Popsicles

Just a few days ago I was reminded of a lesson for life. It was just before bedtime and the girls and I were each having a popsicle. Since the girls have a hard time opening them up, I opened theirs, gave it to them and then reached for my own.

I was just ready to take my first bite when Sophie ran over and said, “Here, you can have mine, it’s already opened.” Immediately, I knew there was a string attached to this offer…..Sophie is a good girl, but she is not into sharing popsicles.

Well she was right, hers was opened, however she failed to mention it was half gone and I was the one who had opened hers. For a second I couldn’t figure out her reasoning….why would she offer me her “already opened popsicle” when mine was already opened as well?

Then it hit me, she was trying to frame the offer in a way that sounded like I was getting a deal. Never mind the fact that she knew it was half a popsicle and I had the color she really wanted….no I am not bitter :).

Within a split second after seeing her evil grin I realized that she wanted my popsicle for two reasons: it was a full popsicle and it was blue. If she wasn’t so cute and I wasn’t her dad, I probably would not have agreed to her offer. In the end, I traded the full blue popsicle for the half-eaten yellow popsicle….and the conniving ways that come natural to a 4-year old made for a good laugh.

There are two clear parallels for our spiritual growth journey: 1) Often we attempt to frame an offer in a way that is better than reality….we like to spin the truth just enough so people will agree with what we are saying. 2) Often we are not discerning when it comes to making decisions and we allow a person to trick us into accepting something that is not true.

I really think the sermon this week will help with both of these issues….we will look at how our deliverance from Christ will make a difference in our relationships. Specifically we will study our relationship to culture, to our Heavenly Father and to each other. The text will continue in 1 Peter 1:13-25.

No matter who we are, we need discernment….especially when it comes to trading Popsicles with a 4-year old.

The Joys of Exercise

Recently I have begun to notice that all my pants have been shrinking. This is frustrating because it makes my waist feel like it is getting bigger. So I have decided that I really need to get serious about my running regiment.

I don't especially like running, however I know it has a way of stretching out my pants and making me feel better so the value outweighs (pun somehow intended) the pain. In addition, it seems that when I run, my mind is more clear as well.

Wednesday, I went out for my first run since getting our new foster baby. I didn't seem to be going any faster and it didn't feel like I was exerting myself, however shortly after I returned my neck muscles tightened up. I know you're thinking that this lack of sleep has made me a little loony, but it is true my neck was hurting after my run. I could barely turn my head so I made an appointment with our chiropractor. Then yesterday when I woke up my right hamstring was killing me....after another session with the chiropractor I began to feel better.

This morning, those nagging pains are almost all gone, but while I had them, nearly every time I moved, I was reminded of the pain.

In addition, our neighborhood has a few really challenging hills that always seem to get my breathing and heart rate up. The last one (it is the same hill that I fell on my rollerblades on the way down) I nearly always have to talk to myself to keep moving. So far I have never let the hill get the best of me, but I have had a few close calls.

So Wednesday, I probably looked a little crazy becuase I was talking to myself out loud, come on....you got this one....don't stop now....one and two and three and four and....finally I made it to the crest of the hill.

As I ponder my own little training program there are a few significant factors that relate to our study through the book of 1 Peter:

--Where we focus our eyes will greatly determine how we live our lives...
--It is on the hills of life that we recognize our limits and needs...
--It often takes pain to appreciate the value of the journey...

I encourage you to take a few minutes to read through 1 Peter 1:3-12 in preparation for the sermon on Sunday. It would also be great if you would be willing to spend some time in prayer to prepare your heart and request God to work in each of our lives. 

A Surprise

On Wednesday at 4:30pm Leigh-Ann and I were given a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity: to become foster parents for an infant. It all happened so fast we really didn’t have any time to process the information…..we just responded to the offer.
 
Within 3 hours the baby was delivered….by a stork with an emergency services badge. Over the past day our lives have become consumed with the needs of this little bundle that represents the potential to accomplish nearly anything. Lexi and Sophie have gladly given up some attention in exchange for a new sister. Leigh-Ann has taken on a HUGE responsibility and I have certainly joined in making adjustments.
 
Very soon we will be in court face to face with the baby’s mother. I must admit, I have butterflies in my stomach, questions in my head and hope in my heart. 
 
How does life get to this point - where we are in a battle for custody of the life of a helpless child?
 
Why are children endangered?
 
As I ponder these questions, my mind wanders to the feelings of the parents of this child….what would it feel like to have a child taken away? Would I experience anger, fear, disappointment, frustration….maybe regret?
 
How has life become so complicated?
 
You know what? It doesn’t have to be……
 
Apart from the self-induced pressure we put on ourselves, life was meant to be very simple.
 
God is passionate about you and I….but He is more passionate about Himself. This may sound strange, but it is truth.
 
Once a spiritual relationship is established between us and God, every decision must be viewed through the lens of His glory. We have simply been called to live moment to moment and allow Him to worry about our unpredictable future. When we recognize that there is a “Master Designer” and “Eternal Sustainer” of life we accept that only by faith will we exist, succeed and flourish.
 
Over the next several months during our Sunday morning worship service we will take an in-depth look at the Epistles of Peter. These were written at a time when mere existence was challenging, emperors were barbaric and hope was nowhere to be found. So Peter addressed these letters to the persecuted Christians hoping that they would recognize the opportunities that existed not as citizens of this world, but as citizens of a different world to become unlikely heroes. 
 
Inside these few chapters you will find courage, wisdom, hope and clear direction for your success…..in a different kingdom.
 
The secret to simplicity lies in your citizenship…
 
Speaking of simplicity, I think I need to change a diaper…