tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-39808750570260428972024-03-13T21:57:29.110-07:00Stumbling About for TruthAlan Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12488916349814594243noreply@blogger.comBlogger132125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3980875057026042897.post-87224034635719744312020-11-29T08:17:00.001-08:002020-11-29T10:48:24.777-08:00ADVENT WEEK ONE: HOPE<p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7q7zPqh7gUDCwG_EVatwYoxk2pbV3OD-wtgc_htKDw0DRBkksH4z3fZ0C5E3grKsH-r7IzPGR_8phXVH4AzMgE6wQeDE9t7X5Ia5Z-oa_z2H9TIurBR7zb0lgyjIQj1sTbN3sZwlcvTs/s1080/hope-doesnt-disappoint.jpg" style="clear: left; display: inline; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="548" data-original-width="1080" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7q7zPqh7gUDCwG_EVatwYoxk2pbV3OD-wtgc_htKDw0DRBkksH4z3fZ0C5E3grKsH-r7IzPGR_8phXVH4AzMgE6wQeDE9t7X5Ia5Z-oa_z2H9TIurBR7zb0lgyjIQj1sTbN3sZwlcvTs/s16000/hope-doesnt-disappoint.jpg" /></a></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>Okay, so track along with me</b> ... I was listening to the radio a few mornings ago while walking and someone on a podcast I was listening to mentioned a publication named, "Repeat the Sounding Joy." </div><div><div><br /></div><div>It got me to thinking... "Repeat the sounding joy ... Repeat the sounding joy ...</div><div><br /></div><div>I was thinking about how that would fit with one of the movements of Advent that I wanted to write about. I thought about the fourth, and final week's movement, "Joy," but that was too easy! And I can never make anything easy!</div><div><br /></div><div><div>So I kept thinking about it and soon, my thoughts evolved to: "Repeat after me ... Repeat after me ... " That might be a good theme for the first week!</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Repeat after me: Hope does not disappoint.</b></div><div>How many times have you had to learn something over and over again? Has anyone ever told you after you've failed, "Okay [your name here], repeat after me..."</div><div><br /></div><div>As I write that, I am thinking of my wife, who is teacher. She has probably sent many a student back to their desks, reminding them to read the instructions again when they failed. She reminds her students: "Repeat after me, read the instructions!"</div><div><br /></div><div>In my own life, God has had to do that so many times, I've lost count. You name it, I keep making the same mistakes over and over again – failing to heed al of the Biblical knowledge I have acquired over the years.</div><div><br /></div><div>And the failures usually have to do with trusting God for the details in my life. It goes like this:</div><div><br /></div><div>I come to the conclusion that I am sick of waiting on God and I need to make SOMETHING HAPPEN to solve my problem (because God sure isn't) and I try to take matters into my own hands. And after much anxiety and stubborn effort, I ultimately fail and find myself flat on my face, having achieved exactly SQUAT!</div><div><br /></div><div>With a sigh, I relent. And then He reminds me of His love for me by asking me to <i><b>repeat after Him</b></i>:</div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><i>'I will trust You because You are trustworthy.'</i></li><li>'<i>Hope in You does not</i><i> disappoint.'</i></li><li>'<i>You still have work for me </i><i>to do.'</i></li><li>'<i>You're not done with me.'"</i></li></ul></div><div>And after a while of continued stubbornness, His reminders give me hope to pick myself up, dust myself off, hopefully having learned something, and move on in His plans and purposes for me.</div><div><br /></div><div>Romans 5:3-5 says:</div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>We also have joy with our troubles, because we know that these troubles produce patience. And patience produces character, and character produces hope. <b>And this hope will never disappoint us</b>, because God has poured out his love to fill our hearts. He gave us his love through the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to us.</i></div><div><br /></div><div>It's a built-in reminder when we fail to believe in Him, He can be trusted. He will not disappoint. Even ... no, ESPECIALLY if the troubles we are experiencing are self-inflicted, as mine usually are.</div><div><br /></div><div>The process of <i>'repeat after me'</i> I described above is similar to the repentence and restoration process described in the Bible in places like <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=revelation+2%3A5&version=NET" target="_blank">Revelation 2:5</a> and <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+john+1%3A9&version=NCV" target="_blank">1 John 1:9</a>. It's a process whereby you realize that you have:</div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Turned away from God to try to do life on your own,</li><li>With that realization, you then make a decision to turn back to Him (repent), recognizing what you did was wrong, and,</li><li>Ask Him to forgive you and lead your life again.</li></ul></div><div>It's a process where God beckons us to begin again, having been made right with Him. Because our only HOPE is in Him. If you find yourself in the same predicament I got myself into, I encourage you to relent and repent and begin again to follow Him.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>The larger question.</b></div><div>Asking Him to forgive you when you decide to turn away from Him assumes you WERE following Him to begin with before you went your own way. But if you have never asked Him into your life to begin with, none of the above matters. But the good news is, <i>'repeating after Him'</i> is as simple as agreeing with Romans 10:9-10:</div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and if you believe in your heart that God raised Jesus from the dead, you will be saved. We believe with our hearts, and so we are made right with God. And we declare with our mouths that we believe, and so we are saved.</i></div><div><br /></div><div>Make that declaration. You will never regret it. Following Christ is not simple, nor without its challenges. But with His power, His leading, your obedience and His forgiveness, you will have all that you need to do what He has planned for you.</div><div><br /></div><div>He will give you a HOPE and a future worth living.</div></div></div>Alan Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12488916349814594243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3980875057026042897.post-11109051891925615582014-10-09T12:24:00.000-07:002014-10-09T12:25:01.752-07:00Oklahoma Sooners "Boomer Sooner" WallpapersDesigned by me, free to use by you! Wallpapers designed at various sizes including for iPhone.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVhubheidDfupkao1u74cGTqfRovVHreKEakaynA_3W1aYMAv6xZH3JLXaGRp6URu9Iy7jKQvvbWyLsd4Y6cvH5mDartPGcpwgnsLXDjPtNANsUhvOcv0lNW_O1S3Vf0fiP9M8Ue06cg4/s1600/ou-boomer-wood960x540.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVhubheidDfupkao1u74cGTqfRovVHreKEakaynA_3W1aYMAv6xZH3JLXaGRp6URu9Iy7jKQvvbWyLsd4Y6cvH5mDartPGcpwgnsLXDjPtNANsUhvOcv0lNW_O1S3Vf0fiP9M8Ue06cg4/s1600/ou-boomer-wood960x540.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEids-shvZEEBd360T5TU6bmHEL5ymEB-YlXQagCCn8AGNHWUj-UTDZojDYuOlFPFglhkFiPk9LcJOOQqgIxWJJlBfODxQ_kHHc1vERBcm_e_ibnmAnri_M4l7G3hNt4DusL3Q0_VUWZpBE/s1600/ou-boomer-wood1024x576.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEids-shvZEEBd360T5TU6bmHEL5ymEB-YlXQagCCn8AGNHWUj-UTDZojDYuOlFPFglhkFiPk9LcJOOQqgIxWJJlBfODxQ_kHHc1vERBcm_e_ibnmAnri_M4l7G3hNt4DusL3Q0_VUWZpBE/s1600/ou-boomer-wood1024x576.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiPq9T89CTlZ56_eDZ5N3faGQ-e18escR2b0WVV4UtYl3zOWcCesr_U78-uH_aUYcDF9s1mkvw3J4VX6C_u0x-TXAE8PabvbafRqdYSYnqXT5urKn8QAJSlOAgWemmkLOnxO-Rj_wvc04/s1600/ou-boomer-wood1280x720.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiPq9T89CTlZ56_eDZ5N3faGQ-e18escR2b0WVV4UtYl3zOWcCesr_U78-uH_aUYcDF9s1mkvw3J4VX6C_u0x-TXAE8PabvbafRqdYSYnqXT5urKn8QAJSlOAgWemmkLOnxO-Rj_wvc04/s1600/ou-boomer-wood1280x720.