Wow .. been too busy to blog?

Seems like it's been forever since I logged on and put into writing what's on my heart.  Truth is, this journey has had so many plates full of everyday that I've allowed the time to take me, rather than taking the time to reflect on my life and all that God has been at work in me to bring continued transformation .. for what reason?  To be more like Jesus!  As I just heard this past week from someone who is far more eloquent, He wants me to be an instrument for His glory.

So often my desires like many, is to pursue career, dreams, goals, and lifelong accomplishments for the sake of a title, position, credit, and recognition of one sort or another.  To offer comfort to those around me, or to please those I am trying to serve, hoping to find comfort in being productive and fruitful.  While that may have elements of merit, it does not, has not, never will, .. fulfill what God has in mind for my life.  All the above seems to become idol worship, rather than the worship God desires for Himself .. He created me for fellowship with Him and to bring glory to His Name through worship of Him alone.  He is a jealous God, .. because He will share His glory with no one.  Too deep to wrap my mind around? .. no, but it does mean yielding my life totally to Him and not some image of who I think He is ... He knows me, and wants me to truly KNOW Him.

My trust in Him is growing, and to trust means to know something about or know who that trust is given to.  I am learning that when I put my trust (faith) in Him alone, I don't have to use up my life figuring out how, when, where, etc.  However, it does mean I have to let go of what I'm trying to make happen, and listen to what He says and then obey it.

Some will say they don't want to use foul language because they don't want God to hear it, but the same ones will say, He doesn't hear me when I pray .. go figure that!  The problem I have had, is feeling like my prayers weren't answered and trying to find a way to get Him to hear me.  The real problem is, I haven't been listening and more so, not obeying.  Answers come as yes, no, or not now (means waiting).

In trying to be more like Jesus, it means listening and then doing what He says.  We listen to the voice of the enemy that says you can't make it, you're failing, why not make a choice you know isn't right, don't forgive because they hurt me, or too many other deceptive lies to count, and at the same time I complain I can't hear His voice, when He says love your neighbor, help someone in need, give and it will be given, turn from your ways to My ways, ask someone I've offended for forgiveness ... duh .. now who would speak that to me?  Surely not the devil, so I can not say He isn't speaking, nor can I say I can't hear His voice.

Just wanted to do a little open dialogue with myself, but in writing this, I am hoping it not only is my reminder, but as you read this, may it be some momentary help that might encourage you to know, God is at work in each of us, .. each one who comes to God, believing that He is and that He's a rewarder (not a taker) of all who diligently seek Him.  It must be my priority, first things first, to follow Him, to turn from my wicked ways, to pray, and ask God to not only forgive me, but to cleanse me .. renew a right spirit in me, and draw me to Him day by day.

A journey requires the first step, and let me say, until we make that first step toward Him, He cannot enable us to take the remaining steps of this journey to complete our trip, and enduring one.  Without a start, no marathon will happen, nor will anyone win .. to those who endure there is a reward when the journey is completed.  Oh, to hear Him say well done my good and faithful servant.  That means more than any title, position, credit, or pat on the back from anyone in this life.

Take heart all!  With God all things are possible and our pastor's version of that is, "it's impossible for God to do nothing".  Let's give our all to Him and look forward to "until we meet again".

Yep, this is Roger and I believe I can do all things through Christ ..

So God Is Real?

ABSOLUTELY .. the heavens declare His glory! .. just look around at all of nature, and whether I like it or not (at times), just a look in the mirror.  Glad to know I didn't come from a monkey and I am "fearfully and wonderfully made" .. (He said that!)  When anything is left to itself, it does not get better, it begins to fall apart in everyday language.  Try leaving anything living without food, nurturing, and the care of those who love life and are willing to tend to it.  Even inanimate objects fall apart .. try leaving your house abandoned without maintenance for a year ... it does not do well and will need "fixing" when you return .... so don't tell me evolution can produce humans with intellect, strength of mind, strength of body, and definitely strength of spirit.

God created us individually, and He created us to have companionship .. first with Him, but here on earth and in heaven for eternity, fellowship with others. .. He does not leave us to ourselves to see if we get better either!  The Holy Spirit continually provokes us to see the truths of God and to grow up in a relationship with Him .. not a "religion", which is really just a social club to make us feel good.

God has provided for each of us (world around) to have what we need and much more.  His blessings are for all who will trust Him and allow Him to use our lives for the benefit of others.  It's more blessed to give than to receive, and we are blessed to receive also.

