Hope

This is one of my favorite words. When I am down and not feeling quite excited about life, I reflect on the idea, or better, the question, "Where is my Hope?" If you are a Christian, as I am, the answer is quite easy. We are taught, and I fully believe, that our hope is in Christ, our Lord. This is important because it helps keep things in perspective.

However, I believe that it is okay to hope that your favorite college football team will run the table and make it to the BCS title game. It is okay to hope that you will get an iPod for Christmas. But these are minor in comparison to important things in life.

Today I received a call from my neighbor. His wife just lost her brother. On Friday, I came home to two kids throwing up all over the place- "All over the place" meaning the carpet, the carpet, and the couch, not to mention the tiled floor (which, by the way, is easy to clean up) and the walls. It is in these moments that we remember that our hope is in Christ. I do not trust in myself, but I trust in God. I do not rest on the phone call to the doctors or pychologist's office, but in God. Yes, both are tools, but the ultimate reality is that God is in control and when push comes to shove, it is in him that I put my hope.

So do I hope that Penn State will be in the BCS title game? Yes!. But more importantly, I hope that God will protect my kids, keep players on both side safe, and comfort my neighbor. It is because I believe in God, that I have an honest or realistic view of hope.

Seizable Moments

What are some of your most precious moments in your life? I remember learning how to ski, hanging out with Kurt for the first time, telling my wife that I could fall in love with her before we even started to date (so she wasn't feeling well, we were in the middle of Mexico, and she didn't remember), saying "I DO" to that same intelligent and beautiful woman, and the birth of my children (McKenna and Liam). These are just a few that truly stand out.

This weekend I was blessed to have another one of the moments. Actually it a happens two or three times a year. It comes when my mom comes to visit. The seizable moment is not our arguments over politics and social issues, but in watching her spend time with my children. This is actually a better example of two seizable moments. The first is seen in my mom taking the time with her grandchildren. This weekend she was able to go with McKenna to her school and participate in preschool Halloween activities. That same night, she went tricker-treating with Jennifer and the kids around a friends neighborhood. How awesome! The next moment I witnessed. It is that moment where onerealizes that being a grandparent is something special. It appears, a least to me, that a grandparent understands the simplicity of time and the reality that the time with their grandchildren is short. Something I know, but do not fully understand or take the time to seize.

My closing thought centers on a picture I would like to paint for you. The setting was my family room couch. The characters were my mom and my son (Liam). The tone was peaceful and simple. Liam sat there on her lap, snuggling like he so often does with Jennifer or myself. His fingers were in his mouth and he was a peaceful and a calm day off the coast of Maine. He had no worries or concern, just enjoying the day with Grandma. Not missing is how my mom was also at peace. She sat there soaking up those minutes, seizing the moment.

I hope that you get a chance to recognize those seizable moments in your life. If you have a minute, take time to share one of your own.

Proud Husband/ Set a Goal

My wife has being getting up early four to five times a week to cook me breakfast, actually it has been to run. As her confidence grew, along with a close friend being diagnosed with breast cancer, she decided to participate in a 5K run for cancer today. She accomplished it in a with a personal best of 33 minutes.

Her confidence did not grow overnight, but took days of practice and hard work. It first started with a long walk with short runs. Quickly it grew to longer runs and shorter walks. Finally, it went to straight runs at a longer distance. It just goes to show us that practice and a plan help us accomplish our goals.

Do you have any goals? I must admit that I am not a goal setter, but my latest dream is buy land on the ocean in Alaska or Maine. There is something about clean ocean air that appeals to me. I am not rich, but a well laid out plan may just help me achieve ye goal. I hope that you all have goals and that you are working to see them through.

Feel free to share and encourage us all.

The Right Foot

Does it matter if we are right or left footed? Probably, if you are passionate about the subject. However, today's thought centers on more the idiomatic usage of the title than the literal.

How did your day start off? Was it with a fresh cup of coffee (or three), with some friends from church, biscuits and gravy (with sausage mixed in), prayer, reading of scripture, discussion on Solomon, and some politics evangelical style. Hey, that sounds like my morning.

As you probably guessed, my day started off with a Bible study at a local Village Inn. There is nothing like beginning a day like that. This morning we looked at 1 Kings 9 and 10. Chapter nine tells of the Lord's second appearance to Solomon and Solomon's wealth. Chapter 10 is where he is visited by the Queen of Sheba. Both are encouraging. First we realize that God reveals himself to people. Second, the nations recognize Godly obedience. Third, that obedience and faith are similar in their foundation- both center on the trusting of the Lord in all one does. Solomon was encouraged to walk as his father did. Reflecting on the life of David, we realize that it is not about obtaining perfection, as much as it is about accepting and keeping the Lord as your God. David sinned, but never lost sight of who his God was. Interesting to reflect upon.

My encouragement comes from those who have walked a great deal longer than I. It is the encouragement that, like David, we are all sinners. Like David, we must continue to acknowledge and trust the Lord as our God, even in troubling times.

Hey, tell us about your day and leave an encouraging not to us all.

Called To Worship

Today our pastor started a new series titled, "Call to Worship." We were challeged to view worship as more than just singing songs. He taught on Exodus 3:1-10. The center of worship is not "me," but God. So often we think the service is for us, which most of us know is completely incorrect. At the same time, I must admit that my focus is not on God while I am there. Usually my focus is on church, what others are thinking about the quality of the service, and who is and is not there. What do you think worship is? Write and encouragin not to us all.

If you have not been to worship God lately, take some time next Sunday and spend it with others worshipping God.

An Enjoyable Moment

I woke up this morning and hit the snooze; actually, I hit it twice. I got up and to my surprise, my daughter, four, followed me by about 20 minutes. How cool. It is always nice to see the young ones before I head off to work. In this case, I was able to spend some time with her too. She even asked me for some toast with peanut butter. I was even excited to make it.

I hope your day went well and that you were able to have an enjoyable moment. Take some time to reflect and share yours with me.

Cain

About Why Not Me

This is my first blog and posting. Why Not Me exists to encourage people. Do not focus on why you cannot do something; instead, focus on why you can do it. This blog serves to lift you up- both spiritually and emotionally. So, enjoy life and continue to trust in Jesus Christ.