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaEWRL11ETm-XG1MFhlRpnSxremtnS2GL7s5QviodNEfbsnpucv5rIhYazqXNzFHAgoVtgup7cUROZWujniv93zugIcZrnH6-_fDKNdxjBX3_jMx3iVyTgyRw2XSrgM4geMhqxSxsZYWI/s1600/ou-boomer-wood1366x768.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaEWRL11ETm-XG1MFhlRpnSxremtnS2GL7s5QviodNEfbsnpucv5rIhYazqXNzFHAgoVtgup7cUROZWujniv93zugIcZrnH6-_fDKNdxjBX3_jMx3iVyTgyRw2XSrgM4geMhqxSxsZYWI/s1600/ou-boomer-wood1366x768.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuswAB9HVPPDL1V6DMEhyphenhyphen2h1dl7ZvtYV7pNkLB8hMhmwO3iN9TFvURBaH7UwMxO3m-2GDz9r0tvveVJOx1C0ztGAs2UnpcoPx0rO7ycnojmByHMb7udOBH1nkk4SgUw7MF-uZqCedx98I/s1600/ou-boomer-wood1600x900.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuswAB9HVPPDL1V6DMEhyphenhyphen2h1dl7ZvtYV7pNkLB8hMhmwO3iN9TFvURBaH7UwMxO3m-2GDz9r0tvveVJOx1C0ztGAs2UnpcoPx0rO7ycnojmByHMb7udOBH1nkk4SgUw7MF-uZqCedx98I/s1600/ou-boomer-wood1600x900.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL_YblE1-yDmviSdBgi2jM13buWASoa9v9lsyNf-pHDtizkT9lTXOgV2TiR0DaaQiI8A5rGrw2zdgelIyScay52nND4Khho3L04NZethEbiaZAehmSaJDywWZNjeU5Jcf72hXUl7hkQtg/s1600/ou-boomer-wood1920x1080.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL_YblE1-yDmviSdBgi2jM13buWASoa9v9lsyNf-pHDtizkT9lTXOgV2TiR0DaaQiI8A5rGrw2zdgelIyScay52nND4Khho3L04NZethEbiaZAehmSaJDywWZNjeU5Jcf72hXUl7hkQtg/s1600/ou-boomer-wood1920x1080.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnd0b0dvzA8qXBs0pWZONr7Bz-Vre7GhyS3IOw9XTeubPim9_OUoJRZcjLhPH4ME46hX8J-6xzGpaJ0wC1n55PUAtx4RXUQbjT_Ibd6i2I3hj114UxTIcgNr93UzUi78S1ryqgqeY2uns/s1600/ou-boomer-wood-iphone2.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnd0b0dvzA8qXBs0pWZONr7Bz-Vre7GhyS3IOw9XTeubPim9_OUoJRZcjLhPH4ME46hX8J-6xzGpaJ0wC1n55PUAtx4RXUQbjT_Ibd6i2I3hj114UxTIcgNr93UzUi78S1ryqgqeY2uns/s1600/ou-boomer-wood-iphone2.jpg" /></a>Alan Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12488916349814594243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3980875057026042897.post-45865849420600463712014-04-10T12:46:00.000-07:002014-04-10T12:46:10.559-07:00Don't You Know? Part 8<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWKaW9Sb-ZmwKNoUoYrSPZxG15-H93sq59D070-IYIqMXsFSY-6RvIq2OMQ1NkmNW0TURh5HsTvLjWNhUU99z0TFzq6NEfUQ9evHJmJOdMlUTE3nXfmi6LXYDzVuj7vcggVl5Rx6lIvbc/s1600/dont-know.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWKaW9Sb-ZmwKNoUoYrSPZxG15-H93sq59D070-IYIqMXsFSY-6RvIq2OMQ1NkmNW0TURh5HsTvLjWNhUU99z0TFzq6NEfUQ9evHJmJOdMlUTE3nXfmi6LXYDzVuj7vcggVl5Rx6lIvbc/s400/dont-know.jpg" /></a></div>Don't you know a new day is coming? That all hope is not lost?<br />
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For one man, apparently all hope WAS lost. I received a call from a friend this morning and was informed that one of her friends had passed away. The situation sounded like it was possibly a suicide. My friend was shaken and upset as she had just spoken to her friend. I didn't know her friend, but any time I hear of someone taking their own life, it unsettles me as well and leaves me with a sense of regret for them and their families. They've chosen to miss out on so much without even realizing it.<br />
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I also couldn't help but think of the few times I had thought about suicide in the distant past and how much I would have missed had I gone through with it. I was a 20-something who thought his life was over. I had lost all hope. Now, as a 40-something with a marriage of 18 years to a woman I love dearly, 3 kids that I wouldn't trade for anything, a meaningful career with an organization that helps others in need and 20 years of experiences - both good and bad - and man! I'm so glad I didn't end my life! I can't even begin to tell you how sorry I would have been to miss out on the last 20 years!<br />
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But the most important loss for me had I committed suicide? My soul. You see, I had not yet met my Savior. Thank God He found me and broke through all the pain I was experiencing or I would not have the greatest joy awaiting me: Eternity with a Creator who loves me.<br />
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Friend, if you are considering ending it all, don't. There is hope - not only in Jesus, but in tomorrow. There's ALWAYS a better day coming. Don't end your chance at a better tomorrow. Find someone to reach out to and hang on to them. Ask God to save you. Do anything, but don't do the one thing you can't take back. You'll not regret your decision.Alan Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12488916349814594243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3980875057026042897.post-64939549416713734282014-03-24T11:49:00.000-07:002014-03-24T11:57:07.561-07:00Don't you Know? - Part 7<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWKaW9Sb-ZmwKNoUoYrSPZxG15-H93sq59D070-IYIqMXsFSY-6RvIq2OMQ1NkmNW0TURh5HsTvLjWNhUU99z0TFzq6NEfUQ9evHJmJOdMlUTE3nXfmi6LXYDzVuj7vcggVl5Rx6lIvbc/s1600/dont-know.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWKaW9Sb-ZmwKNoUoYrSPZxG15-H93sq59D070-IYIqMXsFSY-6RvIq2OMQ1NkmNW0TURh5HsTvLjWNhUU99z0TFzq6NEfUQ9evHJmJOdMlUTE3nXfmi6LXYDzVuj7vcggVl5Rx6lIvbc/s400/dont-know.jpg" /></a></div>Don't you know you have to be willing to suffer to grow in maturity?<br />
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When you ask the really hard questions of people, silence usually ensues - even those who seem to be further down the path in their walk with Christ. Why? Because they quickly realize they may need to not only change their long-held views, but they may actually have to step out of their comfort zone and do something they don't want to do.<br />
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Or if they're less than polite, they take you to task for calling something they've said into question, then roundly dismiss you (while wiping their brow in relief).<br />
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The downright obstinate folks usually take their leave of absence uttering a few obscenities as they leave because they know they might have to deal with you again if they don't.<br />
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All three categories need to consider the deeper, harder questions of the faith for that's the only way to grow and mature.<br />
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On my own home front, I inhabit all three categories above all too regularly as well as being the 'tough-question-asker.' Of course, I find it all too easy to ask the tough questions of others, but not so when God is requiring me to ask the same tough questions of myself. But the same rule applies: If I want to grow in maturity and my walk with Christ - learn more of His ways - maybe more of His suffering, I need to be willing to deal with the hard questions.<br />
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You need to push yourself to that point as well. You'll thank yourself later!Alan Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12488916349814594243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3980875057026042897.post-55305304959900400252014-02-14T12:39:00.001-08:002014-02-14T12:46:11.989-08:00Don't You Know? Part 6<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWKaW9Sb-ZmwKNoUoYrSPZxG15-H93sq59D070-IYIqMXsFSY-6RvIq2OMQ1NkmNW0TURh5HsTvLjWNhUU99z0TFzq6NEfUQ9evHJmJOdMlUTE3nXfmi6LXYDzVuj7vcggVl5Rx6lIvbc/s1600/dont-know.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWKaW9Sb-ZmwKNoUoYrSPZxG15-H93sq59D070-IYIqMXsFSY-6RvIq2OMQ1NkmNW0TURh5HsTvLjWNhUU99z0TFzq6NEfUQ9evHJmJOdMlUTE3nXfmi6LXYDzVuj7vcggVl5Rx6lIvbc/s400/dont-know.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Don't you know that happiness is not the point? It can't be. Why? Because happiness changes with circumstances.<br />
