The One With the Most Toys...

The Ponderings of an Everyday Guy continues...My desk is cluttered with some pretty cool things.  I have "the Original Rubber Duck" still in it's original box, a "Wilson" antenna ball from the movie "Cast Away," a Walter bobble head (Jeff Dunham's Old Man puppet), a "Happy Pill" that laughs uncontrollably when you squeeze it, and the list goes on.  I know, I know you're thinking "geesh what a big kid." That's okay, I'm sure you have your toys too.  These put a smile on my face on those "blue" days.

We do collect our toys, huh?  Ohhhh, we spend our lives consumed with things. Who has the most or the best or the newest?  Things make us comfortable and gives us worth.  I wonder if it's a mistake to say "God has truly blessed us" because we have the means to accumulate our toys.  Oh, please don't misunderstand me...I am not faulting anyone who is well off.  I'm not sour because I don't have a big house and expensive car. I truly am happy for those who are able to afford those things.  I'm with the Apostle Paul who said, Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. Philippians 4:11 (ESV)

Being content...Now that's a tall order.  If we can learn to do that everyday, worry will go away.  Besides, Jesus tells us to "Seek the Kingdom of God first...."  He will always meet our needs.

I'm going now to listen to my "Happy Pill" laugh and chuckle along with it.

Hey, have a great day...

CW

Bunkers, Water Hazards, Mulligans and Such…

Thoughts and ponderings of an Everyday Guy…Golf is a game I love to hate, but I keep going back.  I’m a terrible golfer comparatively speaking.  I do however, keep going back every week.  There are many life lessons that parallel to this insufferable game…so here goes…

There are many hazards on golf courses to include sand traps, water hazards, woods, etc…I hit my ball to all of these places and yes, sometimes on the same hole.  It’s frustrating to say the least.  You know, I’ve never tried to nor have I seen anyone else try to hit their ball in the sand, water, or woods, but everyone who has ever played this game has found themselves in the predicament of losing a stroke because their ball ended up there.  We do our best to stand the right way, grip the club the way we are supposed to, keep our arm straight, and keep our head down, but there it goes to that unbearable trap.

We live our lives loving God, obeying His commands, following the “golden rule.”  All of those things we are supposed to do, yet there are times we find ourselves digging out of bunkers….The hazards are all around us and we do our best to avoid them, but then “life” happens.  My heart is broken for those in Moore, Oklahoma today.  Good people, precious children, and those who live their lives and looking to a great future, and then “life” happens.

So, I have a choice. Do I put my clubs away and take up fishing or do I show up early next Tuesday morning and venture out to the golf course for another round? Do we give up and stop living for our Lord, loving our children, and dreaming of the future, or do we show up for another day and live life to the fullest? 

This world offers bunkers, water hazards, etc…We don’t aim for them and we continue to avoid them.  When we find ourselves in these circumstances remember “God is a very present help in time of trouble.”  May the ears of God hear my prayer today as I cry out on behalf of those who are in desperate need.

Grab hold of the best club in your bag…

Have a great day!

CW

Hot and Now!!

The Ponderings of an Everyday Guy…I love it, love it, love it… That neon sign lighting up so brightly that says “Hot and Now.”  It makes my mouth water with anticipation of heavenly sweetness about to be enjoyed in all its goodness. 

We live in a culture with golden arches, and have given royalty to the almighty burger.  A little girl with red hair and pigtails claims to serve the juiciest of all burgers, and let’s not forget the bell that promises to spice up our taste buds with cuisine from south of the border.  Yes folks, we do live in a “fast food” society. 

Oh, this is nothing new.  Promise of quick satisfaction is the motto for today.  We want it and want it now.   No wonder we have forgotten the basic principle of what it means to live the Christian life by faith.  We have forgotten to wait on God and be patient.  Too often we make a decision and do it and then ask God to bless our decision and actions. 

I’ve learned a life changing lesson recently I want to share with you.  Keep doing what God has instructed you to do until He gives you new instructions.  Operate on His plans and timetable.  We can learn much in the waiting.

Hot and Now sounds good, but God promises something much better in His time.

Have a great day,

CW

Monsters, Goblins, and Things that Go BUMP in the Night!

The Ponderings of an Everyday Guy continues… If I may paraphrase a statement made by a colleague, “I’m not afraid of Frankenstein,  Dracula, or any other primetime creature of the night, but a little girl with a big knife and an evil grin makes me wet myself a little.”  I wish I could have found the exact statement, but I think you get the gist. 

I’ve met people through the years that are afraid of a lot of things to include “big brother” watching them to current events in the news.  Many are afraid of the future and what may be hiding around the next corner of life.  Truthfully, we do not need to be afraid of any of these things or possible events.

However, I do know we should fear God.  He is the one who ultimately will judge the world and us.  The term “God fearing” used to mean something.  People lived their lives believing in God, but too many times we live like there is no God or consequences for our actions.

Good news!  By the grace of God, and because of the blood of Jesus we can experience forgiveness of our sins.  Truly, Jesus taught when we pray we are to recognize that even the very name of God must be “hallowed”.  That means revered, shown reverence. 

Do not be afraid of things that go BUMP in the night.  Be assured God is bigger and stronger than anything the devil can throw at us.

Have a great day,

CW

Whippoorwills and Robins

Again, we venture into the ponderings of an Everyday Guy.  I admit it...I am a country music fan and have listened to many many of those "lovelorn" songs through the years.  Today, one of the songs on my mind tells about whippoorwills and robins.

(Clearing my throat)  Here goes...

"Hearing that lonesome whippoorwill, He sounds too blue to fly. The midnight train is whining low, I'm so lonesome I could cry.

Did you ever see a robin weep, when leaves begin to die.  That means he's lost the will to live, I'm so lonesome I could cry."

Wow, talk about depressing...I suppose Mondays can do that to people.  Trust me when I say I've had my share of the Monday blues, but I praise God today is not one of them.

Here's why...

Jesus said, "Come unto me all who are heavy laden, and I will give you rest..." Matthew 11:28

No need to have the blues when we have the comfort and strength of Christ.

Have a great day!

CW

 

 

I'm All Smiles!

Again, I come with The Ponderings of an Everyday Guy .  I suppose I'm at an age now where I have time to reflect just a little bit more about things.  So here goes...

There's a story about a man who went to the doctor and the doctor said..."Mr. Smith, I have good news and bad news."  He commenced with the good news first, "Mr. Smith, you have three months to live."  Mr. Smith inquired "If that's the good news doc, what's the bad news?"  The doctor replied, "I should have told you about this three months ago."

It seems today there is much more bad news than ever before.  In my work, I see many people who are just coping to survive and bad news abounds.  It's easy to see why many have grown depressed, cynical and angry.

However, I know there is GOOD NEWS for all of us!  The good news is a person - Jesus Christ.  I encourage you to remember the promise of God's Word.  He said..."I will never leave you, nor forsake you."  There are many more promises just like this one.

Now, go look in the mirror and put a smile on your face... THERE IS HOPE!!!

Have a great day!

CW