Thursday, December 27, 2012

life changing

These words, if done daily are words of life changing value - -  think about their power, think about how putting action behind these words will provide for a joyous successful day. 

Ready?

"whatever is TRUE, whatever is HONORABLE, whatever is JUST, whatever is PURE, whatever is LOVELY, whatever is COMMENDABLE, if there is any EXCELLENCE and if anything worthy of PRAISE, dwell on these things"

truth, honor, justice, purity, love, worthiness, excellence, goodness - - think on them

WARNING -by doing the above you are subjecting yourself to a worry-free lifestyle filled with joy, love and happiness

Tuesday, December 25, 2012

the POWER of the CINNABON


all is quiet.

the roads and airways are less traveled, if but for a day

the coffee is poured and some gentle morning music is drifting in

it's Christmas morn'

the family will be gathering today, for presents, Cinnabons and dinner

it is the Cinnabons that mark the day

THERE IS POWER IN THE CINNABON!!

it isn't in the creamy frosty or the baked goodness or even the aroma wafting through the house.

no, it is in the gathering around the table, the smiles, the laughter, the conversations of both present and past, but conversations nonetheless



Thursday, December 20, 2012

tis better to give

Imagine changing the world? Here are five opportunities that allow you to do so -

World Vision - Our vision for every child, life in all it's fullness; Our prayer for every heart, the will to make it so. 

Compassion International - In response to the great commission.  Compassion  International exists as an advocate for the children, to release them from their spiritual, economic, social and physical poverty and enable them to become responsible and fulfilled Christian adults. 


blood:water mission - a grassroots organization that empowers communities to work together against the HIV/AIDS and water crises in Africa


Camp Manatawny - a Christian camp dedicated to serving people by providing programs and resources that encourage spiritual growth and renewal. Camp Manatawny is located in eastern Pennsylvania. 


The fifth opportunity is to encourage one another. 


As they say in Nike land -  "just do it"


today's task

The task before us is at times arduous and seemingly endless.

And yet we push onward.

What is the motivation needed to remain steadfast and on course?
Where does that confidence come from?

What are the goals and objectives of the day?

Simple, simpler, simplest.

Movies and television are engineered so that each and every millisecond of the feature is planned. There is not a blink of an eye, a glance, nudge or gesture that is not recorded with reason. Every nuance is purposefully utilized. For in the end, each of those milliseconds is invaluable to tell the story.

Our story and use of these milliseconds is equally invaluable.

These moments are to be taken and cherished beyond reason and shared with the world and it is in this, and by doing so, we can give glory to God in the highest. For these moments are His and the true and unabashed joy of this life is found nowhere but in Him.




Wednesday, December 19, 2012

the line of scrimage

There are some who will find this picture sexy and enticing and others who will find it repulsive and disgusting. 

Some like chocolate, some vanilla. 

Our collective differences are the formulas that make up the environment in which we live. 

God's good word says- "blessed are the peacemakers". Some say; "a gun is a peacemaker"

God's good word says- "if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also" Most would cry foul. 

Pearl Jam sings "there's no right or wrong, but I am sure there's good and bad" and of this I am sure, there is good and there is bad. 

Which is stronger a good offense or a good defense. 

What if the answer is neither?

What if the answer is neutral, is love neutral?

Is love an offense or a defense? 

Maybe it's the line of scrimmage and where both sides should start?

Do unto others as you would have done to you, always take the road less traveled. 

Love your neighbor as yourself - -  Jesus defines our neighbors as  e.v.e.r.y.o.n.e. 

Practice love. 


Tuesday, November 27, 2012

God's good word(s)

"But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies DO GOOD to those who HATE YOU, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. To one who strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also, and from one who takes away your cloak do not withhold your tunic either. G.I.V.E. to E.V.E.R.Y.O.N.E. who begs from you and from one who takes away (steals?) your goods do not demand them back. And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them." Luke


I can add nothing.

peace

Friday, November 09, 2012

Overnight Tragedy


At about 3:19 AM , Margaret, my wife and I awoke to flashing lights. Having not been asleep long, it took us a few minutes to get to our senses.

Had the police pulled someone over outside of our house, had someone had a heart-attack and the EMT's were responding?

And then I noticed a constant and steady sound of agony, a wailing of sorts - slow and steady - . I was becoming more coherent and I stumbled into my clothes to go outside. 

