Thursday, June 23, 2016

MORE to This Life...

I admit it. I'm a Facebook junkie! Whenever I have a few minutes, I love to simply peruse the news feed to see what's up with my FB friends, watch videos, and just waste a bit of time. I'm thankful for FB because it keeps me connected to old and new friends, and it allows me to stay in touch despite any distance that may exist between us. Best of all, if there are needs out there, they can quickly be brought to the attention of the masses, and people can pray, help, and/or send a word of encouragement.

The reason I bring up FB is because I was saddened by something an old high school friend posted a few days ago. He was commenting on an article about some folks in Kentucky spending tax payer dollars to build a magnificent yet controversial Noah's ark replica. I understood his angst, however my heart hurt when he added, "The Bible is stories, people! It's really old and based on 1% of the knowledge of the world we have today." Then he proceeded to suggest reading up on black holes and the expanding universe.

Although I realize that not everyone I know and love believes what I believe, what saddens me is when I'm hit in the face with their total rejection of the faith. What's ironic (and almost funny) is that I remember this guy from my church youth group days... Anyway, his comments struck a cord with me, and not because I judge him and/or think I'm better than him. I don't. I know who I am, and that's a sinner saved by grace! What struck me was how he's been deceived. You see, although the Bible was written over a period of some 1,500 years ago (and by numerous everyday, fallible people), I believe it was directed and inspired by God.

Maybe part of the controversy and distrust exists because of the miracles such as the Old Testament's parting of the Red Sea in Exodus, the sun standing still in the book of Joshua, Jonah being swallowed and spit out by a great fish. Or maybe it's the New Testament's miracles like Jesus walking on water, healing the blind, and/or His resurrection from death. Whatever the case, the reason I believe my friend has been deceived is simple. There's too much proof that the Bible is real!

There's physical evidence -- copies of manuscripts exist (the Dead Sea Scrolls, in particular) and show that the Bible has been transmitted accurately. Furthermore, there are archeological finds such as the Jewish temple at 'Ain Dara in N. Syria or the Tel Dan Stela (a 9th century BC inscription that offers evidence of the house of David outside of the Bible). Here's an article I found to be absolutely fascinating -- click here to read it!  Moreover, coins, pottery, beads, seals, and even weapons such as swords and arrowheads have been discovered. The list could go on if I had more time to research! 

For a FREE E-book, click here: Top 10 Biblical Archeological Discoveries

Furthermore, I believe that the Bible presents an understandable theology and worldview, and that it presents its material consistently. Needless to add, the Christian worldview is also grounded in history! Not only do the four gospel books (Matthew, Mark, Luke & John) present an accurate account of the life and the ministry of Jesus, but Jesus Himself believed that God spoke through the Bible and continuously revered the Bible as holy and authoritative.

I also found it quite interesting when my friend suggested researching black holes and the expansion of the universe. Why? Because it's when I look up at the night sky that I feel a desire (if not a need) to worship God all the more! The star and galaxies scream of my smallness and God's greatness! And the fact that God knows each star by name and each and every one of us (so intimately, in fact, that He knows the numbers of hairs on our heads!), I'm left in even more awe! The Lord is so unbelievably worthy of our PRAISE! I can hardly contain it!!



So, to get to my "M" point... finally!! My closing argument that the Bible is real, that God is real, and that Jesus was, and is, and is to come, is the simple fact that there's gotta be MORE! And I believe there is "MORE to this life than (just) living and dying." We were made for More! We were wired for More! And I believe that deep inside us is a knowing that something MORE, something greater than ourselves, exists.

Even if we squelch that pulling, that feeling deep inside, at some point in time we will have to face this reality... God is real. He does exist. And one day we will see Him face to face.

Last week, after reading my friend's comments, this 90's song by Steven Curtis Chapman came to mind. Take a sec and read the powerful lyrics below and see what you think. I've also added a link to the video. Then one night this week I hope you'll take a moment to stare up at the stars, and with an open heart, give a shout out to the God who has "expanded the universe" and knows each galaxy, planet, and star by name!


"More To This Life" (By: Steven Curtis Chapman)
Today I watched in silence as people passed me by,
And I strained to see if there was something hidden in their eyes;
But they all looked back at me as if to say…
Life just goes on.

The old familiar story told in different ways,
Make the most of your own journey from the cradle to the grave;
Dream your dreams tomorrow because today…
Life must go on.

[Chorus]
But there's more to this life than living and dying,
More than just trying to make it through the day;
More to this life, more than these eyes alone can see,
And there's more than this life alone can be.

