Let's get this straight from the beginning, I am not a runner. I tried it once and my knees became so sore that I could hardly make it up a flight of stairs. Yet, God asks us to run the race. How do you do that? I recently saw a video on YouTube that showed me how the race is run.
I doubt that there are many people that haven't heard the story of the Hoyt family. Their son has cerebral palsy and is wheelchair bound. He and his father have been in many races and have drawn the attention of the world. The love and devotion shown to his son is beyond what is ever asked of a parent.
I see this as a picture of how the race is won with God's help. You see, I am that wheelchair bound boy. I am helpless without God to run the race with me. He carries me when I can't walk. He pulls me along during the hard times and He will rejoice with me when I finish the race. Praise God that none of us has to run the race of life alone. What love, what devotion, what a God!
Please excuse the quality of the video. I think you will see that the content is well worth the effort. It's kleenex time.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zFVGdZOhlL0
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Retaining Wall
I am an avid HGTV viewer. I have learned so many things by watching all of the programs. I am amazed at what they can do with a room or the exterior of the house. It spurs me on, much to the chagrin of my husband, to redo rooms and outside gardens.
One of the projects that I never paid much attention to was retaining walls. Retaining walls are built to do just that, hold back an embankment. We have one made out of railroad ties in our back yard that was built before we moved in (very popular a few years ago). Today, retaining walls are works of art heralding back to the ancient Romans that constructed fantastic edifices that are still around today.
The hallmark of the retaining wall is the foundation. In order to have a wall that won't fall over in time, from the weight of the dirt behind it, is a level and firm foundation. If this step is done in the wrong way or short cuts taken, the wall will not do its job and, overtime, will collapse. Once the foundation is established, the blocks can be put one on top of the other till the desired height is attained.
What is your firm foundation? Do you build your hopes and dreams on what the world gives or do you build on a foundation that is true, level, and will hold up? My foundation is Jesus Christ. He alone is the foundation that will stand the test of time, not collapse, and will always remain a thing of beauty. When the weight of the world's sins were place on His shoulders, He did not collapse under the strain. When the world mocks Him and people turn from Him, He does not fall apart. What encouragement that gives me to know that no matter what I ask of Him, no matter the burdens I lay at His feet, He will continue to be my foundation so I can withstand the pressure of the world. He is the foundation on which my hope is built.
One of the projects that I never paid much attention to was retaining walls. Retaining walls are built to do just that, hold back an embankment. We have one made out of railroad ties in our back yard that was built before we moved in (very popular a few years ago). Today, retaining walls are works of art heralding back to the ancient Romans that constructed fantastic edifices that are still around today.
The hallmark of the retaining wall is the foundation. In order to have a wall that won't fall over in time, from the weight of the dirt behind it, is a level and firm foundation. If this step is done in the wrong way or short cuts taken, the wall will not do its job and, overtime, will collapse. Once the foundation is established, the blocks can be put one on top of the other till the desired height is attained.
What is your firm foundation? Do you build your hopes and dreams on what the world gives or do you build on a foundation that is true, level, and will hold up? My foundation is Jesus Christ. He alone is the foundation that will stand the test of time, not collapse, and will always remain a thing of beauty. When the weight of the world's sins were place on His shoulders, He did not collapse under the strain. When the world mocks Him and people turn from Him, He does not fall apart. What encouragement that gives me to know that no matter what I ask of Him, no matter the burdens I lay at His feet, He will continue to be my foundation so I can withstand the pressure of the world. He is the foundation on which my hope is built.
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Contrasts
Have you ever noticed how God always presents contrasts? I'm looking at the beautiful Fall landscape out of my window and marvel at how wonderful it is. Then, I think of the coming winter with cold weather, sleet, snow and ice. I know that some think winter is wonderful but I don't happen to be one of those. So the beauty of fall is contrasted with the harshness of winter. Along comes Spring and the flowers, budding trees, and warmer weather. But this is in contrast to the very warm summer, humidity, and sunburns.
I suppose that it is in these contrasts that we can see God's hand at work. We are to be satisfied in all situations whether they are ones of our choosing or not. We have the joy of a birth in the family and then mourn in the death of one. We rejoice in a new job and then suffer in the loss of one. Sometimes it is difficult to deal with the contrasts.
In I John, the contrast of living in the light or living in darkness is a serious topic because this contrast deals with our spiritual walk with the Lord and where we will spend eternity. At least with the seasonal changes, we can still look ahead to a time when we will be relieved of a season with which we are not comfortable. Walking in darkness is another story. For that person, unless he is seeking God, there is no hope of a future respite. Those who walk in darkness look at the seasonal contrasts as just that. Those who are in the light see those same seasons as gifts from God and the splendor of His hand in creating them. In situational contrasts, we, who are in the light, trust God and find hope in knowing that He is in control.
So...enjoy the Fall. Take a walk and marvel at God's creation and know that sometimes a contrast can be good.
I suppose that it is in these contrasts that we can see God's hand at work. We are to be satisfied in all situations whether they are ones of our choosing or not. We have the joy of a birth in the family and then mourn in the death of one. We rejoice in a new job and then suffer in the loss of one. Sometimes it is difficult to deal with the contrasts.
In I John, the contrast of living in the light or living in darkness is a serious topic because this contrast deals with our spiritual walk with the Lord and where we will spend eternity. At least with the seasonal changes, we can still look ahead to a time when we will be relieved of a season with which we are not comfortable. Walking in darkness is another story. For that person, unless he is seeking God, there is no hope of a future respite. Those who walk in darkness look at the seasonal contrasts as just that. Those who are in the light see those same seasons as gifts from God and the splendor of His hand in creating them. In situational contrasts, we, who are in the light, trust God and find hope in knowing that He is in control.
So...enjoy the Fall. Take a walk and marvel at God's creation and know that sometimes a contrast can be good.
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