Margaret said she could see smoke and embers from our bedroom window and I still did not think it was a fire. I exited our home and the smoke became apparent as did the depth of what was happening and my senses went on overload.

The crying is where my feet brought me, across from the burning house was a person laying swaddled in a white blanket, curled in a fetal position and this is where the agony emanated from; the sobbing and shaking of this grown man. The pain of his guttural sounds almost too much to bear. He just lay there; heaving, amid the chaos of flame and the diligence of the trained fire personal.

I wanted to hold him, hug him and absorb his hurt and pain, but I did not have courage to do so. A chair was brought for his wife to sit upon and the house burning was her focus as her husband sobbed.

The trauma was overwhelming as neighbors gathered to witness. I texted our children that we loved them and it was then that the wife of a firefighter whom I recognized approached the seated wife. She knew what to do as she hugged the woman and consoled her not with words, but with action. I wished I could have done the same..and then it happened as Mrs. Firefighter finished hugging and walked the mere 7' towards me and as she recognized me from town she also recognized my heart. She could see hurt, nothing compared to the displaced family, but hurt and sadness nonetheless and as the distance between us expired we hugged. A hug of security, a hug of the moment, a hug of life, a hug of support.

I have seen and experienced very little tragedy in my life and on this morning the tragedies unfolded before my eyes.

I wanted to reach out in love and support to the husband and wife and yet it was someone else who did that for me. And at the end of the day I think that is what we all need to be doing for each other -
* show support
* show love
* words are not always needed
* actions speak louder than words

(special thanks to the men and women of Collingswood, Gloucester City, Pennsauken, Bellmawr and Runnemede Fire Departments (and any I missed).

Each moment is special and to be cherished and opportunities to show love are to be seized. 

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." 



Saturday, November 03, 2012

fortunes better than me




planted a tree
thought would last longer then me
the winds blew it down
then it's bough's made a crown
your face formed a frown
and from there life was found


Tuesday, October 16, 2012

Psalm 2


Why do the nations rage and the people plot in vain? The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, and the peoples plot in vain? The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD and against his Anointed, saying, "Let us burst their bonds apart and cast away their cords from us." He who sits in the heavens laughs; the Lord holds them in derision. Then he will speak to them in his wrath, and terrify them in his fury, saying, "As for me, I have set my King on Zion, my holy hill." I will tell of the decree: The Lord said to me, " You are my Son; today I have begotten you. Ask of me, and I will make the nations your heritage, and the ends of the earth your possession. You shall break them with a rod of iron and dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel." Now therefore, O kings, be wise; be warned, O rulers of the earth. Serve the LORD with fear, rejoice with trembling. Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and you perish in the way, for his wrath is quickly kindled. Blessed are all who take refuge in him. ESV

This is heavy metal! So many thoughts. How the election and our leaders of our country and planet work in vain. How "man" plots and plans and .... as stated at the very end - "Blessed are all who take refuge in him."  

I love how Jesus is referenced here;  "As for me, I have set my King on Zion...", "You are my Son", "Kiss the Son". 

So often I think....God and heaven, sure belief in those two are easy, but Jesus....JESUS CHRIST being the Son of God, well now that belief requires........ well what does it require - - hope? faith? 

Rest assured...."blessed are all who take refuge in him"
Amen, amen, amen.


Monday, October 15, 2012

PSALM 1


Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked  nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he mediates day and night. 
He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers. The wicked are not so, but are like chaff that the wind drives away. Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgement. nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous  for the LORD knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish. 
ESV


Most times, when reading the word of God, I hesitate to expound upon it. When I read this, I think about how when we seek God and look for Him and work on learning His word and truth, that when we do that,and "mediate on his law day and night"....I think HOW CAN I EVER GO WRONG????

I think when we read "In all that he does, he prospers"  we think that we will have much more then food/shelter/clothing, but have the latest phone and gadgets. And I think all that is being said here is that in prospering we will have tranquility with what we have. I love the opening lines and how our "delight"  is to be in God and not others, especially the wicked. The bottom line here is to delight in the LORD and nothing else.

May we work at this.

May God bless you.




Wednesday, September 05, 2012

FIFTEEN

There is nothing, nothing I know more powerful then the living word of God. His words are above kings and presidents and countries. For it is He who has made the universe. 

