No matter the type of construction project, it's highly likely that nails, calk, and cement can be found in abundant supply. Each is vitally important to the project at hand yet they are often taken for granted. Nails and cement reinforce and hold things together. Calk is used to seal things together. It protects against and helps prevents erosion.
If we stop a moment and think about it, there are thing that happen in our own lives that serve to reinforce & hold together that which we value. Things that protect against and help prevent erosion of our own convictions. I have been reminded of this through a series of events and activities that have taken place in my life recently. Here are a few:
* The recent passing away of a mom & wife who was part of "soccer" family.
* One of my best friends since grade school had hip replacement surgery.
* A couple of family birthday parties.
* Re-connecting with friends from days gone by via facebook.
* This morning's Dash for Donations 5k run/walk. Thinking of my neighbor and
the family of Noah Maloney.
Each of these events and activities have in their own way served to re-inforce, hold together, protect and help prevent the erosion of the things I hold near and dear to my heart(Proverbs 3:5-6).
What are the nails, cement, and calk in you life? Have you taken them for granted? Have you considered where they come from? I encourage you to take a moment today to reflect upon these things. They will reinforce, hold together, protect and help prevent against those things that will seek to "mess" your life up!
BDE
Saturday, July 9, 2011
Saturday, July 2, 2011
Behind the scenes
Have you ever watched a construction project from start to finish? In the beginning there is a lot of activity. From the dirt being moved, to the foundation being laid, the framing going up, the walls, the windows, the doors etc. All the stuff you can see going on. Then there is a period of time where you don't see the activity because the work going on has moved inside. It may appear that not much is going but in reality much is happening. That's the way it's been in my life the past 6 months.
I had a successful hip replacement surgery in February complete with a temporary filter being placed in my vena cava vein before surgery and then being removed afterwards due to blood clot concerns. Our daughter was in the hospital for 26 days in the month of April with Superior Mesenteric Artery Syndrome (SMA). This is a disease that effects her ability to eat sufficient amounts of food. Our son grew & matured leaps and bounds in school and on the soccer pitch. I completed my first year in my new line of work.
You might be asking what this has to do construction? Well, through these events and other "life stuff", I have become a stronger & wiser person. I have been humbled. I have learned that faith, focus, commitment, & consistency are key drivers to being successful. I have become less anxious and more content (Phil 4:6). I listen more and talk less. I've tried to become more patient. I have become a better husband, father, son, brother, and friend. I believe my life exhibits more of the "fruits of the spirit" (Gal 5:22) and less of the "world". I have discovered that my passion in life is the study and application of Apolgetics and in serving God. I depend more on God and less on myself.
God has used the events and other "life stuff" in my life to transform my heart. He has been working "behind the scenes" to make me useful and functional for His purposes. You see, though something may look complete on the outside it must be complete on the inside to be functional and useful. Will you consider allowing God to work "behind the scenes" in your life?
BDE
I had a successful hip replacement surgery in February complete with a temporary filter being placed in my vena cava vein before surgery and then being removed afterwards due to blood clot concerns. Our daughter was in the hospital for 26 days in the month of April with Superior Mesenteric Artery Syndrome (SMA). This is a disease that effects her ability to eat sufficient amounts of food. Our son grew & matured leaps and bounds in school and on the soccer pitch. I completed my first year in my new line of work.
You might be asking what this has to do construction? Well, through these events and other "life stuff", I have become a stronger & wiser person. I have been humbled. I have learned that faith, focus, commitment, & consistency are key drivers to being successful. I have become less anxious and more content (Phil 4:6). I listen more and talk less. I've tried to become more patient. I have become a better husband, father, son, brother, and friend. I believe my life exhibits more of the "fruits of the spirit" (Gal 5:22) and less of the "world". I have discovered that my passion in life is the study and application of Apolgetics and in serving God. I depend more on God and less on myself.
God has used the events and other "life stuff" in my life to transform my heart. He has been working "behind the scenes" to make me useful and functional for His purposes. You see, though something may look complete on the outside it must be complete on the inside to be functional and useful. Will you consider allowing God to work "behind the scenes" in your life?