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What (or who) you are happy with today, can, and probably will, change tomorrow. You've heard the old saying, "Don't like the weather in Texas? Wait a few minutes and it'll change." That's what it's like with happiness. Happy at the moment? Wait a minute, it'll change. Something will happen that you won't like. Heck I'm not even talking about a drastic change that takes you from exuberance to despair. Even going from say, the happiness of finding an unexpected $20 in your jeans while doing the laundry to the realizing you have 3 more loads to do, can be a real bummer and create a sense of boredom and monotony that is anything but happy.<br />
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On an even tougher level, that boyfriend or girlfriend or spouse you're expecting to make you happy for the rest of your life? Not going to happen. Not on the level we usually expect. And when you finally realize the truth of that, it can bring great unhappiness. And then we try to force that person to make us happy. That doesn't work either. They don't have it in them.<br />
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So assuming you have found the above to be true like I have, what's the answer?<br />
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Christ.<br />
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He has it in Him. But it's not the happiness you think you need to live this life. It's a much deeper understanding of knowing a Person with more power than the universe He created, yet still chooses to be present in your life - in your every day circumstances that both please and displease you. Some call it joy. Some call it assurance that everything turns out alright. I like both of those words together: joyful assurance. I may not be happy, but when I look to Christ, I am assured that it doesn't matter. Not only am I assured He is right there in my circumstances, but that He's in control of them (no matter how chaotic) and that in the end, it'll all work out for me. THAT brings me deep joy!<br />
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So how about you? Where do you find true happiness that doesn't fail you?Alan Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12488916349814594243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3980875057026042897.post-11470665425820287372014-02-11T06:16:00.001-08:002014-02-11T06:16:19.279-08:00Don't You Know? Part 5<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWKaW9Sb-ZmwKNoUoYrSPZxG15-H93sq59D070-IYIqMXsFSY-6RvIq2OMQ1NkmNW0TURh5HsTvLjWNhUU99z0TFzq6NEfUQ9evHJmJOdMlUTE3nXfmi6LXYDzVuj7vcggVl5Rx6lIvbc/s1600/dont-know.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWKaW9Sb-ZmwKNoUoYrSPZxG15-H93sq59D070-IYIqMXsFSY-6RvIq2OMQ1NkmNW0TURh5HsTvLjWNhUU99z0TFzq6NEfUQ9evHJmJOdMlUTE3nXfmi6LXYDzVuj7vcggVl5Rx6lIvbc/s400/dont-know.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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Don't you know that life is fleeting – here one minute, swept away the next?<br />
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I was visiting the local TV station's website to read about a storm system due to arrive in my area after 10 this morning. The page I was reading was set up as a live blog page, with reporters updating the situation as needed. The first update at the top of the page read like this:<br />
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<b>7:30 a.m.: The fatal Forest Hill accident and the wreck in Dallas near Mountain Creek Parkway and I-20 mentioned in the update about an hour ago have both been cleared.<br />
</b><br />
Just like that, a fatal accident and it's remains (pun intended) are cleared away and life goes on for the majority of us. If I weren't writing this, I doubt I would even remember reading that line. It reminded me that we THINK we'll be here later today, tomorrow, next week, next month, next year… but the truth is, we don't know what the future holds for us.<br />
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Now I could insert a bunch of platitudes about WHO holds the future, living for today, maximizing every moment, etc., but that all seems trite to me at this moment. All of it's true, but it doesn't seem enough considering someone lost their life and friends and family lost someone they love.<br />
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I will say this though: Never glance past an item like the above without stopping to consider what it means to you and your life. I think you'll find yourself thanking HIM that you are still here with opportunities to make a difference in this world.Alan Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12488916349814594243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3980875057026042897.post-46154352760320899412014-02-10T05:03:00.001-08:002014-02-10T09:52:53.504-08:00Don't you know? Part 4<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWKaW9Sb-ZmwKNoUoYrSPZxG15-H93sq59D070-IYIqMXsFSY-6RvIq2OMQ1NkmNW0TURh5HsTvLjWNhUU99z0TFzq6NEfUQ9evHJmJOdMlUTE3nXfmi6LXYDzVuj7vcggVl5Rx6lIvbc/s1600/dont-know.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWKaW9Sb-ZmwKNoUoYrSPZxG15-H93sq59D070-IYIqMXsFSY-6RvIq2OMQ1NkmNW0TURh5HsTvLjWNhUU99z0TFzq6NEfUQ9evHJmJOdMlUTE3nXfmi6LXYDzVuj7vcggVl5Rx6lIvbc/s400/dont-know.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Don't you know that love is the foundation of everything we are in Christ? Paul called it clothing every other virtue we are to practice as Christians in love (Colossians 3). I call it hard to do!<br />
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I have been avoiding posting this one for awhile. I just didn't want to deal with the fact that I don't love others very well. But that doesn't lessen the truth of what Paul called us to do in Colossians. And while grace pardons, it does not excuse bad behavior. It actually demands we make right whatever we've messed up! God's grace came at the great and awful price of His Son's life. That mere fact screams out that we not hide behind the grace that was provided through such a sacrifice, but to take seriously our responsibility to love others no matter where they are at and to seek forgiveness when we fail. It's not an option in light of the forgiveness we stand in as redeemed children of God.<br />
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So as a chief sinner, in the worst tradition of Paul in 1 Timothy 1, I still need to practice love in everything I do to the best of my abilities no matter how I feel. And when I fail, reject the urge to hide behind God's grace, repent, get back up and carry on in the way of Christ's love.<br />
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You do too.Alan Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12488916349814594243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3980875057026042897.post-10487538829349075382014-02-03T12:39:00.000-08:002014-02-03T17:20:11.279-08:00Don't You Know? Part 3<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWKaW9Sb-ZmwKNoUoYrSPZxG15-H93sq59D070-IYIqMXsFSY-6RvIq2OMQ1NkmNW0TURh5HsTvLjWNhUU99z0TFzq6NEfUQ9evHJmJOdMlUTE3nXfmi6LXYDzVuj7vcggVl5Rx6lIvbc/s1600/dont-know.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWKaW9Sb-ZmwKNoUoYrSPZxG15-H93sq59D070-IYIqMXsFSY-6RvIq2OMQ1NkmNW0TURh5HsTvLjWNhUU99z0TFzq6NEfUQ9evHJmJOdMlUTE3nXfmi6LXYDzVuj7vcggVl5Rx6lIvbc/s400/dont-know.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Don't you know that truth matters? In everything? Some think it's okay to tell little white lies. Some think it's okay to omit details - thereby not telling the whole truth. The problem is, when you allow for a little fibbing, you end up lying a lot. Sliding scales of truth-telling ends up being any but truth-telling. I think maybe that's because our society - made up of us - you and I - have a hard time dealing with truth.<br />
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Why is that?<br />
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Maybe because it's sometimes easier to just fudge the truth a little to avoid the hassle of having to tell the whole, unvarnished truth. Or maybe you are pretending you're protecting someone by not being truthful. Other times it may because it's uncomfortable to live in the unyielding light of the truth.<br />