O' Lord who shall sojourn in your tent?
Who shall dwell on your holy hill?

He who walks blamelessly and does what is right and speaks truth in his heart; who does not slander with his tongue and does no evil to his neighbor, nor takes up a reproach against his friend; in whose eyes a vile person is despised, but who honors those who fear the LORD; who swears to his own hurt and does not change; who does not put out his money at interest and does not take a bribe against the innocent. He who does these things shall never be moved. 
psalm 15

(may your heart be open to hear these words)

Wednesday, August 29, 2012

Ch, Ch, Ch, Ch Changes.....


New and improved. 

Take an efficient and character filled bench and replace it
 with an artistically and aesthetically improved bench. 

When we separate each other from each other and stop providing for each other...
have we improved?

I wonder.....(actually I don't...wonder, that is)

Wednesday, August 22, 2012

thinking again


My thinking does not get me in nearly as much trouble as my speaking and therefore I BLOG.

Some of my most  intimate thoughts are here and this is some of them -

THINGS I AM THINKING ABOUT

a) JOB 31:1  " I made a covenant with my eyes not to look lustfully at a girl"  The key word being "covenant"  or promise.

b) The TSA - man, do I have issues here. My wife has made me promise not to blog about the TSA and let's just say that I go through, in most cases a TSA line at minimum 4+ times per week. Recently my friend Adam stated that there is a lot of money to be made in making people feel safe. Agreed.

c) I overheard a man on the train this morning say that he would not be that upset if his car got stolen, but if he lost his phone...well...that would be devastating as he is so dependent on his phone.

d) a wisdom quote from a grandpop- "your children will never love you as much as you love them"

e) why oh why oh why don't people search for the truth of life? I do not get this at all.

f) I want to work harder and better at causing positive change in the world in regards to feeding the starving and those who die from a lack of clean water.

g) as each hour of each day goes by, I find I love my wife Margaret more.

h) I need to spend more time with my parents and children and wife now...right now more then ever. Time being THE most precious commodity ever!




Saturday, August 18, 2012

life lessons


                      in order to accept others

                             one must accepts one's self first


Saturday, August 11, 2012

last man standing

The phrase "last man standing" seems to refer to drinking where the last person left standing is the one least drunk. 

Not at all what I have come to grasp from this phrase. 

I have come to think that in a battle, be it a battle of drinking or shooting or war or as illustrated here, in life, that the last man standing wins. 

I guess I am confused by this, there will not ever be a last man standing and on this I think we can all agree. 

We will all be left to disintegrate into the earth. 

What WILL matter?

Will it be the items I have collected?

Will it be the fame I have attempted to obtain, the recognition?

Will it be the contributions I have made to humankind?

Or, will it be, the love that I have given my brothers and sisters that carries onward?

When I am gone and buried I hope it is love I have left, for in truth that is all I really have. 

Thursday, August 09, 2012

Paddling the ocean(s)

Last week we rented a paddle board. Here is a recap. 

Tues- The waves were challenging, but not often. The swells were small and manageable. 

Wed- It rained most of the day and in the late afternoon the sky cleared.We thought the ocean would be rough, but it was the opposite. Calm, smooth and like glass. 

Thurs- The wind was pushing the waves north and the tide was coming in and a sandbar caused the waves to break here and there. The paddling was difficult.

Fri- The ocean was very rough. The waves were stronger and more often. The wind pushed harder. Paddling south was futile. 

There were times I paddled far out into the ocean where a silence overtook me and the beach was just a small strip of land, all the moments took on new meanings. 

All that was left was the ocean, me and God. 

Today- The paddling continues and the conditions are yet unknown. All I have is myself and God in this ocean of life and it is on this that I rest. 






Tuesday, August 07, 2012

Dear God.....

Dear almighty and magnificent God, 

Thank you for today. 

From my waking moment to the day of work (which was good) and all that lied in between...it is for all of this I am grateful. I am most thankful for the people who showed me love today and can only pray I did the same for them dear Lord of Lords. 

Thank you for Matt, and Kenny and Rob and Sean and the people who sold me coffee and Joyce, and Vicki and Rick and Matthew and Terry and Holly and Andrea and Renee and Denise and Nick and John and Jennifer and Mary and Chrissy and Fatima and all of those who showed me encouragement good and gracious God...and as always thank you for Margaret the woman whom you have blessed me with. 