BDE
Saturday, January 1, 2011
A New Year - A New Phase
With 2010 officially behind us, it's time to move on to the next phase of "construction". A look back reveals that as with any construction project there were successes and setbacks. Such was the case for me. I will not get into detail because I've shared them in my previous blogs.
As I look ahead, I find strength and comfort in the following scripture verse: Jeremiah 29-11. It says, "For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." One may read into this verse that God promises that there will not be in trails and adversity (refining) in our lives. That is not what He is saying. I believe He is telling us that the plan He has for us will bring us closer to Him. That the plan will transform our hearts to become more like His son Jesus. As we draw closer to God and our hearts continue to be transformed, we will be filled with the hope that no matter the circumstance or situation, He is with us. He will give us a peace that surpasses all understanding. He has a plan that one day our "construction" will be complete and we will be in His presence.
Let's begin the New Year and the next phase of our "construction" by being open to the plans the lie ahead!!
Happy New Year,
BDE
As I look ahead, I find strength and comfort in the following scripture verse: Jeremiah 29-11. It says, "For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." One may read into this verse that God promises that there will not be in trails and adversity (refining) in our lives. That is not what He is saying. I believe He is telling us that the plan He has for us will bring us closer to Him. That the plan will transform our hearts to become more like His son Jesus. As we draw closer to God and our hearts continue to be transformed, we will be filled with the hope that no matter the circumstance or situation, He is with us. He will give us a peace that surpasses all understanding. He has a plan that one day our "construction" will be complete and we will be in His presence.
Let's begin the New Year and the next phase of our "construction" by being open to the plans the lie ahead!!
Happy New Year,
BDE
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Back to the drawing board ... or so it seems
Well since I last posted, much has has happened in the ongoing "constuction" process of my life. The relationship I have with my lovely wife has grown even stronger. My daughter is in her sophomore year in college and is doing well. My son had a terrific junior year of high school soccer. I've finished one awesome book and am in the prcoess of completing another. Both have challenged me to take my faith to a higher level than ever before. I finally bit the bullet and scheduled a day (Dec 21) to have my right hip replaced. Life has been moving along quite well, thank you very much. Or so I thought!
On November 21st, at the urging of my wife, I went to the ER to have my leg checked out. My suspicions were confirmed. I had multiple blood clots in my left leg. I admit my first response wasn't to "give" this over to God. A bit of fear, panic and disappointment set in. Over the next couple of days, the outpouring of support, concern, and prayers encouraged me and really lifted my spirits. I was released from the hospital on the 23rd and was able to enjoy Thanksgiving at our home. I will be on treatment for the clots for the next 6-9 months.
As a result of the clots, I have made the decision to postpone the surgery. It is now scheduled for February 21, 2011. This has been disappointing because my pain tolerance has reached its limits.
I confess, I am a worry wort. I feel this has been an area of my life that the Lord has really been working on and I feel I've made great strides. I had a setback the other night. Out of no where, I experienced a Panic Attack. For those of you who haven't experienced this, it is very scary. My heart started racing out of control. I could actually feel it beating in my head. I broke out into a cold sweat and literally felt like I was going to "stroke" out. I laid down and had the shakes and chills. I finally calmed down and it passed. Still, the past couple of days, I find myself constantly checking my pulse (much to the dismay of my wife, Kay). On one hand, I am working real hard to trust God, yet on the other hand, I find the worry and anxiousness taking control.
I share all of this because in our own power we are weak. God ask us in Matthew Chapter 6:27 "who of us by worrying can add a single hour to our life?" He tells us in John 16:33 that "in this world you will have trouble, but don't worry, I have overcome the world." I choose to take God for His word and will not be defeated even if I feel I've been taken back to the drawing board. God has begun a good work in me and He will complete it in His timing. Be encouraged, He will do the same for you!!
God Bless and Merry CHRISTmas.
BDE
On November 21st, at the urging of my wife, I went to the ER to have my leg checked out. My suspicions were confirmed. I had multiple blood clots in my left leg. I admit my first response wasn't to "give" this over to God. A bit of fear, panic and disappointment set in. Over the next couple of days, the outpouring of support, concern, and prayers encouraged me and really lifted my spirits. I was released from the hospital on the 23rd and was able to enjoy Thanksgiving at our home. I will be on treatment for the clots for the next 6-9 months.