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I recently watched an episode of "My 600lb Life." It's a series of reality-based shows documenting a year in the life of a person's battle to lose hundreds of pounds in a year. Most of them I have seen are successful. The one I watched a few days ago followed a bed-ridden (because of her weight) woman around who said she wanted to lose the weight - said she wanted to lose it so she could be a better mom to her son - but her subsequent actions proved otherwise. The doctor who was helping her in the process said almost immediately upon meeting and getting to know her, said she was living in an altered state of reality. Where she saw progress, he saw little or no weight loss. As he said, "The tale of the scale tells it all." She lost some weight up front, then gained it all back and then some. And then spent the rest of the year trying to avoid contact with him. And yet, as her year was ending and the show was coming to a close, she still insisted she was losing weight and on the path to success. She hadn't lost a single pound. She was living in an altered state of reality that she created for herself so she didn't have to live with the fact that she was unwilling or unable (because of psychological issues) to do what it took to lose the weight and get healthy.<br />
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I wonder how many of us do that every single day on small and large issues? Sometimes it's almost imperceptible to us until something happens to open our eyes. I know I can fall into that trap.<br />
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In John 8, verses 31-32, Jesus says, "If you hold to my teachings, you really are my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”<br />
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What truth are you hiding from? Where do you need to be set free in your life?Alan Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12488916349814594243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3980875057026042897.post-78670181332125762362014-01-31T07:00:00.000-08:002014-01-31T11:22:25.515-08:00Don't you know? Part 2<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWKaW9Sb-ZmwKNoUoYrSPZxG15-H93sq59D070-IYIqMXsFSY-6RvIq2OMQ1NkmNW0TURh5HsTvLjWNhUU99z0TFzq6NEfUQ9evHJmJOdMlUTE3nXfmi6LXYDzVuj7vcggVl5Rx6lIvbc/s1600/dont-know.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWKaW9Sb-ZmwKNoUoYrSPZxG15-H93sq59D070-IYIqMXsFSY-6RvIq2OMQ1NkmNW0TURh5HsTvLjWNhUU99z0TFzq6NEfUQ9evHJmJOdMlUTE3nXfmi6LXYDzVuj7vcggVl5Rx6lIvbc/s400/dont-know.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Don't you know that bad behavior has consequences? The Bible in Galatians refers to it as reaping what you sow (Galatians 6:7). The terms are related to planting (sowing) and harvesting (reaping the results of your sowing). So if you plant corn seed in your garden in the spring , you get corn in the fall. Of course, it takes a lot of nurturing of that garden in order to reap the benefits of sowing. The corn reaped in the fall is the natural consequence of the corn seed that was sown the prior spring.<br />
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You can probably see where I am going spiritually. There are natural consequences spiritually as well. If you sow (plant) an angry thought (seed) against someone, then nurture that anger over time, you'll likely end up doing something stupid like telling that person "just what you think of them" and hurting them. That's the reaping of the anger you sowed. That's the resulting sin of your anger.<br />
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Or maybe posting something demeaning to another on a social media site that you can't take back and possibly doing irreparable damage to the relationship (I must say I became quite uncomfortable typing that). That too, is the reaping of the anger you sowed. That's also the resulting sin of your anger. Now maybe you won't see such concrete consequences. Maybe you're thinking, "Not me! I got away with it!" Or maybe you're thinking, "I Don't care if I hurt that person! They deserved it!" To that I say, sin and the fear it creates (ever try to hide a wrongdoing from your parents without fearing you'd be found out?) damages the soul. Your soul and your target's soul. When the soul is damaged, cynicism, bitterness, frustration (especially at the little things), depression and just a general oppressiveness is born. Those are real consequences.<br />
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So what's the point? Be careful what you sow because as Paul points out in the same passage, "God will not be mocked..." He knows your sin. You can't get away from the consequences - whatever they may be. It's best to not only deal with your sin you have reaped to put it behind you, but begin by catching yourself as you begin to sow that bad behavior and choose not to sow it. Choose instead to "love your enemies..."<br />
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Huh... 'love your enemies'... sounds familiar to me. How about you?Alan Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12488916349814594243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3980875057026042897.post-7574033992308844982014-01-28T05:48:00.000-08:002014-01-28T06:35:48.823-08:00Don't you know? Part 1<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWKaW9Sb-ZmwKNoUoYrSPZxG15-H93sq59D070-IYIqMXsFSY-6RvIq2OMQ1NkmNW0TURh5HsTvLjWNhUU99z0TFzq6NEfUQ9evHJmJOdMlUTE3nXfmi6LXYDzVuj7vcggVl5Rx6lIvbc/s1600/dont-know.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWKaW9Sb-ZmwKNoUoYrSPZxG15-H93sq59D070-IYIqMXsFSY-6RvIq2OMQ1NkmNW0TURh5HsTvLjWNhUU99z0TFzq6NEfUQ9evHJmJOdMlUTE3nXfmi6LXYDzVuj7vcggVl5Rx6lIvbc/s400/dont-know.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Don't you know that when I fail, when I act horribly, strike out in anger at someone or goad them into their own fit of anger, that I am exhibiting the very reason I need Christ? It's not an excuse for my poor behavior. It's reality. For everyone one of us. Don't believe me? Show me a person who says it's not true and I'll show you the very same person who grades sin on a sliding scale. Interestingly, it always slides in favor of their pet bad behaviors!<br />
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So when you see my good works or my bad behavior - and I do indeed strive to always make them good works as opposed to the bad behavior - know that I am not saved by them, but in spite of them. And know that there are always consequences to them for me in spite of my relationship with Christ.Alan Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12488916349814594243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3980875057026042897.post-61524765905668889722012-03-25T16:42:00.005-07:002012-03-25T16:49:02.974-07:00This Story Should Sicken Us. Does It?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfn9vpJbjmlyjINfnpFFfesHk6n6kodmIYWZ0D1M4u2cucieww9Msqg0RLX9PSe5D0tRdGRVLacDENUYdcomCiZP78H4_SlSq7iUvcoqoVYPCtYvVYzfa6aEOyqWyjO-GmueMsVVu_WoM/s1600/Screen+Shot+2012-03-25+at+6.43.22+PM.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 225px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfn9vpJbjmlyjINfnpFFfesHk6n6kodmIYWZ0D1M4u2cucieww9Msqg0RLX9PSe5D0tRdGRVLacDENUYdcomCiZP78H4_SlSq7iUvcoqoVYPCtYvVYzfa6aEOyqWyjO-GmueMsVVu_WoM/s400/Screen+Shot+2012-03-25+at+6.43.22+PM.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5723984968407834194" /></a><br />For a truly sickening story of inhumanity, click <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2012/03/24/world/europe/spain-prostitution-tattoo/index.html?hpt=hp_t3">here</a>. of course, there are those who will say this has been going on for along time (see WWII Germany for examples) - that they are not surprised nor shocked. They should be though. We should never become desensitized to the awfulness of this kind of brutality against others.Alan Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12488916349814594243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3980875057026042897.post-46320490779107705662012-01-15T20:56:00.000-08:002012-01-15T21:22:02.421-08:00Where Does Authority Reside in God's Kingdom?I am reading "What's With Paul and Women?" by Jon Zens. He is advocating for women to be free from male domination and free to perform all tasks in church that they are gifted for.