Thank you for teaching me your law today for which I must meditate on more freely and often. 

May God bless you all. 

Peace.

Much affection, 

Tate

(Psalm 1)

Sunday, July 01, 2012

useless beauty



is beauty ever useless?  


can we/I find beauty in all and everything?


the simplicity is to find beauty in music, landscape, friends/family/co-workers


but what about John and Jane Doe?


it is easy to find beauty/love/happiness in the people and things that you love


but what about the ugly/messy/sticky/disgusting things - (people)


can we find beauty there?


will we WORK towards finding that beauty?


or, will we.....just carry on?


ignoring the meek, the poor, the hurt, the angry, the mean, the sticky dirty smelly yucky people 


Jesus didn't ignore them...I know I do. 


Jesus didn't ignore me




Friday, June 29, 2012

extra sky



imagine getting some extra sky today. 


imagine waking up and there was extra love, extra sky and even extra pizza for all!


imagine if it was up to us to imagine that


imagine if we did


then our imaginations would be reality


Wednesday, June 27, 2012

innocence of children



the moments of enjoyment spent watching a family of robins grow and develop

where the highlight of the day is checking the nest to see what is new and exciting

where time has no meaning, but the moment of time of which you spend


this is what matters most

Tuesday, June 26, 2012

compliments of haagen dazs V Bean Espresso



riding out to the "wa" at 10 PM on a weeknight to procure ice cream. Hmmmmmm....... Ben & Jerry's flavors seem unattractive and even the pickings of Haagen seem unlikely and my selfishness kicks in and I choose what I know will be all mine - something with coffee in it. 
Limited Edition Haagen Dazs Vanilla Bean Espressooooooooooooo


and, yes, the thought crossed my mind. does this have caffeine in it?


nah I thought.....spooning myself into delirium. 


well....let's just say it is ACTUALLY 4:23 AM 
1) read several chapters of Treasure Island
2) watched two episodes of American Pickers
3) laid in bed in vain wondering why I couldn't sleep
4) strolled the garden (twice)
5) drawn two pictures
6) not FB'd for fear of the time, but certainly perused
7) now- blogging




the spoils of selfishness once again


good night, 8 AM comes shortly


(tis a beautiful breezy night anyway...umm I mean morning)







Sunday, June 24, 2012

4 rules of speaking


Look at the ships also: though they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs. So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things.


One of my counselors....yes, one. Wrote this down for me 
about 18 months ago...it is finally sinking in.


four excellent rules of speaking
1 - before you speak...is it necessary?
2 - before you speak is what you are about to say helpful?
3 - does what you are going to say edify?
4 - is what you are going to say being said in loving kindness?


I have a long way to go with this, but slowly and by practice it is working and I like the results.


(a special thanks to Margaret and my children for putting up with my speaking the longest and also a few key others indicating I really needed a filter)


Saturday, June 23, 2012

words.to.live.by




If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing.



Whenever I read verses like this, I cannot deny God and His existence. Who can argue this? For what is there really to gain in this world...I watch my daughter and see that she "gets this" much better then I do. I watch my boys and see the same. 


They have that "love" and it is in this I am satisfied. 


...and it is then that I say to myself; "self, define love...???" and where else can you go, but to here - 


love is patient


love is kind


love does not envy


love does not boast


love is not arrogant


love is not rude


love does not insist on it's own way


love is not irritable


love is not resentful


love does not rejoice in wrongdoing


love rejoices with truth


love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.


love never ends


and again...if I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned, but have not love, i.gain.nothing.








Thursday, June 21, 2012

grace...she takes the blame


"grace finds goodness in everything"

there's this song by U2 -  Grace 

It's a slow and fluid song

the way it is put together just transcends me

"grace finds beauty in everything"

"finds goodness in everything"

"it's a name for a girl and also a thought that changed the world"

"she covers the shame, removes the stain"

This thought of "grace", the beauty of "grace" the desire to have and give "grace"  is beauty

"and when she goes to work you can hear the strings"


((just listen and you can hear))

grace

Monday, June 18, 2012

bonnaroo life lessons


a) appreciate everyone always

b) acceptance of one's self is a step in accepting others

c) don't judge

d) I love Taylor (my son) and was overjoyed that we experienced this event together

e) people love to share

f) when this many people make this many sacrifices to gather for music, the music becomes more special

g) it's really not hard to show love and kindness and happiness to other people no matter the circumstances


((hope to be there next year))

Sunday, June 03, 2012

friend

Dear Friend,

I hope you read and are inspired. I hope you visit again. I like you. I have always liked you. I am sorry if I hurt you. Please forgive me. If you really want to change---God offers that change, not me. God transforms people.That is my prayer.