As a result of the clots, I have made the decision to postpone the surgery. It is now scheduled for February 21, 2011. This has been disappointing because my pain tolerance has reached its limits.
I confess, I am a worry wort. I feel this has been an area of my life that the Lord has really been working on and I feel I've made great strides. I had a setback the other night. Out of no where, I experienced a Panic Attack. For those of you who haven't experienced this, it is very scary. My heart started racing out of control. I could actually feel it beating in my head. I broke out into a cold sweat and literally felt like I was going to "stroke" out. I laid down and had the shakes and chills. I finally calmed down and it passed. Still, the past couple of days, I find myself constantly checking my pulse (much to the dismay of my wife, Kay). On one hand, I am working real hard to trust God, yet on the other hand, I find the worry and anxiousness taking control.
I share all of this because in our own power we are weak. God ask us in Matthew Chapter 6:27 "who of us by worrying can add a single hour to our life?" He tells us in John 16:33 that "in this world you will have trouble, but don't worry, I have overcome the world." I choose to take God for His word and will not be defeated even if I feel I've been taken back to the drawing board. God has begun a good work in me and He will complete it in His timing. Be encouraged, He will do the same for you!!
God Bless and Merry CHRISTmas.
BDE
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Expect Delays Ahead
How many times have you been traveling down the highway cruising right along when you come across those dreaded "Expect Delays Ahead" signs? How have you responded? If your like me, you've probably expressed some version of "you have got to be kidding me."
Why do we respond this way? Well, it could be that we just like to go fast and don't want to have to slow down. It could be that we are running late (that's usually my case) and are trying to make up for lost time. Or, it could be that we just do not like being inconvenienced. Maybe it's because we can't control the situation. Whatever the reason, have we ever considered why there is a delay in the first place? Road repairs? Widing of the road? An overpass? Additional lanes? Whatever the reason, ultimately, these delays are for our own good. It most likely means that the improvement(s)being made will enable us to reach our destination in a more safe and effcient manner. Secondary benefits may include less wear and tear on our cars, less miles traveled, less stress, a more senic trip ...
As we travel down the highway of life, God will often place "Expect Delays Ahead" signs in our path. They may come in the form of an illness, a lost job, a broken relationship, the loss of a loved one... Whatever the form, I have learned and am still learning that ultimately these "delays" are for our own good. They are meant to draw us closer to our heavenly Father. They our meant to help us grow in our faith and obedience to Him. They are meant to help us get our priorities right. They are meant to help us making God honoring decisions. God desires to have a personal relationship with each and everyone of us. It is His desire that no one should perish but that all should have eternal life (See John 3:14.)
Next time we come across a "Expect Delays Ahead" sign, let's welcome it and embrace it because it ultimately is for our own good.
BDE
Why do we respond this way? Well, it could be that we just like to go fast and don't want to have to slow down. It could be that we are running late (that's usually my case) and are trying to make up for lost time. Or, it could be that we just do not like being inconvenienced. Maybe it's because we can't control the situation. Whatever the reason, have we ever considered why there is a delay in the first place? Road repairs? Widing of the road? An overpass? Additional lanes? Whatever the reason, ultimately, these delays are for our own good. It most likely means that the improvement(s)being made will enable us to reach our destination in a more safe and effcient manner. Secondary benefits may include less wear and tear on our cars, less miles traveled, less stress, a more senic trip ...
As we travel down the highway of life, God will often place "Expect Delays Ahead" signs in our path. They may come in the form of an illness, a lost job, a broken relationship, the loss of a loved one... Whatever the form, I have learned and am still learning that ultimately these "delays" are for our own good. They are meant to draw us closer to our heavenly Father. They our meant to help us grow in our faith and obedience to Him. They are meant to help us get our priorities right. They are meant to help us making God honoring decisions. God desires to have a personal relationship with each and everyone of us. It is His desire that no one should perish but that all should have eternal life (See John 3:14.)