Today, is the day of salvation, but we can wait too long, ... thinking we can do it on our own.  Like I said, anything left to itself will deteriorate (fall apart), but with God through Jesus Christ as our Savior, we blossom and grow into a fruitful purpose.  Evolution can never do that either!

For God so loved the world, He gave His only begotten Son (Jesus Christ) that whoever believes in Him shall never perish, but have everlasting (to the full) life.  John 3:16

Spring is Coming!

Yes, I'm looking forward to another Spring, but this year in our newer house.

It's been a little while since I've been here, but thought I'd give it another go and get 2013 rolling.

Since September  of 2012, we've been busy as bees in spring and squirrels in the fall, with the changes we've made in this newer house.  Built in 2005, it has good bones and a great layout, but fixtures and cosmetics definitely were in need of a coat of paint, carpet, light fixtures, added ceiling fans, and last maybe, the yard which is now straight ahead.

But, before we could even think about much of that, beginning January 3rd, we have been going through rehab/restoration after a right shoulder repair of her rotator cuff and some other repair (once the surgeon opened up the shoulder).  She is doing well, but it's been a long winter in close quarters, feeling confined (both of us at times), yet .. we've been determined and dedicated to the task of daily exercises and doing what was difficult to physically accomplish.  As a caregiver, you soon find out what it means to "wash someone's feet", etc. and help without taking thought of what might be awkward, .. because we're committed to each other for life and all that comes with it.

Now that the transition has been made from a large dependence on your mate to driving again, and back to the work schedule everyday, we can also look forward to planning time to just enjoy what we've taken for granted until the surgery.  Can you write your name (signature) with your opposite hand? .. and can you curl your hair with the opposite hand? .. among other essentials, we don't realize what we do by reflex everyday, all our lives, until you no longer have the range of motion, and/or strength to accomplish.  Doctor said this was a six month rehabilitation/recovery so I think she's doing very well, as does her physical therapist.

God is so good (all the time) and we are afforded many freedoms and opportunities.  But, knowing God is so good and loves each of us, sometimes we have to be that "love of God" to someone around us, who is disabled, or invalid, due to no fault of their own (or even if it was their fault), because He said "love your neighbor" (which includes family of course).  Who do people see us as and is it possible they are seeing Jesus in our acts of kindness and support? The drink of water, the washing of the "feet" so to speak, the help with a chore or an errand, or to be blessed with food they might be short on?  It's all easy to say, and easy to read about someone else's story, but today again we have not only the opportunity, but the mandate from the Spirit of God, to bless others, starting with your own family and reaching to the uttermost, as God brings them across our paths.

Come on Spring .. we're looking for warmer weather, outdoor activities, time off for a few days of vacation maybe, but the season when things are growing again, coming alive with potential.  Winter and convalescing seems to keep us self focused, but God's love is meant to reach not only to us, but through us.  Life even in a simple way of understanding, means growing, thriving, going beyond where we've  been and enjoying the journey.  Sharing life brings the real joy of any journey.

Make it a great day and love someone by acts of kindness, from the heart .. His heart through your heart!

Farewell 2012

Whew it's been a fast year full of challenges, a total move to a new house, another grandchild, and a dry one for us.  So, yes, it's also been void of posting since last January as well.  Too many irons in the fires I suppose, but then it's all been worth it.

God has been, and is so faithful to our family, and yes to Pam and me!  We know He has been at work in the details.

I can only say stay tuned and check in occasionally for more details of this Mays family of 5 children, and 16 grandchildren!

More later,
Roger

What Is Faith?

God's Word says "have faith.." which means you can have it.  So what is it, and how do I get that?

God gave us freewill, and with that He says we have choices.  Love is a choice, as is forgiveness.  If we wait for feelings, all of us have feelings that betray us and are more often than not based on circumstances, and we will make some pretty sorry choices.  All of us make choices we regret.  It may not be that we get to do it over again, but even if we do, what we base our choices on might still prove unreliable.

Faith then is a choice, to know God!

How do we then find out enough to "know" God?  Knowing is a term of intimacy and endearment.  We know people we say, but really we're just knowing "about" them.  When I know you, I can say he/she would do things this way, or would not do things that way.  It's because we know character, not just about them.  God's character is just that; He is not a man that He would lie, and what His will is, will also be for our best, not necessarily what is comfortable or even fun, but it works out for our best and to His glory.  To "know" God, we must spend time "with" God.