There are no coincidences.

Love,

Tate

Saturday, June 02, 2012

God's work has no payback



When you decide, that is if you decide, to do the work of God, the living and almighty God, you must understand that there is no payback; not in this lifetime. 


God has promised us eternal life ((Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever)) Psalms


But, in this life, here today and now, the payback is not to be seen or found. IN FACT "blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven" Matthew


I admit, I am a hypocrite such a hypocrite that I got the spelling right, but again, it is by the grace of God that I and all other professed believers in the faith go before you. 


Walking in the light of God is such a joy, such a peace and yet my earthly/manly instincts fight for control of me- over and over and over....never ceasing, but it is by the grace of God I go before you. 


I want so badly to be a better man. A man after God's own heart and herein lies my struggle. 
I am selfish
I think unkind things
I want things
I can be mean
I can show anger


but it is by the grace of God I go before you. 


I hurt people
I am for me


It has been said that God loves me.....and you......ALL OF YOU. EVERYONE OF YOU. and this is where I strive, strive to love like He did, knowing full well I cannot compare, but yet PUSHING and WORKING towards that love, that love without return, that giving without return until, until, until He calls me home. 


Till then may I show you and you and you and you, the grace that has been apportioned for me.


for it is by the grace of God I can stand before you.  

Saturday, May 26, 2012

consistency (step 2)



When Mar and I were looking for God we started by praying randomly and inconsistently and we started looking for a church.

When we settled on Collingswood Church of Christ we were told this would be the 1st of many churches we would attend, this could not have been farther from the truth.

What we found @ Collingswood was the closest thing to unconditional love given by man that we have been able to find. Perfect church...no, in fact about as imperfect as any I am sure. Since church is run by man there will always be imperfections, faults, and other human traits that are not pleasing, but what we have found is family. People who stick with us in good times and bad and stick with us for we are, not who we want to be.

There have been plenty of times I have not felt totally comfortable at this church, but upon reflection it was generally my issues that caused that discomfort.

In our journey with God we have found consistency to be our friend. I remember one Sunday evening when would normally attend the services and I was in the thick of a plumbing issue. We had about 20 minutes before we needed to leave and get to church and although I do not remember Margaret's exact words I recall her saying something about "consistency". It would have been so easy to just plumb away, miss service that evening, but instead, standing up, washing up, not looking 100% clean by any means and making the trek to church has proved all the worthwhile.

Consistency in who you are, what you believe and in this case attendance was all to important. Things will always get in the way of being consistent and sometimes they are needed to get in the way, but upon building that consistency of faith, hope and love by merely attending a service was all to important as we built a foundation.

It's not always ALL IN, but really "just in" that matters.






;

Thursday, May 24, 2012

words on integrity

 Integrity is STEP 1



Some time ago, at church, us men had some classes and looked to define INTEGRITY. I've kinda always liked the definition that goes like this- " integrity is what you do when no one's looking". I remember a friend,  Tony stating something similar, but adding Jesus into the equation. I've often tried to recollect his exact words and even have them written down in a journal somewhere. It went something like "integrity is a man after Christ's own heart".

Recently when attending a class, there was some commentary about a book written that contained interviews with billionaires. The author wanted to find out what the similar qualities that these billionaires all shared.

The #1 similarity between all these billionaires was one thing- INTEGRITY.
Their word was golden. If they said something you could believe it and if they said they were going to do something - - they did it.

Now.....am I perfect in all my ways; no.

Do I try to be a man of my word; yes.

We and I do mean we, my wife and family as well as my co-workers work hard and I do mean hard to have incredible integrity. It is not easy, but I can say, with all my heart. We do a pretty good job.

I loved what one of my bosses said recently. "we always want to do what is right".  This goes for doing what is right even when the norm or way of the world stands in the way of doing what is right.