<br /><br />In the midst of reading that and following his argument, I ran across a short section on who really has authority in God's Kingdom. As is true with the rest of his book concerning women's roles in the church, his view of authority flies in the face of what we think of when we think about how churches are set up and who assumes authority. Running across this section is somewhat ironic in light of a facebook post I authored earlier today that read:<br /><br />"If any religious leader ever tries to claim any kind of spiritual authority over you, put that person out of your life. You have but one Person to give account to and that is God Himself."<br /><br />The reason I say it's ironice is listen to what Mr. Zens says on page 69 of his book:<br /><br />"We must remember that our Lord taught us that in his kingdom "authority"—who's in charge—is to be a <span style="font-style:italic;">non-issue</span> (cf. Matt. 20:24-28; 23:11; Mark 9:34; Luke 9:46; 22:24). The idea of one person having dominion over another or others is the essence of all that is antichrist; it is clearly how the world operates and, as a pattern of behavior, is one which we are encouraged to diligently avoid, based on the life and teachings of Jesus, the Christ. No one is to be the top-dog, and there are no positions of authority. I don't know how many times I've heard, "women shouldn't be in positions of authority." <span style="font-style:italic;">The truth is, neither males nor females are to be in positions of authority!</span> There is no human chain-of-command in Christ's domain. The greatest position is at the bottom of the ladder. Those with the most spiritual influence will live as those with no authority. They will live as slaves and children—who had no status in first century culture. The greatest in Christ's kingdom lays down his life for others—which is precisely what Jesus did as the servant <span style="font-style:italic;">par excellence."</span><br /><br />Now I doubt he will deal with my obvious questions about the repetition of elders (leaders, teachers, those tasked with leading the affairs of the church) in scripture in the context of this book. I'd love to read what he has to say about how the early church was set up with leaders (elders, deacons). But this is still a good reminder for those God has gifted with leadership abilities in the church to exercise caution and true servanthood.<br /><br />BTW: Click <a href="http://searchingtogether.org/">here</a>. for more info on the author and book...Alan Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12488916349814594243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3980875057026042897.post-35004737270611910932011-12-23T17:35:00.000-08:002011-12-23T17:40:54.441-08:00Am I willing to imitate Jesus by hanging out with "scum"?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz7pao-4vwIoF_GfUSRdL2EmshUOPuqR4-Wd9Gg1exP4gpGLS3YuJmJ48_T1w-Mm65wPY2V0ibnubdjQ1RdaJ7UlvQdVocXI0MXlNRte4f67K5_LI7JyqFdpO52buo53PdW4gQCjeYsMM/s1600/legs.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz7pao-4vwIoF_GfUSRdL2EmshUOPuqR4-Wd9Gg1exP4gpGLS3YuJmJ48_T1w-Mm65wPY2V0ibnubdjQ1RdaJ7UlvQdVocXI0MXlNRte4f67K5_LI7JyqFdpO52buo53PdW4gQCjeYsMM/s400/legs.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5689503885228499554" /></a><br />Am I willing to imitate Jesus by hanging out with "scum"? Do I live with the conviction that sinful people aren't scum at all to Jesus, but rather those to whom he and his followers (including me!) have been sent?<br /><br />For more from this challenging essay at The High Calling blog, go <a href="http://www.thehighcalling.org/reflection/hanging-out-scum">here</a>.Alan Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12488916349814594243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3980875057026042897.post-30940424527658932442011-12-23T17:12:00.000-08:002011-12-23T17:17:31.369-08:00'Prostitute' is Our Name for Them, not His.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipC0V-cTT1men6kL1J_5SYKYL87_mzleHX_O0VC4OvUuhVuPsG-rMRfoDZ08rqUiKZrKL1mvUWd83tKc739SckUYK9WfZZ9OZKjKlItxyoNyqT5UxKuqAP9KTCVxMo7b1tTOy_IKnQQkU/s1600/for+blog.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 396px; height: 303px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipC0V-cTT1men6kL1J_5SYKYL87_mzleHX_O0VC4OvUuhVuPsG-rMRfoDZ08rqUiKZrKL1mvUWd83tKc739SckUYK9WfZZ9OZKjKlItxyoNyqT5UxKuqAP9KTCVxMo7b1tTOy_IKnQQkU/s400/for+blog.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5689497779142561794" /></a> I sometimes wonder if Heaven’s walls are pitted with holes left by Jesus’ head as he watches how we try to be his Body on Earth. The more I learn about my faith the more I realise that I am getting it wrong, taking it too far or not taking it far enough.<br /><br />One example that I’ve been thinking about recently is the way we talk about Jesus hanging out with prostitutes. As a speaker and mentor, I’ve talked about this a lot as well as hearing many other speakers and pastors do the same. And we all seem to emphasise the same thing: How amazing it is that God with skin on would spend time with someone who sells their body for money.<br /><br />It’s amazing to me how I can be so right and so wrong at the same time.<br /><br />If the writer of this got your attention, read the rest of his essay <a href="http://www.scottevans.ie/boo-you-whore/">here</a>.Alan Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12488916349814594243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3980875057026042897.post-17374650674703305592011-12-20T14:37:00.001-08:002011-12-20T14:42:57.530-08:00He Always Thought He Would Just Melt Away<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvW5TWKanK377mRqtIc_QwdATnz0d86CsOF-eRGVs4N5pFH5sMaNtO6UXEUrFCCYC117dDnIqb_NqwEZxIJOfaglJAWLugQuYe5x_l7-phJwLHxsfYupl4OMsa81o2aJ8y06QrqAtWvWA/s1600/snowman-blizzard.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvW5TWKanK377mRqtIc_QwdATnz0d86CsOF-eRGVs4N5pFH5sMaNtO6UXEUrFCCYC117dDnIqb_NqwEZxIJOfaglJAWLugQuYe5x_l7-phJwLHxsfYupl4OMsa81o2aJ8y06QrqAtWvWA/s400/snowman-blizzard.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5688344755165530002" /></a>Alan Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12488916349814594243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3980875057026042897.post-45352414637338754552011-12-20T13:44:00.001-08:002011-12-20T13:48:44.731-08:00Oklahoma Sooners WallpapersDesigned by yours truly!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWduhpPAhNnV0D_edvLNmgpMgZhjSR3S5XzloxIprAQTI4O1eglGdnUfA073JFKs1g0W2X3RNbFlXg0H02C4s-71zeEaGP1GJqjh514P_Mc_mJevsdcq4fkRaM7AhjCKwyT07EEssAu34/s1600/ou-wallpaper.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 225px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWduhpPAhNnV0D_edvLNmgpMgZhjSR3S5XzloxIprAQTI4O1eglGdnUfA073JFKs1g0W2X3RNbFlXg0H02C4s-71zeEaGP1GJqjh514P_Mc_mJevsdcq4fkRaM7AhjCKwyT07EEssAu34/s400/ou-wallpaper.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5688329992987741410" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXgHEnGRahIxJZq1r-5zGUVqFjUHUx0tlXvXYiJfu_lXH6GZ1Nt5ZFYzwd1qqOpWvk_GPswTsOvJJ3rPDURScVwRd_NtBWh-0pjEFeoobhzhSg_mzaaZutJqw3YliIXRzyKW7nwCYQC24/s1600/ou-wallpaper2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 225px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXgHEnGRahIxJZq1r-5zGUVqFjUHUx0tlXvXYiJfu_lXH6GZ1Nt5ZFYzwd1qqOpWvk_GPswTsOvJJ3rPDURScVwRd_NtBWh-0pjEFeoobhzhSg_mzaaZutJqw3YliIXRzyKW7nwCYQC24/s400/ou-wallpaper2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5688329874888630242" /></a>Alan Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12488916349814594243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3980875057026042897.post-47468780623776805062011-07-06T12:39:00.000-07:002011-07-06T12:46:41.526-07:00Animated TrudyClick on the white box below!