise him and then ask him for wisdom. This is the message of James. It contradicts everything the world tells you, yet God is all-knowing. He knows what you are faced with more than you do yourself. And he knows how you're going to get through it. He has provided the answer to get through this tough season, as well. Read the passage again. You'll see it. It's there. Just don't think like the world thinks. Think how Jesus thinks. When you see it, you will be moved to praise him. You will feel embraced in God's comfort. Trust me, I did.
That being said, exams are necessary. They build character, patience, knowledge. They remind us that the knowledge in our heads must be proven by action. Right now, I am in one of God's exams. And you now know how I feel about exams. The testing of my faith comes with great pain. I ache daily right now knowing my faith is being tested. I long for relief, even beg God for it. I pray for myself selfishly. I ask God to relieve me. Then...I am reminded of his truth in James 1..."2Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. 4Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. 5If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. 6But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. 7That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; 8he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does.
9The brother in humble circumstances ought to take pride in his high position. 10But the one who is rich should take pride in his low position, because he will pass away like a wild flower. 11For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed. In the same way, the rich man will fade away even while he goes about his business.
12Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him."
Okay...let's clear the air. The world tells us to take pride in ourselves, God says take pride in our low position. The world says avoid trials, God says to consider it pure joy when faced with trial. The world says work hard and play hard and enjoy material possessions, God says ask for wisdom (and believe) and you will receive it. The world says go to a psychiatrist when times are tough, God says perservere under trial and receive the crown of life. Are you facing a difficult time right now? Do you wonder how you are going to get out of it? Are you approaching the end of your faith? Praise God! Praise him and then ask him for wisdom. This is the message of James. It contradicts everything the world tells you, yet God is all-knowing. He knows what you are faced with more than you do yourself. And he knows how you're going to get through it. He has provided the answer to get through this tough season, as well. Read the passage again. You'll see it. It's there. Just don't think like the world thinks. Think how Jesus thinks. When you see it, you will be moved to praise him. You will feel embraced in God's comfort. Trust me, I did.
Sunday, April 02, 2006
The Body
Today the Kautz's and Tighe's attended Flatirons Church. We had been there a couple of weeks ago and I was considering going to one of two new churches in Rock Creek (our neighborhood) this morning. I felt God wanted us to go back to Flatirons again, so we did. A guest speaker was present today and couldn't have been a better fit for what I personally needed to hear right now. He shared his experience of getting married right out of college and dealing with his wife having Hodgkins disease just 6 months after their wedding. She survived the disease but suffered a massive heart attack a few years later and went to be with the Lord.
He shared how amazing God's love is and how God carried him and his children through that tough period of their lives. He also played a mean guitar and sang a few songs for us on his Olson (one of my favorites). It was a mixture of tears, joy, and humility for me this morning. I sensed God in my presence deeply today and was spiritually and emotionally moved.
Isn't God awesome? He is so personal and leads us in his path. If only we trust him and follow, we see him face to face. Maybe not literally, but spiritually we meet him. I read a book many years ago entitled Seeing God Face to Face. At the time, I related to some degree, but really didn't get it. This morning, I saw God face to face in a brother who shared his life with us with genuine, open transparency. How powerful that is! I am reminded to share my life with that same transparency today so someone else can see God at work. Be encouraged...be strong and bold in the Lord today. Be willing to share your life with someone and let God use you to change a heart forever.
He shared how amazing God's love is and how God carried him and his children through that tough period of their lives. He also played a mean guitar and sang a few songs for us on his Olson (one of my favorites). It was a mixture of tears, joy, and humility for me this morning. I sensed God in my presence deeply today and was spiritually and emotionally moved.
Isn't God awesome? He is so personal and leads us in his path. If only we trust him and follow, we see him face to face. Maybe not literally, but spiritually we meet him. I read a book many years ago entitled Seeing God Face to Face. At the time, I related to some degree, but really didn't get it. This morning, I saw God face to face in a brother who shared his life with us with genuine, open transparency. How powerful that is! I am reminded to share my life with that same transparency today so someone else can see God at work. Be encouraged...be strong and bold in the Lord today. Be willing to share your life with someone and let God use you to change a heart forever.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)