Peace On Earth

There is so much hurt on this planet that it truly is staggering. Could there ever be peace? Jesus, has been called the "Prince of Peace."

It's not that life will be devoid of suffering and hardship. It's that there is one who gives us peace beyond all human reason to navigate the trouble.

Jesus is our peace. May the peace of God fill your hearts and minds this Christmas season.

Merry Christmas to all.

john

Spit It Out!

Jack LaLanne is known to have said two simple rules of nutrition are: "if man made it, don't eat it", and "if it tastes good, spit it out."

I think about this around the holidays when we traditionally feast and have to smile and think..."no truer words!" Man made confections are delicious but simply have no nutritional value. When I think even more on this, I find great spiritual application.

Our world, media, music, culture, etc., are filled with "confections," wouldn't you agree? It's hard to argue against that which feels, tastes, looks and smells so good! How could it be bad for us? Furthermore, wouldn't a loving God want us to be fulfilled and happy, surrounded by that which makes us all feel so good? Or is there another reality?

I now believe God and serving Him will never be about personal happiness and satisfying "life's sweet tooth." I don't mean it's all doom and gloom! I mean serving God is not defined by how we indulge ourselves in American culture. Cars, houses, jobs, clothes, entertainment and the like are not the "fiber" of life. I think you all know what I am saying.

Just because something tastes good in this life doesn't mean it's good for us nor is it an entitlement. I leave you with the words of Oswald Chambers:

"Nowadays we have far too many affinities, we are dissipated with them; right, good, noble affinities which will yet have their fulfillment, but in the meantime God has to atrophy them."

pass the broccoli,
john

Grateful

Happy Thanksgiving to all! Simply put, this year I am grateful to God for everyday. Each day is a gift and proof that we are in the heart and mind of God. Live it!

There's a line from a song that my good friend, James Casto wrote speaking of being grateful for the "love of my wife." I am so thankful for, Lori. She is my companion and dearest friend.

I recorded that song of James' a few years back, here it is for your enjoyment:

GRATEFUL (click)

blessings,
john

A Message

Friends, for those interested, here is a link to a message I shared at The Father's House in Rochester, NY. Just click below:

http://www.vimeo.com/tfhny

You can find part 1 and 2 there. Hope it helps you on your journey. My thanks to Pierre du Plessis for the invite. I was blessed to be there.

Shoes and Food - That's Enough

"Since we entered the world penniless and will leave it penniless, if we have bread on the table and shoes on our feet, that's enough." ~The Apostle Paul

Tonight. All is well. I have shoes and have had a meal. In a culture filled with excess, I can often feel like I don't have enough. Truth be told, I am wealthy beyond the wildest imaginations of most people in the world. I have no excuse. I must be generous! I am rich and generosity is a command!

My riches are in the simplicity of being myself before my Heavenly Father. My contentment is in this truth alone. No material possession will bring me contentment. Only knowing my Creator.

I have had a great day today. Celebrating my wife, Lori's birthday. A special one indeed as she recovers from surgery and wins the fight of her life. I also enjoyed speaking at The Father's House today. A great church with a generous spirit. Thank you to Pierre for inviting me and treating me like a true brother.

that's enough,
john

The Small Stuff

Ever heard this, "Don't sweat the small stuff?" Last night I returned home after sitting in a waiting room all day long as Lori, my wife, was enduring nearly 8 hours of surgery to save her life. She did well, has a long road ahead but the sun is rising this morning...check it out! I snapped this shot with the Mac just seconds ago. God is good.

I cannot tell you how the events of this summer have put some things into perspective. I am embarrassed to think of what I have, at times, allowed to upset me in this life. If I could recapture every minute of wasted mental energy spent on things that were only annoyances at best...sigh.

I wish to move forward today with a new outlook. One of more patience, tolerance for my fellow human, and gratitude for each day. I know it will be a challenge but this is a lesson, I promise I will not forget. God has given today, this day, as a gift to us all. Let's not spoil it because someone or something inconvenienced us in some ridiculously small way that sends us off into a tirade of self pity. It's all really small stuff.

sweat-less,
john

Steps of Faith

"This situation is nothing but a bump in the ground and another step of faith in life that you WILL GET THROUGH!!!!!!" ~Jonathan David Allison

The above quote is taken directly from our 10 year old son's email to, Lori. He was encouraging her in the midst of a great trial. I love the clear and compelling truth in it. Unwavering and sure faith.

I have been thinking of Peter's trek on the water and I think for the first time I really understand the whole sinking thing. All it takes to prevent us from sinking is "another step of faith." Just a step. Jonathan get's it!

As I am learning to navigate perilous times, I begin to sink when I "look down" and focus on the reality that I can't "walk on water." Of course you can't! That makes perfect sense, right? So why am I still afloat? Simply....Jesus! It's that "step of faith." Just a step.

It's not denial of the facts. But if like Peter, I look down at "reality", I sink. So I keep my eyes on Jesus and the impossible becomes possible! The crushing weight of trial and suffering is lifted and I walk on another step. The insurmountable mountain becomes a "bump in the ground."

Thanks to Jonathan for that reminder! And yes, we "WILL GET THROUGH!!!!!!"

stepping,
john