Legacy

Getting Schooled by an Athiest

Penn Jillette from the comedy team of Penn and Teller, talks about his encounter with a Christian man who attempted to share Christ with him. Penn is an atheist. But he acknowledges this man's attempt to proselytize him as a very positive thing.

"If you believe that there is a heaven and a hell and people could be going to hell or not getting eternal life or whatever ... How much do you have to hate somebody to not proselytize? ... If I believe without a shadow of a doubt that a truck was coming to hit you and you didn't believe it but a truck was bearing down on you. There is a certain point that I tackle you and this is more important than that."

The Real Story of St. Nick

I received this from a missionary and friend whose name cannot be revealed due to where they are serving:

The true story of Santa Claus begins with Nicholas, who was born during the third century in the village of  Patara. At the time the area was Greek and is now on the southern coast of Turkey. His wealthy parents, who raised him to be a devout Christian, died in an epidemic while Nicholas was still young. Obeying Jesus' words to "sell what you own and give the money to the poor," Nicholas used his whole inheritance to assist the needy, the sick, and the suffering. He dedicated his life to serving God and was made Bishop of Myra

 while still a young man. Bishop Nicholas became known throughout the land for his generosity to the those in need, his love for children, and his concern for sailors and ships.

 Under the Roman Emperor Diocletian, who ruthlessly persecuted Christians, Bishop Nicholas suffered for his faith, was exiled and imprisoned. The prisons were so full of bishops, priests, and deacons, there was no room for the real criminals—murderers, thieves and robbers. After his release, Nicholas attended the Council of Nicaeain AD 325. He died December 6, AD 343 in Myraand was buried in his cathedral church. The anniversary of his death became a day of celebration, St. Nicholas Day.

Holding on to the Promise

Ever heard of the story of Simeon?  In Luke 2 we get a few verses dedicated to the faithfulness of God that was revealed in a promise given to Simeon.  As required by Jewish law, Mary and Joseph took Baby Jesus to the temple.  A man named Simeon, whom Luke said the Holy Spirit was upon came and blessed Jesus.  Then he said the following:

"  God, you can now release your servant;  release me in peace as you promised. With my own eyes I've seen your salvation; it's now out in the open for everyone to see: A God-revealing light to the non-Jewish nations, and of glory for your people Israel."

God had promised Simeon that he would see the Messiah before he died.  How did Simeon know that Jesus was the Messiah.  Luke said that Simeon was "righteous and devout", who "lived in prayerful expectancy of the help for Israel."  In other words, he had intimacy with God because he spent time with the Father.  Simeon knew that Jesus was the Christ because he knew the heart of God.  

God is fulfilling promises all around us, but are we seeing them?  Simeon had the eyes of faith and could discern that Mary and Joseph, an ordinary Jewish couple dedicating their baby in the temple, were holding the savior of the universe in their arms.  

I hope that my eyes of faith can see the Messiah today in the mundane concerns of day to day life.  

Just a Little Pin Prick...

Today I did it.  I got the magic V!  If all goes well, in a few months, I will be completely neutered. Before the surgery I heard the worst thing was "the shot."  What I didn't know is there was more than one shot.   I believe I felt three shots to be exact.  Why three shots when there are only two down there, I have no idea.  I couldn't really see what was going in since I was in stirrups, which isn't as bad as what girls make it out to be.  Anyway, Merry Christmas, Evie - This surgery is for you!  I love you!

A Christmas Tradition...Ugh

These photos are the evidence of the Christmas tradition I dislike the most.  Each year, at the conclusion of the Christmas candlelight service at church, Evie always wants a family photo.  She wants to take advantage of the fact that we are all dressed "Christmasy".  

It is my job to rush and grab Luke from the nursery as soon as we hear the "amen" and somehow get him back to the Christmas tree or poinsetta backdrop that she has chosen.  

I don't think God had this in mind when he wrapped his son in flesh on the first Christmas, but nonetheless we all do these silly things each year.  As you can tell, getting Luke to sit still, and expecting Alexa and Luke to smile nicely on cue is a chore.  

What are some of your least favorite Christmas traditions?

It's been a long time...

Wow!  Did I hit the wall this time?  Not only in blogging, but in many areas of my life.  If you want a list, let me know, but I won't get into it at this time

Wikipedia says hitting the wall or the bonk originated from cyclists  describing the condition when an athlete suddenly loses energy and becomes fatigued.  Athletes can avoid it through proper nutrition, adequate sleep, and a normal routine.  It's amazing that the same can be said about my life.  I have not kept any of those three and it has resulted in wall crashing!

The good news is I'm ready to tear down the wall.  How?  I will try what works for athletes, and I will let you know if it is successful.  :)