Thursday, July 26, 2012
Great Quote Thursday
Circumstances always did shape my course different from my plans- Ulysses Grant
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
Connect Series: Connect by Picking Up the Pieces (Part 2)
In our relationship series, Connect, we are looking at the lives of Bible couples and the issues they dealt with. This week, we look at the marriage of David and Bathsheba who learned to pick up the pieces of their lives. In this post, we'll look at what brought David's sin to light as well as David's response.
God was displeased by what David had done (II Samuel 11:27). As a result, He sends the prophet Nathan to confront King David's sin (II Samuel 12:1-15). Nathan shares with the king a story of the abuse of a poor man by a wealthy man who stole the poor man's prize possession and took and used it for himself. King David, incensed at the mistreatment of the poor man declares that the wealthy man deserves to die (v. 5). Comparing the story to what occurred between David and Uriah and Bathsheba, Nathan responds to David with some of the most chilling words in all of Scripture, "You are the man!" (v. 6).
Only when David's sin was confronted did he truly confess all that he had done. David was truly sorrowful for his actions (read Psalm 51- "against You, You only, have I sinned"- v. 4) and made changes in his life that would be his pattern for following God for the rest of his days.
But there was still a period of discipline, of punishment, of consequences that David would have to walk through. It would be four-fold and it would be horrific.
In the next post, we will look at the how David (and Bathsheba) picked up the pieces of the lives and how God would ultimately use their story, their legacy, for His glory.
God was displeased by what David had done (II Samuel 11:27). As a result, He sends the prophet Nathan to confront King David's sin (II Samuel 12:1-15). Nathan shares with the king a story of the abuse of a poor man by a wealthy man who stole the poor man's prize possession and took and used it for himself. King David, incensed at the mistreatment of the poor man declares that the wealthy man deserves to die (v. 5). Comparing the story to what occurred between David and Uriah and Bathsheba, Nathan responds to David with some of the most chilling words in all of Scripture, "You are the man!" (v. 6).
Only when David's sin was confronted did he truly confess all that he had done. David was truly sorrowful for his actions (read Psalm 51- "against You, You only, have I sinned"- v. 4) and made changes in his life that would be his pattern for following God for the rest of his days.
But there was still a period of discipline, of punishment, of consequences that David would have to walk through. It would be four-fold and it would be horrific.
In the next post, we will look at the how David (and Bathsheba) picked up the pieces of the lives and how God would ultimately use their story, their legacy, for His glory.
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
Connect Series: Connect by Picking Up the Pieces (Part 1)
In our relationship series, Connect, we are looking at the lives of Bible couples and the issues they dealt with. This week, we look at the marriage of David and Bathsheba who learned to pick up the pieces of their lives.
When you meet someone, you usually want to know something about them. Here's some information on David and Bathsheba:
How they met? As King of Israel, David had responsibilities as the nation's military leader. One spring, he neglected those duties and stayed back at the palace. One evening, after resting away the day, David went for a walk on the roof. From there, he saw Bathsheba bathing. He asked his aides about her and soon sent messengers to bring her to the palace.
What was she like? The Bible says Bathsheba was "beautiful" (II Samuel 11:2). Beyond that, we don't know much about her early life. We do know, however, that she was married to an honorable man, Uriah (II Samuel 11:6-13).
What was he like? This was King David. Goliath killer. Harpist. Shepherd. Warrior. Leader of all Israel who had access to everything he wanted or needed. And he got what he wanted (II Samuel 11:4). It's interesting that just two chapters earlier in II Samuel 9, we see a kind, caring, compassionate king.
What was their issue? There were multiple issues: marital infidelity, murder, a cover-up attempt. Ultimately, it was a matter of David's sin before God.
In the next post, we'll look at what brought David and Bathsheba's sin to light.
When you meet someone, you usually want to know something about them. Here's some information on David and Bathsheba:
How they met? As King of Israel, David had responsibilities as the nation's military leader. One spring, he neglected those duties and stayed back at the palace. One evening, after resting away the day, David went for a walk on the roof. From there, he saw Bathsheba bathing. He asked his aides about her and soon sent messengers to bring her to the palace.