My first real retail job 31 years ago at K-Mart is where I "bought into" this crazy idea of customer satisfaction. Their motto was "Customer Satisfaction Always" and you know something, I not only believed it, but practiced it and I loved it. Primarily since I am a known people pleaser,  I was given the opportunity to REALLY PLEASE PEOPLE. It was the foundation for a retail career that I still work in today and love and that is a career of service; service to others.

God practices INTEGRITY all the time and teaches us to do the same. I have been obsessed and not always very successful in following this verse- "honor one another above yourselves." This verse freaks me out. I am trying, and by doing this it shows integrity.

And lastly I do not condone Cole Hamels on his pitch intentionally hitting Bryce Harper. And in particular his possible intention to truly harm Bryce, but I do like the fact the Cole did not lie about what he did. What shocked me his how the general public felt he should have lied. That, to me, was sad.




Friday, April 27, 2012

kindness



"kindness...
            don't ask for much, but an open mind"
                                                                                                                                  Ryan Adams


"and whoever gives one of these little ones even a cup of cold water because he is a disciple, truly I say to you, he will by no means lose his reward" Jesus Christ




TRY IT!

Thursday, April 26, 2012

evolution


Evolving is a what we are all doing, yet I always seem to be taking steps backwards and not forwards. The more I believe and accept my faults, I do believe, I slowly but surely progress forward. evolving into a better man. 


At least in God's eyes I know I do.


Oh, the errors I make over and over, at times never ceasing. 


The beauty of God overtakes me his grace washing over me and never ceasing in how many times He forgives me. Over and over and over.


I continue to err, I continue to be human, I am not happy about my imperfections, but I am happy that He grants me grace for He is good. 


May all of our hearts show love, may we embrace each other and not push away. May we begin to truly have and know humility for He is good. 


May we evolve into God fearing, God loving people who pray for wisdom and understanding and may that understanding become a part of our very fabric for He is good. 


God we cry out to you, with our hearts open to your love - - grant us understanding that we may see others as you see them. May not our own judgement cloud our vision, but may the clouds be lifted to see others as you do. Please Father help us to see as we are. 

Tuesday, April 24, 2012

vanity

Wow, what a day, what a week, what an hour. 


Yes, my psyche is like a bicycle wheel...sometimes the spokes point up and sometimes down, but whatever the case they keep going round and round. 


Do I begin by telling you how every time I listen to Tom Waits it is like discovering a new exotic faraway land, do I tell you how Rodrigo y Gabrielle last Sat were some of the passionate people I have ever met and that seeing Taylor's picture with Gabby was a special moment for me or how about that Jim's cheesesteak I had this weekend, or an incredible guitar lesson yesterday or, or, or, or, or, or, isn't all of this nonsense,  vanity?


Of course it is. The past two weeks have included lavish days and nights filled with, in my opinion with lavish meals and yet....it is naught but vanity. 


Solomon says it is a striving after the wind, vanity. 


 " I hated all my toil in which I toil under the sun, seeing that I must leave it to the man who will come after me, and who knows whether he will be wise or a fool?  Yet he will be master of all for which I toiled and used my wisdom under the sun. This also is vanity. " Solomon


The word of God so inspires my very life. When I drift from it, I am lost and then when I am in it....I am safe and sound and content. 


I really love the following words of Solomon's  - "There is nothing better for a person then that he should eat and drink and find enjoyment in his toil. This also, I saw, is from the hand of God, for apart from him who can eat or who can have enjoyment?" 


excerpts taken from Ecclesiastes ESV


This past Sunday a young man gave up his life for true life, being baptized in the name of Jesus and of this I was witness and if I should boast let me boast in Christ for He is good. 





Thursday, April 12, 2012

Boy's Town


Most would think that Boy's Town is a fictitious place, but it is not. This is Boy's Town @Camp Manatawny where as an adult I have done a lot of growing up. 


My home for many years was one week a year at Boy's 5 right smack in the middle of 80+ budding boys growing into men. 


I am struck with so much emotion right now. I am remembering a friend who passed at 26 years of age; Alex. What words can I use to tell you about Alex? Authentic, honest, warm, loving, peaceful, STRONG and Jesus. 