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVF4GnTWRNpuJdTb29X353KtUqsQHF101WFsTJh-ub91NW9FF9Z03M8Rr-fAlGw0qJq1XFiTMpxQpze4XE2UOpHNcAzmeh6OVy8KheAvxrpf7-j5qM6_v1bvNnSsvssy05-KcBM3vhoc0/s1600/trudy-animated.gif"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 204px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVF4GnTWRNpuJdTb29X353KtUqsQHF101WFsTJh-ub91NW9FF9Z03M8Rr-fAlGw0qJq1XFiTMpxQpze4XE2UOpHNcAzmeh6OVy8KheAvxrpf7-j5qM6_v1bvNnSsvssy05-KcBM3vhoc0/s400/trudy-animated.gif" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626327942471746578" /></a>Alan Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12488916349814594243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3980875057026042897.post-18269235677930528432010-09-06T12:46:00.000-07:002010-09-06T13:19:19.915-07:00Oklahoma Sooners=31, Utah State Aggies=24, Paul Family=Great Time!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_NNCgUs2Bfy0sQRR3TouSnfbjwlTK6fPo25OyLF_XCSH1kncGqWZUXcXU9uXe4qn3iz7rIM84elqZxCSHo6rbTi38Mc1a0Cmxvy6KPhlAD24tTUo07iTfJf_UKmbuxgfFsrq8j4VxwrQ/s1600/JONES-SNAP.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 184px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_NNCgUs2Bfy0sQRR3TouSnfbjwlTK6fPo25OyLF_XCSH1kncGqWZUXcXU9uXe4qn3iz7rIM84elqZxCSHo6rbTi38Mc1a0Cmxvy6KPhlAD24tTUo07iTfJf_UKmbuxgfFsrq8j4VxwrQ/s400/JONES-SNAP.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513890760848515010" /></a><br /><br />It was my son, Chris' birthday on Saturday and we traveled to Norman, Oklahoma to watch the season opener game between the Oklahoma Sooners and the Utah State Aggies. We have some friends that live in the area that have tailgate parties at every home game and we were fortunate enough to be able to join them again as we did last season 3 times.<br /><br />Chris is a rabid OU fan and we had great seats for this game - 3 rows up from the field in the home end zone. Both he and I made some memories there and I don't think either of us will forget that game and what it felt like to be so close to the action. When DeMarco Murray broke open down the left sideline for one of his touchdowns (63 yards on this one) he was running right at us. It was awesome! Chris was going wild! It was well worth the extra funds we spent to get the seats.<br /><br />There was another blessing though that will make this trip memorable. My wife Trudy and other son Zachary came with us to the Norman, but were not planning on going to the game. My wife isn't that big on football and Zachary isn't quite old enough to care all that much about the game itself. He wanted to go to the game, but as I learned last year, he doesn't really pay that close attention to the game - so they were just going to stay behind and watch the game on TV at the tailgate party.<br /><br />Chris and I had already gone, so we had no idea of what was about to happen. When Zack's friends started leaving one by one to go to the game, he had a friend who offered him a ticket. Unfortunately though, Trudy didn't know the parents and they only had one ticket so she told Zachary she didn't feel comfortable sending him with them without her going. He was crushed that he had this ticket but couldn't go!<br /><br />This is where it gets good... as Trudy was consoling him, a lady - a complete stranger - was standing off to the side waiting for something. Trudy was making conversation with her and mentioned what was going on with Zachary and why he was upset. She then told Trudy that if her parents, who were about an hour late, didn't show up, she could have the 2 tickets her parents were going to use! Trudy was shocked! She told the lady she didn't have to do that and that surely her parents would show up - I mean, who in their right mind has tickets to an OU game and then doesn't go, right? Well as it turns out, her parents never showed, she couldn't get a hold of them, and she just walked back up to Trudy some time later and handed her the tickets! What a blessing that lady was to Trudy and Zachary - and to top it off, they were great seats! So while Chris and I were cheering on the Sooners in the first quarter, they were just one section over and 20 rows up doing the same thing! I didn't know about it because I didn't hear my phone ring or get the text Trudy sent me because the circuits were so busy from everyone in the stadium using their phones at once.<br /><br />Once Trudy finally found us and showed up - and I got over the shock of her story of the lady giving her the tickets - we traded places a few times, ate dinner together at half time, and had a great time! AND, the Sooners won! I said a prayer of thanks for that lady and prayed also that nothing was wrong with her parents AND that she didn't regret giving those tickets away. She made Zachary a happy camper and Trudy actually enjoyed the game!<br /><br /><br />And now for some game wrap up stuff... Running back DeMarco Murray ran for a career-best 218 yards and two touchdowns and Ryan Broyles had 142 yards receiving with two scores. Landry Jones looked great at times but overall, inconsistent and indecisive. The secondary is atrocious. I saw one post on the Oklahoma Sooners Football Facebook page that quipped, "My grandmother could provide better coverage than the Sooner secondary." The Utah State QB, Diondre Borel, is awesome. Without him, they would not have had a chance. He ran all over the field avoiding sacks and piling up passing yards - 341 to be exact - the vast majority of their total yards came through the air. Utah State's total yards were only one less than Oklahoma's at 421 yards. For a team to hang that many yards on OU is saying something (mainly that the secondary sucks). The Sooners had a more balanced attacked with almost equal amounts of passing (17-for-36, 217 yards, 2 TDs, 2 ints) and rushing (218) yards. A more balanced attack (and a few turnovers and missed passes from Utah State) usually wins the day.<br /><br />Can't wait until we can go again!Alan Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12488916349814594243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3980875057026042897.post-90642702900319298702010-07-20T12:56:00.001-07:002010-07-20T13:07:53.126-07:00Consequences of WarA few years ago I posted a <a href="http://stumblingaboutfortruth.blogspot.com/2008/07/forgiveness-is-powerful.html">story</a> about Kim Phuc, the little Vietnamese girl pictured in the now famous <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidzsGcLrGg3rcf9-m28_D5RqTFSzBBJbmOtePdg_iqckznJiOG67Nis6-OKXt31ZtqniPH11PK9jjjhXU4n8YDEli4feJ9WAR7mnIOUwN6GvqE-Xxzjer9m8pcY1OyB3huJjH_6sdjhFk/s1600-h/kimphuc_ap_540.jpg">photo</a> running down the road after being Napalmed in Vietnam. The naked girl in the video is Ms. Phuc.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ev2dEqrN4i0">Here</a> is some video of the same event. The consequences of war are harsh and unforgiving even to innocent children.<br /><br />BTW: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xhz2gCnhr-I">Here</a> is a video of Kim telling her story. <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qh3tskrAYuE&feature=related">Here</a> is another one of forgiveness.Alan Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12488916349814594243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3980875057026042897.post-64062396958472746252010-05-01T23:02:00.000-07:002010-05-01T23:09:43.285-07:00America Converses with Jesus"Well Hi Jesus! How are you?"<br /><br />"Fine, fine. I am blessed," Jesus said.<br /><br />"So what do you think? How are we doing? We have worked hard, made shrewd investments, taken care of ourselves... I mean... pretty good huh?"