Tonight he lies in silence staring into space,
And looks for ways to make tomorrow better than today,
But in the morning light it looks the same;
Life just goes on.

He takes care of his family, he takes care of his work,
And every Sunday morning he takes his place at the church;
And somehow he still feels a need to search,
But life just goes on.

[Chorus]

So where do we start to find every part
Of what makes this life complete;
If we turn our eyes to Jesus we'll find
Life's true beginning is there at the cross where He died.
He died to bring us...

[Chorus]


"More to This Life" VIDEO

Thursday, June 16, 2016

This = Love



“You Won’t Feel a Thing…”  I've listened to this song a lot this week. Although it was written and performed by a band that most likely does not know the Lord (UK's, The Script), this song screams to me of God's LOVE, His sacrifice, His willingness to take on the pain, the shame, and the punishment for my sin.



It also reminds me of the Disciples, and of Paul, who each worked tirelessly to tell the world about the risen Messiah. Sadly, these mighty heroes of the faith died for what they believed. The only disciple to not be cruelly martyred was John (who was exiled to the Greek island of Patmos and died of natural causes).



·         Peter was crucified upside down.

·         Paul was stoned and left for dead (see Acts 14) and then years later was beheaded.

·         Andrew was crucified.

·         Philip was crucified by a Roman proconsul simply because Philip had led the proconsul’s wife to faith in Christ!

·         Matthew (the tax collector) was stabbed to death.

·         James (son of Zebedee) was killed by the sword (see Acts 12).

·         Simon (the Zealot) was crucified.

·         Matthias (who replaced Judas) was burned to death.

·         Bartholomew, who’s exact cause of martyrdom is not clear, but is thought to have been skinned alive and then beheaded. YIKES!

·         Thomas (the doubter) was killed by a spear.

·         James (son of Alphaeus) was stoned and clubbed to death.

·         Jude was crucified.






So, with all that Jesus endured (as well as these amazing men!) in mind, read the lyrics below, download the song, and reflect on what was done for you and for your freedom.



“I tell you the truth, those who listen to My message and believe in God who sent Me have eternal life. They will never be condemned for their sins, but they have already passed from death into life…”  John 5:24



“For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.”  Romans 6:23




You Won't Feel a Thing

By: The Script


I've been kicked right down
I've been spat in the face
I've been pulled, weighed down
To the lowest place
I've been lied to, shamed
I have been disgraced
Been ex-communicated from every holy place
I've been beat up and robbed
I've been left for dead
For the way I look
For the things I said



When trouble thinks it's found us
The world falls down around us
I promise baby you won't ever
You won't ever feel a thing



'Cause I will take it on the chin
Eh, for you
So lay your cuts and bruises over my skin
I promise you won't feel a thing, no
'Cause everything the world could throw
I'll stand in front, I'll take the blow for you.
For you.



I've been cleared on the street
I've been left in the cold
Had my dreams held up
Had them shot full of holes
I've been laughed at, burnt, beat and butt of the joke
I've been lit up in flames
I have gone down in smoke
I've been stabbed in the back
While they promised the earth
Tried to keep my head high
For all I am worth



Outside our double glazing
I know a war is raging
I promise baby you won't ever
You won't ever feel a thing



'Cause I will take it on the chin
Eh, for you
So lay your cuts and bruises over my skin
I promise you won't feel a thing, no
'Cause everything the world could throw
I'll stand in front, I'll take the blow for you.
For you.


And if I fall here
At least you know my dear that I would die for you
Promise you won't ever feel a thing
And if I fall here
At least you know my dear that I would die for you
Promise you won't ever feel a thing



'Cause I will take it on the chin
Eh, for you
So lay your cuts and bruises over my skin
I promise you won't feel a thing, no
'Cause everything the world could throw
I'll stand in front, I'll take the blow for you.
For you.



Yeah everything the world could throw
I'll take the sticks, I'll take the stones for you
For you

#TheScript



Songwriters: ANDREW FRAMPTON, STEPHEN KIPNER, DANIEL O'DONOGHUE, GLEN POWER, BENJAMIN SARGEANT, MARK SHEEHAN, WRITERS UNKNOWN

© Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., Universal Music Publishing Group

For non-commercial use only.




Monday, June 6, 2016

Kolaches = Summer YUM!


When I think of summer, I think of Kolaches! These Czech delights have been a family favorite for as long as I can remember. As a child I remember heading to our family lake house and making the stop at a local bakery for an assortment of kolaches. From cherry, strawberry, apple and peach, we'd stock up on our favorite breakfast (or anytime!) sweet and continue on our way.