What was she like? The Bible says Bathsheba was "beautiful" (II Samuel 11:2). Beyond that, we don't know much about her early life. We do know, however, that she was married to an honorable man, Uriah (II Samuel 11:6-13).
What was he like? This was King David. Goliath killer. Harpist. Shepherd. Warrior. Leader of all Israel who had access to everything he wanted or needed. And he got what he wanted (II Samuel 11:4). It's interesting that just two chapters earlier in II Samuel 9, we see a kind, caring, compassionate king.
What was their issue? There were multiple issues: marital infidelity, murder, a cover-up attempt. Ultimately, it was a matter of David's sin before God.
In the next post, we'll look at what brought David and Bathsheba's sin to light.
Monday, July 23, 2012
What Tonya's Trip to Haiti Has Taught Me
Tonya has been on a mission trip serving with One Vision International at its orphanage in Haiti. She gets back tonight. Oh my, we will be glad to have her back home with us! Really looking forward to hearing stories of what God has taught and shown her over the past few days. But I've learned some things over the past few days as well:
That keeping two boys busy is work: Since Thursday, we've been to the zoo, to a local gymnastics center, to Parker's baseball game, to some errand running and some shopping. We've played some board games and done some crafts. Have they watched more TV and played more Wii than usual? Yes. Will they be okay long-term? Yes.
That managing by yourself is harder: There's simply no down time. Every meal and every thing (and person) to be cleaned depends on me. In just my limited time with Tonya being in Haiti, I've developed a deepened respect for single parents. For me, I know there's a time when Tonya gets back. Keeping up this pace with a target out there in the not-too-distant future is helpful. Single parents don't have that. I don't know how they do it all. I respect them.
That people will offer to help a Dad out: I've had many offers to help with the boys (with some limited help from my Mom, we've been okay). One couple invited us over to their house for dinner (we accepted). Another couple offered to bring us a meal. Apparently, when I'm out of town, Tonya does not receive offers of help like I have. She must seem more capable of managing everything because she's a Mom. Or maybe it's just that I looked more desperate.
But Here's The Point, the most important thing I learned....
That I have more to offer: I work hard. Work full-time plus. Try to be a good husband and Dad. Coach a couple of my sons' teams. Serve as a counselor and mentor. Try to read as much as possible. Maintain a semi-regular blog. But I've learned this week that I can do more. Not that I'm Superman. And not that I could keep up this pace indefinitely. But I've learned with proper planning, I can accomplish more. Because I've had to this week. And we've gotten everything done that we needed to.
I'm guessing it's the same way for you. You think your schedule is busy, that you're already maxed-out. And truth be told, you are busy. You're involved at home with your spouse and children. With household chores. You already volunteer at church or in the community, or both. Work is busy.
But most of us probably have more to offer.
That keeping two boys busy is work: Since Thursday, we've been to the zoo, to a local gymnastics center, to Parker's baseball game, to some errand running and some shopping. We've played some board games and done some crafts. Have they watched more TV and played more Wii than usual? Yes. Will they be okay long-term? Yes.
That managing by yourself is harder: There's simply no down time. Every meal and every thing (and person) to be cleaned depends on me. In just my limited time with Tonya being in Haiti, I've developed a deepened respect for single parents. For me, I know there's a time when Tonya gets back. Keeping up this pace with a target out there in the not-too-distant future is helpful. Single parents don't have that. I don't know how they do it all. I respect them.
That people will offer to help a Dad out: I've had many offers to help with the boys (with some limited help from my Mom, we've been okay). One couple invited us over to their house for dinner (we accepted). Another couple offered to bring us a meal. Apparently, when I'm out of town, Tonya does not receive offers of help like I have. She must seem more capable of managing everything because she's a Mom. Or maybe it's just that I looked more desperate.
But Here's The Point, the most important thing I learned....