<br /><br />Jesus said, "Yes. Yes. Very impressive. You have done quite well for yourselves. You are a great country. I have admired you from afar."Alan Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12488916349814594243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3980875057026042897.post-74257374573361598382009-09-13T00:11:00.000-07:002009-09-13T00:29:59.982-07:00Refuge?As Christians (or the church as we're sometimes thought of) we're suppose to be a group for those looking for refuge. You know, a place where those in need come to find help. We're suppose to care about others before ourselves right? There's no greater way to show your love and care for someone in need than to give of yourself to them. Jesus said we should follow His example and love one another as He loved us: sacrificially and unconditionally.<br /><br />I recently found that a friend of mine experienced the opposite in her hour of need. I don't know all the details. But then again, I don't need to know them. What I do know is that she found no refuge when she needed it. She found only that those she thought would walk with her were too busy to stop and listen and realize that she was hurting and in need of their friendship and compassion.<br /><br />This is not good. If we can't slow down enough to care and be the refuge for those we say we love, then what good are we to God or anyone else?<br /><br />I had my eyes opened anew because of this. I have been driven down new paths of thoughts concerning the church and how we treat each other and whether or not we really care about each other or about God lately. (The two are extremely closely related - see Mt. 25:35) This instance is just the latest in a long line. I have some folks in my life that have a mantra: "Love God. Love Others. Anything we involve ourselves in other than those two things is a distraction." I am beginning to see some wisdom in those words.<br /><br />What if my friend's friends had operated under those two principles? Maybe she would know a little more of the intimacy of the love of Christ. But instead, I sense she has lost a little of her faith... maybe not in Christ... but certainly in His body - us, the church.Alan Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12488916349814594243noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3980875057026042897.post-19845361299617959402009-08-16T21:14:00.000-07:002009-08-16T21:21:58.648-07:00American ChristianityAhem... La La La La... Mi Mi Mi Mi... okay I'm ready...<br /><br />I am the way, the truth and the life. No man comes to the father except by me... and if he's a republican... and only if he's pro-life... oh wait! No gays either. They're an abomination. And they must be American patriots. No sissy pacifists either! Also, he better have voted for "W" and he'd best not have voted for that heathen Obama! And low taxes! he's gotta believe in low taxes! Also, if you're a woman, you need to know your place if you want in to my kingdom - no woman leaders allowed in my kingdom! My peep Paul said it straight and he meant it! And you must be pro-israel. Screw the muslims! They are eeeeviiiilllll!!! You help a muslim, forget it. You're not getting in. No catholics either. They follow some guy in a big white shiny hat. They're idolaters. They ain't allowed!<br /><br />Hey God... did I miss anyone. You think them Americans will be happy? What was that? Socialists? Oh! Yeah! Socialists! No socialists either people.<br /><br />And no one who takes this post seriously.<br /><br />Amen.Alan Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12488916349814594243noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3980875057026042897.post-20611401320862762212009-08-14T20:20:00.000-07:002009-08-14T22:54:05.417-07:00A Conversation with My Daughter<span style="font-style:italic;">While I was walking tonight, I had an almost hour long texting conversation with my daughter. She is in Wyoming (though texting from Salt Lake City where she is visiting) and I am in Texas. She is coming back to Texas and the heat in a few days though and we are excited!<br /><br />I thought there was something special about the convo, though I am not sure what. Our conversation consisted of the mundane, the seriously spiritual, and some memories all wrapped up in a little humor. I don't know... Maybe it was just that we were sharing our lives with each other without the weight of the baggage that has been plaguing our relationship the last few years. Anyways, send me your thoughts after you read it...<br /><br />Note: I kept the bad grammar and punctuation as it appeared to preserve the essence of the brevity of texting. We still did some good communicatin' though!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Dad:</span> What doin?<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Dad:</span> Huh?<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Dad:</span> Huh?<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Dad:</span> Huh?<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Dad:</span> Huh?<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Dad:</span> Huh?<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Dad:</span> Huh?<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Dad:</span> Huh?<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Dad:</span> Huh?<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Dad:</span> Huh?<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Dad:</span> Well?<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Dad:</span> ...<br /><br />[Later]<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Daughter:</span> Haha I was in barnes and noble reading a book:)<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Daughter:</span> I left my phone in the truck! Sorry!!!<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Dad:</span> No prob<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Dad:</span> I'm walking at the track<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Daughter:</span> Fun fun! I want to go!<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Dad:</span> U can when you get back<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Daughter:</span> Awesome! How hot is it?<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Dad:</span> Not hot its 9pm here<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Daughter:</span> Did it get pretty hot today though?<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Dad:</span> Yes 97<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Dad:</span> Tomorrow and sun same<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Daughter:</span> Wow it's pretty hot here in salt lake it was 89 i think<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Dad:</span> Thats not hot. Its 81 here now<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Daughter:</span> idk how I'm gonna survive when I get there lol<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Dad:</span> You'll adjust<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Daughter:</span> Yup! So how are you? Trudy? The boys?<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Dad:</span> Fine. Same O<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Dad:</span> Trudys not at UPS anymore so she's happy<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Daughter:</span> We went to famous daves for dinner and I am stuffed! And I bet she's happy! Back to regular sleep schedule after what? 4 years or so?<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Dad:</span> 6 i think<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Daughter:</span> Wow longer than I thought. She was working there when I was in middle school?<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Dad:</span> yes<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Dad:</span> Time flies<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Dad:</span> Make it count for somethin<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Daughter:</span> Well I have a bad memory! Time does fly by! Coming to slat lake reminded me of all the crazy traffic! I'll have to adjust to that too<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Dad:</span> Yep<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Daughter:</span> That's what I plan to do! Life is only so long<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Dad:</span> Course eternity is just that: eternal<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Daughter:</span> True. I'm scared to die though<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Dad:</span> Most r. Whats your reason?