Next time we come across a "Expect Delays Ahead" sign, let's welcome it and embrace it because it ultimately is for our own good.
BDE
Thursday, July 8, 2010
The Right Supplies
No matter how big or small a construction project may be (in my case, it's quite large), the right amount of and type of supplies are needed in order to complete the project correctly. Any deviation, can result in an array of issues.
As a kid growing up, I had several folks looking after me to ensure that I had what I needed. They included: my parents, relatives, neighbors, teachers, coaches etc. I often took it for granted that I would be provided with everything I needed. I would even get upset if I didn't get what I wanted. My parents were certainly wise in not "spoiling" me in this manner. This attitude changed as I grew older and became more self sufficient and less dependent on others to supply my needs. I have come to realize that I am not sufficient to supply all that I need and that others will often fall short in supplying my needs. Not because they are unable but because my expectations are too great. I still struggle at times with differentiating my needs verses my wants. This can be a source of great angst and anxiety. THE GOOD NEWS IS THAT IT DOESN'T HAVE TO BE!
One of my favorite verses in the Bible is Philippians 4:19 which says: And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. As a believer in Jesus Christ and His redeeming work on the cross for me, I can be confident that He will supply all that I need if I walk in obedience to Him. This doesn't mean that He will supply all that I want because He knows that might not be in my best interest. I can find comfort and peace in knowing that He promises to provide. With Christ, there are no deviations. This construction project, when complete, will be perfect because the supplies were exactly what was needed when they were needed.
BDE
As a kid growing up, I had several folks looking after me to ensure that I had what I needed. They included: my parents, relatives, neighbors, teachers, coaches etc. I often took it for granted that I would be provided with everything I needed. I would even get upset if I didn't get what I wanted. My parents were certainly wise in not "spoiling" me in this manner. This attitude changed as I grew older and became more self sufficient and less dependent on others to supply my needs. I have come to realize that I am not sufficient to supply all that I need and that others will often fall short in supplying my needs. Not because they are unable but because my expectations are too great. I still struggle at times with differentiating my needs verses my wants. This can be a source of great angst and anxiety. THE GOOD NEWS IS THAT IT DOESN'T HAVE TO BE!
One of my favorite verses in the Bible is Philippians 4:19 which says: And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. As a believer in Jesus Christ and His redeeming work on the cross for me, I can be confident that He will supply all that I need if I walk in obedience to Him. This doesn't mean that He will supply all that I want because He knows that might not be in my best interest. I can find comfort and peace in knowing that He promises to provide. With Christ, there are no deviations. This construction project, when complete, will be perfect because the supplies were exactly what was needed when they were needed.
BDE
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Project Manager
Have you ever considered how important the Project Manager is to the construction process? They are is responsible for coordinating all aspects of the project. If something is needed or there is a problem, it's the project manager who gets the call. As we celebrate Father's Day today, I can't help but think that being a father is, in a sense, similar to that of being a Project Manager. My dad has played a significant role in shaping my life. He has taught me many things over the years. He helped me navigate the challenges of be a boy to becoming a man. He has provided me with words of wisdom and insights that he has gleaned over the years. He has shown me what commitment and hard work is all about. He has shown me what to means to sacrifice for the ones you love. He has never been to busy to spend time with me. He has always made it a point to attend and support my activities. He has loved me unconditionally. Like a project manager, he has been involved in all aspects of my construction. It is my desire, to be all these things for my children as well.
For those of you out there that have never experienced this kind of involvement from your earthly father, there is hope. Your Heavenly Father, ABBA - Daddy, desires to be intimately involved in all aspects of your life. He has a plan and purpose for you. He promises to always be with you. He promises to provide and protect you. He will love you unconditionally. All you have to do is acknowledge your need for HIM to be your personal Project Manager!
Happy Father's Day!!
For those of you out there that have never experienced this kind of involvement from your earthly father, there is hope. Your Heavenly Father, ABBA - Daddy, desires to be intimately involved in all aspects of your life. He has a plan and purpose for you. He promises to always be with you. He promises to provide and protect you. He will love you unconditionally. All you have to do is acknowledge your need for HIM to be your personal Project Manager!
Happy Father's Day!!
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