So again, how do I have faith?  I give Him my life and listen for what He says, and He says "have faith" just the same as if He would say, "have a cookie".  It's yours for the taking, and of course to live by for Him .. "have faith in God .."  Mark 11:22.  A measure of faith is yours when you accept Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins, by His shed blood on the cross.  Yet He says to believers, have faith.  When we spend time with Him, we will take His Word and simply "have faith".  Faith then simply, is knowing God.

When we know Him, our lives change day by day as we walk in that faith!  Faith in God, is simply put, .. trusting God.

So why do I argue with God about my life and what He says? Because I'm not trusting Him to know what's best for me, but when I'm living what's best, it's also for the best for my family and all those around me.  That's the greatest way to live and victory is mine when I do.

Thank God that we can "have faith"!

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Southern Body in a Norther Climate 8<(

A glance to the right reveals a climate I prefer.  This body has reeled every winter at the thought of spending days in a climate where I shiver at the thought of emerging from my nice warm bed first of all, then my nice warm house.

So many clothes to wear just to check the mail, after, I shovel the driveway.  (At least I work up a sweat that way.)  What 's a guy to do to get his family to ALL move to a warmer state?

I am warmed by the thought of all my grandchildren who will greet me with smiles that melt the heart of the most frigid personality.  How can I be so focused on my own chill bumps of the cold weather, when I have the opportunity to have chill bumps over such a blessing of arms wrapped around my legs (as I drag them down the hallway) and kisses of (whatever they ate last) on my cheek.

Guess it's a price I've been willing to pay, only, .. can I just not let them grow up?  Do I have to return to my warm house and warm bed, without knowing I will again enjoy the warmth of my children and grandchildren?  Not gonna happen as long as I can get out of the driveway!

Here's a scene that is beautiful to the eyes, and hard on this southern body, but I am reminded to rejoice in the Lord always, and again .. (Paul had to rub it in) .. I say rejoice!  So with the thought in mind that someday, not far away, I will get to shed the Carharts and long johns and find again the warmth that this southern body longs for, I will stay here in cold Ohio.

And, Spring is only a couple months away now.  I can almost here the Crocus, tulips, and daffodils squirming underneath the ground, trying to ready themselves to pop out for all to see and enjoy.

Today, I will not quit.  Today I will have a cookie.   Today I will put my trust in the God of all the climates, remembering each time I see a rainbow, He is still faithful to His Word.  Because He lives, I can face tomorrow and live today in joy!

He is my Rock, my Strength!  If you know Him, then trust Him with me.  If you don't know (a term of intimacy and endearment), then you can, just by asking Him to fill you with His gift of Life.  Why not accept Him today, fully, completely, giving Him your all, not just parts.  Then you too can rejoice!

It's Today And What's Ahead That Counts!

Whew, where did the time go? A year certainly I can say I'm glad is behind me, but I believe it's valuable to re-view and remember in order, first to give thanks, then to realize we are called to go forward, not dwelling on present or past difficulties, or perceived failures.


When we truly believe that "the steps of a good man are ordered of the Lord" then, can we actually say we failed, .. or was it a time of testing our metal (faith)? I can say I would like to have realized a better outcome in a particular area of challenge, but today, I am at peace with where I believe God has me.

Take stock of last year only to improve this year and allow God to renovate what might have been damaged or even destroyed. Some things need to die, but often we are just in need of a renewed vision to propel us forward to something better, and God is a restorer! "The enemy comes to steal, kill and destroy, but Jesus came that we may have life and that more abundantly (quantity and quality)" John 10:10. We, by choices, can invite what God has for us, by obedience to what His Word says. We cannot say as Bing Crosby says, "I did it my way". It has to be God's way, the truth and the life (by Jesus Christ) to reach agreement .. repentance, "by grace are you saved through faith and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God ..". We cannot earn it by doing all the good things on earth.

Ask Him today if you are in right relationship, then listen for that voice of the Holy Spirit that will let you know, if something is standing between you and God, and if you're willing to repent of that, you will find yourself with a sense of His peace, knowing you are either ready or knowing what it is you need, to be ready.  Cast your cares on Him, because He cares for you.

Prayer is simply talking to God. Faith is simply believing God. Believing God means you're willing to agree with Him and do what He says. Forgiveness from God is simple, as simple as being offered a cookie and you accept it. Forgiveness of God then means you have the power and choice to forgive others. Without forgiving others we do not receive forgiveness from God (He said that, I didn't), but then comes the peace of God that defies understanding, and His joy follows.

We have a new day and new days to look forward to!