<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Daughter:</span> idk like sometimes I;m just sitting there thinking and reality smacks me upside the head and it hits me, were only on this earth so long. And I have no idea what its going to be like when I die. I just know I won't be walking this earth anymore, the thought just freaks me out. Then I stop thinking about it because it scares me so much.<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Dad:</span> Yeah. Know that. Knowing Christ helps me.<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Daughter:</span> I think if I get involved in church and really stick with it, praying and whatnot, I won't be as scared.<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Dad:</span> Knowing Christ is more about being with him than doing anything.<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Dad:</span> Most make it into a set of rules to be performed in front of a mean ruler.<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Dad:</span> Not so.<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Dad:</span> Spend time with him just having a conversation<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Dad:</span> Bible is simply the story of him making a way for us to be able to talk and spend time with him<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Dad:</span> Church is suppose to b a place for encouragement from fellow travelers<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Dad:</span> Sadly some don't understand that<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Dad:</span> Charlie does tho<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Daughter:</span> I know I'll understand all of that someday. It can't happen overnight.<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Dad:</span> Nope. Takes time spent with the savior<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Daughter:</span> Definitely. You are full of wisdom!<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Dad:</span> Same as it takes time to get to know anyone else<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Daughter:</span> But you can never know everything about anyone. There's not enough time.<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Dad:</span> 43 years of trial and error tends to wise ya up!<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Daughter:</span> Whoa!!!! Last time I remembered, you were like 40. Time needs to stop flying, seriously.<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Dad:</span> Ur right. U never fully understand God who is infinite. Think if ants tried to understand humans.<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Dad:</span> Same with us and god<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Daughter:</span> That's impossible. Not because they're ants, just cuz were huge and they're tiny.<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Dad:</span> BUT god makes us a way thru christ for us to commune with him<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Dad:</span> listening to iron maiden. Up the irons!<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Dad:</span> Heavy metal...<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Dad:</span> Was listening to old big band music earlier<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Dad:</span> different huh?<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Daughter:</span> I've never listened to them before. I'm watching school of rock lol<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Daughter:</span> I like heavy metal...you should look up seasons after on myspace<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Dad:</span> Look up iron maiden aces high<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Dad:</span> On itunes on ur phone<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Daughter:</span> Mmkay<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Dad:</span> Also download pandora app for free music streamed. U can choose a singer and it will play them and simgers from same genre<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Daughter:</span> I have pandora and slacker radio<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Dad:</span> Never heard of slacker. Punch iron maiden on pandora<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Daughter:</span> I like that song aces high and slacker is like pandora but you can search an exact song and it will pop up and play, then after that, it will play similar songs like pandora<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Dad:</span> Oh. I will have to check it out.<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Daughter:</span> Mmkay it's an app, its free<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Dad:</span> Downloading it now<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Daughter:</span> Awesome! You might like it, I like it better than pandora, but opinions differ.<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Dad:</span> Goin to ihop later for midnight dessert<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Dad:</span> Yum<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Daughter:</span> Haha with the fam?<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Dad:</span> Yep<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Dad:</span> We'll need to go when ur back<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Daughter:</span> Fun fun!:) I don't even want to think about food right now<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Daughter:</span> And yes we will! I remember when me you and Marissah would go to whataburger like at 2 in the morning<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Dad:</span> Yep. Boys and i have done that 2<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Dad:</span> We went and 8 a full dinner 1 time. Felt blech! afterwards<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Daughter:</span> Lol I like their breakfast burritos yummm<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Daughter:</span> That tend to happen in the early morning idk why<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Dad:</span> This was like 1 am. I was up til 4 feelin blech<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Dad:</span> Done walkin. Gettin in the shower. Gnight<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Daughter:</span> I would be too!<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Daughter:</span> Goodnight:)Alan Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12488916349814594243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3980875057026042897.post-33034267481617961142009-08-10T20:45:00.000-07:002009-08-10T20:46:49.368-07:00The Authentic Christian Nation."The ascended christ reigns over the church and all societies but in different ways. In truth, the only "Christian nation" is the body of Christ as it is dispersed throughout all peoples and in all times. Confusion on this point has resulted in far-reaching consequences."<br /><br />Read more <a href="http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2009/august/26.36.html">here</a>.Alan Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12488916349814594243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3980875057026042897.post-8448297870356831722009-08-07T18:10:00.000-07:002009-08-07T18:11:20.167-07:00Happiness.I think most times, God is busily stripping us of the idols we have clothed ourselves in. I don't think He cares much about what we want that we think will make us happy. There are many more imminent issues concerning our lives in relation to the Kingdom of God than our pipe dreams of wealth, health and happiness.Alan Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12488916349814594243noreply@blogger.com1