Thankfully, we now live minutes from an amazing Czech restaurant, and one of their specialties is family-style kolaches! Established in 2009, Little Gretel is a true Boerne, TX gem. This restaurant features authentic Czech, traditional German, and American favorites not found anywhere else in the Hill Country. Little Gretel has obtained numerous awards including “The Best Business of the Year” by the Greater Boerne Chamber of Commerce as well as the best "Top 10 Brunches in San Antonio" by the San Antonio Express News.



For a little history on these sweet treats, check out this awesome article I found in a previous issue of Texas Monthly:   We Gotta Kolache! 

And if you feel up to it, why not try your hand at making some of your very own...

CZECH  KOLACHES

TOTAL TIME: Prep: 30 min. + rising Bake: 10 min.


MAKES: 28 servings


INGREDIENTS:


2 packages (1/4 ounce each) active dry yeast


1/2 cup sugar, divided


2 cups warm milk (110° to 115°)


5-3/4 to 6-1/2 cups all-purpose flour


4 egg yolks


1 teaspoon salt


1/4 cup butter, softened


2 cups canned prune, poppy seed, cherry or lemon pie filling


1 egg white, beaten



DIRECTIONS:


Pre-heat oven to 350°.


In a small bowl, dissolve yeast and 1 tablespoon sugar in warm milk; let stand 10 minutes.


In large bowl, combine 2 cups flour, remaining sugar, egg yolks, salt, butter, and yeast/milk mixture. Mix until smooth. Add enough remaining flour to make a stiff dough.


Pour out onto a floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic (about 6-8 minutes). Add additional flour, if necessary. Then place dough in a greased bowl, turning once to grease top. Cover; let rise in a warm place until doubled in bulk (about 1 hour).


Punch dough down and allow to rise again. Then roll dough out onto floured surface to 1/2-in. thickness. Cut with a large drinking glass or 2-1/2-in. cookie cutter. Place on greased baking sheets; let rise until doubled (about 45 minutes).


Firmly press indentation in center and fill each roll with a heaping tablespoon of filling. Brush dough with egg white.


Bake at 350° for 10-15 minutes or until rolls are light golden brown.

Thursday, June 2, 2016

From Head 2 Heart: J is for June and July!!

From Head 2 Heart: J is for June and July!!: Summer is here!! From camps to family trips, June and July are by far my favorite months of the year!! This summer we will be heading to ...

J is for June and July!!


Summer is here!! From camps to family trips, June and July are by far my favorite months of the year!! This summer we will be heading to NYC and then on to Ireland to see family. One of our sons will be helping lead at a Christian day camp while the other attends as a camper. And although I will still be working most days, it's wonderful knowing that we can have long nights just hanging together as a family!

What will YOU be doing these next few months?  Here are just a few ideas for some summer fun!

Inside Activities:
  • Board games such as Clue or Monopoly
  • Word games such as Hang-Man and Scrabble
  • Game show games such as Win, Lose, or Draw
  • Get a head start on your summer reading
Outside Activities:
  • Jump rope, sidewalk chalk, bubbles
  • Childhood games like Mother May I, Red light/Green light, Tag or Four Square
  • Play catch or basketball, throw Frisbees or create a Frisbee golf game
  • Put on a play or a talent show. Use the children's stuffed animals as your audience.

RealSimple.com also provided a GREAT idea for Summer - An Activities Checklist:

Nostalgic Activities…
ð        See at movie at a drive-in theatre
ð        Ride a roller coaster
ð        Play a round of mini golf
ð        Win a prize at a fair
ð        Catch fireflies at night
ð        Build a sandcastle at the beach

Fun Eats & Drinks…
ð        Pick berries or peaches at a farm
ð        Buy an ice cream treat from an ice cream truck
ð        Make lemonade from scratch
ð        Eat a slice of watermelon and have a seed spitting contest
ð        Buy fresh fruits and veggies at a local farmer’s market
ð        Make your own ice cream
ð        Have a backyard BBQ with new friends

Ways to Relax…
ð        Nap in a hammock
ð        Have a family picnic in the park
ð        Sit on a porch swing
ð        Stargaze on a trampoline
ð        Watch the sun set while at the beach
ð        Dangle your feet off a dock
ð        Bring a blanket to an outdoor event

Get outside…
ð        Pick wildflowers
ð        Swim in a lake or river
ð        Ride a bike through a park
ð        Go fishing, hiking, or camping
ð        Play a game of tennis
ð        Toss a Frisbee
ð        Collect seashells at the beach
ð        Get caught in a summer rainstorm
ð        Walk barefoot in the grass

No matter what, be creative, enjoy each other, and make this June and July the best ever!