That I have more to offer: I work hard. Work full-time plus. Try to be a good husband and Dad. Coach a couple of my sons' teams. Serve as a counselor and mentor. Try to read as much as possible. Maintain a semi-regular blog. But I've learned this week that I can do more. Not that I'm Superman. And not that I could keep up this pace indefinitely. But I've learned with proper planning, I can accomplish more. Because I've had to this week. And we've gotten everything done that we needed to.
I'm guessing it's the same way for you. You think your schedule is busy, that you're already maxed-out. And truth be told, you are busy. You're involved at home with your spouse and children. With household chores. You already volunteer at church or in the community, or both. Work is busy.
But most of us probably have more to offer.
Friday, July 20, 2012
Fun On Friday: More Parkerisms and Turnerisms
Raising two sons, 8 and 5, means we have lots of fun conversations in our home. Here are some more:
While eating lunch together yesterday-
Turner: A cheeseburger and some chocolate milk at McDonald's make some nice ingredients for a great day with my Daddy.
While visiting the facilities at a local Christian bookstore-
Parker: This is a second-class restroom. On a scale of 1-5, I'd give it a 3.
At dinner recently-
Turner: Is this catfish made out of a cat?
While praying as a family before Tonya left on a mission trip with One Vision International-
Parker: And dear Lord, please don't let Mommy's plane crash into the ocean on her way to Haiti.
While eating lunch together yesterday-
Turner: A cheeseburger and some chocolate milk at McDonald's make some nice ingredients for a great day with my Daddy.
While visiting the facilities at a local Christian bookstore-
Parker: This is a second-class restroom. On a scale of 1-5, I'd give it a 3.
At dinner recently-
Turner: Is this catfish made out of a cat?
While praying as a family before Tonya left on a mission trip with One Vision International-
Parker: And dear Lord, please don't let Mommy's plane crash into the ocean on her way to Haiti.
Thursday, July 19, 2012
Great Quote Thursday
When a career is truly shared, a family never feels as if it has to compete- Coach Mike Krzyzewski on putting family ahead of career and keeping one's career in perspective
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
Connect by Developing Companionship
In their book, "How to Build a Lasting Marriage", Elmer and Ruth Towns offer some characteristics of a long marriage (page 188):
Companionship: they prefer one another to all others
Calmness: they don't lose control of their emotions
Contentment: they accept and trust God's will
Commitment: their hearts are united, even when their minds aren't
And some ways to develop companionship (page 196):
By learning to be comfortable in an uncomfortable world
By accepting the unexpected as a call to faith
By embracing the future
By letting your children stand on your shoulders to reach higher
Companionship: they prefer one another to all others
Calmness: they don't lose control of their emotions
Contentment: they accept and trust God's will
Commitment: their hearts are united, even when their minds aren't
And some ways to develop companionship (page 196):
By learning to be comfortable in an uncomfortable world
By accepting the unexpected as a call to faith
By embracing the future
By letting your children stand on your shoulders to reach higher
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
Connect Series: Connect Through Companionship
In our relationship series, Connect, we are looking at the lives of Bible couples and the issues they dealt with. This week, we look at the marriage of Zacharias and Elizabeth who developed a marriage based on love and companionship.
When you meet someone, you usually want to know something about them. Here's some information on Zacharias and Elizabeth:
How they met? We don't know.
What was she like? We know that Elizabeth was a descendant of priests (Luke 1:5); was a righteous person (Luke 1:6); was older (Luke 1:7, 18); likeable (Luke 1:58); and was supportive of Zacharias (Luke 1:59-63).
What was he like? Zacharias was a priest (Luke 1:5); was righteous (Luke 1:6); older (Luke 1:7, 18); a man of prayer (Luke 1:13a); and was obedient to God (Luke 1:13b; 62, 63).
What was their issue? They were childless (Luke 1:7).
How'd it end? Zacharias and Elizabeth were faithful to God and faithful to one another and God blessed them (Luke 1:8-17; 66b; 80a).