There are many whom we come to know and Alex showed the love of Christ as well as any I have known. Alex's heart was like the heart of God, made in His image and truly a heart that was guarded and attractive. 


It is in the this I do think there is a key to life. The attractiveness of Alex's heart. You see Alex showed God by His heart, yes God's very heart living in him and this was attractive. It was attractive to me. 


One can only pray to have a heart like His. 


Alex, I know with all of my heart, mind and soul that I will one day be with you in spirit. This is true for God has told me this. Much love. Tate


((it is in Boy's Town where I came to know Alex. What time I spent with him will be remembered))

Wednesday, April 11, 2012

truth


Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people. For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another. But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life. The saying is trustworthy, and I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works. These things are excellent and profitable for people. But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law, for they are unprofitable and worthless. As for a person who stirs up division, after warning him once and then twice, have nothing more to do with him, knowing that such a person is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned.
When I send Artemas or Tychicus to you, do your best to come to me at Nicopolis, for I have decided to spend the winter there. Do your best to speed Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their way; see that they lack nothing. And let our people learn to devote themselves to good works, so as to help cases of urgent need, and not be unfruitful.
All who are with me send greetings to you. Greet those who love us in the faith.
Grace be with you all.

(Titus 3 ESV)


Gosh, is this powerful. Peace.

Saturday, April 07, 2012

learning from my children



Watching my children grow up was always amazing. They were like sponges and I read and read to them. Read to them all and I  could read to them again right now. I hope they remember me reading to them...come to think of it, it's always funny what each of us remembers. I remember reading to them most every night and they will remember me working late and that is what this post is about. 


My children teach me so much. They are each adults now, but as I listen to them and watch them I learn so much. 


Sean teaches me patience and to to not be judgmental of others and how to see others from their shoes. Thank you Seaner. 


Aryn teaches me how smart I can be and how productive I can be and that dreams can come true. Thank you Aryn A. 


And Taylor, the baby, so precious....he teaches me so much. He teaches me to listen and accept and to be the man that God has always called me to be. Love you Bub. 


God has blessed me. 




Friday, April 06, 2012

be light



It's 7:46 AM and the sun is as powerful as it's ever been. Bright and shinning lighting up the world for all to see.


And tonight, yes tonight the moon will be 100% full, it never goes above 100% btw,  and it will light up the darkness and the darkness will have no where to hide


And this day - - Good Friday, is the day that the world recognizes as the day that Jesus Christ was crucified and died. He died for all, so that we may live. 


The light of God is strong today, be it the sun or the moon or even you reflecting God's love. Darkness will also be strong today, but it cannot hide, it will be exposed. 


Just be light today....shinning and positive and all encompassing. Nothing else really matters. 



Thursday, April 05, 2012

conformed



This world is continually trying to mold me to what IT wants me to be and I refuse to give in.
 It wants me to spend my money and dream of riches, it wants me to be someone I am not and it wants me to love life on earth more then what I've been promised. It wants me to want, want, want want!!!


In order to NOT be molded into shapes the world loves and recognizes I must conform to be transformed. 


I must be submissive....I must serve. 


Imagine....truly imagine serving together. It makes me smile. 

Tuesday, April 03, 2012

l v d



.....clouds orange with light as the awe of the beauty of the sunset overwhelms those who attempt to understand it. 

darkness slowly creeps in to cover the sky. 


the light never fades, it never disappears, it circles the people lighting them up as it goes around as they choose to either bask in it soaking it up, or not. 

LIGHT vs. DARK
(it is real)








Sunday, April 01, 2012

facing the truth

 There is so much to learn and experience. 

"Who is my neighbor?" asked an expert in the field of law. *

A story was told, and if you should read the story, the outcome is, that everyone is your neighbor.

I awoke this morning with the lyrics of a song coursing through my brain, the lyrics were touching my heart...but I could not grasp them, what was this song, what was it telling me how, who, what, where, when?!?!?!?

further down the road i saw a man
and i asked that man, 'are you my brother now?'
he never spoke a word he just held out a hand
and i knew that i had done unto the least of these
when the Spirit spoke it said, 'come on, come on, come on, walk into your darkness my friend!' **

This morning I read from John 13 - “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

Our neighbors are who we come into contact with. We should show them love, for this is how they will know. 
There really is nothing else.  


* Luke 10 
** Along the Road lyrics - Geology