When you meet someone, you usually want to know something about them. Here's some information on Zacharias and Elizabeth:
How they met? We don't know.
What was she like? We know that Elizabeth was a descendant of priests (Luke 1:5); was a righteous person (Luke 1:6); was older (Luke 1:7, 18); likeable (Luke 1:58); and was supportive of Zacharias (Luke 1:59-63).
What was he like? Zacharias was a priest (Luke 1:5); was righteous (Luke 1:6); older (Luke 1:7, 18); a man of prayer (Luke 1:13a); and was obedient to God (Luke 1:13b; 62, 63).
What was their issue? They were childless (Luke 1:7).
How'd it end? Zacharias and Elizabeth were faithful to God and faithful to one another and God blessed them (Luke 1:8-17; 66b; 80a).
Book Review: Lopez Lomong's Running For My Life
An amazing story of the grace of God and of personal courage, United States Olympian Lopez Lomong shares his story in his new book, Running for My Life.
Once in a great while I read a book that is so interesting that I read it through very quickly. With Running for My Life, that was the case. Whereas I thought I would enjoy reading about Lomong's Olympic experience, I found myself captivated by the details of his capture by, and escape from, Sudanese rebels; his experiences in the refugee camp; his flight to the United States (not eating in-flight meals because he knew he had no money); to his assimilation in the Syracuse, NY area after being adopted by loving parents and how they learned Lomong was a runner.
But the story doesn't end there. And not at the 2008 Beijing Olympics either where Lomong served as the flag-bearer for the delegation from the United States. Lomong has graduated from college, revisited his homeland and been reunited with his family in Sudan and has brought his brothers to the United States following their own adoption. He's even started a foundation, 4SouthSudan, to benefit his native homeland.
Having young sons myself who are about the age Lomong was when he was abducted as well as having a good friend who last year adopted two sons from Ethiopia, this book was especially powerful. This is much more than a story about an Olympic track and field athlete.
I highly recommend Running for My Life and I'll be rooting for Lopez Lomong in the Summer Olympics in London.
Once in a great while I read a book that is so interesting that I read it through very quickly. With Running for My Life, that was the case. Whereas I thought I would enjoy reading about Lomong's Olympic experience, I found myself captivated by the details of his capture by, and escape from, Sudanese rebels; his experiences in the refugee camp; his flight to the United States (not eating in-flight meals because he knew he had no money); to his assimilation in the Syracuse, NY area after being adopted by loving parents and how they learned Lomong was a runner.
But the story doesn't end there. And not at the 2008 Beijing Olympics either where Lomong served as the flag-bearer for the delegation from the United States. Lomong has graduated from college, revisited his homeland and been reunited with his family in Sudan and has brought his brothers to the United States following their own adoption. He's even started a foundation, 4SouthSudan, to benefit his native homeland.
Having young sons myself who are about the age Lomong was when he was abducted as well as having a good friend who last year adopted two sons from Ethiopia, this book was especially powerful. This is much more than a story about an Olympic track and field athlete.
I highly recommend Running for My Life and I'll be rooting for Lopez Lomong in the Summer Olympics in London.
Friday, July 6, 2012
Fun on Friday: More Parkerisms and Turnerisms
Raising two sons, 8 and 5, means we have lots of fun discussions in our home. Here are some more:
Parker: "If I get another fish for Christmas..."
Me: "You're not getting another fish for Christmas".
Parker: "But if I did, I'd name this one Kevin Durant".
Me: "You're not getting another fish for Christmas".
Turner: "Hey, my kindergarten shot just fell off. I mean my kindergarten shot band-aid just fell off".
Turner: "I want to play this guitar by myself. I have really good talent".
Parker: "If I get another fish for Christmas..."
Me: "You're not getting another fish for Christmas".
Parker: "But if I did, I'd name this one Kevin Durant".
Me: "You're not getting another fish for Christmas".
Turner: "Hey, my kindergarten shot just fell off. I mean my kindergarten shot band-aid just fell off".
Turner: "I want to play this guitar by myself. I have really good talent".
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